Computer system for processing data in non-operational state and processing method thereof

A computer system for processing data in a non-operational state and processing method thereof are provided. The computer system includes a data output unit, a data source, a data processing module and a state monitor unit. The data processing module accesses and processes data from the data source, and transmits the processed data to the data output unit. The state monitor unit monitors a power supply state of the computer system to generate a state switch signal, which indicates whether the computer system is in an operational state or a non-operational state. When the state switch signal indicates that the computer system is in a non-operational state, the data source and the data processing module receives operating voltages to access and process data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates generally to computer systems and methods for processing data thereof, and, more particularly to computer systems that can process data at a non-operational state, and methods thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Advancements continue to made, in hardware manufacturing technology and software services. Also, computer product and service providers, in efforts to keep up with the requirements and hold interest, of users, constantly try to improve operational efficiencies and speeds of equipment and applications. However, computer systems with powerful functions providing highly efficient hardware or application services require relatively high amounts of power when the computer system is operated. After the computer system is activated, the power supply source of the computer system must output lots of power to support the overall operation of the computer system.

Sometimes, users may activate the computer system to perform only one or two simple tasks, such as browsing photo, listening to music, reading e-books or playing games. Even though only one application service is performed, the computer system still needs to provide full operational efficiency and power to support the overall operation. In this case, much of the operational efficiency and power consumed by the computer system is wasted. Furthermore, if the computer system is a portable computer product, such as notebook computer, users cannot heartily use application services thereof for a long time since the battery power of the portable computer product is limited. For manufacturers of computer systems and consumers, the above dilemma has yet to be resolved.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the invention is to provide a mechanism, wherein a computer system can process data at a non-operational state, to decrease the wasting of power.

In order to achieve the objective, computer systems for processing data in a non-operational state and processing methods thereof are provided.

An embodiment of a computer system for processing data in a non-operational state comprises a data output unit, a data source, a data processing module and a state monitor unit. The data processing module accesses and processes data from the data source, and transmits the processed data to the data output unit. The state monitor unit monitors a power supply state of the computer system to generate a state switch signal; which indicates whether the computer system is in an operational state or a non-operational state. When the state switch signal indicates that the computer system is in a non-operational state, the data source and the data processing module receives operating voltages to access and process data.

In an embodiment of a method for processing data in a non-operational state for a computer system comprising an operational state and a non-operational state, it is determined whether the computer system is in a non-operational state, wherein the computer system comprises a logic operation module and a data processing module. When the computer system is in a non-operational state, the data processing module receives operating voltages required for processing data, obtains and processes data from a network control unit or a data access unit, and outputs the data processed by the data processing module to a data output unit.

The computer systems for processing data in a non-operational state and processing methods thereof can utilize a power-saving mechanism to enable a computer system to be used to process data when the computer system is in a non-operational state. In addition to improving efficiency of computer systems, manufacturing costs are also considered, when providing the mechanism of the invention.

Method for processing data in a non-operational state for a computer system may take the form of a program code embodied in a tangible media. When the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the disclosed method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Computer systems for processing data in a non-operational state and processing methods thereof are provided.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a computer system for processing data in a non-operational state of the invention. The computer system10in the embodiment may be a portable computer, for example, such as a notebook, a Netbook, and other similar handheld electronic devices. The computer system10is supplied with power via a power supply unit100. The power supply unit100may be a battery of the portable computer or an AC power source, used to supply power required for the computer system10in various operational states.

The execution state of the computer system10comprises an operational state and a non-operational state. In the embodiment, the non-operational state may comprise a suspend/standby state (S3), a hibernation state (S4) and a soft off state (S5) defined for system power state in the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface). The operational state may be the state defined in the system power state except for the suspend state, the hibernation state and the soft off state.

The computer system10of the first embodiment comprises a state monitor unit102, a data processing module104, a data switch unit106, a data output unit108, a data source110, a logic operation module120, and power switch units122and124. The logic operation module120is one of the elements used for processing logic operations in the computer system10. The logic operation module120comprises a central processing unit (CPU)114, a logic controller116(such as South and North Bridge chips), and a system memory118.

