JP4168300B2 - Computer apparatus and power control method for computer apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a computer device and a power control method for the computer device, and is particularly suitable for application to a desktop personal computer device (hereinafter referred to as a computer device).
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in this type of computer device, a keyboard and a monitor are connected to the main unit, and application software (hereinafter simply referred to as an application) corresponding to an input operation from the keyboard is executed by the main unit. The execution result is displayed on the monitor.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the computer device having such a configuration, when the main unit, the keyboard, and the monitor are arranged so as to be easily used, the main unit is provided with a power switch for turning on or off the main power. It is necessary to install the main body within an operation range in which the switch can be operated (for example, within a range where the user can reach).
[0004]
However, once the user sets the power switch to the on state, the user hardly uses the main body only by using the keyboard and the monitor. For this reason, there is a problem that the main body part not only gets in the way on the desk but also wastes space.
[0005]
In addition, it is preferable for the user to dispose the main unit as far as possible in order to use the desk more widely. However, since the power switch is provided only on the main unit at this time, it is difficult to turn on the power switch. There was a problem of poor usability.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and intends to propose a computer apparatus and a power control method for the computer apparatus that can further improve the operability.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve this problem, in the present invention,A control command corresponding to the input operation of the operation key is output via the transmission cable, and a keyboard having a specific key provided at a predetermined position different from the position where the operation key is arranged, and a process corresponding to the control command are executed. In a computer device comprising a main body provided with a plurality of processing circuits, the main body, when connected to an external power supply, supplies a first level power supply voltage from the power supply circuit in the main body to the keyboard via a transmission cable. When a predetermined power key, which is one of the specific keys, is operated in a state where the power supply means to supply and the first level power supply voltage are supplied to the keyboard, the power control command corresponding to the power key is controlled. When a power supply control command is supplied as a command via a transmission cable, the power supply circuit supplies a second level power supply voltage to the plurality of processing circuits. And a keyboard that corresponds to the programmable key when a programmable key, which is one of the specific keys provided on the keyboard, is operated in a state where the first level power supply voltage is supplied. The power supply control command and a predetermined application software activation command are sent to the power supply control means of the main body via the transmission cable, and the power supply control means of the main body is supplied with a plurality of processing circuits from the power supply circuit when the power supply control command is given. After supplying the second level power supply voltage, the application software is activated based on the activation command.
[0008]
  As a result, the keyboard operates by receiving the supply of the first level power supply voltage when the main body is connected to an external power supply, and the main body is provided at a predetermined position different from the location of the operation keys on the keyboard. When a power key that is one of the specific keys is operated, a second level power supply voltage is supplied to the plurality of processing circuits, while when a programmable key that is one of the specific keys is operated, a plurality of processes are performed. Since the second level power supply voltage can be supplied to the circuit and the application software can be started, the operation from the main unit to a series of processing by the application software can be performed only by operating the programmable key which is one of the specific keys. Can be executed.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0010]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a computer apparatus according to the present invention as a whole. A keyboard 4 is connected to a main body 2 for executing various processes via a keyboard cable 3 and a liquid crystal display 6 is connected via a display cable 5. Has been. A mouse 8 is connected to the keyboard 4 via a mouse cable 7.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 has a power switch 11 disposed on the left side of the front surface of the housing, and a power lamp 11 </ b> A composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided at the center of the power switch 11. When the power switch 11 is pressed and the power is turned on, the power lamp 11A is lit in green. In the standby state in which the entire system operation is temporarily stopped, the power lamp 11A is lit in orange.
[0012]
The main body 2 is provided with a 3.5-inch floppy disk insertion slot 12 and an ejection button 13, and a CD-ROM insertion slot 14 and an ejection button 15 at the approximate center of the front surface of the housing.
[0013]
Further, the main body 2 has an FD access lamp 16 for informing access to the floppy disk, a CD-ROM access lamp 17 for informing access to the CD-ROM, and an HD access lamp 18 for informing access to the hard disk on the right front portion of the housing. A door portion 2A that can be freely opened and closed is provided at the lower front of the housing.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 2 is provided with a microphone connector 19, a headphone connector 20, and a headphone volume knob 21 behind the door 2A, a PC (Personal Computer) card slot 22, a removable memory stick (trademark). ) 116 (see FIG. 8) for inserting a memory stick slot 23, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) IEEE 1394 cable connector 24 corresponding to 1394 interface, USB (Universal
Serial Bus) connector 25 is provided.
