JP2000155626A - Power controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power controller which properly and effectively distributes power to respective resources in accordance with the execution state of an application program. SOLUTION: In a power controller (PCA) controlling the power consumption of resources 105, 106-N and 1200N for executing an application program, an operation state detector 101 detects the operation state of the application program. Load deciding units 102 and 103 decide loads against the resource in the detected operation state S1 of the application program. A resource operation controller 104 controls the resources 105, 106-N and 1200N so that they operate by the load decided by the load deciding units 102 and 103. Consequently, the resources are driven by power optimum for executing the application program in accordance with the operation state of the application program.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for controlling power consumption in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer in response to a change in the operating state of the application program being executed. The present invention relates to a power control method and an apparatus used for a portable personal computer that can be driven by a battery.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the following four types of methods for controlling power in a battery-powered personal computer according to the operating state of an application are known.

The first method is a "power saving control method" described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-125718. In this method, when the application program waits for input and there is no input from the input device for a certain period of time, the CPU stops supplying clock or power. As a result, the power consumption is reduced, and the operation time of the battery is extended or the battery capacity is reduced. That is, when there is little or no load input to the CPU, power saving is achieved by uniformly putting the CPU into a sleep state.

A second method is an “electronic device and a power control method in the device” described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-302138. In this method, first, an access history to each device is recorded for each application program. Next, a time when the application program accesses the device is predicted based on the record of the access history. Then, the device is shifted to the power saving mode based on the predicted time. That is, the amount of power that can be expected by shifting the device to the power saving mode from the current time to the predicted time is compared with the amount of power required to return to the normal mode at the predicted time.
The operation mode of the device is controlled so that the power consumption becomes smaller.

A third method is a "method for automatically reducing the power consumption of a computer device" described in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 8-503566 (corresponding to US Pat. No. 5,339,445). In the method, during the operation of an application program, the power consumption of a power consuming device of the device is monitored and recorded in a table of a computer device holding characteristics of the device resources. Then, when the application program is run again, the characteristics of the required resources are retrieved from the table and the power consumption of the computer device is reduced by automatically adjusting the power supplied to the device of the device.

As a fourth method, there is a power control method generally used for an information processing apparatus supplied to a home or office that can be driven by both an AC power supply and a battery. In the method, the information processing device
It is determined whether the battery is driven by an AC power supply or a battery. If it is driven by a battery, it is operated by the power control method preset by the user. In this method, when the battery is driven, the operation speed of the CPU and the brightness of the LCD are reduced by a fixed value designated by the user to reduce the power consumption and extend the battery driving time.

However, with the rapid increase in the processing speed of the CPU and the performance of peripheral devices such as a hard disk in recent years, the rapid increase in application programs that make the best use of the performance of the CPU and peripheral devices has been discussed above. The conventional power control method cannot cope with this. Representative examples of such application programs include application software that performs moving image processing such as moving image playback or moving image recording, and application software that implements a modem function.

[0008]

Under the above circumstances, as in the first and fourth power control methods described above, the operating speed of the CPU and the power consumption of peripheral devices are uniformly reduced to fixed values. When the power control is performed by the method described above, a moving image processing application program or the like that makes maximum use of the performance of the CPU or the peripheral device cannot be operated or its performance cannot be sufficiently exhibited.

The above-described second and third power control methods are excellent in that power control is performed for each device used by an application program. However, when there is a request for maximizing the performance of the CPU and peripheral devices, such as when starting up the program or playing back a moving image, etc., regarding the execution of the application program, the CPU speed and It does not change the amount of power. Therefore, when the load required for the resource greatly changes for each hardware depending on the operation content of the application program, it is impossible to appropriately control the power in response to such a change in the request. Therefore, similarly to the first and fourth power control methods, there are cases where the application program cannot operate or cannot sufficiently exhibit its performance.

In any of the conventional power control methods, in order to perform power control while appropriately executing an application program, a user sets the power control method in advance in detail, or always sets the CPU speed. It must be set to a sufficiently large value. It is very troublesome to manually perform the detailed setting of the power control method sequentially during the execution of the application program. Even if such complicated detailed settings are made, it is very difficult to make the settings at the correct timing during the execution of the application program. If the CPU speed is fixedly set to a sufficiently large value, the power consumption is unnecessarily increased, the battery driving time is reduced, and the original purpose of the power control cannot be achieved.

The conventional power control method described above aims at extending the driving time of battery-powered information equipment or reducing the size of the battery required to provide the same driving time. Therefore, power control is considered only from the viewpoint of how to reduce the power supplied to each resource of hardware when executing an application program. Therefore, as described above, there is a problem that the power consumption can be reduced but the application program cannot be executed normally.

At present, global warming and depletion of energy resources are actually serious problems, and the reduction of power consumption is not limited to battery-powered information equipment. This is a technology that is required for all driven electric devices.

Therefore, when executing an application program, it is necessary to supply the minimum power required to appropriately drive each hardware resource in accordance with a change in the execution state of the application program. In this way, in executing the application program, power is excessively supplied to the hardware more than necessary for executing the application program, and the excessive power is prevented from being wasted. As a result, power can be efficiently used without waste in executing the application program, and power consumption can be reduced.

The present invention solves the above problems. In an electric device represented by an information device, power is appropriately and effectively allocated to each resource according to the execution state of an application program, and the power is It is an object of the present invention to provide a power control method and a power control method for preventing useless consumption due to excessive supply and thereby reducing power consumption.

[0015]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention A first invention is a power control device for controlling the power consumption of a resource for executing an application program in an electric device for executing the application program, An operation state detector for detecting an operation state of the application program, a load determiner for determining a required load required by a resource in the detected operation state of the application program, and a load for which the resource is determined by the load determiner A resource operation controller that controls an operation parameter that affects a load of the resource so that the resource operates according to an operation state of the application program. Powered by suitable power The power control apparatus according to claim Rukoto.

As described above, in the first aspect, since each resource is operated with the power amount actually required for executing the application program, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the load determiner includes a load factor storage for storing a load factor of a resource set in advance according to an operation status of the application program, and an operation status detector. A load factor acquiring unit that reads a load factor of the resource corresponding to the detected operation state from the load factor storage, wherein the load factor can be set within a settable range of the resource according to the load.

As described above, in the second aspect, the settable load ratio of the resource for which the load ratio has been once set is changed.
Alternatively, the load factor can be reset to an appropriate value even when the resource is exchanged for another one or when the operation of the application program is changed.

According to a third aspect, in the second aspect, when a plurality of load factors are acquired for the same resource by the load factor acquiring device, the load factor integrating device integrates the plurality of load factors. And resources that are simultaneously loaded by a plurality of loads are also driven with sufficient power for the loads.

As described above, in the third aspect, the load required for the same resource at the same time for the execution of each operation of the application program can be correctly determined according to the load on the entire system.

[0021] In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the load factor integrator is configured such that when the total value of the plurality of load factors acquired for the same resource is 100% or less, the total of the load factors is calculated. When the total value of a plurality of load factors is 100% or more, the values are integrated to 100% to prevent the resource from being overloaded with the maximum capacity.

As described above, in the fourth aspect, it is possible to respond to the load request from the application program to the maximum according to the actual capacity of the resource.

According to a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the operating state detector monitors the API communication information detected by the API layer of the operation system loaded on the electric device and the operating state detected by the kernel layer. Based on the information,
The operation state of the application program is detected.

As described above, in the fifth aspect, the present invention can be applied to a computer system having an operation system.

In a sixth aspect based on the third aspect, the load factor integrator supplies the integrated load factor to a driver interface layer of an operation system loaded on the electric device.

As described above, in the sixth aspect, the present invention can be applied to a computer system having an operation system.

In a seventh aspect based on the sixth aspect, the driver interface layer supplies the integrated load factor to a driver of a corresponding resource.

As described above, in the seventh aspect, the power consumption of any peripheral device connected to the computer system can be controlled.

According to an eighth aspect based on the second aspect, the load factor is an operating rate of the resource. As described above, in the eighth aspect, power consumption can be controlled using the operation control function provided for each resource.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a power control method for controlling power consumption of resources for executing an application program in an electric apparatus executing the application program, the operation state detecting an operation state of the application program. A detecting step, a load determining step of determining a load required by the resource in the detected operation state of the application program, and an operation parameter affecting the load of the resource so as to operate at the load determined by the load determining step. A resource operation control step of controlling the operation of the application program, wherein the resource is driven by power suitable for executing the application program by changing the load according to the operation state of the application program.

