Information processing device, and control method

Abstract

To enable processing using the same sensor regardless of an operating state of an information processing device.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a sensor, a first processor for executing system processing by executing a program of a system and executing processing using an output from the sensor on the basis of the system processing, a second processor for controlling a stop and a start of power supply at least to the first processor, and a switching part for switching a connection destination of the sensor to either the first processor or the second processor. The second processor controls the switching part so as to make the connection destination of the senor to be the second processor when the power supply to the first processor is stopped, and controls the switching part so as to make the connection destination of the sensor to be the first processor in response to the start of the power supply to the first processor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Information processing devices such as notebook PCs (Personal Computers) are sometimes used in dark environments such as darkrooms. In such cases, connectors and switches arranged on the sides of the information processing device are difficult to find. Although it would be easier to find them if light sources such as the backlight of a display or keyboard provided in the information processing device, or light sources near connectors and switches, were always turned on, this would increase power consumption. For example, some security cameras use sensors to turn on a light source when they detect a person in a dark environment (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-109440 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As with the security camera described above, it is conceivable to use a sensor to turn on a light source provided in an information processing device only when a user is near the information processing device in a dark environment. However, in the conventional PC system configuration, the output of the sensor is read out by software or firmware executed by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a chipset. In that case, there is a problem that the sensor can only be used when the PC is up and running.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of its objects is to provide an information processing device and a control method that can perform processing using the same sensor regardless of the operating state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a sensor, a first processor that executes system processing by executing a system program and executes processing using output from the sensor based on the system processing, a second processor that controls the stopping and starting of power supply to at least the first processor, and a switching unit that switches the connection of the sensor to either the first processor or the second processor, wherein when the power supply to the first processor is stopped, the second processor controls the switching unit so that the connection of the sensor is to the second processor, and in response to starting the power supply to the first processor, controls the switching unit so that the connection of the sensor is to the first processor.

[0007] In the above information processing device, when the second processor is stopped supplying power to the first processor, it may acquire an output signal from the sensor and execute processing based on the acquired output signal, and when the power supply to the first processor is started under the control of the second processor, the first processor may acquire an output signal from the sensor and execute processing based on the acquired output signal.

[0008] In the above information processing device, when the second processor is stopping power supply to the first processor, before starting to acquire the output signal of the sensor, it may acquire first setting information set in the sensor and store it in memory, and then set second setting information in the sensor, and when controlling the switching unit in response to starting power supply to the first processor, it may control the switching unit so that the sensor is connected to the first processor after setting the first setting information stored in the memory in the sensor.

[0009] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the first setting information may be setting information of the sensor when the first processor executes processing based on the output signal of the sensor, and the second setting information may be setting information of the sensor when the second processor executes processing based on the output signal of the sensor.

[0010] The information processing device may further include a light-emitting unit, the sensor being a first sensor for detecting the surrounding brightness, and the second processor may control the emission of the light-emitting unit based on an output signal of the first sensor when power supply to the first processor is stopped.

[0011] The information processing device may further include a second sensor connected to at least the second processor for detecting the approach of a person to the information processing device, and the second processor may control the light emission of the light-emitting unit based on an output signal of the first sensor and an output signal of the second sensor when power supply to the first processor is stopped.

[0012] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a control method in an information processing device including a sensor, a first processor that executes system processing by executing a system program and executes processing using output from the sensor based on the system processing, a second processor that controls the stopping and starting of power supply to at least the first processor, and a switching unit that switches a connection destination of the sensor to either the first processor or the second processor includes the steps of: when the second processor stops the power supply to the first processor, controlling the switching unit so that the connection destination of the sensor is the second processor; and, in response to starting the power supply to the first processor, controlling the switching unit so that the connection destination of the sensor is the first processor. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the above-described aspects of the present invention, processing can be performed using the same sensor regardless of the operating state of the information processing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment switches a connection destination of a sensor. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a connection destination switching process of an ambient light sensor according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an information processing device according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 shown in the figure is a clamshell-type notebook PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 1 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, and a hinge mechanism 103. The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are substantially rectangular plate-shaped (for example, flat) housings. One side surface of the first housing 101 and one side surface of the second housing 102 are coupled (connected) via the hinge mechanism 103, and the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 can rotate relatively around a rotation axis formed by the hinge mechanism 103. A state in which the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 around the rotation axis is substantially 0° is a state in which the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 overlap and are closed (referred to as a "closed state"). In the closed state, the surfaces of first housing 101 and second housing 102 that face each other are referred to as the "inner surface," and the surfaces opposite the inner surfaces are referred to as the "outer surface." The opening angle θ can also be said to be the angle formed by the inner surface of first housing 101 and the inner surface of second housing 102. A state in which first housing 101 and second housing 102 are open relative to the closed state is referred to as an "open state." The open state is a state in which first housing 101 and second housing 102 are rotated relatively until the opening angle θ becomes larger than a preset threshold value (for example, 10°).

