JP5993730B2 - Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  In a notebook type portable information processing apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a notebook PC) driven by a battery, various power savings are provided to prevent the load on the apparatus from excessively increasing with respect to the power supplied from the external power supply. Electricity is being performed. That is, power saving is performed for the purpose of power saving and downsizing of the external power source. In particular, to reduce the size of the power supply, it is necessary to save power when the power consumption is maximized.

  Conventionally, as a typical example of a power consumption control technique in a personal computer (hereinafter also referred to as a PC), an average of CPUs is obtained by periodically stopping a CPU (Central Processing Unit) clock and causing the CPU to intermittently operate. A technique for reducing the processing speed is known. This technology is mainly used for CPU thermal control measures for controlling the heat generation temperature of the CPU, extending battery driving time, and the like.

  In an AC (Alternating Current) adapter that is an external power source used in a notebook PC, there is a problem that when the AC adapter is used up to the maximum rated power, the surface temperature of the mold of the AC adapter becomes high. The surface temperature of the AC adapter is often stricter than the temperature standard of the safety standard in consideration of low-temperature burns and the like in each company. For this reason, when selecting an AC adapter, it is necessary to consider the maximum power and maximum operating temperature conditions of the information processing device. It is extremely difficult to keep the surface temperature of the AC adapter low at the maximum power and the maximum temperature. It is getting harder.

  In order to avoid this problem, it is a common practice to employ a high-power adapter that can satisfy the surface temperature standard as the AC adapter. However, the conditions under which a user normally uses a notebook PC are often much lower than the maximum power designed by the manufacturer, and the operating temperature is mostly around 25 ° C. There are very few cases where the AC adapter becomes hot, and the specifications of the AC adapter are often excessive.

  Conventionally, as an AC adapter of an information processing apparatus such as this notebook PC, an AC adapter designed to estimate the maximum power consumption of the entire information processing apparatus and to meet the power capacity is used. Further, when the information processing apparatus has a built-in charging device, the charging current is also controlled so that the load of the information processing apparatus does not exceed the allowable power. A personal computer, which is an example of an information processing apparatus, has increased power consumption with the recent improvement in information processing capability, and there is a possibility that the allowable power may be exceeded by charge control alone. In order to cope with such a problem, it was necessary to sacrifice cost and portability by using a large capacity AC adapter. On the other hand, it is known to perform power consumption control in order to reduce the power consumption of the information processing apparatus and enable the use of a lower capacity AC adapter.

  Specifically, as a method of limiting power consumption, excessive power limitation is uniformly performed when the power consumption of the information processing apparatus exceeds the specifications of the AC adapter. That is, the power limit is performed such that the CPU frequency is reduced at once and the power consumption is instantaneously reduced. However, such an excessive power limitation that is uniformly performed hinders the operation of the information processing apparatus and directly affects the usage status of the user.

JP 2009-225610 A JP 2012-008869 A

  In Patent Document 1, even when used under the most severe power consumption conditions, the CPU operates on the information processing device, the charging current from the charging circuit to the battery decreases, and the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. Discloses a technology that can select a low-power AC adapter by performing control to reduce power consumption on the information processing apparatus side by performing luminance reduction control of the amplifier and volume reduction control of the amplifier circuit Has been.

  Patent Document 2 discloses that the power consumption of a circuit element unit group is controlled stepwise as the power supply voltage fluctuates. Specifically, when the power supply voltage supplied from the AC adapter drops below the reference voltage, the CPU, wireless module, PC card, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, and LCD backlight A technique for appropriately shifting to a power saving mode based on a priority order for each circuit element unit is disclosed.

  However, both Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 refer to the point that each circuit block constituting the information processing apparatus is shifted to the power saving mode in order to prevent the power supply capability of the AC adapter from being lowered. It does not mention in what order the blocks are shifted to the power saving mode, and depending on the circuit block to be shifted to the power saving mode, there is a problem in that it affects the performance of the information processing apparatus and the use of the user. is there.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and by performing power limitation more finely and stepwise without directly affecting the performance of the information processing apparatus and the normal usage status by the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of reducing the load on the entire information processing apparatus and preventing destruction of an AC adapter having a small rated power, a control method therefor, and a program.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that is connected to an external power supply and consumes power supplied from the external power supply. Monitoring means for monitoring the amount; calculation means for calculating an average value of the amount of power monitored within a predetermined time by the monitoring means; and detecting a maximum value of the power amount monitored within the predetermined time by the monitoring means. Detecting means for determining that the average value of the calculated power amount exceeds the rated power of the external power source and / or that the maximum value of the detected power amount exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power source. When the power consumption is limited step by step in a predetermined order, the average value of the calculated power amount is the external power source even if the power consumption is limited stepwise in the predetermined order. Rated power Exceeded, and / or when said maximum value of the detected power amount is determined to exceed the maximum rated power of the external power supply, the cut off power supplied from an external power source, of the calculated amount of power When it is determined that the average value is equal to or less than the rated power of the external power source and the maximum value of the detected power amount is equal to or less than the maximum rated power of the external power source, the order is reverse to the predetermined order. And control means for releasing the restriction of the consumed power step by step.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a battery charged with electric power supplied from the external power source, and arithmetic processing means for controlling operation, wherein the restriction is performed. And means for restricting charging of the battery, prohibiting turbo mode operation in response to an increase in operation clock of the arithmetic processing means, adjusting a power mode of the arithmetic processing means, limiting operation of a graphic function by the arithmetic processing means, and calculating the arithmetic processing means The power consumption is limited step by step in the order of reduction of the operation clock and luminance suppression of the display means on which the calculation result by the calculation processing means is displayed.