As described above, in the ninth aspect, since each resource is operated with the power amount actually required for executing the application program, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

In a ninth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the load determining step includes a load factor storing step of storing a load factor of a resource set in advance according to an operation state of the application program, and a load factor storing step. A load factor obtaining step of reading a load factor of the resource corresponding to the operation state detected in the operation state detection step from the stored load factors. Can be set.

As described above, in the tenth aspect,
Once the load factor has been set, the load factor can be set. The load factor is set to an appropriate value even when the load factor is changed, the resource is replaced with another resource, or the operation of the application program is changed. I can do it again.

According to an eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect,
The load determination step further includes a load factor integration step of integrating a plurality of load factors when a plurality of load factors are acquired for the same resource, and a resource that is simultaneously subjected to a plurality of loads is also included in the load. It is characterized by being driven with sufficient power.

As described above, in the eleventh invention,
The load required for the same resource at the same time for the execution of each operation of the application program can be correctly determined according to the load on the entire system.

According to a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect,
In the load factor integration step, when the total value of a plurality of load factors acquired for the same resource is 100% or less,
Integrate into the total value of the load factors, and the total value of
If it is 0% or more, it is integrated to 100%, thereby preventing a load from being applied to the resource's maximum capacity or more.

As described above, in the twelfth aspect,
Depending on the actual capacity of the resource, it is possible to respond to the load request from the application program to the maximum.

In a thirteenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the operating state detecting step comprises monitoring the API communication information detected by the API layer of the operation system loaded on the electric device and the operating state detected by the kernel layer. The operation state of the application program is detected based on the information.

As described above, in the thirteenth aspect,
The present invention can be applied to a computer system having an operation system.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the eleventh aspect,
The load factor integration step is characterized in that the integrated load factor is supplied to a driver interface layer of an operation system loaded on the electric device.

As described above, in the fourteenth invention,
The present invention can be applied to a computer system having an operation system.

According to a fifteenth aspect, in the fourteenth aspect,
The driver interface layer supplies the integrated load factor to the driver of the corresponding resource.

As described above, in the fifteenth aspect,
Control the power consumption of any peripheral device connected to the computer system

According to a sixteenth aspect, in the tenth aspect,
The load factor is a resource operation rate.

As described above, in the sixteenth aspect,
Power consumption can be controlled using an operation control function provided for each resource.

A seventeenth invention is a computer program capable of executing a computer so that a system including the computer program and the computer can execute the power control method according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

An eighteenth invention is a computer program which, when read by a computer, enables the computer to execute the power control method according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a medium readable by a computer having computer code means capable of executing the power control method according to any one of claims 9 to 16 by being read by the computer. Computer program product with.

In a twentieth aspect based on the first aspect, the load determiner further determines a required load for each different resource, whereby the resources are individually determined according to the operation state of the application program. When the load fluctuates, the application program is driven with power suitable for executing the application program.

According to a twenty-first aspect, in the load determination step, the load required for each different resource is further determined, whereby the resources individually vary according to the operation state of the application program.
It is characterized by being driven with power suitable for executing an application program.

[0051]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, a power control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. After that, referring to FIGS.
A power control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a structure of a power control device according to an embodiment. The power control device PCA1 includes an operation state detector 101, a power supply rate calculator 102, a power supply rate storage unit 103, a power supply rate allocator 104, a CPU 105, and N (N is a positive integer) peripheral devices 106_1 to 106_1. 106_N.

The operation state detector 101 includes a power control device P
The operating state of an application program executed in an electric device such as a portable information device in which the CA1 is incorporated is detected. That is, the operation state detector 101
Detects that the application program has been started or terminated, or that the operation state of the application program has changed. Further, the operation state detector 101 generates an operation state signal S1 indicating the detected operation state.

The power supply rate calculator 102 calculates the power supply rate based on the operation state signal S1 input from the operation state detector 101.
According to the change in the operation state of the application program, the power supply rate to each resource of the hardware of the electric device in which the power control device PCA1 is incorporated is calculated. The power supply rate is the amount of power supply required to operate each resource to its full potential.
When 00% is set, the ratio of the power supply amount actually provided to the resource is expressed in%. In this specification, a device configured by hardware is exemplified as a resource, and it goes without saying that a device configured by software is also included.

This is a process in view of the fact that, in the present invention, it is not necessary to always operate 100% of the resources in order to satisfy the request from the application program. That is, the capability actually required for the resource differs depending on the operation state of the application program. Therefore, the power supply rate for each resource is appropriately calculated based on the operation state signal S1 in accordance with the operation state of the application program so that each resource can exhibit necessary and sufficient capabilities as much as possible. It is.

If the power supply rate for each resource is uniquely determined in advance for the operation state defined by the operation state signal S1, the power supply rate calculator 102 indicates the power supply rate indicating the specified supply rate. A rate signal S4 is generated and output to the power supply rate allocator 104. On the other hand, when the power supply rate of each resource with respect to the operation state defined by the operation state signal S1 is not uniquely defined, a power supply rate inquiry signal S2 is generated based on the operation state signal S1, Output to the power supply rate storage 103.

The power supply rate storage unit 103 stores a value of the power supply rate in each operation state of the application program, which is appropriately determined in advance for each resource of the electric equipment in which the power control apparatus PCA1 is incorporated. Note that the value of the power supply rate stored in the power supply rate storage unit 103 is changed as needed. Power supply rate storage 103
Selects a value corresponding to the operation state of the application program represented by the power supply rate inquiry signal S2 from among the power supply rates stored therein. Then, the power supply rate storage unit 103 generates a power supply rate signal S3 indicating the selected value and outputs the signal to the power supply rate calculator 102.

The power supply rate calculator 102 determines a final power parameter by integrating a plurality of power parameters set for each resource for each operating state of the application program read from the power supply rate storage 103.
Further, the power supply rate calculator 102 sets the power parameter in the power supply rate allocator 104. In other words, the power supply rate calculator 102 determines, based on the power supply rate signal S3 indicating a predetermined power supply rate for each resource, for the entire resource currently requesting the application program to run. Recalculate the power supply rate for each resource. Then, the power supply rate calculator 102 outputs the recalculated value to the power supply rate allocator 104 as the above-described power supply rate signal S4.

The power supply rate allocator 104 includes a CPU 105
Then, settings relating to the power load are performed on the N peripheral devices 106_1 to 106_N. That is, the power supply rate allocator 10
4 assigns an actual power supply rate to each of the resources requested to be operated based on the power supply rate signal S4. Further, the power supply rate allocator 104 generates a power supply allocation signal S5 indicating the power supply rate allocated to the CPU 105, which is a resource, and outputs the signal to the CPU 105. Similarly, the power supply rate allocator 104 generates power supply allocation signals S6_1 to S6_ indicating the power supply rates allocated to the N peripheral devices 106_1 to 106_N, respectively.
Generate and output N. Note that the power supply rate refers to a ratio of an actual supply power amount to a supply power amount required to exhibit 100% of the capability of the resource.

As described above, in this specification, the basic concept of the present invention is to obtain a necessary and sufficient power supply rate for operating resources so as to exhibit necessary and sufficient performance in accordance with the operation state of an application program. The concept was described. However, in order to actually distribute and supply power at a different power supply rate for each resource, a huge power distribution and supply device is currently required. Furthermore, the power consumption of the power distribution and supply device itself cannot be ignored. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operating rate of each resource is calculated instead of the power supply rate.

The operating rate is defined assuming that the state in which the resource is fully utilized and operating is 100%.
This is the percentage of the resource that is actually running. There is a proportional relationship between the power consumption of the resource and the operation rate. Therefore, by changing the operation rate of a resource, the power consumption of the resource can be changed. Therefore, adjusting the resource operation rate has the same effect as adjusting the power supply rate to the resource. In this sense, the operating rate is a parameter that determines the power load of the resource.

That is, in the present embodiment, more preferably, the power supply rate calculator 102 includes the operation state detector 1
01 based on the operation state signal S1 input from
An appropriate operation rate for extracting necessary and sufficient capacity from each resource of the hardware of the electric device in which the power control device PCA1 is incorporated is calculated.

When the operation rate for each resource in the operation state specified by the operation state signal S1 is uniquely defined in advance, the power supply rate calculator 102 outputs an operation rate signal S4 indicating the specified operation rate. Is generated and output to the power supply rate allocator 104. On the other hand, when the operation rate of each resource with respect to the operation state defined by the operation state signal S1 is not uniquely defined, an operation rate inquiry signal S2 is generated based on the operation state signal S1, and power supply is performed. Output to the rate storage 103.