The power supply unit100of the computer system10can supply power when the computer system10is in the operational state. Unless the power supply unit100is completely separated or removed from the computer system10, the power supply unit100can still supply power to some system components when the computer system10is in the non-operational state, such that the system components can maintain operation. For example, in a general computer system, an embedded controller (EC) can keep on obtaining the standby power of the power supply unit100to detect the power supply state of the computer system. In the embodiment, for discussion purposes, the EC can be used as the state monitor unit102of the computer system10. It is noted that, the state monitor unit102in the embodiment of the invention can also be any device in the computer system10, which can detect the power supply state of the computer system10. Persons skilled the art can use other device to replace the EC.

As described, since the state monitor unit102continues to receive power supplied by the power supply unit100, the state monitor unit102can continue to monitor the power supply state, such as the current value output by the power supply unit100, from the power supply unit100to the computer system10, to determine whether to assert a state switch signal102_S.

When the state monitor unit102determines that the computer system10is in the non-operational state (for example, when the current value output by the power supply unit100is less than a predefined threshold value), the state monitor unit102asserts the state switch signal102_S, and enables the computer system10to enter the non-operational state. At this time, the power switch unit124is closed based on the state of the state switch signal102_S, and the power switch unit122is opened based on the state of the state switch signal102_S, such that the power supply unit100can input operating voltages required by the data processing module104to the data processing module104.

Further, the asserted state switch signal102_S also controls the data switch unit106to output data from the data source110(as the output data110_SO of the data source110), and input the data (104_SI) to the data processing module104for further processing via the connection and transmission of the data switch unit106. The data source110may be any one or a combination of the data access unit1102, the network control unit1104, and other appropriate data sources, and users can select appropriate data sources according to different requirements. That is, the data input to the data processing module104may be a single data source or multiple data sources.

Furthermore, the data access unit1102may be a card reading device or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port/adapter on the computer system110, wherein the card reading device or the USB port/adapter is used for external storage unit1106connection. For example, the card reading device can be used to connect with and read a memory card, such as Flash, CF or SD card, or the USB port/adapter can be used to connect with an external hard disk supporting the USB interface. The data access unit1102connects and reads the data stored in the external storage unit1106, and transmits the data to the data processing module104for processing. The network control unit1104may be the NIC (Network Interface Controller) originally equipped in the computer system10, in which the NIC allows the computer system10to access data stored therein, except for data in the hard disk (not shown) and the external storage unit. That is, the network control unit1104can enable the computer system10to download data from an Internet, and transmit the data to the data processing module104for processing. Meanwhile, the asserted state switch signal102_S also enables the data processing module104to transmit the processed data, as the output data104_SO, to the data switch unit106, and enables the data switch unit106to transmit the processed data, as the input data108_SI of the data output unit108, to the data output unit108for data output.

It is noted that, since the data processing module104is activated when the computer system10is in the non-operational state, when the data processing module104wants to read the hard disk of the computer system10or the USB external disk, the data processing module104must have some drivers or software modules installed therein, such that the data processing module104can become a master device to read data in the slave device. For example, IDE/PATA/SATA deriver or software modules must be installed in the data processing module104, such that the data processing module104can become a master device to read data in the hard disk. Similarly, USB deriver or software modules must be installed in the data processing module104, such that the data processing module104can become a master device to read data/audio data in the USB external disk. Persons skilled the art can increase the amount of internal drivers of the data processing module104according to actual requirements, to read the required data/audio data.

Otherwise, when the computer system10is in the operational state, the state monitor unit102determines that the current value supplied to the computer system10is greater than the predefined threshold value, such that the state monitor unit102de-asserts the state switch signal102_S. Based on the state of the de-asserted state switch signal102_S, the power switch unit122is closed, and the power switch unit124is opened, such that the power supply unit100stops supplying operating voltages to the data processing module104, and changes to supply operating voltages to the logic operation module120, such that the logic operation module120can perform each command of the computer system10in the operational state.

