Information processing apparatus, method, and program for switching between two graphics chips safely and easily in accordance with use purpose

An information processing apparatus that includes a first graphic processing module having a first level of graphic performance and a second graphic processing module having a second level of graphic performance, which is greater than the first level of graphic performance. The information processing apparatus also includes a controller that selects one of the first graphic processing module or the second graphic processing module by determining whether the information processing apparatus is capable of outputting data with the first level of graphic performance or the second level of graphic performance, and detects whether the information processing apparatus is provided with power via a battery or via an external power source.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus including a plurality of graphics chips having different graphics performances, and to an information processing method and a program for an information processing apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In related art, there is an information processing apparatus on which two graphics chips having different graphics performances are mounted and which implements reduction in power consumption and improvement in graphics performance by switching the operations of the chips (see, for example, Patent Literature 1)).

In the information processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the switching of the two graphics chips is performed with a mechanical switch that is manually operable by a user.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

However, in the case where a user manually switches the graphics chips as in the information processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a safety problem may arise. Specifically, for example, if a user switches the graphics chips during execution of a specific application in the information processing apparatus, a trouble may be caused in the operation of the application.

Further, it takes time and effort for a user to judge which graphics chip is proper as occasion demands in consideration of a trouble that may be caused in the operation of the application and manually switch the graphics chips. Further, this may prevent the effective utilization of the two graphics chips having different graphics performances.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, it is desirable to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of safely and easily switching two graphics chips having different graphics performances in accordance with a use purpose of a user.

According to one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an information processing apparatus, comprising: a first graphic processing module having a first level of graphic performance; a second graphic processing module having a second level of graphic performance, which is greater than the first level of graphic performance; a controller configured to select one of the first graphic processing module or the second graphic processing module by determining whether the information processing apparatus is capable of outputting data with the first level of graphic performance or the second level of graphic performance, and detecting whether the information processing apparatus is provided with power via a battery or via an external power source.

The information processing apparatus may include an interface compatible with the second level of graphic performance.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may be configured to determine that the information processing apparatus is capable of outputting data with the second level of graphic performance by detecting that a connection is provided to the interface.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to determine that the information processing apparatus is capable of outputting data with the second level of graphic performance by determining that an application executed by the information processing apparatus is compatible with the second level of graphic performance.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to detect that the information processing apparatus is provided with power via the external power source by detecting that power is being supplied via an external connection.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to select the second graphic processing module when it is determined that the information processing apparatus is capable of outputting data with the second level of graphic performance.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to select the second graphic processing module when it is detected that the information processing apparatus is provided with power via the external power source.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to select the first graphic processing module when it is determined that the information processing apparatus is not capable of outputting data with the second level of graphic performance.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to select the first graphic processing module when it is detected that the information processing apparatus is provided with power via the battery.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to display a notification when the controller switches between the first and second graphic processing modules.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to display a notification when the controller selects either the first graphic processing module or the second graphic processing module.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to display a power consumption value upon selecting the first graphic processing module or the second graphic processing module.

The notification may include a button configured to receive a user input indicating whether the selection is accepted.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to determine whether an application executed at the information processing apparatus is affected by the selecting, and the displayed notification indicates that the application is affected.

The notification may include a button configured to receive a user input indicating whether the selection is accepted.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to switch between the first and second graphic processing modules when the application affected by the selecting is terminated.

The first graphic processing module may be configured to consume a first amount of power during operation, and the second graphic processing module may be configured to consume a second amount of power, which is greater that the first amount of power, during operation.

The controller of the information processing apparatus may also be configured to control the information processing apparatus to be in each of a first mode in which the controller automatically selects one of the first and second graphic processing modules, a second mode, in which the first graphic processing module is selected, and a user input is required to switch to the second graphic processing module, and a third mode, in which the second graphic processing module is selected, and a user input is required to switch to the first graphic processing module.

The information processing apparatus may also include s a switch having a movable portion configured to be moved between three positions, each corresponding to one of the first, second and third modes.

The switch may be a triangular shaped switch, and the movable portion may be configured to be moved between each corner of the triangle, and each corner of the triangle corresponds to one of the first, second and third modes.

When the information processing apparatus is in the second mode and the controller determines that the information processing apparatus is capable of outputting data with the second level of graphic performance, the controller may be configured to control a display of the information processing apparatus to display a notification.

