JPH0675652A - Computer system with robbery preventing mechanism and robbery preventing method for computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a computer from being robbed or illegally used. CONSTITUTION:The PC-CPU 51 of a power unit executes a robbery prevention routine stored in a ROM 52 in response to an interruption caused by a timer 51a. The PC-CPU 51 controls an I/O driver 59 according to the robbery prevention routine. Consequently, switches SW1 and SW2 of a DCS 80 are turned ON and OFF under the control. When external power supply is cut off or the attachment of an AC adapter is reset after an operator, etc., performs operation for alarm operation specification, the PC-CPU 51 performs control so that the switches SW1 and SW2 of the DCS 80 both turn ON. When the switches SW1 and SW2 are both ON, the backup voltage VBK supplied from a power circuit 70 is supplied to a buzzer(Bz) 81, which continuously sounds until a battery is fully discharged, thereby indicating illegal handling by a 3rd party to the periphery.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer system such as a portable computer having an anti-theft mechanism and a method for preventing the theft of a computer system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, personal computers have been miniaturized and weighed to make them easier to carry and to have higher performance and higher functionality. The portable personal computer includes a book type (or laptop type) computer and a pen computer. Book-type computer has US Patent No. 5,200,
Like the 883, it has a main body unit provided with a keyboard and a display unit rotatably attached to the main body unit, and can be driven by a battery. The pen computer is a liquid crystal display device (LCD),
It is equipped with a transparent tablet provided on the LCD to enable data input with a pen, and can be driven by a battery.

In these book type computers, pen computers, etc., since they are easy to carry, countermeasures against theft and plagiarism are major problems. Conventionally, as measures against theft and theft of book type computers and pen computers,
It has been common to provide a hook for chain connection on the computer body. According to this method, one end of the chain is fixed to the computer installation place and the other end of the chain is fixed to a hook, and the computer is fixed to the installation place via the hook and the chain.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional method requires a mechanism for attaching the hook, which hinders the miniaturization of the computer. Further, the antitheft mechanism using the hook has a drawback that the theft cannot be prevented once the chain is removed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a computer system and a theft prevention method having a function of preventing the theft of a computer.

Further, the present invention provides a computer system and a theft prevention method having a function of preventing the theft of a computer without having a special mechanism such as a theft prevention mechanism by a hook and a chain. To aim.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer system and a theft prevention method having a function of preventing the computer from being stolen even if a line connecting the computer and a place where the computer is installed is disconnected.

[0008]

Means and Actions for Solving the Problems First of the Invention
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system operable by electric power supplied from an external power supply, the power supply being chargeable by the electric power supplied from the external power supply and generating and outputting various operating voltages. Supply means,
Alarm means for notifying mishandling of the computer system, starting means for supplying the operating voltage output from the power supply means to the alarm means, and activating the alarm means, and an instruction for permitting operation of the alarm means from an operator. / Monitoring the presence or absence of power supply from the external power source and the instruction input means for inputting the operation release instruction, and after the instruction input means inputs the operation permission instruction, the interruption of the power supply from the external power source is detected. In this case, the control means controls the activation means so that the alarm means operates.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention has a power supply adapter and operates based on an external power supply supplied through the power supply adapter plugged in the computer system main body. A computer system with an anti-theft mechanism, which is capable of being charged by the input power from the external power source, outputs a variety of operating voltages, alarm means for notifying mishandling of the computer system, and the power source. A starting means for supplying the operating voltage output from the supplying means to the alarm means to activate the alarm means, an instruction input means for inputting an operation permission instruction / operation release instruction of the alarm means from an operator, and the power adapter Monitor the plug-in connection status of
And a control means for controlling the activation means so that the alarm means is activated when it is detected that the plug-in connection of the power supply adapter is released after the instruction input means inputs the operation instruction. Is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a computer system with an anti-theft mechanism which can be operated by electric power supplied from an external power source, and is charged by the input power from the external power source. A power supply means for outputting a predetermined operating voltage, an alarm means for notifying mishandling of the computer system, and a power supply means for supplying power from the external power supply to the computer system when the power supply is cut off. And a control means for controlling activation by supplying the output voltage to the alarm means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the present invention has a power supply adapter and operates on the basis of an external power supply supplied through the power supply adapter plugged into the computer system main body. A computer system with an anti-theft mechanism, which is capable of being charged by the input power from the external power source, outputs a predetermined operating voltage, power supply means, alarm means for notifying mishandling of the computer system, and When the plug-in connection of the power adapter is released, the control means supplies the voltage output from the power supply means to the alarm means to control the activation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a battery means that can be charged by electric power supplied from an external power source, an alarm means for notifying mishandling of a computer, and an alarm means for an operator. A method for preventing the theft of a computer, which has means for inputting an operation permission instruction / operation release instruction and is operable by the external power supply, the operator monitoring the presence or absence of electric power supplied from the external power supply to the operator, When it is detected that the power supply from the external power supply is cut off after the operation permission instruction is input from the operator and the operation permission instruction is input from the operator, the alarm means is caused by the voltage stored in the battery means. It is characterized by operating.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a power supply adapter which can be plug-in connected to a computer, battery means which can be charged by a voltage supplied through the power supply adapter, and the computer. A method for preventing theft of the computer, which has alarm means for notifying improper handling, means for inputting an operation permission instruction / operation release instruction of the alarm means from an operator, and is operable by a voltage supplied through the power adapter. And
The plug-in connection of the power adapter is canceled after monitoring the state of the plug-in connection of the power adapter to the computer, inputting the operation permission instruction from the operator, and inputting the operation permission instruction from the operator. When detected, the alarm means is operated by the voltage stored in the battery means.

According to this structure, when the external power supply is cut off or the plug-in connection of the power supply adapter is released while the external power supply is being supplied to the personal computer main body, a predetermined alarm means is provided. Is supplied. As a result, the alarm means continuously operates until the power supply means, the main power supply, the sub power supply, etc. are in a discharged state, and informs the surroundings that the computer system is being improperly handled. Therefore, the software resources of the computer main body and the computer system are protected from theft.

Further, in the computer system according to the first aspect, the power supply means has a main power source removable from the computer system and a sub power source fixedly incorporated in the computer system,
The control means is operated by the voltage stored in the main power supply when the power supply from the external power supply is cut off, and the starting means is operating the alarm means while the computer system is operating the main power supply. Is removed, the alarm means is continuously operated by supplying the voltage stored in the sub power supply to the alarm means.

In the computer system according to the second aspect, the power supply means has a main power supply removable from the computer system body and a sub power supply fixedly incorporated in the computer system, and the control means comprises: When the power supply from the external power source is cut off, the main power source is operated by the voltage stored in the main power source, and the activation means is activating the alarm means, and the main power source is removed from the computer system main body. In this case, the alarm means is continuously operated by supplying the voltage stored in the sub power supply to the alarm means.

With such a structure, even when the main power source is removed from the computer main body during the operation of the alarm means and the control means stops operating, the alarm means can continue to operate. As a result, the fact that the computer body is being improperly handled can be continuously notified to the surroundings, and the computer body can be prevented from being stolen.

Further, in the computer system according to the first and second aspects, the instruction input means is
When inputting the operation permission instruction, by inputting the password specified by the operator, when inputting the operation release instruction, the input of the password is requested, and the operation release instruction is input only when the password is input, The control means controls the starting means so as to stop the operation of the alarm means when an operation release instruction is input by the instruction input means during the operation of the alarm means.

With such a configuration, only the person who knows the registered password can stop the alarm means in operation when the operation permission of the alarm means is instructed.
Therefore, even if the alarm means is accidentally activated, if the password is known, the alarm means can be deactivated.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a portable computer having an antitheft mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a system bus 10 is composed of a data bus, an address bus, and a control bus, and transmits information necessary for operating a computer. Further, constituent elements 11 to 28 described later are connected to the system bus 10.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11
Controls the entire system, accesses the ROM 12 at the time of power supply, and executes an alarm activation designation routine and an alarm cancellation designation routine. ROM (Read Onl
The y memory) 12 stores fixed programs and fixed data such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). A RAM (Randum Access Memory) 13 stores a program and data to be processed. The RAM 13 always has a backup voltage (VB
K) is supplied.

Direct Memory Access Controller (DM
AC) 14 performs direct memory access control. Programmable Interrupt Controller (PIC) 15
Is an interrupt controller that can be set by a program. The Programmable Interval Timer (PIT) 16 is an interval timer that can be set by a program.
The Real-Time Clock (RTC) 17 is a timepiece module having its own battery for operation, and has a password register 17a for storing a password required when designating an alarm release.

