Power supply control device, information processing device, and power supply control method

Abstract

To provide a power supply control device, information processing device, and power supply control method that can achieve authentication using more complex input patterns.SOLUTION: A power supply control device includes: measurement means for measuring the time a power button is pressed; holding means for holding the measurement time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times as an input pattern; comparison means for comparing the input pattern with an authentication pattern and generating a signal to turn on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern; and output means for outputting timing information indicating reference timing for pressing the power button.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply control device, an information processing device, and a power supply control method. [Background technology]

[0002] One method for ensuring the security of an information processing device is to authenticate a user using a password when logging in to the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) or OS (Operating System). This method involves firmware or software. When the information processing device is turned on, the firmware and software start to operate, making it possible to analyze the password. In order to improve the security of the information processing device, it is desirable to restrict the power-on of the information processing device itself.

[0003] There are two methods for restricting power-on of an information processing device: one is to use the number of times the power button is pressed as a PIN, and the other is to input a combination of two types of codes, long and short, for the duration of pressing the power button, like Morse code. However, in this method, the input pattern is a simple combination of codes.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an information terminal device that turns the power on or off if an input pattern corresponding to the time the power button is pressed matches a registered pattern. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-190335 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The information terminal device described in Patent Document 1 does not have a function to display a guide regarding the timing and duration of pressing the power button, and therefore cannot use complex input patterns and registered patterns that require pressing the power button for a certain period of time.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply control device, an information processing device, and a power supply control method that solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A power supply control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a measurement means for measuring the time the power button is pressed, a storage means for storing the measured time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times as an input pattern, a comparison means for comparing the input pattern with an authentication pattern and generating a signal to turn on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern, and an output means for outputting timing information indicating the reference timing for pressing the power button.

[0009] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power button, a measurement means for measuring the time the power button is pressed, a storage means for storing the measured time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times as an input pattern, a comparison means for comparing the input pattern with an authentication pattern and generating a signal to turn on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern, a power control means for turning on the power based on the signal, and an output means for outputting timing information indicating the reference timing for pressing the power button.

[0010] A power control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure measures the time a power button is pressed, stores the measured time when the power button is pressed one or more times as an input pattern, compares the input pattern with an authentication pattern, and when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern, generates a signal to turn on the power and outputs timing information indicating the reference timing for pressing the power button. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above aspect, it is possible to realize authentication using a more complicated input pattern. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a power supply control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 4 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of a power supply control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a functional block diagram of a power supply control device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0014] First Embodiment An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows the hardware configuration of a power supply control device 1 according to this embodiment. The power supply control device 1 includes a power button 10, an input determination circuit 11, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 12, an LED control circuit 13, a buzzer 14, a buzzer control circuit 15, a device control circuit 16, a press time measurement circuit 17, an input hold circuit 18, a recording circuit 19, a comparison circuit 20, a power supply control circuit 21, and a power supply circuit 22.

[0015] The user presses the power button 10. After pressing the power button 10, the user releases the power button 10. The input determination circuit 11 is connected to the power button 10 and determines whether the power button 10 is being pressed.

[0016] The device control circuit 16 has an internal timer 23 that operates in 0.5-second increments. When the input determination circuit 11 detects that the power button 10 has been pressed, the device control circuit 16 activates the internal timer 23. When the input determination circuit 11 detects that the power button 10 has been released from the press, the device control circuit 16 stops the internal timer 23.

[0017] The LED control circuit 13 functions as an output means for outputting timing information indicating the reference timing for pressing the power button 10. While the power button 10 is being pressed, the LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12, causing the LED 12 to repeatedly turn on and off every 0.5 seconds. In this way, the LED control circuit 13 notifies the user of the length of time the power button 10 is being pressed (pressing time).