When the information processing apparatus is in the third mode and the controller detects that the information processing apparatus is provided with power via the battery, the controller may be configured to control a display of the information processing apparatus to display a notification.

According to another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method performed by an information processing apparatus including a first graphic processing module having a first level of graphic performance and a second graphic processing module having a second level of graphic performance, which is greater than the first level of graphic performance, the method comprising: determining, by a controller of the information processing apparatus, whether the information processing apparatus is capable of outputting data with the first level of graphic performance or the second level of graphic performance; detecting, by the controller of the information processing apparatus, whether the information processing apparatus is provided with power via a battery or via an external power source; and selecting, by the controller of the information processing apparatus, one of the first graphic processing module or the second graphic processing module based on the determining and detecting.

According to another embodiment, the invention is directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium including computer program instructions, which when executed by an information processing apparatus including a first graphic processing module having a first level of graphic performance and a second graphic processing module having a second level of graphic performance, which is greater than the first level of graphic performance, cause the information processing apparatus to perform a method comprising: determining whether the information processing apparatus is capable of outputting data with the first level of graphic performance or the second level of graphic performance; detecting whether the information processing apparatus is provided with power via a battery or via an external power source; and selecting one of the first graphic processing module or the second graphic processing module based on the determining and the detecting.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(External Structure of PC)

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention in the state of being opened.FIG. 2is a left side view of the PC.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a PC100is a notebook PC, and includes a main body unit2and a display3. The main body unit2and the display3are relatively rotatably connected with each other with hinges4. The display3includes an LCD (liquid crystal display)3ain a region where the display3is caused to face the main body unit2when being closed to the main body unit2.

The main body2includes, in a region where the main body2faces the display3when the display3is closed thereto, an operation input unit2asuch as a keyboard and a touch pad, a palm rest member2b, a non-contact IC (integrated circuit) card antenna2c, and a slide mode selection switch7. On the palm rest member2b, a user puts the wrist when performing an input operation. The main body unit2further includes, on a side surface thereof, a power supply switch2d, an external display connector2e, a USB (universal serial bus) connector2f, a disk insertion and removal opening2gfor a disk drive (not shown), a microphone input terminal2h, a headphone connector2i, and an HDMI connector2j. To the HDMI connector2j, an external monitor such as a TV is connected through an HDMI cable, and an image signal generated by the PC100is output in conformity with an HDMI standard. To the main body2, a DVI connector (not shown) is also provided that is used for outputting an image signal to an external monitor through a DVI cable in conformity with a DVI standard.

The main body2further includes a casing30that is constituted of a top case32and a bottom case10. To the top case32, the operation input unit2aand the like are provided.

The mode selection switch7is used to switch three modes (described later) of the PC100, and is formed so that a movable portion can be moved among three switching positions corresponding to the three modes along a triangular shape of a guide unit.

In the vicinity of each of three corners of the mode selection switch7, three LED (light emitting diode) displays8are provided that notify the user of a mode in execution out of the three modes in accordance with a switch position of the mode selection switch7. The LED displays8will be described later in detail.

(Hardware Structure of PC)

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the PC100. As shown inFIG. 3, in addition to the structures shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the PC100includes a CPU (central processing unit)11, a chip set12, an embedded graphics chip15, an external graphics chip20, an EC (embedded controller)16, a switching circuit22, a selector23, a DVI connector2k, an HDD (hard disk drive)21, a nonvolatile memory25, a power supply circuit26, a battery27, a DC jack28, and a wattmeter29.

The chip set12manages the transmission and reception of data between devices in the PC100, and is constituted of a north bridge13and a south bridge14.

In the north bridge13, the embedded graphics chip15, a memory controller (not shown), and the like are embedded. The north bridge13is connected with the CPU11and the external graphics chip20. The south bridge14has a connection interface with peripheral devices such as the HDD21, the nonvolatile memory25, and the EC16.

The embedded graphics chip15and the external graphics chip20each perform a drawing process based on data received from the CPU11, and output a generated image signal to the switching circuit22to display an image on the LCD3aand the external monitor. In this embodiment, the external graphics chip20has a higher graphics performance than the embedded graphics chip15.