When the state switch signal102_S is de-asserted, the de-asserted state switch signal102_S also controls the data source110to transmit the read data (output data110_SO) via the data switch unit106to be the input data (116_SI) of the logic controller116. The logic controller116and the components of the logic operation module120can, in coordination, process the data, and output the processed data, as the output data116_SO, to the data switch unit106, and enable the data switch unit106to transmit the processed data, as the input data108_SI of the data output unit108, to the data output unit108for data output.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the internal structure of a data switch unit of the invention. The data switch unit106comprises a data input switch unit1060and a data output switch unit1062. Please refer toFIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the data input switch unit1060comprises at least a switch10602, which performs switching operations based on the state of the state switch signal102_S output by the state monitor unit102. Since the state switch signal102_S is asserted when the computer system10is in the non-operational state, the state switch signal102_S controls the switch10602to switch to the input end of the data processing module104, such that the output data110_SO from the data source110can become the input data104_SI of the data processing module104. It is understood that, if the input data of the data processing module104is from several data sources, several data input switches must be set for each data source. For example, when the data sources comprise the hard disk of the computer system and a network, two switches must be respectively set for the hard disk and the network.

Further, the data output switch unit1062comprises at least a switch10622, which is also controlled based on the state of the state switch signal102_S. When the computer system10is in the non-operational state, the state switch signal102_S controls the switch10622to switch to the output end of the data processing module104, thus to receive the output data104_SO transmitted by the data processing module104, and transfers the output data104_SO as the input data108_SI of the data output unit108for output. It is understood that, if the output data of the data output unit108has several aspects, several data output switches must be set. For example, when the output data is for a monitor, an audio output unit and an external monitor of the computer system, three switches must be respectively set for the monitor, the audio output unit and the external monitor. It is noted that, the switches10602and10622can be designed by setting at least a switch circuit on the mother board of the computer system. In this design, the overall manufacturing cost of the computer system will not be increased too much, and the complexity of the computer system would not be too high.

When the state switch signal102_S is de-asserted, the switch10602switches to the input end of the logic controller116based on the control of the state switch signal102_S, such that the output data110_SO from the data source110can become the input data116_SI of the logic controller116, and the logic controller116and the other components, in coordination, process the received data. Similarly, the data output switch unit1062is also controlled by the state switch signal102_S, such that the switch10622switches to the output end of the logic controller116, to transmits the processed data/audio data from the logic operation module120to the data output unit108as the input data108_SI via the logic controller116(as the output data116_SO of the logic controller116) and the data output switch unit1062.

It is understood that, in this embodiment, when the data processing module104is used to process data, the data source110and the data output unit108originally equipped in the computer system10can be used, and the data processing module104can receive, process and output data via the switch of the data switch unit106. The computer system10does not need to set additional system components in order to input and output data in the non-operational state, such that the manufacturing cost of the computer system10will not be increased too much while increasing efficient use of the computer system10.

The state switch signal102_S can be implemented by connecting a GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pin of the EC to the data processing module104, and transmitting a signal to the data processing module104via the GPIO pin, such that the data processing module104is notified to begin subsequent operations.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a power state switching for a computer system for processing data in a non-operational state of the invention. When the state switch signal102_S is asserted, the power switch unit124is closed, such that the data processing module starts to obtain the operating voltages, and the power switch unit122is opened, such that the power supplied to the logic operation module120is cut off. Additionally, since the data switch unit106, the data output unit108and the data source110are always activated no matter whether the computer system10is in the operational state or a non-operational state, the power supply unit100will continue to provide operating voltages to the data switch unit106, the data output unit108and the data source110regardless of the situation of the state switch signal102_S (that is no matter whether the state switch signal102_S is asserted or not).

