JP2010186491A - Network connection type device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a method of managing a power source of a network connection type device which is common to computer related apparatuses communicably connected by cable or radio through a network to the plurality of computer related apparatuses. <P>SOLUTION: When a power source interlock mode is selected by a switch 90 mounted on an NAS(Network Attached Storage) 20 as a network connection device, the main power source of the NAS 20 is powered on along with the power-on operation of the first one of a plurality of PCs (Personal Computers) 12 as the computer related apparatuses, and is shut down along with the shut-down operation of all the PCs 12. Meanwhile, when a non-power source interlock mode is selected by the switch 90, the main power source of the NAS 20 is maintained in the same state regardless of the power-on operation or shut-down operation of each PC 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in technology for managing the power supply of a device in an environment where a plurality of computer-related devices can communicate with a common device via a network in a wired or wireless manner.

  There exists an environment in which a plurality of computer-related devices can communicate with a common device via a network in a wired or wireless manner. In this specification, the term “computer-related equipment” is a term that means all kinds of electrical products that realize a certain function by using a computer. Specifically, for example, personal computers, televisions, etc. Including but not limited to digital consumer electronics.

  As an example of a device used in this type of communication environment, there is a network-attached storage NAS (Network Attached Storage), and an example of a technique for configuring a network including such a NAS is disclosed in Patent Document 1. . This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The NAS is generally configured to include a hard disk capable of recording data and a motor that drives the hard disk. The motor is driven by electric power supplied from a power source.
JP 2004-151824 A

  In general, a device is used in an environment where a plurality of computer-related devices can communicate with a common device via a network in a wired or wireless manner (hereinafter referred to as a “network connection environment”). Whether or not it is an environment in which devices are directly connected to each computer-related device (hereinafter referred to as “individual connection environment”). Requested.

  For example, when the device is the NAS described above and includes a cooling fan for cooling the motor, if the useless operation is omitted, not only the power consumption but also the cooling fan is reduced. This wasteful operation is also omitted, and noise reduction is also realized.

  When a device is used in an individual connection environment, in order to properly manage the power supply of the device, the state (operating state or non-operating state) of one corresponding computer-related device is monitored and responded accordingly. Control the power state of the device.

  However, when a device is used in a network connection environment, since the same device is shared by a plurality of computer-related devices, the power of the device can be turned on only by the same method as when the device is used in an individual connection environment. It is impossible to manage properly.

  The present inventor has proposed the following technique as a technique for appropriately managing the power supply of a device when the device is used in a network connection environment. It powers on the main power supply of a shared device shared by multiple computer-related devices in conjunction with the power-on operation of the first of the multiple computer-related devices that share the shared device. It is a technology that shuts down in conjunction with the shutdown operation of computer related equipment.

  However, the present inventor has found that shutting down the main power supply of a shared device in conjunction with the shutdown operation of all computer-related devices that share the shared device does not always satisfy the user. Obtained. Hereinafter, the knowledge will be specifically described.

  For example, in a situation where the same device is shared by a plurality of computer-related devices, and a change in the operating state of each computer-related device can be monitored by the shared device, the shared device is a product (eg, a digital home appliance). And a change in the operating state of the product may not be monitored by the shared device.

  In this case, the certain product may be connected to the shared device via the same network as the computer-related equipment, or may be connected to the shared device without going through the network.

  In any case, in this case, if the unmonitorable product needs to use a shared device regardless of each computer-related device, the shared device is linked to the shutdown operation of all the computer-related devices. If it is shut down, the unmonitorable product will not be able to use the shared device.

  In this way, among a plurality of products that share the same device, a product whose operating state change can be monitored by the shared device (that is, the above-described computer-related device), and a change in operating state cannot be monitored by the shared device In other words, it may not be desirable for the user to manage the power supply of the shared device in conjunction with the change in the state of the monitorable product.

  Against this background, the present invention manages the power supply of a network-connected device that is connected to a plurality of computer-related devices via a network so that they can be wired or wirelessly communicated. It was made as an issue to improve the technique to do.

  The following aspects are obtained by the present invention. Each aspect is divided into sections, each section is given a number, and is described in a form that cites other section numbers as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that the present invention can employ and combinations thereof, and the technical features that can be employed by the present invention and combinations thereof are limited to the following embodiments. Should not be interpreted. That is, it should be construed that it is not impeded to appropriately extract and employ the technical features described in the present specification as technical features of the present invention although they are not described in the following embodiments.

  Further, describing each section in the form of quoting the numbers of the other sections does not necessarily prevent the technical features described in each section from being separated from the technical features described in the other sections. It should not be construed as meaning, but it should be construed that the technical features described in each section can be appropriately made independent depending on the nature.

