U.S. patent application number 12/955518 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-02 for electronic apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. Invention is credited to Terunobu Hara, Hiroaki Yokomichi.
Application Number | 20110129103 12/955518 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44068928 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110129103 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hara; Terunobu ; et
al. |
June 2, 2011 |
ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
Abstract
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a
terminal, an amplifier, a speaker, a power supply circuit and a
first controller. The terminal configured to input an audio signal
from an external device. The amplifier configured to amplify the
audio signal. The speaker configured to output sound corresponding
to the audio signal which is amplified by the amplifier. The power
supply circuit configured to supply power to the amplifier. The
first controller configured to control the power supply circuit to
continue the supply of the power, when the electronic apparatus is
in a non-operative state.
Inventors: |
Hara; Terunobu; (Ome-shi,
JP) ; Yokomichi; Hiroaki; (Hamura-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
44068928 |
Appl. No.: |
12/955518 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
381/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/266 20130101;
H03F 3/181 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/120 |
International
Class: |
H03F 99/00 20090101
H03F099/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 30, 2009 |
JP |
2009-272691 |
Claims
1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a terminal configured to
input an audio signal from an external device; an amplifier
configured to amplify the audio signal; a speaker configured to
output sound corresponding to the audio signal which is amplified
by the amplifier; a power supply circuit configured to supply power
to the amplifier; and a first controller configured to control the
power supply circuit to continue the supply of the power when the
electronic apparatus is in a non-operative state.
2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a
storing module configured to store data indicative of whether audio
output is to be permitted or prohibited when the electronic
apparatus is in a non-operative state; and a setting module
configured to set the first controller to permit the audio output
when the data indicative of permission of the audio output is
stored.
3. The electronic apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a switch
configured to switch between a first path which connects the
terminal and the amplifier and a second path which connects the
terminal and the amplifier via a second controller configured to
operate when the electronic apparatus is in an operative state,
wherein the first controller is configured to set the switching
module to the first path when the data indicative of permission of
the audio output is stored.
4. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a volume
control configured to adjust amplification of the audio signal by
the amplifier.
5. The electronic apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a
detection module configured to detect that the audio signal from
the external device is input to the terminal, wherein the first
controller is configured to control the power supply circuit to
continue the supply of the power when the audio output is permitted
and the detection module detects that the audio signal is input.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-272691, filed
Nov. 30, 2009; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to an
electronic apparatus having a speaker.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventionally, there is known a technique for causing a
small-sized information processing apparatus (personal computer) to
function as a music playback apparatus (CD (Compact Disc)
player).
[0004] In a small-sized information processing apparatus disclosed
in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. H09-101848, a mode switch
is provided for causing the small-sized information processing
apparatus to function as a music playback apparatus, and a process
for CD playback is executed when power is turned on by the
operation of this mode switch. In the process for CD playback, when
power is turned on, diagnosis and initial settings are executed for
an IDE controller to which a CD-ROM drive is connected, a bus
bridge to which the IDE controller is connected, and an interrupt
controller which mediates to deliver an interrupt signal of the IDE
controller to the processor. In addition, a device driver for
playing back a music CD, which is stored in the CD-ROM drive, is
initialized. Further, power-saving is achieved by supplying power
to only necessary components mainly including the IDE controller,
bus bridge, interrupt controller, amplifier, CD-ROM drive and main
memory, and stopping power supply to unnecessary components such as
a fan and a hard disk drive.
[0005] As has been described above, in the prior art, in order to
cause the small-sized information processing apparatus to function
as the music playback apparatus, it is necessary to turn on power
by operating the dedicated mode switch, and to execute the
diagnosis and initial settings for the modules necessary for the CD
playback, in the same manner as at the time of normal start-up. In
addition, it is necessary to execute the program (device driver)
for controlling CD playback.
[0006] Specifically, in the prior art, although the modules that
are operated are limited to only some modules necessary for CD
playback, these modules need to be set in the operative state
through the process at the time of normal power-on. In addition,
since the audio output is controlled by the program for controlling
CD playback, power supply to the CPU and main memory, which are
principal components of the small-sized information processing
apparatus, cannot be cut off.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A general architecture that implements various features of
the embodiments will now be described with reference to the
drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided
to illustrate the embodiments and not to limit the scope of the
invention.
