JP2006092474A - Information processing apparatus and power saving control method for use in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus having an energy saving function, and a power saving control method for use therein that can switch an energy saving mode in dependence on the use status of devices without restarting the system. <P>SOLUTION: For a transition to a power saving state using a volatile storage means, a save information generation means also generates and holds save information necessary for a transition to a power saving state using a nonvolatile storage means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus such as a printer or a copier that employs an electrophotographic system, or a multifunction machine that has these functions, and a power saving control method used therefor, and in particular, has an energy saving function that reduces power consumption. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of switching an energy saving mode in accordance with a use state of an apparatus without restarting a system and a power saving control method used therefor.

JP 2001-42978 A

  In recent years, of course, in the case of a battery-powered device such as a notebook personal computer (PC), other information processing devices such as other printers, copiers, or multifunction devices having these functions As described above, there is an increasing demand for power saving from the viewpoint of environmental protection and the like for devices using a commercial power source. Typical examples include the Energy Star Program promoted by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Japan's Energy Conservation Law. Therefore, in an information processing apparatus such as the above-described printer, copying machine, or multifunction machine having these functions, it is technically important to maintain a low power consumption state efficiently.

Conventionally, in realizing the energy saving function, the following two methods are widely adopted as shown in FIG.
(1) Save recovery data required for recovery from the power saving state on a volatile storage device such as a RAM, and energize only the RAM and the minimum devices required for recovery. When an event for returning from the power saving state is detected, power supply to the entire apparatus is resumed, and the state immediately before entering the power saving state is restored based on the return data saved in the RAM. To do.
(2) The recovery data necessary for recovery from the power saving state is saved in a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk (HDD), and only the minimum devices necessary for recovery are energized. When an event for returning from the power saving state is detected, power supply to the entire apparatus is resumed, and immediately before entering the power saving state based on the return data saved in the hard disk (HDD). Return to the state.

Here, for convenience, the power saving states (1) and (2) are defined as follows.
(1) A power saving state in which the hardware and CPU data necessary for returning to the energy saving mode using the volatile storage device are held on the volatile storage device, and only the volatile storage device and some devices are energized.
(2) Energy-saving mode using non-volatile memory measures A power-saving mode in which hardware and CPU data required for recovery are stored on a non-volatile memory device such as a hard disk, and only some devices are energized.

At this time, the relationship between the power consumption and the return time from each energy saving mode is as follows, as shown in FIG.
Power consumption (Large): Operating> Energy saving mode using volatile storage device> Energy saving mode using nonvolatile storage device ≒ Power OFF: Power consumption (Small)
Recovery time (short): Operating <Energy saving mode using volatile storage device <Energy saving mode using nonvolatile storage device <Power OFF: Recovery time (long)

  As described above, the relationship between power consumption and recovery time is contradictory, and the energy saving mode using a volatile storage device consumes more power than the energy saving mode using a nonvolatile storage device. The return time from the mode is short.

  As understood from the relationship between the power consumption and the recovery time, when the device is frequently accessed, an energy saving mode using a volatile storage device with a short recovery time is desirable. If there is no frequent, it is desirable to shift to an energy saving mode using a non-volatile storage device with lower power consumption even if the recovery time is somewhat longer.

  However, the above prior art has the following problems. That is, in the case of the above conventional information processing apparatus, as shown in FIG. 15, the system is once fully operated in order to shift from the energy saving mode using the volatile storage device to the energy saving mode using the nonvolatile storage device. It must be restored to the state. Therefore, in the case of the conventional information processing apparatus, there is a problem that wasteful power is consumed as a result in order to shift to the energy saving mode.