[0016] A display unit 14 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing 101. A keyboard 33 is provided on the inner surface of the second housing 102. For example, the keyboard 33 is a physical keyboard equipped with a backlight. This backlight irradiates light from the back side of the keys so that typing can be performed even in a dark environment, and is equipped with, for example, LEDs (Light Emission Diodes) as light emitting elements. The keyboard 33 may include a touch pad.

[0017] Further, on the side surface of the second housing 102, there are arranged a connection portion for an external interface such as a USB connector 26, a power button 34, etc. Note that these arrangements are merely examples, and for example, the power button 34 may be arranged on the inner surface of the second housing 102.

[0018] In the closed state, the display unit 14 cannot be seen, and the keyboard 33 cannot be operated. On the other hand, in the open state, the display unit 14 can be seen, and the keyboard can be operated (i.e., the information processing device 1 can be used). In a typical usage mode when a user uses the information processing device 1, the information processing device 1 is often in an open state, for example, within the range of 90°≦open angle θ≦180°.

[0019] When the user closes the information processing device 1 and then presses the power button 34, the information processing device 1 starts up the system and transitions to a usable state. For example, when the user presses the power button 34, the information processing device 1 executes a power on self test (POST) process by a basic input output system (BIOS), and then starts up an operating system (OS).

[0020] In addition, an ambient light sensor 27 and a proximity sensor 32 are provided on the outside of the display unit 14 on the inner surface of the first housing 101. For example, the ambient light sensor 27 is provided to adjust the screen brightness of the display unit 14 according to the surrounding brightness so that the user can easily see the display screen during use. After starting up the system, the information processing device 1 detects the surrounding brightness using the ambient light sensor 27, and controls the screen brightness of the display unit 14 to be appropriate according to the detection result. Note that the position where the ambient light sensor 27 is provided as shown in FIG. 1 is one example, and other positions may be used as long as the surrounding brightness can be detected.

[0021] The proximity sensor 32 is provided to detect whether or not a user is present near the information processing device 1. For example, when a user approaches the information processing device 1 while the system is shut down, the information processing device 1 may automatically start the system without the user pressing the power button 34. Note that the position where the ambient light sensor 27 shown in FIG. 1 is provided is an example, and other positions may be used as long as the position allows detection of a nearby user. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 1, two proximity sensors 32 (two locations) are provided, but the number of proximity sensors 32 may be one or three or more.

[0022] Furthermore, an LED 35 is provided on the side surface of the second housing 102 on which the USB connector 26 and the power button 34 are provided. The information processing device 1 turns on the LED 35 only when the user is nearby in a dark environment such as a darkroom, thereby making it easier for the user to find the USB connector 26, the power button 34, and the like even in a dark environment while suppressing an increase in power consumption.

[0023] Specifically, the information processing device 1 detects the brightness of the surroundings using the ambient light sensor 27, and detects whether or not a user is nearby using the proximity sensor 32. When the brightness of the surroundings detected using the ambient light sensor 27 is less than a predetermined threshold and when the proximity sensor 32 detects that a user is nearby, the information processing device 1 turns on the LED 35. Note that the information processing device 1 may turn on the backlight of the keyboard 33 instead of or in addition to the LED 35.

[0024] Here, as described above, the ambient light sensor 27 is provided to adjust the screen brightness of the display unit 14 while the user is using it. Therefore, in the conventional system configuration, the output of the ambient light sensor 27 is read out on the premise that software or firmware executed by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a chipset is used, and the readout is limited to a state in which the system is activated and operating. Therefore, unlike the conventional system configuration, the information processing device 1 has a configuration that allows the ambient light sensor 27 to be used not only when the system is activated and operating, but also when the system is shut down.

