Information processing apparatus and control method

Abstract

The present application provides an information processing device and a control method. A sound is output by remote operation using an existing speaker regardless of an operation state of a system. The information processing device includes a processor that executes a program of an OS, a speaker that outputs a sound, a close proximity wireless communication section that outputs first information indicating that a specific signal is received in a case where the specific signal is received by close proximity wireless communication, an EC that outputs first sound data for outputting a sound in accordance with the fact that the first information output from the close proximity wireless communication section is acquired, and an audio processing device that outputs, from the speaker, sound based on the first sound data output from the EC and sound based on second sound data output from the processor by processing by the OS, the EC controlling the audio processing device so that the sound based on the first sound data is output from the speaker in a case where the first information output from the close proximity wireless communication section is acquired.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to information processing apparatus and control method. Background Technology

[0002] There are technologies for searching for lost or stolen objects. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that, when parking in a spacious parking lot at night or leaving the vehicle, and not knowing where the vehicle was parked afterward, the location of the vehicle can be confirmed from a distance by pressing the switch of a portable transmitter to send a specific radio wave assigned to the vehicle, and by receiving the specific radio wave through a receiver mounted on the vehicle, turning on the lights or sounding the buzzer.

[0003] In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses the following technology: In order to prevent the theft or loss of mobile terminals (information processing devices) such as laptops, when the distance between the current position of the first mobile terminal and the current position of the second mobile terminal is greater than a predetermined value, a warning sound is output to at least one of them.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-035191;

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-294688.

[0006] However, even when attempting to output sound (e.g., a buzzer) from a distant location to locate lost or stolen information processing devices such as laptops, sound output is sometimes impossible due to system limitations. For example, when the system is in its normal operating state and sound is output from a speaker under system control, the system may occupy the speaker and audio components, thus preventing the buzzer from being emitted remotely due to system limitations. While adding a dedicated speaker for remotely emitting the buzzer can produce it, the added hardware and increased cost have significant implications. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an information processing apparatus and control method capable of outputting sound remotely using an existing speaker.

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems. A first-property information processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a memory that temporarily stores a program of an OS (Operating System); a processor that executes the program of the OS; a speaker that outputs sound; a near-field communication unit that, upon receiving a specific signal via near-field communication, outputs first information indicating that the specific signal has been received; an EC (Embedded Controller) that outputs first sound data for outputting sound based on the first information output from the near-field communication unit; and an audio processing device having a terminal for inputting the first sound data output from the EC and a terminal for inputting second sound data output from the processor via processing based on the OS, exclusively switching between sound based on the first sound data and sound based on the second sound data and outputting them from the speaker, wherein the EC, upon receiving the first information output from the near-field communication unit, controls the audio processing device to output sound based on the first sound data from the speaker.

[0009] In the aforementioned information processing apparatus, the EC can also, upon acquiring the first information output from the near-field wireless communication unit, output a control signal for switching the sound output from the speaker from sound based on the second sound data to sound based on the first sound data. The audio processing device has a control terminal for inputting the control signal output from the EC, and switches the sound output from the speaker from sound based on the second sound data to sound based on the first sound data based on the control signal.

[0010] In the aforementioned information processing device, the control terminal may also be a terminal corresponding to the I2S (Inter-IC Sound) standard.

[0011] In the aforementioned information processing device, the audio processing device may also request the processor to switch control based on the control signal. The processor, according to the request for switching control from the audio processing device, instructs the audio processing device to switch the sound output from the speaker from the sound based on the second sound data to the sound based on the first sound data. The audio processing device, according to the instruction from the processor, switches the sound output from the speaker from the sound based on the second sound data to the sound based on the first sound data.

[0012] In the aforementioned information processing apparatus, the EC may also output second information to the processor based on the acquisition of the first information output from the near-field wireless communication unit. If the processor acquires the second information output from the EC, it instructs the EC to output the first sound data. The EC outputs the first sound data according to the instruction to output the first sound data from the processor.

[0013] In the aforementioned information processing apparatus, the EC may, after outputting a control signal for switching the sound output from the speaker from the sound based on the second sound data to the sound based on the first sound data, output a control signal for switching the sound output from the speaker from the sound based on the first sound data to the sound based on the second sound data if a predetermined condition is met.

