DE102011114195A1 - Computer system has monitoring circuit that transmits predetermined control signal to data processing device through interface to prevent enabling of restricted operation state upon recognition of presence of user - Google Patents

Abstract

The computer system (1) has data processing device (2) that is connected to keyboard (3) through interface (4). The data processing device has an operating system (15) that is activated to reduced operating state such as power-saving state or locked state, after a predetermined period of inactivity. The keyboard has sensor (20) for detecting a presence of a user within a predetermined range. A monitoring circuit transmits predetermined control signal through interface to data processing device to prevent enabling of restricted operation state upon recognition of presence of user. An independent claim is included for a method for operating a computer system with data processing device and keyboard.

Description

The invention relates to a computer system comprising a data processing device for executing an operating system, the computer system having at least one restricted operating state, in particular a power saving state or a blocking state, which the operating system activates after a predetermined period of inactivity. The invention further relates to a keyboard and a working method for such a computer system.

Computer systems of the above type are widely known. For example, the Windows operating system provides Microsoft Corporation with a preference dialog that allows the computer system to be configured to enter a power-on state or a lockout state after a predetermined period of inactivity. In the power-saving state, for example, the hard disk drives are turned off. In the lockdown state, screen output is inhibited and re-authenticating a user by entering a password is required to reuse the computer system.

The activation of the restricted operating state is carried out rigidly based on a time control, wherein a preset waiting time is reset upon actuation of a key of the keyboard or moving a mouse respectively. If comparatively short waiting times are selected, this leads to a considerable loss of comfort for the user, since the computer system changes into a restricted operating state relatively frequently and from the user's point of view too early. For example, this behavior occurs when a user reads a document displayed on a screen. If the user wants to continue reading the document or otherwise using the computer system, he must usually wake the computer system back from the restricted operating state to a normal operating state. The waking time required for this, which is required, for example, to restart hard disks or to enter a password is perceived as disturbing by the user.

As a consequence, waiting times are often set relatively long to prevent the occurrence of unwanted state changes. Thus, the computer system is held unnecessarily long in a normal operating condition even in a total non-use, which leads to an unnecessarily high energy consumption in the case of an unacceptable energy-saving condition and in the case of an unreturned blocking condition to a relatively long period in which the system unprotected against abuse remains.

It is an object of the invention to describe apparatus and methods for improved operation of computer systems with limited operating conditions. In this case, known computer systems should preferably be expanded without profound hardware or software changes in such a way that situation-appropriate receipt of a restricted operating state is made possible.

The above object is achieved by a generic computer system having at least one standard interface coupled to the data processing device and at least one keyboard connected to the standard interface for transmitting input from a user to the data processing device. The computer system is characterized by a monitoring circuit comprising a sensor arranged in the region of the keyboard for detecting a presence of a user in a predetermined area, wherein the monitoring circuit is adapted, upon detection of the presence of a user at least a predetermined control signal via the standard interface to the Data processing device to prevent the assumption of the restricted operating state.

The disclosed solution makes use of the knowledge that a user usually resides in the area of a keyboard, even if he actively makes no inputs. By monitoring a predetermined area of a keyboard for the presence of a user can thus be concluded relatively reliably on the activity of the user. In addition, the invention makes use of the fact that the keyboard and the data processing device are typically coupled via a standard interface which is suitable for the simple transmission of at least one control signal. Known operating systems typically monitor a standard interface for connecting keyboards to activity to prevent the onset of a restricted operating condition. Therefore, typically no changes to the hardware or software of the computer system are required on the part of the data processing device.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the computer system is characterized by an executable by the data processing device driver software for driving the monitoring circuit, wherein the driver software is adapted to prevent the ingestion of the restricted mode, as long as the monitoring circuit detects the presence of the user in the predetermined range. The provision of a special driver software for driving the Monitoring circuit allows a particularly precise monitoring of the activity of a user.

According to an alternative embodiment, the computer system is characterized by an executable by the data processing device keyboard driver, wherein the monitoring circuit is adapted to transmit upon detection of the presence of the user at least one predetermined keyboard code via the standard interface to the keyboard driver. By such a configuration can be dispensed with the provision of special driver software for driving the monitoring circuit.

