JP2001167038A - Computer system, computer, and recording medium on which program is recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To remove a personal computer main body from a docking station without a lock mechanism when a computer is in a halt state without increasing a work load on a user (surprise undock)
Even in this case, it is possible to start up the computer alone without any problem after undocking. A special utility allows a user to select whether or not to unload a docking station-side device driver before suspending and store the selection (8-1). If the computer is extended by the docking station and the transition to the suspend state is instructed (2), the special utility
If unloading is selected, the device driver for the docking station is unloaded (8-2). Thereafter, the computer is shifted to a suspend state (3).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer system provided with a detachable function expansion device, a computer used in the system, and a recording medium on which a program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a personal computer which is not provided with a sufficient extension function, a docking station is used to extend the function. The personal computer body is provided with a connector for connecting to the docking station, and is connected to the docking station via this connector. The docking station is provided with a slot for expanding functions such as a PCI slot, and by attaching an expansion board to this slot, the personal computer and the expansion board are connected via a PCI bus or the like. In the personal computer, a driver for executing a function extended by the docking station is loaded, and the extension board is accessed by the driver.

Conventionally, a docking station is provided with a lock mechanism for locking a connection state with a personal computer. This lock mechanism enables the lock in a state where it is not convenient for the system to remove the personal computer main body from the docking station, such as when the personal computer is performing a function extended by the docking station. Therefore, in the conventional system, the personal computer was not suddenly removed from the docking station by the user in an inconvenient state.

[0004] In recent years, computer systems have been required to delete as much as possible except for what is really necessary for the user to reduce costs. The locking mechanism is not required at all in normal personal computer use, and is completely unnecessary if the personal computer cannot be suddenly removed from the docking station. Therefore, the lock mechanism can also be a deletion target for cost reduction.

[0005] However, if the lock mechanism is deleted as described above, there is a possibility that the personal computer can be detached from the docking station without permission, that is, a surprised undock can be easily performed at a time when it is not convenient for the system.

Usually, when a personal computer is connected to a docking station and is operating (when the power is turned on), when an undock is attempted, an undocking request is issued to an operating system (OS). (Select on the function provided by OS,
Alternatively, an eject switch operation) and a predetermined undock process (hot undock) are performed so that the system is not affected, and undocking can be performed normally.

[0007]

As described above, conventionally,
There is a demand for cost reduction to eliminate a lock mechanism for preventing the personal computer from being arbitrarily removed from the docking station. However, in the docking station from which the lock mechanism has been removed, if the personal computer body is suddenly undocked, the system may be adversely affected. Therefore, predetermined processing is performed by performing predetermined operation procedures. I have to undock later.

[0008] For example, it is assumed that the main body of the personal computer is connected to a docking station having no lock mechanism and executes a function extended by a PCI slot provided in the docking station. In this case, a driver for executing the extended function is loaded in the personal computer. Then, it is assumed that the personal computer body is shifted to a sleep state (memory suspend, hibernation, etc.) while being connected to the docking station, and then the personal computer body is removed from the docking station. In this case, when the personal computer is started by itself, the driver for executing the extended function is loaded, but actually,
The personal computer is locked because it has been removed from the docking station. Therefore, in order to normally undock when connected to the docking station and in the hibernation state, it is necessary to perform an operation such that the power is turned on once and hot undocking (undocking process when the power is turned on) is executed. This is a very troublesome operation for the user.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
Without increasing the work load on the user, when the computer is in the halt state, even when the personal computer body is removed from the docking station without the lock mechanism (surprise undock),
An object of the present invention is to provide a computer system, a computer, and a recording medium on which a program is recorded, which can be started by a single computer without any problem after undocking.

[0010]

A computer according to the present invention has a connection means for connecting to an expansion device for expanding functions, and a computer for executing a function expanded by the expansion device connected by the connection means. And a loader for loading the driver, and an unloader for unloading the driver loaded by the loader when the computer shifts to a hibernation state.

Thus, even if the computer is removed from the expansion device (undocked) during the hibernation state (memory suspend, hibernation, etc.) with the expansion device connected, the computer is expanded even if the computer is started alone. Since the driver for the function has been unloaded in advance, normal startup is ensured without accessing the function of the expansion device.

[0012] The apparatus further comprises setting means for setting whether or not to unload the driver by the unloading means, wherein the unloading means performs unloading when the setting is made by the setting means. It is characterized by executing.