[0014] Furthermore, in the control method of the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus includes: a memory that temporarily stores a program of an operating system (OS); a processor that executes the program of the OS; a speaker that outputs sound; a near-field wireless communication unit that performs near-field wireless communication; an audio processing device; and an EC (Embedded Controller), wherein the control method of the information processing apparatus includes the following steps: when the near-field wireless communication unit receives a specific signal via near-field wireless communication, it outputs first information indicating that the specific signal has been received; the EC outputs first sound data for outputting sound based on the first information output from the near-field wireless communication unit; and the audio processing device has a terminal for inputting the first sound data output from the EC and a terminal for inputting second sound data output from the processor via processing based on the OS, and exclusively switches between sound based on the first sound data and sound based on the second sound data to output from the speaker; when the EC receives the first information output from the near-field wireless communication unit, it controls the audio processing device to output sound based on the first sound data from the speaker.

[0015] According to the above-described manner of the present invention, the information processing device can output sound remotely using an existing speaker, regardless of the system's operating state. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the general structure of the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure for performing remote buzzer control in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the remote buzzer control processing in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the stop process for remote buzzer control in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure for remote buzzer control in the second embodiment.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1...Information processing system; 10...Information processing device; 11...CPU; 12...Main memory; 13...Video subsystem; 14...Display unit; 21...Chipset; 22...Non-volatile memory; 23...Storage medium; 24...Audio codec; 25...LAN adapter; 26...USB connector; 27...Near-field wireless communication unit; 31...Embedded controller; 32 (32A, 32B)...Speaker; 33...Operation unit; 34...Power button; 35...Power supply circuit; 100...SoC; 241...Amplifier. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] <First Implementation Method>

[0026] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of the general structure of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a mobile terminal 50 (an example of a terminal device). The information processing device 10 is an example of a computer device such as a laptop-type (clamshell) PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 10 can be moved to various locations, both indoors and outdoors, and therefore may be lost or stolen. The mobile terminal 50 is an example of a portable computer device such as a smartphone. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 50 may also be a computer device such as a laptop-type (clamshell) PC (Personal Computer).

[0027] Mobile terminal 50 and information processing device 10 can communicate with each other by pre-registering their identification information as pairing information. For example, mobile terminal 50 and information processing device 10 can communicate using a beacon that utilizes Bluetooth (registered trademark) functionality.

[0028] In the event of loss or theft of the information processing device 10, the user can send a specific signal from the mobile terminal 50 to the information processing device 10 using a beacon, which will then trigger a reporting tone such as a beep. For example, to detect a lost or stolen information processing device 10, the location of the device can be notified by emitting a loud beep from the device 10.

[0029] Here, the specific signal sent from the mobile terminal 50 to the information processing device 10 is referred to as an "anti-loss tag". When the mobile terminal 50 sends an anti-loss tag using a beacon, the information processing device 10 receives the anti-loss tag and outputs a beep tone as long as it is within the range of the beacon (for example, within a range of about 100m).

[0030] [Hardware Structure of Information Processing Device]

[0031] Next, refer to Figure 2 The main hardware structure of the information processing device 10 will be described. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0032] The information processing device 10 includes a CPU 11, a main memory 12, a video subsystem 13, a display unit 14, a chipset 21, a non-volatile memory 22, a storage medium 23, an audio codec 24, a LAN adapter 25, a USB connector 26, a short-range wireless communication unit 27, an embedded controller 31, a speaker 32, an operation unit 33, a power button 34, and a power circuit 35.

[0033] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 performs various arithmetic operations under program control, controlling the information processing device 10 as a whole. For example, the CPU 11 performs processing based on the OS (Operating System) or BIOS (Basic Input Output System).

[0034] Main memory 12 is a writable memory used as a read area for the CPU 11 to execute programs or as a work area for writing processing data to the executable programs. Main memory 12 is, for example, composed of multiple DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips.

[0035] The video subsystem 13 is a subsystem for implementing functions related to image display, and includes a video controller. The video controller processes drawing commands from the CPU 11, writes the processed drawing information into the video memory, and reads the drawing information from the video memory and outputs it as drawing data (display data) to the display unit 14.

[0036] The display unit 14 is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays a display image based on the drawing data (display data) output from the video subsystem 13.

[0037] Chipset 21 bridges the CPU 11 with various devices. For example, chipset 21 includes controllers for USB, Serial ATA (AT Attachment), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), PCI-Express, and LPC (Low Pin Count) buses, connecting multiple devices. These multiple devices include, for example, non-volatile memory 22, storage medium 23, audio codec 24, LAN adapter 25, USB connector 26, near-field communication unit 27, and embedded controller 31.

[0038] The non-volatile memory 22 is composed of electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or flash memory. The non-volatile memory 22 stores the BIOS program, setting data used by the BIOS, etc.

[0039] Storage medium 23 may include HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. For example, storage medium 23 stores the OS, various drives, various services / utilities, applications and other programs, as well as data used by various programs.