  In the case of the above conventional information processing apparatus, in order to shift from the energy saving mode using the volatile storage device to the energy saving mode using the nonvolatile storage device, the information processing device temporarily returns from the energy saving mode using the volatile storage device. In addition, after the restoration data for the energy saving mode using the nonvolatile storage device is generated and stored in the hard disk, the state of the device must be changed to the energy saving mode using the nonvolatile storage device. Therefore, in the case of the conventional information processing apparatus, as shown in FIG. 16, when there is frequent transition from an energy saving mode using a volatile storage device to an energy saving mode using a nonvolatile storage device, There is a problem that the overhead for transitioning the state becomes large.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to switch an energy saving mode in an information processing apparatus having an energy saving function in accordance with a use state of a device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus and a power saving control method used therefor that can be performed without restarting the system.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 holds information necessary for returning the apparatus from the power saving state to the operating state in either the volatile storage means or the nonvolatile storage means. In an information processing apparatus capable of realizing a plurality of power saving states,
Save information generating means for generating information necessary for the device to return to the operating state when transitioning from the operating state to the power saving state;
A power saving state management means that is constantly supplied with power even in a power saving state and can change and maintain the power saving state;
A return event detection means for detecting a return trigger from the power saving state;
Power management means for controlling power supplied to the apparatus based on information from the power saving state management means and information from the return event detection means,
The evacuation information generation means simultaneously generates and holds evacuation information necessary for making a transition to a power saving state using the nonvolatile storage means when making a transition to a power saving state using the volatile storage means. Is an information processing apparatus characterized by

  By providing the above-described means, it is possible to change the state of the power saving state without restarting the system with respect to the problems of the prior art and without generating overhead for changing the state.

  Specifically, when transitioning to the energy saving mode using volatile storage means, information necessary for system restoration is saved to the volatile storage means, and at the same time, transition to the energy saving mode using nonvolatile storage means is performed. Information to be saved in the necessary non-volatile storage means is also generated, the information is written in the non-volatile storage means, and then the mode is changed to the energy saving mode using the volatile storage means. At this time, it is written and held in the power saving state storage register of the power saving state management means that the energy saving mode uses the volatile storage means. When the state is stored in the power saving state storage register, the power management means sets the power supply to the power supply state for the energy saving mode using the volatile storage means, and at the same time, if the time keeping means is provided, the power management means Start measuring the elapsed time after entering the energy saving mode using the sex memory means.

  Then, when a certain period of time elapses after entering the energy saving mode using the volatile storage means, the time measuring means transmits the information to the power saving state management means. The power saving state management means changes the state from the energy saving mode using the volatile storage means to the energy saving mode using the nonvolatile storage means.

  Along with this change in state, the power management means sets the power supply state for the energy saving mode using the nonvolatile storage means. Also, when returning to the operating state, after examining the state of the power saving state management means, after determining whether the data necessary for system restoration is obtained from the volatile storage means or the nonvolatile storage means according to the state Restore the system.

  Further, the invention described in claim 2 includes a time measuring unit that measures an elapsed time after transition to the power saving state using the volatile storage unit, and the power saving state management unit includes the volatile unit. After the transition to the power saving state using the storage means, the power saving state held based on the timing result from the time measuring means is changed from the power saving state using the volatile storage means to the power saving state using the nonvolatile storage means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is changed to a power state.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the change of the power saving state is executed without restarting the apparatus.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the device returns to the operating state, the return program stores data necessary for restoring the device based on the power saving state stored in the power saving state storage means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is read from a location where the information is stored.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a changeable period or a non-changeable period of the power saving state can be set. .

  The invention described in claim 6 is a method for controlling an information processing apparatus that performs power saving control of an apparatus using a plurality of types of power saving states, and when transitioning from an operating state to a power saving state, The step of generating information necessary for the apparatus to return to the operating state and storing it in the volatile storage means and the nonvolatile storage means, and detecting an event that triggers a change in the power saving state to detect the power saving The state is changed, and the power supplied to the device is controlled based on the power saving state after the change, and the device is controlled using the return information stored in the volatile storage unit or the nonvolatile storage unit. And a step of performing an operation of returning to the operating state based on the power saving state before and after the change.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 7 is a program for causing an information processing apparatus to function as a computer to perform a plurality of types of power saving operations, and the apparatus operates when transitioning from an operating state to a power saving state. Means for generating information necessary for returning to the state and storing the information in the volatile storage means and the nonvolatile storage means, and means for detecting the event serving as a trigger for changing the power state and changing the power saving state , Controlling the power supplied to the device based on the changed power saving state, and returning the device to an operating state using the return information stored in the volatile storage means or the nonvolatile storage means Is a program for causing the computer to function as means for performing the processing based on the power saving state before and after the change.