The embedded graphics chip15has a lower graphics performance than the external graphics chip20. However, the power consumption of the embedded graphics chip15is smaller than that of the external graphics chip20. On the other hand, the external graphics chip20has the higher graphics performance in terms of a 3-D process, a high-resolution drawing process, and the like, but involves high power consumption to drive the external graphics chip20itself and the peripheral devices thereof, with the result that an electrical load with respect to the entire system of the PC100is increased.

In accordance with the switching of the modes with the mode selection switch7, the PC100manually or automatically selects one of the embedded graphics chip15and the external graphics chip20that have the different graphics performances and thus can perform the drawing process (this will be described later in detail).

The HDD21stores, in a built-in hard disk, data or various programs such as utility software for executing the mode switching process in this embodiment, a graphics driver necessary for the operation for various graphics chips, and FEP.sys. Here, the PC100may be provided with a flash memory instead of the HDD21.

The nonvolatile memory25is a ROM (read only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read only memory), a flash memory, or the like, and stores data or programs such as BIOS and firmware.

The EC16has functions such as a KBC (keyboard controller), an ACPI/EC, and a PIC (programmable IO controller). The KBC controls a keyboard as the operation input unit2a. The ACPI/EC manages the power supply in accordance with an ACPI (advanced configuration and power interface), which is a standard that relates to electrical control. The PIC provides an interface with the utility software.

With the KBC, the EC16can detect the operation of the operation input unit2aby the user, and can notify a high-order system such as an OS (operating system) of information called scan code. In addition, the EC16includes an interface for performing communication with a system such as the BIOS and the OS (described later) with the PIC, and can transmit and receive a command or data. Further, the EC16is connected with the mode selection switch7and the LED display8.

The switching circuit22switches an image signal outputted from one of the embedded graphics chip15and the external graphics chip20, and outputs the signal to the LDC3a, the HDMI connector2j, and the DVI connector2k. In accordance with the selection of the graphics chip in each of the modes, the EC16outputs an image switching signal to the switching circuit22, and controls the switching of the image signal outputted from the graphics chips. The image signal outputted to the HDMI connector2jand the DVI connector2kis then outputted to the external monitor through the HDMI cable and the DVI cable, respectively.

The power supply circuit26is connected with one of the battery27, such as a lithium ion battery, and the DC jack28for inputting commercial power through an AC adapter5, and supplies the power to the respective units of the PC100therethrough.

The wattmeter22is connected to the battery27and the DC jack28, measures an electric power value (current value) of electric power supplied therefrom, and transmits the measurement value to the CPU11. The measurement value is used in a display process of the power consumption before and after the mode switching, which will be described later in detail.

(Details of Mode Selection Switch and LED Display)

Next, the mode selection switch7and the LED display8will be described in detail.FIG. 4is a diagram showing a lighted state of the LED display8in accordance with the switch position of the mode selection switch7.

In this embodiment, the PC100has three operation modes of a STAMINA mode, a SPEED mode, and an AUTO mode. In the STAMINA mode, the drawing process is performed all the time by the embedded graphics chip15in consideration of electric power saving, that is, in consideration of lasting driving of the battery27as long as possible. In the SPEED mode, the drawing process is performed all the time by the external graphics chip20. Importance is placed on a drawing process performance. In the AUTO mode, an appropriate graphics chip is determined based on a use condition of the PC100, and the graphics chip determined performs the drawing process.

In other words, in the AUTO mode, switching is performed between the STAMINA mode and the SPEED mode when necessary. The PC100executes one of those three modes by switching. Thus, one of the embedded graphics chip15and the external graphics chip20performs the drawing process.

As shown inFIG. 4, in the AUTO mode, a movable portion7aof the mode selection switch7is disposed at the upper right portion, and an LED display8cof “AUTO” is lighted. Further, in the AUTO mode, depending on the graphics chip currently selected by the PC100, that is, depending on a mode in execution, SPEED mode or STAMINA mode, one of LED displays8aand8bis lighted too. The color of a light source of the LED displays8aand8bis set to be different from the color of a light source of the LED display8c.

In addition, in the case where the manual switching (not the AUTO mode) is selected, and the SPEED mode is selected, the movable portion7ais disposed on the upper left portion. In the case where the STAMINA mode is selected, the movable portion7ais disposed on the lower left. Further, one of the LED displays8aand8bcorresponding to the SPEED mode and the STAMINA mode, respectively, is lighted.