[0040] Audio codec 24 is a codec device that encodes or decodes various types of sound data and is connected to chipset 21, embedded controller 31, and speaker 32. For example, audio codec 24 outputs sound from speaker 32 based on sound data input from CPU 11 via chipset 21 or based on sound data input from EC31. Furthermore, audio codec 24 can be connected to a microphone (not shown) and can also generate sound data based on sound input via the microphone.

[0041] LAN adapter 25 communicates with other devices via a network, either wired or wirelessly. The network may be, for example, the Internet, mobile phone network, VPN (Virtual Private Network), dedicated communication line network, WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), or a communication network consisting of a combination of these.

[0042] USB connector 26 is a connector (connection terminal) for connecting to various devices (peripherals) that conform to the USB standard. USB connector 26 is connected to the USB controller provided by chipset 21, forming a USB port capable of connecting to various devices (peripherals) that conform to the USB standard.

[0043] The short-range wireless communication unit 27 uses a prescribed communication method to conduct short-range wireless communication with other devices (e.g., mobile terminal 50). For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 27 conducts Bluetooth-based communication. As an example, the short-range wireless communication unit 27 uses a beacon corresponding to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication standard to receive radio waves from the mobile terminal 50. The short-range wireless communication unit 27 is connected to the chipset 21. The short-range wireless communication unit 27 and the CPU 11 transmit and receive data via the chipset 21.

[0044] In addition, the short-range wireless communication unit 27 is also connected to the embedded controller 31. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 27 is connected to the digital input terminal of the embedded controller 31, and if the mobile terminal 50 receives an anti-loss tag using a beacon, it outputs information indicating that an anti-loss tag has been received to the embedded controller 31.

[0045] The speaker 32 is connected to the audio codec 24 and outputs sound based on the sound data decoded by the audio codec 24.

[0046] The operation unit 33 includes a keyboard, touchpad, power button, etc. The operation unit 33 outputs operation signals to the embedded controller 31 based on user input. Alternatively, the operation unit 33 can be an external device connected via a USB connector 26, etc. Examples of external devices include keyboards, mice, touchpads, etc.

[0047] The power button 34 is an operating component used to turn on the power to the information processing device 10. For example, the power button 34 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation to the embedded controller 31.

[0048] The power supply circuit 35 may include, for example, a DC / DC converter, a charging / discharging unit, an AC / DC adapter, etc. For example, the power supply circuit 35 converts the DC voltage supplied from an external power source such as an AC adapter (not shown) or a battery into multiple voltages required for the information processing device 10 to operate. In addition, the power supply circuit 35 supplies power to various parts of the information processing device 10 based on the control from the embedded controller 31.

[0049] The embedded controller (EC) 31 is a processor separate from the CPU 11, which executes OS and BIOS processing. The embedded controller 31 includes a CPU (not shown), ROM, RAM, flash memory, multiple channels of A / D input terminals, D / A output terminals, timers, and digital input / output terminals. For example, the audio codec 24, operation unit 33, power button 34, and power circuit 35 are connected to the embedded controller 31 via their respective input terminals. Furthermore, the embedded controller 31 exchanges data with the CPU 11 via a chipset 21 connected via a bus.

[0050] For example, when the embedded controller 31 receives an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation on the power button 34, it controls the power circuit 335 and instructs the CPU 11 to start the system. Additionally, if the embedded controller 31 receives information from the near-field communication unit 27 indicating that an anti-loss tag has been received from the mobile terminal 50, it controls the output of a buzzer tone from the speaker 32.

[0051] In addition, refer to Figure 2 Some of the components described can also be configured as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) integrated on a single chip. As an example, the illustrated SoC 100 is configured to include a CPU 11, main memory 12, chipset 21, and non-volatile memory 22.

[0052] Next, the structure of the information processing device 10 for controlling the output of a buzzer tone from the mobile terminal 50 via remote operation using near-field wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as "remote buzzer control") will be described in detail.

[0053] [Structure of remote buzzer control]

[0054] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure for performing remote buzzer control in this embodiment. In this diagram, [the following is shown:] Figure 2 The structure shown is related to remote buzzer control.

[0055] The audio codec 24 is connected to the SoC 100 via the HDA (High Definition Audio) bus and transmits and receives data by controlling the audio driver, which operates on the OS. When the OS is in normal operation, audio data output from the SoC 100 through OS-based processing is input to the HDA terminal of the audio codec 24 via the HDA bus.

[0056] The audio data output from the SoC100 includes sound data processed by the OS and sound data processed by applications that perform actions on the OS. Additionally, the operating state typically refers to the state in which the OS starts up and is able to perform the aforementioned audio-related processing; for example, it is equivalent to "S0" (non-sleep state) of the sleep state defined by ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface).