Thus, when it is guaranteed that the computer will not be removed from the extended function during the hibernation state with the extended function connected, the driver is unloaded by performing the setting not to unload. Alternatively, the time required to load the driver again can be saved.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main components of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The expansion device according to the present invention corresponds to a docking station, and is a general term for an option connected to a personal computer, that is, a device or function to be added according to a user's application. In the computer system shown in FIG. 1, as a docking station, a docking base 20 (LAN docker) directly connected to the personal computer body 10 and an expansion box 30 provided with a PCI slot connected thereto via a cable are provided. Shall be provided.
It is needless to say that a two-device configuration including a personal computer main body and a docking base provided with an expansion slot may be used.

In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a personal computer main body (PC main body) provided with an extension connector (CN) for connecting to a docking base. Reference numeral 20 denotes a docking base which is connected to an expansion connector (CN) of the personal computer main body 10, and is provided with a cable connection connector for connecting an expansion box. An extension box 30 is connected to the docking base 20 using a cable with connector (CB), and incorporates a power supply device described later.

1A, 2A, 3A and 101 to 11
1 is a component of the personal computer main body 10, 1A is a PCI bus, 2A is an I2C bus, and 3A is an ISA bus.

A CPU 101 controls the entire system.
Here, in accordance with the connection confirmation of the docking base 20, the system power supply control processing including the power-on sequence according to the BIOS processing routine (RT) for extended power control stored in the BIOS-ROM 102 is executed.
The CPU 101 performs processing according to a special utility program (UT) stored in the main memory 111,
That is, even when the personal computer main body 10 is detached from the docking base 20 (surprise undock), the process for starting the personal computer main body 10 alone without any problem after the undocking is executed.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a BIOS-ROM in which various control programs executed by the CPU 101 are stored. The BIOS-ROM 102 stores a BIOS processing routine (RT) for controlling a power supply of an extension device for realizing a power-on sequence. ISA-PCI bus bridge (ISA-PCI
BRIDGE) 107, a PCI bus 1A, a PCI bus bridge (PCI BRIDGE) 108, and the like.
It is read by U101.

Reference numeral 103 denotes an extension controller (EC) for performing extension control including power control of the docking base 20 and the extension box 30.
Various signals are exchanged between the docking base 20 and the extension box 30 via the 2C bus 2A.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a DC power input unit (DC-IN) for inputting a DC power (DC power) output from an AC adapter (not shown). Reference numeral 105 denotes a built-in secondary battery (BATT). DC power is output to the power supply line (DL) via the power supply line (DL).

Reference numeral 106 denotes a DC power supply on the power supply line (DL), an operation Vcc power supply, and an extension power supply (L5).
V) and D for generating a backup power supply (B5V)
C / DC converter, extended controller (EC)
103, an extended power supply control signal (DOCV
ON), the output of the extension power supply (L5V) is controlled.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a PCI bus 1A and an ISA bus 3A
ISA-PCI bus bridge (ISA-P
CI BRIDGE), 108 is a PCI bus 1A and CP
It is a PCI bus bridge (PCI BRIDGE) that connects to U101 (CPU bus). The PCI bus bridge 108 includes a CPU 10 for the main memory 111.
1 is provided with a memory controller (not shown) for controlling access by the memory controller 1.

Reference numeral 109 denotes an I driven by a power supply (S5V) which is always supplied irrespective of ON / OFF of a power switch.
O-control circuit (IO-CONT). Here, a detachment detection signal (E-CONT) input through an extension connector (CN) is provided.
JC) and connection detection signals (DOCT1, DOCT2)
The state of attachment / detachment of the docking base 20 is monitored by, for example, and the occurrence of an event according to the state of attachment / detachment is monitored by the expansion controller (E).
C) Notify 103.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a bus switch (QS) provided on the PCI bus 1A connected to the docking base 20.
W), and a power supply confirmation signal (P
Upon receiving a control signal from a circuit (not shown) generated by CONF or the like, the PCI buses 1A and 1B are connected / disconnected.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a main memory (MEM) into which programs executed by the CPU 101 are loaded, and an operating system (OS), applications, utilities, drivers, and the like are stored as necessary. The main memory 111 has a docking base 2
0 and a driver for executing the function extended by the extension box 30 are loaded. Even when the personal computer main body 10 is detached from the docking base 20 (surprise undock), a special utility program (UT) for executing a process for starting the personal computer main body 10 by itself without any problem after undocking (for details, see (To be described later) are stored as needed.