  According to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus having an energy saving function, an information processing apparatus capable of switching an energy saving mode in accordance with a usage state of a device without restarting the system, and a power saving control used therefor A method can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an information processing apparatus to which the power saving control method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction machine 1 as the information processing apparatus includes a scanner device 3 that reads an image of a document on the upper part of the multifunction machine body 2. The document image data read by the scanner device 3 is converted into image format conversion, compression / expansion, show-through removal, color conversion (brightness / color space conversion), shading correction, positional deviation by an image processing unit (not shown). Predetermined image processing such as correction, gamma correction, frame erasing, and color / movement editing is performed.

  The multi-function device 1 includes a multi-function module (hereinafter referred to as “MF module”) 4 inside the multi-function device main body 2, and the MF module 7 is used for images read by the scanner device 3. Based on image data sent via a network (not shown) or facsimile image data sent via a general telephone line, image data transmission / reception, copy and print processing based on image data are performed. Configured to do. The MF module 4 forms a black and white or color image by, for example, an electrophotographic method, but is not limited thereto, and forms an image by an arbitrary method such as an electrostatic recording method or an ink jet recording method. It includes things that perform.

  An operation display panel 5 as a user interface is provided at the upper part of the copying machine main body 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation display panel 5 gives instructions such as scanning and printing operations, Internet connection, operation confirmation of desired software, acquisition of operation information, and acquisition of desired software. It is for giving instructions such as downloading. In addition to the operation display panel 5, an operation panel for performing basic operations such as a copy instruction may be provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the main body.

  Further, the multifunction device 1 can communicate with external devices such as a personal computer (PC) and a server connected to a network via an external interface unit (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the multifunction device 1 as the information processing apparatus includes, in addition to a normal operation state, as an energy saving mode, an energy saving mode using a volatile storage means, an energy saving mode using a nonvolatile storage means, It has. The energy saving mode using the above volatile memory measure saves the hardware and CPU data necessary for recovery on the volatile memory means such as RAM and powers only the volatile memory means and some devices. State. In the energy saving mode using the non-volatile storage means, hardware and CPU data necessary for restoration are held on the non-volatile storage means such as a hard disk drive (HDD), and only some devices are energized. It is a power saving state.

  By the way, the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment has a plurality of power saving states by holding information necessary for returning the apparatus from the power saving state to the operating state in the volatile storage means or the nonvolatile storage means. In the information processing apparatus capable of realizing the above, the evacuation information generating means for generating information necessary for the apparatus to return to the operating state when the operating state transits to the power saving state, and the volatile storage means A time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time since the transition to the power saving state used, and a power saving state management means capable of changing and maintaining the power saving state constantly supplied with power even in the power saving state. A recovery event detection means for detecting a return trigger from the power saving state, and information provided from the power saving state management means and information from the return event detection means. Power saving management means for controlling the power to be transferred, and the save information generating means transitions to the power saving state using the nonvolatile memory means when the volatile information storage device uses the volatile storage device. The evacuation information necessary for this is generated and held at the same time.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU for controlling the operation of a multifunction peripheral as an information processing apparatus. This CPU 101 is necessary for the apparatus to return to the operating state when transitioning from the operating state to the power saving state. It also functions as saved information generating means for generating information. Reference numeral 102 denotes a RAM as volatile storage means. The RAM 102 is constituted by, for example, an SDRAM or the like, and stores program control variables, data for various processes, and the like. Further, the RAM 102 holds hardware and CPU data necessary for restoration in the energy saving mode using the RAM 102.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a ROM for storing a control program of the CPU 101. As a control program stored in the ROM 103, image data input by the scanner unit 3 is processed, or an image is controlled by controlling the MF module 7. Output, etc., and those that control the entire energy saving mode.

  Further, reference numeral 104 denotes a video controller for controlling image data, and reference numeral 105 denotes an input / output controller. The input / output controller 105 is input with signals from a keyboard or mouse (not shown), NET, USB, A signal is output to the outside via PCI or the like. The input / output controller 105 is connected to a hard disk drive (HDD) 106 as a nonvolatile storage means. The hard disk drive (HDD) 106 stores the image data and stores the hard disk drive. In the energy saving mode using the (HDD) 106, the hardware and CPU 101 data necessary for restoration are held.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes power saving state management means that is always supplied with power even in the power saving state and can change and maintain the power saving state. The power saving state management means 107 is an interface controller. (I / F Cont.) 108, a power saving state storage register 109 for storing the power saving state, and an elapsed time after the transition to the power saving state using the RAM 102 is measured. Timing means 110.