The above object is also achieved by a keyboard having a standard interface for connecting the keyboard to a data processing device, a sensor for detecting a presence of a user in a predetermined area, and a monitoring circuit arranged to detect the presence of the user to transmit the sensor at least one predetermined control signal via the standard interface to the data processing device.

According to various embodiments, the keyboard is characterized by a housing for receiving the keyboard, wherein the sensor is arranged in a user-facing region of the housing. The sensor is preferably arranged directly on a printed circuit board or strip conductor film arranged in the housing, a transparent or semitransparent cover being integrated into the housing in the region of the sensor.

The above object is finally achieved by a working method for a computer system with the steps according to claim 10.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the appended claims and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments. Different embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures.

Show:

1 a schematic representation of a computer system according to an embodiment of the invention,

2 a protocol stack for monitoring a user's activity,

3 a perspective view of a keyboard with an integrated sensor and

4 a flowchart of a working method for a computer system.

1 shows a schematic representation of a computer system 1 , The computer system 1 comprises in the simplified representation according to 1 a data processing device 2 and a keyboard coupled to the data processing device 3 ,

The keyboard 3 and the data processing device 2 are in the illustrated embodiment via a standard interface 4 coupled. In the exemplary embodiment, the standard interface is, for example, a USB interface with a first connector 5 on the side of the example executed as a desktop computer data processing device 2 and a fixed connection block 6 on the side of an external keyboard 3 and one between the first connector 1 and the fixed terminal block 6 arranged cables 7 , The described USB interface simultaneously serves for power supply and data communication with the keyboard 3 ,

Of course, the use of an internal standard interface is also a matter of course 4 for connecting a built-in keyboard 3 possible. In particular, this offers itself in so-called laptop computers, where the keyboard 3 and the data processing device 2 are integrated in a common housing.

In the 1 is additionally a mouse 8th shown connected to a second connector 9 the data processing device 2 connected. Other external components of the computer system 1 Such as, in particular, a monitor, a printer or a scanner are for the sake of clarity in the 1 not shown.

The data processing device 2 For example, a desktop computer includes a processor in the embodiment 10 , a first interface module 11 for controlling a built-in hard disk 12 as well as a second interface module 13 for coupling the data processing device 2 with the keyboard 3 and the mouse 8th , The data processing device 2 further includes a system block 14 , in which, for example, firmware and a so-called real-time clock (RTC) are arranged. In an alternative embodiment, two or more of the components described 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 and 14 also be designed as an integrated component or as an integrated component. The individual components of the data processing device 2 are coupled together via one or more bus systems. For the sake of a simple Representation is on the details of the bus systems but not further discussed.

During operation of the data processing device 2 becomes one on the hard drive 12 or any other suitable storage medium stored operating system 15 from the processor 10 executed. Typically, the operating system loads 15 one or more drivers 16 in a working memory 17 the data processing device 2 which is used to control one or more internal or external components of the data processing device 2 are set up. Building on the driver 16 can further driver modules, such as a driver module to control the keyboard 3 or the mouse 8th be reloaded. Alternatively, single or all drivers 16 or driver modules already in the operating system 15 be integrated. For example, the Microsoft Windows operating system includes a standard driver for controlling keyboards via a USB interface.

The Microsoft Windows operating system and other known operating systems, such as different variants of the Linux operating system, may be configured by a user to enter a restricted operating state or to place the computer system in a restricted operating state after a predetermined period of inactivity. For example, the operating system 15 be set up after 15 minutes without user activity the hard disk 12 to disable and / or lock the computer, and to display a so-called login screen, which is the input of a password by a user to unlock the computer system 1 requires. To determine an activity or inactivity of the user are typically to the second interface module 13 connected devices, in the embodiment, the keyboard 3 and the mouse 8th monitored for events. Finds no keyboard input and no mouse movement 8th instead, the operating system triggers 15 the default function, bringing the computer system 1 in the restricted operating state.

The keyboard 3 has a microcontroller in the embodiment 18 and a button arrangement 19 on. In the key arrangement 19 For example, it is a known German key arrangement with 102 or 105 keys, as they are known from PC keyboards. A user presses one of the keys of the key arrangement 19 , a corresponding keyboard code is from the microcontroller 18 generated and via the standard interface 4 to the second interface module 13 the data processing device 2 transfer, so the operating system 15 resets a timer and prevents the receipt of the restricted mode.