[0008] FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of the structure of an
electric apparatus according to an embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing the system
configuration of a personal computer according to the
embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating an audio
output mode select process in the embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing an audio output mode
select screen in the embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a power-off
process in the embodiment; and
[0013] FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing an example of control of
power supply according to the combination between an audio output
mode and plug insertion in a line-in terminal in the
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015] In general, according to one embodiment, an electronic
apparatus includes a terminal, an amplifier, a speaker, a power
supply circuit and a first controller. The terminal configured to
input an audio signal from an external device. The amplifier
configured to amplify the audio signal. The speaker configured to
output sound corresponding to the audio signal which is amplified
by the amplifier. The power supply circuit configured to supply
power to the amplifier. The first controller configured to control
the power supply circuit to continue the supply of the power, when
the electronic apparatus is in a non-operative state.
[0016] An embodiment will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of the structure of an
electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The
electronic apparatus is realized, for example, as a notebook-type
portable personal computer 10. The personal computer 10 of this
embodiment has an audio output function (sleep & music
function) for receiving, in a non-operative state, an analog audio
signal which is output from a line output-equipped external device
(e.g. a portable audio player 25), and outputting the audio signal
from speakers 18 which are mounted on the housing of the computer
10.
[0018] In the case where the output from the audio player 25 is
directly connected to the speakers, since the output of the audio
player 25 is small, compared to the capability of the speakers, the
speakers are unable to output sound of a sufficient volume.
According to the audio output function that is provided in the
personal computer 10 in this embodiment, even in the case where the
personal computer 10 is in the non-operative state, power is
supplied to a built-in amplifier for audio signal amplification,
thus being able to amplify the audio signal from the audio player
25 and output the amplified audio signal from the speakers.
[0019] It is assumed that the "non-operative state" of the personal
computer 10 includes states called "standby/sleep/suspend" and
"hibernation" (hibernate state), as well as a power-off state. In
short, the non-operative state is a state in which the processor
(CPU 30) does not operate.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the state in which a
display unit of the personal computer 10 is opened. The personal
computer 10 comprises a computer main body 11 and a display unit
12. A display device, which is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display) 17, is built in the display unit 12. The display screen of
the LCD 17 is disposed at a substantially central part of the
display unit 12.
[0021] The display unit 12 is attached to the computer main body 11
such that the display unit 12 is rotatable between an open position
and a closed position, relative to the computer main body 11. The
computer main body 11 has a thin box-shaped housing, to which a
battery is detachably attached.
[0022] A keyboard 13, a power button switch 14 for
power-on/power-off, general-purpose hardware buttons 15, a touch
pad 16, and speakers 18 are disposed on the top surface of the
computer main body 11.
[0023] A side surface of the computer main body 11 is provided with
a line-in terminal 19 (jack) for receiving an analog audio signal
which is output from the audio player 25, and a volume dial 20
which is used for volume control in the case where the audio output
function is enabled at the time of the non-operative state. A cable
26, which is connected to a line-out terminal of the audio player
25, can be connected to the line-in terminal 19.
[0024] Next, referring to FIG. 2, a description is given of the
system configuration of the personal computer 10 according to the
embodiment.
[0025] The personal computer 10, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a CPU
30, an MCH 31 (north bridge), a main memory 32, a display
controller 35, an ICH 40 (south bridge), a hard disk drive (HDD)
41, a BIOS-ROM 42, an embedded controller/keyboard controller IC
(EC/KBC) 45, and a power supply circuit 46.
[0026] The CPU 30 is a processor which is provided in order to
control the operation of the personal computer 10, and executes an
operating system (OS), drivers for controlling various hardware,
and various application programs, which are loaded from the HDD 41
into the main memory 32. The CPU 30 also executes a system BIOS
(Basic Input/Output System) which is stored in the BIOS-ROM 42. The
system BIOS is a program for hardware control. In this embodiment,
it is assumed that an audio output mode select process, which will
be described later, can be executed in BIOS setup. In addition, the
audio output mode select process can be executed by a utility
program which executes hardware setup.