  Further, reference numeral 111 denotes a power management unit. The power management unit 111 manages the power source 112 and is based on information from the power saving state management unit 107 and information from a return event detection unit described later. The power to be supplied is controlled.

  Reference numeral 113 denotes a return event detection means. The return event detection means 113 is for detecting a return event as a return trigger from the power saving state. Here, the return event as a trigger for returning from the power saving state includes, for example, reception of data from the network, operation of the operation display panel 5 as a user interface, or opening / closing of the platen cover of the scanner device 3. Can be mentioned.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the power saving state storage register as the power saving state management means.

  Here, Initial_PS_mode is a register indicating which power saving state is first changed when the apparatus is changed to the power saving state. When this set value is “01”, the operation state first transits to the energy saving mode state using the volatile storage device. Further, when this set value is “10”, the operation state first transits to the energy saving mode state using the nonvolatile storage device.

  PSmode is a register indicating the power saving state (energy saving mode) of the current device. When this set value is “00”, it indicates a normal operation state, and when it is “01” or “10”, the energy saving mode using a volatile memory device or the energy saving mode using a nonvolatile memory device, respectively. Indicates that the mode is in effect.

  Furthermore, Timer_enab1e is a control register for setting the timer for changing the state from the energy saving mode state using the volatile storage device to the energy saving mode state using the nonvolatile storage device to be valid or invalid. When this bit is set to “0”, time measurement is not performed, and therefore the state change from the energy saving mode using the volatile storage device to the energy saving mode using the nonvolatile storage device is not performed. In addition, when this value is set to “1” and PS_mode is “01”, that is, when the energy saving mode state using the volatile storage device is entered, the time until the power saving state is changed is measured. The time counting means 110 starts.

  Timeout is a register for setting how much time interval is set when changing the state from the energy saving mode state using the volatile storage device to the energy saving mode state using the nonvolatile storage device. . Here, it is assumed that the unit is set in seconds. When the measured value of the time measuring means 110 is the same as the value set in this register, the value of PS_mode is changed from “01” to “10”, and the state transits to the energy saving mode state using the nonvolatile memory device. .

  In the above configuration, in the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment, in the information processing apparatus having the energy saving function, the system is restarted by switching the energy saving mode according to the use state of the device as follows. It is possible to do without.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for the multi function device as the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment to transition from the normal operation state to the power saving state.

  That is, in the multifunction machine 1 as the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 110 monitors the operation status of the apparatus in step 101 and accesses or accesses the apparatus during a certain period. When there is no access to the apparatus or execution of an application for a certain period, the value of Init1_PS_mode in the power saving state storage register 109 is set as shown in FIG. It is checked and it is determined whether or not a transition is made to an energy saving mode state using a nonvolatile storage device (step 102). The state of the register as the power saving management means at this time is shown in state 1 in FIG.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7, since the setting value of Initial_PS_mode is “01”, the CPU 110 shifts to the power saving state (energy saving mode state using the volatile storage device) on the RAM 102 which is the main memory. Return data for returning to the immediately previous state is generated, and the return data is saved in the RAM 102 (step 103). Here, the return data includes what is called hardware context information such as the status and chip set of the CPU 101, the status and setting values of peripheral devices, VRAM data, and the like. Then, after generating data for energy saving mode using a volatile storage device, the CPU 110 also generates return data for energy saving mode using a nonvolatile storage device, as shown in FIG. The data is stored in the device (HDD) 106 (step 104). Here, the return data for the energy saving mode using the nonvolatile storage device includes information stored in the RAM 102 as the main memory in addition to the information generated in the energy saving mode using the volatile storage device.

  Next, the CPU 110 stores the return data in the hard disk drive (HDD) 106 and then defines a time-out for defining a time for changing from the energy saving mode state using the volatile storage device to the energy saving mode state using the nonvolatile storage device. The value is set in the time measuring means 110. Here, 0x0380 (about 15 minutes) is set as the Timeout value (step 105). Subsequently, the CPU 110 sets Timer_enable to “1” (step 106), and then sets “01” to PS_mode (step 107). The register state at this time is shown in state 2 of FIG.

  When the PS_mode is set to “01”, the CPU 110 controls the power management unit 111 so that the power management unit 111 supplies power only to the RAM 102 and a minimum device necessary for recovery. By controlling the above, this device shifts to an energy saving mode state using a volatile storage device.

  On the other hand, when the setting value of Initial_PS_mode is “10” in step 102, that is, when the transition to the energy saving mode state using the nonvolatile storage device is set, the CPU 110 performs step 108. After the return data is stored in the hard disk drive (HDD) 106 as in 104, PS_mode is set to “10” in step 109, and the apparatus transits to an energy saving mode state using a nonvolatile storage device.

  Next, FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for changing the power saving state.

  When the setting of state 2 in FIG. 7 is performed, it is determined in step 201 whether PS_mode = 01 and Timer_enable = 1, and if PS_mode = 01 and Timer_enable = 1, the power saving state management unit 107 is set. The measurement by the time measuring means 110 built in is started. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the count value Timer_count value in the time measuring means 110 is equal to the value set in the Timeout register (step 203), and the count value Timer_count value in the time measuring means 110 is set in the Timeout register. If it becomes equal to the value, the value of PS_mode is changed to “10” (energy saving mode state using the nonvolatile storage device) (step 204).

  When PS_mode is set to “10”, the power management unit 111 further stops the power supply of the RAM 102 from the state of the energy saving mode using the volatile storage device, and supplies power only to the minimum necessary device for recovery. By controlling the power supply 112 to supply power, the apparatus transitions to an energy saving mode state using a nonvolatile memory device as shown in FIGS. This state is shown as state 3 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 201 that PS_mode = 01 and Timer_enab1e = 1 are not satisfied, the power saving state is not changed, and this processing is terminated.

  Further, the CPU 110 returns to the state 1 in FIG. 7 when the return event is detected by the return event detection unit 113 in the power saving state and the system returns to the normal state.

  Thus, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to change the state to a lower power consumption state without wastefully restarting the system and without generating overhead for changing the power saving state. Become.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a return operation from the power saving state.

  When the CPU 110 detects a wake-up event such as power ON or data reception from the network, operation of the operation display panel 5 as a user interface, or opening or closing of the platen cover of the scanner device 3 (step 601), the CPU 110 It is started and the value of the PS_mode register is checked to determine whether or not PS_mode is “00” (step 602). At this time, if PS_mode is “00”, since the previous state is not the power saving state, it is determined that the cold boot is normal, and normal boot processing is performed in step 606.

  If the PS_mode is other than “00” in step 602, the CPU 110 determines in step 603 whether the PS_mode is “01”.

  Next, when the CPU 110 determines that the PS_mode is “01”, the CPU 110 controls the power management unit 111 to use the return data stored in the RAM 102 to the state immediately before the system transitions to the power saving state. Return (step 605). If the PS_mode is "10" in step 603, the CPU 110 restores the return data read from the hard disk drive (HDD) 106 onto the RAM 102, and then saves the system using the return data. The state immediately before the transition to the power state is restored (step 604).

Embodiment 2
FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the functions of the first embodiment are shown. In addition, it is configured to be able to set a period during which it is possible or impossible to change the state from the energy saving mode state using the volatile storage device to the energy saving mode state using the nonvolatile storage device. For example, the state change impossibility period is set to a day of the week or a time zone when the usage frequency of the apparatus is high. Specifically, the office is set from Monday to Friday within a fixed time period as a state change impossibility period. This set value is stored in a nonvolatile storage means. Examples of the nonvolatile storage device include a hard disk drive (HDD) 106 and NVRAM.

  Next, this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Regarding the description of the flowchart, only the parts different from FIG. 6 will be described. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that a state change impossibility period is set.

  In step 504, the CPU 110 determines whether the current time is within the state change impossibility period stored in the nonvolatile storage device 106. If the CPU 110 determines that it is within the state change disabled period, it sets “0” to Timer_enable in step 509, and then sets “01” to PS_mode in step 508. In this case, return data for the energy saving mode using the nonvolatile storage device is not generated, and the power saving state is not changed from the state of the energy saving mode using the volatile storage device.

  If CPU 110 determines in step 504 that the current time is not within the state change impossibility period stored in nonvolatile storage device 106, CPU 110 uses the nonvolatile storage device as in the first embodiment. The restoration data for the saved energy saving mode is generated (step 505), the data is saved in the hard disk drive (HDD) 106, the timeout time is set (step 506), and Timer_enable is set (step 507). Further, the value of PS_mode is set to “01” (step 508). In this case, as in the first embodiment, when the timeout time elapses, the state is automatically changed to the energy saving mode state using the nonvolatile memory device, and the state of lower power consumption is achieved.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, by providing the state change impossibility period, it is possible to finely set the time zone during which the transition to the power saving state and the change of the power saving state are performed. In the high time zone, the transition to the power saving state and the return to the normal state can be performed at high speed, and the state other than the above time zone can be performed without restarting the system to a lower power consumption state. It can be changed, and efficient power saving control becomes possible. In addition, since the overhead associated with the transition to the power saving state is not necessary, a highly productive system can be provided.

  Although the present invention has been described by taking the HDD as an example of the nonvolatile storage device (means), it can also be applied to a nonvolatile storage device such as NVRAM.

1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of an information processing apparatus to which a power saving control method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a multifunction machine as an information processing apparatus to which the power saving control method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the operation display panel. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a transition state to the power saving state. FIG. 5 is a table showing the contents of the power saving state storage register as the power saving state management means. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction machine as the information processing apparatus to which the power saving control method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 7 is a chart showing the state of the multifunction machine as the information processing apparatus to which the power saving control method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the multifunction machine as the information processing apparatus to which the power saving control method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for changing the power saving state. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the change of the power saving state. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a return operation from the power saving state. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction machine as the information processing apparatus to which the power saving control method according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a transition state to a conventional power saving state. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a change in the conventional power saving state. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a change in the conventional power saving state. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a change in the conventional power saving state.

Explanation of symbols

  100: CPU (evacuation information generation means), 102: RAM (volatile storage means), 106: hard disk drive (nonvolatile storage means), 107: power saving state management means, 110: timing means, 111: power management means 113: Return event detecting means.

Claims (7)

Information processing apparatus capable of realizing a plurality of power saving states by holding information necessary for returning the device from the power saving state to the operating state in either the volatile storage means or the nonvolatile storage means In
Save information generating means for generating information necessary for the device to return to the operating state when transitioning from the operating state to the power saving state;
A power saving state management means that is constantly supplied with power even in a power saving state and can change and maintain the power saving state;
A return event detection means for detecting a return trigger from the power saving state;
Power management means for controlling power supplied to the apparatus based on information from the power saving state management means and information from the return event detection means,
The evacuation information generation means simultaneously generates and holds evacuation information necessary for making a transition to a power saving state using the nonvolatile storage means when making a transition to a power saving state using the volatile storage means. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above. A time measuring unit that measures an elapsed time since the transition to the power saving state using the volatile storage unit, and the power saving state management unit, after transitioning to the power saving state using the volatile storage unit The power saving state held based on the timing result from the timing means is changed from the power saving state using the volatile storage means to the power saving state using the nonvolatile storage means. The information processing apparatus according to 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power saving state change is executed without restarting the apparatus. When the device returns to the operating state, the return program reads from a location where data necessary for restoration of the device is stored based on the power saving state held in the power saving state storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a changeable period or a non-changeable period of the power saving state can be set. A method of controlling an information processing apparatus that performs power saving control of an apparatus using a plurality of types of power saving states,
A step of generating information necessary for the device to return to the operating state when transitioning from the operating state to the power saving state, and storing the information in the volatile storage unit and the nonvolatile storage unit;
Detecting an event serving as a trigger for changing a power saving state and changing the power saving state;
An operation for controlling the power supplied to the device based on the changed power saving state and for returning the device to an operating state using return information stored in the volatile storage means or the nonvolatile storage means. Performing based on the power saving state before and after the change;
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising: A program for causing an information processing apparatus to function as a computer to perform a plurality of types of power saving operations,
Means for generating information necessary for the device to return to the operating state and storing the information in the volatile storage means and the nonvolatile storage means when transitioning from the operating state to the power saving state;
Means for detecting an event serving as a trigger for changing a power state and changing the power saving state;
An operation for controlling the power supplied to the device based on the changed power saving state and for returning the device to an operating state using return information stored in the volatile storage means or the nonvolatile storage means. Means based on the power saving state before and after the change,
A program for causing the computer to function as

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