[0015]
Here, the memory stick 116 is a type of flash memory card developed by Sony Corporation, the applicant of the present application. This memory stick 116 is an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read) which is a nonvolatile memory that can be electrically rewritten and erased in a small and thin plastic case of 21.5 x 50 x 2.8 mm. A flash memory element, which is a kind of “only memory”, is stored, and various data such as images, sounds and music can be written and read via a 10-pin terminal. In addition, even when the specifications of the built-in flash memory are changed due to an increase in capacity, a unique serial protocol that ensures compatibility with the equipment used is adopted, with a maximum writing speed of 1.5 [MB / S] and maximum reading. High speed 2.45 [MB / S] high speed performance has been achieved, and an erroneous erasure prevention switch is provided to ensure high reliability.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 2 has a heat radiating vent 26, an AC (Alternating current) power input plug 27, a telephone line jack 28, a 6-pin compatible IEEE 1394 cable connector 29, and a telephone in the upper back of the casing. A jack 30 is provided, and a printer connector 31, a serial connector 32, a monitor connector 33, a USB connector 34, a line input connector 35, a line output connector 36, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) connector 37, and a main body connector are provided at the lower back of the housing. 38 is provided.
[0017]
Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the liquid crystal display 6 has a panel portion 43 attached via an arm 42 that is rotatably attached to the stand 41, so that the panel portion 43 can be adapted to the user's preference. So that it can be adjusted to a desired angle.
[0018]
The panel unit 43 includes a display panel 44 made of an LCD, a left speaker 45 and a right speaker 46, a power lamp 47 made of an LED at the upper right end of the panel unit 43, an information lamp 48 for notifying incoming mail, and the display panel 44. A brightness adjustment dial 49 that adjusts the brightness of the speaker and a volume adjustment dial 50 that adjusts the volume of the left speaker 45 and the right speaker 46 are provided.
[0019]
Incidentally, the power lamp 47 is lit in green when the power is turned on and orange in the standby state, and the information lamp 48 is lit in red when an e-mail is received.
[0020]
Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the keyboard 4 is a keyboard adapted to the PS2 (Personal System / 2) interface (trademark), a key arrangement portion 53 in which a plurality of operation keys 51 and function keys 52 are arranged, and a keyboard cable. 3 (FIG. 1) or the mouse connector 59 provided at the left and right side ends for connection with the mouse cable 7 (FIG. 1) of the mouse 8 and the two-stage folding provided at the front end in the direction of arrow A It comprises a keyboard cover 60 of the type and a hot key arrangement part 58 provided at the rear end of the key arrangement part 53.
[0021]
The hot key arrangement unit 58 includes a power key 54 for turning on the power, a standby key 55 for temporarily stopping the operation of the entire system (standby state), and a caps lock for notifying that the capital letter of the alphabet is fixed. A lamp 56 and a plurality of programmable power keys (PPK) 57 are provided.
[0022]
Here, when the standby key 55 is pressed while the main unit 2 is activated, the operation of the entire system is temporarily set to the standby state, and when it is depressed in the standby state, the entire system is immediately restarted. Has been made.
[0023]
The PPK key 57 is designed to start a desired application (e.g., e-mail software, web browser, etc.) by one-touch operation, and also has a power switch function. When pressed in a state, the series of operations from turning on the power to starting up a desired application is automatically performed.
[0024]
The PPK key 57 can be set so that a desired application is automatically started by the user, and by using a built-in timer function in the main unit 2, the power is turned on automatically at a preset start time. A desired application is started up, and when the end time is reached, the application can be set to shut down and automatically shut down.
[0025]
In other words, if the computer device 1 is set to automatically confirm receipt of an e-mail using the timer function, the electronic device 1 is turned on at the start time even when the power is turned off. By starting up the mail software and automatically turning on the information lamp 48 when an incoming mail is received, the user can easily recognize the presence of incoming mail.
[0026]
Further, the keyboard 4 exposes the operation keys 51 and the function keys 52 of the key arrangement portion 53 in a state where the keyboard cover 60 is folded in two steps as shown in the figure, and the folded keyboard cover 60 serves as a palm rest. By functioning, the operation key 51 and the function key 52 are set to be more easily operated.