[0025] In the following, the state in which the system is started and operating will be referred to as a “system operating state.” In the following, the state in which the system is shut down will be referred to as a “shutdown state.” The configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0026] [Hardware configuration of information processing device] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a main hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. In this figure, components corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 1 includes a CPU 11, a main memory 12, a video subsystem 13, a display unit 14, a chipset 21, a BIOS memory 22, a storage 23, an audio system 24, a communication unit 25, a USB connector 26, an ambient light sensor 27, a switching unit 28, an EC (Embedded Controller) 31, a proximity sensor 32, a keyboard 33, a power button 34, an LED 35, and a power circuit 36.

[0028] In this embodiment, the CPU 11 and the chipset 21 correspond to the main control unit 10. The main control unit 10 is an example of a processor (first processor) that executes BIOS and OS programs. The main control unit 10 may be configured as a SoC (System on a chip).

[0029] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 executes various arithmetic processing under program control, and controls the entire information processing device 1. For example, the CPU 11 loads a BIOS program from the BIOS memory 22 into the main memory 12 and executes BIOS processing (such as POST processing). The CPU 11 also loads an OS, various drivers, various services / utilities, application programs, and the like from the storage 23 into the main memory 12 and executes the respective processing.

[0030] The main memory 12 is a writable memory used as a read area for the programs executed by the CPU 11 or as a work area for writing processing data for the programs executed. The main memory 12 is composed of, for example, a plurality of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. The programs executed by the CPU 11 include the BIOS, the OS, various drivers for operating the hardware of peripheral devices, various services / utilities, application programs, etc.

[0031] Video subsystem 13 is a subsystem for implementing functions related to image display, and includes a video controller. This video controller processes drawing commands from CPU 11, writes the processed drawing information to a video memory, and also reads the drawing information from the video memory and outputs it to display unit 14 as drawing data (display data).

[0032] The display unit 14 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The display unit 14 displays a display screen based on drawing data (display data) output from the video subsystem 13.

[0033] The chipset 21 includes controllers such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a serial AT Attachment (Serial ATA), a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express bus, and a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, and is connected to a plurality of devices. In FIG. 2, as examples of devices, a BIOS memory 22, a storage 23, an audio system 24, a communication unit 25, a USB connector 26, and an ambient light sensor 27 via a switching unit 28 are connected to the chipset 21.

[0034] The BIOS memory 22 is configured with an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash ROM, etc. The BIOS memory 22 stores the BIOS, system firmware for controlling the EC 31, etc.

[0035] The storage 23 includes a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), etc. For example, the storage 23 stores an OS, various drivers, various services / utilities, application programs, various data, and the like.

[0036] The audio system 24 records, plays back, and outputs audio data. The communication unit 25 connects to a communication network via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wired LAN, and performs data communication.

[0037] The USB connector 26 is a connector for connecting peripheral devices that use USB. For example, the USB connector 26 has a plurality of connectors so that it can be connected to a plurality of peripheral devices. The USB connector 26 may include either one or both of a USB Type-A and a USB Type-C connector.

[0038] The ambient light sensor 27 (ALS: Ambient Light Sensor) is a sensor for detecting the brightness (e.g., illuminance) of the surroundings of the information processing device 1. The ambient light sensor 27 detects the amount of light in the surroundings, and outputs an output signal having a photoelectrically converted value as an output value. For example, the ambient light sensor 27 includes a phototransistor, and converts a current flowing through the phototransistor, which changes according to the amount of light in the surroundings, into a voltage using a resistor, and outputs the voltage value. In addition, the ambient light sensor 27 has setting information (detection sensitivity, detection timing, etc.) set (stored) for detecting the surrounding brightness (e.g., illuminance), and detects the surrounding brightness (e.g., illuminance) based on this setting information.

[0039] The switching unit 28 switches the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 to either the chipset 21 or EC31. For example, the switching unit 28 switches the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 to either the chipset 21 or EC31 under the control of EC31. When the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 is the chipset 21, the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27 is transmitted to the chipset 21. In other words, when the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 is the chipset 21, the chipset 21 can use the ambient light sensor 27 to perform processing. When the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 is EC31, the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27 is transmitted to EC31. In other words, when the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 is EC31, EC31 can use the ambient light sensor 27 to perform processing.

[0040] The EC31 (an example of a second processor) is a one-chip microcomputer that monitors and controls various devices (peripheral devices, sensors, etc.) regardless of the operating state of the system of the information processing device 1. The EC20 is composed of a CPU and memory (ROM, RAM, etc.) (not shown), and includes various buses, A / D input terminals for multiple channels, D / A output terminals, a timer, and digital input / output terminals. The EC31 is connected to, for example, a proximity sensor 32, a keyboard 33, a power button 34, an LED 35, and a power circuit 36, and controls the operations of these.