The expansion RAM 18 is removably inserted in a predetermined slot to increase the main storage capacity of the computer. Further, the backup voltage VBK is supplied to the expansion RAM 18. The back-up RAM 19 is
It serves as a data storage area for realizing the resume function. The backup voltage VBK is supplied to the back-up RAM 19 similarly to the expansion RAM 18, and the contents of the memory and the register immediately before the power is turned off are stored.

The expansion connector 20 is a bus connector for expanding functions. An external hard disk drive (external HDD) or the like is selectively connected to the expansion connector 20 as necessary, or various components (for example, a keyboard, a CRT display, a large-capacity memory, a personal computer) for function expansion are provided. It is selectively mounted on an expansion unit having a mounting mechanism, etc.) and is connected to a circuit.

A hard disk drive-interface (HDD-IF) 21 is a hard disk drive mounting type (hard disk drive (HD
When the system is upgraded to (D)), an internal HDD (with a hard disk drive controller (HDC)) 31 is interface-connected. The floppy disk controller (FDC) 22 is a floppy disk drive (FDD) 32A, 32B based on the control of the CPU 11.
To control. The FDDs 32A and 32B access the floppy disk.

Printer controller (PRT-CON
T) 23 is a printer (PR) that is connected as necessary.
T) or external floppy disk drive (E-FD
D) Control 33. Input / output interface (UAR
T: Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter)
24, RS-232C34 is connected as necessary,
Data is transmitted / received to / from an external device. The keyboard controller (KBC) 25 is connected to a keyboard (mouse if necessary) 35, and sends data input from the keyboard to the CPU 11 or the like.
Control 5

Display-Controller (DISP-
The CONT 26 is a liquid crystal display (LC) here.
D) 36, or a CRT (Cathod connected as required)
e RayTube) Controls the display 37. VRAM (V
The video RAM) 27 is supplied with the backup voltage VBK and stores the display image data.

Parallel / serial interface (P
The S-IF) 28 is a power supply control interface that connects an intelligent power supply (hereinafter, referred to as a power supply device) 40 including a power supply control microprocessor 51 that controls power supply with the CPU 11 via the system bus 10.

The power supply unit 40 has an original system power supply control function for centrally managing the system power supply, and an anti-theft mechanism for detecting an improper handling caused by the stop of the external power supply and issuing an alarm. These functions are realized by the power supply control processor (PC-CPU) 51. The power supply device 40 is used when the operator turns on / off the system power.
It has a power switch 41 that receives an off instruction.

The PC-CPU 51 is a power adapter (AC
It is operated by the operating power supply Vm generated by the adapter) 29 or the main batteries 71A and 71B. PC-C
The PU 51 constantly monitors and controls the power supply regardless of whether the system power supply is turned on or off according to the operation of the power switch 41.

In this computer, as shown in FIG. 1, main batteries (M-BATA, M-BATB) 71A, 71B for system operation are used as built-in batteries.
And a sub battery (S-BAT) 71 for backup
With S and. Main battery 71 for system operation
Each of A and 71B has a pack structure and can be individually attached to and detached from the body. In addition, the sub battery 71S for backup
Cannot be removed from the main body.

An alarm drive control circuit (DCS) 80, which is a component of the anti-theft mechanism, is connected to the power supply device 40. The DCS 80 drives and controls the buzzer (Bz) 81 according to the switch signal supplied from the power supply device 40.

The buzzer (Bz) 81 can continuously emit a sound of a sufficient volume to inform the surroundings of mishandling of the computer system by a third party. Next, the configuration of the power supply device 40 and the antitheft mechanism connected to the power supply device 40 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device 40 shown in FIG. 1 and the antitheft mechanism connected to the power supply device 40. Here, the microprocessor (PC-CP) of the intelligent power supply (power supply) 40 that centrally manages the system power supply is used.
U) 51 is shown as an example of a theft prevention mechanism.

The power supply device 40 comprises a power supply microcomputer 50 including a PC-CPU 51 and a power supply circuit 70. First, the power supply microcomputer 50 will be described. PC-CPU
The 51 constantly monitors and controls the power supply regardless of whether the system power supply is on or off. PC
The CPU 51 controls the power supply circuit 70 that generates and outputs various operating power supplies for system operation according to the power supply control program stored in the internal ROM 52, and the on / off control of the system power supply according to the operation of the power switch 41. , And the charging control according to the charging control parameters of the built-in batteries 71A, 71B, 71S. PC-CPU51
Further executes a theft prevention processing routine described later. The PC-CPU 51 executes these processes every 64 ms according to the timer 51a that has its own.

The ROM 52 stores the power supply control program and data as described above, and is connected to the PC-CPU 51. Further, the PC-CPU 51 has a RAM 55, a parallel I / O (Input / Output) 56, a
It is connected to the serial I / O 57, the A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion circuit 58, and the charge unit 72.

The RAM 55 is supplied with the backup voltage VBK, and stores the alarm activation information WO, the alarm cancellation information WC, the external power source information EP indicating the presence / absence of input of the external power source, the power source adapter flag AF, and the like at predetermined addresses. The alarm activation information WO and the alarm release information WC are information that the CPU 11 sets by the operator in a setup menu, a popup menu, or the like. The contents of the addresses in which the alarm activation information WO and the alarm cancellation information WC are stored are reset in advance. Furthermore, RAM55
Is a switch SW1 and a switch SW2, which will be described later, showing "1" in the ON state and "0" in the OFF state.
The flag and the SW2 flag are stored. Furthermore, this RAM5
5, SW1 flag = “1” and SW2 flag = “0” are set as initial values.

The parallel I / O 56 is connected to the power switch 41.
PC to convert serial data such as
It is sent to the CPU 51 and the like. Also, it is connected to the I / O driver 59 to send and receive data.

The serial I / O 57 is connected to the bus 53 and the PS-IF 28. When sending data from the PC-CPU 51 to the CPU 11, the serial I / O 57 converts the data sent from the PC-CPU 51 into serial data and sends it to the PS-IF 28. The PS-IF 28 converts the received data into parallel data and sends it to the CPU 11.

When data is sent from the CPU 11 to the PC-CPU 51, the data sent from the CPU 11 is PS
-It is converted to serial data by the IF 28 and sent to the serial I / O 57. The serial I / O 57 converts this serial data into parallel data and converts it into a PC-CPU.
Send to 51. In this way, the CPU 11 and the PC-CP
Data transmission / reception between U51 is performed.

The A / D conversion circuit 58 converts the voltage analog signal supplied from the power supply circuit 70 into a digital signal. The I / O driver 59 is connected to the DCS 80, the switch circuit 73 described later, and the parallel I / O 56 described above. The I / O driver 59 sends a switch signal to the DCS 80 and the switch circuit 73.

Next, the power supply circuit 70 will be described. The power supply circuit 70 includes a charge unit 72 and a switch circuit 7.
3, DC-DC converters 74 and 75, a three-terminal regulator 76, and a current detector 77 are provided.

The charging unit 72 is the PC-CPU 5
Under the control of 1, the external power supply DC-IN supplied from the AC adapter 29 is supplied to the switch circuit 73. The switch circuit 73 is connected to the PC-CP via the I / O driver 59.
Under the control of U51, by controlling the drive of the DC-DC converter 74, the generation / output of the power supply to each component in the system is controlled. That is, the switch circuit 73 inputs the output power sources of the main batteries 71A and 71B and the AC adapter 29 as the primary power source, and the PC-C.
Under the control of the PU 51, the primary power source is output to the DC-DC converter 74, and the main batteries 71A, 71
The charging of B and the sub battery 71S is controlled.

The DC-DC converter 74 receives the primary power source via the switch circuit 73, generates the operating power source (secondary power source for system operation) for each component in the system, and excludes the power source microcomputer 50. Supply operating power to the components.

The DC-DC converter 75 is a DC-DC converter.
Unlike the converter 74, it is not controlled by the switch circuit 73 and always outputs the backup voltage VBK using the main batteries 71A and 71B and the sub-battery 71S as primary power sources. This backup voltage VBK is, as described above, the RAM 13, the expansion RAM 18, and the backup RAM.
19, the VRAM 27, the RAM 55, and the switch SW1 described later.