(1) A network-connected device that is connected to a plurality of computer-related devices via a network so that they can communicate with each other in a wired or wireless manner.
When the power supply interlock mode is selected, the main power supply of the network-connected device is powered on in conjunction with the power-on operation of the first computer-related device, while being shut down in conjunction with the shutdown operation of all computer-related devices. Power supply state switching means to perform,
When the non-power supply interlocking mode is selected, the power supply state maintaining means for maintaining the main power supply of the network-connected device in the same state regardless of the power-on operation or the shutdown operation of each computer-related device;
A network-connected device including a mode selector that selects one of the power supply interlocking mode and the non-power supply interlocking mode in response to a command from a user.

  According to this network connection type device, switching between the power supply interlocking mode and the non-power supply interlocking mode is performed according to a command from the user. When the power supply interlock mode is selected, the main power supply of the network-connected device is powered on in conjunction with the power-on operation of the first computer-related device, while it is synchronized with the shutdown operation of all computer-related devices. And shut down. On the other hand, when the non-power supply interlocking mode is selected, the main power supply of the network connection type device is maintained in the same state regardless of the power-on operation or the shutdown operation of each computer-related device.

  Therefore, according to this network-connected device, in addition to a plurality of computer-related devices that can monitor the operating state of the network-connected device, an unmonitorable product that cannot be monitored by the network-connected device When a connected device is shared, on the condition that the user selects the non-power supply interlocking mode, the network connected device continues to be turned on regardless of the operation status of each computer-related device. The product can continue to use the network-connected device.

  Therefore, according to this network-connected device, in addition to a plurality of computer-related devices that can monitor the operating state of the network-connected device, an unmonitorable product that cannot be monitored by the network-connected device When a connected device is shared, user convenience is improved.

  In this specification, the term “computer-related equipment” is interpreted to mean, for example, a desktop computer (for example, a personal computer) or a portable computer (for example, a server machine, unless otherwise specified). (Client machine, PDA, mobile phone), or a digital home appliance having a function of communicating with a network-connected device, but is not limited thereto.

(2) Each computer related device
In response to its shutdown operation, the local computer related device determines whether any remaining computer related devices are already in the shutdown state, and determines that any remaining computer related devices are already in the shutdown state. A stop command signal transmitting means for transmitting a stop command signal to the network-connected device via the network when the computer-related device is
The computer-related device includes a start command signal transmitting means for transmitting a start command signal to the network-connected device via the network in response to a power-on operation thereof;
When the network connection type device receives the stop command signal, the power supply state switching unit shuts down the main power supply of the network connection type device, while when the network connection type device receives the start command signal, the network connection type device The network connection type device according to item (1), wherein the main power source of the connection type device is powered on.

  According to this network connection type device, when the power supply interlocking mode is selected, it is necessary for the network connection type device to centrally monitor changes in the operating state of a plurality of computer-related devices that share the network connection type device. Rather, it is possible to manage the power supply of the network-connected device so as to be linked to the change in the operating state of each computer-related device.

  In this specification, the term “stop command signal” refers to, for example, disconnecting only the main power supply without disconnecting the standby power supply of the network-connected device, thereby moving the movable part (eg, motor) in the device. Although it can be interpreted to mean a signal for instructing to stop (sleep command signal), it is not limited to this.

  Further, in this specification, the term “stop command signal” can be defined as a dedicated signal for stopping a network-connected device or a signal having another function, for example. However, it is not limited to them.

  Further, in this specification, the term “activation command signal” is interpreted to mean, for example, a signal that commands the network connection type device to turn on both the main power source and the standby power source, It can be interpreted to mean a signal that commands the activation of a moving part (eg, a motor) in the device with only the main power turned on, leaving the device's standby power on. There are, but are not limited to them.

  Further, in this specification, the term “activation command signal” is defined as, for example, a dedicated signal for activating a network-connected device or a signal having another function (for example, from each computer-related device). But can be defined as, but not limited to, a normal signal input to an interface to request access to a networked device.

(3) The power supply state switching means
When a start command signal for instructing to start the network-connected device is received from any computer-related device, the computer-related device is registered in the list, while any computer-related device has entered the shutdown state. Or a list management means for deleting the computer-related device from the list when migrating, or
When any computer-related device shifts to a state that is not registered in the list, a shutdown unit that shuts down the main power supply of the network-connected device;
The network-connected device according to (1), including: power-on means for powering on a main power supply of the network-connected device when a first computer-related device is registered in the list.

  According to this network connection type device, when the power supply interlocking mode is selected, the network connection type device centrally monitors changes in the operating state of a plurality of computer related devices that share the computer related device. Manage the power supply of the network-connected device so that the device is linked to the change in the operation state of each computer-related device without requiring the change in the operation state of other computer-related devices Is possible.

(4) The mode selector includes a physical switch operated by a user, and selects one of the power supply interlocking mode and the non-power supply interlocking mode according to the operation state of the switch (1 The network connection type device according to any one of items (3) to (3).

  In the network connection type device according to any one of (1) to (3), the mode selector causes the computer-related device to execute a specific program, thereby allowing a user operation on a display screen of each computer-related device. Depending on the case, it is possible to implement in a mode in which one of the power supply interlocking mode and the non-power supply interlocking mode is selected.