The power supply rate storage unit 103 stores an operation rate corresponding to the power supply rate in each operation state of the application program appropriately determined in advance for each resource of the electric equipment in which the power control apparatus PCA1 is incorporated. . Note that the value of the operation rate stored in the power supply rate storage device 103 is changed as needed. The power supply rate storage device 103 selects a value corresponding to the operation state of the application program represented by the operation rate inquiry signal S2 from the operation rates stored therein. Then, the power supply rate storage unit 103 generates the selection operation rate signal S3 indicating the selected value, and
Output to

The power supply rate calculator 102 determines a final power parameter by integrating a plurality of power parameters set for each resource for each operation state of the application program read from the power supply rate storage 103.
Further, the power supply rate calculator 102 sets the power parameter in the power supply rate allocator 104. That is, the power supply rate calculator 102 determines, for each of the resources that are currently requesting the application program to operate, the entire resource based on the operation rate signal S3 indicating a predetermined operation rate for each resource. Recalculate the resource utilization rate. Then, the power supply rate calculator 102 outputs the recalculated value to the power supply rate allocator 104 as the above-mentioned operation rate signal S4.

The power supply rate allocator 104 includes a CPU 105
Then, the setting regarding the parameters of the power load is performed on the N peripheral devices 106_1 to 106_N. That is, the power supply rate allocator 104 allocates an actual operation rate to each of the resources requested to operate based on the operation rate signal S4. Further, the power supply rate allocator 104 generates an operation rate allocation signal S5 indicating the operation rate allocated to the CPU 105, which is a resource, and outputs it to the CPU 105. Similarly, the power supply rate allocator 104 generates and outputs operation rate allocation signals S6_1 to S6_N indicating the operation rates allocated to the N peripheral devices 106_1 to 106_N.

The operation rate assignment signal S5 input from the power supply rate assignment unit 104 is input to the operation setting unit of the CPU 105, and the operation rate of the CPU 105 is set to the value specified in the operation rate assignment signal S5. As a result, the CPU 105 operates at the specified operation rate, and provides necessary and sufficient capability for the request of the application program in a state where its power consumption is reduced. Similarly, peripheral device 1
The operation rates of 06_1 to 106_N are also determined by the operation rate assignment signal S6.
_ <B> 1 to S <b> 6 </ b> _N are set to the operation rates assigned. Then, the peripheral devices 106_1 to 106_1
_N operates at the assigned operation rate, thereby providing necessary and sufficient capacity for the request of the application program with its power consumption reduced.

Referring to FIG. 2, a specific example of operation state signal S1 will be described. In the figure, the leftmost column labeled "Operation" indicates the operation of the system, the operation system (OS), and the application program of the electric device in which the power control device PCA1 is incorporated. "Operation" is "System"
It is classified into “application program 1”, “application program 2” and “application program 3”.

The column at the center where “state” is displayed shows the detailed operation state of each “operation” described above in detail. Further, the rightmost column labeled "S1" indicates a signal obtained by further subdividing the operation state signal S1 described with reference to FIG.

That is, when the system is operating (FIG. 2)
In the case where the “operation” is “system”, the operation states are roughly classified into “system start processing start”, “system start processing completion”, “idle state start”, “idle state end”, and “suspend mode”. , "Return from suspend mode", "Start system end processing", and "Complete system end processing". To identify each of these eight states,
Suffixes _S1 to _S8 are given after S1 of the operation state signal S1.

That is, the system start processing start state is represented by the operation state signal S1_S1. The system start processing completion state is represented by the operation state signal S1_S2. The idle state start state is determined by the operation state signal S1_S3.
Represented by The idle state end state is represented by the operation state signal S1_S4. The state of transition to the suspend mode is represented by the operation state signal S1_S5. The return state from the suspend mode is determined by the operation state signal S
1_S6. The system end processing start state is represented by the operation state signal S1_S7. The system termination processing completion state is the operation state signal S1_
It is represented by S8.

Similarly, when the application program 1 for realizing video display and recording is running (in FIG. 2, the “operation” is “application program 1”), the operation state is roughly classified and the start processing is performed. Start state S1_A1_1, start processing completion state S1_A1_2, image display start state S1_A1_3, image display end state S1
_A1_4, recording processing start state S1_A1_5, recording processing end state S1_A1_6, end processing start state S1_A
1_7 and an end processing completion state S1_A1_8.

Further, similarly, when the application program 2 for realizing the word processor is running (in FIG. 2, the "operation" is "application program 2"), the operation state is roughly classified and the start processing is started. State S1_A2_1, start processing completion state S1_A
2_2, display start state S1_A2_3, display end state S
1_A2_4, input processing start (key input detection) state S1
_A2_5, input processing end (a predetermined time has elapsed since the last key input) S1_A2_6, document storage processing start S1_A2
_7, document storage process completion S1_A2_8, end process start state S1_A2_9, and end process completion S1_A2_
It is represented by ten states of ten.

When the application program 3 is operating (in FIG. 2, the “operation” is “application program 3”), the operation states are roughly divided into a start processing start state S1_A3_1 and a start processing completion state. S1_A3_2, display start state S1_A3_3, display end state S1_A3_4, end processing start state S1_A
3_5 and end processing completion S1_A3_6.

Referring to FIG. 3, during the operation of the electric equipment incorporating power control device PCA1, operating state detector 101 is operated.
And the operation state signal S1 output
Is specifically described.

First, the operation state of the system in which “operation” is displayed as “system” in FIG. 3 will be described. The state in which the system is being started is a period from when the operation state detector 101 outputs the operation state signal S1_S1 shown in FIG. 2 to when the operation state signal S1_S2 is next output. The state where the system is idle is a period from when the operation state signal S1_S3 is output to when the operation state signal S1_S4 is output. The suspended state is a period from when the operation state signal S1_S5 is output to when the operation state signal S1_S6 is output. The end processing is in progress.
This is from the output of S7 to the output of the operation state signal S1_S8. And the end of the system,
This is after the operation state signal S1_S8 is output.

Next, an operation state of the application program 1 (video display and recording) in which “operation” is displayed as “application program 1” in FIG. 3 will be described. The operation state detector 101 shown in FIG.
After outputting the operation state signal S1_A1_1 shown in FIG.
This is until the next operation state signal S1_A1_2 is output. The image being displayed is a period from when the operation state signal S1_A1_3 is output to when the operation state signal S1_A1_4 is output. During the recording operation, the operation state signal S
After 1_A1_5 is output, the operation state signal S1_A
Until 1_6 is output. The terminating process is
This is from the output of the operation state signal S1_A1_7 to the output of the operation state signal S1_A1_8.

Further, the operation state of the application program 2 (word processor) indicated as “application program 2” in FIG. 3 will be described. The activation is between the time when the operation state detector 101 outputs the operation state signal S1_A2_1 shown in FIG. 2 and the time when the next operation state signal S1_A2_2 is output. Displaying means that after the operation state signal S1_A2_3 is output,
This is until the operation state signal S1_A2_4 is output. The input state is a period from when the operation state signal S1_A2_5 is output to when the operation state signal S1_A2_6 is output. The storage state is the operation state signal S1_A2_
7 is output until the operation state signal S1_A2_8 is output. The terminating process means that the operation state signal S1_A2_9 is output and then the operation state signal S1
Until _A2_10 is output.

The operation state of the application program 3 (clock display) in which “operation” is displayed as “application program 3” in FIG. 3 will be described.
The activation is between the time when the operation state detector 101 outputs the operation state signal S1_A3_1 shown in FIG. 2 and the time when the next operation state signal S1_A3_2 is output. The display is being performed after the operation state signal S1_A3_3 is output.
This is until the operation state signal S1_A3_4 is output. The term “under termination processing” means a period from when the operation state signal S1_A3_5 is output to when the operation state signal S1_A3_6 is output.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 described above,
The operation state of the electric device incorporating the power control device PCA1 shown in FIG. 1 and the detection of the operation state of the power control device PCA1 will be briefly described below. Operating state detector 101
When detecting the start of the start-up process of the application program 1, first, it outputs the operation state signal S1_A1_1 to the power supply rate calculator 102. Then, when the activation process of the application program 1 is completed, the operation state detector 101 outputs the operation state signal S1_A1_2 to the power supply rate calculator 102. Based on the definition of the operation state shown in FIG. 3, the power supply rate calculator 102 receives the operation state signal S1_A1_1 and then executes the operation state signal S1_
During the period up to A1_2, the application program 1
Is recognized as "starting". Similarly, the application program 1 recognizes the states of “image being displayed”, “recording operation”, and “end processing”.

Similarly, based on the operation state signal, the power supply rate calculator 102 determines whether the application program 2 is “starting”, “displaying”, “inputting”, “saving”, or “ending”. Recognize exactly which state. Similarly, regarding the application program 3, the power supply rate calculator 102 can recognize which state is “starting”, “displaying”, or “ending processing”.