The three-terminal regulator 76 receives the primary power source only from the main batteries 71A and 71B, generates the operating voltage Vm, and supplies it to the constituent elements of the power source microcomputer 50 except the RAM 55. That is, the main battery 71
When A and 71B are removed, the power supply microcomputer 50 stops its operation. However, the information stored in the RAM 55 is transferred from the sub battery 71S to the DC-DC converter 75.
It is maintained by VBK supplied via.

The current detector 77 is connected to the main battery 71.
A, 71B and sub-battery 71S current is detected,
The value is sent to the / D conversion circuit 58. PC-CPU51 is A
The charging of the battery is controlled based on the value sent to the / D conversion circuit 58.

Next, the alarm drive control circuit (DCS) 80 will be described. The DCS 80 supplies the backup voltage VBK to the buzzer ((Bz)) 81 as a drive voltage in accordance with the switch signals S1 and S2 output from the I / O driver 59, and the serially connected switches SW1 and S2.
It is composed of W2. The switch SW1 includes an NPN transistor 82 and a base of the transistor 82.
It is composed of a bias resistor 83 connected between the collectors. The VBK output from the DC-DC converter 75 is supplied to the collector of the transistor 82, and the switch signal S1 is sent from the I / O driver 59 to the base.
That is, the switch signal S1 is at "L" level (low level)
At this time, the switch SW1 is turned off, and the output of the backup voltage VBK is prohibited. When the switch signal S1 is at "H" level (high impedance), the backup voltage V
The switch SW1 is turned on by the switch-on bias by BK, and the backup voltage VBK is output from the emitter of the transistor 82.

Therefore, the switch SW1 is de-energized from the power supply adapter (AC adapter) 29, and further, the main batteries 71A and 71B are removed from the battery pack accommodating section, so that the operating voltage Vm supplied to the power supply microcomputer 50. When the power is cut off, each output of the I / O driver 59 becomes high impedance, and the switch SW1 is forcibly turned on.

The switch SW2 is a relay circuit having a coil 84. The fixed contact 85 is supplied with the backup voltage VBK when the switch SW1 is in the ON state.
A buzzer (Bz) 81 is connected to the fixed contact 86. The armature 87 is normally kept in contact with the fixed contact 86 by a spring or the like, whereby the switch SW2 is kept in the ON state.

On the other hand, the switch signal S2 is supplied from the I / O driver 59 to one end of the coil 84, and the other end is grounded. Here, when the switch signal S2 of "H" level (predetermined voltage Vcc or more) is output from the I / O driver 59, the coil 84 serves as an electromagnet, and the armature 87 is attracted to the coil 84, and the fixed contact. 88. As a result, the switch SW2 is turned off.
That is, the switch SW2 outputs the switch signal S of "H" level (predetermined voltage Vcc or more) from the I / O driver 59.
Stays on unless 2 is supplied.

Next, with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 3 and 4, the processing (alarm activation designation routine, alarm cancellation designation routine) when the CPU 11 receives an alarm activation designation or an alarm cancellation designation by the operator will be described. These routines are stored in the ROM 12. Further, as described above, the alarm activation designation and the alarm cancellation designation are set on the setup menu or the pop-up menu. Here, an alarm activation designation / alarm cancellation designation routine using the setup menu will be described.

First, the alarm actuation designation routine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operator can display a setup screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the screen of the LCD 36 by performing a predetermined operation using the keyboard 35 when executing the setup of the system. Here, when the operator selects the "alarm mode" ON, the main CPU 11 sends an alarm activation designation command to the PC-CPU 51 accordingly (step A1). The alarm activation designation command is sent to the PS-IF 28 via the bus 10 and converted into serial data here. The alarm activation designation command converted into serial data is sent to the serial I / O 57, where
It is converted into parallel data according to the number of lines of the bus 53. The PC-CPU 51 receives the alarm actuation designation command converted into this parallel data.

After sending the alarm activation designating command, the main CPU 11 requests the operator to input a password, as shown in the lower part of FIG. Here, the operator inputs a password having a predetermined number of characters using the keyboard 35 or the like. The CPU 11 stores the entered password in the password register (PSR) 17a of the RTC 17.
(Step A2). The RTC 17 has its own power supply.

Next, the alarm release designation routine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The alarm release designation is
This can be done using the setup screen as in the case of the alarm activation designation described above. The operator uses the keyboard 35
By performing a predetermined operation using, a setup screen (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the LCD 36 screen. When the main CPU 11 detects on the setup screen that the operator has selected the [alarm mode] off, the main CPU 11 displays a password input request on the LCD 36 screen.

When the password is input by the operator, the main CPU 11 causes the input password to change to the PSR 17a during execution of the alarm activation designation routine.
It is determined whether the password is the same as the password stored in (step B1). When the entered password is equal to the password stored in the PSR 17a in step B1, the main CPU 11 sends an alarm cancellation designation command to the PC-CPU 51 (step B2). The alarm release designation command is sent to the PC-CPU 51 through the same process as the alarm activation designation command described above.

In step B1, if the entered password is not the same as the password stored in PSR 17a, the main CPU 11 ends the alarm cancellation designation routine. As a result, if you do not enter the password that is the same as the password you entered when you specified the alarm activation,
The alarm release designation command cannot be sent to the PC-CPU 51. In the alarm release designation routine described here, if the passwords input by the operator are not equal (step B1, ≠), the routine is terminated. If the correct password cannot be entered in any of the number of times, the password may not be entered.

Further, although the setup menu screen shown in FIG. 5 is used for explanation here, for example, the operator displays a pop-up menu screen shown in FIG. It can be activated / deactivated. At this time, enable / disable
When any one of the above is designated, a screen as shown in FIG. 14B is displayed and a password setting or input is requested.

Next, the PC-C in the case of receiving the alarm activation designation command / alarm cancellation designation command from the CPU 11
The processing of the PU 51 will be described. In FIG. 6, PC-C
7 shows an interrupt processing routine when the PU 51 receives a command from the main CPU 11. This interrupt routine is
It is stored in the OM 52.

Upon receiving various commands from the CPU 11, the PC-CPU 51 executes a predetermined interrupt routine.
Here, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether the received command is an alarm activation designation command (step C
1). Here, when the received command is the alarm activation designation command, the PC-CPU 51 sets the alarm activation information WO in the RAM 55 (step C3). In addition, PC-
The CPU 51 resets the alarm release information WC also stored in the RAM 55 (step C5). PC-CP
If the received command is an alarm activation designation command, U51 executes the above processing and ends the interrupt routine.

If the received command is not the alarm activation designation command in step C1, the PC-CPU 51
Determines whether the received command is an alarm cancellation designation command (step C7). Here, when the received command is an alarm release designation command, the PC-CPU 51 determines that the RA
The alarm activation information WO stored in M55 is reset (step C9). Further, the PC-CPU 51 also sets the alarm cancellation information WC in the RAM 55 (step C11). Then, the PC-CPU 51 ends the interrupt routine.

When the received command is neither the alarm activation designation command nor the alarm cancellation designation command (steps C1, N
O, step C7, NO), the command content is determined as another command, and the corresponding process is executed (step C1).
3).

By the above processing, the processing corresponding to the alarm actuation designation command / alarm cancellation designation command is executed by the PC-CPU.
Made by 51. Therefore, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG.
As described above, the alarm activation information WO is set in the RAM 55 and the alarm cancellation information WC in the RAM 55 is reset in response to the operator's operation for designating the alarm activation.
Further, the alarm activation information WO is reset and the alarm cancellation information WC is set in accordance with the operation of the alarm cancellation designation by the operator.

Next, FIG. 7 shows a process in which the PC-CPU 51 sets the external power source information information EP indicating whether or not the external power source is input.
Will be described with reference to. The PC-CPU 51 operates the ROM 5 every 64 ms according to the timer 51a while the power supply microcomputer is operating.
The EP setting routine stored in 2 is executed.

When executing the EP setting routine, the PC-CPU 51 first receives the voltage V input from the external power supply adapter (AC adapter) 29 via the A / D conversion circuit 58.
Read EP (step D1). After this, PC-CPU
51 determines whether the read voltage VEP is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage Vhigh (step D3). Here, when the voltage VEP is equal to or lower than the voltage Vhigh (step D3, YES),
The PC-CPU 51 determines whether the voltage VEP is equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage Vlow (step D5). In step D5, if the voltage VEP is equal to or higher than the voltage Vlow, PC-C
The PU 51 sets the external power supply information EP in the RAM 55 (step D7) and stores that the external power supply is being supplied.