[0018] The pressing time measurement circuit 17 functions as a measurement means for measuring the time that the power button 10 is pressed. The pressing time measurement circuit 17 monitors the internal timer 23 and holds the measurement time 24 in response to changes in the state of the internal timer 23. When the internal timer 23 stops operating, the pressing time measurement circuit 17 outputs the measurement time 24 to the input holding circuit 18. The input holding circuit 18 functions as a holding means for holding the measurement time 24 measured when the power button 10 is pressed one or more times as an input pattern 25.

[0019] The recording circuit 19 functions as a storage means for storing an authentication pattern. The recording circuit 19 holds a preset authentication pattern 26. As will be described later, the user can set the authentication pattern 26.

[0020] The comparator circuit 20 functions as a comparator that compares the input pattern with the authentication pattern and generates a signal to turn on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern. The comparator circuit 20 compares the input pattern 25 held in the input holding circuit 18 with the authentication pattern 26 held in the recording circuit 19. The comparator circuit 20 outputs a signal to the power supply control circuit 21 in accordance with whether the input pattern 25 matches or does not match the authentication pattern 26.

[0021] Based on the signal input from the comparison circuit 20, the power supply control circuit 21 outputs to the power supply circuit 22 a signal indicating whether or not to turn on the power supply.

[0022] After the user presses the power button 10 to set the authentication pattern 26, the buzzer control circuit 15 outputs a control signal to the buzzer 14 at the timing when the user releases the power button 10. The buzzer 14 generates a beep sound. This allows the buzzer control circuit 15 to notify the user that the input has been accepted.

[0023] The buzzer control circuit 15 does not sound the buzzer 14 at any time other than when the user sets the authentication pattern 26. This allows the buzzer control circuit 15 to improve security by not informing a third party that the authentication pattern 26 has been entered.

[0024] The power supply control device 1 operates in an authentication mode (first mode) or a recording mode (second mode). The authentication mode is an operation mode in which a user inputs information to turn on the power. The recording mode is an operation mode in which a user sets an authentication pattern 26.

[0025] When the power supply control device 1 is operating in the recording mode, the press time measurement circuit 17 outputs the measurement time 24 to the input holding circuit 18. The input holding circuit 18 holds the measurement time 24 measured when the power button 10 is pressed one or more times as an input pattern 25. The input holding circuit 18 outputs the input pattern 25 to the recording circuit 19, which holds the input pattern 25 as an authentication pattern 26. The user can change the preset authentication pattern 26 to any authentication pattern 26.

[0026] The pressing time measurement circuit 17 measures the pressing time of the power button 10 in 0.5 second increments, thereby realizing a complex input pattern based on the pressing time and number of times the power button 10 is pressed. The power supply control device 1 realizes the input of complex input patterns using only hardware circuits, thereby improving the security of the information processing device.

[0027] 2 shows the operation of the power supply control device 1 until the input pattern 25 is determined. 2 shows the state of the power button 10, the determination result of the input determination circuit 11, the state of the internal timer 23, the state of the output signal of the LED control circuit 13, the measurement time 24, and the input pattern 25.

[0028] When the user presses the power button 10 at timing T10, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been pressed to the device control circuit 16. The device control circuit 16 outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 instructing it to turn on the LED 12. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12, turning on the LED 12. This causes the LED control circuit 13 to notify the user that it is waiting for an input pattern to be input.

[0029] At timing T11, the pressing time measurement circuit 17 initializes the measurement time 24 to 00h. At timing T11, the input holding circuit 18 clears the input pattern 25 that it holds.

[0030] When the user presses the power button 10 at timing T12, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been pressed to the device control circuit 16. The device control circuit 16 starts the internal timer 23 and repeatedly outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 instructing it to turn on or off the LED 12. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12, causing the LED 12 to switch between on and off every 0.5 seconds. The LED 12 repeatedly turns on and off, flashing. In this way, the LED control circuit 13 notifies the user that the power button 10 is being pressed.

[0031] The state of the internal timer 23 switches between rising and falling every 0.5 seconds. When the press time measurement circuit 17 detects the rising of the internal timer 23, it increases the measurement time 24 by +1h.