Next, the operation of the power control device PCA1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When power is turned on to an electric device in which the power control device PCA1 is incorporated, the power control device PCA1 starts its power control operation. First, in step # 100, the operation state of the electric device is detected by the operation state detector 101. Then, an operation state signal S1 indicating the operation state detected for each state illustrated in FIG. 2 is generated and output to the power supply rate calculator 102. Then, the process proceeds to step # 200 which is a subroutine for acquiring a power parameter corresponding to the detected operation state.

In step # 200, the operation rate signal S
In the case where the operating rates for the respective resources in the state detected based on the operating state signal S1 obtained in Step 3 are uniquely defined in advance, an operating rate signal S4 indicating the specified operating rate is generated to supply power. Output to rate allocator 104. On the other hand, when the operation rates of the respective resources for the operation state specified by the operation state signal S1 are not uniquely defined, the operation rate inquiry signal S2 is output to the power supply rate storage unit 103. The power supply rate storage unit 103 generates a selection operation rate signal S3 indicating a value corresponding to the operation state of the application program represented by the operation rate inquiry signal S2, and outputs it to the power supply rate calculator 102. Then, the processing is performed for each of the acquired power parameters,
The process proceeds to step # 300 which is a power supply rate calculation subroutine for determining a final power parameter by integrating a plurality of power parameters set for each resource.

In step # 300, the power supply rate calculator 102 requests the current application program to operate based on the selected operation rate signal S3 indicating the predetermined operation rate for each resource. Recalculate the utilization rate assigned to each resource for the entire resource. Then, the power supply rate calculator 102
Outputs the recalculated value to the power supply rate allocator 104 as the operation rate signal S4 described above. Then, the process proceeds to step # 400, which is a subroutine for allocating the recalculated operating rate to each resource in order to allocate the power supply rate.

In step # 400, the operation rate allocation signals S5 and S indicating the operation rate recalculated in step # 300.
6_1 to S6_N are sent to the CPU 105 and the N peripheral devices 106_1 to 106_N, respectively.
CPU 105 and peripheral devices 106_1 to 106_N
The power consumption is controlled by resetting its own operation rate based on the operation rate allocation signal S5 and S6_1 to S6_N sent from the power supply rate allocator 104, respectively. Then, the process proceeds to the next step # 500.

In step # 500, it is determined whether or not the system of the electric device in which the power control device PCA1 is incorporated has been terminated based on the above-mentioned operation state signal S1. If No, the process proceeds to step # 100
And returns to the above-described steps # 200, # 400, and #
The process of step 500 is repeated, and the process ends when it is determined as Yes in step # 500. Note that, as described above, the operation state detector 101 does not sequentially detect the operation state of the electric device in step # 100 and outputs the operation state signal S1, but instead operates only when there is a change in the operation state. S1 may be output.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, in the respective operating states of the system and application programs 1 to 3 stored in power supply rate storage 103,
An example of an operation rate which is a power parameter set for each resource will be described. It should be noted that in these drawings, the operating rate depends on the state of the system or the state of the application program, and the CPU is a resource.
(Central processing unit), HDD (hard disk drive), LCD (liquid crystal teaching device), memory, and VRC
Each device of the (recording circuit) is displayed together with the operation rate (power parameter value) uniquely set for the device. Note that in the configuration shown in FIG.
At 05, the HDD, LCD, memory, and VRC correspond to the peripheral devices 106_1 to 106_4. Each figure is%
It is displayed as (percent) and a numerical value from 0 to 100 is set. 0 means that the operation of the device is stopped, and 100 means that the device is operated 100%.

FIG. 5 shows the power supply rate storage unit 1 shown in FIG.
3 shows an example of the set value of the operation rate (power parameter) of the entire system stored in 03. An example is shown in which an operating rate (power parameter) is set during system startup, idle, suspend, system termination processing, and termination state. In this example, during startup, C
Operating rate of PU, HDD and memory (power parameter)
Is set to 100%, thereby achieving high-speed startup of the system. On the other hand, since the LCD does not need to have high brightness during startup, the operation rate is set to 25%.

When the application program is idle and no operation is performed, the operating rate of the CPU is set to 10%.
The operation rate of the HDD is set to 0%, that is, the HDD is stopped.
Since the LCD does not need to have high brightness as in the case of startup, the operation rate is set to 25%. Memory utilization is 10
Set to 0%.

During the suspend, the operation rates of the CPU, HDD, and LCD are set to 0%, and they are stopped. On the other hand, the operation rate of the memory is set to 10%, and the information before the suspension is held.

During the termination processing, the operation rates of the CPU and the HDD are set to 50%, and the operation rate of the LCD is set to 0%. On the other hand, the operation rate of the memory is set to 100%.

At the end, all the operation rates of the CPU, HDD, LCD, memory, and VRC) are set to 0%. Note that the operating rate is set to 0% even during VRC startup, idle, suspension, and termination processing.

Next, FIG. 6 shows an example of allocation of operation rates (power parameters) set corresponding to each operation state of the application program 1. In this example, the application program 1 performs video display and recording as an example.

As for the CPU, the operation rate is set to 50% because the operation during the start-up and end processing does not require much computing power. On the other hand, during recording, a considerable amount of computing power is required,
Is set to 80%. Further, when the image is simply displayed, the operation rate of the CPU is set to 10% because the CPU does not require the computing power.

As for the HDD, a considerable amount of data needs to be input and output during startup and termination processing.
The operating rate is set to 50%. On the other hand, during the recording operation, since the HDD needs to input and output a large amount of data at high speed, the operation rate is set to 100%. During the display, the operation rate of the HDD is set to 0%, and the HDD is stopped.

Regarding LCDs, during start-up and termination processing, an operation rate of 50% is sufficient since a medium brightness is sufficient.
% Is set. The LCD operating rate is set to 100% in order to increase the brightness during the image display and during the recording operation so as to make it easier to see.

As for the memory, the operating rate is set to 100% in all operating states to prepare for high-speed data input / output.

As for VRC, 100 during recording operation.
% Operating rate is set to require an operating rate of 50% during the end operation. However, in other states, the operation rate is set to 0%.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an operation rate (power parameter) set corresponding to each operation state of the application program 2. In the present example, the application program 2 is a word processor. During the activation and termination of the program, the operating rates of the CPU and the HDD are both set to 50% for the same reason as described with reference to FIG. Furthermore, the operating rates of the CPU are set to 10%, 50%, and 50% during the display, the input, and the storage, respectively. On the other hand, the operation rates of the HDDs are set to 0%, 20%, and 100%.

The operating rates are determined in consideration of the following points. That is, during display, the CPU and the HD
D does not require much capability, as in the idle state shown in FIG. Also, during display, the user is considered to be thinking, and does not require much CPU power to simply display the document on the screen. While the user is inputting from the keyboard, etc., to convert kana-kanji characters and read dictionaries,
Some services are required for CPU and HDD. As for the storage operation, it is necessary to store data in the HDD at high speed.

The operating rates of the LCD, the memory, and the VRC are 50%, 100%, and 100% in all the states during display, input, storage, and end processing, respectively.
And 0% are fixedly set. In other words, LCD
The idea is that if there is a certain level of luminance, it can be used as a word processor.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an operation rate (power parameter) set corresponding to each operation state of the application program 3. In this example, the application program 3 operates as a clock display. During startup, the services of the CPU and HDD are required to some extent, so the operating rates are set to 10% and 20%, respectively. During the display, the service of the HDD is not required, and the CPU can be provided with the minimum service. Therefore, the operating rates are set to 10% and 0%, respectively. Also, during the termination process, the CP
Since both U and HDD require considerable services, their operating rates are both set to 50%.

On the other hand, the operating rates of the LCD, the memory, and the VRC are fixedly set to 25%, 100%, and 0%, respectively, during startup, during display, and during termination processing. I have.

Referring to FIG. 9, when a plurality of application programs are operating, FIGS.
An example of a method of calculating the value of the power parameter (operating rate) of each device (resource) of the entire system from the individual power parameters (operating rate) corresponding to the operation state of the application program illustrated in FIG. The CPU, the HDD, the memory, and the VRC sum the respective power parameters (operating rates) corresponding to the operation states of the running application programs, and the total value is 10
If it exceeds 0%, the power parameter (operating rate) for each resource is determined to be 100% for the entire system.

As for the LCD, the maximum value of each power parameter (operating rate) corresponding to the state of the running application program is set as the LCD as a whole system.
Power parameter (operating rate).