[0027]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when the keyboard 4 is not in use, the keyboard cover 60 is unfolded so as to cover all the operation keys 51 and function keys 52 of the key arrangement portion 53. It is designed to prevent intrusion.
[0028]
Here, the keyboard 4 is configured so as to cover only the key arrangement portion 53 with the keyboard cover 60, and even when the key arrangement portion 53 is covered thereby, the power key 54 of the hot key arrangement portion 58 and the plurality of PPK keys. 57 can be operated.
[0029]
Incidentally, the various keys provided in the hot key arrangement portion 58 are not a cube shape having a height like the operation keys 51 and the function keys 52, but are formed in a flat circular shape having almost no height and without a gap. Thus, it is possible to prevent intrusion of dust even when the keyboard cover 60 is not covered.
[0030]
Thus, even when the key arrangement portion 53 is covered by the keyboard cover 60, the user can press the power key 54 and the PPK key 57 of the hot key arrangement portion 58, and thus the operation keys 51 and the complicated arrangement keys and Without being aware of the function key 52, it is possible to easily launch an application that is frequently used by simply pressing the PPK key 57 as a specific key.
[0031]
Next, the circuit configuration of the main body 2 in the computer apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the main body 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 65 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 66 are connected to a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus 64 that is an internal bus.
[0032]
The CPU 65 is a controller that comprehensively controls and processes various functions in the main body 2, and can implement various functions by executing various programs loaded in the RAM 66.
[0033]
Also, the PCI bus 64 is connected to a PC card interface 101 for sending and receiving data via a PC (Personal Computer) card (not shown), and to IEEE 1394 for taking in digital data by connecting to other computer devices and external devices. An interface 102, a graphics processing circuit 93 for generating an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, an audio processing circuit 96 for generating sound output from the left speaker 45 and the right speaker 46 of the liquid crystal display 6, and a modem 107 are connected.
[0034]
Further, the PCI bus 64 is connected to an ISA (Industrial Standard Architecture) bus 69, which is an external bus, via a PCI-ISA bridge 67. The PCI-ISA bridge 67 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 68 and a CD-ROM. A drive 106 is connected. The HDD 68 stores an e-mail program 69, an autopilot program 70, and an OS (Operating System) 71 made up of Windows 98 (trademark).
[0035]
An ISA bus 69 is connected to an I / O (In / Out) controller 72 called a Super I / O (trademark) and a memory stick interface 103. The I / O controller 72 includes a microcontroller 85 and a current time. An RTC (Real-Time Clock) 84, which is supplied at normal time, a floppy disk drive 104 and a backup battery 83 are connected.
[0036]
The I / O controller 72 includes an I / O interface 74, a CPU 79, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 75 composed of an EEPROM, and a RAM 80. The ROM 75 includes a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) 76. A wakeup program 77 and a key input monitoring program 78 are stored, and a key input status register 81, a set time register 82, and a key corresponding application register 73 are stored in the RAM 80.
[0037]
Here, since the backup battery 83 is provided in the I / O controller 72, the key input status register 81 and the set time register 82 even when the power switch 11 of the main body 2 is off and the power is off. Each value of the key corresponding application register 73 is held.
[0038]
When data is exchanged between the I / O controller 72 and the microcontroller 85, the parallel data is converted into serial data by the I / O interface 74, and then sent to the microcontroller 85, and also by the I / O interface 86. The serial data is converted into parallel data and then sent to the I / O controller 72.
[0039]
The key input status register 81 stored in the RAM 80 stores a PPK key flag when a PPK key 57 (FIG. 6) for one-touch operation provided in the hot key arrangement unit 58 of the keyboard 4 is pressed. The set time register 82 is used when the CPU 79 executes a predetermined sequence control when a desired start time set in advance by the user is reached.
[0040]
Furthermore, the key corresponding application register 73 stores a correspondence between a preset combination of operation keys 51 and an application or script to be activated, and the stored combination of the operation keys 51 is input by the user. Then, an application or script corresponding to the combination of the operation keys 51 is activated by the CPU 79.
[0041]
The BIOS 76 stored in the ROM 75 is a program for controlling the enjoyment of data performed between the OS and various applications and connected devices (for example, the liquid crystal display 6, the keyboard 4, the HDD 68, etc.). 78 is a program for constantly monitoring whether or not the PPK key 57 has been pressed by the user.
