JPH11237935A - Power control method at time of inserting pc card, information processor with power control function, pc card with power control function and connection cable for pc card - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform power control over a PC card with the PC card inserted into an information processor by providing a PC card detection switch capable of being operated from the outside of the PC card inside the PC card. SOLUTION: A PC card detection signal oscillator circuit 101 is connected to a connector 104 for an information processor when a PC card detection switch 103 is turned on. In this state, when a PC card 100 is inserted into a PC card slot 111 of the information processor 110, a PC card detection signal 102 from the circuit 101 is inputted to a PC card controller 112. The controller 112 activates a power feeding signal 114. If the switch 103 is turned off when a user does not need the function of the card 100, the signal 102 inputted to the controller 112 is disconnected and the signal 114 becomes inactive.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to a method for controlling power supply to a PC card used by being mounted on a portable information processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A PC card is a peripheral device used by being mounted on a PC card slot of an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. Cards having various functions such as a memory card, a communication card, and an interface card are manufactured. ing. In particular, in recent years, with the spread of various portable computers such as notebook or sub-notebook portable computers, the use frequency of PC cards has been increasing.

A conventional power control method for a PC card will be described below. PC card is P of information processing device
When the PC card is inserted into the C card slot, the power supply to the PC card is turned "ON" and current flows to the PC card via the PC card slot. Then, the P
The device card is loaded into the C card and the configuration setting process is performed to set the PC card in a usable state. Thereafter, card access is performed in response to an access request from an application program or the like. When it is detected that the user has specified the suspension of use of the PC card, the device driver for the PC card is unloaded. However, as long as the PC card remains inserted,
N ". And, the PC card is the PC
When the PC card is removed from the card slot, the power to the PC card is turned off for the first time.

As described above, while the PC card is inserted in the PC card slot, power is continuously supplied from the information processing apparatus even if the PC card is not used. Therefore, wasteful power consumption is large and is not economically preferable. In particular, in a portable information processing apparatus, since the power source relies on a built-in battery or the like, such useless power consumption causes a reduction in the continuous use time, which is not preferable.

In order to save power by preventing such wasteful power consumption, it is necessary to remove the PC card from the PC card slot when the PC card is not used.
Alternatively, it was necessary to temporarily stop the function of the PC card as software. Therefore, when the user wants to use the function of the PC card again, the user must re-insert the PC card or restart the information processing device, which makes the operation of the user very complicated and inefficient. Met.

To solve the above-mentioned problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-237139 discloses a method of performing software "ON" and "OFF" control of a power supply in accordance with the use condition of a PC card. Here, when the user designates the suspension of the use of the PC card, a function of unloading the device driver for the PC card and turning off the power to the PC card, and
In particular, when a communication device is used, the start and end of communication are detected, and the power supply to the PC card modem is turned on.
By incorporating a power saving driver having a function of setting "N" or "OFF" into the information processing device, power saving is performed when the PC card is not used.

[0006]

In the above-mentioned known example, the power saving driver incorporated in the information processing apparatus for the purpose of saving power is a resident termination type program. When such software, particularly a program for performing advanced judgment as described above, is incorporated, the program and system development become complicated, and the system in the information processing apparatus becomes complicated, resulting in problems in terms of labor and cost. Because there is
A simpler and more efficient power control method has been desired. In addition, if the user wants to turn the power supplied to the PC card “ON” or “OFF” as necessary, it is necessary to give an input or the like to perform the processing on the program. Was complicated. Further, particularly in a small-sized portable information processing apparatus, since the capacity of a memory, a hard disk, and the like is small, a power control method capable of saving power without incorporating such a complicated program has been desired.

An object of the present invention is to provide a PC card mounted power control method capable of efficiently controlling the power of a PC card while the PC card is mounted in an information processing apparatus. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a power control method when a PC card is mounted, in which a user can perform power control on a PC card simply by performing a simple operation as necessary. Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus with a power control function, a PC card with a power control function, and a connection cable that enable such a power control method.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a power control method when a PC card is mounted, wherein the PC card is mounted on an information processing apparatus by operating the PC card. It is characterized in that the power supplied to the power supply is controlled. Thus, power control for the PC card can be performed only by the user operating the PC card as needed.

Further, the power control method when a PC card is mounted according to the present invention is characterized in that a PC card detection signal oscillation circuit is provided inside the PC card, and the PC card detection signal oscillation circuit is wired between the oscillation circuit and the connector for the information processing apparatus. An operable PC card detection switch is provided, and the PC card is operated by operating the detection switch in a state where the PC card is attached to the information processing apparatus.
The card detection signal is set to "ON" or "OFF", and the PC card controller provided in the information processing apparatus determines "ON" or "OFF" of the PC card detection signal, and sends the signal to the PC card accordingly. Power supply to "O
N "or" OFF ". Thus, the power control for the PC card can be performed only by the user operating the PC card as needed, and only by installing the PC card controller having a simple determination function.