Although not shown, various types of peripheral devices are connected to the personal computer body 10 and used. For example, input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, display devices such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) and a CRT, and external storage devices such as a hard disk device and a CD-ROM device are connected and used.

Reference numerals 1B, 2B, and 201 to 214 are components of the docking base 20, respectively.
1B is a PCI bus, and 2B is an I2C bus. Reference numeral 201 denotes a DC power input unit (DC-IN) for inputting DC power (DC power) output from an AC adapter (not shown);
Reference numeral 2 denotes a DC power supply output from a DC power supply input unit (DC-IN) 201 in accordance with an expansion power supply control signal (LAUXON) output from an I / O expander (GPIO) 203 described later, and an internal expansion operation power supply ( LAUX3V).

Reference numeral 203 denotes an I / C connected to the I2C bus 2B.
O expander (GPIO), and the internal power supply (LS5V) generated based on the DC power output from the DC power input unit (DC-IN) 201 causes the personal computer main body 10 to be disconnected. This is a general-purpose port that holds setting information.

An extended power control circuit (G1) 204 is output from the DC / DC converter 202 in accordance with an extended power control signal (DOCPWN) output from the extended controller (EC) 103 provided in the personal computer body 10. Internal expansion power supply (LAUX3
V), an operation power supply for extension (L3V) is generated, and the supply state of the internal power supply is determined by an extension power supply confirmation signal (PC
ONF) to the extended controller (EC) 103 of the personal computer 10.

Reference numeral 205 denotes an extended power supply control circuit (G2), and an extended power supply control signal (EBPON) output from an I / O expander (GPIO) 203;
The power supply 301 provided in the extension box 30 according to the extension power supply confirmation signal (PCONF) output from the
A power supply state signal (EPCN) that is output from the power supply device 301 and that indicates whether power is normally supplied or not is generated.
Based on F), the output of the on / off control signal (EBPO) of the power supply device 301 is controlled.

Reference numeral 206 denotes the personal computer main body 10.
PCI bus 1A and docking base 2
0 to the PCI bus 1B provided in the expansion box 30 via a cable with connector (CB).
A serial PCI bus bridge (PCI BRIDGE) for connecting to a bus, which is connected / disconnected by a power supply state signal (EPCNF) sent from a power supply device 301 provided in the extension box 30, and The serial PCI bus bridge (PC
IBIDGE) 303 via a PCI serial bus PCI bus 1B (S), 1C (S).

Reference numeral 207 denotes an I2C bus 2B provided on the docking base 20 and an I2C bus 2B provided on the extension box 30.
A bus switch (Q-SW) that controls connection / disconnection of the C bus 2C with a power supply state signal (EPCNF) transmitted from a power supply device 301 provided in the expansion box 30.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a LAN controller (LAN-C)
ONT), 209 is a USB device connection unit (USB-HU)
B) and 210 are eject switches (Eject-SW) that are turned on / off when the docking base 20 and the personal computer main body 10 are attached and detached. The attachment / detachment detection signal (EJC) obtained from the eject switch (Eject-SW) 210 together with the connector connection detection signals (DOCT1, DOCT2) together with the IO control circuit (ID-CONT) 10 of the personal computer body 10
9 is input.

Reference numeral 211 denotes an EEP-ROM in which ID information unique to the docking base 20 is accessed by the CPU 101 of the personal computer 10 via the I2C buses 2A and 2B.

Reference numeral 212 denotes a LAN connector (LAN-C).
N) and 213 are LAN controllers (LAN-CON
T) 208 an EEP-ROM, and 214 a LAN controller (LAN-CONT) 208 bus switch (Q-ROM).
SW).

As shown in FIG. 1, the docking base 20 is not provided with a lock mechanism for locking the connection state with the personal computer main body 10, and the personal computer main body 10 can be arbitrarily connected to the docking base 20. Can be removed from.

1C, 2C, and 301 to 311 are components of the expansion box 30, respectively.
Is a PCI bus, and 2C is an I2C bus. Reference numeral 301 denotes a power supply (PO) serving as an internal power supply unit of the extension box 30.
WER SUPLY) and the docking base 20
On / off control is performed by an on / off control signal (EBPO) input from the controller, and the operating power supply (E12VP, E12VM, E5V) is supplied to the internal circuit module and the extension device.
, Etc.), and outputs a power supply status signal (EPCNF) indicating whether or not the power supply is performed normally.