In step D3, the voltage VEP is the voltage V
When it is higher than high or when the voltage VEP is lower than the voltage Vlow in step D5, the external information EP stored in the RAM 55 is reset (step D9). As a result, the RAM 5 confirms that the external power is not supplied.
Store in 5.

By the above processing of the PC-CPU 51, the external power supply information EP indicating the input of the external power supply can be set / reset. Therefore, by referring to the external power source information EP stored in the RAM 55, it is possible to determine whether or not the external power source is input.

Next, the anti-theft initialization routine and the anti-theft routine executed by the PC-CPU 51 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The anti-theft initialization routine shown in FIG. 8 is a part of an initialization program executed when the power supply microcomputer 50 is reset.
Further, during normal operation of the power supply microcomputer 50, the PC-CPU
The 51 executes the processing shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in response to an internal interrupt every 64 ms based on the built-in timer 51a. As described above, the SW1 flag and the SW2 flag stored in the RAM 55 are set to have initial values of SW1 = "1" and SW2 = "0". [Initial setting] First, for some reason, the power supply microcomputer 5
Initialization processing for theft prevention will be described in the initialization program executed when 0 is reset and the PC-CPU 51 starts the initialization processing.

The PC-CPU 51 executes the routine shown in FIG. 8 as the initial setting for theft prevention. First, RA
It is determined whether the SW1 flag and SW2 flag stored in M55 are SW1 flag = "1" and SW2 flag = "1" (step E1). If the SW1 flag and the SW2 flag stored in the RAM 55 are not changed, the SW1 flag = “1” and the SW2 flag =
Since it is "0", step E1 is NO.

The PC-CPU 51 then initializes various information in the RAM 55. First, the alarm activation information WO
And the information of the predetermined address of the RAM 55 which stores the alarm release information WC is reset. Next, the power adapter flag AF is set to "1". Further, each flag stored in the RAM 55 is set as SW1 flag = “1”, SW2 flag =
Set to "0" and switch SW of alarm drive control circuit 80
Turn on 1 and switch SW2 off (step E
5).

Here, the PC-CPU 51 uses the switch S
The switch signal S1 of "H" level (high impedance) is output to turn on W1, and the switch signal S2 of "H" level (predetermined voltage Vcc or higher) is output to turn off switch SW2. The I / O driver 59 is controlled via the bus 53 and the parallel I / O 56.
The "H" level switch signal S1 is input to the base of the transistor 83 of the switch SW1. The transistor 83 which receives the "H" level switch signal S1 is
It is turned on, and the backup voltage VBK supplied to the collector is sent to the fixed contact 85 of the switch SW2.
The "H" level switch signal S2 is sent to the coil 84 of the switch SW2. As a result, the coil 84 becomes an electromagnet, and the armature 87 contacts the fixed contact 88. Therefore, the backup voltage VBK supplied to the fixed contact 85
Is not supplied to the buzzer (Bz) 81.

By performing the initialization process in this way, the external adapter flag AF = "1", the switch SW
1 is on, switch SW2 is off, SW1 flag =
"1" and SW2 flag = "0" are set.

If YES in step E1, the I / O driver 59 is controlled so that the switches SW1 and SW2 are both turned on (step E3). That is, the I / O driver 59 is controlled so that the switch signal S1 becomes "H" level (high impedance) and the switch signal S2 becomes "L" level.

As described above, the PC-CPU 51 ends the theft prevention initial routine executed when the power supply microcomputer 50 is reset. [When no external power supply is supplied after initial setting] Next, a case where no external power supply is supplied after the initial setting will be described. However,
It is assumed that the external power supply information EP has already been reset according to the interrupt routine shown in FIG.

The PC-CPU 51 refers to the external power source information EP stored in the RAM 55 and determines whether or not the external power source is supplied (step F1). The external power supply information EP is
It has been reset, and therefore the PC-CPU 51 determines that there is no external power supply (step F1, NO). Next, the PC-CPU 51 causes the external adapter flag AF =
It is determined whether it is "1" (step F7). Since the external adapter flag AF is initially set to "1" in step E5 of FIG. 8, the PC-CPU 51 returns YES.
Switch SW1 is turned on, SW1 flag =
It is set to "1" (step F9).

The PC-CPU 51 then sends the alarm release information W
It is determined whether C is set at a predetermined address (step F11). Since the alarm cancellation information WC has been reset in advance, the PC-CPU 51 determines NO and terminates the theft prevention routine due to an internal interrupt. That is, when the external power supply is not supplied after the initial setting, the anti-theft routine executes only the processes of steps F1, F7, F9, and F11.

Therefore, when the computer is not supplied with an external power source, the external adapter flag AF = "1", the external power source information EP is reset, the alarm activation information WO is reset, the alarm release information WC is reset, and the switch SW1 is on. The switch SW2 is off, and the SW1 flag = "1" and the SW2 flag = "0" are maintained. [When External Power Supply is Present After Initial Setting] Next, the flow of the antitheft routine when the external power supply is present after initial setting will be described. However, it is assumed that the external power source information EP has already been set according to the routine shown in FIG. 7.

When the antitheft routine by the internal interrupt is executed, first, the PC-CPU 51 causes the external power source information E
The presence or absence of external power supply is determined by referring to P (step F1). Here, the external power source information EP is set according to FIG. 7 as described above. Therefore, step F1
Is YES.

Next, the PC-CPU 51 sets the SW1 flag =
It is determined whether "1" and the SW2 flag = "1" (step F3). Since these flags have been set as SW1 flag = "1" and SW2 flag = "0" by the initial setting process, step F3 is NO. next,
The PC-CPU 51 sets AF = “1”, turns off the switch SW1 and sets the SW1 flag = “0” (step F5).

Next, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether the alarm release information WC is set (step F1).
5). The alarm release information WC is in the reset state unless it is set by the operation of the operator.
After that, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether the alarm activation information WO is set (step F1).
9). Since the alarm activation information WO is also reset like the alarm cancellation information WC, step F19 becomes NO and P
The C-CPU 51 ends the alarm prevention routine due to the internal interrupt. That is, when the external power supply is supplied after the initial setting, steps F1, F3, F5, F15, and F19 are performed.
The process of is executed.

Therefore, when the computer is supplied with an external power source, the external adapter flag AF = "1", EP is set, alarm operation information WO is reset, and alarm release information WC.
Is reset, the switch SW1 is off, the switch SW2 is off, and the SW1 flag = "0" and the SW2 flag = "0" are maintained. [When the alarm activation information WO is set to ON by the operator while the external power is supplied] Next, the operation of the PC-CPU 51 in the antitheft routine after the alarm activation is designated by the operator explain. Here, a case where an external power supply is supplied to the computer will be described. The alarm activation designation is made according to the routine shown in FIG.
51 executes the interrupt processing shown in FIG. 6, sets the alarm activation information WO at a predetermined address, and resets the alarm cancellation information WC.

Further, other information and flags are set as follows.
As described in [In case of supplying external power after initialization], external adapter flag AF = "1", EP is set, switch SW1 is off, switch SW2 is off, S
The W1 flag = "0" and the SW2 flag = "0" are set.

First, the PC-CPU 51 refers to the external power source information EP stored in the RAM 55 and determines whether or not the external power source is supplied (step F1). External power supply information EP
Is set according to the routine shown in FIG.
The PC-CPU 51 determines that the external power supply is supplied (step F1, YES). Next, the PC-CPU 51
Determines whether the SW1 flag and the SW2 flag of the RAM 55 are SW1 flag = "1" and SW2 flag = "1", respectively (step F3). Here, as described above, since SW1 flag = "0" and SW2 flag = "0", step F3 is NO. Next, PC-CP
U51 has AF = "1", SW1 turned off, SW1 =
It is set to "0" (step F5).

Further, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether or not the alarm release information WC is set (step F1).
5). Since the alarm release information WC has been reset according to FIG. 6, the PC-CPU 51 determines NO in step F15, and then determines whether the alarm activation information WO is set (step F19). Here, since the alarm activation information WO is set according to the interrupt routine shown in FIG. 6, step F19 is YES. When step F19 is YES, PC-CPU51
In order to confirm the operation of the power supply microcomputer 50, the presence / absence of external power supply is determined again by referring to the external power supply information EP (step F21). Since the external power supply information EP has been set, step F21 is YES. Next, PC-
To confirm the operation of the power supply microcomputer 50, the CPU 51 determines again whether SW1 flag = “1” and SW2 flag = “1” (step F25). Here, since both the SW1 flag and the SW2 flag are "0", step F25 is NO.