The power control method when a PC card is mounted according to the present invention is characterized in that a first PC card detection signal oscillating circuit and a connector for the first oscillating circuit and a connecting cable are provided in a PC card which requires an external connection. "ON", "external connection"
And a PC card detection switch operable in three stages of “OFF” and “OFF”. When the PC card is mounted on the information processing apparatus, the detection switch is turned “ON” or “OF”.
F ", the PC card detection signal is set to" O ".
N "or" OFF ", or the detection switch is set to the" external connection "state, and the PC card detection signal is turned" ON "or" OFF "by attaching and detaching a connection cable having a built-in second PC card detection signal oscillation circuit. ”, The PC card controller provided in the information processing apparatus determines whether the PC card detection signal is“ ON ”or“ OFF ”, and accordingly supplies power to the PC card“ ON ”or“ OFF ”. ". Thus, when using a PC card such as a communication PC modem card which requires an external connection, power control for the PC card can be performed only by attaching / detaching the PC card connection cable. When actually using the information processing device, the connection cable for the PC card is often disconnected except when necessary, and at the same time, the power supplied to the PC card becomes “OF”.
F ". In case of intermittent communication, keep the PC card connection cable
Power control for the PC card can be performed simply by turning the card switch “ON” or “OFF” as needed.

Further, the information processing apparatus with a power control function of the present invention determines whether the PC card detection signal transmitted from the PC card is “ON” or “OFF”, and responds accordingly to the power supply to the PC card. Is characterized in that a PC card controller that turns ON or OFF is provided. Thus, power control for the PC card can be performed only by incorporating a program for making such a simple determination.

Further, the PC card with a power control function of the present invention externally sets a PC card detection signal to “ON” or “OF”.
F ". As a result, power control for the PC card can be performed only by the user performing an operation from outside the PC card.

A PC card with a power control function according to the present invention includes a PC card detection signal oscillation circuit, a PC card detection signal oscillation circuit, which is wired between the oscillation circuit and a connector for an information processing apparatus, and which detects a PC card by an operation from outside the PC card. A PC card detection switch capable of switching a signal between "ON" and "OFF" is built-in. This allows the user to
Power control for the PC card can be performed only by operating a switch from outside the C card.

Further, the PC card with a power control function of the present invention is a PC card detection signal oscillation circuit, which is wired between the oscillation circuit and the connector for the connection cable and the connector for the information processing device, and is provided from the outside of the PC card. By operation of P
“ON” to set the C card detection signal to “ON” state, or “OF” to set the PC card detection signal to “OFF” state
F "or a PC card detection signal" ON "or" OF "
It is characterized by incorporating a PC card detection switch that can be switched in three stages of “external connection” to be in the state of “F”. As a result, power control for the PC card can be performed only by the user operating the switch from the outside of the PC card, or simply by attaching and detaching the connection cable for the PC card.

The connection cable for a PC card according to the present invention oscillates a PC card detection signal and transmits the PC card detection signal to the PC card through a connector when connecting to the PC card.
A PC card detection signal oscillation circuit for transmitting to a circuit in the card is built in. This allows the user to
Power control for the PC card can be performed only by attaching and detaching the connection cable for the C card.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. 1 and described below. PC card 1
00 includes a PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 101. The PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 101 processes the four PC card detection signals 102 to GND connection, open, etc. depending on the type of PC card 100 (16-bit card, 32-bit card, 5V card, 3.3V card, etc.). Circuit. The PC card detection switch 103 is provided between the PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 101 and the information processing device connector 104, and connects and disconnects (“ON” and “OF”) the PC card detection signal 102.
F "). Also, the PC card detection switch 103 has all four switches interlocked,
Even when the PC card 100 is inserted into the PC card slot 111, it is provided at a position where external operation is possible. The user can arbitrarily select “ON” or “OFF” for the PC card detection switch 103.
The information processing device connector 104 is connected to the information processing device 110.
PC card 1 in PC card slot 111
This is a connector for mounting 00. The PC card controller 112 is a device for controlling the PC card 100, and activates the power supply signal 114 when the PC card detection signal 102 is input. When the power supply signal 114 becomes active, the switch 113 is turned “ON”, and the power from the power supply circuit 115 is
It is supplied to the PC card 100 via the PC card slot 111 and the information processing device connector 104. PC
The card controller 112 sends the PC card detection signal 102
Is not input, the power supply signal 114 becomes inactive. When the power supply signal 114 is inactive, the switch 113 is turned “OFF” and the PC
Power supply to the card 100 is stopped.