Referring to FIG. 10, power parameter (operating rate) when application program 1 is displaying an image and application program 2 is inputting
The calculation of will be described. In this example, first, since the application program 1 is in the state of displaying an image, the line of the image displayed in FIG. 6 is selected. As a result, C
It can be seen that the operating rates of the PU, HDD, LCD, memory, and VRC are set to 10%, 0%, 100%, 100%, and 0%, respectively.

Next, the application program 2
Since the state is being input, the line being input in FIG. 7 is selected. As a result, the operating rates of the CPU, HDD, LCD, memory, and VRC are 50%, 20%, and 50%, respectively.
%, 100%, and 0%. In this way, for each of the plurality of resources, by setting the operation rate, which is a power parameter, according to the operation state of the application program,
Power control can be performed two-dimensionally on the resources of the electrical equipment.

Further, based on the calculation method described with reference to FIG. 9, the operation rate (power parameter) of the entire system for each device (resource) is calculated. C
The operation rate of PU becomes 60% by adding 50% to 10%.
The operation rate of the HDD is 20% by adding 20% to 0%. The operating rate of the LCD is 100% by selecting the maximum value between 100% and 50%. The operating rate of the memory is 1
100% is added to 00% to become 200%, and since it exceeds 100%, it is set to 100%. VRC operating rate is 0%
% To 0%. As a result, the operating rates of the CPU, HDD, LCD, memory, and VRC of the entire system are each 60% as shown in the bottom row of FIG.
%, 20%, 100%, 100%, and 0%.

Referring to FIG. 11, during the recording operation of application program 1, application program 2
Each device (resource) as the entire system when is displayed and the application program 3 is being displayed
The calculation of the operation rate (power parameter) will be described.
First, since the application program 1 is performing a recording operation, the line in FIG. 6 during the recording operation is selected. result,
The operating rates of the CPU, HDD, LCD, memory, and VRC are 80%, 100%, 100%, 100%, respectively.
% And 100%.

Next, since the application program 2 is being displayed, the currently displayed line in FIG. 7 is selected. As a result, the operating rates of the CPU, HDD, LCD, memory, and VRC are 10%, 0%, 50%, and 100%, respectively.
% And 0%.

Further, since the application program 3 is being displayed, the currently displayed line in FIG. 8 is selected.
Result, CPU, HDD, LCD, memory, and VRC
Operating rates are 10%, 0%, 25%, and 100%, respectively.
% And 0%.

In the above-described rows of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the calculation method described with reference to FIG. 9 is applied to the operation rate (power parameter) acquired for each device (resource), Calculate the operation rate of each device with respect to the entire system. That is, the operating rate, which is a power parameter of the CPU, is 100% by adding 10% and 10% to 80%. The operating rate of the HDD is 100% by adding 0% and 0% to 100%. LCD operation rate is 100% and 5%
The maximum value between 0% and 25% is taken as 100%. Since the operation rate of the memory becomes 100% or more by adding 100% and 100% to 100%, it is set to 100%. The operation rate of VRC becomes 100% by adding 0% and 0% to 100%. As a result, the operation rates of the CPU, HDD, LCD, memory, and VRC of the entire system are all 100%, as shown in the bottom row of FIG.
Set to%.

In the above description, the power parameter (operating rate) stored in the power supply rate storage unit 103 is set for each application program as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. . However, by preparing a plurality of patterns of power parameters (operating rates) in the same application program, it is possible to set different power parameters (operating rates) depending on applications even with the same application program.

For example, in the case of a word processor implemented by the application program 2 shown in FIG. 7, two types of patterns are prepared: a power parameter for document input (operating rate) and a power parameter for document proofing (operating rate). Keep it. Then, when the application program is started, the user can select any one of the two types of patterns, so that finer power control can be performed. The above operation rate is an example,
Any value may be set according to the resolution that can be adjusted for each device.

Further, it goes without saying that the power parameter (operating rate) may be arbitrarily set by the user for each application program instead of being stored in the power supply rate storage 103 in advance.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 12 shows the structure of a power control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The power control device PCA2 according to the first embodiment is a power control device PCA according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.
A1 is applied to an electric device (not shown) having an operation system represented by a personal computer or the like. The power control device PCA2 includes an operation state detector 101, a power supply rate calculator 102, a power supply rate storage device 103, and a power supply rate allocator 104 that constitute the power control device PCA1.

In power control device PCA2, M
(M is a positive integer) application programs 10
00_1 to the application program 1000_
M) is an application program running on the OS, and runs using an API that is a service of the OS. In the figure, M application programs 1000_1 to 1000_M are respectively
These are represented as APG1 to APGM.

In this example, the OS is the API layer 100
5, a kernel layer 1006, and a driver interface layer 1007. API layer 1005
Is an interface between the application program and the system. Kernel layer 1006
Performs basic control of the OS such as scheduling. The driver interface layer 1007 is an interface with various drivers.

Below the driver interface layer 1007, there are N device drivers. An example of these N drivers is a keyboard driver 1100
_1, video display / recording driver 1100_2, sound driver 1100_3, 3D function driver 1100_
4. Modem driver 1100_5, IrDA driver 1
100_6, an IEEE1394 interface driver 1100_7, a USB driver 1100_8, and a CPU operation control driver 1100_N.

The above-mentioned N device drivers are connected to the corresponding N devices. These N devices include a keyboard 1200_1, a video display / recorder (abbreviated as “VDR” in the figure) 1200_2,
Sound processor (abbreviated as "sound" in the figure) 120
0_3, 3D function processor (abbreviated as “3D-F” in the figure) 1200_4, modem 1200_5, IrDA12
00_6, IEEE 1394 interface (abbreviated as "IEEE 1394" in the figure) 1200_7, USB
1200_8 and a CPU operation controller 1200_N. Each of the drivers 1100_1 to 1100_N described above corresponds to a corresponding device 1200_1 to 1200_N.
N is controlled by control signals IF_1 to IF_N.

A driver interface layer 1007,
The operating rate setting signals SV_1 to SV_N and the device output signals ED_1 to ED_N are exchanged between the drivers 1100_1 to 1100_N. The operation rate setting signals SV_1 to SV_N are signals including various settings including an operation rate (power parameter) setting for each device (resource) and data. Device output signal E
D_1 to ED_N are devices 1200_1 to 1200
_N and signals including data output from the devices.

At the time of system startup, the kernel layer 1006
An operation state monitoring signal MS1 indicating an operation state such as an idle state, a suspend state, and a system end state is generated. The state indicated by the operation state monitoring signal MS1 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The API layer 1005 outputs, to each of the application programs 1000_1 to 1000_M, notification signals EA_1 to EA_M for notifying information such as a keyboard event and communication data. On the other hand, application programs 1000_1 to 1000_1
_M generate application signals AP_1 to AP_M to be output to the API layer 1005 in order to utilize resources connected to the system.

Further, the API layer 1005 includes the notification signals EA_1 to EA_M and the application signal AP_
A that monitors 1 to AP_M, detects an operation state of each application program, and notifies the detected operation state.
Generate PI communication information MS2. The API layer 100
The operation state detected by 5 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The operation state detector 101 includes the API layer 100
5, an operation state signal S1 is generated based on the API communication information MS2 input from the interface layer 5 and the operation state monitoring signal MS1 input from the kernel layer 1006. Note that the power supply rate allocator 104 generates an availability rate assignment signal SVA1 that simultaneously includes the information indicated by the availability rate assignment signals S5 and S6 in the power control device PCA1 according to the first embodiment.

The driver interface layer 1007
The operating rate assignment signal SVA1 input from the power supply rate allocator 104 generates the above-described operating rate setting signals SV_1 to SV_N indicating the operating rates for the respective devices (resources), and outputs the generated signals to the corresponding drivers 1100_1 to 1100_N. . Then, the drivers 1100_1 to 1100_N
Generates the control signals IF_1 to IF_N based on the operation rate setting signals SV_1 to SV_N, and changes the operation rates of the corresponding devices 1200_1 to 1200_N.

Referring to FIG. 30, the contents of operation state monitoring signal MS1 output from kernel layer 1006 will be described. When the kernel layer 1006 detects the start of the system boot process, the signal MSS1 outputs the operation state monitoring signal MS1.
Is transmitted to the operation state detector 101. When the kernel layer 1006 detects the completion of the system startup processing,
The signal MSS2 is transmitted to the operation state detector 101 as the operation state monitoring signal MS1. Similarly, the kernel layer 100
6 detects the states of the idle state start, the idle state end, the transition to the suspend state, the return from the suspend state, the start of the system end processing, and the completion of the system end processing, respectively, the signals MSS4 and MSS, respectively.
S5, MSS6, MSS7, and MSS8 are output to the operation state detector 101 as the operation state monitoring signal MS1.