[0042]
The wakeup program 77 detects whether or not the current time supplied from the RTC 84 has reached a start time stored in advance in the set time register 82, and executes a predetermined process (or program) when the start time has come. It is a program to let you.
[0043]
On the other hand, the microcontroller 85 is configured by connecting an I / O interface 86, a CPU 89, a ROM 87 composed of an EEPROM and a RAM 90 to each other, and an LED control program 88 is stored in the ROM 87 and an LED control is performed in the RAM 90. A register 91 is stored.
[0044]
The LED control register 91 is a register used to control the lighting of the power lamp 47 provided on the liquid crystal display 6 and the information lamp 48 (FIG. 5) for notifying mail arrival. The CPU 89 is based on the LED control program 88. By supplying a predetermined LED driving voltage via the display interface 95, the lighting of the power lamp 47 and the information lamp 48 of the liquid crystal display 6 is controlled.
[0045]
Actually, when the power switch 11 (FIG. 2) is turned on while being connected to an AC power supply (not shown), the main body 2 supplies a power supply voltage of +12 [V] from the power supply circuit 92 to each circuit. The CPU 65 reads the OS 71 of the HDD 68 based on the BIOS 76 stored in the ROM 75 of the I / O controller 72 and loads the OS 71 into the RAM 66 to activate the OS 71.
[0046]
After the OS 71 is activated, the CPU 65 reads out predetermined applications (e-mail program 69, autopilot program 70, etc.) from the HDD 68 and transfers them to the RAM 66 as necessary, and uses the RAM 66 as a work area. Execute.
[0047]
Then, the CPU 65 sends image data of a processing result based on the OS 71 to the graphics processing circuit 93, for example. The graphics processing circuit 93 stores the image data in the VRAM 94 and appropriately reads it, and sends it to the LCD controller 98 of the liquid crystal display 6 via the display interface 95 and the display cable 5. The LCD controller 98 controls the backlight 100 to illuminate from behind the display panel 44, and displays a predetermined image by driving each pixel of the display panel 44 based on the image data.
[0048]
Further, the CPU 65 sends audio data as a result of processing based on the OS 71 to the audio processing circuit 96. The audio processing circuit 96 performs predetermined data processing on the audio data, then converts the audio data into an analog audio signal via the audio codec 97, and converts this into an LCD controller 98 of the liquid crystal display 6 via the display cable 5. Send it out.
[0049]
The LCD controller 98 outputs audio corresponding to the audio signal from the left speaker 45 and the right speaker 46 provided on both sides of the display panel 44. The audio codec 97 can also input (IN) an audio signal collected by a sound collecting means such as a microphone from the outside, and convert it into a digital signal and take it in.
[0050]
The CPU 65 controls the modem 107 to connect to the Internet 110 and the mail server 111 via the public line network 108 and the Internet service provider (hereinafter simply referred to as a provider) 109, and to send mail via the mail server 111. Communication control is performed such as receiving an e-mail addressed to the user who has arrived in the box 112 or receiving a desired home page via the Internet 110.
[0051]
By the way, as shown in FIG. 9, the keyboard cable 3 for connecting the keyboard 4 and the main body 2 is not integrally formed with the keyboard 4 but is provided with a male connector 6A pin 6A on both sides. One is connected to the main body connector 38 of the main body 2, and the other is connected to the cable of the keyboard 4 and the mouse connector 59.
[0052]
The keyboard cable 3 is provided with a first pin P1 to a sixth pin P6 at the tip of the pin connector 3A, and from the power supply circuit 92 (FIG. 8) of the main body 2 via the fourth pin P4. A power supply voltage of +5 [V] is supplied to the keyboard 4. That is, the main body 2 supplies a power supply voltage of +5 [V] from the power supply circuit 92 to the keyboard 4 if it is connected to the AC power supply even when the power switch 11 is in the OFF state. However, the main body 2 is configured to supply a power supply voltage of +12 [V] from the power supply circuit 92 to each circuit when the power switch 11 is turned on.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 10, the keyboard 4 includes a CPU 120, a ROM 121, and a RAM 122 therein. The CPU 120 operates based on a power supply voltage of 5 [V] supplied from the main body 2 through the fourth pin P4. When a predetermined key operation and mouse operation are performed, a code signal S4 (mouse data) corresponding to the mouse operation is sent as serial data to the main body 2 via, for example, the first pin P1 for key operation. The corresponding code signal S4 (keyboard data) is sent as serial data to the main body 2 via the second pin P2, for example.