Reference numeral 302 denotes an I / C connected to the I2C bus 2C.
An O-expander (GPIO), which is a general-purpose port that retains setting information even when the personal computer main body 10 is disconnected by the operation power supply (E5V, E3V) output from the power supply device 301.

303 is an I / O expander (GPIO)
In response to a signal output from the power supply 302 and indicating that all power supplies have been turned on, a serial PCI bus bridge (PCI BRIDG) provided in the docking base 20 is received.
E) PCI serial bus PCI bus 1B with 206
(S), Serial P for bus connection via 1C (S)
It is a CI bus bridge (PCI BRIDGE).

Reference numeral 304 denotes an IDE slot (IDE-SLO)
T1, IDE-SLOT2) 305, 306, an IDE controller (IDE-C) for controlling devices mounted
ONT), 307 and 308 are PCI slots (PCI-SLOT1, PCI-SL) in which PCI devices are mounted.
OT2).

Reference numeral 311 denotes an EEP-ROM in which ID information unique to the extension box 30 is accessed by the CPU 101 of the personal computer main body 10 via the I2C buses 2A, 2B, 2C.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The personal computer body 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to the docking base 20 to which the expansion box 30 is connected via an expansion connector (CN), and can be expanded in function by mounting various devices in the expansion box 30. . For example, PCI slot 3
By installing expansion boards for various functions on the devices 07 and 308, this device and the personal computer
Are connected via PCI buses 1A, 1B, and 1C. In this case, a device driver is loaded into the main memory 111 in order to execute the function extended in the extension box 30, and is executed by the CPU 101. Hereinafter, a device for function expansion such as an expansion board mounted in the PCI slots 307 and 308 is referred to as a docking station side device.

Further, even when the personal computer main body 10 is detached from the docking base 20 (surprise undock) in the external storage device (not shown) (not shown), the personal computer main body 10 can be started alone without undock. A special utility program is stored in advance.
It is also assumed that a device driver corresponding to the docking station side device whose function is to be expanded is stored in the external storage device in advance.

Next, the operation of the personal computer 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 2 shows the sequence in the case where the special utility is not used, and FIG. 3 shows the operation on the user side and the current state of each sequence in the case where the special utility is used, and the operation of each software (program).

First, the operation when the special utility is not used will be described. The personal computer main body 10 is started while being connected to the docking base 20 (FIG. 2A). Immediately after startup, the personal computer main body 10 detects the docking station side device by the operation of the OS, and loads a device driver corresponding to the detected device into the main memory 111 (FIG. 2 (7)). FIG. 4A shows a state where the docking station device driver is loaded in the main memory 111. Thereby, the personal computer main body 10 can use the function extended by the docking station side device.

Here, it is assumed that the user instructs the personal computer main body 10 to shift to the suspend state (pause state) (FIG. 2 (2)). When the shift to the suspend state is instructed, the personal computer main body 10 saves the current operation state and shifts to the suspend state (FIG. 2 (3)). Therefore, the state in which the driver for operating the docking station side device is loaded in the main memory 111 is maintained.

Here, the personal computer body 10
Is mistaken by the user as a normally powered off state, and is removed from the docking base 20 without performing undock processing (after a surprised undock) (FIG. 2 (4)). Is activated by itself (Fig. 2
(5)).

Since the personal computer body 10 is started from the suspended state, it is started so as to be in a state in which the functions are connected to the docking base 20 before the transition to the suspended state and the functions are expanded. That is, the device driver for the docking station is shown in FIG.
Since access still exists as shown in FIG. 2B, access to the device on the docking station side is started (FIG. 2).
(8)). However, since the personal computer body 10 is undocked from the docking base 20, there is no device to be accessed by the docking station-side device driver, and access retry is repeated, resulting in locking.

Next, the operation when the special utility is used will be described. The operation on the user side and the current sequence from (1) to (5) in FIG. 3 are the same as those in FIG. 2 (1) to (5) described above. In 3 (6) and (9), locking can be avoided.

First, the personal computer body 10
Is started while being connected to the docking base 20 (FIG. 3A). Immediately after startup, the personal computer body 10 detects a docking station side device by the operation of the OS, and loads a device driver corresponding to the detected device into the main memory 111 (FIG. 3 (7)). Thereby, the personal computer main body 10 can use the function extended by the docking station side device.

Further, at the time of transition to the suspend state, a special utility capable of unloading the device driver for the docking station side is started, and the special utility program is loaded and resident in the main memory 111 (FIG. 3 (8)). Note that the special utility may be started in response to an instruction from a user, or may be executed at a predetermined timing according to an instruction from the OS. FIG. 5A shows a state in which the docking station device driver and the special utility program are loaded in the main memory 111.

In the special utility, whether to unload the driver of the device on the docking station side before suspending can be arbitrarily set in accordance with an instruction from the user. For example, the special utility displays a setting screen on the display device, and stores the content selected by operating the input device on the setting screen in the main memory 111 or an external storage device (see FIG. 3 (8)). -1)).

In the initial value (default), “unload” is selected, but “unload” is also selectable for a user who does not undock during suspend. When “do not unload” is selected, the time required to unload the docking station-side device driver described later and the time required to reload the driver at the time of restart (resume) are omitted. be able to.

Here, it is assumed that the transition to the suspend state (hibernation state) from the user to the personal computer body 10 is instructed by a function provided by the OS or by a switch operation (FIG. 3).
(2)). The special utility program is, for example, O
By detecting the suspend execution request issued from S, it is detected that the transition to the suspend state has been instructed, and the contents selected in advance by the user are referred to,
It is determined whether to unload the docking station device driver.

If the “unload” option has been selected, the special utility program
Unload the device driver for the docking station side from step 11 and finish (FIG. 3 (8-2) (8-
4)). FIG. 5B shows a state in which the docking station device driver has been unloaded from the main memory 111. Special utilities include PCI slots 307, 308 of expansion box 30 as well as devices that the system on the board knows in advance.
A device driver for driving a PCI card or the like mounted on the device can be unloaded.

On the other hand, if “do not unload” is selected, the special utility program leaves the docking station device driver loaded in the main memory 111 as it is, for example, as shown in FIG. A warning message “Do not undock during suspend” is displayed on the display device, and the process ends (FIG. 3 (8-3) (8-5) (8-4)).
FIG. 5C shows a state where the device driver for the docking station side has not been unloaded from the main memory 111. In this way, when the docking station side device driver is not unloaded, a warning message is displayed so that the user is thoroughly informed to avoid undocking.

When the shift to the suspend state is instructed, the personal computer body 10 saves the current operation state and shifts to the suspend state (FIG. 3 (3)).

Here, when the docking station device driver is unloaded by the special utility, after the personal computer main body 10 is removed from the docking base 20 (after a surprised undock) (FIG. 3 (4)), It is assumed that the personal computer main body 10 is started alone (see FIG. 3).
(5)).

Since the personal computer body 10 is started from the suspend state, it is started so as to be in a state before shifting to the suspend state. In this case, the driver for the device on the docking station side is as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), since the device has already been unloaded, access to the device on the docking station side is not performed (FIG. 3 (9)). Therefore, the personal computer body 10 undocked from the docking base 20 can be normally started and operated normally without any problem.

As described above, even when the personal computer main body 10 is detached from the docking station 20 having no lock mechanism at the time of suspending, the personal computer main body 10 must be connected to the docking base 20 before being suspended. , PCI slot 30 of expansion box 30 by special utility
Since the driver for operating the devices mounted on the devices 7 and 308 is unloaded, the personal computer main body 10 can be started alone without any problem after undocking.

In the above description, the driver of the device on the docking station side is unloaded when an instruction to shift to the suspend state is input, but unnecessary drivers are unloaded when the personal computer is started. You may do it.

That is, when the personal computer is started from the suspend state, a routine is provided for checking whether or not the connection with the docking station has been established before the routine for returning to the original operation state before the transition to the suspend state. (It may be possible to arbitrarily set whether or not to execute this routine in accordance with an instruction from the user). In this check routine, when it is determined that the docking station is not connected, unloading is performed before the driver accesses the device on the docking station side. Thereby, the personal computer can be started from the suspended state without any problem. Thus, when the docking station device driver is unnecessary, the unloading is performed, so that the processing load can be reduced. In particular, when many docking station-side device drivers are loaded, more efficient processing can be realized as compared with the case where unloading is performed in preparation for undocking when shifting to the suspended state.