In the power control device PCA2, the operation state detector 101 operates according to a predetermined definition based on the operation state monitoring signal MS1 received from the kernel layer 1006 and the API communication information MS2 received from the API layer 1005. A state signal S1 is generated. The definition of generation of the operation state signal S1 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The operation rate assignment signal SVA1 output from the power supply rate assignment unit 104 is
Parameters (operating rate) of each device set to
To the driver interface layer 1007. The transmitted signals are used by the driver interface layer 1007 to set the operation rate setting signals SV_1 to SV_N.
Are allocated to the drivers 1100_1 to 1100_N for the devices 1200_1 to 1200_N, respectively. Each driver 1100_1 to 1100_N
Using the signals IF_1 to IF_N, the device 12
A power parameter (operating rate) is set for each of 00_1 to 1200_N.

The CPU operation setting section 1100_N of the power control device PCA2 includes a CPU operation control driver 1100_N
Parameter (operating rate) by signal IF_N from
Is received by the CPU in the power control device PCA1.
Different from 105.

Next, referring to FIG. 31, API layer 100
5 will be described. The API layer 1005 monitors communication (application signals AP_1 to AP_M and notification signals EA_1 to EA_M) exchanged between the application programs 1000_1 to 1000_M and the OS, and responds to the detected operating state of each application program, As an example, 34 types of signals MSA1 to M
SA34 is generated. Then, the API layer 1005 transmits each of these signals MSA1 to MSA34 to the AP
It outputs to the operation state detector 101 as I communication information MS2.

That is, as illustrated in FIG.
Upon detection of the start-up processing start API, a signal MSA1 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to the detection of the activation processing completion API, a signal MSA2 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detecting the end processing start API, a signal MSA3 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to detection of the end processing completion API, a signal MSA4 is output as API communication information MS2.

When the display start API is detected, the signal M
SA5 is output as the API communication information MS2.

In response to detection of the display end API, the signal M
SA6 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detecting the recording processing start API, a signal MSA7 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to the detection of the recording processing end API, a signal MSA8 is output as API communication information MS2.

When the key input API is detected, the signal M
SA9 is output as API communication information MS2.

When a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection of the key input API, a signal MSA10 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detection of the save processing start API, a signal MSA11 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detection of the storage processing completion API, signal MSA12 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detecting the modem open API,
Signal MSA13 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detecting the modem close API,
Signal MSA14 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detection of the API for starting modem communication,
Signal MSA15 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detecting the modem communication end API,
Signal MSA16 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to detection of the IrDA open API, a signal MSA17 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to detection of the IrDA close API, a signal MSA18 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detecting the IrDA communication start API, a signal MSA19 is output as the API communication information MS2.

For detecting the IrDA communication end API, a signal MSA20 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detection of the IEEE 1394 interface open API, a signal MSA21 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to the detection of the IEEE 1394 interface close API, a signal MSA22 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detecting the IEEE 1394 interface communication start API, a signal MSA23 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to detection of the IEEE 1394 interface communication end API, a signal MSA24 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detection of the USB open API,
Signal MSA25 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to the detection of the USB close API, a signal MSA26 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detection of the USB communication start API,
Signal MSA27 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detection of the USB communication end API,
Signal MSA28 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to detection of the 3D function start API, signal MSA29 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detecting the 3D function end API, signal MSA30 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detection of the audio reproduction start API, a signal MSA31 is output as API communication information MS2.

In response to detection of the audio reproduction end API, a signal MSA32 is output as API communication information MS2.

For detection of the video reproduction start API,
Signal MSA33 is output as API communication information MS2.

[0165] Then, in response to detection of the video reproduction end API, a signal MSA34 is output as API communication information MS2.

The operation of power control device PCA2 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The power is turned on to the electric device in which the power control device PCA2 is incorporated, and the operation is started.

First, in step S1, the kernel layer 1006 monitors a system state. And API
The layer 1005 includes the application program 1000_
1 to 1000_M and communication (application signals AP_1 to AP_M and notification signal E)
A_1 to EA_M) are monitored. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

In step S3, the monitoring information of the system is transmitted to the kernel
06 to the operation state detector 101. Also, each of the application programs 1000_1 to 1000_1
API communication information exchanged between _M and OS is AP
The I communication information MS2 is input from the API layer 1005 to the operation state detector 101. That is, the corresponding one of the signals MSA1 to MSA34 described with reference to FIG.
1 is transmitted. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

In step S5, the operation state detector 1
It is determined whether or not the operating state monitoring signal MS1 received by 01 is related to the system. That is, when it is determined that the operation state monitoring signal MS1 is related to the system, the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that it does not relate to the system, that is, if it relates to the application program, the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S7, the power parameter (operating rate) to be set in the corresponding system state is read from the table storing the operating rate parameters of the entire system stored in the power supply rate storage unit 103. The power parameter (operating rate) of the entire system will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S9.

In step S9, the power supply rate calculator 102 calculates a power parameter (operating rate) to be set in the power supply rate allocator 104. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S11.

In step S11, the power supply rate allocator 104 outputs the power parameter (operation rate) calculated in step S9 to the driver interface layer 1007 as an operation rate assignment signal SVA1. Then, the driver interface layer 1007 performs the above-described operation rate setting signal SV based on the operation rate allocation signal SVA1.
_ 1 to SV_N are generated and output to the corresponding device drivers 1100 _ 1 to 1100 _N, respectively. The device drivers 1100_1 to 1100_N set the operation rates of the corresponding devices 1200_1 to 1200_N based on the operation rate setting signals SV_1 to SV_N, respectively. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

In step S13, it is determined whether the system has been completed. If the system has not been completed, it is determined as No, and the process returns to step S1. If the system has been terminated, it is determined to be Yes, and the process is terminated.

In step S15, the power supply rate calculator 102 stores a unique power parameter (operating rate) for the application program currently focused on in the operating rate table stored in the power supplying rate storage 103.
Is determined to be present. Power supply rate storage 1
If there is an application-specific power parameter (operating rate) in 03, it is determined as Yes and the process proceeds to the next step S19. If there is no application-specific power parameter, it is determined as No, and the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, the power supply rate calculator 102 refers to the power parameter (operation rate) table stored in the power supply rate storage unit 103 and set uniquely for the application program, and determines the power parameter (operation rate). ) Is read. The power parameter (operating rate) table referred to in this step will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S19, by referring to the standard power parameter table stored in the power supply rate storage 103, a power parameter (operating rate) corresponding to the state of the detected application program is extracted. The power parameter table referred to in this step will be described later with reference to FIGS. Then, the process proceeds to step S9 described above.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 14 to 22, FIG.
Each of the power parameters (operating rates) referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

First, FIG. 14 shows an example of power parameters of the entire system referred to in step S7. The power parameters (operating rate) during system startup, during idle, during suspension, during termination processing, and in the termination state are shown. In this example, during the system startup, the power parameters (operating rate) of the CPU, HDD, and memory are set to 100%, thereby achieving high-speed startup of the system. Also, when the application program is idle while no operation is performed, the CP
The operating rate of U is set to 10%, and the operating rate of HDD is set to 0%, that is, the stopped state. During system start-up and idle, the LCD does not need to be bright,
The operating rate is set to 25%.

During the suspend, the operation rate of the memory is set to 10 in order to save the operation state before shifting to the suspend.
% And the operating rates of the devices other than the memory are set to 0%, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption.

During the termination processing, the operating rates of the CPU and HDD are set to 50%, the operating rate of the LCD is set to 0%, and the operating rate of the memory is set to 100%.

At the end, of course, the CPU, HDD, LC
D, and all operating rates of the memory are set to 0%.

As described above, when the application program in which the unique power parameter is specified is operating, in step S15, the unique power parameter shown in FIG. 15 is used instead of the standard power parameter shown in FIG. Is applied. If an application program without power parameters is running,
The standard parameters shown in FIGS. 16 to 22 are applied.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a unique power parameter corresponding to the application program detected by the operation state detector 101, which is referred to in step S17. In this example, the power parameters of the application program 1 for displaying and recording a video image during activation, during image display, during recording operation, and during termination are targeted. The recording circuit sets the operation rate to 10 only during the recording operation.
0%. In other cases, the operation rate is set to 0%.

While the application program is running,
The operation rates of the CPU, HDD, and LCD are set to 50%. During image display, the operating rate of the CPU is 10%,
HDD utilization is 0% and LCD utilization is 10%
Each is set to 0%. During recording operation, CP
U operating rate is 80%, HDD operating rate is 100%,
The operation rate of the LCD is set to 100%. During the termination processing, the operation rate of the CPU is 50%.
The operation rate of the HDD is set to 50%, and the operation rate of the LCD is set to 50%.