[0041] The proximity sensor 32 is a sensor for detecting the proximity of a person (user) to the information processing device 1. For example, the proximity sensor 32 includes a light emitting unit that emits infrared rays and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light of the emitted infrared rays reflected on the surface of an object. Specifically, the proximity sensor 32 detects light received by the light receiving unit at a predetermined sampling period (for example, 1 Hz) and outputs a detection signal according to the distance to the object (for example, a person) using a triangulation method that calculates the distance based on the image formation position of the received light, or a ToF (Time of Flight) method that converts the time difference from light emission to light reception into distance. The proximity sensor 32 is connected to the EC 31. The EC 31 detects whether or not a user is present near the information processing device 1 by using the proximity sensor 32.

[0042] In addition, the proximity sensor 32 is not limited to an infrared sensor, and may be a sensor using other methods, such as an ultrasonic sensor or a sensor using UWB (Ultra Wide Band) radar, as long as it is a sensor that detects the distance to an object.

[0043] As described above, the keyboard 33 is, for example, a physical keyboard equipped with a backlight. When the user operates (types), the keyboard 33 transmits an operation signal indicating the operated key to the EC 31. The EC 31 executes processing according to the key operated by the user based on the operation signal transmitted from the keyboard 33. The EC 31 also controls the backlight of the keyboard 33 to be turned on, blink, or turned off.

[0044] The power button 34 is an operator that allows the user to instruct power on or power off. When the power button 34 is operated by the user, it transmits an operation signal to the EC 31 in response to the operation.

[0045] As described with reference to FIG. 1, the LED 35 is a light source for emitting light to the USB connector 26 and the power button 34 provided on the side surface of the second housing 102. Although an LED is used as an example of the light source here, the light source is not limited to an LED as long as it emits light. The LED 35 is connected to the EC 31. The EC 31 controls the turning on, blinking, turning off, etc. of the LED 35.

[0046] The power supply circuit 36 ​​includes, for example, a DC / DC converter, a charge / discharge unit, a battery unit, an AC / DC adapter, and converts a DC voltage supplied from the AC / DC adapter or the battery unit into a plurality of voltages required to operate the information processing device 1. The power supply circuit 36 ​​also controls the supply of power to each part of the information processing device 1 based on the power-on or power-off control from the EC 31.

[0047] [Explanation of the configuration for switching the sensor connection destination] Next, a detailed description will be given of a configuration in which the information processing device 1 also switches the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 between the chipset 21 and the EC 31 depending on the operating state, thereby performing processing using the ambient light sensor 27 even in a shutdown state.

[0048] 3 is a block diagram for explaining an example of a configuration in which the information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment switches the connection destination of a sensor. In this figure, components corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals.

[0049] 3 is power supplied whether the system is in operation or in shutdown. The "Pri power" is power supplied to the chipset 21 in the system operation state. The "SYS power" is power supplied to devices such as the CPU 11 that operate in the system operation state.

[0050] In the shutdown state, the power supply circuit 36 ​​supplies EC power to at least the EC 31, the ambient light sensor 27, the proximity sensor 32, and the LED 35. The EC 31 outputs a control signal "SYS power CNT" that controls the on / off of the SYS power to the power supply circuit 36. For example, when the EC 31 controls the SYS power CNT to Low in the shutdown state, the supply of SYS power from the power supply circuit 36 ​​is stopped (SYS power OFF). Then, when the EC 31 controls the SYS power CNT to High, the power supply circuit 36 ​​first starts supplying Pri power to the chipset 21, and then starts supplying SYS power to devices such as the CPU 11 (SYS power ON), and the system transitions to an operating state.

[0051] Here, the shutdown state corresponds to, for example, the sleep state "S5" defined by ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface). Similarly, the hibernation state of the sleep state "S4" is a state in which EC power is supplied but Pri power and SYS power are not supplied (SYS power off).

[0052] The system operating state corresponds to, for example, the sleep state "S0" defined by ACPI. Similarly, the sleep state "S0ix" is a state in which the PRI power supply and the SYS power supply are supplied (SYS power supply on).

[0053] That is, in "S4" or "S5", EC31 controls the SYS power supply CNT to low and controls the SYS power supply to be off (only EC power supply is supplied). When EC31 controls the SYS power supply CNT from low to high and controls the SYS power supply to be on, the power supply circuit 36 ​​turns on the Pri power supply and the SYS power supply in that order, and the state transitions from "S4" or "S5" to "S0" or "S0ix".

[0054] Also, the control signal "SYS power supply CNT" output from EC31 is also connected to the switching unit 28. That is, the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 is also switched to either the chipset 21 or EC31 according to the control of the SYS power supply CNT by EC31. Specifically, when EC31 controls the SYS power supply CNT to Low, the connection destination of the switching unit 28 becomes side B (i.e., EC31). On the other hand, when EC31 controls the SYS power supply CNT to High, the connection destination of the switching unit 28 becomes side A (i.e., the chipset 21).

[0055] That is, when the EC 31 stops the power supply to the main control unit 10 (CPU 11, chipset 21, etc.), it controls the switching unit 28 so that the ambient light sensor 27 is connected to the EC 31. In addition, when the EC 31 starts the power supply to the main control unit 10, it controls the switching unit 28 so that the ambient light sensor 27 is connected to the main control unit 10 (chipset 21).

[0056] Thereby, when the sleep state is, for example, "S4" or "S5" and the power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, the EC 31 can acquire the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27 and execute processing based on the acquired output signal. For example, when the sleep state is "S4" or "S5", the EC 31 can control the light emission of the LED 25 based on the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27. In addition, the EC 31 can also use the proximity sensor 32 connected to the EC 31 to control the light emission of the LED 25 based on the output signals of the ambient light sensor 27 and the proximity sensor 32 when the sleep state is "S4" or "S5".

[0057] For example, the EC 31 turns on the LED 35 when the surrounding brightness detected by the ambient light sensor 27 is less than a predetermined threshold and when the proximity sensor 32 detects that a user is nearby. In this way, the information processing device 1 turns on the LED 35 only when the user is nearby in a dark environment such as a darkroom, thereby making it easier for the user to find the USB connector 26 and the power button 34 even in a dark environment while suppressing an increase in power consumption. Note that the EC 31 may turn on the backlight of the keyboard 33 instead of or in addition to the LED 35.

[0058] In addition, before starting to acquire the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27 when the power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, the EC31 acquires first setting information set in the ambient light sensor 27 and stores it in a memory within the EC31, and then sets second setting information in the ambient light sensor 27.

[0059] Here, the first setting information is setting information of the ambient light sensor 27 when the main control unit 10 executes processing based on the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27. On the other hand, the second setting information is setting information of the ambient light sensor 27 when the EC 31 executes processing based on the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27.

[0060] Furthermore, when controlling the switching unit 28 in response to starting the power supply to the main control unit 10, the EC 31 returns (sets) the first setting information stored in the memory in EC 31 to the ambient light sensor 27, and then controls the switching unit 28 so that the ambient light sensor 27 is connected to the chipset 21. When the power supply to the main control unit 10 is started under the control of the EC 31, the main control unit 10 obtains an output signal from the ambient light sensor 27 and executes processing based on the obtained output signal.

[0061] As a result, when EC 31 uses the ambient light sensor 27, it can use the ambient light sensor 27 with settings that match the processing used by EC 31, and when the main control unit 10 uses the ambient light sensor 27, it can use the ambient light sensor 27 with settings that match the processing used by the main control unit 10. Therefore, even if EC 31 uses the ambient light sensor 27 in the "S4" or "S5" state, the main control unit 10 can use the ambient light sensor 27 in the "S0" or "S0ix" state without being affected by it.

[0062] [Sensor connection switching process] Next, a switching process in which the information processing device 1 switches the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 between the chipset 21 and the EC 31 will be described. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a connection destination switching process of the ambient light sensor 27 according to this embodiment. The process shown in this figure is started, for example, when the global system state defined by ACPI transitions from "G3" to "S4" or "S5" and the EC power is turned on (EC power is supplied from the power supply circuit 36).

[0063] (Step S101) The EC 31 controls the SYS power supply CNT to be low to turn off the SYS power supply. As a result, the power supply circuit 36 ​​continues the state in which the supply of the Pri power supply and the SYS power supply is stopped. In addition, the switching unit 28 switches the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 to the EC 31. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0064] (Step S103) The EC 31 acquires first setting information set in the ambient light sensor 27 from the ambient light sensor 27 and stores the information in a memory in the EC 31. The first setting information is setting information of the ambient light sensor 27 when the main control unit 10 executes processing based on an output signal of the ambient light sensor 27. Then, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0065] (Step S105) The EC 31 sets the second setting information in the ambient light sensor 27. The second setting information is setting information for the ambient light sensor 27 when the EC 31 executes processing based on the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27. Then, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0066] (Step S107) EC31 acquires an output signal of the ambient light sensor 27. For example, EC31 acquires the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27 and executes processing based on the acquired output signal. As an example, EC31 acquires an output signal of the ambient light sensor 27 and an output signal of the proximity sensor 32 and controls the light emission of the LED 25 based on the output signals of the ambient light sensor 27 and the proximity sensor 32.

[0067] (Step S109) The EC 31 determines whether or not a request to turn on the SYS power has been made. If the EC 31 determines that a request to turn on the SYS power has not been made (NO), the EC 31 continues the process of step S107. On the other hand, if the EC 31 determines that a request to turn on the SYS power has been made (YES), the EC 31 proceeds to the process of step S111.

[0068] (Step S111) The EC 31 stops the output of the ambient light sensor 27 and ends the acquisition of the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27. Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0069] (Step S113) The EC 31 reads out the first setting information saved in step S103 from the memory, and sets it in the ambient light sensor 27. Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0070] (Step S115) The EC31 controls the SYS power supply CNT to High to turn on the SYS power supply. As a result, the power supply circuit 36 ​​turns on the Pri power supply and then the SYS power supply to start supplying power. The switching unit 28 also switches the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 to the chipset 21. When the Pri power supply and the SYS power supply are supplied, the main control unit 10 starts up the system and transitions from "S4" or "S5" to "S0".

[0071] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment includes the ambient light sensor 27 (an example of a sensor), the main control unit 10 (an example of a first processor), the EC 31 (an example of a second processor), and the switching unit 28. The main control unit 10 executes a system process by executing a program of the system (e.g., BIOS, OS, etc.), and executes a process using an output (output signal) from the ambient light sensor 27 based on the system process (e.g., by processing of a program executed on the OS). The EC 31 controls the stop and start of power supply to at least the main control unit 10. The switching unit 28 switches the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 between the main control unit 10 (e.g., the chipset 21) and the EC 31. When the power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, the EC 31 controls the switching unit 28 so that the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 is the EC 31, and when the power supply to the main control unit 10 is started, the EC 31 controls the switching unit 28 so that the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 is the main control unit 10 (e.g., the chipset 21).

[0072] As a result, the information processing device 1 can switch the connection of the ambient light sensor 27 not only to the main control unit 10 (e.g., the chipset 21) but also to the EC 31 when the power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, thereby enabling control using the ambient light sensor 27 to be performed regardless of the operating state of the system.

[0073] Furthermore, when the power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, the EC 31 acquires an output signal from the ambient light sensor 27 and executes processing based on the acquired output signal. When the power supply to the main control unit 10 is started under the control of the EC 31, the main control unit 10 acquires an output signal from the ambient light sensor 27 and executes processing based on the acquired output signal.

[0074] As a result, when the information processing device 1 is in the "S0" or "S0ix" state, it performs processing using the ambient light sensor 27 based on system processing by the main control unit 10, but when in the "S4" or "S5" state, it can switch the connection of the ambient light sensor 27 to EC31 and perform processing using the ambient light sensor 27 based on processing by EC31.

[0075] Furthermore, before starting to acquire an output signal of the ambient light sensor 27 while the power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, the EC 31 acquires first setting information set in the ambient light sensor 27 and stores it in a memory. Then, the EC 31 sets the second setting information from the ambient light sensor 27. Furthermore, when controlling the switching unit 28 in response to starting the power supply to the main control unit 10, the EC 31 sets the first setting information stored in a memory (an example of a memory) in the EC 31 in the ambient light sensor 27. Then, the EC 31 controls the switching unit 28 so that the connection destination of the ambient light sensor 27 is the main control unit 10 (for example, the chipset 21).

[0076] As a result, even if the EC 31 changes the setting information of the ambient light sensor 27 when it uses the ambient light sensor 27, the information processing device 1 can restore the setting information of the ambient light sensor 27 to its original state before the main control unit 10 uses the ambient light sensor 27. Therefore, even if the EC 31 uses the ambient light sensor 27 in the "S4" or "S5" state, for example, the main control unit 10 can use the ambient light sensor 27 in the "S0" or "S0ix" state without being affected by the use of the ambient light sensor 27.

[0077] Here, the above-mentioned first setting information is setting information of the ambient light sensor 27 when the main control unit 10 executes processing based on the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27. Also, the above-mentioned second setting information is setting information of the ambient light sensor 27 when the EC 31 executes processing based on the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27.

[0078] As a result, when the EC31 uses the ambient light sensor 27, the information processing device 1 can use the ambient light sensor 27 with settings that match the processing used by the EC31, and when the main control unit 10 uses the ambient light sensor 27, the information processing device 1 can use the ambient light sensor 27 with settings that match the processing used by the main control unit 10.

[0079] The information processing device 1 further includes an LED 35 (an example of a light-emitting unit). An ambient light sensor 27 (an example of a first sensor) is a sensor for detecting the brightness of the surroundings. When the power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, the EC 31 controls the light emission (lighting, blinking, turning off, etc.) of the LED 35 based on the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27.

[0080] This allows the information processing device 1 to turn on the LED 35 only in dark environments such as a darkroom, thereby making it easier for the user to find the USB connector 26, power button 34, etc., even in dark environments, while suppressing an increase in power consumption.

[0081] The information processing device 1 further includes a proximity sensor 32 (an example of a second sensor) that is connected to at least the EC 31 and detects the approach of a person to the information processing device 1. When the power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, the EC 31 controls the light emission (lighting, blinking, turning off, etc.) of the LED 35 based on the output signal of the ambient light sensor 27 and the output signal of the proximity sensor 32.

[0082] This allows the information processing device 1 to turn on the LED 35 only when the user is nearby in a dark environment, such as a darkroom, thereby making it easier for the user to find the USB connector 26, power button 34, etc., even in a dark environment, while suppressing an increase in power consumption.

[0083] In addition, the control method in the information processing device 1 of this embodiment includes a step of controlling the switching unit 28 so that the ambient light sensor 27 is connected to EC31 when EC31 stops the power supply to the main control unit 10, and a step of controlling the switching unit 28 so that the ambient light sensor 27 is connected to the main control unit 10 (e.g., chipset 21) in response to starting the power supply to the main control unit 10.

[0084] As a result, the information processing device 1 can switch the connection of the ambient light sensor 27 not only to the main control unit 10 (e.g., the chipset 21) but also to the EC 31 when the power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, thereby enabling control using the ambient light sensor 27 to be performed regardless of the operating state of the system.

[0085] Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the present invention also includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be arbitrarily combined.

[0086] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the control signal "SYS power supply CNT" output from EC 31 to the power supply circuit 36 ​​is used as a control signal for controlling the switching of the switching unit 28, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, EC 31 may use a control signal different from the control signal "SYS power supply CNT" as a control signal for controlling the switching of the switching unit 28. This control signal for controlling the switching of the switching unit 28 is a control signal that controls the switching of the switching unit 28 according to the timing at which the control signal "SYS power supply CNT" controls the on / off of the SYS power supply.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the EC 31 stores the first setting information of the ambient light sensor 27 in a memory in the EC 31, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the EC 31 may store the first setting information of the ambient light sensor 27 in a memory connected to the EC 31.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 1 has been described as controlling the light emission (on, blinking, off, etc.) of the LED 35 using the ambient light sensor 27 and the proximity sensor 32, but the light emission (on, blinking, off, etc.) of the LED 35 may be controlled using only the ambient light sensor 27. The information processing device 1 may control the light emission (on, blinking, off, etc.) of the backlight of the keyboard 33 instead of or in addition to the LED 35, and may further control the light emission (on, blinking, off, etc.) of any device that serves as a light source provided in the information processing device 1. For example, if the display unit 14 has a backlight, the light emission (on, blinking, off, etc.) of the backlight of the display unit 14 may be controlled.

[0089] In the above embodiment, in the example of the appearance of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the USB connector 26 and the power button 34 are provided on one of the side surfaces of the second housing 102, but they may be provided on multiple side surfaces, or a connection unit or an operator for an external interface other than the USB connector 26 and the power button 34 may be provided. In addition, when a connection unit or an operator for an external interface such as the USB connector 26 and the power button 34 is provided on multiple side surfaces, a light-emitting unit (e.g., LED 35) may also be provided on multiple side surfaces. For example, when a connection unit or an operator for an external interface and a light-emitting unit (e.g., LED 35) are provided on the side opposite to the side surface of the second housing 102 on which the USB connector 26, the power button 34, and the LED 35 are provided in FIG. 1, the light-emitting unit (e.g., LED 35) on the side surface to which the user approaches may be turned on using two proximity sensors 32.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the main control unit 10 (e.g., the chipset 21) and the EC 31 switch between the ambient light sensor 27 for use, but the present invention is not limited to the ambient light sensor 27. For example, the main control unit 10 (e.g., the chipset 21) and the EC 31 may switch between the ambient light sensor 32 for use.

[0091] Also, the main control unit 10 (e.g., chipset 21) and EC31 may be configured to switch between an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. For example, in the past, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor was used to change the screen orientation in response to changes in the orientation of the device in the "S0" state. When EC31 is able to switch between the acceleration sensor or the gyro sensor in the "S4" or "S5" state and use it, it can detect unauthorized access, such as turning the device over to remove the back cover, in "S4" or "S5" and detect removal from the office by measuring the distance traveled in "S4" or "S5".

[0092] The information processing device 1 described above has a computer system inside. A program for implementing the functions of each component of the information processing device 1 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing in each component of the information processing device 1 described above. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a dedicated line. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0093] The recording medium also includes a recording medium installed inside or outside and accessible from a distribution server to distribute the program. The program may be divided into a plurality of parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined by each component of the information processing device 1, or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a recording medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network. The program may be a recording medium for implementing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0094] In addition, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 1 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually processed, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[0095] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of the above embodiment is not limited to a notebook PC, but may be a desktop PC, a tablet PC, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Information processing device, 10 Main control unit, 11 CPU, 12 Main memory, 13 Video subsystem, 14 Display unit, 21 Chipset, 22 BIOS memory, 23 Storage, 24 Audio system, 25 Communication unit, 26 USB connector, 27 Ambient light sensor, 28 Switching unit, 31 EC, 32 Proximity sensor, 33 Keyboard, 34 Power button, 35 LED, 36 Power circuit

Claims

1. A sensor; a first processor that executes a system program to execute a system process and executes a process using an output from the sensor based on the system process; a second processor that controls the stopping and starting of power supply to at least the first processor; a switching unit that switches a connection destination of the sensor between the first processor and the second processor; Equipped with The second processor, when the power supply to the first processor is stopped, the switching unit is controlled so that the connection destination of the sensor is the second processor, and in response to starting the power supply to the first processor, the switching unit is controlled so that the connection destination of the sensor is the first processor. Information processing device.

2. The second processor, When the power supply to the first processor is stopped, an output signal of the sensor is acquired, and a process is executed based on the acquired output signal; The first processor, When power supply to the first processor is started under the control of the second processor, an output signal of the sensor is acquired, and a process is performed based on the acquired output signal. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The second processor, while the power supply to the first processor is stopped, before starting to acquire an output signal of the sensor, first setting information set in the sensor is acquired and stored in a memory, and then second setting information is set in the sensor; When controlling the switching unit in response to starting the power supply to the first processor, the first setting information stored in the memory is set to the sensor, and then the switching unit is controlled so that the sensor is connected to the first processor. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the first setting information is setting information of the sensor when the first processor executes a process based on an output signal of the sensor, The second setting information is setting information of the sensor when the second processor executes a process based on an output signal of the sensor. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. Further comprising a light emitting unit, the sensor is a first sensor for detecting an ambient brightness, The second processor, when the power supply to the first processor is stopped, light emission of the light emitting unit is controlled based on an output signal of the first sensor; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. a second sensor connected to at least the second processor for detecting the proximity of a person to the information processing device; The second processor, when the power supply to the first processor is stopped, light emission of the light emitting unit is controlled based on the output signal of the first sensor and the output signal of the second sensor. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. A control method for an information processing device including a sensor, a first processor that executes a system process by executing a system program and executes a process using an output from the sensor based on the system process, a second processor that controls the stopping and starting of a power supply to at least the first processor, and a switching unit that switches a connection destination of the sensor to either the first processor or the second processor, The second processor: controlling the switching unit so that the sensor is connected to the second processor when power supply to the first processor is stopped; controlling the switching unit in response to starting the supply of power to the first processor so that the sensor is connected to the first processor; A control method comprising:

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