  On the other hand, in the network connection type device according to this section, either the power supply interlocking mode or the non-power supply interlocking mode is selected according to the physical switch operation state by the user.

  Therefore, according to this network connection type device, it is not necessary to execute a specific program in each computer-related device or to detect a user operation on the display screen of each computer-related device. Depending on the command, it is possible to select either the power supply interlocking mode or the non-power supply interlocking mode.

  Therefore, according to this network connection type device, any one of the power supply interlocking mode and the non-power supply interlocking mode can be performed according to a command from the user without depending on software or hardware of each computer related device. It becomes possible to select.

(5) The network connection type device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the network connection type device is configured to have a motor as a power source.

(6) The network connection type device according to (5), wherein the network connection type device includes a storage in which a hard disk capable of recording data is driven by the motor.

(7) The network connection type device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the network connection type device includes a playback device that plays back video or audio.

(8) The network connection device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein each computer related device includes at least one of a desktop computer, a portable computer, and a digital home appliance.

(9) A program executed by a computer of each computer-related device in order to implement the network-connected device according to any one of (1) to (8).

(10) A program executed by a computer of a network-connected device to implement the network-connected device according to any one of (1) to (8).

  In the present specification, the term “program” is interpreted to mean, for example, a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform the function of the program, Can be interpreted to include files and data processed in accordance with the above, but is not limited thereto.

  In addition, this “program”, for example, achieves its intended purpose by being executed by a computer alone, or it achieves its intended purpose by being executed by a computer together with other programs. However, it is not limited to them. In the latter case, the program can be mainly data, but is not limited thereto.

(11) A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to (9) or (10) is recorded.

  This recording medium can adopt various formats, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD and a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO, and an unremovable storage such as a ROM. However, it is not limited to them.

  Hereinafter, some of the more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 conceptually shows a network system 10 using a network-connected device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In this network system 10, four personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs”) 12 are communicably connected to each other via a wireless or wired network (for example, LAN, WAN, Internet, etc.) 14. Yes.

  These PCs 12 are used by respective users. For convenience of explanation, each of the PCs 12 is designated by name such as “PC-A”, “PC-B”, “PC-C”, and “PC-D”.

  One NAS (Network Attached Storage) 20 is connected to the network 14. The NAS 20 is set to be shared by the four PCs 12. Therefore, any PC 12 can access the NAS 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a television 22 is connected to the NAS 20 without going through the network 14. The television 22 is used for reproducing video data stored in the NAS 20 and transferring video data representing video received as radio waves to the NAS 20 for storage. In the present embodiment, the television 22 is an example of a product whose operation state cannot be monitored by the NAS 20.

  FIG. 2 conceptually shows a hardware configuration of a representative one of the four PCs 12 in a block diagram. In the PC 12, a CPU (an example of a processor) 30, a ROM (an example of a nonvolatile memory that is an example of a memory) 32, a RAM (an example of a volatile memory that is another example of a memory) 34, and a hard disk drive 36 are connected to each other via a bus 38.

  The ROM 32 stores in advance a program for constructing an operation system in the PC 12 and various application programs. Programs such as necessary application programs can be installed in the hard disk drive 36 using an external recording medium or online.

  An interface 40 is further connected to the bus 38. The PC 12 can be connected to the network 14, peripheral devices, and external devices via the interface 40.

  FIG. 3 conceptually shows a hardware configuration of the NAS 20 in a block diagram.

  As is well known, the NAS 20 includes a hard disk 40 as a rotating body for magnetically recording data, and a motor 42 that is driven to rotate the hard disk 40.

  As is well known, the NAS 20 further includes a head 44 for reading / writing data with respect to the rotating hard disk 40 and an actuator 46 for driving the head 44 to operate. Yes.

  As is well known, the NAS 20 further includes a cooling fan 48 for cooling the motor 42 and a motor 50 for driving the cooling fan 48.

  The motor 42, the actuator 46 and the motor 50 are all connected to the main power supply 62 via the power supply controller 60. The motor 42, the actuator 46 and the motor 50 operate by consuming electric power supplied from the main power supply 62. The main power supply 62 is switched between an on state and an off state in accordance with a physical operation of the power switch 64 by the user. FIG. 4 shows the NAS 20 in a rear view, and the power switch 64 is attached to the rear surface of the NAS 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the NAS 20 further includes a CPU (an example of a processor) 70, a ROM (an example of a non-volatile memory that is an example of a memory) 72, and a RAM (an example of a volatile memory that is another example of a memory). An example) 73 and an interface 74 are provided. The CPU 70, ROM 72, RAM 73 and interface 74 are connected to each other via a bus 76. A head 44 and a power supply controller 60 are also connected to the bus 76.