[0057] The short-range wireless communication unit 27 transmits and receives data with the CPU 11 via the chipset 21. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 27 communicates with external devices (e.g., mobile terminal 50) using short-range wireless communication through processing by the BIOS or OS executed by the CPU 11. As an example, the short-range wireless communication unit 27 uses a beacon corresponding to the BLE communication standard to receive radio waves from the mobile terminal 50.

[0058] In addition, the near-field wireless communication unit 27 is also connected to the digital input terminal of the embedded controller 31. If an anti-loss tag is received from the mobile terminal 50, it outputs a "-BT_INT" signal indicating that an anti-loss tag has been received.

[0059] If the embedded controller 31 receives the "-BT_INT" signal output from the near-field wireless communication unit 27, it performs control to output a buzzer tone from the speaker 32. For example, if the embedded controller 31 receives the "-BT_INT" signal, it notifies the BIOS operating on the SoC 100 to output a buzzer signal (EC_Beep) according to the instruction from the BIOS. The buzzer signal is, for example, a PWM signal of a specified frequency (the frequency of the buzzer tone). Furthermore, the embedded controller 31 is connected to the SoC, for example, via eSPI (Enhanced Serial Peripheral Interface).

[0060] In addition, if the embedded controller 31 receives the "-BT_INT" signal, it can output a beep signal (EC_Beep) without notifying the BIOS.

[0061] The buzzer signal (EC_Beep) output from the embedded controller 31 is input to the buzzer terminal (Beep) of the audio codec 24. Figure 3 In the diagram, the arrow indicated by symbol R1 represents the path through which a buzzer sound is output from the speaker 32 under the control of the embedded controller 31. On the other hand, in... Figure 3 In the diagram, the arrow indicated by symbol R2 represents the path through which sound is output from speaker 32 under the control of the aforementioned SoC100 (audio driver).

[0062] The audio codec 24 exclusively switches between a buzzer tone based on a buzzer signal output from the embedded controller 31 and a sound based on audio data output from the SoC 100, and outputs it from the speaker 32. Here, in the normal operating state (e.g., "S0"), the resources of the audio codec 24 are occupied due to the control of the SoC 100 (audio driver), using the path of outputting sound from the speaker 32 (the path indicated by the arrow in symbol R2). Similarly, in the "S0ix" operating state corresponding to an Intel (registered trademark) CPU, the resources of the audio codec 24 are occupied due to the control of the SoC 100 (audio driver). Therefore, to output a buzzer tone from the speaker 32 under the control of the embedded controller 31, it is necessary to switch the resources of the audio codec 24.

[0063] Therefore, if the embedded controller 31 receives the "-BT_INT" signal, it outputs a control signal ("Cont_Beep" signal), which is used to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 to a beeping tone based on the beeping signal output from the embedded controller 31. This control signal is input to the control terminal (CNT) of the audio codec 24. The control terminal is, for example, a terminal corresponding to the I2S (Inter-IC Sound) standard.

[0064] Based on the "Cont_Beep" signal, the audio codec 24 switches the sound output from the speaker 32 to a buzzer tone based on the buzzer signal output from the embedded controller 31. Here, the "Cont_Beep" signal in the case of switching the sound output from the speaker 32 to a buzzer tone based on the buzzer signal output from the embedded controller 31 is called the "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal. On the other hand, the "Cont_Beep" signal in the case of switching the sound output from the speaker 32 to sound based on audio data output from the SoC 100 is called the "Cont_Beep(OFF)" signal.

[0065] Specifically, for example, audio codec 24 requests switching control of the sound output from speaker 32 from SoC 100 (audio driver) based on the "Cont_Beep" signal. SoC 100 (audio driver), instructing audio codec 24 to switch the sound output from speaker 32 according to the switching control request from audio codec 24. Audio codec 24, based on the instruction from SoC 100 (audio driver), switches the sound output from speaker 32 from sound based on audio data output from SoC 100 to a beep tone based on a beep signal output from embedded controller 31, or vice versa.

[0066] [Actions handled by remote buzzer control]

[0067] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 in remotely controlling the output of a buzzer sound by receiving the anti-loss tag from the mobile terminal 50 will be described.

[0068] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the remote buzzer control processing in this embodiment.

[0069] (Step S101) If the near-field wireless communication unit 27 receives a loss prevention tag sent from the mobile terminal 50, it proceeds to step S103.

[0070] (Step S103) If the short-range wireless communication unit 27 receives an anti-loss tag, it outputs a "-BT_INT" signal indicating that an anti-loss tag has been received. Then, it proceeds to the processing in step S105.