[0032] The user continues to press the power button 10 from timing T12. When the user releases the power button 10 at timing T13, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been released to the device control circuit 16. The device control circuit 16 stops the internal timer 23 and outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 instructing it to turn on the LED 12. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12, turning it on. This causes the LED control circuit 13 to notify the user that it is waiting for the next input pattern to be input.

[0033] If the user presses the power button 10 for 1.5 seconds or more but less than 2.0 seconds, the measurement time 24 will be 04h. The press time measurement circuit 17 outputs the measurement time 24 (04h) to the input holding circuit 18 at timing T13 when the power button 10 is released from the press. The input holding circuit 18 holds 04h as the input pattern 25. After outputting the measurement time 24 to the input holding circuit 18, the press time measurement circuit 17 initializes the measurement time 24 to 00h.

[0034] Similarly, the user presses power button 10 from timing T14 to timing T15. If power button 10 is pressed for 0.5 seconds or more but less than 1.0 second, measurement time 24 becomes 02h. 02h is stored in input pattern 25 held by input holding circuit 18, and input pattern 25 becomes 04h02h.

[0035] Each time the user presses the power button 10, the press time measurement circuit 17 measures the press time until the user has not pressed the power button 10 for 10 seconds or more. Also, the input holding circuit 18 holds the accumulated input pattern 25.

[0036] While the user is not pressing the power button 10, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 is not pressed to the device control circuit 16. At timing T16 when the state in which the user is not pressing the power button 10 continues for 10 seconds or more, the input holding circuit 18 confirms the input pattern 25 and outputs the input pattern 25 to the comparison circuit 20.

[0037] At timing T16, the device control circuit 16 stops the internal timer 23 and outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 to instruct the LED 12 to be turned off. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12 to turn it off.

[0038] As described above, when the duration of the state in which the user does not press the power button 10 is less than the reference time, the input holding circuit 18 holds the measurement time 24 as the input pattern 25. When the duration of this state is equal to or greater than the reference time, the input holding circuit 18 confirms the input pattern 25. In the above example, the reference time is 10 seconds, but the reference time is not limited to 10 seconds. The power supply control device 1 can realize complex input patterns using any desired pressing duration and number of presses using only hardware circuits.

[0039] 3 shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device 2 that has the same configuration as the power supply control device 1. The information processing device 2 is an information device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0040] The information processing device 2 includes a power button 10, an LED 12, a buzzer 14, a power control circuit 21, a power circuit 22, a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) 27, and a power connector 28. The CPLD 27 includes an input determination circuit 11, an LED control circuit 13, a buzzer control circuit 15, a device control circuit 16, a press time measurement circuit 17, an input holding circuit 18, a recording circuit 19, and a comparison circuit 20. Description of the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0041] The power connector 28 is connected to the CPLD 27. A power cable is connected to the power connector 28. Power supplied from a commercial power source is input to the power connector 28 via the power cable.

[0042] 4 and 5 show the operation of the information processing device 2. When a power cable is connected to the power connector 28 and power is supplied to the information processing device 2, power is first supplied to the CPLD 27. The information processing device 2 operates in the authentication mode.

[0043] When the user presses the power button 10, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been pressed to the device control circuit 16. When the user releases the power button 10, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been released to the device control circuit 16 (step S100). The device control circuit 16 determines how long the power button 10 has been pressed (step S101).

[0044] If the power button 10 is pressed for less than 10 seconds, the device control circuit 16 outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 to instruct it to turn on the LED 12. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12 to turn on the LED 12. This causes the LED control circuit 13 to notify the user that it is waiting for an input pattern to be input (step S102).

[0045] Thereafter, when the user presses the power button 10, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been pressed to the device control circuit 16. The input determination circuit 11 continues to monitor the state of the power button 10 until the user presses the power button 10 (step S103).

[0046] If the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been pressed within 10 seconds of the user last releasing the power button 10, the device control circuit 16 starts the internal timer 23 and outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 instructing it to turn on or off the LED 12. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12, causing the LED 12 to switch between on and off. As a result, the LED control circuit 13 notifies the user that the power button 10 is being pressed (step S104).

[0047] The user counts the pressing time while watching the blinking of the LED 12. When the user releases the power button 10, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been released to the device control circuit 16 (step S105). If the user has not released the power button 10, the device control circuit 16 causes the LED control circuit 13 to continue blinking the LED 12 (step S104). The pressing time measurement circuit 17 increases the measurement time 24 by +1 hour each time it detects a rising edge of the internal timer 23.

[0048] When the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been released from its pressed state, the device control circuit 16 instructs the press time measurement circuit 17 to output the measurement time 24. The press time measurement circuit 17 outputs the measurement time 24 to the input holding circuit 18. The input holding circuit 18 holds the measurement time 24 as an input pattern 25 (step S106).

[0049] After step S106, the device control circuit 16 outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 to instruct the LED 12 to light up. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12 to light up the LED 12. This causes the LED control circuit 13 to notify the user that it is waiting for the input of the next input pattern (step S102). Thereafter, the same processing as above is executed.

[0050] When input of the input pattern is complete, the user continues to hold the power button 10 without pressing it for 10 seconds or more. When the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has not been pressed for 10 seconds or more, the device control circuit 16 causes the input holding circuit 18 to confirm the input pattern 25. The input holding circuit 18 confirms the input pattern 25 that it holds, and outputs the input pattern 25 to the comparison circuit 20 (step S108). When the input pattern 25 is confirmed, the pressing time measurement circuit 17 stops outputting the measurement time 24.

[0051] After step S108, the device control circuit 16 stops the internal timer 23 and outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 to instruct it to turn off the LED 12. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12 to turn off the LED 12 (step S109).

[0052] After step S109, the comparison circuit 20 compares the input pattern 25 output from the input holding circuit 18 with the authentication pattern 26 held in the recording circuit 19. The comparison circuit 20 outputs a signal according to whether the input pattern 25 matches or does not match the authentication pattern 26 to the power supply control circuit 21 (step S110).

[0053] If the input pattern 25 and the authentication pattern 26 do not match, the power supply control circuit 21 outputs a signal indicating that the power should not be turned on to the power supply circuit 22. In this case, the power supply circuit 22 does not turn on the power.

[0054] If the input pattern 25 matches the authentication pattern 26, and if the operation mode of the information processing device 2 is the authentication mode (step S111), the power supply control circuit 21 outputs a signal indicating that the power should be turned on to the power supply circuit 22. The power supply circuit 22 turns on the power (step S112).

[0055] If the power button 10 has been pressed for 10 seconds or longer in step S101, the device control circuit 16 outputs a signal to the buzzer control circuit 15 to instruct the buzzer 14 to emit a beep. The buzzer control circuit 15 outputs a control signal to the buzzer 14, causing the buzzer 14 to sound for one second. This causes the buzzer control circuit 15 to notify the user of the transition to the recording mode (step S107).

[0056] At this time, the operation mode of the information processing device 2 shifts from the authentication mode to the recording mode. After step S107, step S102 is executed.

[0057] Some of the operations of the information processing device 2 in the recording mode are the same as those of the information processing device 2 in the authentication mode. Each time the user presses the power button 10, the press time measurement circuit 17 measures the press time until the user has not pressed the power button 10 for 10 seconds or more. The input holding circuit 18 holds the input pattern 25 according to the press time (step S106).

[0058] When the user does not press the power button 10 for 10 seconds or more, the input pattern 25 held by the input holding circuit 18 is confirmed (step S108). As in the authentication mode, the comparison circuit 20 compares the input pattern 25 output from the input holding circuit 18 with the authentication pattern 26 held in the recording circuit 19. The comparison circuit 20 outputs a signal to the power supply control circuit 21 in response to a match or mismatch between the input pattern 25 and the authentication pattern 26 (step S110).