[0027] The MCH 31 is a bridge device which connects a local bus of
the CPU 30 and the ICH 40. The MCH 31 incorporates a memory
controller for access-controlling the main memory 32.
[0028] The display controller 35 controls the LCD 17 which is used
as a display monitor of the personal computer 10. On the basis of
an image-rendering request which is sent from the CPU 30 via the
MCH 31, the display controller 35 executes a display process
(graphics arithmetic process) for rendering frames in a video
memory (VRAM).
[0029] The ICH 40 incorporates an IDE (Integrated Drive
Electronics) controller and a Serial ATA controller for controlling
the HDD 41 and an optical disc drive (not shown).
[0030] The embedded controller/keyboard controller IC (EC/KBC) 45
is a 1-chip microcomputer in which an embedded controller for power
management and a keyboard controller for controlling the keyboard
(KB) 13, touch pad 15 and general-purpose hardware buttons 18 are
integrated.
[0031] The EC/KBC 45 has a function of controlling the power supply
circuit 46 in accordance with an operation of the power button
switch 14 by a user, and powering on/off the personal computer 10.
The power-on/off control of the personal computer 10 is executed by
the cooperation between the EC/KBC 45 and power supply circuit 46.
In addition, the EC/KBC 45 controls the audio output function which
is used when the personal computer 10 is in the non-operative
state.
[0032] The power supply circuit 46 receives power from a battery 47
which is attached to the computer main body 11 or from an external
power supply which is connected via an AC adapter 48, and generates
and supplies operation power to the respective components. The
power supply circuit 46 is provided with a power supply
microcomputer. The power supply microcomputer monitors the power
supply (charge/discharge) relating to the respective components and
the battery, and the charging state of the battery.
[0033] The power supply circuit 46 switches the power supply to the
respective modules by the control of the EC/KBC 45, in accordance
with the system state of the personal computer 10. By the control
of the EC/KBC 45, the power supply circuit 46 can turn on/off the
power supply of an S power, a B power, an A power and a P power. In
the case where the personal computer 10 is in the power-on state,
the power supply circuit 46 turns on power supply of all of the S
power, B power, P power and A power. In the case where the personal
computer 10 is in the standby/sleep/suspend state, the power supply
of the S power and B power is turned on. In the case where the
personal computer 10 is in the hibernation (hibernate state) or in
the power-off state, the supply of the S power is turned on. In the
case where the power supply in the non-operative state is set to be
permitted by the EC/KBC 45, the power supply circuit 46 turns on
the supply of the A power at the time of the non-operative state,
thereby supplying power to the speaker amplifier 54 and analog
switch 53. Since the S power is supplied to the EC/KBC 45, the
power supply is turned on in any one of the system states and the
control of the audio output function at the non-operation time is
enabled.
[0034] The sound controller 50 converts digital audio data, which
is input via the ICH 40, to an analog audio signal, and outputs the
analog audio signal to the analog switch 53 by executing volume
control by the control of the OS, device driver, audio playback
program, etc. Similarly, when the personal computer 10 is in the
operative state, the sound controller 50 executes volume control of
an analog audio signal from the audio player 25, which is input via
the line-in terminal 19, and outputs the resultant analog audio
signal to the analog switch 53.
[0035] The analog switch 53 switches the path between the sound
controller 50 side and the line-in terminal 19 side, in accordance
with a select signal S2 from the EC/KBC 45. The analog switch 53 is
changed over to the sound controller 50 side when the personal
computer 10 is in the operative state. In the case where the audio
output function is enabled at the non-operation time, the analog
switch 53 is changed over to the line-in terminal 19 side, with the
sound controller 50 being bypassed.
[0036] The speaker amplifier 54 amplifies the analog audio signal
which is input via the analog switch 53, and outputs sound
corresponding to the audio signal from the speaker 18. In addition,
in the case where the audio output function is enabled, the speaker
amplifier 54 executes volume control for the audio signal, in
accordance with the operation of the volume dial 20.