The power parameter table referred to in step S19 will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 shows the operation state detector 1.
An example of a standard power parameter applied when the power parameter is not specifically set to the application detected at 01 is shown. Each power parameter during start-up and end processing stored in the power supply rate storage 103 is shown. Only the power parameters (operating rate) relating to the CPU, HDD, and LCD are specified, and the other power parameters (operating rate) are 0%. In this example,
The operating rates of the CPU, the HDD, and the LCD during startup and termination processing are set to 50%.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a standard power parameter (operating rate) applied according to the state of key input performed by the user. Only the power parameters (operating rates) relating to the CPU and HDD are specified, and the other power parameters (operating rates) are 0%. In the key input waiting state, the power parameter (operating rate) of the CPU is 30%,
The operation rate of the HDD is set to 0%. When the user starts key input, 50% is applied as the power parameter (operating rate) of the CPU and the HDD. When performing a conversion operation such as a kana-kanji conversion, an HDD
Since the high-speed reading from the HDD is required, the operation rate of the HDD is set to 100%, but the operation rate of the CPU is set to 50%.

FIG. 18 shows an example of power parameters when the peripheral device is a modem. The open / close operation of the modem and whether communication is in progress are monitored by the API layer 1005 and detected by the operation state detector 101. In the open state but in the waiting state, the operation rate of the CPU is set to 10% because almost no operation of the CPU is required. At this time, the operation rate is 50
% Is set.

Since it is necessary to operate the CPU to some extent during communication, the operation rate of the CPU is set to 50%. In this case, the operating rate is set to 100% because the modem needs to communicate at high speed. On the other hand, in the closed state, the operating rate is set to 0% because neither the CPU nor the modem needs to operate.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a power parameter (operating rate) relating to an IrDA (infrared communication) device. In this example, the operating rates of the CPU and IrDA are set in a state where the modem shown in FIG. 18 is replaced with IrDA.

FIG. 20 shows power parameters related to the IEEE 1394 device. Also in this example, the operating rates of the CPU and the IEEE 1394 interface are set in a state where the modem shown in FIG. 18 is replaced with the IEEE 1394 interface.

FIG. 21 shows an example of the power parameters relating to the USB device. Also in this example, the operation rates of the CPU and the USB device are set in a state where the modem shown in FIG. 18 is replaced with USB.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a power parameter (operating rate) corresponding to the use state of the API detected by the operation state detector 101. In this example, an AP that reproduces audio
For an API that realizes the I and 3D functions and an API that performs video playback, a power parameter (operating rate) applied during use of those APIs is defined. In this example, the operating rate of the CPU is always set to 100%.

When using the API for sound reproduction, the operation rate of sound is defined as 100%, and the 3D function and LC
Since D is not necessary, the operating rate is set to 0%. When the API of the 3D function is used, the operation rate of the 3D function is set to 100%, the operation rate of the sound function is set to 0%, and the operation rate of the LCD is set to 70%.

While the video playback API is being used, data processing is performed by the sound function.
It is set to 0%. Since the 3D function is not used, the operation rate is set to 0%. On the other hand, the operation rate of the LCD is set to 70%.

Referring to FIG. 23, an example of a power parameter calculation method performed by power supply rate calculator 102 in step S9 described above will be described. Operating state detector 10
The power parameter (operation rate) corresponding to the state detected in 1 is stored in the power supply rate storage unit 103, and is integrated by the power supply rate calculator 102 into the power parameter (operation rate) for the entire system. Since this specific method is the same as the method already described with reference to FIG. 9, detailed description will be omitted. In FIG. 23, the resources (devices) shown in FIG. 9 include a new modem, IrDA,
IEEE 1394 devices, USB devices, audio devices, and 3D function devices have been added.

Hereinafter, the calculation of the power parameter performed by the power supply rate calculator 102 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 24 shows a calculation example of the power parameter (operating rate) of the CPU when no application program is operating. When the system is running and no application programs are running,
The power parameter (operating rate) of the entire system shown in FIG. 14 is applied. That is, since the system state is the idle state, the value of the power parameter shown in FIG. 14 in the idle state of 10% (operating rate) is set as the CPU power parameter.

FIG. 25 shows an application program 1 in which a unique power parameter (operating rate) is not specified.
7 shows a calculation example of a power parameter of a CPU when only one is operating. That is, since the application program is running, the operating rate of 50% of the running CPU shown in FIG. 16 is set as the CPU power parameter in this example.

FIG. 26 shows a calculation example of the CPU power parameters when the application program 1 in which the specific power parameter is not specified and the application program 2 in which the specific power parameter is specified are operating at the same time. Show. Since the application program 1 for which the unique power parameter has not been specified is in a key input waiting state, it is 3
The operation rate of 0% is read. In the video display recording application program 2, a unique power parameter (operating rate) is specified in advance, and the power parameter shown in FIG. 15 is applied.

Since the application program 2 is performing a recording operation, an operation rate of 80% is read from FIG.
These power parameters (operating rates) are calculated according to the calculation method illustrated in FIG. That is, when the operation rate of 30% and the operation rate of 80% are summed, the operation rate becomes 110%.
Since the operation rate exceeds 100%, the value of the operation rate, which is the power parameter of the CPU, is set to 100% according to the calculation method illustrated in FIG. This value is the set value of the power parameter for the CPU.

FIG. 27 shows a calculation example in the case where two application programs for which a unique power parameter is not specified are operating. The application program 1 is in a key input waiting state, and the application program 2 is in a key input state. As the power parameter of the CPU in the key input waiting state, the operating rate of 30% is read from FIG. For the application during key input, the power parameters shown in FIG. 17 are applied. Then, an operation rate of 50% is read as the power parameter of the CPU during key input. When the calculation method shown in FIG. 23 is applied to these, the operation rate becomes 80%. This operating rate is the value of the power parameter to be set in the CPU.

FIG. 28 shows a calculation example of the power parameters of the modem when two application programs are operating. The operation state detector 101 detects that the application program 2 is communicating using a modem. The power supply rate calculator 102 acquires an operation rate of 100% from the power supply rate storage 103 as the value of the power parameter of the communicating modem shown in FIG. On the other hand, since the application program 1 does not use a modem, an operation rate of 0% is acquired as a power parameter of the modem. When the calculation method related to the modem shown in FIG. 23 is applied, the power parameter of the modem in this case is 1
00%.

FIG. 29 shows a calculation example of the power parameters of the sound device when two applications are operating. The operation state detector 101 detects that the application program 2 is playing a sound.
The power supply rate calculator 102 reads the corresponding power parameter from the power supply rate storage 103. On the other hand, since the application program 1 does not perform sound reproduction, an operation rate of 0% is read as the power parameter. When the calculation method for the sound shown in FIG. 23 is applied to these values, an operation rate of 100% is obtained as a power parameter of the sound.

Each power parameter (operating rate) obtained as described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 29 is passed from the power supply rate calculator 102 to the power supply rate allocator 104.
Finally, the CPU operation setting unit 1000_N and the device 12
Each of 00_1 to 1200_N is set (step S11). Further, in the above example, the power parameter is described as being stored in advance in the power supply rate storage unit 103, but the user may be able to set the power parameter corresponding to the API usage status when necessary. .

FIG. 32 shows the state detected by operation state detector 101 and the contents of operation state signal S1 output during the operation of the electric equipment incorporating power control device PCA2. First, an operation state of a system in which “operation” is displayed as “system” will be described. When the system is being started, the operation state detector 101 sets the MSS shown in FIG.
This is between the output of 1 and the next output of the signal MSS2. The system is idle when signal MSS3
Is output until the signal MSS4 is output. The suspended state is a period from the output of the motion signal MSS5 to the output of the signal MSS6. The terminating process means that after the signal MSS7 is output, the signal M
Until SS8 is output. The end state is after the signal MSS8 has been output.

Next, the operation state of an application program in which “operation” is displayed as “standard application program” will be described. The activation is between the time when the operation state detector 101 outputs the signal MSA1 shown in FIG. 31 and the next time the signal MSA1 is output.
Similarly, during image display, recording operation, input, waiting state, saving process, modem open state, modem communication,
IrDA open state, IrDA communication in progress, IEEE13
92 interface open, IEEE1392
The signal MSA corresponding to each of the periods during the interface communication, the USB device open state, the USB device communication, the use of the 3D function, the audio reproduction, the video reproduction, and the end processing is specifically described.