It is noted that, the operating voltages for the respective units of the computer system10may be different. The power state inFIG. 3is simplified for discussion purpose. Persons skilled the art can design related circuit layouts based on the operating voltages of the respective units.

It is noted that, when the computer system10enters the operational state, other system components (such as the network control unit and the logic operation module120) of the computer system10except for the data processing module104can receive power supplied by the power supply unit100. When users want to process data in the operational state, the computer system10will utilize the CPU114to read files stored in the hard disk via the control of the logic controller116(such as South and North Bridge chips), or to access files in the Internet via the network control unit, process the files, and output the processed files to the data output unit108.

When the computer system10is in the operational state, operating voltages must be supplied to the respective system components, such that the CPU114can process data, trigger the hard disk to read and write data, and control related lights, and users can perform related activities, such as file edition, internet browsing, image rendering or watching movies via the computer system10. It is understood that, all components except for the data processing module104must be in the operational state. That is, the computer system10cannot be in the non-operational state. Power consumption in the operational state is high, and therefore the effect of power-saving cannot be achieved.

For a general notebook, the average time, in which the power supply unit100can continuously supply power in the operational state, is 6 to 8 hours. According to the habits of users, the computer system10is activated to only perform simple tasks, such as browsing photos, listening to music, reading e-books or playing games. However, since the computer system10is activated, lots of power is consumed. In the embodiment of the invention, when the computer system10is in the suspend state, the hibernation state or the soft off state, the data processing module, which can independently process data and necessary units for outputting data, can be activated, and other units which are not used when data is output can be inactivated (not supply power to the units). In this manner, the long-winded booting procedure of the computer system10can be avoided, and power prepared to be supplied to the system units having no process tasks, such as for the logic operation module120, can be saved, thus achieving the objective of power-saving. In the embodiment of the invention, a general power supply unit100can support the data processing module104to execute longer.

In addition to data or files being read from the data source110in the non-operational state, data can be accessed or updated via other components when the computer system10is in the operational state. For example, the data in the hard disk can be read via the control of the logic operation module120, or Internet files can be accessed via the network control unit (such as the network adapter). The data or file can be input to the data output unit108for output. The setting for the computer system10in the non-operational state will not influence the normal operation of the computer system10in the operational state.

Further, in another embodiment ofFIG. 4, a data access unit110adirectly connected with the data processing module104can be set in the computer system10a, and the data access interface1040can be further set for the data processing module104. The data access unit110aand the data access interface1040can determine whether to input data to the data processing module104based on the switch of another data input switch unit127, such that the data processing module104does not need to commonly use the data access unit (such as1102inFIG. 1) originally equipped in the computer system10a. In other embodiments, the data input switch unit127can be omitted, such that the data access unit110acan be directly connected to the data processing module104.

Specifically, the computer system10amay have several data access units. For example, several USB ports or card reading devices can be set on the mother board of the computer system10a. Persons skilled the art can select one of the USB ports or one of the card reading devices for inputting data to the data processing module104in the non-operational state. The USB ports and card reading devices which are not selected can be provided for the computer system10ato access data in the operational state. Furthermore, the data input switch unit127set between the data access interface1040and the data access unit110ais also controlled by the state switch signal102_S. When the state switch signal102_S is asserted, the data input switch unit127is closed, such that output data (110_SO) of the data access unit110ais transmitted to the data access interface1040as the input data104_SI of the data processing module104via the data input switch unit127. In this way, the data processing module104directly connects to the selected card reading device (that is the data access unit110a), such that the data processing module104can directly access the data, which is placed by users in the data access unit110avia the data access interface1040. In this design, it is unnecessary to design a switch in the data switch unit106for the data access unit110aas shown inFIG. 2. The data switch operation between the data processing module104and the logic controller116can be also dispensed, to increase the convenience of computer manufacturing.