[0054]
Actually, when the user presses the power key 54, standby key 55 or PPK key 57 of the hot key arrangement unit 58 (FIG. 6), the keyboard 4 detects this and detects the code signal S4 corresponding to the detection result. The data is sent to the microcontroller 85 of the main body 2 via the second pin P2 in the cable 3.
[0055]
On the other hand, the main body 2 supplies a power supply voltage of +5 [V] from the power supply circuit 92 to the microcontroller 85 as long as it is connected to the AC power supply even when the power switch 11 is in the OFF state. The code signal S4 sent from the keyboard 4 is detected by the CPU 89.
[0056]
When the CPU 89 detects the code signal S4 by the CPU 89, the power supply circuit is connected via the I / O controller 72 in the same manner as when the power switch 11 (FIG. 2) provided on the front surface of the casing of the main body 2 is pressed. By controlling 92, supply of a power supply voltage of +12 [V] from the power supply circuit 92 to each circuit is started.
[0057]
As described above, the computer apparatus 1 can supply power to the main unit 2 even when the power key 54 provided on the hot key arrangement unit 58 of the keyboard 4 is pressed, in the same manner as when the power switch 11 of the main unit 2 is pressed. Supply of a power supply voltage of +12 [V] from the circuit 92 to each circuit is started. At this time, the computer apparatus 1 supplies a power supply voltage of +12 [V] to the liquid crystal display 6 via the display cable 5 and also uses a power lamp 47 of the liquid crystal display 6 based on the LED control program 89 of the microcontroller 85. Has been made to light up.
[0058]
In the above configuration, the computer device 1 is connected to the keyboard cable 3 as the transmission cable from the power circuit 92 as long as it is connected to the AC power source as the external power source even when the power switch 11 of the main body 2 is not pressed. A power supply voltage of 5 [V] is supplied as a first level power supply voltage to the keyboard 4 via the fourth pin P4, and a power supply voltage of 5 [V] is supplied to the microcontroller 85.
[0059]
Therefore, the keyboard 4 can always detect the user's key operation by the CPU 120 even when the power switch 11 of the main body 2 is in the OFF state, and the power key 54 or PPK key provided in the hot key arrangement unit 58 can be detected. When 57 is pressed by the user, a code signal S4 as a power control command corresponding to the pressed key is sent to the microcontroller 85 of the main unit 2.
[0060]
When the CPU 89 detects the code signal S4 by the CPU 89, the microcontroller 85 controls the power supply circuit 92 via the I / O controller 72, thereby supplying +12 [V] power supply voltage to each circuit of the main unit 2 to the second level. The power supply voltage of +12 [V] is supplied to the liquid crystal display 6 and the power supply lamp 47 of the display panel 44 is turned on via the display interface 95. Let the user recognize that has started.
[0061]
According to the above configuration, the computer apparatus 1 activates the main body 2 by activating the main body 2 based on the user's key operation on the power key 54 or the PPK key 57 provided on the keyboard 4. As an option for this, the power switch 11 of the main body 2 and either the power key 54 or the PPK key 57 of the keyboard 4 can be selected, and the operability for the user can be further improved.
[0062]
In addition, the computer device 1 can be installed at a position away from the user by activating the main body 2 when the power key 54 or the PPK key 57 of the keyboard 4 is operated. The usage environment can be further improved.
[0063]
Furthermore, the computer apparatus 1 is a keyboard to which the PS2 interface is applied by supplying a power supply voltage of 5 [V] to the keyboard 4 adapted to the PS2 interface via the 4th pin of the keyboard cable 3. For example, it can be applied to other various keyboards.
[0064]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the main unit 2 is activated when the power key 54 or the PPK key 57 as the power key relating to the power-on of the keyboard 4 is pressed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the memory stick 116 is inserted through the memory stick insertion slot 115, the fact that the memory stick 116 has been inserted is indicated by the micro switch 115a provided in the memory stick insertion slot 115 (FIG. 8). Alternatively, the detection result may be notified to the microcontroller 85 to activate the main body 2. Also in this case, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
[0065]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the main unit 2 is activated by one-touch operation of the power key 54 or the PPK key 57 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the key arrangement unit 53 The main body 2 may be activated by pressing a plurality of operation keys 51 in combination.