Subsequently, a description will be given on mode switching operations in the PC structured as described above. In the following, the CPU11will be described as a main operation subject, but the operations are performed in cooperation with various kinds of hardware and software as described later.

(Operation at Time of Changing Switch)

First, a description will be given on an operation of the PC100in the case where the user selects a position corresponding to each of the modes with the mode selection switch7.

FIGS. 5 and 6are flowcharts showing the operations of the PC100in the case where the AUTO mode is selected with the mode selection switch7.

As shown inFIG. 5, when the AUTO mode is selected with the mode selection switch7(Step51), the CPU11judges whether the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k(Step52).

Here, in this embodiment, in the case where the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k, the PC100is capable of operating only in the SPEED mode in the hardware design.

In Step52, when judging that the external monitor is connected (Yes), the CPU11judges whether a current mode is the STAMINA mode or not (Step53). When judging that the current mode is the STAMINA mode (Yes), the CPU11performs the subsequent switching process of (B) ofFIG. 6(Step54).

In Step53, when judging that the current mode is not the STAMINA mode (No), the CPU11changes only a setting of a power supply option (Step55), because the current mode is the SPEED mode, and it is unnecessary to switch the graphics chips. Then, the CPU11displays a message (message (2)) indicating a setting completion and terminates the process (Step56).

Here, the power supply option is held by the OS of the PC100for each mode, and is used to perform an appropriate power supply setting in accordance with the selection of the graphic chip, that is, depending on whether the drawing process performance or the electric power saving is emphasized. Therefore, in Step55, the power supply option is the setting in which the drawing process performance is emphasized.FIG. 21is a diagram showing an example of the message (2) that indicates the completion of the power supply setting for the AUTO mode and the SPEED mode.

In Step53, when judging that the current mode is the STAMINA mode, as shown in (B) ofFIG. 6, the CPU11indicates a dialog (message (4)) for confirming with the user whether the STAMINA mode can be switched to the SPEED mode (Step70).

FIG. 23is a diagram showing an example of the dialog (message (4)). As shown inFIG. 23, on the dialog, an OK button231for permitting the switching to the SPEED mode is displayed.

Then, the CPU11judges whether the mode selection switch7is returned to the state prior to the switching to the AUTO mode (Step71). When judging that the mode selection switch7is returned (Yes), the CPU11deletes the dialog and terminates the process (Step72). That is, by returning the mode selection switch7, the mode switching process is canceled.

When the mode selection switch7is not returned (No), the CPU11judges whether the OK button231in the dialog is clicked or not (Step73). When judging that the OK button231is clicked (Yes), the CPU11performs a switching operation to the SPEED mode (Step74). The switching operation to the SPEED mode will be described later in detail.

Returning toFIG. 5, in Step52, when the CPU11judges that the external monitor is not connected (No), the CPU11judges whether the AC adapter5is connected to the DC jack28(Step57). When judging that the AC adapter5is connected (Yes), the CPU11performs the same processes as the processes of Steps53to56(Steps58to60). That is, even if the external monitor is not connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k, in the case where the AC adapter5is connected to the DC jack28, and it is unnecessary to take into consideration the drive time period of the battery27, the CPU11performs the SPEED mode to emphasize the drawing process performance.

In Step57, when judging that the AC adapter5is not connected (No), the CPU11judges whether the current mode is the SPEED mode or not (Step61). When judging that the current mode is the SPEED mode (Yes), the CPU11subsequently performs a switching process of (A) ofFIG. 6(Step62).

In Step61, when judging that the current mode is not the SPEED mode (No), that is, judging that the current mode is the STAMINA mode, the CPU11changes only a setting of a power supply option (Step63), because it is unnecessary to switch the modes. Then, the CPU11displays a message (message (1)) indicating a setting completion and terminates the process (Step64).

That is, in this case, the CPU11sets an appropriate power supply option to maintain the operation by the battery27as much as possible with the low power consumption.FIG. 20is a diagram showing an example of the message (1) that indicates the completion of the power supply option setting for the AUTO mode and the STAMINA mode.