In another embodiment, the state monitor unit102further sets a network switch signal102_SN according to the power supply state of the power supply unit100. The power switch unit128is closed based on the state of the asserted network switch signal102_SN, such that the network control unit1104can receive operating voltages required for connecting to the network, and the data processing module104can obtain the data downloaded from the network. In other embodiments, a power switch unit (not shown) can be also set in the data access unit110a, in which the power switch unit performs switching operations based on the state switch signal102_S.

Please refer toFIG. 1again, in this embodiment, the power reception manner of the data processing module104can be designed to directly connect the circuits of the data processing module104and the power supply unit100together, in which a voltage regulator112can be set therebetween to lower the voltage output by the power supply unit100to the operating voltage to a suitable level for the data processing module104. In another embodiment, the standby power can be the power source of the data processing module104. It is understood that, the standby power is sufficient for the voltages required for the execution of the data processing module104.

Additionally, in addition to a control panel10842on an operational display unit1084being used to input control commands to the data processing module104, the output of the data output unit108can be controlled via a remote control. For example, in the embodiment, the state monitor unit102can comprise an IR reception module1020. Users can use a remote control device (remote controller) to transmit control commands. The IR reception module1020can receive the control commands, and the state monitor unit102can transmit the control commands received by the IR reception module1020to the data processing module104. In actual implementation, the EC can be used to achieve the objective of remote control since the EC comprises a consumer IR (CIR) module, which can be used in the remote control mechanism of electronic devices. It is noted that, any module which can be set in the state monitor module102, and can respond to the remote control and activate related operations in the computer system in the non-operational state can be applied in the embodiment.

Additionally, the computer system10may further comprise a control button126. Since users may not want to perform other simple tasks when the computer system10is in the non-operational state, the control button126connected with the state monitor module102can be provided in the embodiment for users to press, to determine whether to supply power to the data processing module104when the computer system10is in the non-operational state. When the state monitor module102has detected that the computer system10is in the non-operational state, it suspends the assertion of the state switch signal102_S, but continues to determine whether an activation signal trig_S generated by the control button126has been received, and performs the assertion if so. When the control button126has been pressed and the activation signal trig_S is accordingly generated, the state monitor module102asserts the state switch signal102_S based on the activation signal trig_S, such that the data processing module104can begin to receive operating voltages.

In another embodiment, the computer system10can comprise a control button130which is connected to the data processing module104, and users can use the control button130to control the execution of the data processing module104. When the computer system10is in the non-operational state, the data processing module104has already obtained the power supplied by the power supply unit100. However, before the control button130has been pressed to activate the data processing module104, the data processing module104has not accessed data, and uses a little bit of standby power to detect whether the control button130has been pressed or not (close circuit or open circuit). Once the control button130has been pressed, which represents that a user wants to receive the data processed by the data processing module104, the data processing module104is activated to process data.

In further another embodiment, the computer system10can further comprise a display unit1084and a rotation monitor unit1086for detecting whether the display unit1084has been rotated or not. The rotation monitor unit1086can be used to replace the control button126connected to the state monitor unit102, to transmit the activation signal trig_S to the state monitor unit102based on the rotation of the display unit1084, such that the state monitor unit102can assert the state switch signal102_S based on the non-operational state and the activation signal trig_S, and the data processing module104can begin to receive operating voltages. The display unit1084may be a rotatable monitor of the computer system10. For example, a table PC may have a monitor and an operational platform. The monitor connects to the operational platform via a connection unit. When users want to perform simple tasks (supplying power to the data processing module104), the connection unit can be rotated, making the monitor reversed to the operational platform, to generate the activation signal trig_S.

Based on various requirements, the data processing module104and the data output unit108may have various aspects, and several embodiments thereof follow.

First Embodiment

Refer toFIG. 1again, when the output data110_SO of the data source110is data such as audio data conforming to a data format of music, the data processing module104may be an audio control module having an encoding/decoding capability, and the data output unit108may be an audio output unit1082. In this case, the data processing module104, such as a MP3 decoding module, can read audio data stored in the internal storage unit (such as hard disk) or the external storage unit (such as USB external hard disk) of the computer system10via a data bus. Then, a processor (such as digital processing unit (DSP) or microprocessor) inside the data processing module104, a converter (such as digital analog converter (DAC)) and other can perform related procedures, such as edition, decoding, and transformation. The above audio data can comprise any data format which is capable to be played in the MP3 decoding module, such as MP3, WAV, or WMA.