[0037] The line-in terminal 19 is provided with a switch 52. The
switch 52 outputs to the EC/KBC 45 a status signal S1 corresponding
to the insertion/non-insertion of a plug for connecting the cable
26 to the line-in terminal 19.
[0038] Next, the operation of the personal computer 10 according to
the present embodiment is described.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an audio output mode
select process in the present embodiment. The audio output mode
select process is a process for executing, according to an
instruction by the user, a selection as to whether audio output by
the audio output function is to be permitted or prohibited.
[0040] The audio output mode select process in this embodiment can
be executed, for example, in the process of BIOS setup or hardware
setup. For example, the BIOS setup can be executed by starting the
BIOS setup by performing a predetermined key operation at a time of
power-on. The hardware setup can be executed by starting a utility
program for hardware setup. In the present embodiment, the audio
output mode select process may be executed by either method.
[0041] If the execution of the audio output mode select process is
instructed, the CPU 30 causes the LCD 17 to display an audio output
mode select screen (block A1).
[0042] FIG. 4 shows an example of the audio output mode select
screen. On the audio output mode select screen, the audio output
mode can be designated to be either "permitted" or
"prohibited".
[0043] In the CPU 30, for example, by the operation of the keyboard
13 by the user, an instruction to select either "Permitted" or
"Prohibited" is input (block A2). If determination of selection is
instructed (Yes in block A3), the CPU 30 records data indicative of
the audio output mode, that is, data indicative of either
"Permitted" or "Prohibited", in a nonvolatile memory (block
A4).
[0044] As the nonvolatile memory which stores data indicative of
the audio output mode, use may be made of the BIOS-ROM 42 or a
memory in the EC/KBC 45. In short, it should suffice if the data
can be read in a power-off process which will be described
below.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the power-off process in
the present embodiment.
[0046] The CPU 30 starts the power-off process in the case where
power-off is requested according to an instruction from the user or
a request from the program. The "power-off", in this context, means
that the personal computer 10 is set in the non-operative state,
and thus the "power-off" means not only the complete power-off
state, but also the states called "standby/sleep/suspend" and
"hibernation" (hibernate state).
[0047] The CPU 30 reads from the nonvolatile memory (e.g. BIOS-ROM
42) the data indicative of the audio output mode by the audio
output mode select process (block B1).
[0048] In the case where the data indicative of the audio output
mode indicates "prohibition" of audio output (No in block B2), the
CPU 30 sets the EC/KBC 45 to prohibit audio output at the time of
the non-operative state. In this case, the EC/KBC 45 sets the power
supply circuit 46 to prohibit power supply to the speaker amplifier
54 at the time of the non-operative state (block B4). Specifically,
the power supply circuit 46 turns off the supply of the A power to
the speaker amplifier 54 and analog switch 53.
[0049] On the other hand, in the case where the data indicative of
the audio output mode indicates "permission" of audio output (Yes
in block B2), the CPU 30 sets the EC/KBC 45 to permit audio output
at the time of the non-operative state. In this case, the EC/KBC 45
sets the power supply circuit 46 to permit power supply to the
speaker amplifier 54 at the time of the non-operative state (block
B3). Specifically, the power supply circuit 46 turns on the supply
of the A power to the speaker amplifier 54 and analog switch 53. In
addition, the EC/KBC 45 outputs the select signal S2 to the analog
switch 53 so as to change the path over to the line-in terminal 19
side.
[0050] Thereafter, the personal computer 10 is powered off
(non-operative state) (block B5).
[0051] If the personal computer 10 is set in the non-operative
state, the power supply circuit 46 performs power supply in
accordance with the setting by the EC/KBC 45. Specifically, in the
case where the power supply to the speaker amplifier 54 is
prohibited at the time of the non-operative state, the power supply
circuit 46 turns off not only the supply of the B power and P
power, but also the supply of the A power to the speaker amplifier
54, at the time of the hibernation (hibernate state) and the
power-off state. In the case of the non-operative state of
standby/sleep/suspend, the power supply circuit 46 turns on the
supply of the B power for backing up the main memory 32.