In Step61, when judging that the current mode is the SPEED mode, as shown in (A) ofFIG. 6, the CPU11indicates a dialog (message (3)) for confirming with the user whether the SPEED mode can be switched to the STAMINA mode (Step65).FIG. 22is a diagram showing an example of the dialog (message (3)). As shown inFIG. 22, on the dialog, an OK button221for permitting the switching to the STAMINA mode is indicated.

The subsequent operations are the same as the processes of Steps71to74in (B) ofFIG. 6except that the STAMINA mode and the SPEED mode are reversed (Steps66to69). That is, when the switching with the mode selection switch7is not canceled, and the OK button221on the dialog is clicked, the CPU11performs the switching operation to the STAMINA mode. The switching operation to the STAMINA mode will be described later in detail.

FIG. 7is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the PC100in the case where the switching to the STAMINA mode is performed with the mode selection switch7.

As shown inFIG. 7, in the case where the STAMINA mode is selected with the mode selection switch7(Step81), the CPU11judges whether the current mode is the AUTO mode and the STAMINA mode (Step82). When judging that the current mode is the AUTO mode and the STAMINA mode (Yes), the CPU11just changes the setting of the power supply option because the mode switching is unnecessary (Step83), and displays a message indicating a setting completion (message (5)), to terminate the operation (Step84).FIG. 24is a diagram showing an example of the message (5) that indicates the setting completion of the power supply option for the STAMINA mode. In this case, the electric power saving is emphasized.

In Step82, when judging that the current mode is not the AUTO mode and the STAMINA mode (No), the CPU11displays a dialog (message (6)) for confirming with the user whether the current mode may be switched to the STAMINA mode (Step85).FIG. 25is a diagram showing an example of the dialog (message (6)). As shown inFIG. 25, on the dialog, an OK button251for permitting the switching to the STAMINA mode is displayed.

The subsequent operation is the same as the processes of Steps66to69of (A) ofFIG. 6(Steps86to89). That is, in the case where the switching with the mode selection switch7is not canceled, and the OK button251on the dialog is clicked, the CPU11switches the current mode to the STAMINA mode.

FIG. 8is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the PC100in the case where the switching to SPEED mode is performed with the mode selection switch7. The operation flow of this case is different from that shown inFIG. 7only in the mode. That is, the SPEED mode is involved in the operation shown inFIG. 8, while the STAMINA mode is involved in the operation shown inFIG. 7.FIG. 26is a diagram showing an example of a message (7) that indicates the setting completion of the power supply option for the SPEED mode. In this case, the drawing process performance is emphasized.FIG. 27is a diagram showing an example of a dialog (message (8)) for confirming with the user whether the switching to the SPEED mode may be performed. As shown inFIG. 27, on the dialog, an OK button271for permitting the switching to the SPEED mode is displayed.

(Operation at Time When Various Events Occur in Respective Modes)

Subsequently, in the aforementioned modes, the operations of the PC100in the case where events occur that require the switching of the modes will be described.

FIG. 9is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the PC100in the case where both the HDMI connection and the DVI connection are released (the cables are removed from both the HDMI connector2jand the DVI connector2k) in the AUTO mode.

As shown inFIG. 9, when both the HDMI connection and the DVI connection are released (Step101), the CPU11judges whether the AC adapter5is connected to the DC jack28(Step102).

When judging that the AC adapter5is connected (Yes), the CPU11terminates the process because the mode switching is unnecessary (Step103).

When judging that the AC adapter5is not connected (No), the CPU11displays a dialog (message (3)) for confirming with the user whether the switching to the STAMINA mode may be performed as shown inFIG. 22because the current mode is the AUTO and SPEED modes (Step104).

Subsequently, the CPU11judges whether the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kagain (Step105). In the case where the connection to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kis performed (Yes), the CPU11deletes the dialog and terminates the process (Step106). That is, the user can cancel the mode switching process by inserting the HDMI cable or the DVI cable to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kagain.

In the case where the external monitor is not connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kagain (No), the CPU11judges whether the OK button221on the dialog is clicked or not (Step107). When judging that the OK button221is clicked (Yes), the CPU11switches the current mode to the STAMINA mode (Step108).

FIG. 10is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the PC in the case where the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kin the AUTO mode.