  In the ON state of the power switch 64, the power controller 60 determines the connection state between the motor 42, the actuator 46 and the motor 50 and the main power supply 62 according to the command signal from the CPU 70. The state is switched between a state connected to the main power source 62 (ie, an on state) and a state disconnected from the main power source 62 (ie, an off state).

  In order to allow the power supply controller 60 to always perform such an operation, the power supply controller 60 and the CPU 70 are always connected to the standby power supply 80. The power consumption of the standby power source 80 by the power controller 60 and the CPU 70 is very small, whereas the power consumption of the main power source 62 by the motors 42 and 50 is particularly large.

  In the present embodiment, when the power interlock mode is selected by the user, the transition (stop) from the operating state of the NAS 20 to the stopped state is performed in conjunction with the state transition of the four PCs 12 sharing the NAS 20. Is called. In this embodiment, the transition from the operating state of the NAS 20 to the stopped state means that the main power source 62 is disconnected from the motor 42, the actuator 46, and the motor 50.

  When the transition from the operating state of the NAS 20 to the stopped state is completed, the hard disk 40, the head 44, and the cooling fan 48 are all stopped. As a result, the power consumption of the main power supply 62 is stopped, and the generation of sound and vibration due to the rotation of the hard disk 40 and the rotation of the cooling fan 48 is also stopped.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the own PC 12 determines whether each of the other three PCs 12 is already in a shutdown state in response to the user's shutdown operation. If it is determined that any of the other three PCs 12 is already in the shutdown state, the own PC 12 transmits an end packet, which will be described in detail later, to the NAS 20 via the network 14.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when any one of the four PCs 12 sharing the same NAS 20 is in an operating state, the NAS 20 nevertheless shifts to a stopped state, and as a result, enters an operating state. A situation in which access to the NAS 20 from a certain PC 12 is not successful is avoided.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when any of the four PCs 12 sharing the same NAS 20 is in the shutdown state, the NAS 20 is shifted from the operating state to the stopped state, so that unnecessary operation of the NAS 20 is omitted. .

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the power supply interlocking mode is selected by the user, the transition (startup) of the NAS 20 from the stopped state to the operating state is interlocked with the state transition of the four PCs 12 that share the NAS 20. To be done. The transition from the stopped state to the activated state of the NAS 20 means that the main power source 62 is turned on to the motor 42, the actuator 46 and the motor 50.

  Specifically, in response to the user's power-on operation, the own PC 12 transmits an activation packet, which will be described in detail later, to the NAS 20 via the network 14.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when any one of the four PCs 12 sharing the same NAS 20 is in the operating state, the NAS 20 is nevertheless maintained in the stopped state, and as a result, the operation is performed. The situation where the access to the NAS 20 from the PC 12 in the state is not successful is avoided.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when all of the four PCs 12 sharing the same NAS 20 are in a shutdown state, the NAS 20 is maintained in a stopped state, so that useless operation of the NAS 20 is omitted.

  In order to enable the operation described above, a PC-side program is stored in the ROM 32 or the hard disk drive 36 of each PC 12, and the PC-side program is repeatedly executed by the CPU 30 for each PC 12 during the operation of each PC 12.

  FIG. 5 conceptually shows the PC side program in a flowchart. At each execution of the PC-side program, first, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the power source of the own PC 12 has been switched from an off state to an on state, that is, whether or not a user has performed a power-on operation. .

  This time, assuming that the power source of the PC 12 is switched from the off state to the on state, the determination in step S101 is YES, and in step S102, an activation packet is transmitted to the NAS 20. The activation packet is an example of a signal that instructs to activate the NAS 20, that is, to switch the main power supply 62 of the NAS 20 from the off state to the on state.

  When the execution of step S102 ends, one execution of this PC side program ends.

  The case where the power source of the own PC 12 has already been switched from the off state to the on state has been described above. However, assuming that the power source of the own PC 12 has not yet been switched from the off state to the on state, the determination in step S101 is NO. In step S103, it is determined whether or not an operation for switching the power supply of the own PC 12 from the on state to the off state has been performed, that is, whether or not the user has performed a shutdown operation.

  This time, assuming that an operation for switching the power source of the PC 12 from the on state to the off state is performed, the determination in step S103 is YES, and in step S104, a confirmation packet is transmitted to the other PCs 12. . The confirmation packet is a packet for each other PC 12 to confirm the fact that the own PC 12 has been shut down by referring to the other PC 12.

  Thereafter, in step S105, the confirmation packet already received from each other PC 12 and stored in the RAM 34 is referred to.

  In addition, like the other PCs 12, the own PC 12 receives the confirmation packets from the other PCs 12 and stores the received confirmation packets in the RAM 34 while the power is on, and immediately before the power is turned off. In addition, the RAM 34 is designed to clear the confirmation packet received so far.

  Subsequently, in step S106, based on the reference result, it is determined whether or not the PC power supply (not shown) has already been turned off for any of the other three PCs 12.