Next, the PC-CPU 51 makes AF = “1”,
Switch SW1 is off, switch SW2 is on, SW1
The flag is set to "0" and the SW2 flag is set to "1" (steps F27 and F29), and the process is ended.

Therefore, when power is supplied and the operation for designating the alarm activation is performed by the operator, steps F1 and F in the antitheft routine executed every 64 ms.
3, F5, F15, F19, F21, F25, F27,
And the processing in F29 is executed.

Therefore, as for each information and flag, the power adapter flag AF = "1", the external power information EP is set, the alarm activation information WO is set, the alarm release information WC is reset, the switch SW1 is off, and the switch SW2 is on. , S
The W1 flag = "0" and the SW2 flag = "1" are maintained. [When the operator operates the alarm activation designation with no external power supply] Next, the PC in the anti-theft routine when the operator activates the alarm activation with no external power supply -CPU51
The operation of will be described. The alarm activation designation is made according to the routine shown in FIG.
51 executes the interrupt process shown in FIG. 6, sets the alarm activation information WO, and resets the alarm cancellation information WC.

Further, other information and flags are set as follows.
As described in [When no external power is supplied after initial setting], the power adapter flag AF = "1", the external power information EP is reset, the switch SW1 is on, and the switch S is on.
W2 is off, SW1 flag = "1", SW2 flag =
"0" is set.

First, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether or not the power is supplied based on the external power information EP that the external power is not supplied (step F1, NO). Next, PC-CP
Since the power adapter flag AF of U51 is "1",
The switch SW1 is turned on and the SW1 flag is set to "1" (steps F7 and F9).

The PC-CPU 51 then sends the alarm release information W
It is determined whether C is set (step F11).
The alarm release information WC is reset and set according to the interrupt routine of FIG. 6, and step F11 becomes NO,
The PC-CPU 51 ends the process.

Therefore, when the operator operates the alarm activation designation with no power supplied, the antitheft routine executed every 64 ms is performed in steps F1 and F2.
The processing in 7, F9, and F11 is executed.

Therefore, as for each information and flag, the power adapter flag AF = “1”, the external power information EP is reset,
Alarm activation information WO is set, alarm release information WC is reset, switch SW1 is on, switch SW2 is off, S
The W1 flag = "1" and the SW2 flag = "0" are maintained.

As a result, the operator can perform the operation for designating the alarm activation without sounding the alarm even when the external power supply is not supplied to the computer main body.

[When alarm release information WC is set after setting alarm activation information WO] Next, after the alarm activation is designated,
The operation of the PC-CPU 51 in the theft prevention routine when the operator specifies the alarm release will be described.
The alarm release is specified by the CPU according to the routine shown in FIG.
11 is executed. Further, in response to the processing of the CPU 11, the PC-CPU 51 executes the interrupt processing shown in FIG. 6, resets the alarm activation information WO, and sets the alarm cancellation information WC.

If the external power supply is supplied when the alarm actuation information WO is set, various information and flags are AF = “1”, EP is set, switch SW1 is off, and switch SW1 is set as described above. SW2 is on, SW1 flag =
"0", SW2 flag = "1".

First, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether or not the external power source is supplied based on the external power source information EP (step F1). Here, since the external power supply has already been supplied and EP is set according to the routine of FIG. 7, the determination in step F1 is YES. Next, PC-CPU5
1 determines whether both the SW1 flag and the SW2 flag are "1" (step F3). SW1 flag = "0"
Therefore, step F3 becomes NO and the PC-CPU
Step 51 executes the process of step F5. That is, AF =
Switch SW1 off to "1", SW1 flag =
Set to "0". However, since these processes are already set, each information does not change.

Next, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether or not the alarm cancellation information WC is set (step F1).
5). Since the alarm release information WC has been set according to the routine of FIG. 6, step F15 is YES. As a result, the PC-CPU 51 executes the process of step F17 to turn off the switch SW2 and set SW2 = "0". Then, it is determined whether the alarm activation information WC is set (step F19). Alarm activation information WO
Has been reset, step F19 is NO, and the interrupt processing is terminated.

Therefore, if the alarm release information WC is set while the external power is being supplied, in the antitheft routine executed by interruption every 64 ms, step F
1, F3, F5, F15, F17, F19 are executed.

Therefore, various information and flags are set to the power adapter flag AF = “1”, the external power information EP is set,
Alarm activation information WO is reset, alarm release information WC is set, switch SW1 is off, switch SW2 is off, S
The W1 flag = "0" and the SW2 flag = "0" are maintained.

In addition, when the external power is not supplied, that is, when the personal computer is operated by the main batteries 71A, 7
When the alarm activation information WO is set in the state of being driven by 1B, various information and flags are AF = “1”, EP is reset, and the switch S is set as described above.
W1 is on, switch SW2 is off, SW1 flag =
"1", SW2 flag = "0". After that, when the alarm release information WC is set while the external power is not supplied, the PC-CPU is set in the anti-theft routine.
51 operates as follows.

First, the PC-CPU 51 refers to the external power source information EP to determine whether or not the external power source is supplied (step F1). Since the external power supply is shut off, step F
1 is NO. Next, the PC-CPU 51 sets AF =
It is determined whether it is "1" (step F7). AF =
Since it is “1”, the PC-CPU 51 determines in step F9.
Then, the switch SW1 is turned on and the SW1 flag is set to "1". However, these processes are already set.

Next, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether or not the alarm release information WC has been set (step F1).
1). Since the alarm release information WC is set in the RAM 55, step F11 becomes YES and the PC-CPU
51 executes the processing of step 13 and ends the interrupt processing. In step F13, the switch SW2 is turned off and the SW2 flag is set to "0". However, the switch SW2 has already been turned off and the SW2 flag =
It is set to "1".

Therefore, when the alarm release information WC is set in a state where the external power supply is not supplied, steps F1 and F in the antitheft routine executed every 64 ms.
7, F9, F11, F13 are executed.

Accordingly, various information and flags are set to the power adapter flag AF = “1”, the external power information EP is set,
Alarm activation information WO is reset, alarm cancellation information WC is set, switch SW1 is on, switch SW2 is off, S
The W1 flag = "0" and the SW2 flag = "0" are maintained. [When External Power Supply is Cut Off After Specifying Alarm Activation] Next, the processing of the PC-CPU 51 when the external power supply is cut off for some reason after the operator performs an alarm activation specifying operation Will be explained.

As mentioned above, there is an external power supply,
If the operator has specified the alarm activation,
Each information and flag is the power adapter flag AF =
“1”, external power supply information EP is set, alarm activation information WO
Is set, alarm release information WC is reset, switch SW
1 is off, switch SW2 is on, SW1 flag =
"0", SW2 flag = "1" is maintained. However, since the external power supply is cut off for some reason, the external power information EP is reset according to the routine of FIG.

After the external power supply is cut off, the PC-CPU 51 executes the following processing in response to an internal interrupt every 64 ms by the timer 51a. First, the PC-CPU 51
By referring to the external power information EP for the presence / absence of the external power supply, it is determined that no power is supplied (step F1, NO).
Next, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether the power adapter flag AF is "1" (step F7). Since the power supply adapter flag AF is maintained at "1" as described above, the result of step F7 is YES. Therefore, PC
-The CPU 51 turns on the switch SW1 and sets the SW1 flag = "1" (step F9). Therefore, the switch S
Both W1 and switch SW2 are turned on and the buzzer (B
z) 81 is activated and an alarm sounds.

After that, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether or not the alarm release information WC is set. Since the alarm release information WC is in the reset state, the theft prevention routine is finished (step F11, NO).

Therefore, if the external power supply is cut off for some reason after the operator has designated the alarm activation, the buzzer (Bz) 81 sounds. After that, the buzzer (B
z) 81 continues to ring until the energy stored in the batteries 71A, 71B, 71S becomes empty. [When the external power supply is started again while the alarm buzzer (Bz) is sounding] Next, the external power supply is cut off for some reason, and the alarm buzzer (Bz) 81 is sounding. The processing of the PC-CPU 51 in the anti-theft routine when the external power supply flag 29 is reconnected to the power outlet or the like and the supply of external power supply is restarted will be described.

When the alarm buzzer (Bz) 81 is sounding, each information and flag is the power adapter flag AF =
"1", external power supply information EP is reset, alarm activation information W
O is set, alarm release information WC is reset, switch S
W1 is on, switch SW2 is on, SW1 flag =
"1", SW2 flag is maintained at "1". However, since the supply of the external power supply is restarted, the external power supply information EP is set to the predetermined address of the RAM 55 according to the routine of FIG.

First, the PC-CPU 51 refers to the external power source information EP to determine whether or not the external power source is supplied (step F1). As described above, since the supply of the external power source is restarted, the external power source information EP is set, and the result of step F1 is YES.

After that, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether the SW1 flag and the SW2 flag are both "1" (step F3). When the buzzer (Bz) 81 is ringing (operating), the SW1 flag is "1" and the SW2 flag is "1", so that the step F3 is YES. Next, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether or not the alarm release information WC is set at a predetermined address (step F1).
1). Since the alarm release information WC has been reset,
The result of step F11 is NO, and the PC-CPU 51 ends the theft prevention routine.

Therefore, while the buzzer (Bz) 81 keeps ringing, the buzzer (Bz) 8 can be turned off even if the supply of the external power supply is restarted.
1 does not stop ringing. [When the main batteries 71A and 71B are removed while the alarm buzzer (Bz) 81 is ringing] Next, the removable main batteries 71A and 71B are removed while the alarm buzzer (Bz) 81 is ringing. The processing of the PC-CPU 51 in the anti-theft routine in the case of a storm will be described.

When the alarm buzzer (Bz) 81 is sounding, each information and flag is the power adapter flag AF =
"1", external power supply information EP is reset, alarm activation information W
O is set, alarm release information WC is reset, switch S
W1 is on, switch SW2 is on, SW1 flag =
"1", SW2 flag is maintained at "1". However, when the main batteries 71A and 71B are removed,
The supply of voltage to the three-terminal regulator 76 of the power supply circuit 70 is stopped, and the output of the operating voltage Vm of the power supply microcomputer 50 is stopped. Therefore, among the components of the power supply microcomputer 50, P
Operating voltage Vm of C-CPU 51, I / O driver 59, etc.
A component that is operating based on stops working. Therefore, the DC-S 80 cannot be controlled from the PC-CPU 51 via the I / O driver 59.

Therefore, the switch signal S1 is always high impedance because the operating voltage Vm supplied to the I / O driver 59 is stopped. However, as mentioned above, D
The switch SW1 of the CS 80 is turned on when the switch signal S1 supplied from the I / O driver 59 is at "H" level (high impedance). Therefore, the switch SW1 is always turned on, and the backup voltage VBK supplied from the sub-battery 71S is sent to the fixed contact 85 of the switch SW2.

Further, the armature 87 of the switch SW2 is connected to the fixed contact 86 on the ON side by the force of a spring or the like unless a voltage higher than a predetermined value is supplied to the coil 84. Therefore, the armature 87 continues to be connected to the fixed contact 86 as long as the I / O driver 59 is stopped. Therefore, the switch SW2 sends the backup voltage VBK supplied from the switch SW1 to the buzzer (Bz) 81, whereby the buzzer (Bz) 81 continues to ring until the energy stored in the sub-battery 71S becomes empty.

As described above, the buzzer (Bz) 81
Even if the main batteries 71A and 71B are removed while the sound is being emitted, the backup voltage VBK from the sub-battery 71S is supplied to the buzzer (Bz) 81 via the switches SW1 and SW2 of the DCS 80. Therefore, even if the main batteries 71A and 71B are removed while the buzzer (Bz) 81 is ringing, the buzzer (Bz) 81 continues to ring until the energy stored in the sub-battery 71S becomes empty. [When the main batteries 71A and 71B are temporarily removed and then attached again while the buzzer (Bz) is ringing]
Next, a case where the main batteries 71A and 71B are removed and the main batteries 71A and 71B are attached again while the buzzer (Bz) 81 is ringing will be described. When the main batteries 71A and 71B are removed, the operating power supply Vm of the power supply microcomputer 50 is not output.
Therefore, in the power supply microcomputer 50, the operation of the components having Vm as the operating voltage is stopped.

However, since the operating voltage of the RAM 55 is the backup power supply VBK, the stored information and flags, alarm activation information WO, alarm release information WC, external adapter flag AF, and information EP indicating the presence / absence of an external power supply are provided. , SW1
All flags and SW2 flags are retained. Therefore, S
W1 flag = “1”, SW2 flag = “1”, alarm activation information WO is set, alarm cancellation information WC is reset, external adapter flag AF = “1”, external power supply information EP is maintained in reset.

Here, again, the main batteries 71A, 71
When B is attached, PC-C of power supply microcomputer 50
The PU 51 executes a predetermined initial program to initialize each component. That is, the PC-CPU 51
Executes the antitheft initialization routine shown in FIG.

The PC-CPU 51 uses the SW1 of the RAM 55
It is determined whether both the flag and the SW2 flag are "1" (step E1). Since the voltage supplied to the RAM 55 is the backup voltage VBK from the sub battery 71S,
The SW1 flag = “1” and the SW2 flag = “1” set when the operation of the buzzer (Bz) 81 is started are still stored. Therefore, step E1 becomes YES.

After that, the PC-CPU 51 switches to the switch S.
I / O so that both W1 and switch SW2 are turned on
The driver 59 is controlled (step E3 in FIG. 8). As described above, when the main batteries 71A and 71B are temporarily removed and reattached when the buzzer (Bz) 81 is ringing, the initial setting in the power supply microcomputer 50 is completed.

Therefore, by temporarily removing and reattaching the main batteries 71A and 71B, the PC-CP
Although the U51 performs initial setting for each component, the buzzer (Bz) 81 does not stop ringing.

After this, the PC-CPU 51 causes the timer 51 to
The anti-theft routine shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is executed in response to the interruption of a. First, it is determined whether or not the external power source is supplied by referring to the external power source information EP (step F1).
Since the external power source remains off, step F1 is NO. Next, the PC-CPU 51 displays the power adapter flag A.
It is determined whether F is "1" (step F7). Here, since the power supply adapter flag AF is maintained at "1" in the RAM 55, step F7 is YES. Next, the PC-CPU 51 turns on the switch SW1 and sets the SW1 flag = "1" (step F).
9). However, the switch SW1 is already turned on, and the SW1 flag is maintained at "1" by the RAM 55.

Thereafter, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether or not the alarm cancellation information WC has been set (step F1).
1). Since the alarm cancellation information WC has been reset in the initial setting, step F11 becomes NO and PC-
The CPU 51 ends the processing in the theft prevention routine.

By the above processing, the buzzer (Bz) 81
Is the main batteries 71A and 71B and the sub battery 7
It continues to ring until the energy stored in 1S becomes empty. [When the operator performs an alarm cancellation designation operation while the buzzer (Bz) is sounding] Next, the buzzer (B
z) PC-C in the anti-theft routine in the case where the operator performs an operation for designating the alarm release during the operation of 81
The processing of the PU 51 will be described.

As described above, when the buzzer (Bz) 81 is operating, each information and flag is AF = “1”, the external power source information EP is reset, the alarm activation information WO is on, the alarm release information WC is off, Switch SW1 is on, switch SW
2 is on, SW1 flag = "1", SW2 flag =
It is maintained at "1".

Here, the operator opens a pop-up menu as shown in FIG. 14A on the screen of the LCD 36 and inputs the correct password from the keyboard (see FIG. 1).
4 (b) pop-up menu) When the alarm release is specified, the CPU 11 follows the routine shown in FIG.
Sends an alarm cancellation designation command to the PC-CPU 51 (FIG. 4, step B2). The PC-CPU 51 resets the alarm actuation information WO (step C9 in FIG. 6) and sets the alarm release information WC (step C11 in FIG. 6) in response to the alarm cancel designation command.

Therefore, each information and flag has AF =
"1", external power supply information EP is reset, alarm activation information W
O reset, alarm release information WC set, switch S
W1 is on, switch SW2 is on, SW1 flag =
"1", SW2 flag = "1" is changed.

In the theft prevention routine executed in response to the interruption of the timer 51a, first, the PC-CPU 51
Whether or not the external power source is supplied is determined by referring to the external power source information EP (step F1). As described above, the external power source information EP has been reset and step F1 becomes NO. After that, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether AF = “1” (step F7). As described above, since the power adapter flag AF is "1", step F7 returns Y.
It becomes ES. The PC-CPU 51 then switches SW
1 is turned on and the SW1 flag is set to "1" (step F9). However, the switch SW1 is already on and the SW1 flag is set to "1".

After that, the PC-CPU 51 determines whether or not the alarm release information WC is set (step F1).
1). Since the alarm release information WC is set according to the interrupt processing shown in FIG. 6, the step F11 returns Y.
It becomes ES. Next, the PC-CPU 51 uses the switch SW.
2 is turned off and the SW2 flag is set to "0" (step F1
3). As a result, the supply of the backup voltage VBK to the buzzer (Bz) 81 is stopped, and the buzzer (Bz) 81 stops ringing.

Next, while the buzzer (Bz) 81 is ringing, the external power supply adapter 29 is connected to the external power supply, the supply of the external power supply is resumed, and thereafter, the operation for designating the alarm release is performed based on FIG. The processing of the PC-CPU 51 when is performed will be described. When an alarm release operation is performed by an operator or the like, the external power source information EP is set according to the routine of FIG. Furthermore, as described above, the PC-CPU 51
Is the alarm activation information W according to the interrupt processing shown in FIG.
O is reset and alarm release information WC is set. Therefore, each information and flag is the power adapter flag AF =
“1”, external power supply information EP is set, alarm activation information WO
Reset, alarm release information WC set, switch SW
1 is on, switch SW2 is on, SW1 flag =
"1", SW2 flag = "1" is maintained.

The PC-CPU 51 first refers to the EP to determine whether or not an external power source is supplied (step F1). Since the external power is supplied again by the operator, the external power information EP is set. Therefore, step F1 becomes YES. Next, the PC-CPU 51
It is determined whether both the W1 flag and the SW2 flag are "1" (step F3). When operating the buzzer (Bz) 81,
Since SW1 flag = "1" and SW2 flag = "1", step F3 is YES.

Next, the PC-CPU 51 causes the alarm release information W
It is determined whether C is set (step F11).
Here, since the alarm cancellation information WC has already been set by the interrupt routine of FIG. 6, step F11 is YES. Therefore, the PC-CPU 51 turns off the switch SW2, sets the SW2 flag to "0" (step F13), and ends the process. When SW2 is turned off, the operation of the buzzer (Bz) 81 is stopped, and the theft alarm buzzer (Bz) 81 stops ringing.

Therefore, by these processes, even if the operator or the like operates the buzzer (Bz) 81 by mistake, the buzzer (Bz) 81 can be turned off by using the password set when the alarm operation is designated. .

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the voltage from the external power source (AC adapter 29) is set after the operation of the anti-theft mechanism is set while the external power source is being supplied to the portable computer main body. When the supply of
The buzzer (Bz) 81 of the anti-theft mechanism continues to operate. This informs the surroundings of mishandling by a third party, and protects the portable computer main body and the software information of this system from theft.

Further, after the operation of the anti-theft mechanism is set in the state where the external power is supplied to the main body of the portable computer, the supply of the external power is cut off and the battery pack having the main batteries 71A and 71B is removed. And the power control processor stops working, which causes
If the anti-theft routine stops, the buzzer (B
z) 81 can be activated. This informs the surroundings of mishandling by a third party, and protects the portable computer main body and the software information of this system from theft.

Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, even if the external power supply is erroneously cut off and the buzzer 81 is operated by mistake, the password registered when the alarm activation designation operation is performed is used. The alarm can be deactivated.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment has a configuration in which the buzzer (Bz) 81 is activated by mechanically detecting that the plug-in connection of the AC adapter 29 has been released after setting the operating state of the anti-theft mechanism. . 11, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the plug-in connection state detection circuit of the AC adapter 29. The power supply output plug 91 is a plug for outputting a power supply voltage generated by the AC adapter 29, and has terminal electrodes (contacts) 911,
912.

On the other hand, the computer body is provided with an insertion port 92 for a power plug 91. This outlet 92
Have terminal electrodes 921, 922, 923, and the terminal electrodes 921, 923 are charge units 7 of the power supply circuit 70.
Connected to 2. Each of the terminal electrodes 922 and 923 has a conducting portion for contacting the terminal electrode 912 at the tip. Only the conductive parts of the terminal electrodes 922 and 923 can be conductive. The terminal electrode 922 is a pull-up resistor 93.
A predetermined voltage is supplied via the
Level) has been pulled up. The terminal electrode 923 is
It is grounded.

When the power output plug 91 is not plugged into the insertion port 92, the conductive portion of the terminal electrode 922 is
Although the terminal electrode 923 is in contact with the terminal electrode 923, the terminal electrode 923 is not in electrical contact with the conductive portion of the terminal electrode 923. Therefore, the terminal electrode 922 is pulled up to the potential VDD.

On the other hand, when the power output plug 91 is plugged in to the insertion port 92, the conductive parts of the terminal electrode 922 and the terminal electrode 923 are in contact with the terminal electrode 912. Therefore, the terminal electrodes 911, 922, 923 are electrically connected. As described above, since the terminal electrode 922 is grounded, the terminal electrode 922 becomes the ground potential (“L” level).

The potential of the terminal electrode 922 (“H” level /
The “L” level) is latched in the I / O register (parallel I / O) 56 as a connection state detection signal. Further, this connection state detection signal is read by the PC-CPU 51 and used when determining whether or not the AC adapter 29 is connected.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show the antitheft routine of the second embodiment of the present invention, which uses the means for judging whether or not the AC adapter 29 is connected based on the connection state detection signal. This routine is stored in the ROM 52 similarly to the antitheft routine of the first embodiment, and P
It is executed under the control of the C-CPU 51.

The antitheft routine shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is the connection of the AC adapter instead of the determination of the external power supply in the antitheft routine of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 described above. Determine the presence or absence.

In the antitheft routine of the first embodiment, in steps F1 and F21, it is determined whether or not the external power source is supplied by referring to the external power source information EP stored in the RAM 55 according to the external power source information setting routine of FIG. . However, in this second embodiment, steps G1 and G
21, the level of the connection state detection signal is "H".
By detecting whether it is the level or the “L” level, A
Determine whether or not the C adapter is connected. As described above, the power supply output plug 91 receives the connection state detection signal from the insertion port 92.
When it is not plugged in, it becomes "H" level, and when it is plugged in, it becomes "L" level.

That is, in step G1, PC-CP
U51 fetches the connection state detection signal latched by the I / O register (parallel I / O) 56, determines that the AC adapter 29 is not connected when the connection state detection signal is at "H" level, and Perform G7 processing. When the connection state detection signal is at "L" level, the AC adapter 29
Is determined to be connected, and the process of step G3 is performed.

When the connection state detection signal is at "H" level in step G21, it is determined that the AC adapter 29 is not connected, and the process of step G23 is performed.
When the connection status detection signal is "L" level, AC adapter 2
9 is connected, and the process of step F25 is executed.

As described above, in the anti-theft routine, the external power source information EP becomes unnecessary by determining whether the AC adapter 29 is connected instead of determining whether the external power source is supplied. In addition, since the external power supply information EP becomes unnecessary, the RAM 55 stores the external power supply information EP in the ROM.
52 does not store the external power supply information EP setting routine shown in FIG.

In the antitheft routine shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, only the operations of steps G1 and G21 are
Unlike the above-described antitheft routine of the first embodiment, the other processing operations are exactly the same, so a detailed description of the operation will be omitted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the AC adapter 29 is pulled out and the AC adapter 29 is pulled out after the operation of the anti-theft mechanism is set in the state where the external power source is supplied to the main body of the portable computer. When the plug-in connection of is released, the buzzer (Bz) 81 of the anti-theft mechanism is
Works continuously. This informs the surroundings of mishandling by a third party, and protects the portable computer main body and the software information of this system from theft.

In addition, after setting the operation of the anti-theft mechanism in a state where the portable computer main body is supplied with the external power source, the plug-in connection of the AC adapter 29 is released, and the battery having the main batteries 71A and 71B. The buzzer (Bz) 81 can be operated even when the pack is removed and the operation of the power supply control processor is stopped so that the antitheft routine is stopped. This informs the surroundings of mishandling by a third party, and protects the portable computer main body and the software information of this system from theft.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, even after the alarm activation is set and the buzzer 81 is operated by accidentally disconnecting the plug-in connection of the AC adapter 29, the alarm activation is designated. The alarm can be canceled using the registered password.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the PC-CPU 51 of the power supply device 40 is used to realize the antitheft mechanism. However, for example, the antitheft control processor is provided. It may be configured, or may be configured only by hardware.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the alarm is issued by the buzzer sound.
An IC (Integrated Circuit) for sound generation, that is, a sound driver may be used, or a sound card may be inserted into the computer main body and a warning or a warning may be given by digitized sound. Further, in this case, it may be configured to have a battery dedicated to alarm driving.