As shown inFIG. 10, when the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k(Step111), the CPU11judges whether another external monitor is already connected to the remaining connector (Step112). When judging that another external monitor is connected to the remaining connector (Yes), the CPU11terminates the process, because the current mode is the AUTO and SPEED modes, and the mode switching is unnecessary (Step113).

When judging that another external monitor is not connected to the remaining connector (No), the CPU11judges whether the AC adapter5is connected to the DC jack28or not (Step114). When the CPU11judges that the AC adapter5is connected (Yes), the CPU11terminates the process, because the current mode is the AUTO and SPEED modes, and the mode switching is unnecessary (Step115).

When judging that the AC adapter5is not connected (No), as shown inFIG. 23, the CPU11displays the dialog (message (4)) for confirming with the user whether the switching to the SPEED mode may be performed or not (Step116).

Then, the CPU11judges whether the HDMI cable or the DVI cable that is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kin Step111is removed or not (whether the connection with the external monitor is released or not) (Step117). When judging that the cable is removed (Yes), the CPU11deletes the dialog and terminates the process (Step118). That is, the user can cancel the mode switching process by removing the HDMI cable or the DVI cable that is once inserted.

When judging that the cable is not removed from the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k(No), the CPU11judges whether the OK button231is clicked or not on the dialog (Step119). When judging that the OK button231is clicked (Yes), the CPU11switches the current mode to the SPEED mode (Step120).

FIG. 11is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the PC in the case where the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kin the STAMINA mode manually set.

As shown inFIG. 11, when the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kin the STAMINA mode, the CPU11displays a dialog (message (9)) for urging the switching to the SPEED mode (Step122).FIG. 28is a diagram showing an example of the dialog (message (9)). As shown inFIG. 28, in the dialog, a “close” button281is displayed along with a message that urges the user to switch the current mode to the SPEED mode with the mode selection switch7.

Subsequently, the CPU11judges whether the “close” button281is clicked or not on the dialog (Step123). In the case where the “close” button281is clicked (Yes), the CPU11deletes the dialog and terminates the process (Step124).

Then, the CPU11judges whether the user performs the switching to the SPEED mode or the AUTO mode with the mode selection switch7(Step125). When the switching is performed with the mode selection switch7(Yes), the CPU11operates to switch the current mode to the SPEED mode (Step126).

FIG. 12is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the PC in the case where the AC adapter5connected in the AUTO mode is removed.

As shown inFIG. 12, when the AC adapter5is removed (Step131), the CPU11judges whether the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k(Step132). When judging that the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k(Yes), the CPU11terminates the process, because the current mode is the SPEED mode, and the mode switching is unnecessary (Step133).

When judging that the external monitor is not connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k(No), as shown inFIG. 22, the CPU11displays the dialog (message (3)) for confirming with the user whether the switching to the STAMINA mode may be performed or not (Step134).

Subsequently, the CPU11judges whether the AC adapter is connected again (Step135). In the case where the AC adapter is connected again (Yes), the CPU11deletes the dialog and terminates the process (Step136).

In the case where the AC adapter5is not connected (No), the CPU11judges whether the OK button221is clicked on the dialog (Step137). When judging that the OK button221is clicked (Yes), the CPU11operates to switch the current mode to the STAMINA mode (Step138).

FIG. 13is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the PC in the case where the AC adapter5that is not connected in the AUTO mode is connected.

As shown inFIG. 13, when the AC adapter5is connected (Step141), the CPU11judges whether the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k(Step142). When judging that the external monitor is connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k(Yes), the CPU terminates the process, because the current mode is the SPEED mode, and the mode switching is unnecessary (Step143).

When judging that the external monitor is not connected to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k(No), the CPU11displays the dialog (message (4)) for confirming with the user whether the switching to the SPEED mode may be performed as shown inFIG. 23(Step144).

Subsequently, the CPU11judges whether the AC adapter5that has been connected once is removed or not (Step145). In the case where the AC adapter5is removed (Yes), the CPU11deletes the dialog and terminates the process (Step146).

In the case where the AC adapter5is not removed (No), the CPU11judges whether the OK button231is clicked on the dialog (Step147). When judging that the OK button231is clicked (Yes), the CPU11operates to switch the current mode to the SPEED mode (Step148).

(Details of Switching Operation to STAMINA Mode)

Next, the details of the switching operation to the STAMINA mode will be described.FIG. 14is a flowchart showing the switching operation flow to the STAMINA mode. The operation ofFIG. 14includes an operation during the AUTO mode and an operation during the SPEED mode manually selected.