[0059] If the input pattern 25 and the authentication pattern 26 do not match, the power will not be turned on, just as in the authentication mode. If the input pattern 25 and the authentication pattern 26 match and the operating mode of the information processing device 2 is the recording mode (step S111), the device control circuit 16 outputs a signal to the buzzer control circuit 15 to instruct the generation of a beep sound. The buzzer control circuit 15 outputs a control signal to the buzzer 14, causing the buzzer 14 to sound for one second. This causes the buzzer control circuit 15 to notify the user that the device has entered a state of waiting for input of a new authentication pattern (step S120).

[0060] After step S120, the device control circuit 16 outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 to instruct it to turn on the LED 12. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12 to turn on the LED 12. This causes the LED control circuit 13 to notify the user that it is waiting for the input of an authentication pattern (step S121).

[0061] When the user presses the power button 10, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been pressed to the device control circuit 16 (step S122). The device control circuit 16 starts the internal timer 23 and outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 instructing the LED 12 to turn on or off. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12, causing the LED 12 to switch between on and off. As a result, the LED control circuit 13 notifies the user that the power button 10 is being pressed (step S123).

[0062] The user counts the pressing time while watching the blinking of the LED 12. When the user releases the power button 10, the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been released to the device control circuit 16 (step S124). If the user has not released the power button 10, the device control circuit 16 causes the LED control circuit 13 to continue blinking the LED 12 (step S123). The pressing time measurement circuit 17 increases the measurement time 24 by +1 hour each time it detects a rising edge of the internal timer 23.

[0063] When the input determination circuit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the power button 10 has been released from its pressed state, the device control circuit 16 determines the length of time the power button 10 has been pressed (step S125). If the power button 10 has been pressed for less than 10 seconds, the device control circuit 16 instructs the press time measurement circuit 17 to output a measurement time 24. The press time measurement circuit 17 outputs the measurement time 24 to the input holding circuit 18. The input holding circuit 18 holds the measurement time 24 as an input pattern 25 (step S129).

[0064] After step S129, the device control circuit 16 outputs a signal instructing the generation of a beep to the buzzer control circuit 15. The buzzer control circuit 15 outputs a control signal to the buzzer 14, causing the buzzer 14 to sound for one second. As a result, the buzzer control circuit 15 notifies the user that the authentication pattern has been accepted (step S130).

[0065] If the power button 10 has been pressed for 10 seconds or longer, the device control circuit 16 causes the input holding circuit 18 to confirm the input pattern 25. The input holding circuit 18 confirms the input pattern 25 it is holding and outputs the input pattern 25 to the recording circuit 19. The recording circuit 19 holds the input pattern 25 as the authentication pattern 26 (step S126). When the input pattern 25 is confirmed, the pressing time measurement circuit 17 stops outputting the measurement time 24.

[0066] After step S126, the device control circuit 16 stops the internal timer 23 and outputs a signal to the LED control circuit 13 to instruct it to turn off the LED 12. The LED control circuit 13 outputs a control signal to the LED 12 to turn off the LED 12 (step S127).

[0067] After step S127, the device control circuit 16 outputs a signal to instruct the buzzer control circuit 15 to generate a beep sound. The buzzer control circuit 15 outputs a control signal to the buzzer 14, causing the buzzer 14 to sound for three seconds. This causes the buzzer control circuit 15 to notify the user that the input of the authentication pattern has been completed (step S128).

[0068] In the above example, while the user is pressing the power button 10, the LED 12 repeatedly turns on and off at 0.5-second intervals. The light emission interval of the LED 12 may be variable. For example, the LED control circuit 13 may change the light emission interval of the LED 12 to a random interval. To prevent the measurement time 24 from changing even when the light emission interval of the LED 12 changes, the device control circuit 16 may change the interval between the state changes of the internal timer 23 (the interval between the rising and falling edges) according to the light emission interval of the LED 12. For example, if the light emission interval of the LED 12 is changed, the device control circuit 16 sets the interval between the state changes of the internal timer 23 to the same as the light emission interval of the LED 12.

[0069] When the light emission interval of the LED 12 changes, the timing at which the user presses the power button 10 also changes. The user can input the correct pattern according to the light emission interval of the LED 12. Since only the user can see the light emission pattern of the LED 12, the confidentiality of the authentication input is improved.

[0070] As described above, the pressing time measurement circuit 17 measures the measurement time 24 of the power button 10. The input holding circuit 18 holds the measurement time 24 as an input pattern 25. The comparison circuit 20 compares the input pattern 25 with the authentication pattern 26, and generates a signal to turn on the power when the input pattern 25 matches the authentication pattern 26. The LED control circuit 13 outputs timing information indicating the timing that serves as a reference for the pressing time of the power button 10.

[0071] With the above configuration, the power supply control device 1 and the information processing device 2 can achieve authentication using more complex input patterns. The power supply control device 1 and the information processing device 2 can prevent unauthorized power-on by a third party before the firmware and software start operating.

[0072] When the duration of the state in which the power button 10 is released is less than the reference time, the input holding circuit 18 holds the measurement time 24. When the duration of this state is equal to or greater than the reference time, the input holding circuit 18 confirms the input pattern 25. The user can complete input of the input pattern 25 by waiting for the reference time or longer without pressing the power button 10. In the above example, the reference time is 10 seconds, but the reference time is not limited to 10 seconds.

[0073] When input pattern 25 is confirmed, LED control circuit 13 stops outputting timing information indicating the timing that serves as the reference for the pressing time of power button 10. Since LED 12 stops emitting light when input of input pattern 25 is completed, the possibility that a third party will know the light emitting interval of LED 12 is reduced.

[0074] The recording circuit 19 stores the authentication pattern 26. The comparison circuit 20 compares the input pattern 25 with the authentication pattern 26 in the authentication mode. The recording circuit 19 stores the input pattern 25 as the authentication pattern 26 in the recording mode. The user can set a new authentication pattern 26.

[0075] When the duration of the pressed state of the power button 10 in the recording mode is less than the reference time, the input holding circuit 18 holds the measurement time 24. When the duration of this state in the recording mode is equal to or greater than the reference time, the input holding circuit 18 determines the input pattern 25 as the authentication pattern 26. The user can complete the input of the authentication pattern 26 by pressing the power button 10 for the reference time or longer. In the above example, the reference time is 10 seconds, but the reference time is not limited to 10 seconds.

[0076] When the input pattern 25 is confirmed as the authentication pattern 26, the LED control circuit 13 stops outputting the timing information. Since the LED 12 stops emitting light when the input of the authentication pattern 26 is completed, the possibility that a third party will know the light emitting interval of the LED 12 is reduced.

[0077] When the input pattern 25 is confirmed as the authentication pattern 26, the buzzer control circuit 15 outputs information indicating the completion of input of the authentication pattern to the buzzer 14. The power supply control device 1 and the information processing device 2 can notify the user that the input of the authentication pattern is complete.

[0078] When the duration for which the power button 10 is first pressed before turning on the power is less than the mode switching time, the press time measurement circuit 17 measures the measurement time 24 of the power button 10 in the authentication mode. When the duration of this state is equal to or greater than the mode switching time, the press time measurement circuit 17 measures the measurement time 24 of the power button 10 in the recording mode. The user can switch the operating mode depending on the initial press time of the power button 10. In the above example, the mode switching time is 10 seconds, but the mode switching time is not limited to 10 seconds.

[0079] <Second embodiment> An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 shows the functional configuration of a power supply control device 3 of this embodiment.

[0080] The power supply control device 3 comprises a measurement means 30, a storage means 31, a comparison means 32, and an output means 33. The measurement means 30 measures the time the power button is pressed. The storage means 31 stores the measurement time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times as an input pattern. The comparison means 32 compares the input pattern with an authentication pattern, and when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern, generates a signal to turn on the power. The output means 33 outputs timing information indicating the timing that serves as the reference for pressing the power button. The power supply control device 3 can achieve authentication using more complex input patterns.

[0081] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0082] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0083] (Appendix 1) A measuring means for measuring the time the power button is pressed; a storage means for storing, as an input pattern, a measurement time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times; a comparison means for comparing the input pattern with an authentication pattern, and generating a signal for turning on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern; an output means for outputting timing information indicating a reference timing for pressing the power button; Equipped with Power control device.

[0084] (Appendix 2) When the duration of the state in which the power button is released is less than a reference time, the holding means holds the measured time; When the duration is equal to or greater than the reference time, the holding means determines the input pattern. 2. The power supply control device according to claim 1.

[0085] (Appendix 3) When the input pattern is determined, the output means stops outputting the timing information. 3. The power supply control device according to claim 2.

[0086] (Appendix 4) a storage means for storing the authentication pattern; the comparing means compares the input pattern with the authentication pattern in a first mode; the storage means stores the input pattern as the authentication pattern in a second mode different from the first mode. 4. A power supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0087] (Appendix 5) When the duration of the pressed state of the power button is less than a reference time in the second mode, the holding means holds the measured time; In the second mode, when the duration is equal to or greater than the reference time, the storage means determines the authentication pattern. 5. The power supply control device according to claim 4.

[0088] (Appendix 6) When the input pattern is determined as the authentication pattern, the output means stops outputting the timing information. 6. The power supply control device according to claim 5.

[0089] (Appendix 7) When the input pattern is determined as the authentication pattern, the output means outputs information indicating completion of input of the authentication pattern. 7. The power supply control device according to claim 5 or 6.

[0090] (Appendix 8) when the duration of the state in which the power button is first pressed before the power is turned on is less than a mode switching time, the measuring means measures the time in the first mode; When the duration is equal to or greater than the mode switching time, the measuring means measures the time in the second mode. 8. A power supply control device according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

[0091] (Appendix 9) The power button and a measuring means for measuring the time during which the power button is pressed; a storage means for storing, as an input pattern, a measurement time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times; a comparison means for comparing the input pattern with an authentication pattern, and generating a signal for turning on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern; power supply control means for turning on the power supply based on the signal; an output means for outputting timing information indicating a reference timing for pressing the power button; Equipped with Information processing device.

[0092] (Appendix 10) When the duration of the state in which the power button is released is less than a reference time, the holding means holds the measured time; When the duration is equal to or greater than the reference time, the holding means determines the input pattern. 10. The information processing device according to claim 9.

[0093] (Appendix 11) When the input pattern is determined, the output means stops outputting the timing information. 11. The information processing device according to claim 10.

[0094] (Appendix 12) a storage means for storing the authentication pattern; the comparing means compares the input pattern with the authentication pattern in a first mode; the storage means stores the input pattern as the authentication pattern in a second mode different from the first mode. 12. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 9 to 11.

[0095] (Appendix 13) When the duration of the pressed state of the power button is less than a reference time in the second mode, the holding means holds the measured time; In the second mode, when the duration is equal to or greater than the reference time, the storage means determines the authentication pattern. 13. The information processing device according to claim 12.

[0096] (Appendix 14) When the input pattern is determined as the authentication pattern, the output means stops outputting the timing information. 14. The information processing device according to claim 13.

[0097] (Appendix 15) When the input pattern is determined as the authentication pattern, the output means outputs information indicating completion of input of the authentication pattern. 15. The information processing device according to claim 13 or 14.

[0098] (Appendix 16) when the duration of the state in which the power button is first pressed before the power is turned on is less than a mode switching time, the measuring means measures the time in the first mode; When the duration is equal to or greater than the mode switching time, the measuring means measures the time in the second mode. 16. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 12 to 15.

[0099] (Appendix 17) Measure the time the power button is pressed, storing a measurement time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times as an input pattern; comparing the input pattern with an authentication pattern, and generating a signal to turn on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern; outputting timing information indicating a reference timing for pressing the power button; Power control method.

[0100] (Appendix 18) When the duration of the state in which the power button is released is less than a reference time, the measurement time is held; When the duration is equal to or greater than the reference time, the input pattern is determined. 18. The power supply control method according to claim 17.

[0101] (Appendix 19) When the input pattern is determined, output of the timing information is stopped. 19. The power supply control method according to claim 18.

[0102] (Appendix 20) In a first mode, the input pattern is compared with the authentication pattern; storing the input pattern as the authentication pattern in a second mode different from the first mode; 20. A power supply control method according to any one of appendices 17 to 19.

[0103] (Appendix 21) When the duration of the pressed state of the power button in the second mode is less than a reference time, the measurement time is held; and determining the authentication pattern when the duration is equal to or greater than the reference time in the second mode. 21. The power supply control method according to claim 20.

[0104] (Appendix 22) When the input pattern is determined as the authentication pattern, output of the timing information is stopped. 22. The power supply control method according to claim 21.

[0105] (Appendix 23) When the input pattern is determined as the authentication pattern, information indicating completion of input of the authentication pattern is output. 23. A power supply control method according to claim 21 or 22.

[0106] (Appendix 24) measuring the time in the first mode when the duration of the state in which the power button is initially pressed before turning on the power is less than a mode switching time; When the duration is equal to or greater than the mode switching time, the time is measured in the second mode. 24. A power supply control method according to any one of appendices 20 to 23. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1,3 Power supply control device 2. Information processing equipment 10. Power button 11 Input detection circuit 12 LED 13 LED control circuit (output means) 14 Buzzer 15 Buzzer control circuit 16 Device control circuit 17 Press time measurement circuit (measurement means) 18 Input holding circuit (holding means) 19 Recording circuit (storage means) 20 Comparison circuit (comparison means) 21 Power supply control circuit 22 Power circuit 23 Internal Timer 27 CPLD 28 Power Connector 30 Measurement means 31 Holding means 32 Means of comparison 33 Output Method

Claims

1. A measuring means for measuring the time the power button is pressed; a storage means for storing a measurement time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times as an input pattern; a comparison means for comparing the input pattern with an authentication pattern, and generating a signal for turning on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern; an output means for outputting timing information indicating a reference timing for pressing the power button; Equipped with Power control device.

2. When the duration of the state in which the power button is released is less than a reference time, the holding means holds the measured time; When the duration is equal to or greater than the reference time, the holding means determines the input pattern. The power supply control device according to claim 1 .

3. When the input pattern is determined, the output means stops outputting the timing information. The power supply control device according to claim 2 .

4. a storage means for storing the authentication pattern; the comparing means compares the input pattern with the authentication pattern in a first mode; the storage means stores the input pattern as the authentication pattern in a second mode different from the first mode.

4. The power supply control device according to claim 1.

5. When the duration of the pressed state of the power button is less than a reference time in the second mode, the holding means holds the measured time; In the second mode, when the duration is equal to or greater than the reference time, the storage means determines the authentication pattern. The power supply control device according to claim 4.

6. When the input pattern is determined as the authentication pattern, the output means stops outputting the timing information. The power supply control device according to claim 5 .

7. When the input pattern is determined as the authentication pattern, the output means outputs information indicating completion of input of the authentication pattern. The power supply control device according to claim 5 .

8. when the duration of the state in which the power button is first pressed before the power is turned on is less than a mode switching time, the measuring means measures the time in the first mode; When the duration is equal to or greater than the mode switching time, the measuring means measures the time in the second mode. The power supply control device according to claim 4.

9. The power button and a measuring means for measuring the time during which the power button is pressed; a storage means for storing a measurement time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times as an input pattern; a comparison means for comparing the input pattern with an authentication pattern, and generating a signal for turning on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern; power supply control means for turning on the power supply based on the signal; an output means for outputting timing information indicating a reference timing for pressing the power button; Equipped with Information processing device.

10. Measure the time the power button is pressed, storing a measurement time measured when the power button is pressed one or more times as an input pattern; comparing the input pattern with an authentication pattern, and generating a signal to turn on the power when the input pattern matches the authentication pattern; outputting timing information indicating a reference timing for pressing the power button; Power control method.

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