Further, the system configuration of the device targeted for theft prevention, the arrangement of each component of the antitheft mechanism, etc. are not limited to those in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the present invention is applied to the system of various configurations. can do.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the power output plug 91 is plug-in connected to the insertion port 92 by using the terminal electrode 922 pulled up by the pull-up resistor 93. When the plug-in connection is not made, the I / O register (parallel I / O) 5 outputs the connection state detection signal of the “L” level when the plug-in connection is made.
6 and determines whether or not the AC adapter 29 is connected. However, the configuration is not limited to this, for example, a configuration using a 3-pin type power supply plug, or the power supply output plug 91 is used as the insertion port 9.
2 is a mechanism that can detect the plug-in connection state of the AC adapter 29, such as a configuration that uses a detection signal that becomes “L” level when it is plugged in to 2 and “H” level when it is not plugged in. Good.

[0156]

As described above in detail, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, after the operation of the anti-theft mechanism is set while the external power source is being supplied to the main body of the portable computer, the external power source (AC When the voltage supply from the adapter is cut off, the buzzer of the anti-theft mechanism continues to operate. This informs the surroundings of mishandling by a third party, and protects the portable computer main body and the software information of this system from theft. Also, after setting the operation of the anti-theft mechanism while the external power supply is being supplied to the portable computer main body, the external power supply is cut off,
Further, the buzzer can be activated even when the battery pack having the main battery is removed and the operation of the power control processor is stopped, thereby stopping the antitheft routine. This informs the surroundings of mishandling by a third party, and protects the portable computer main body and the software information of this system from theft.

Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, even if the external power supply is erroneously cut off and the buzzer is operated by mistake, an alarm is issued by using the password registered when the alarm operation is designated. Can be deactivated.

Further, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the AC adapter is pulled out after the operation of the anti-theft mechanism is set in a state where the portable computer main body is supplied with the external power source, and the AC adapter is plugged. When the in-connection is released, the buzzer of the anti-theft mechanism operates. This informs the surroundings of mishandling by a third party, and protects the portable computer main body and the software information of this system from theft.

After setting the operation of the anti-theft mechanism while the portable computer main body is supplied with the external power source, the plug-in connection of the AC adapter is released, and the battery pack having the main battery is removed. , The power control processor stops working, which causes
The buzzer can be activated even when the anti-theft routine is stopped. This informs the surroundings of mishandling by a third party, and protects the portable computer main body and the software information of this system from theft.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, even after the alarm activation is set and the AC adapter plug-in connection is accidentally released and the buzzer is operated, the alarm activation is registered at the time of the operation to designate the alarm activation. The password can be used to cancel the alarm activation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a computer system with an anti-theft mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply device and an alarm drive control circuit shown in FIG. 1 in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process in which a main CPU of the computer system inputs an alarm activation designation from an operator in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process in which the main CPU inputs an alarm cancellation designation from an operator in the embodiment.

[FIG. 5] In the embodiment, an operator activates an alarm /
An example of the setup menu screen displayed on the display device when inputting the cancellation designation.

[FIG. 6] In the embodiment, an operator activates an alarm /
9 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a power supply control processor of a power supply device when a release designation is input.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for setting external power supply information EP indicating whether or not power is supplied from the external power supply in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an initial setting related to anti-theft processing in the initialization program executed by the power supply control processor of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a theft prevention process in the first embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a flowchart showing a subsequent process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining a plug-in connection state of an AC adapter in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the antitheft processing in the second embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a flowchart showing a subsequent process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

14A and 14B are examples of a popup menu screen displayed in a window on the display device when an operator inputs an alarm activation / cancellation designation.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... System bus, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 1
3 ... RAM, 14 ... DMAC, 15 ... PIC, 16 ... P
IT, 17 ... RTC, 17a ... Password register, 1
8 ... Expansion RAM, 19 ... Backup RAM, 20 ... Expansion connector, 21 ... HDD-IF, 22 ... FDC, 2
3 ... PRT-CONT, 24 ... UART, 25 ... KB
C, 26 ... DISP-CONT, 27 ... VRAM, 28
... PS-IF, 29 ... AC adapter, 32A, 32B ...
FDD, 35 ... Keyboard (mouse), 36 ... LCD,
40 ... Power supply device, 41 ... Power switch, 51 ... PC-C
PU, 51a ... Timer, 32 ... ROM, 53 ... Bus, 5
5 ... RAM, 56 ... Parallel I / O, 57 ... Serial I
/ O, 58 ... A / D converter, 59 ... I / O driver, 71A, 71B ... Main battery, 71S ... Sub battery, 72 ... Charge unit, 73 ... Switch circuit, 74 ... DC-DC converter, 75 ... DC- DC converter, 76 ... 3-terminal regulator, 80 ... DCS,
81 ... Buzzer, 82 ... Transistor, 83 ... Resistor, 84
... Coil, 85, 86 ... Fixed contact, 87 ... Armature, 88
… Fixed contacts.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A computer system operable by electric power supplied from an external power supply, the power supply means being chargeable by the electric power supplied from the external power supply, generating and outputting various operating voltages, and the computer system. Alarm means for notifying the improper handling of the alarm means, starting means for supplying the operating voltage output from the power supply means to the alarm means, and activating the alarm means, and an instruction for permitting / deactivating the alarm means from the operator. Instruction input means for inputting an instruction, and monitoring the presence or absence of power supply from the external power source, after the instruction input means inputs an operation permission instruction, if interruption of power supply from the external power source is detected, A computer system with an antitheft mechanism, comprising: a control unit that controls the activation unit so that the alarm unit operates. . 2. A computer system with an anti-theft mechanism that has a power adapter and is operable based on an external power source supplied through the power adapter plugged into the computer system main body. A power supply unit that can be charged by input power and outputs various operating voltages, an alarm unit that informs of improper handling of the computer system, and an operating voltage output by the power supply unit that is supplied to the alarm unit, Means for activating the means, instruction input means for inputting an operation permission instruction / deactivation instruction of the alarm means from an operator, a plug-in connection state of the power adapter, and the instruction input means When it is detected that the plug-in connection of the power adapter is released after the input, the alarm means Antitheft mechanism with a computer system, characterized by comprising control means for controlling said activating means to operate. 3. A computer system with an anti-theft mechanism capable of operating with electric power supplied from an external power supply, the power supply means being chargeable by the input power from the external power supply and outputting a predetermined operating voltage, the computer. Alarm means for notifying mishandling of the system, and control means for supplying a voltage output from the power supply means to the alarm means when the power supply from the external power source to the computer system is cut off and controlling activation. And a computer system with an anti-theft mechanism. 4. A computer system with an anti-theft mechanism, which has a power adapter and is operable based on an external power supplied through the power adapter plugged into the computer system body, wherein A power supply unit that can be charged by input power and that outputs a predetermined operating voltage, an alarm unit that notifies improper handling of the computer system, and a power supply unit that disconnects the plug-in connection of the power adapter. A computer system with an anti-theft mechanism, comprising: a control means for supplying an output voltage to the alarm means to control activation. 5. A battery means which can be charged by electric power supplied from an external power source, an alarm means for notifying mishandling of a computer, and means for inputting an operation permission instruction / operation cancel instruction of the alarm means by an operator, In the antitheft method for the computer operable by the external power source, the computer is monitored for the presence of power supplied from the external power source, an operation permission instruction is input from an operator, and an operation permission instruction is input from the operator. After that, when it is detected that the power supply from the external power supply is cut off, the alarm means is operated by the voltage stored in the battery means. 6. A power adapter that can be plug-in connected to a computer, a battery means that can be charged by a voltage supplied through the power adapter, an alarm means for notifying improper handling of the computer, and an alarm means for an operator. A method for preventing the theft of a computer, which has means for inputting an operation permission instruction / operation release instruction and is operable by a voltage supplied via the power adapter, wherein the state of the plug-in connection of the power adapter to the computer is The voltage stored in the battery means is monitored when the operation permitting instruction is input from the operator, and after the operation permitting instruction is input from the operator, the plug-in connection of the power adapter is detected. A method for preventing theft, characterized in that the alarm means is operated according to.