As shown inFIG. 14, when a switching process to the STAMINA mode is generated (Step151), the CPU11judges whether an application that may cause a trouble in the switching is run or not (Step152). Here, the application that may cause a trouble in the switching refers to a reproduction application for a movie, a DVD, or the like, a game application, or the like, in particular, an application that uses the external graphics chip20. For example, a mailer, a document creation application, a table creation application, or the like does not cause a trouble, even if the switching is performed during the execution of the application.

When judging that the application that may cause a trouble in the switching is run (Yes), the CPU11judges whether the current mode is the AUTO mode or not (Step153). When judging that the current mode is the AUTO mode (Yes), the CPU11displays a message (message (10)) that urges the switching to the STAMINA mode (Step154).

FIG. 29is a diagram showing an example of the message (10) that urges the switching. As shown inFIG. 29, the message indicates that the drive time period of the battery27is shortened in the current mode and indicates that the message concerned only has to be clicked to perform switching to the STAMINA mode.

Subsequently, the CPU11judges whether the message concerned is clicked (Step155). When judging that the message is clicked (Yes), the CPU11displays the name of the application that may cause a trouble in the switching (Step157). In the case where there is a plurality of applications that may cause a trouble in the switching, the names of those applications are displayed.

FIG. 31is a diagram showing an example of a dialog that shows the name of the application. As shown inFIG. 31, in addition to the name of the application that may cause a trouble in the switching, a message that urges the termination of the application, a forced switching button311, and a cancel button312are displayed on the dialog. The forced switching button311is used to give an instruction that the mode switching is forced to be performed with knowledge of a trouble. The cancel button312is used to cancel the switching.

Subsequently, the CPU11judges whether the forced switching button311is clicked on the dialog (Step158). When judging that the forced switching button311is clicked (Yes), the CPU11obtains a power consumption value at that time by using the wattmeter29(Step160).

Then, the CPU11performs the switching process to the

STAMINA mode, that is, a switching process from the external graphics chip20to the embedded graphics chip15(Step161), and changes the setting of the power supply option (Step162).

Then, the CPU11obtains the power consumption value after the switching of the mode by using the wattmeter29(Step163).

Subsequently, the CPU11displays the message (1) that indicates the completion of the mode switching, and displays the obtained power consumption values before and after the switching (Step164).

In Step153, when judging that the current mode is not the AUTO mode (No), that is, the SPEED mode manually selected, the CPU11subsequently performs a process of Step157. In this case, the message displayed at the time of the final completion of the switching is the message (5).

In addition, in the case where the message is not clicked in Step155(No), and in the case where the forced switching button311is not clicked in Step158(No), the CPU11judges whether the applications that may cause a trouble in the switching are entirely terminated (Steps156and159). When judging that the applications are terminated, the CPU11then performs the process of Step160.

As described above, the CPU11displays the name of the application that may cause a trouble in the mode switching to thereby alert the user, with the result that the data of the application in execution can be prevented from being damaged or erased, and the mode switching can be performed safely. Further, in the AUTO mode, the CPU11displays the message for urging the switching before displaying the name of the application that may cause a trouble, which can give the user an opportunity to terminate the application by him/herself.

When the CPU11displays the obtained power consumption values according one embodiment of the present invention, the CPU11may display the obtained power consumption values at least before or after the switching. Further, the CPU11may display a difference between the obtained power consumption values before the switching and after the switching. Also, the CPU11may continuously display the obtained power consumption values before, during and after the switching.

(Details of Switching Operation to SPEED Mode)

FIG. 15is a flowchart showing the switching operation to the SPEED mode. The process shown inFIG. 15is different, only in the mode, from the switching process to the STAMINA mode that is shown inFIG. 14. That is, the SPEED mode is involved in the process shown inFIG. 15, while the STAMINA mode is involved in the process shown inFIG. 14, so a description thereof will be omitted.FIG. 30is a diagram showing an example of a message (message (11)) that urges the switching that is displayed during the AUTO mode in the switching process to the SPEED mode. As shown inFIG. 30, the message indicates that it may be impossible to use the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kin the current mode and indicates that the message only has to be clicked to perform switching to the SPEED mode. In addition, inFIG. 15, the message that is finally displayed in the case where the mode is switched in execution of the AUTO mode is the message (2), and the message that is finally displayed in the case where the mode is switched during the execution of the STAMINA mode manually selected is the message (6).