In addition, the keyboard points 3 according to the embodiment, a sensor 20 on, which is also on the microcontroller 18 connected. At the sensor 20 For example, it may be an infrared motion detector, an infrared reflex sensor, or a simple CCD camera for monitoring a predetermined area above and / or in front of the keyboard 3 , Is through the sensor 20 generates a signal pattern indicative of the presence of a user in the monitored area, the microcontroller generates 18 in the embodiment, a suitable control signal, which also via the standard interface 4 to the data processing device 2 is transmitted. The operating system 15 Thus, even if the user does not enter a key via the key arrangement, it prevents the receipt of the restricted operating state 19 makes or the mouse 8th moves, but in the monitored area of the sensor 20 located.

2 schematically shows a protocol stack 21 for communication between the keyboard 3 and the data processing device 2 ,

In the described embodiment, the microcontroller comprises 18 an input / output part 22 for monitoring signals of the key arrangement 19 and the sensor 20 , For example, the input / output part 22 Signals of a key matrix of the key arrangement 19 with 16 columns and 8 rows on actuation and by correlation of a column signal and a row signal by a data processing part 23 generate a suitable keyboard code.

In the embodiment, the input / output part has 22 In addition, an analogue input to which the sensor 20 connected. By means of the analogue input the sensor becomes 20 monitored for predetermined signal patterns that signal the presence of a user. Will a suitable pattern through the input / output part 22 is detected by the data processing part 23 provided a suitable keyboard code.

The data processing part 23 provided keyboard codes are in the embodiment via an interface part 24 according to the standard interface used 4 for transmission to the data processing device 2 coded. In the exemplary embodiment, this is an interface part 24 to implement the USB profile for so-called "human interface devices" (HID).

On the part of the data processing device 2 The signals generated are first from the second interface module 13 received and to a suitable component of the data processing device 2 forwarded or inscribed in a suitable control register. For this purpose, the so-called BIOS program code is used in the exemplary embodiment 25 for example, in the system building block 14 is stored and by the processor 10 is performed. The BIOS program code 25 the received control signal to a suitable device driver, in the embodiment, a USB device driver 26 further.

Inside the device driver 26 become different driver modules 27 . 28 and 29 executed, which are responsible for evaluating the control signals from individual USH devices. In the exemplary embodiment, the first driver module is 27 for example, a keyboard driver, the second driver module 28 to a mouse driver and the third driver module 29 to a driver for a different device type.

The of the individual driver modules 27 to 29 of the USB device driver 26 evaluated control signals are in an appropriate form to the operating system 15 passed on. In the exemplary embodiment, the operating system in particular monitors the first driver module 27 and the second driver module 28 on user-triggered input events. If such an event is detected, the operating system suspends 15 a timer back, so that the assumption of the restricted operating condition is suspended for a predetermined period.

According to a first embodiment of the invention is the microcontroller 18 configured to detect the presence of a user by the sensor 20 an ordinary keyboard code via the standard interface 4 transferred to. For example, it is possible to send a key, which normally does not trigger a user function, to the data processing device 20 to send. For example, it is possible to trigger the so-called "Caps Lock" twice in succession, or the so-called "Scroll Paint".

According to another embodiment, a keyboard code is obtained from the data processing part 23 does not produce any key of the keyboard 3 assigned. In one embodiment, the microcontroller sends 18 the keyboard 3 a corresponding keyboard code, which is an activity of the keyboard 3 but no function of the operating system 15 is assigned, unsolicited to the data processing device 2 ,

In both cases, the transmitted control signal becomes the first driver module 27 for controlling the keyboard 3 assigned, so that this opposite the operating system 15 the presence of a user activity signals and the operating system 15 then resets its timer as desired.

In a further embodiment, the third driver module is used 29 for controlling the sensor 20 , In this case, a direct, possibly bidirectional communication between the third driver module 29 and the sensor 20 possible. For example, parameters that determine the activation threshold of the sensor 20 or the frequency with which a predetermined control signal from the keyboard 3 to the data processing device 2 be set. Conversely, sensor signals from the sensor 20 for evaluation to the third driver module 29 be transmitted. In this case, the third driver module 29 appropriately in the power management of the operating system 15 integrated to also signal to the third driver module 29 to reset the timer.