In the above description, when the setting for not unloading is made according to the instruction from the user,
Although a warning message is displayed when an instruction to shift to the suspend state is issued, a message for notifying the user that undocking is possible may be displayed when unloading is performed. .

[0065]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when a computer shifts to a hibernate state (suspend state), a driver for an extended function is unloaded, so that the work load on the user is increased. Even if the personal computer body is removed (surprise undocked) from the docking station where the lock mechanism is not provided when the computer is in the hibernation state, the computer can be started up without any problem after the undocking.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sequence when a special utility is not used.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sequence when a special utility is used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in the state of a main memory 111 when a special utility is not used.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a change in the state of the main memory 111 when a special utility is used.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a warning message.

[Explanation of symbols]

1A, 1B, 1C: PCI bus 2A, 2B, 2C: I2C bus 3A: ISA bus 10: Personal computer body (PC body) 20: Docking base 30: Expansion box 101: CPU 102: BIOS-ROM 103: Expansion controller ( EC) 104 DC input unit (DC-IN) 105 Built-in secondary battery (BATT) 106 DC / DC converter 107 ISA-PCI bus bridge (ISA-PCI)
BRIDGE) 108 PCI bus bridge (PCI BRIDGE) 109 IO control circuit (IO-CONT) 110 Bus switch (Q-SW) 201 DC input unit (DC-IN) 202 DC / DC converter 203 I / O expander (GPIO) 204 ... extended power supply control circuit (G1) 205 ... extended power supply control circuit (G2) 206 ... Serial PCI bus bridge (PCI BRI)
DGE) 207 Bus switch (Q-SW) 208 LAN controller (LAN-CONT) 209 USB device connection unit (USB-HUB) 210 Eject switch (Eject-SW) 211 EEP-ROM 212 LAN connector ( LAN-CN) 213 EEP-ROM of LAN controller 214 Bus switch (Q-SW) 301 Power supply (POWER SUPLY) 302 I / O expander (GPIO) 303 Serial PCI bus bridge (PCI BRI)
DGE) 304 ... IDE controller (IDE-CONT) 305 ... IDE slot (IDE-SLOT1) 306 ... IDE slot (IDE-SLOT2) 307 ... PCI slot (PCI-SLOT1) 308 ... PCI slot (PCI-SLOT2)

Claims (8)

[Claims] A computer, an expansion device detachable from the computer for expanding functions, a loading means for loading a driver for executing a function expanded by the expansion device into the computer, Transition means for transitioning from a first state in which the extension device can be recognized to be detached to a second state in which the extension device cannot be detached; and a transition to the second state by the transition means. Prior to the transition,
A computer system, comprising: unloading means for unloading the driver loaded by the loading means. 2. A connection means for connecting to an expansion device for function expansion; a load means for loading a driver for executing a function expanded by the expansion function connected by the connection means; Transition means for transitioning from a first state in which the device can be recognized to be removed to a second state in which the extension device cannot be recognized to be removed; and Earlier,
A computer comprising: an unloading unit configured to unload the driver loaded by the loading unit. 3. A computer, an expansion device for function expansion connectable to the computer, loading means for loading a driver for executing a function expanded by the expansion device into the computer, and the computer halting A computer system comprising: an unloading unit that unloads a driver loaded by the loading unit when the state shifts to a state. 4. A connection unit for connecting to an expansion device for function expansion, a loading unit for loading a driver for executing a function expanded by the expansion device connected by the connection unit, and the computer. And a unloading means for unloading the driver loaded by the loading means when the computer shifts to a hibernation state. 5. A setting means for setting whether or not to unload a driver by said unloading means, wherein said unloading means performs unloading when the setting is made by said setting means. The computer according to claim 4, wherein the computer executes. 6. The computer according to claim 4, further comprising a notification unit configured to perform notification according to an unloading execution state of the unloading unit. 7. A computer in which a program for realizing a function of unloading a driver loaded to execute a function extended by an extension device when the computer shifts to a hibernate state is recorded. A readable recording medium. 8. A setting function for setting whether or not to unload a driver loaded to execute a function extended by the extension device when the computer shifts to a hibernate state; A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for realizing an unload function for unloading the driver when the setting function is set to unload when shifting to a hibernate state is recorded.