Further, the audio output unit1082can further couple with an earphone output and a speaker. The audio output unit1082can also output audio to a Bluetooth transmission module for a Bluetooth earphone or a FM (frequency modulation) module.

The computer system10can further comprise a control panel10842comprising several operational units (such as playback and volume keys) set on the display unit1084. Users can use these operational units to generate the control commands for controlling the data processing module104to perform the corresponding audio processing operations.

Second Embodiment

When the output data110_SO of the data source110is multimedia data (comprising: audio data and image data, such as video/graphics data), the data processing module104may be a multimedia control module having an encoding/decoding capability, and the data output unit108can comprise a display unit1084(for outputting video/image/graphics data) and an audio output unit1082(for outputting audio data). The operations of the data processing module104, such as a MP4 playback module, a processor (such as DSP or microprocessor inside the data processing module104, a converter (such as DAC) and other are similar to that of the above MP3 decoding module, and are omitted herefrom. Additionally, the multimedia data may be audio data, image data, or video data combining the audio and images. The image data comprises still pictures, graphics data, and animation or videos composed of a series of pictures. In the embodiment, the multimedia data comprises at least the image data, used for photo browsing in the non-operational state.

Further, the audio output unit1082for outputting audio data is discussed in the above embodiment, and is omitted herefrom. When the multimedia data simultaneously comprise image data and audio data (for example, when a picture contains background music), in addition to the display unit1084for displaying the image data, the audio output unit1082can play back audio.

Additionally, the control panel10842of the display unit1084can comprise several operational units (such as playback and volume keys). Users can use these operational units to generate the control commands for controlling the data processing module104to perform the corresponding multimedia processing operations.

It is understood that, in the embodiment, the internal structure of the data switch unit106is shown inFIG. 2A. The data switch unit106comprises a data (multimedia data) input switch unit1060, a video/image/graphics data output switch unit1062a, and an audio data output switch unit1062b. The data (multimedia data) input switch unit1060comprises a switch10602, the video/image/graphics data output switch unit1062acomprises a switch10622a, and the audio data output switch unit1062bcomprises a switch10622b. When the computer system10is in the non-operational state, the switches10622aand10622bswitch to the output end of the data processing module104to respectively receive the video/image/graphics data104_SV and the audio data104_SA (a part of the output data104_SO) transmitted from the data processing module104, and respectively transmit the video/image/graphics data104_SV and the audio data104_SA to the display unit1084and the audio output unit1082, as the input data108_SI1and108_SI2of the display unit1084and the audio output unit1082.

Third Embodiment

When the output data110_SO of the data source110is e-book data (comprising: texts, graphics and images of the e-book), the data processing module104may be an e-book control module, and the data output unit108can comprise a display unit1084. Please refer toFIG. 5, wherein the data processing module104(e-book control module) can comprise a control command processing unit1042, a storage data control unit1044, a network data control unit1046, an e-book data processing unit1048, and a display data processing unit1050.

The control command processing unit1042receives and analyzes a control command ctrl_S output by the control panel, and based on the various content of the control command ctrl_S, respectively transmit a request for reading an e-book to the data access unit or the network control unit via the storage data control unit1044or the network data control unit1046. If the e-book data is stored in the storage unit connected to the data access unit, the storage data control unit1044will receive the output data (input data104_SI) of the data access unit1102, to obtain the e-book data waiting to be processed. If the e-book data is stored in a server in the Internet or another computer, the network data control unit1046will receive the e-book data (input data104_SI) downloaded by the network control unit1104.

Please refer toFIGS. 1 and 5, the computer system10can further set a control panel10842comprising several operational units (such as previous page, next page, selection of e-book source keys) set on the display unit1084. Users can use these operational units to generate the control commands ctrl_S for controlling the data processing module104to perform the corresponding e-book processing operations. For example, when the operational unit of selection e-book source key has been pressed, the data processing module104can receive the e-book data stored in the storage unit via the data access unit1102, or receive the e-book data downloaded from the Internet by the network control unit1104.

Fourth Embodiment

Please refer toFIG. 1, when the output data110_SO of the data source110is a game program or data (comprising image and audio data), the data processing module104may be a game control module, and the data output unit108may be a combination of a display unit1084(for outputting video/image/graphics data) and an audio output unit1082(for outputting audio data), or may be an external display unit10884by way of an output connection unit10882. For example, if the computer system10is a portable computer, the output connection unit10882may be a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or an AV composite video interface, and can be connected to the display unit10884having a capable connection interface via a cable. The external display unit10884may be a TV monitor or a projector having a transmission interface, which is compatible with the transmission interface of the computer system10. It is noted that, in this embodiment, no additional connection units should be set for playing games in the non-operational state, and the HDMI or AV connection port, which are originally set in the portable computer can be directly used.

Please refer toFIG. 6, the data processing module104(game control module) may comprise a power reception interface2040, a micro-processing unit2042, a data reception interface2044, a storage unit2046, a graphics processing unit (GPU)2048, and a wireless transceiver2050. The wireless transceiver2050may be a Bluetooth, IR or RF signal transmission unit. Further, the computer system10can further comprise a remote control device22. Users can use the remote control device22to transmit data or commands to the data processing module104for interactive games. Please simultaneously refer toFIG. 1, the power reception interface2040is coupled to the power supply unit100to receive voltages. The data reception interface2044receives the control commands or motion signals from the remote control device22via the wireless transceiver2050. After the voltages are received via the power reception interface2040, the micro-processing unit2042reads the game program stored in the storage unit2046based on the control command received by the data reception interface2044, and based on the design of the game program, responds to the control commands or motion signals input via the remote control device22by users. For example, a virtual incarnation which simulates that a user action has been generated, or a corresponding game content is executed according to the input control commands. Then, a graphics rendering command is generated, and transmitted to the GPU2048for rendering a game picture. The game picture is the output data104_SO, which is transmitted to the external display unit10884for display via the data switch unit106and the output connection unit11882(or directly transmitted to the display unit1084of the computer system10) for display. After the game picture is viewed, the users can continue to perform a corresponding game action.

Further, the remote control device22can comprise a motion sensor220, such as an accelerometer. When the remote control device22is hold and swung by users, and a corresponding acceleration is generated, the motion sensor220will detect the variation in acceleration of the remote control device22, and generate a motion signal, such as a 3-D acceleration signal. The motion signal will be wirelessly transmitted to the wireless transceiver2050of the computer system10via the transmission interface of the remote control device22. The micro-processing unit2042of the data processing module104performs related calculations and processing operations according to the motion signal and the game program, to provide related data to the GPU2048, and the GPU2048accordingly renders a picture corresponding to the motion of the remote control device22.

In a further embodiment, the game program can be accessed via the data access unit1102, and the storage unit2046of the data processing module104does not need to store the game program. In this way, manufacturing cost and hardware size of the data processing module104can be reduced. When users want to use the computer system10to play different interactive games, only the external storage unit1106needs to be replaced.

FIG. 7is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for processing data in a non-operational state for a computer system of the invention. Please refer toFIG. 1andFIG. 7, in this embodiment, the computer system10continues to utilize the state monitor unit102to monitor the state of the computer system10, and determine whether the state of the computer system10is the operational state or a non-operational state (S701). When the computer system10is in the operational state, the state monitor unit102de-asserts the state switch signal102_S, such that the data processing module104stops receiving the required operating voltages (S703). On the other hand, when the computer system10is in the non-operational state, the state monitor unit102further determines whether the control button126has been pressed, and an activation signal trig_S has accordingly been generated, or determines whether the display unit1084has been rotated, and the activation signal trig_S has been triggered due to the rotation of the rotation monitor unit1086(S715).