3 shows an embodiment of a keyboard 3 with a built-in sensor 20 , The keyboard 3 includes a keyboard housing 30 in which one in the 3 dashed lines printed circuit board 31 or conductor foil is arranged. On the circuit board 31 is the key arrangement 19 arranged in a conventional manner. In addition, located in the upper right corner 32 the circuit board 31 the sensor 20 , The sensor is preferred 20 directly on the circuit board 31 applied and soldered with this.

In the in the 3 illustrated embodiment, the sensor is located 20 in a row with the usually provided status lights 33 to display the state of the Caps Lock key, the Scroll key and the numeric keypad. In the area of the keyboard housing 30 above the sensor 20 there is a cover 34 , which, if necessary in interaction with the sensor 20 , the detection range of the sensor 20 certainly. For example, a hemispherical or prismatic cover 34 via an infrared motion detector for monitoring a in the 3 with a dot-dash line sector 35 diagonally across the keyboard 2 be arranged. The cover 34 is for the sensor 20 detected radiation transparent or partially transparent. It is also possible optical elements to bundle or deflect infrared or similar rays into the cover 34 to the corresponding supply line to the sensor 20 to integrate.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the sensor is located 20 in a front, user-facing area of the keyboard 3 , for example below the space bar. For example, a reflex light barrier with an infrared transmitter and an infrared detector arranged next to it can be arranged behind an at least partially transparent cover or housing opening below the space bar. Such an arrangement allows a direct detection of a user in front of the keyboard, without causing a deflection or protruding of the sensor 20 would be required. However, this embodiment has the disadvantage that a sensor is not readily on an already existing circuit board 31 can be arranged.

4 shows a simplified flowchart of a method 40 for controlling a restricted operating state. In this case, the steps of the method shown on the right in the figure 40 from the data processing device 2 or their components. The in the 4 left illustrated steps of the process 40 be against it from the keyboard 3 and the components assigned to it.

In a first step 41 checks the input / output part 22 of the microcontroller 18 the keyboard 3 whether an activity in a monitored area, for example in the environment of half a meter in front of the keyboard 3 , was detected. Will be a suitable activity pattern through the sensor 20 issued, the procedure in step 43 continued. Otherwise, the check will be, if necessary, after a short delay in the step 42 , continued in an infinite loop.

In step 43 generates the data processing part 23 an appropriate keyboard code based on the detected activity. Preferably, a code is generated which indicates the readiness of the keyboard 3 without signaling the depression of a specific key or key combination.

In one step 44 The generated keyboard code is via the standard interface 4 transfer. The interface part prepares for this 24 for example, that of the data processing part 23 prepared keyboard code corresponding USB protocol.

In one step 45 is checked, whether via the standard interface 4 a control signal was received. For example, it can be checked if there is an interrupt request for the USB driver 16 is present.

If this is not the case, in a subsequent step 46 checks if a predetermined period of a timer has expired. If this is the case, it will be in one step 47 a limited operating condition taken. For example, parts of the data processing device 2 disconnected from a power supply to activate a power saving state. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to have an access lock on the data processing device 2 to enable, so the computer system 1 can not be misused by an unauthorized user.

Will in step 46 on the other hand recognized that the predetermined period of time has not yet expired, the method, possibly after a short, predetermined delay, in the step 45 continued.

Will in step 45 via the standard interface 4 transmitted signal is detected, in one step 48 Check if this signal is the keyboard 3 assigned. If this is the case, it will be in one step 49 the timer that is in step 46 is monitored, reset. Otherwise, the signal will be sent to the corresponding driver module, for example the second driver module 28 for events of the mouse 8th or the third driver module for events of other input sources. The processing of these, device-specific signals is in the interests of simplicity in the 4 but not shown. In both cases, the following will be the monitoring of the standard interface 4 in step 45 continued.

Although the method described above has been described with reference to the transmission of a keyboard code for the sake of clarity, it can be equivalently used for the generation, transmission and monitoring of mouse events or other control signals. For example, a microcontroller 18 a keyboard 3 be programmed to detect a presence of a user in a monitored area of a sensor 20 simulates a slight mouse activity. For example, it is possible to generate a mouse movement one pixel to the right followed by a subsequent mouse movement one pixel to the left to inadvertently activate a restricted operating state by an operating system 15 to prevent.