Next, in the above embodiment, the PC
The operation when a card is used will be described. When the PC card detection switch 103 is turned “ON”, the PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 101 and the information processing device connector 1
04 is connected. In this state, the information processing device 110
When the PC card 100 is inserted into the PC card slot 111 of the
The card detection signal 102 is transmitted to the PC card controller 112
And the PC card controller 112 activates the power supply signal 114. The power supply signal 114 is input to the switch 113, and the switch 113 is turned on.
, And the power from the power supply circuit 115 is supplied to the PC card 100, and the PC card 100 enters the operating state.

When the user does not need the functions of the PC card 100 while the PC card 100 is operating as described above, if the PC card detection switch 103 is set to “OFF”, the PC card controller 112 The input PC card detection signal 102 is disconnected,
The power supply signal 114 becomes inactive. When the power supply signal 114 becomes inactive, the switch 113
FF "and the power supply to the PC card 100 can be stopped.

On the other hand, when the PC card detection switch 103 is turned off, the PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 1
01 and the information processing device connector 104 are disconnected, and in this state, the PC card 100 is
PC card 1
00 is not supplied, and the PC card 100 does not operate.

When the user needs the function of the PC card 100 in a state where the PC card 100 is not operating as described above, if the PC card detection switch 103 is turned “ON”, the PC card 100 The power supply is started, and the PC card 100 can be put into the operating state.

As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible for the user to control the power supply to the PC card only by operating the switch of the PC card as needed. In particular, power control of the PC card can be performed while the PC card is mounted on the information processing apparatus. In addition, when the function of the PC card is once stopped and it is desired to be made valid again, it is not necessary to attach / detach the PC card and restart the information processing apparatus.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment relates to a PC card having a function such as a modem or a LAN that requires an external connection cable. 2, the information processing apparatus 110 is exactly the same as that of FIG. The PC card 100 has the same general configuration as that of FIG.
A connection cable connector 203 is provided for mounting the PC card connection cable 210 for connection with the first PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 201.
It is connected to the. The signal 204 is a signal for exchanging data with the outside, for example, a telephone line signal. PC
The card connection cable 210 has a connector 213 for connecting to the connection cable connector 203. In addition, a second PC card detection signal oscillating circuit 211 that oscillates a second PC card detection signal 212 that is exactly the same as the first PC card detection signal 202 is incorporated. P
The C card detection switch 103 has three types of “connection (ON) with the first PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 201”, “connection with the connection cable connector 203 (external connection)”, and “not connected with either (OFF)”. Switch (all four switches are linked),
The user can arbitrarily operate.

When the PC card detection switch 103 is switched to "external connection" and the PC card 100 is inserted into the PC card slot 111, in this state, the first PC card detection signal 202 and the second card detection signal 212 are transmitted to the PC card controller 112. To the power supply signal 11
4 is inactive and power is not supplied to the PC card 100, so that the PC card 100 does not operate. Here, when the PC card connection cable 210 is connected to the connection cable connector 203, the second PC card detection signal 212 from the second PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 211 becomes P
The power is supplied to the C card controller 112, the power supply signal becomes active, the power supply to the PC card 100 is started, and the PC card 100 can be put into the operating state.

As described above, in this embodiment, P
In addition to the operation of the C card detection switch, the power supplied to the PC card can be controlled by attaching and detaching a PC card connection cable. At the same time, it is possible to select the operation or non-operation of the PC card.

[0024]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to control the power to the PC card only by operating the switch installed outside the PC card as necessary. is there. In particular, it is possible to perform power control while the PC card is mounted on the information processing apparatus. The same effect can be obtained by attaching and detaching a PC card connection cable for external connection.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 PC card 101 PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 102 PC card detection signal 103 PC card detection switch 104 Connector for information processing device 110 Information processing device 111 PC card slot 112 PC card controller 113 Switch 114 Power supply signal 115 Power supply circuit 201 First PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 202 First PC card detection signal 203 Connector for connection cable 204 Signal 210 Connection cable for PC card 211 Second PC card detection signal oscillation circuit 212 Second PC card detection signal 213 Connector

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] May 18, 1999

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the PC card with a power control function of the present invention determines whether the PC card detection signal is “ON” or “OFF”.
And turn off the power supply to the PC card.
Information processing with built-in PC card controller
A PC card used by being mounted on an apparatus is characterized by having an external device for switching a PC card detection signal to “ON” or “OFF”. This allows
Power control for the PC card can be performed only by the user performing an operation from outside the PC card.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the PC card with a power control function of the present invention determines whether the PC card detection signal is “ON” or “OFF”.
And turn off the power supply to the PC card.
Information processing with built-in PC card controller
In a PC card used by being mounted on a device, a PC card detection signal oscillating circuit, and a PC card detection signal which is wired between the oscillating circuit and the information processing device connector and turned on by an operation from outside the PC card. "Or" OF
It is characterized by incorporating a PC card detection switch switchable to "F". Thus, power control for the PC card can be performed only by the user operating the switch from outside the PC card.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0014

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the PC card with a power control function of the present invention determines whether the PC card detection signal is “ON” or “OFF”.
And turn off the power supply to the PC card.
Information processing with built-in PC card controller
A PC card used by being mounted on a device, comprising: a PC card detection signal oscillation circuit; a wiring between the oscillation circuit and a connector for a connection cable and a connector for an information processing device; "ON" to set the card detection signal to "ON" state, "OFF" to set the PC card detection signal to "OFF" state, or PC card detection signal according to the presence or absence of the detection signal from the connection cable A PC card detection switch that can be switched between three stages of “external connection” for setting “ON” or “OFF”. As a result, power control for the PC card can be performed only by the user operating the switch from the outside of the PC card, or simply by attaching and detaching the connection cable for the PC card.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The connection cable for a PC card of the present invention determines whether the PC card detection signal is “ON” or “OFF”.
And turn off the power supply to the PC card.
Information processing with built-in PC card controller
The PC card used by being attached to the device and the external device
PC card connection cable connected between
A PC card detection signal oscillating circuit which oscillates a C card detection signal and transmits the PC card detection signal to a circuit in the PC card through a connector when connected to the PC card is built in. Thus, power control for the PC card can be performed only by the user attaching and detaching the connection cable for the PC card.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A power control method when a PC card is mounted, wherein the power supply to the PC card is controlled by operating the PC card while the PC card is mounted on the information processing apparatus. 2. A PC card detection signal oscillating circuit inside a PC card, and a P card wired between the oscillating circuit and an information processing device connector and operable from outside the PC card.
A C card detection switch is provided, and when the PC card is mounted on the information processing device, the detection switch is operated to turn the PC card detection signal “ON” or “OFF”. 2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines whether the PC card detection signal is "ON" or "OFF", and sets the power supplied to the PC card to "ON" or "OFF" accordingly. Power control method when a PC card is mounted. 3. A first PC card detection signal oscillating circuit inside a PC card which requires an external connection, and a first PC card detection signal oscillating circuit connected between the first oscillating circuit and a connector for a connection cable and a connector for an information processing device; A PC card detection switch operable in three stages of “ON”, “external connection”, and “OFF” is provided from the outside, and when the PC card is attached to the information processing apparatus, the detection switch is turned “ON” or “OFF”. The PC card detection signal is set to "ON" or "OFF" by setting it to the "OFF" state, or the detection switch is set to the "external connection" state, and the connection cable incorporating the second PC card detection signal oscillation circuit is connected. PC by detaching
The card detection signal is set to “ON” or “OFF”, and the PC card controller provided in the information processing apparatus determines “ON” or “OFF” of the PC card detection signal, and sends the signal to the PC card accordingly. Power supply to "O
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power is set to "N" or "OFF". 4. A PC card detection signal transmitted from the PC card is judged to be “ON” or “OFF”, and the power supplied to the PC card is turned “ON” or “OF” accordingly.
An information processing apparatus with a power control function, which incorporates a PC card controller referred to as "F". 5. Externally turning on a PC card detection signal
Or a PC card with a power control function, characterized by having a device for switching to "OFF". 6. A PC card detection signal oscillating circuit, and a PC card detection signal which is wired between the oscillating circuit and an information processing device connector and is turned on or off by an operation from outside the PC card. The PC card with a power control function according to claim 5, further comprising a built-in PC card detection switch. 7. A PC card detection signal oscillating circuit, a wiring between the oscillating circuit and a connector for a connection cable, and a connector for an information processing device, and a PC card detection signal being turned on by an operation from outside the PC card. "ON" to set the PC card detection signal to "OFF", or "OFF" to set the PC card detection signal to the "OFF" state, or the PC card detection signal to "ON" depending on the presence or absence of the detection signal from the connection cable.
6. The PC card with a power control function according to claim 5, further comprising a built-in PC card detection switch that can be switched between three stages of "external connection" to be in an "OFF" state. 8. Oscillating a PC card detection signal, and
A connection cable for a PC card, comprising a PC card detection signal oscillation circuit for transmitting the PC card detection signal to a circuit in the PC card through a connector when connected to the card.