[0071] (Step S105) If the embedded controller 31 receives the "-BT_INT" signal, it sends the "Beep_ON" signal, which is triggered as a beep tone output, to the SoC 100 (BIOS). Then, it proceeds to the processing in step S107.

[0072] (Step S107) If the SoC100 (BIOS) receives the "Beep_ON" signal from the embedded controller 31, it sends the "Beep Request" signal, which requests the output of the beep signal, to the embedded controller 31. Then, it proceeds to the processing in step S109.

[0073] (Step S109) If the embedded controller 31 obtains a "Beep Request" signal from the SoC 100 (BIOS), it sends a "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal to the audio codec 24. This "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal is used to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 to a beep tone based on the beep signal output from the embedded controller 31. Then, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0074] (Step S111) Additionally, if the embedded controller 31 receives a "Beep Request" signal from the SoC 100 (BIOS), it begins outputting a buzzer signal (EC_Beep). Furthermore, the processing order of steps S109 and S111 can be reversed. Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0075] (Step S113) If the audio codec 24 receives the "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal from the embedded controller 31, it sends a "Select Beep Request" signal to the SoC 100 (audio driver). This "Select Beep Request" signal requests control to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 to a beep tone. Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0076] (Step S115) If the SoC100 (audio driver) receives a "Select BeepRequest" signal from the audio codec 24, it sends a "Change Output Request" signal to the audio codec 24, which requests a switch in the output of the audio codec 24. Then, the process proceeds to step S117.

[0077] (Step S117) If the audio codec 24 receives a “Change Output Request” signal from the SoC 100 (audio driver), it will switch the sound output from the speaker 32 from the sound based on the audio data output from the SoC 100 to a buzzer sound based on the buzzer signal output from the embedded controller 31.

[0078] In addition, if the embedded controller 31 obtains the "-BT_INT" signal, it may not send the "Beep_ON" signal, which is triggered by the output of the buzzer tone, to the SoC100 (BIOS). Instead, it may output the "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal and the buzzer signal (EC_Beep) through its own control.

[0079] Alternatively, if the audio codec 24 receives the "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal, it may not send the "Select Beep Request" signal to the SoC100 (audio driver). Instead, the audio codec 24 can control itself to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 from the sound based on the audio data output from the SoC100 to the beeping sound based on the beeping signal output from the embedded controller 31.

[0080] [Action to stop remote beep control]

[0081] When the information processing device 10 outputs a buzzer tone via remote buzzer control, it continues to output the buzzer tone until a predetermined condition is met. This predetermined condition may be, for example, the expiration of a certain time period or the performance of certain operations on the information processing device 10. Here, this predetermined condition is referred to as the "buzzer stop condition." The following describes the process for stopping the output of the buzzer tone via remote buzzer control.

[0082] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the stop process for remote buzzer control in this embodiment. In the process shown in this figure, it is assumed that... Figure 4 In step S111, the output of the buzzer signal (EC_Beep) begins.

[0083] (Step S121) The embedded controller 31 determines whether the buzzer stop condition is met. For example, the embedded controller 31 uses an internal timer to time the period from the start of the buzzer output, and determines that the buzzer stop condition is met after a certain period of time. Alternatively, the embedded controller 31 may determine that the buzzer stop condition is met when it receives an operation signal from the operation unit 33. If the embedded controller 31 determines that the buzzer stop condition is not met (No), it continues to output... Figure 4The buzzer signal (EC_Beep) is started being output in step S111. On the other hand, if the embedded controller 31 determines that the buzzer stop condition is met (yes), it stops the output of the buzzer signal (EC_Beep) and proceeds to the processing in step S123.

[0084] (Step S123) The embedded controller 31 sends a "Cont_Beep(OFF)" signal to the audio codec 24. This "Cont_Beep(OFF)" signal is used to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 from a beep tone based on the beep signal output from the embedded controller 31 to a sound based on the audio data output from the SoC 100. Then, the process proceeds to step S125.

[0085] (Step S125) If the audio codec 24 receives the "Cont_Beep(OFF)" signal from the embedded controller 31, it sends a "Select Audio Request" signal to the SoC 100 (audio driver). This "Select Audio Request" signal requests the switching of the sound output from the speaker 32 to sound control based on audio data. Then, the process proceeds to step S127.

[0086] (Step S127) If the SoC100 (audio driver) receives a "Select AudioRequest" signal from the audio codec 24, it sends a "ChangeOutput Request" signal to the audio codec 24 requesting a switch in the output of the audio codec 24. Then, it proceeds to the processing in step S129.

[0087] (Step S129) If the audio codec 24 receives a “Change Output Request” signal from the SoC 100 (audio driver), it will switch the sound output from the speaker 32 to sound based on the audio data output from the SoC 100.

[0088] Furthermore, the order in which the embedded controller 31 controls the output of the stop buzzer signal (EC_Beep) and controls the sending of the "Cont_Beep(OFF)" signal can be either one first.

[0089] Alternatively, if the audio codec 24 receives the "Cont_Beep(OFF)" signal, it may not send the "Select Audio Request" signal to the SoC100 (audio driver), but instead switch the sound output from the speaker 32 to the sound based on the audio data output from the SoC100 through its own control.

[0090] [Summary of the First Implementation]

[0091] As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes: a main memory 12 (an example of a memory) that temporarily stores the program of an OS; an SoC 100 (an example of a processor) that executes the program of the OS; a speaker 32 that outputs sound; a near-field wireless communication unit 27 that performs near-field wireless communication (e.g., a beacon); an audio codec 24 (an example of an audio processing device); and an embedded controller 31. When the near-field wireless communication unit 27 receives an anti-loss tag (an example of a specific signal) via near-field wireless communication, it outputs a "-BT_INT" signal (an example of first information) indicating that an anti-loss tag has been received. Based on the "-BT_INT" signal output from the near-field wireless communication unit 27, the embedded controller 31 outputs a buzzer signal (an example of first sound data) for outputting a buzzer tone. The audio codec 24 includes: a terminal for inputting the buzzer signal output from the embedded controller 31; and a terminal for inputting audio data (an example of second sound data) output from the SoC 100 via OS-based processing. The audio codec 24 exclusively switches between a buzzer tone based on a buzzer signal and a sound based on audio data and outputs it from the speaker 32. Furthermore, the embedded controller 31 controls the audio codec 24 to output a buzzer tone based on a buzzer signal from the speaker 32 upon receiving the "-BT_INT" signal output from the near-field communication unit 27.

[0092] Therefore, even when the system is in a state such as "S0" or "S0ix", the information processing device 10 can output a buzzer sound remotely using the existing speaker 32. Thus, the information processing device 10 can output sound remotely using the existing speaker 32 regardless of the system's operating state.

[0093] For example, when the embedded controller 31 receives the "-BT_INT" signal output from the near-field wireless communication unit 27, it outputs a "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal (an example of a control signal). This "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal is used to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 from audio data-based sound to a buzzer tone based on a buzzer signal. The audio codec 24 has a control terminal (an example of a control terminal) for inputting the "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal output from the embedded controller 31. Based on the "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal, it switches the sound output from the speaker 32 from audio data-based sound to a buzzer tone based on a buzzer signal.

[0094] Thus, the information processing device 10 switches the resources of the audio codec 24 by controlling the embedded controller 31, and can output a buzzer sound by remote operation using the existing speaker 32 even when the system is in an operating state such as "S0" or "S0ix".

[0095] The control terminal of the audio codec 24 is, for example, a terminal corresponding to the I2S (Inter-IC Sound) standard. Alternatively, as an example, this control terminal could also be a jack detection terminal for detecting insertion into the headphone jack.

[0096] Thus, by controlling the universal terminal of the audio codec 24, the information processing device 10 can remotely emit a beeping sound even when the system is in an operating state such as "S0" or "S0ix".

[0097] Additionally, the audio codec 24 requests a switching control from the SoC 100 to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 to a beep tone based on the "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal. For example, the audio codec 24 sends a "Select Beep Request" signal to the SoC 100 as a request for this switching control. Based on the switching control request from the audio codec 24, the SoC 100 instructs the audio codec 24 to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 from audio data-based sound to a beep tone based on a beep signal. For example, the SoC 100 sends a "ChangeOutput Request" signal requesting a switch in the audio codec 24's output as an instruction to switch to a beep tone. Then, based on the aforementioned instruction from the SoC 100, the audio codec 24 switches the sound output from the speaker 32 from audio data-based sound to a beep tone based on a beep signal.

[0098] Thus, in the information processing device 10, by switching the resources of the audio codec 24 based on the control of the embedded controller 31 by the SoC 100 (e.g., audio driver), even when the system is in an operating state such as "S0" or "S0ix", the existing speaker 32 can be used to output a buzzer sound through remote operation.

[0099] Furthermore, based on receiving the "-BT_INT" signal from the near-field communication unit 27, the embedded controller 31 outputs a "Beep_ON" signal (an example of the second information) to the SoC 100 as a trigger for a buzzer tone. If the SoC 100 receives the "Beep_ON" signal from the embedded controller 31, it instructs the embedded controller 31 to output a buzzer signal. For example, the SoC 100 sends a "Beep Request" signal requesting a buzzer signal as an instruction to output a buzzer signal to the embedded controller 31. Then, the embedded controller 31 outputs a buzzer signal (EC_Beep) based on the instruction to output a buzzer signal from the SoC 100.

[0100] Therefore, when the information processing device 10 receives an instruction to output a buzzer tone via remote operation (e.g., a beacon's anti-loss tag), the embedded controller 31 notifies the SoC 100 (e.g., the BIOS), thereby enabling the embedded controller 31 to switch the resources of the audio codec 24 according to the instruction from the SoC 100 (e.g., the BIOS). Thus, even when the system's operating state is, for example, "S0" or "S0ix", the information processing device 10 can still output a buzzer tone remotely using the existing speaker 32.

[0101] Additionally, after the embedded controller 31 outputs a "Cont_Beep(ON)" signal to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 from an audio data-based sound to a buzzer-based sound, if the buzzer stop condition (an example of a specified condition) is met, it outputs a "Cont_Beep(OFF)" signal (an example of a control signal) to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 from a buzzer-based sound to an audio data-based sound.

[0102] Therefore, when the information processing device 10 outputs a buzzer sound through remote operation, it can stop the output of the buzzer sound after a certain period of time or when there is user input.

[0103] Furthermore, in the control method of the information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the information processing apparatus includes: a main memory 12 (an example of a memory) that temporarily stores the program of the OS; a SoC 100 (an example of a processor) that executes the program of the OS; a speaker 32 that outputs sound; a near-field wireless communication unit 27 that performs near-field wireless communication (e.g., a beacon); an audio codec 24 (an example of an audio processing device); and an embedded controller 31. The control method of this information processing apparatus includes the following steps: when the near-field wireless communication unit 27 receives an anti-loss tag (an example of a specific signal) via near-field wireless communication, it outputs a "-BT_INT" signal (first) indicating that an anti-loss tag has been received. (An example of information); the embedded controller 31 outputs a buzzer signal (an example of first sound data) for outputting sound based on the acquisition of the "-BT_INT" signal output from the near-field wireless communication unit 27; the audio codec 24 has a terminal for inputting the buzzer signal and a terminal for inputting audio data (an example of second sound data) output from the SoC 100 through OS-based processing, exclusively switches between the buzzer tone based on the buzzer signal and the sound based on the audio data and outputs it from the speaker 32; and when the embedded controller 31 acquires the "-BT_INT" signal output from the near-field wireless communication unit 27, it controls the audio codec 24 to output the buzzer tone based on the buzzer signal from the speaker 32.

[0104] Therefore, even when the system is in a normal operating state (e.g., "S0" or "S0ix" state), the information processing device 10 can output a buzzer sound remotely using the existing speaker 32. Thus, the information processing device 10 can output sound remotely using the existing speaker 32 regardless of the system's operating state.

[0105] <Second Implementation Method>

[0106] In this embodiment, other examples of structures related to remote buzzer control are described.

[0107] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the remote buzzer control according to this embodiment. In this diagram, for... Figure 3 The structural labels corresponding to each part are the same as those in the attached drawings.

[0108] In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the audio codec 24 has two speakers that output sound based on audio data output from the SoC 100. The path for outputting sound based on the audio data output from the SoC 100 (the path indicated by the arrow in symbol R2) is separated by the two speakers, speaker 32A and speaker 32B. Speaker 32A and Figure 3 The speaker 32B corresponds to the speaker 32A. On the other hand, the speaker 32B is connected to the audio codec 24 via the amplifier 241. Compared with the speaker 32A, the speaker 32B is able to output high-quality sound via the amplifier 241.

[0109] Thus, even in a structure with two speakers, speaker 32A and speaker 32B, as a remote buzzer control, a buzzer sound can be output from speaker 32A by switching the resources of audio codec 24, just like in the first embodiment.

[0110] In addition, Figure 6 In the illustrated structure, the output of the buzzer signal (SoC_Beep) from SoC100 differs from the first embodiment. This buzzer signal (SoC_Beep), like the buzzer signal (EC_Beep) output from the embedded controller 31, is input to the buzzer terminal of the audio codec 24. The buzzer signal (SoC_Beep) is output during BIOS updates, etc., but not in "S0" or "S0ix" states. Therefore, remote buzzer control in "S0" or "S0ix" states is not affected.

[0111] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific structures are not limited to the embodiments described above, and also include designs that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the structures described in the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily.

[0112] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information processing device 10 outputs a buzzer sound based on the receipt of the anti-loss tag from the mobile terminal 50. However, it may also output a report sound other than a buzzer sound, and the type of report sound can be any sound.