The described procedures have the advantage that the presence or activity of a user in front of a computer system 1 captured very accurately and thus the operating system 15 can be communicated. In this case, a power-saving mode or a blocking state can be configured with a relatively short waiting time, for example a waiting time of 30 seconds or one minute, without causing unintentional malfunctioning of the restricted state by the operating system 15 while input breaks.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

computer system

2

Data processing device

3

keyboard

4

Standard Interface

5

first connector

6

terminal block

7

electric wire

8th

mouse

9

second connector

10

processor

11

first interface module

12

hard disk

13

second interface module

14

system module

15

operating system

16

driver

17

random access memory

18

microcontroller

19

keyboard layout

20

sensor

21

protocol stack

22

Input / output part

23

Data processing part

24

Interface part

25

BIOS program code

26

USB device drivers

27

first driver module (keyboard)

28

second driver module (mouse)

29

third driver module (other device)

30

keyboard housing

31

circuit board

32

corner

33

status display

34

cover

35

sector

40

method

41 to 49

steps

Claims (10)

Computer system ( 1 ), comprising - a data processing device ( 2 ) for executing an operating system ( 15 ), the computer system ( 1 ) has at least one limited operating state, in particular an energy-saving state or a blocking state, which the operating system ( 15 activated after a predetermined period of inactivity; At least one with the data processing device ( 3 ) coupled standard interface ( 4 ); - at least one to the standard interface ( 4 ) connected keyboard ( 3 ) for transmitting input from a user to the data processing device ( 2 ), characterized by - a monitoring circuit comprising one in the area of the keyboard ( 3 ) arranged sensor ( 20 ) for detecting a presence of a user in a predetermined area, wherein the monitoring circuit is adapted, upon detection of the presence of the user at least one predetermined control signal via the standard interface ( 4 ) to the data processing device ( 2 ) to prevent ingestion of the restricted operating condition. Computer system ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized by a data processing device ( 2 ) executable driver software for driving the monitoring circuit, wherein the driver software is adapted to prevent the occupancy of the restricted mode, as long as the monitoring circuit detects the presence of the user in the predetermined range. Computer system ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the driver software is adapted to provide predetermined parameter values for operation of the sensor ( 20 ) from the operating system ( 15 ) to the monitoring circuit. Computer system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a data processing device ( 2 ) executable keyboard driver, wherein the monitoring circuit is adapted, upon detection of the presence of the user at least a predetermined keyboard code via the standard interface ( 4 ) to the keyboard driver. Computer system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a data processing device ( 2 executable mouse driver, wherein the monitoring circuit is adapted, upon detection of the presence of the user at least one predetermined control code via the standard interface ( 4 ) to the mouse driver. Keyboard ( 3 ), comprising - a standard interface ( 4 ) to connect the keyboard ( 3 ) to a data processing device ( 2 ); A sensor ( 20 ) for detecting a presence of a user in a predetermined area, and a monitoring circuit arranged to detect the presence of the user by the sensor ( 20 ) at least one predetermined control signal via the standard interface ( 4 ) to the data processing device ( 2 ) transferred to. Keyboard ( 3 ) according to claim 6, characterized by a microcontroller ( 18 ), which is adapted to a sensor signal of the sensor ( 20 ) and upon detection of a sensor signal pattern indicating the presence of a user in the indicates at least one code character in accordance with a protocol of the standard interface ( 4 ). Keyboard ( 3 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by a housing ( 30 ) for receiving the keyboard, wherein the sensor ( 20 ) in a user-facing area of the housing ( 30 ) is arranged. Keyboard ( 3 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor ( 20 ) directly on one in the housing ( 30 ) arranged printed circuit board ( 31 ) or conductor foil is arranged, wherein in the region of the sensor ( 20 ) a transparent or semi-transparent cover ( 34 ) in the housing ( 30 ) is integrated. Working procedure ( 40 ) for a computer system ( 1 ) with a data processing device ( 2 ) and a keyboard ( 3 ), comprising the steps of: - monitoring a predetermined area for the presence of a user by means of one in the area of the keyboard ( 3 ) arranged sensor ( 20 ); Transmitting at least one control signal from the keyboard ( 3 ) via a standard interface ( 4 ) to the data processing device ( 2 ) when the presence of a user has been detected; Detecting an activity of a user when the at least one control signal is transmitted via the standard interface ( 4 ) is transmitted; and - taking a restricted operating state by the data processing device ( 4 ) only if no activity of the user is detected for a predetermined period of time.

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