  This time, assuming that the PC power supply has already been turned off for any of the other three PCs 12, the determination in step S106 is YES, and an end packet is transmitted to the NAS 20 in step S107. The end packet is an example of a signal instructing to stop the NAS 20, that is, to switch the main power supply 62 of the NAS 20 from the on state to the off state.

  When the execution of step S107 ends, one execution of this PC side program ends.

  On the other hand, this time, assuming that the PC power supply is not already turned off for any of the other three PCs 12, the determination in step S106 is NO, and after step S107 is skipped, this PC One execution of the side program ends.

  The case where the operation for switching the power supply of the own PC 12 from the on state to the off state has already been described has been described. However, when such an operation has not yet been performed, the determination in step S103 is NO. Steps S104 to S107 are all skipped. This completes one execution of the PC-side program.

  FIG. 6 conceptually shows a NAS side program executed by the CPU 70 of the NAS 20 in a flowchart. This NAS side program is executed in the NAS 20 in order to realize the execution contents of the PC side program in the NAS 20.

  In the present embodiment, there is a power supply interlocking mode that permits interlocking power management in which the main power supply 62 is turned on / off in conjunction with a change in the operating state of each PC 12 when the power switch 64 is on. The mode is not always enabled, but is selectively enabled according to an operation by the user.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a physical mode changeover switch 90 that is operated by the user to selectively enable the power supply interlocking mode is attached to the NAS 20.

  In the present embodiment, the mode changeover switch 90 is switched by the user between a position for enabling the power supply interlocking mode and a position for disabling the power supply interlocking mode. As shown in FIG. 4, the mode changeover switch 90 is attached to the rear surface of the NAS 20, and is configured as a slide switch, for example.

  In the present embodiment, the state in which the power supply interlocking mode is valid means the state in which the “power supply interlocking mode” in the item (1) is selected, while the state in which the power supply interlocking mode is invalid is in the same paragraph. This means that “Non-power supply interlocking mode” is selected.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the mode changeover switch 90 has the power management mode in the auto mode (power supply interlocking mode) for automatically turning on / off the power supply of the NAS 20 and the manual mode for manually turning on / off the power supply of the NAS 20. This is a physical switch operated by the user to switch to (non-power supply interlocking mode).

  As shown in FIG. 4, a LAN port 92, a USB port 94, and an initialization switch 96 are further attached to the rear surface of the NAS 20.

  The NAS-side program shown in FIG. 6 is repeatedly executed by the CPU 70 regardless of whether the main power supply 62 is off or on by the power controller 60 when the power switch 64 is on.

  At each execution of the NAS-side program, first, in step S200, a signal from the mode changeover switch 90 is monitored to determine whether or not the power supply interlocking mode is enabled by the user, that is, the power supply interlocking mode is set. It is determined whether or not it is selected.

  If it is assumed that the power supply interlocking mode has not been selected by the user this time, the determination in step S200 is NO, and one execution of this NAS side program ends. In this case, the main power supply 62 is kept on regardless of the operating state of each PC 12. Therefore, for example, the television 22 can use the NAS 20 regardless of whether or not each PC 12 is being used, and the usability of the user is improved.

  On the other hand, assuming that the power supply interlocking mode is selected by the user this time, the determination in step S200 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S <b> 201, it is determined whether or not the main power supply 62 is in an off state by the power supply controller 60. It is determined whether or not the main power source 62 is disconnected from the motor 42, the actuator 46, and the motor 50.

  This time, assuming that the main power supply 62 is off by the power supply controller 60, the determination in step S201 is YES, and in step S202, the state of the network 14 is monitored by MAC (Media Access Control) (not shown). That is, this time, the state of the network 14 is monitored in the background by the NAS 20.

  Subsequently, in step S203, it is determined whether an activation packet has been received from any of the PCs 12. That is, it is determined whether or not an activation packet has been received from the PC 12 that is first turned on among the four PCs 12.

  Assuming that the activation packet has been received this time, the determination in step S203 is YES, and the main power supply 62 is switched on by the power supply controller 60 in step S204. As a result, the rotation of the hard disk 40 and the rotation of the cooling fan 48 are resumed.

  In addition, in the NAS 20, only when the activation packet is received from a PC 12 while the main power supply 62 is off, processing for switching the main power supply 62 to the on state by the power supply controller 60 is performed. When the activation packet is received from another PC 12 in the ON state, the activation packet is unnecessary and is ignored.

  When the execution of step S204 ends, one execution of this NAS side program ends.

  On the other hand, this time, assuming that no activation packet has been received from any PC 12, the determination in step S203 is NO, and after step S204 is skipped, the NAS side program is executed once. finish.

  The case where the main power source 62 is in the off state by the power source controller 60 has been described above. However, when the main power source 62 is in the on state by the power source controller 60, the determination in step S201 is NO, and in step S205, the network 14 The state of is monitored.

  Subsequently, in step S206, it is determined whether an end packet has been received from any of the PCs 12. That is, it is determined whether or not an end packet has been received from the last shut down PC 12 among the four PCs 12.