If the computer system10is in the non-operational state, and the activation signal trig_S has not been received, the operating voltages are not input to the data processing module104(S717), and the procedure returns to S701to continue to monitor the state of the computer system10. However, if the computer system10receives the activation signal trig_S, the state monitor unit102asserts the state switch signal102_S (S719), and controls the data processing module104to begin to receive the operating voltages supplied by the power supply unit100(S721). After the required operating voltages are received, the data processing module104receives the control command ctrl_S from the control panel10842(S723), and obtains the input data104_SI (data waiting for processing) for related processing, such as encoding, decoding or editing, from the data access unit1102or the network control unit1104based on the content of the control command ctrl_S (S725). The processed data is output from the data processing module104to the data output unit108for output (S727). As a result, users can obtain required data in various manners (such as text, graphic, image and audio) via the data output unit108.

In the above procedure, even if the computer system10is in the non-operational state, the state monitor unit102will still detect the power supply state of the power supply unit100, to continue to determine whether the execution state of the computer system10has been changed or not (S729). That is, it is determined whether the computer system10has entered the operational state. If the execution state has not been changed, it is further determined whether the state monitor unit102has received the activation signal trig_S or not (S731). When the execution state has not been changed and the state monitor unit102still receives the activation signal trig_S, the computer system10will continue to process the data based on the control command ctrl_S (the procedure returns to S725). If the execution state has not been changed, and the activation signal trig_S has been terminated, such as the control button126has been pressed again by users, or the display unit108is rotated to the original state, the procedure returns to S717, in which the operating voltages are not supplied to the data processing module104. However, if the state monitor unit102determines that the computer system10has entered the operational state based on the change of the power supply state (such as the current value is greater than a predefined threshold value) in step S729, the following procedure is performed based on the operational state of the computer system10.

After the detection and determination of step S701or S729, it is understood that the computer system10has entered the operational state, in addition to the state switch signal102_S being de-asserted, such that the data processing module104has stopped receiving the operating voltages (S703). The system components comprising the logic operation module120and hard disk of the computer system begin to receive operating voltages based on the control of the state switch signal (S705), and the CPU114and the logic controller116in the logic operation module120perform related processing operations and calculations for the data (S707).

Next, similarly, the state monitor unit102determines whether the execution state of the computer system10is changed or not in the operational state (S709), that is, the state monitor unit102determines whether the execution state of the computer system10is changed to the non-operational state. If so, step S715is performed based on the procedure of the non-operational state. If the execution state has not been changed, it is further determined whether the state monitor unit102has received the activation signal trig_S transmitted by the control button126or the rotation monitor unit1086(S711). If the state monitor unit102has not received the activation signal trig_S, the procedure returns to step S707, and data processing and calculations continue. If the activation signal trig_S has been received in the operational state, the logic operation module120will enable the operating system to enter the standby state or the hibernation state based on the notification of the state monitor unit102, such that the computer system10enters the non-operational state (S713), and the step S719and the following steps are performed.

Therefore, no matter if the computer system10is in the operational state or a non-operational state, it can provide or suspend the data access service based on the power supply state and usage requirements of users.

According to the above embodiments, the present invention discloses a data access service with a power-saving benefit when the computer system is in a non-operational state. In addition to power consumption being reduced, operating efficiency of the computer system, such as portable computer can be also raised. Except for the data processing module and the switches of the computer system of the present invention, other components required to achieve the objective of the present invention can be implemented by directly utilizing the components originally equipped in the computer system, such as the state monitor unit, the display unit, the data access unit, and the network control unit of the computer system during manufacturing. As described in the embodiments, in implementation, the switches and the state monitor unit can be set on the mother board of the computer system using a simple manner, in which the manufacturing cost will not be increased too much, but a longer battery life span and more functions of the computer system can be used by users.