[0066]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the power supply voltage of 5 [V] is supplied to the keyboard 4 from the main body 2 via the fourth pin of the keyboard cable 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a first level power supply voltage that can drive the keyboard 4 by other pins may be supplied as long as the keyboard is compatible with a standard other than the PS2 interface.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention,The keyboard operates by receiving a first level power supply voltage when the main body is connected to an external power supply, and the main body is a specific key provided at a predetermined position different from the location of operation keys on the keyboard. When a power key that is one of the two is operated, a second level power supply voltage is supplied to the plurality of processing circuits, while when a programmable key that is one of the specific keys is operated, The second level power supply voltage can be supplied and the application software can be activated, so that only the operation of the programmable key, which is one of the specific keys, can be executed from the activation of the main unit to a series of processing by the application software. CanThus, a computer device that can further improve the operability can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a computer apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front configuration (1) of a main body.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front configuration (2) of the main body.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a back configuration of a main body.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a liquid crystal display.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a keyboard.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the keyboard in a state where the keyboard cover is expanded.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rear configuration of the main body.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a keyboard connector.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining main power activation by a power key of a keyboard.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Computer apparatus, 2 ... Main part, 3 ... Keyboard cable, 4 ... Keyboard, 5 ... Display cable, 6 ... Liquid crystal display, 7 ... Mouse cable, 8 ... Mouse, 38 …… Keyboard connector, 47 …… Power lamp, 48 …… Information lamp, 54 …… Power key, 55 …… Standby key, 57 …… PPK key, 58 …… Hot key array, 59 …… Cable and mouse connector 72... I / O controller, 85... Microcontroller, 92... Power supply circuit, 95.

Claims (2)

A control command corresponding to the input operation of the operation key is output via the transmission cable, and a keyboard having a specific key provided at a predetermined position different from the place where the operation key is disposed, and processing according to the control command are performed. In a computer device comprising a main body provided with a plurality of processing circuits to be executed,
The main body is
And a power supply means for supplying to the keyboard from the power supply circuit in the main body portion of the first level of the supply voltage via the transmission cable when connected to an external power source,
When a predetermined power key that is one of the specific keys is operated in a state where the power voltage of the first level is supplied to the keyboard , a power control command corresponding to the power key is used as the control command. is supplied through a transmission cable, comprising a power supply control means for supplying the second level of power supply voltage from the power supply circuit to said plurality of processing circuits when the power control command is supplied,
The keyboard, when one programmable key is the specific key provided on the keyboard in a state where the first level of the power supply voltage is supplied is operated, the power-supply control command corresponding to the programmable keys And a predetermined application software activation command is sent to the power supply control means of the main body via the transmission cable,
The power control means of the main body supplies the second level power supply voltage from the power supply circuit to the plurality of processing circuits when the power control command is given, and then executes the application software based on the start command. to start
Computer equipment. Control command corresponding to the input operation of the operation key and outputs via the heat transmission cable, receives the control command from the keyboard having a specific key provided in a different place from the location of the operation keys, the control In a power control method for a computer device that executes processing according to a command by a plurality of processing circuits provided in a main body,
The first level of power supply voltage from the power circuit in the main body and supplied to the keyboard via the transmission cable when connected to an external power source by a predetermined power supply unit,
When a predetermined power key that is one of the specific keys is operated in a state where the power voltage of the first level is supplied to the keyboard , a power control command corresponding to the power key is used as the control command. via a transmission cable is fed into the main body, provides a second level of power supply voltage to said plurality of processing circuits from the power supply circuit by a predetermined power control unit when the power-supply control command is supplied,
When the programmable key is operated, one of the specific keys provided on the keyboard in a state where the first level of the power supply voltage is supplied, the power control command and a predetermined application corresponding to the programmable keys Sending a software activation command from the keyboard to the power control means of the main unit via the transmission cable,
The power control means of the main body supplies the second level power supply voltage from the power supply circuit to the plurality of processing circuits when the power control command is given, and then executes the application software based on the start command. to start
Power control method for computer equipment.

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