  Assuming that an end packet has been received this time, the determination in step S206 is YES, and the main power supply 62 is switched off by the power supply controller 60 in step S207. As a result, the rotation of the hard disk 40 and the rotation of the cooling fan 48 are stopped.

  When the execution of step S207 ends, one execution of this NAS side program ends.

  On the other hand, this time, assuming that the end packet has not yet been received from any PC 12, the determination in step S206 is NO, and after step S207 is skipped, the NAS side program is executed once. finish.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the NAS side program is repeatedly executed in time. However, when the NAS 20 receives the start packet or the end packet, for example, the NAS side program And the NAS side program may be changed so as to be executed according to the type of the received packet.

  As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, one NAS 20 constitutes an example of the “network connection type device” according to the item (1), and four PCs 12 are the same item. It can be considered to constitute “a plurality of computer-related devices”.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a part of NAS 20 that executes steps S201 to S207 in FIG. 6 constitutes an example of “power supply state switching means” in the above-mentioned item (1). It can be considered that the part that executes step S200 in the figure constitutes an example of “power supply state maintaining means” in the same term, and the mode changeover switch 90 constitutes an example of “mode selector” in the same term. is there.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a portion of each PC 12 that executes steps S103 to S107 in FIG. 5 constitutes an example of the “stop command signal transmitting means” in the above-mentioned item (2). Constitutes an example of the “stop command signal” in the same term, and the part of each PC 12 that executes steps S101 and S102 in the figure constitutes an example of the “activation command signal transmission means” in the same term, Can constitute an example of the “start command signal” in the same section.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it can be considered that the mode changeover switch 90 constitutes an example of the “physical switch” in the item (4).

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the PC-side program shown in FIG. 5 constitutes an example of the “program” according to the item (9), and includes ROM 32, RAM 34, hard disk drive 36, and an external recording medium (not shown) (not shown). For example, among the CD-ROMs in which the PC-side program is recorded in advance, it can be considered that the one that records the PC-side program constitutes an example of the “recording medium” according to the item (11).

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the NAS side program shown in FIG. 6 constitutes an example of the “program” according to the item (10), and includes ROM 72, RAM 73 and an external recording medium (not shown) (for example, NAS side). It can be considered that a program that records the NAS side program among CD-ROMs in which the program is recorded in advance constitutes an example of the “recording medium” according to the item (11).

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, in this embodiment, only elements different from those of the first embodiment will be described in detail, and common elements will be referred to using the same reference numerals or names, and redundant description will be omitted.

  In the first embodiment, each PC 12 monitors the operating state of all other PCs 12 and transmits an end packet to the NAS 20 when it detects that all the PCs 12 are in a shutdown state. . On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the NAS 20 monitors the operating state of all the PCs 12 and turns off the main power supply 62 when detecting that all the PCs 12 are in the shutdown state.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, when the NAS 20 receives an activation packet instructing activation of the NAS 20 from any of the PCs 12, the PC 12 is registered in the list conceptually shown in FIG. . On the other hand, when the NAS 20 receives an end packet instructing to end the NAS 20 from any PC 12, the PC 12 is deleted from the list.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the main power supply 62 of the NAS 20 is shut down in response to the transition of any PC 12 to a state where it is not registered in the list. On the other hand, when the first PC 12 is registered in the list, the main power supply 62 of the NAS 20 is powered on.

  In the present embodiment, in order to execute the above-described power management, the PC side program conceptually shown in the flowchart in FIG. 7 is employed instead of the PC side program shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the PC-side program shown in FIG. 7 will be described, but redundant description of elements common to the PC-side program shown in FIG. 5 will be omitted.

  When the PC-side program shown in FIG. 7 is started, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the power of the own PC 12 has been switched from the off state to the on state, that is, whether or not the user has performed a power-on operation. The

  This time, assuming that the power of the own PC 12 is switched from the off state to the on state, the determination in step S301 is YES, and in step S302, the activation packet is transmitted from the own PC 12 to the NAS 20 in association with the own PC 12. Is done. When the execution of step S302 ends, one execution of this PC-side program ends.

  On the other hand, this time, assuming that the power of the own PC 12 has not yet been switched from the off state to the on state, the determination in step S301 is NO, and in step S303, the power of the own PC 12 is changed from the on state to the off state. It is determined whether or not an operation for switching to is performed, that is, whether or not a shutdown operation is performed by the user.

  This time, assuming that an operation for switching the power supply of the own PC 12 from the on state to the off state is performed, the determination in step S303 is YES, and in step S304, an end packet is associated with the own PC 12 from the own PC 12, Sent to the NAS 20. When the execution of step S304 ends, one execution of this PC-side program ends.

  On the other hand, this time, assuming that the operation for switching the power supply of the own PC 12 from the on state to the off state has not been performed yet, the determination in step S303 is NO and step S304 is skipped. This completes one execution of the PC-side program.

  In the present embodiment, in order to execute the above-described power management, the NAS side program conceptually shown in the flowchart in FIG. 8 is adopted instead of the NAS side program shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the NAS side program shown in FIG. 8 will be described, but redundant description of elements common to the NAS side program shown in FIG. 6 will be omitted.

  The NAS-side program shown in FIG. 8 is repeatedly executed by the CPU 70 regardless of whether the main power supply 62 is off or on by the power controller 60 when the power switch 64 is on.

  When the NAS side program is executed each time, first, in step S400, by monitoring the signal from the mode changeover switch 90, whether or not the power supply interlocking mode is enabled by the user, that is, the power supply interlocking mode is set. It is determined whether or not it is selected.

  If it is assumed that the power supply interlocking mode has not been selected by the user this time, the determination in step S400 is NO, and one execution of this NAS side program ends. In this case, the main power supply 62 is kept on regardless of the operating state of each PC 12.

  On the other hand, assuming that the power supply interlocking mode is selected by the user this time, the determination in step S400 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S401.

  In step S401, as in step S201 shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the main power supply 62 is in the off state by the power supply controller 60.

  This time, assuming that the main power supply 62 is off by the power supply controller 60, the determination in step S401 is YES, and the state of the network 14 is monitored in step S402 in the same manner as in step S202 shown in FIG. .

  Subsequently, in step S403, it is determined whether an activation packet has been received from any of the PCs 12. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the activation packet is generated from each PC 12 independently of the other PCs 12, so that each time the PC 12 is powered on, the activation packet is transmitted from each PC 12. Is transmitted to the NAS 20.

  Assuming that the activation packet has been received this time, the determination in step S403 is YES, and in step S404, the PC 12 that transmitted the activation packet received this time is conceptually shown in FIG. It is registered in a list (for example, stored in the RAM 73).

  FIG. 9A shows a list in which no PC 12 is registered, and FIG. 9B shows a list in which PC-A is first registered. FIG. 6C shows that the PC-B and PC-C are powered on after the PC-A while the NAS side program is executed a plurality of times. Also shows an additionally registered list.

  Subsequently, in step S405, it is determined whether or not the PC 12 registered in the list by the current execution of step S404 is the first PC 12 of the four PCs 12. That is, it is determined whether the PC 12 is blank and first registered in the list.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, when PC-A is first registered in the list, the determination in step S405 is YES, whereas, as shown in FIG. When PC-C is additionally registered in the list in which -A and PC-B are already registered, the determination in step S405 is NO.

  Assuming that the determination in step S405 is YES this time, the main power supply 62 is switched on by the power supply controller 60 in step S406, as in step S204 shown in FIG. As a result, the rotation of the hard disk 40 and the rotation of the cooling fan 48 are resumed. When the execution of step S406 ends, one execution of this NAS side program ends.

  On the other hand, this time, assuming that the determination in step S405 is NO, step S406 is skipped, and then one execution of this NAS side program ends.

  The case where the main power source 62 is in the off state by the power source controller 60 has been described above. However, when the main power source 62 is in the on state by the power source controller 60, the determination in step S401 is NO, and in FIG. The state of the network 14 is monitored in the same manner as step S205 shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, in step S408, it is determined whether an end packet has been received from any of the PCs 12. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the end packet is generated from each PC 12 independently of the other PCs 12. Therefore, every time each PC 12 is shut down, the end packet is sent from each PC 12. It is transmitted to the NAS 20.

  Assuming that the end packet has been received this time, the determination in step S408 is YES, and in step S409, the PC 12 that transmitted the current end packet is deleted from the list. In the example shown in FIG. 9, for example, when PC-B transmits an end packet, PC-B is deleted from the list, and as a result, the contents of the list are changed from the contents shown in FIG. The contents are changed to those shown in d).

  Thereafter, in step S410, it is determined whether or not the list is empty. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, when the contents of the list are changed from the contents shown in FIG. 9D to the contents shown in FIG. 9E because both PC-A and PC-C are deleted. The determination in step S410 is YES.

  Assuming that the determination in step S410 is YES this time, in step S411, the main power supply 62 is switched off by the power supply controller 60 in the same manner as in step S207 shown in FIG. As a result, the rotation of the hard disk 40 and the rotation of the cooling fan 48 are stopped. When the execution of step S411 ends, one execution of this NAS side program ends.

  On the other hand, this time, assuming that the determination in step S410 is NO, after step S411 is skipped, one execution of this NAS side program ends.

  As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the portion of NAS 20 that executes steps S401 to S411 in FIG. 8 is an example of “power supply state switching means” in the above item (1). The portion of NAS 20 that executes step S400 in the figure constitutes an example of “power state maintaining means” in the same paragraph, and mode changeover switch 90 constitutes an example of “mode selector” in the same paragraph. It is possible to think that

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the portion of NAS 20 that executes steps S402 to S404 and S407 to S409 in FIG. 7 constitutes an example of the “list management means” in the section (3) and starts up. The packet constitutes an example of the “start command signal” in the same paragraph, and the portion of the NAS 20 that executes steps S410 and S411 in the figure constitutes an example of the “shutdown means” in the same paragraph. It can be considered that the part that executes steps S405 and S406 in the figure constitutes an example of “power-on means” in the same section.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it can be considered that the mode changeover switch 90 constitutes an example of the “physical switch” in the item (4).

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the PC side program shown in FIG. 7 constitutes an example of the “program” according to the item (9), and includes the ROM 32, RAM 34, hard disk drive 36, and an external recording medium (not shown) (not shown). For example, among the CD-ROMs in which the PC-side program is recorded in advance, it can be considered that the one that records the PC-side program constitutes an example of the “recording medium” according to the item (11).

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the NAS side program shown in FIG. 8 constitutes an example of the “program” according to the item (10), and includes ROM 72, RAM 73 and an external recording medium (not shown) (for example, NAS side). It can be considered that a program that records the NAS side program among CD-ROMs in which the program is recorded in advance constitutes an example of the “recording medium” according to the item (11).

  In some of the embodiments described above, a NAS is selected as the network-connected device, but alternatively or in addition to this NAS, other storage devices (eg, mobile for data storage) A memory that does not have a part), other network-related devices (for example, routers, etc.), home appliances (for example, media players, televisions, refrigerators, etc.) or office equipment (for example, printers, copiers, etc.) It is possible to carry out the present invention.

  Furthermore, in some of the embodiments described above, a PC is selected as the computer-related device. However, a home appliance (for example, a media player, a television, a refrigerator, or the like) may be replaced or added to the PC. ) Or office equipment (for example, a printer, a copier, etc.) can be selected to implement the present invention.

  As described above, some of the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are exemplifications, and are based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art including the aspects described in the section of [Disclosure of the Invention]. The present invention can be implemented in other forms with various modifications and improvements.

1 is a system diagram conceptually showing a network system using NAS (Network Attached Storage) as a network-connected device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing a hardware configuration of a representative one of four PCs (Personal Computers) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing a hardware configuration of the NAS shown in FIG. 1. It is a rear view which shows NAS shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart conceptually showing a PC side program executed in each PC shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart conceptually showing a NAS side program executed in the NAS shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which represents notionally the PC side program run in each of four PCs which share NAS as a network connection type device according to 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 12 is a flowchart conceptually showing a NAS side program executed in the NAS according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing a list referred to for executing the NAS side program shown in FIG. 8 together with an example of state transition.

Claims (9)

A network-connected device that is connected to a plurality of computer-related devices in a wired or wireless manner via a network and is common to the computer-related devices,
The plurality of computer-related devices include a monitoring target device whose operation state change can be monitored by the network connection type device, and a non-monitoring device whose operation state change cannot be monitored by the network connection type device. Can include
The network-connected device is
A main power supply,
A power switch that switches between an on state and an off state in response to a command from the user;
A mode selector that selects either the power supply interlocking mode or the non-power supply interlocking mode in accordance with a command from the user;
A power controller connected to the main power supply, the power switch and the mode selector, and controlling the state of the main power supply based on the state of the power switch and the state of the mode selector;
Including
Its power controller is
When the power supply interlocking mode is selected by the mode selector in the ON state of the power switch, the main power supply is powered on in conjunction with the power-on operation of the first monitored device, while all monitored devices Shuts down in conjunction with the shutdown operation of
When the non-power supply interlocking mode is selected by the mode selector, the main power supply is turned on in the on state of the power switch regardless of the power-on operation or the shutdown operation of each monitored device. , Shut down in the off state of the power switch,
Accordingly, if the non-power supply interlocking mode is selected in the ON state of the power switch, the non-monitoring target device can use the network connection type device even if all the monitoring target devices are shut down. Network-connected device. The activation command signal is transmitted by an activation packet transmitted from each computer-related device to the network connection type device via the network,
The stop command signal is transmitted by an end packet transmitted from each computer-related device to the network-connected device via the network,
The network-connected device according to claim 1, wherein the shutdown information is transmitted by a confirmation packet transmitted from each computer-related device to another computer-related device via the network.   The mode selector includes a physical switch operated by a user, and selects one of the power supply interlocking mode and the non-power supply interlocking mode according to an operation state of the switch. A network-connected device as described in 1.   The network-connected device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the network-connected device is configured to have a motor as a power source.   The network-connected device according to claim 4, wherein the network-connected device includes a storage in which a hard disk capable of recording data is driven by the motor.   The network-connected device according to claim 1, wherein the network-connected device includes a playback device that plays back video or audio.   The network-connected device according to claim 1, wherein each computer-related device includes at least one of a desktop computer, a portable computer, and a digital home appliance.   A program executed by a computer of each computer-related device to implement the network-connected device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   A program executed by a computer of a network-connected device to implement the network-connected device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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