Further, an operation state of an application program in which “operation” is displayed as “video display / recording application program” will be described. The activation is between the time when the operation state detector 101 outputs the signal MSA1 and the time when the next signal MSA2 is output. During the image display, the signal MSA5 is output and then the signal MSA5 is output.
Until A6 is output. The recording operation is performed after the signal MSA7 is output until the signal MSA8 is output. The terminating process is between the time when the signal MSA3 is output and the time when the signal MSA4 is output.

As described above, according to the present invention, power is appropriately and effectively allocated to each resource in accordance with the execution state of an application program, thereby preventing wasteful consumption due to excessive supply of power and reducing power consumption. Power can be reduced. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to save the trouble of manual power control setting that occurs when using an application program that requires the performance of a CPU or a peripheral device,
Power consumption when the application program is not running can be set to a minimum.

Furthermore, since each resource is operated with the power amount actually required for executing the application program, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented. Also, the settable load factor of the resource for which the load factor has been set once is changed, or
The load factor can be reset to an appropriate value even when the resource is replaced with another one or when the operation of the application program is changed.

[0210] For the execution of each operation of the application program, the load simultaneously required for the same resource can be correctly determined in accordance with the load on the entire system. Then, it is possible to respond to the load request from the application program to the maximum according to the actual capacity of the resource. Further, the present invention can be applied to a computer system having an operation system. The power consumption of any peripheral device connected to the computer system can be controlled.

The power consumption can be controlled by using the operation control function provided for each resource. Further, since each resource is operated with the amount of power actually required for executing the application program, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a table showing a detailed example of an operation state signal generated by the operation state detector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a table showing a detailed example of a state detected by the operation state detector shown in FIG. 1 and an operation state signal output.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the power control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of set values of power parameters of the entire system stored in the power supply rate storage device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of allocation of power parameters set corresponding to each operation state of the application program 1.

FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of power parameters set corresponding to each operation state of the application program 2;

FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of power parameters set corresponding to each operation state of the application program 3;

FIG. 9 is a table illustrating an example of a method of calculating a value of a power parameter of each device of the entire system from individual power parameters corresponding to an operation state of an application program.

FIG. 10 is a table showing calculation of power parameters during execution of two application programs.

FIG. 11 is a table showing calculation of power parameters of each device of the entire system in which three application programs are being executed.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a table showing an example of power parameters referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a table showing an example of power parameters referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a table showing an example of power parameters referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a table showing an example of power parameters referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a table showing an example of power parameters referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a table showing an example of power parameters referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is a table showing an example of power parameters referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 21 is a table showing an example of power parameters referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 22 is a table showing an example of power parameters referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 23 is a table showing a method of calculating a power parameter performed by a power supply rate calculator in step S9 shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 24 is a table showing a method of calculating a power parameter performed by a power supply rate calculator.

FIG. 25 is a table showing a method of calculating a power parameter performed by a power supply rate calculator.

FIG. 26 is a table showing a method of calculating a power parameter performed by a power supply rate calculator.

FIG. 27 is a table showing a method of calculating a power parameter performed by a power supply rate calculator.

FIG. 28 is a table showing a calculation method of a power parameter performed by a power supply rate calculator.

FIG. 29 is a table showing a method of calculating a power parameter performed by a power supply rate calculator.

FIG. 30 is a table showing contents of an operation state monitoring signal output by the kernel layer.

FIG. 31 is a table showing the contents of API communication information output by the API layer.

FIG. 32 is a table showing states detected by an operation state detector and contents of an operation state signal output during operation of an electric device incorporating the power control apparatus shown in FIG. 12;

[Explanation of symbols]

 PCA1 power control device 101 operation state detector 102 power supply rate calculator 103 power supply rate storage device 104 power supply rate allocator 105 CPU 106_1 to 106_N peripheral device S1 operation state signal S2 operation rate inquiry signal S3 selection operation rate signal S4 operation Rate signal S5 Operating rate allocation signal S6_1 to 106_N Operating rate allocation signal PCA2 Power control device 1005 API layer

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An electric device for executing an application program, comprising: a power control device for controlling power consumption of resources for executing the application program; and an operation state detecting means for detecting an operation state of the application program. Load determining means for determining a load required by the resource in the detected operation state of the application program; and affecting the load on the resource so that the resource operates at the load determined by the load determining means. Resource operation control means for controlling an operation parameter to provide the resource, wherein the resource is driven by power suitable for executing the application program by changing a load according to an operation state of the application program. That The power control device according to symptoms. 2. The load determining unit includes: a load factor storage unit configured to store a load factor of the resource set in advance according to an operation status of the application program; and an operation status detected by the operation status detection unit. 2. A load factor obtaining unit for reading a load factor of a corresponding resource from the load factor storage unit, wherein the load factor can be set within a settable range of the resource according to the load.
The power control device according to claim 1. 3. The load determining unit further comprising: a load factor integrating unit configured to integrate the plurality of load factors when the load factor obtaining unit obtains a plurality of load factors for the same resource. 3. The power control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein resources including a plurality of loads simultaneously are driven with sufficient power for the loads. 4. The load factor integrating means determines that a total value of a plurality of load factors acquired for the same resource is 100
% Or less, it is integrated with the total value of the load factors. If the total value of the plurality of load factors is 100% or more,
The power control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power control apparatus is integrated to 100% to prevent a load from being applied to a resource having a maximum capacity or more. 5. The application program based on API communication information detected by an API layer of an operation system loaded on the electric device and operation state monitoring information detected by a kernel layer. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein an operation state of the power control device is detected. 6. The power control device according to claim 3, wherein the load factor integrating means supplies the integrated load factor to a driver interface layer of an operation system loaded on the electric device. . 7. The power control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the driver interface layer supplies an integrated load factor to a driver of a corresponding resource. 8. The power control device according to claim 2, wherein the load factor is a resource operating ratio. 9. A power control method for controlling power consumption of a resource for executing an application program in an electric device executing the application program, comprising: an operation state detection step of detecting an operation state of the application program; A load determining step of determining a load required by the resource in an operation state of the detected application program; and affecting the load of the resource so that the resource operates at the load determined by the load determining step. A resource operation control step of controlling an operation parameter to provide the resource, wherein the resource has a power suitable for executing the application program by changing a load according to an operation state of the application program. Power control method characterized in that it is driven. 10. The load determining step includes: a load factor storing step of storing a load factor of the resource preset according to an operation state of the application program; and a load factor storing step of storing the load factor stored in the load factor storing step. From inside
A load factor obtaining step of reading a load factor of a resource corresponding to the operation state detected in the operation state detection step, wherein the load factor can be set within a settable range for the resource according to the load. Claim 9
3. The power control method according to 1. 11. The load determining step further includes: when a plurality of load factors are acquired for the same resource, a load factor integrating means for integrating the plurality of load factors. When a plurality of load factors are acquired for the same resource by the step, a load factor integration step of integrating the plurality of load factors is included. The power control method according to claim 10, wherein the power control method is driven by electric power. 12. The load factor integrating step, wherein when the total value of the plurality of load factors acquired for the same resource is 100% or less, the load factor is integrated into the total value of the load factors. If the total value of the load factors is 100% or more,
12. The power control method according to claim 11, wherein the power control method is integrated to 100% to prevent a load from being applied to a resource having a maximum capacity or more. 13. The operation state detection step, wherein the application program is executed based on API communication information detected by an API layer of an operation system loaded on the electric device and operation state monitoring information detected by a kernel layer. The power control method according to claim 9, wherein the operation state of the power control is detected. 14. The power control method according to claim 11, wherein the load factor integrated in the load factor integration step is supplied to a driver interface layer of an operation system loaded on the electric device. 15. The driver interface layer,
The power control method according to claim 14, wherein the integrated load factor is supplied to a driver of a corresponding resource. 16. The power control method according to claim 10, wherein the load factor is a resource operating ratio. 17. A computer program capable of executing a computer so that a system including the computer program and the computer can execute the power control method according to claim 9. Description: 18. A computer program which, when read by a computer, enables the computer to execute the power control method according to claim 9. Description: 19. A computer provided with a medium readable by a computer provided with computer code means capable of executing the power control method according to any one of claims 9 to 16 when read by the computer. Program products. 20. The load determining means further determines a required load for each different resource, whereby each of the resources varies depending on an operation state of the application program, and the load of the application is changed. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the power control device is driven with power suitable for executing the program. 21. The load determining step further comprises determining a required load for each different resource, whereby each of the resources is individually changed according to an operation state of the application program. The power control method according to claim 8, wherein the power control method is driven with power suitable for executing the program.