[0052] On the other hand, in the case where the power supply to the
speaker amplifier 54 is permitted at the time of the non-operative
state, the power supply circuit 46 turns off the supply of the B
power and P power, but turns on the supply of the A power to the
speaker amplifier 54, at the time of the hibernation (hibernate
state) and the power-off state. In the case of the non-operative
state of standby/sleep/suspend, the power supply circuit 46 turns
on the supply of the B power for backing up the main memory 32.
[0053] By executing power-off by setting the audio output mode to
be "permitted", the power supply to the speaker amplifier 54 is
continued even in the non-operative state, and thus the audio
output function is enabled. At this time, if the plug of the cable
26 for connection of the audio player 25 is connected to the
line-in terminal 19, an analog audio signal which is output from
the audio player 25 is input to the line-in terminal 19, and this
signal is input to the speaker amplifier 54 via the analog switch
53, with the sound controller 50 being bypassed. The speaker
amplifier 54 amplifies the audio signal and produces sound from the
speakers 18. In the non-operative state, since the sound controller
50 does not operate, the volume control is performed by the volume
dial 20. The speaker amplifier 54 amplifies the audio signal in
accordance with the operation amount of the volume dial 20.
[0054] As has been described above, in the personal computer 10 of
the present embodiment, the audio output mode select process is
executed prior to the power-off process, and the audio output mode
may be set to be "permitted". Thereby, even at the time of the
non-operative state, the power supply to the speaker amplifier 54
is continued. Thus, the analog audio signal which is output from
the audio player 25 can be input, the audio signal can be amplified
by the built-in speaker amplifier 54, and the sound of the audio
signal can be produced from the speakers 18. In addition, in the
personal computer 10, since the power supply to only the speaker
amplifier 54 is continued in order to enable the audio output
function at the time of the non-operative state, power-saving can
be achieved.
[0055] In the above description, the power supply to the speaker
amplifier 54 is controlled by only the audio output mode which is
selected by the audio output mode select process. Alternatively,
the power supply to the speaker amplifier 54 may be controlled
according to whether the plug for connection of the cable 26 is
attached to the line-in terminal 19.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows the control of the power supply to the speaker
amplifier 54 according to the combination between the audio output
mode and the insertion of the plug in the line-in terminal 19.
[0057] Specifically, even in the case where the audio output mode
is set to be "permitted", if the jack for connection of the audio
player 25 (cable 26) is not inserted in the line-in terminal 19,
the power supply to the speaker amplifier 54 is turned off. Thus,
in the state in which the audio output function is not used, the
power supply to the speaker amplifier 54 is turned off, and further
power-saving is achieved.
[0058] In the case where the EC/KBC 45 is informed by the status
signal S1 from the switch 52 that the jack is connected to the
line-in terminal 19, the power supply to the speaker amplifier 54
is turned on at the time of the non-operative state, as described
above. In the case where the EC/KBC 45 is informed by the status
signal S1 from the switch 52 that the jack is not connected to the
line-in terminal 19, the power supply to the speaker amplifier 54
is turned off. In the case where the audio output mode is
"permitted", it should suffice if the EC/KBC 45 supplies power to
the speaker amplifier 54 from the time point at which the jack is
connected to the line-in terminal 19.
[0059] In the above description, in the case where the audio output
function is enabled (audio output mode "permitted"), the power
supply (A power) to the speaker amplifier 54 and analog switch 53
is turned on at the time of the non-operative state. However, for
example, in a case where a manual switch, which is operated by the
user, is used for the analog switch 53, it should suffice if power
is supplied to only the speaker amplifier 54.
[0060] If the power consumption at the time of standby is low or if
there is no need to reduce power consumption, it is possible to
supply power to the speaker amplifier 54 at all times when the
personal computer is in the non-operative state.
[0061] The various modules of the systems described herein can be
implemented as software applications, hardware and/or software
modules, or components on one or more computers, such as servers.
While the various modules are illustrated separately, they may
share some or all of the same underlying logic or code.
[0062] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions.
* * * * *