[0113] Alternatively, the embedded controller 31 may not output the "Cont_Beep" signal to the audio codec 24, but instead request switching control of the sound output from the speaker 32 from the SoC 100. In this case, the SoC 100 (audio driver) may also instruct the audio codec 24 to switch the sound output from the speaker 32 from sound based on audio data output from the SoC 100 to a beep tone based on a beep signal output from the embedded controller 31, according to the switching control request from the embedded controller 31.

[0114] Furthermore, the aforementioned information processing apparatus 10 has an internal computer system. Moreover, programs for implementing the functions of each structure of the information processing apparatus 10 can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, allowing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium, thereby performing the processing of each structure of the information processing apparatus 10. Here, "allowing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium" includes installing the program into the computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Additionally, a "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, WAN, LAN, or communication lines such as dedicated lines. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program can also be a non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0115] Furthermore, the recording medium also includes an internal or external recording medium that can be accessed from a distribution server for distributing the program. Alternatively, it can be a structure where the program is divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different time intervals, and then integrated by the various components of the information processing device 10, with different distribution servers distributing the individual parts of the program. Moreover, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that stores the program for a certain period of time, similar to the volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system acting as a server or client when sending a program over a network. Additionally, the program described above can be a program used to implement the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, it can also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can achieve the aforementioned functions by combining with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0116] Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 in the above embodiments can be implemented as integrated circuits such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function can be processorized independently, or it can be processorized partially or entirely. Furthermore, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSI; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Additionally, if advancements in semiconductor technology lead to integrated circuit technologies that replace LSI, integrated circuits based on such technologies can also be used.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: Memory, which temporarily stores the programs of the OS (Operating System); A processor that executes programs from the OS; A loudspeaker, which outputs sound; The near-field wireless communication unit outputs first information indicating that a specific signal has been received when it receives a specific signal via near-field wireless communication. EC (Embedded Controller): Based on the acquisition of the first information output from the near-field wireless communication unit, it outputs first audio data for outputting sound. as well as An audio processing device includes a terminal for inputting first audio data output from the EC and a terminal for inputting second audio data output from the processor via processing based on the OS. The audio processing device exclusively switches between audio based on the first audio data and audio based on the second audio data and outputs them from the speaker. Upon receiving the first information output from the near-field wireless communication unit, the EC performs control so that the audio processing device outputs sound based on the first sound data from the speaker. The EC is independent of the processor that executes the OS program and is directly hardware connected to the audio processing device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Upon receiving the first information output from the near-field wireless communication unit, the EC outputs a control signal to switch the sound output from the speaker from sound based on the second sound data to sound based on the first sound data. The audio processing device has a control terminal for inputting the control signal output from the EC, and the audio processing device switches the sound output from the speaker from sound based on the second sound data to sound based on the first sound data based on the control signal.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The control terminals are terminals corresponding to the I2S (Inter-IC Sound) standard.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The audio processing device requests switching control from the processor based on the control signal. The processor, based on the switching control request from the audio processing device, instructs the audio processing device to switch the sound output from the speaker from sound based on the second sound data to sound based on the first sound data. The audio processing device switches the sound output from the speaker from sound based on the second sound data to sound based on the first sound data, according to the instruction from the processor.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The EC outputs second information to the processor based on the first information obtained from the near-field wireless communication unit. If the processor receives the second information output from the EC, it instructs the EC to output the first sound data. The EC outputs the first sound data according to an instruction to output the first sound data from the processor.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, After the EC outputs a control signal for switching the sound output from the speaker from the sound based on the second sound data to the sound based on the first sound data, if a predetermined condition is met, it outputs a control signal for switching the sound output from the speaker from the sound based on the first sound data to the sound based on the second sound data.

7. A control method for an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: a memory that temporarily stores a program of an OS (Operating System); a processor that executes the program of the OS; a speaker that outputs sound; a near-field wireless communication unit that performs near-field wireless communication; an audio processing device; and an EC (Embedded Controller), wherein, The control method for this information processing device includes the following steps: When the short-range wireless communication unit receives a specific signal via short-range wireless communication, it outputs first information indicating that the specific signal has been received. The EC outputs first audio data for outputting sound based on the acquisition of the first information output from the near-field wireless communication unit; and The audio processing device includes a terminal for inputting first audio data output from the EC and a terminal for inputting second audio data output from the processor through processing based on the OS. The audio processing device exclusively switches between the audio based on the first audio data and the audio based on the second audio data and outputs them from the speaker. Upon receiving the first information output from the near-field wireless communication unit, the EC performs control so that the audio processing device outputs sound based on the first sound data from the speaker. The EC is independent of the processor that executes the OS program and is directly hardware connected to the audio processing device.

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