(Process of Blocks at Time When Various Operations are Performed)

Next, a description will be given on the flow of a signal among blocks of the software and the hardware of the PC100in the processes described above.

FIG. 16is a diagram showing the process flow of blocks in a detection process of the switching with the mode selection switch7.FIGS. 16 to 19show, as common blocks, utility software201, an FEP.sys202, a system BIOS203, the EC16, the mode selection switch7, the switching circuit22, the LED display8, a graphics driver204, the embedded graphics chip15, the external graphics chip20, the HDMI connector2j, and the DVI connector2k.

As shown inFIG. 16, in the case where the switching is performed with the mode selection switch7, the switching is transmitted from the mode selection switch7to the EC16((1) inFIG. 16), and then transmitted to the utility software201through the system BIOS203and the FEP.sys202((2) to (4) inFIG. 16). Thus, the utility software201can display the various dialogs (messages) described above.

FIG. 17is a diagram showing the process flow of blocks in a detection process of a current switch position for the mode selection switch7.

As shown inFIG. 17, the utility software201inquires of the EC16through the FEP.sys202and the system BIOS203as to the current switch position in the mode selection switch7((1) to (3) inFIG. 17). In response to the inquiry, the EC16detects the current switch position from the mode selection switch7((4) inFIG. 17), and transmits a result of the detection to the utility software201through the system BIOS203and the FEP.sys202((5) to (7) inFIG. 17).

FIG. 18is a diagram showing the process flow of blocks in a detection process of the connection between the external monitor and the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2k.

As shown inFIG. 18, in the case where the connection to the HDMI connector2jor the DVI connector2kis conducted, the fact is transmitted to the embedded graphics chip15or the external graphics chip20((1) inFIG. 18), and further transmitted to the graphics driver204((2) inFIG. 18). The graphics driver204transmits the connection to the system BIOS203((3) in

FIG. 18), and the system BIOS203transmits the connection to the utility software201through the FEP.sys202((4) and (5) inFIG. 18).

FIG. 19is a diagram showing the process flow of blocks at the time when the graphics chips are switched.

As shown inFIG. 19, for example, when an event of clicking the OK button on the dialog is generated, the utility software201transmits an instruction for switching the graphic chips to the graphics driver through the FEP.sys202and the system BIOS203((1) to (3) inFIG. 19).

The graphics driver204performs initialization of the embedded graphics chip15or the external graphics chip20or turns on and off of the power thereof ((4) inFIG. 19), for example, and transmits an instruction for switching the graphics chips to the EC16through the system BIOS203((4) and (5) inFIG. 19). Based on the instruction, the EC16causes the switching circuit22to switch the graphics chips ((6) inFIG. 19).

Then, the graphics driver204transmits the completion of the switching process of the graphics chips to the system BIOS203((7) inFIG. 19). The system BIOS203notifies the utility software201of the completion through the FEP.sys202((8) and (9) inFIG. 19). Thus, the utility software201displays the message that indicates the setting completion of the power supply option.

On the other hand, the system BIOS203also notifies the EC16of the completion. Based on the notification, the EC16causes the LED display8in accordance with the switched mode to light up.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the PC100prepares the AUTO mode in addition to the STAMINA and SPEED modes, and therefore can automatically switch the embedded graphics chip15and the external graphics chip20in accordance with the connection condition to the external monitor with the HDMI or the DVI or a connection condition of the AC adapter5. Thus, the PC100can switch the two graphics chips safely and easily in accordance with the use purpose of the user. Further, if the switching of the modes may cause a trouble in the operation of the application, the PC100displays the name of the application and urges the termination of the application. Therefore, the PC100can further assure the user of the safety.

MODIFIED EXAMPLE

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the PC100can perform the forced switching even after the name of the application that may cause a trouble due to the mode switching is displayed, but such a forced switching may be completely inhibited.

Further, in the case where the application that may cause a trouble due to the mode switching is present, the PC100may display a screen for urging an immediate termination of the application, or automatically store the task of the application and automatically terminate the application.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST