JP4944215B2 - Network-connected device power management method and network system - Google Patents

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 units can communicate with one or a plurality of devices common to the computer unit via a network in a wired or wireless manner.

  There is an environment in which a plurality of computer units (for example, a server machine and a client machine) can communicate with one or a plurality of devices common to them via a network in a wired or wireless manner.

  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

  Generally, for a device, the environment in which the device is used is an environment in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with one or a plurality of devices common to them via a network (hereinafter referred to as “network”). Energy savings by omitting useless operation, regardless of whether it is a connection environment ”or an environment in which devices are directly connected to each computer unit (hereinafter referred to as“ individual connection environment ”). There is a demand for noise reduction.

  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, it monitors the state of one corresponding computer unit (operating or non-operating) and responds accordingly in order to properly manage the power supply of the device. Then, the state of the power source may be controlled.

  However, when a device is used in a network connection environment, since the same device is shared by multiple computer units, the device can be powered only by the same method as when the device is used in an individual connection environment. It is impossible to manage properly.

  On the other hand, when NAS as a device is used in a network connection environment, it is expected that a plurality of computer units sharing the NAS will not use NAS as a technology for realizing NAS power saving and noise reduction. Automatic shutdown technology that presets a non-use time zone (for example, a time zone from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am the next day) and cuts off not only the main power supply but also the standby power supply during the non-use time Has already been proposed.

  In addition, when NAS as a device is used in a network connection environment, as a technology for realizing NAS power saving and noise reduction, when a continuous time in which access to the NAS is not from any computer unit exceeds a certain time, Also, a sleep technology has been already proposed in which only the main power supply is disconnected while the standby power supply is turned on to the NAS, thereby stopping the rotation of the hard disk in the NAS (shifting to the sleep mode).

  However, when the above-described automatic shutdown technology is employed, even if a user happens to start his computer unit to access the NAS even though it is not in use, the entire power supply of the NAS Can be inconvenient because access to such NAS is not successful.

  Alternatively, when the sleep technology described above is employed, when a user tries to access the NAS from his computer unit in the sleep mode in which the rotation of the hard disk is stopped in the NAS, the NAS Since the spare power supply of the NAS is not disconnected, the access to the NAS is successful. However, even if the main power supply is turned on in the sleep mode, there is a waiting time until the hard disk rotation speed is restored to the normal speed, so that there may be a disadvantage that the NAS response to an external access is slow.

  The automatic shutdown technology and sleep technology described above can also be applied to devices other than NAS (for example, network-related devices such as routers, home appliances such as media players and televisions) in a network connection environment. The same inconvenience may occur for the same reason as described above.

  Against the background described above, the present invention manages the power supply of a device in an environment in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with one or a plurality of devices common to them by wired or wireless via a network. A technology that makes it possible to eliminate unnecessary operation of a device while maintaining a state in which a request for access from each computer unit to a device is realized at any time and with a good response. Providing things is an issue.

According to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the problem, in the environment where a plurality of computer units can communicate with one device common to them in a wired or wireless manner via a network, A method of managing power, wherein each computer unit shuts down in response to a shutdown operation by a user of its own computer unit regardless of whether other computer units are in a shutdown state. The unit is powered on in response to a power-on operation by the user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in the on state. In response to the shutdown operation of the computer unit, A confirmation packet transmitting step of transmitting a confirmation packet to all of the other computer units via the network; and while each computer unit is powered on, the other computer unit transmits the confirmation packet. When transmitted to the own computer unit, the confirmation packet is received via the network, and the received confirmation packet is stored in the memory of the own computer unit. the transition just prior to the unit of power-off, the a confirmation packet clearing step of clearing the check packet in the memory, each computer unit, in response to said shutdown operation of the own computer unit, the self computer unit By referring to the confirmation packet stored in said memory, said all other computer unit and already determination step of determining whether or not the shutdown state, the respective computer unit, the self computer unit In response to the shutdown operation of the local computer unit, when it is determined that all of the other computer units are already in the shutdown state, a stop command signal is transmitted to the device via the network. A first transmission step; and a second transmission step in which each computer unit transmits an activation command signal to the device via the network in response to the power-on operation of the computer unit. The main power supply, standby power supply, and standby power supply When the time-connected processor, the power source, and the stop command signal are received, the power source is disconnected from the main power source, and when the start command signal is received, the power source connects the power source to the main power source. A controller that is constantly connected to the standby power source, and the method further includes the processor and the power controller being connected to the standby power source when the device receives the stop command signal. In the state, the processor disconnects the power source from the main power source via the power controller, thereby stopping the device, and when the device receives the start command signal, With the processor and the power supply controller connected to the standby power supply, the processor Via chromatography La, connect the power source to the main power supply, whereby a network-connected device power management method comprising the activation treatment step of activating the device is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of a plurality of computer units to manage the power supply of each device in a communicable environment wired or wirelessly over the network to a plurality of devices, - each computer The unit shuts down in response to a shutdown operation by the user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in the shutdown state, and each computer unit is in the other computer unit's on state Regardless of whether or not the computer unit is powered on in response to a power-on operation by the user of the local computer unit, and for each computer unit, at least the other computer unit assigned to the local computer unit. Same as each device At least one computer unit to which a device is assigned is another device sharing computer unit, and the method is such that each computer unit responds to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit, A confirmation packet transmission step of transmitting confirmation packets to all of the device sharing computer units via the network; and while each computer unit is powered on, the other device sharing computer units confirm the confirmation A confirmation packet storing step of receiving the confirmation packet via the network when the packet is transmitted to the own computer unit, and storing the received confirmation packet in a memory of the own computer unit; and each computer unit , The transition just prior to its own computer unit is powered off, the a confirmation packet clearing step of clearing the check packet in the memory, each computer unit, in response to said shutdown operation of the own computer unit, own computer A determination step of determining whether all of the other device shared computer units are already in a shutdown state by referring to the confirmation packet stored in the memory of the unit; and In response to the shutdown operation of the local computer unit, the local computer unit sends a stop command signal to the device when it is determined that all of the other device shared computer units are already in the shutdown state. Said A first transmission step of transmitting via a network, and a second transmission step of each computer unit transmitting an activation command signal to the device via the network in response to the power-on operation of the own computer unit. And each device disconnects the power source from the main power when receiving the main power source, the standby power source, a processor always connected to the standby power source, a power source, and the stop command signal. On the other hand, when the activation command signal is received, a power controller for connecting the power source to the main power source, which is always connected to the standby power source, the method further includes: When receiving the stop command signal, the processor and the power supply controller are connected to the standby power supply, and the processor The power source is disconnected from the main power source via a power source controller, thereby stopping each device, and when each device receives the start command signal, the processor and the power source controller A network connection including a startup process step in which the processor connects the power source to the main power supply via the power controller and thereby activates each device while being connected to the standby power supply Type device power management method is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with a single device common to them via a network in a wired or wireless manner, and each computer unit includes: Regardless of whether other computer units are in the shutdown state, each computer unit is shut down in response to the shutdown operation by the user of its own computer unit, and whether each other computer unit is in the on state. Regardless of whether or not the computer unit is powered on in response to a power-on operation by a user of the computer unit, each computer unit responds to the shutdown operation of the computer unit, Other computer units A confirmation packet transmitter for transmitting confirmation packets over the network, and each computer unit transmits the confirmation packet to its own computer unit while the computer unit is powered on. Then, the confirmation packet is received via the network, the confirmation packet storage unit that stores the received confirmation packet in the memory of the own computer unit, and each computer unit is configured to turn off the own computer unit. Immediately before the transition, a confirmation packet clear unit for clearing the confirmation packet in the memory and each computer unit are stored in the memory of the own computer unit in response to the shutdown operation of the own computer unit. The confirmation path A determination unit for determining whether all of the other computer units are already in a shutdown state by referring to a computer, and each computer unit is configured to In response to a shutdown operation, when it is determined that all of the other computer units are already in a shutdown state, a first transmission unit that transmits a stop command signal to the device via the network, and each computer A unit including a second transmission unit that transmits a start command signal to the device via the network in response to the power-on operation of the computer unit; A processor that is always connected to the reserve power source, a power source, and the stop When the command signal is received, the power source is disconnected from the main power source, and when the start command signal is received, the power source controller connects the power source to the main power source, and is always connected to the standby power source. And when the device receives the stop command signal, the processor supplies the power source via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power source. Disconnecting from the main power supply, thereby stopping the device, and when the device receives the start command signal, the processor and the power supply controller are connected to the standby power supply and the power supply Connect the power source to the main power supply via a controller, thereby activating the device A network system including a dynamic processor is provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with a plurality of devices via a network in a wired or wireless manner, and the plurality of devices connected to the network Is shared by all or part of the plurality of computer units, each computer unit being independent of whether the other computer units are in shutdown state, The computer unit shuts down in response to a shutdown operation by the user of its own computer unit, and each computer unit can perform a power-on operation by the user of its own computer unit regardless of whether other computer units are in the on state. In response, the computer powers on. At least one computer unit to which the same device as each of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit among other computer units is assigned to another device shared computer unit. Each computer unit confirms that each computer unit sends a confirmation packet to all of the other device-shared computer units via the network in response to the shutdown operation of the computer unit. When the packet transmission unit and each computer unit transmits the confirmation packet to the own computer unit while the other computer shared computer unit transmits the confirmation packet while the computer unit is powered on, the confirmation packet is transmitted to the network unit. A confirmation packet storage unit that stores the received confirmation packet in the memory of its own computer unit, and each of the computer units immediately before the power of the own computer unit is turned off. In step (b), the confirmation packet clear unit for clearing the confirmation packet, and each computer unit refers to the confirmation packet stored in the memory of the own computer unit in response to the shutdown operation of the own computer unit. A determination unit that determines whether all of the other device-shared computer units are already in a shutdown state, and each computer unit performs the shutdown operation of its own computer unit in its own computer unit. In response, before When it is determined that all other device-shared computer units are already in the shutdown state, the first transmission unit that transmits a stop command signal to the device via the network, and each computer unit A second transmitter for transmitting a start command signal to the device via the network in response to the power-on operation of the computer unit , wherein each of the devices includes a main power source, a standby power source, and a spare power source thereof. When receiving the stop command signal, a processor that is always connected to a power source, and a power source, the power source is disconnected from the main power source, and when receiving the start command signal, the power source is connected to the main power source. A power controller that is constantly connected to the standby power source, and the processor of each device includes When the device receives the stop command signal, the power source is disconnected from the main power source via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power source, thereby A stop processing unit for stopping each device; and when each device receives the start command signal, the power source is connected via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power source. Is connected to the main power supply, thereby providing a network system including an activation processing unit for activating each of the devices.

  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 method for managing the power supply of a device in an environment where a plurality of computer units can communicate with a common device via a network in a wired or wireless manner,
A determining step in which each computer unit determines whether each of the at least one other computer unit is already in a shutdown state in response to the shutdown of the computer unit;
A first transmission step in which the computer unit transmits a stop command signal to the device via the network when it is determined that any of the at least one other computer unit is already in a shutdown state; Including a network-connected device power management method.

  According to this method, when the own computer unit is shut down, a stop command signal is issued from the own computer unit on the condition that all of at least one other computer unit sharing the same device is already in the shutdown state. Sent to the device. In response to the stop command signal, the device shifts from the operating state to the stopped state.

  That is, according to this method, the transition (stop) from the operation state of the device to the stop state is performed in conjunction with the state transition of a plurality of computer systems sharing the device.

  Therefore, according to this method, when any one of a plurality of computer units sharing the same device is in an operating state, the device nevertheless shifts to a stopped state, and as a result, A situation in which access to the device from an active computer unit is not successful is avoided.

  Further, according to this method, when any of a plurality of computer units sharing the same device is in a shutdown state, the device is shifted from an operating state to a stopped state, so that unnecessary operation of the device is omitted. The

  In this specification, the term “stop command signal” is interpreted to mean, for example, a signal for commanding to cut off both the main power supply and the standby power supply of the device, or the standby power supply of the device is not cut off. It can be interpreted to mean a signal (sleep command signal) that commands to shut off only the main power supply and thereby stop the moving part (eg motor) in the device.

  In addition, the “stop command signal” can be defined as a dedicated signal for stopping the device or a signal having another function, for example.

  In this specification, the term “computer unit” is interpreted to mean, for example, a desktop computer (for example, a personal computer) or a portable computer (for example, a server) unless otherwise specified. Machine, client machine, PDA, mobile phone).

(2) Furthermore,
The network-connected device power supply according to (1), including a second transmission step in which each computer unit transmits an activation command signal to the device via the network in response to power-on of the computer unit. Management method.

  According to this method, when the own computer unit is powered on, an activation command signal is transmitted from the own computer unit to the device. In response to the activation command signal, the device shifts from the stopped state to the activated state.

  In other words, according to this method, the transition (startup) of the device from the stopped state to the operating state is performed in conjunction with the state transition of a plurality of computer systems sharing the device.

  Therefore, according to this method, when any one of a plurality of computer units sharing the same device is in an active state, the device is nevertheless kept in a stopped state, and as a result, A situation in which access to the device from an active computer unit is not successful is avoided.

  Furthermore, according to this method, when any of a plurality of computer units sharing the same device is in a shutdown state, the device is maintained in a stopped state, so that useless operation of the device is omitted.

  In this specification, the term “activation command signal” is interpreted to mean, for example, a signal that instructs the device to turn on both the main power supply and the standby power supply, or the device has the standby power supply turned on. Thus, it can be interpreted to mean a signal that commands the main power supply to be turned on, thereby activating a movable part (eg, a motor) in the device.

  In addition, the “activation command signal” is defined as, for example, a dedicated signal for activating the device, or a signal having another function (for example, an interface for requesting access from each computer unit to the device). It can be defined as a normal signal to be input).

(3) The network-connected device power management method according to (1) or (2), wherein the device is configured to have a motor as a power source.

(4) The network-connected device power management method according to (3), wherein the device includes a storage in which a hard disk capable of recording data is driven by the motor.

(5) The network-connected device power management method according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the device includes a playback device that plays back video or audio.

(6) A method of managing the power supply of each device in an environment in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with a plurality of devices common to them by wired or wireless via a network,
In response to the shutdown of the own computer unit, each computer unit is assigned the same device as each of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit among at least one other computer unit. A determining step of determining whether each of the computer units is already in a shutdown state;
The own computer unit is all or part of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit, and at least one other computer unit assigned to all or part of the device A first transmission step of transmitting a stop command signal to a device that has already been determined to be in a shutdown state via the network.

  According to this method, in particular, in the case where the number of devices used by a plurality of computers is plural, the same operation and effect can be realized basically in accordance with the principle of the method according to the item (1).

(7) Furthermore,
Each computer unit responds to power-on of its own computer unit, and transmits a start command signal to at least one of the plurality of devices assigned to its own computer unit via the network. The network connection type device power management method according to item (6), including a second transmission step.

  According to this method, in particular, when the number of devices used by a plurality of computers is plural, the same operation effect can be realized according to basically the same principle as the method according to the above item (2). .

(8) A program executed by a computer to perform the method according to any one of (1) to (7).

  If this program is executed by a computer, the same operational effects can be realized according to basically the same principle as the method according to any one of the above items (1) to (7).

  The program according to this section can be interpreted so as to include not only a combination of instructions executed by a computer to fulfill its function, but also files and data processed in accordance with each instruction.

  In addition, this program may achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer alone, or may be intended to achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer together with other programs. it can. In the latter case, the program according to this section can be mainly composed of data.

(9) A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to (8) is recorded.

  If the program recorded on the recording medium is executed by a computer, the same operation and effect as the method according to any one of the items (1) to (7) can be realized.

  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. Any of these may be adopted.

(10) A computer unit that forms a network with at least one other computer unit and shares one device connected to the network with the at least one other computer unit And
A determination device for determining whether each of the at least one other computer unit is already in a shutdown state in response to a shutdown of the own computer unit;
A network-connected computer unit comprising: a transmission device that transmits a stop command signal to the device via the network when it is determined that any of the at least one other computer unit is already in a shutdown state. .

  According to this computer unit, the method according to the item (1) is preferably implemented.

(11) A computer unit that forms a network together with at least one other computer unit, and all or part of a plurality of devices connected to the network are connected to the at least one other computer.・ Share with the unit,
In response to the shutdown of the own computer unit, the computer unit to which the same device as each of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit is assigned among the at least one other computer unit. A determination device for determining whether each is already in a shutdown state;
All or a part of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit, and at least one other computer unit assigned to the whole or a part of the device is already in a shutdown state. A network-connected computer unit, comprising: a transmission device that transmits a stop command signal to the device determined to be in the network via the network.

  According to this computer unit, the method according to the item (6) is suitably implemented.

According to the present invention, the following modes are also obtained.

(21) A method for managing the power supply of a device in an environment in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with a common device via a network in a wired or wireless manner,
  Each computer unit responds to a shutdown operation on its own computer unit, and shuts down its own computer unit, and transmits shutdown information indicating that its own computer unit has been shut down to at least one other computer unit. Shutdown process,
  When each computer unit receives the shutdown information from the at least one other computer unit, the storage step stores the received shutdown information;
  Each computer unit responds to a shutdown of its own computer unit to determine whether the shutdown information is stored, so that each of the at least one other computer unit is already in a shutdown state A determination step of determining whether or not
  A first transmission step of transmitting a stop command signal to the device via the network when it is determined that any of the at least one other computer unit is already in a shutdown state;
  A network-connected device power management method including:

(22) Furthermore,
  The network-connected device power supply according to (21), including a second transmission step in which each computer unit transmits an activation command signal to the device via the network in response to power-on of the computer unit. Management method.

(23) The network-connected device power management method according to (21) or (22), wherein the device is configured to include a motor as a power source.

(24) The network-connected device power management method according to (23), wherein the device includes a storage in which a hard disk capable of recording data is driven by the motor.

(25) The network-connected device power management method according to any one of (21) to (24), wherein the device includes a playback device that plays back video or audio.

(26) A method of managing the power supply of each device in an environment in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with a plurality of devices common to them by wired or wireless via a network,
  Each computer unit shuts down its own computer unit in response to a shutdown operation on its own computer unit, and also displays shutdown information indicating that its own computer unit is shut down among at least one other computer unit. A shutdown processing step of transmitting to a device sharing computer unit, which is a computer unit to which the same device as each of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit is assigned;
  When each computer unit receives the shutdown information from the device sharing computer unit, a storage step of storing the received shutdown information;
  Each computer unit responds to the shutdown of its own computer unit to determine whether the shutdown information is stored, thereby determining whether each of the device sharing computer units is already in the shutdown state. A determination step for determining whether or not
  The own computer unit is all or part of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit, and at least one other computer unit assigned to all or part of the device A first transmission step of transmitting a stop command signal to the device that has already been determined to be in the shutdown state via the network;
  A network-connected device power management method including:

(27) Furthermore,
  Each computer unit responds to power-on of its own computer unit, and transmits a start command signal to at least one of the plurality of devices assigned to its own computer unit via the network. The network connection type device power management method according to item (26), including a second transmission step.

(28) A program executed by a computer to implement the method according to any one of (21) to (27).

(29) A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to item (28) is recorded.

(30) A computer unit that forms a network with at least one other computer unit and shares one device connected to the network with the at least one other computer unit And
  A shutdown processing means for shutting down the own computer unit in response to a shutdown operation on the own computer unit and transmitting shutdown information indicating that the own computer unit is shut down to the at least one other computer unit;
  When the shutdown information is received from the at least one other computer unit, storage means for storing the received shutdown information;
  In response to a shutdown of its own computer unit, it is determined whether or not the shutdown information is stored, thereby determining whether each of the at least one other computer unit is already in the shutdown state. Determination means for determining;
  Stop command signal transmission means for transmitting a stop command signal to the device via the network when it is determined that any of the at least one other computer unit is already in a shutdown state;
  A network-connected computer unit that includes

(31) A computer unit that forms a network together with at least one other computer unit, and all or a part of a plurality of devices connected to the network are connected to the at least one other computer・ Share with the unit,
  In response to a shutdown operation on the own computer unit, the own computer unit is shut down, and shutdown information indicating that the own computer unit is shut down is sent to the own computer unit among at least one other computer unit. Shutdown processing means for transmitting to a device sharing computer unit, which is a computer unit to which the same device as each of the assigned at least one device is assigned;
  When the shutdown information is received from the device sharing computer unit, storage means for storing the received shutdown information;
  A determination means for determining whether or not the shutdown information is stored in response to a shutdown of the own computer unit, thereby determining whether or not each of the device sharing computer units is already in a shutdown state When,
  All or a part of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit, and at least one other computer unit assigned to the whole or a part of the device is already in a shutdown state. Stop command signal transmission means for transmitting a stop command signal to the device determined to be in the network via the network;
  A network-connected computer unit that includes

1 is a system diagram conceptually showing a network system suitable for carrying out a network-connected device power management method 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 NAS (Network Attached Storage) shown in FIG. 1. 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 systematic diagram showing the network system suitable for implementing the network connection type device power management method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart conceptually showing a PC-side program executed in each PC shown in FIG. 6.

  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 suitable for implementing the network-connected device power management method 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.

  FIG. 2 conceptually shows a hardware configuration of a representative one of the 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 NAS 20 further includes a CPU (an example of a processor) 70, a ROM (an example of a nonvolatile memory that is an example of a memory) 72, and an interface 74. The CPU 70, ROM 72 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 accordance with a command signal from the CPU 70, the power supply controller 60 indicates a connection state between the motor 42, the actuator 46 and the motor 50 and the main power supply 62, and a state where the motor 42, the actuator 46 and the motor 50 are connected to the main power supply 62. And a state in which the main power supply 62 is disconnected.

  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, 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. 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 the present embodiment, the transition (activation) of the NAS 20 from the stopped state to the operating state is performed in conjunction with the state transition of the four PCs 12 that share the NAS 20. 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, the 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 during the operation of each PC 12.

  FIG. 4 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. 5 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.

  This NAS side program is repeatedly executed by the CPU 70 regardless of whether the main power supply 62 is in an off state or an on state.

  When the NAS side program is executed each time, it is first determined in step S201 whether or not the main power supply 62 is in an off state. 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 in the off state, 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 in step S204, the main power supply 62 is switched on. 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, the process for switching the main power source 62 to the on state is performed only when the activation packet is received from a certain PC 12 when the main power source 62 is in the off state. When the activation packet is received from another PC 12, 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.

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

  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 in step S207, the main power supply 62 is switched to the off state. 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 “one device” in the above item (1), and four PCs 12 in the same item. It can be considered to constitute “a plurality of computer units”.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, steps S103 to S106 in FIG. 4 cooperate with each other to constitute an example of the “determination step” in the above item (1), and step S107 in FIG. It can be considered that an example of the “first transmission step” is configured, and the end packet is an example of the “stop command signal” in the same section.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 4 jointly constitute an example of the “second transmission step” in the above item (2), and the activation packet is “ It can be considered that it constitutes an example of “activation command signal”.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the PC side program shown in FIG. 4 constitutes an example of the “program” according to the item (8), 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 is possible to think that what records the PC-side program constitutes an example of the “recording medium” according to the item (9).

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, each PC 12 constitutes an example of the “computer unit” according to the item (10), and among the PCs 12, the steps S103 to S106 in FIG. The assigned part constitutes an example of the “determination device” in the same term, and the part assigned to execute step S107 in FIG. 4 in each PC 12 is an example of the “transmission device” in the same term. It is possible to think that it is composed.

  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.

  FIG. 6 conceptually shows a network system 10 suitable for implementing the network-connected device power management method according to the second embodiment.

  In this network system 100, as in the first embodiment, four personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs”) 12 are connected via a wireless or wired network (for example, LAN, WAN, Internet, etc.) 14. So that they can communicate with each other.

  These PCs 12 are used by respective users. As in the first embodiment, the PCs 12 are nominally identified as “PC-A”, “PC-B”, “PC-C”, and “PC-D” for convenience of explanation. The configuration of each PC 12 is common to each PC 12 in the first embodiment.

  Three NAS 20 (Network Attached Storage) are connected to the network 14. Each NAS 20 is nominally identified as “NAS-X”, “NAS-Y”, and “NAS-Z” for convenience of explanation. The configuration of each NAS 20 is common to the NAS 20 in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, none of the three NAS 20 is set to be shared by the four PCs 12. Specifically, NAS-X is shared by PC-A, PC-C and PC-D, NAS-Y is shared by PC-B, PC-C and PC-D, and NAS-Z is Only PC-D can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the transition (stop) from the operating state of each NAS 20 to the stopped state is performed in conjunction with the state transition of a plurality of PCs 12 sharing the NAS 20. The transition from the operating state of each NAS 20 to the stopped state also means that the main power source 62 is disconnected from the motor 42, the actuator 46, and the motor 50 in this embodiment.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, in response to the user's shutdown operation, the own PC 12 has the same NAS 20 as each of at least one NAS 20 assigned to the own PC 12 among the other three PCs 12. It is determined whether each assigned PC 12 is already in a shutdown state.

  For example, when the own PC 12 is PC-A, NAS-X is assigned to it and the NAS-X is shared by PC-A, PC-C and PC-D. Therefore, in this case, the own PC 12 determines whether each of PC-A, PC-C, and PC-D is already in the shutdown state.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the own PC 12 is all or a part of at least one NAS 20 assigned to the own PC 12, and at least one of the NAS 20 assigned to the whole or part of the NAS 20. The end packet is transmitted via the network 14 to the NAS 20 that has been determined that any of the other PCs 12 is already in the shutdown state.

  For example, when the own PC 12 is PC-A, NAS-X is assigned to it and the NAS-X is shared by PC-A, PC-C and PC-D. Assuming that all of the PC-A, PC-C, and PC-D are already in the shutdown state, the own PC 12 transmits an end packet to the NAS-X.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when any one of a plurality of 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 a plurality of 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 the present embodiment, the transition (activation) of each NAS 20 from the stopped state to the operating state is performed in conjunction with the state transition of the four PCs 12 that share the NAS 20. The transition from the stopped state to the activated state of each NAS 20 means that the main power supply 62 is turned on to the motor 42, the actuator 46, and the motor 50 in this embodiment as well.

  Specifically, in response to the user's power-on operation, the own PC 12 transmits the activation packet via the network 14 to at least one NAS 20 assigned to the own PC 12 among the other three PCs 12. To do.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when any one of a plurality of PCs 12 sharing the same NAS 20 is in an operating state, the NAS 20 is nevertheless maintained in a stopped state, and as a result 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 any of a plurality of PCs 12 sharing the same NAS 20 is in a shutdown state, the NAS 20 is maintained in a stopped state, so that unnecessary operation of the NAS 20 is omitted.

  In order to enable the operation described above, the 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 during the operation of each PC 12.

  FIG. 7 conceptually shows the PC side program in a flowchart. Hereinafter, the PC side program will be described, but redundant description of steps common to the PC side program shown in FIG. 4 will be omitted.

  When each execution of the PC-side program shown in FIG. 7 is performed, first, in step S301, whether or not the power source of the own PC 12 is switched from the off state to the on state in the same manner as in step S101 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not a power-on operation has been performed.

  This time, assuming that the power supply of the own PC 12 has been switched from the off state to the on state, the determination in step S301 is YES, and in step S302, one of the three NAS 20 assigned to the own PC 12 is identified. The

  Subsequently, in step S303, an activation packet is transmitted to at least one NAS 20 assigned to the own PC 12. 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 S303 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 S301 is NO. In step S304, it is determined whether or not the power source of the PC 12 has been switched from the on state to the off state, that is, whether or not the user has performed a shutdown operation.

  This time, assuming that the power supply of the own PC 12 is switched from the on state to the off state, the determination in step S304 becomes YES, and in step S305, at least one other PC 12 sharing the same NAS 20 as the own PC 12 is specified. The

  Subsequently, in step S306, the confirmation packet is transmitted to the specified at least one other PC 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 S307, the confirmation packet already received from each of the at least one other specified PC 12 and stored in the RAM 34 is referred to.

  Subsequently, in step S308, it is determined whether or not the PC power supply has already been turned off for any of the other specified at least one PC 12.

  This time, assuming that the PC power supply has already been turned off for any one of the other specified PCs 12, the determination in step S308 is YES, and in step S309, among the three NASs 20, What is assigned to the own PC 12 is specified.

  Thereafter, in step S310, an end packet is transmitted toward the NAS 20 assigned to the own PC 12. 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 S310 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 specified at least one PC 12, the determination in step S308 is NO, and steps S309 and S310 are performed. After being skipped, 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 on state to the off state has been described above. However, if the power source of the own PC 12 has not yet been switched from the on state to the off state, the determination in step S304 is NO. Thus, steps S305 to S310 are all skipped.

  This completes one execution of the PC-side program.

  Also in the present embodiment, the NAS-side program is executed for each NAS 20 in order to realize the execution contents of the PC-side program in the NAS 20. The NAS side program is common with the NAS side program shown in FIG.

  As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, three NAS 20 constitute an example of “multiple devices” in the above section (6), and four PCs 12 in the same section. It can be considered to constitute “a plurality of computer units”.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, steps S304 to S308 in FIG. 7 cooperate with each other to constitute an example of the “determination step” in the above item (6), and steps S309 and S310 in FIG. It is possible to jointly construct an example of the “first transmission step” in the same term and that the end packet constitutes an example of the “stop command signal” in the same term.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, steps S301 to S303 in FIG. 7 cooperate with each other to configure an example of the “second transmission step” in the above item (7), and the activation packet is “ It can be considered that it constitutes an example of “activation command signal”.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the PC-side program shown in FIG. 7 constitutes an example of the “program” according to the item (8), 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 is possible to think that what records the PC-side program constitutes an example of the “recording medium” according to the item (9).

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, each PC 12 constitutes an example of the “computer unit” according to the item (11), and among the PCs 12, the steps S304 to S308 in FIG. The assigned portion constitutes an example of the “determination device” in the same term, and the portion assigned to execute steps S309 and S310 in FIG. 7 in each PC 12 is the “transmission device” in the same term. It can be considered as an example.

  Some of the embodiments described above are examples of embodiments in which the present invention is implemented to manage the power supply of at least one NAS shared by a plurality of PCs. Other network-related devices (for example, routers, etc.) shared by PCs (for example, PDAs equipped with computers, mobile phones, etc.), home appliances (for example, media players, TVs, refrigerators, etc.) or office equipment ( For example, the present invention can be implemented to manage the power supply of a printer, copier, etc.).

  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.

Claims (11)

A method of managing the power supply of a device in an environment in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with one device common to them by wired or wireless via a network,
Each computer unit shuts down in response to a shutdown operation by the user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in a shutdown state,
Each computer unit is powered on in response to a power-on operation by a user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in an on state,
The method is
A confirmation packet transmitting step in which each computer unit transmits a confirmation packet to all of the other computer units via the network in response to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit;
Each computer unit receives the confirmation packet via the network when the other computer unit transmits the confirmation packet to the own computer unit while the computer unit is powered on. A confirmation packet storage step for storing the packet in the memory of its own computer unit;
A confirmation packet clearing step in which each computer unit clears the confirmation packet in the memory immediately before the computer unit is turned off.
Each computer unit refers to the confirmation packet stored in the memory of its own computer unit in response to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit, so that all of the other computer units have already been A determination step of determining whether or not a shutdown state;
When each computer unit determines in its own computer unit that all of the other computer units have already been shut down in response to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit , A first transmission step of transmitting to the device via the network;
A second transmission step in which each computer unit transmits an activation command signal to the device via the network in response to the power-on operation of the computer unit;
The device is
A main power supply,
A standby power supply,
A processor that is always connected to the reserve power supply,
Power source,
When the stop command signal is received, the power source is disconnected from the main power source, and when the start command signal is received, the power source controller connects the power source to the main power source, and is always connected to the standby power source. Including
The method further includes:
When the device receives the stop command signal, the processor disconnects the power source from the main power source via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power source. A stop process step to stop the device, thereby
When the device receives the activation command signal, the processor connects the power source to the main power supply via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power supply. A network connection type device power management method comprising: an activation process step of activating the device.   The processor performs packet communication with the device, and during the packet communication, transmits a start packet for starting the device to the device as the start command signal, and sends a stop packet for stopping the device to the stop command. The network-connected device power management method according to claim 1, wherein the network-connected device power management method transmits the signal to the device. The device includes a network attached storage NAS;
The NAS cools the hard disk, a disk motor for rotating the hard disk, a head for reading / writing data from / to the hard disk, an actuator for driving the head, and the disk motor. A cooling fan for driving the fan and a fan motor for driving the cooling fan,
The network-connected device power management method according to claim 1, wherein the power source includes the disk motor, the actuator, and the fan motor . A method of managing the power supply of each device in an environment in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with a plurality of devices by wire or wirelessly via a network,
Each computer unit shuts down in response to a shutdown operation by the user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in a shutdown state,
Each computer unit is powered on in response to a power-on operation by a user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in an on state,
For each computer unit, at least one computer unit assigned the same device as each of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit among other computer units is assigned to another device sharing computer. A unit,
The method is
A confirmation packet transmitting step in which each computer unit transmits a confirmation packet to all of the other device sharing computer units via the network in response to the shutdown operation of the computer unit;
Each computer unit receives the confirmation packet via the network and receives the confirmation packet when the other device sharing computer unit transmits the confirmation packet to the own computer unit while the computer unit is powered on. A confirmation packet storing step for storing the confirmed packet in the memory of its own computer unit;
A confirmation packet clearing step in which each computer unit clears the confirmation packet in the memory immediately before the computer unit is turned off.
In response to the shutdown operation of the own computer unit, each computer unit refers to the confirmation packet stored in the memory of the own computer unit, and thereby all of the other device shared computer units. Determining whether or not is already in a shutdown state;
When each computer unit determines in its own computer unit that all of the other device sharing computer units are already in a shutdown state in response to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit, A first transmission step of transmitting a signal to the device via the network;
A second transmission step in which each computer unit transmits an activation command signal to the device via the network in response to the power-on operation of the computer unit;
Each device is
A main power supply,
A standby power supply,
A processor that is always connected to the reserve power supply,
Power source,
When the stop command signal is received, the power source is disconnected from the main power source, and when the start command signal is received, the power source controller connects the power source to the main power source, and is always connected to the standby power source. Including
The method further includes:
When each of the devices receives the stop command signal, the processor disconnects the power source from the main power source via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power source. And thereby a stop processing step of stopping each of the devices,
When each device receives the start command signal, the processor connects the power source to the main power supply via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power supply. Then, a network connection type device power management method including a startup processing step of starting each of the devices.   5. The network connection type according to claim 1, wherein, when receiving the stop command signal or the start command signal, the processor starts a program for performing a corresponding one of stop and start of the device. Device power management method. A program executed by a computer to execute the confirmation packet transmission step, the confirmation packet storage step, the confirmation packet clear step, the determination step, the first transmission step, and the second transmission step according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   A program executed by a computer to execute the stop processing step and the start processing step according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   A computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to claim 6 or 7 is recorded. A network system in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with one device common to them by wired or wireless via a network,
Each computer unit shuts down in response to a shutdown operation by the user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in a shutdown state,
Each computer unit is powered on in response to a power-on operation by a user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in an on state,
Each computer unit
Each computer unit responds to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit, and transmits a confirmation packet to all of the other computer units via the network;
Each computer unit receives the confirmation packet via the network when the other computer unit transmits the confirmation packet to the own computer unit while the computer unit is powered on. A confirmation packet storage unit for storing the packet in the memory of its own computer unit;
A confirmation packet clearing unit that clears the confirmation packet in the memory immediately before each computer unit shifts to its own computer unit power off;
Each computer unit refers to the confirmation packet stored in the memory of its own computer unit in response to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit, so that all of the other computer units have already been A determination unit that determines whether or not a shutdown state exists;
When each computer unit determines in its own computer unit that all of the other computer units have already been shut down in response to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit, A first transmitter for transmitting to the device via the network;
Each computer unit, in response to the power-on operation of its own computer unit, a second transmission unit for transmitting a start command signal to the device via the network ,
The device is
A main power supply,
A standby power supply,
A processor that is always connected to the reserve power supply,
Power source,
When the stop command signal is received, the power source is disconnected from the main power source, and when the start command signal is received, the power source controller connects the power source to the main power source, and is always connected to the standby power source. Including
The processor is
When the device receives the stop command signal, the power source is disconnected from the main power source via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power source, thereby A stop processing unit for stopping the device;
When the device receives the activation command signal, the power source is connected to the main power source via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power source, thereby A network system including a startup processing unit that starts up the device. A network system in which a plurality of computer units can communicate with a plurality of devices in a wired or wireless manner via a network, and all or a part of the plurality of devices connected to the network is the plurality of devices Shared by all or part of the computer unit,
Each computer unit shuts down in response to a shutdown operation by the user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in a shutdown state,
Each computer unit is powered on in response to a power-on operation by a user of its own computer unit, regardless of whether other computer units are in an on state,
For each computer unit, at least one computer unit assigned the same device as each of at least one device assigned to the own computer unit among other computer units is assigned to another device sharing computer. A unit,
Each computer unit
Each computer unit responds to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit, and transmits a confirmation packet to all of the other device shared computer units via the network;
Each computer unit receives the confirmation packet via the network and receives the confirmation packet when the other device sharing computer unit transmits the confirmation packet to the own computer unit while the computer unit is powered on. A confirmation packet storage unit for storing the confirmed packet in the memory of its own computer unit;
A confirmation packet clearing unit that clears the confirmation packet in the memory immediately before each computer unit shifts to its own computer unit power off;
In response to the shutdown operation of the own computer unit, each computer unit refers to the confirmation packet stored in the memory of the own computer unit, and thereby all of the other device shared computer units. A determination unit for determining whether is already in a shutdown state;
When each computer unit determines in its own computer unit that all of the other device sharing computer units are already in a shutdown state in response to the shutdown operation of its own computer unit, A first transmitter for transmitting a signal to the device via the network;
Each computer unit, in response to the power-on operation of its own computer unit , including a second transmission unit that transmits an activation command signal to the device via the network ;
Each device is
A main power supply,
A standby power supply,
A processor that is always connected to the reserve power supply,
Power source,
When the stop command signal is received, the power source is disconnected from the main power source, and when the start command signal is received, the power source controller connects the power source to the main power source, and is always connected to the standby power source. Including
The processor of each device is
When each device receives the stop command signal, the power source is disconnected from the main power source via the power controller while the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power source, thereby A stop processing unit for stopping each of the devices;
When each device receives the start command signal, the power source is connected to the main power source via the power controller in a state where the processor and the power controller are connected to the standby power source, thereby And a start processing unit for starting each of the devices.   The network system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when receiving the stop command signal or the start command signal, the processor starts a program for performing a corresponding one of stop and start of the device.

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