Furthermore, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the power mode of the arithmetic processing unit is adjusted by changing P-STATE, and the operation clock of the arithmetic processing unit is adjusted. reduction of, characterized by being carried out by setting the processing means in the hot mode on-state.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the control method according to the present invention described in claim 4 is a control method for an information processing apparatus that is connected to an external power supply and consumes power supplied from the external power supply. A means for monitoring the amount of power consumed, a step for calculating an average value of the amount of power monitored within a predetermined time by the step for monitoring, and a step for monitoring by the detection means. Detecting the maximum value of the amount of power monitored within the predetermined time by the control means, and the control means detects that the average value of the calculated power amount exceeds the rated power of the external power source and / or is detected. When it is determined that the maximum value of the power amount exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power source, the step of limiting the power consumption in a predetermined order stepwise, and the consumption stepwise in the predetermined order Power limit When it is determined that the calculated average amount of power exceeds the rated power of the external power source and / or the maximum value of the detected power amount exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power source Shutting off the power supplied from the external power source, the average value of the calculated electric energy is equal to or less than the rated power of the external power source, and the maximum value of the detected electric energy is the external power source A step of releasing the restriction of the consumed power stepwise in an order reverse to the predetermined order when it is determined that the power is less than or equal to the maximum rated power.

In order to solve the above problem, the program according to the present invention described in claim 5 is readable by a computer that is executed by an information processing apparatus that is connected to an external power supply and consumes power supplied from the external power supply. A program, wherein the monitoring unit monitors the consumed electric energy, and the calculation unit calculates an average value of the electric energy monitored within a predetermined time by the monitoring process within a predetermined time. And a process in which the detection means detects the maximum value of the amount of power monitored within the predetermined time by the process to be monitored, and a control means determines that the average value of the calculated power quantity is the rated power of the external power source. And / or when it is determined that the maximum value of the detected electric energy exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power source, the consumed power is stepwise in a predetermined order. Restrictions and processing for the average value of the stepwise the consumption to the calculated amount of power even if the power limit in the predetermined order exceeds the rated power of the external power supply, and / or the detection A process of shutting off the power supplied from the external power supply when it is determined that the maximum value of the calculated power consumption exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power supply, and the average value of the calculated power consumption is the external power supply And when the maximum value of the detected power amount is determined to be less than or equal to the maximum rated power of the external power source, the consumption is stepwise in a reverse order to the predetermined order. And a process of canceling the restriction of power.

  According to the present invention, the load on the entire information processing apparatus is reduced by performing power limitation more finely and stepwise without directly affecting the performance of the information processing apparatus and the normal usage status by the user. An information processing apparatus capable of preventing destruction of an AC adapter with low power, a control method thereof, and a program are obtained.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an overall configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining operation | movement of the information processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining operation | movement of the information processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining operation | movement of the information processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining operation | movement of the information processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining operation | movement of the information processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining operation | movement of the information processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining operation | movement of the information processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention.

  Next, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified thru | or abbreviate | omitted suitably. The content of the present invention will be briefly described. An information processing apparatus that is connected to an external power source and consumes power supplied from the external power source. The monitoring unit monitors the amount of power consumed, and the monitoring unit performs a predetermined time. A calculating means for calculating an average value of the monitored electric energy, a detecting means for detecting a maximum value of the electric energy monitored within a predetermined time by the monitoring means, and the calculated average value of the electric energy is an external power source Limiting means for limiting the power consumed step by step in a predetermined order when it is determined that the rated power exceeds the maximum power and / or the maximum value of the detected power exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power supply. , The power load on the entire information processing apparatus by performing power limitation more finely and stepwise without directly affecting the performance of the information processing apparatus and the normal usage status by the user. Reduced, it is possible to prevent destruction of the AC adapter power rating is low.

  First, the overall configuration of the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The notebook PC 100 includes a main body case 106 and a lid 103 that is rotatably held by a hinge 102 at the rear portion of the main body case 106. A circuit element unit group including a CPU is accommodated in the main body case 106, and a liquid crystal panel 104 is provided on the inner surface of the lid 103. A circuit board on which the CPU is mounted, another circuit element unit group, a battery pack, and the like are accommodated in the main body case 106. A keyboard 105, a touch pad 101, and the like are provided on the upper surface portion of the main body case 106. A power supply terminal 107 is provided, for example, on the right side surface outside the main body case 106, and an AC adapter 108 as an external power supply is connected to the power supply terminal 107. The AC adapter 108 converts AC (alternating current) power supplied from the outside into DC (direct current) power and supplies it to the notebook PC 100.

Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, a notebook PC 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention converts an AC power supplied from the outside into a DC power and supplies the notebook PC 100 with a DC adapter supplied from the AC adapter 108. The current consumed by the notebook PC 100 obtained by the charging circuit 206 that charges the battery 205 using the power supply and the DC current supplied from the AC adapter 108 or the DC current supplied from the battery 205 flowing through the detection resistor 211. Is measured by the ammeter 212, and based on the voltage converted by the detection resistor 211, the monitoring means 201 for monitoring the amount of power consumed by the notebook PC 100, and the notebook monitored by the monitoring means 201 within a predetermined time. Average value calculation means 202 for calculating the average value of the amount of power consumed by the mold PC 100, and monitoring Of the amount of power consumed by the notebook PC 100 monitored within a predetermined time by the stage 201, the maximum value detecting means 203 for detecting the maximum value and the power consumption within the predetermined time calculated by the average value calculating means 202 When it is determined that the average value exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 208 and / or the maximum value of power consumption within a predetermined time detected by the maximum value detecting means 203 is determined to exceed the maximum rating of the AC adapter. When this is done, it comprises a limiting means 204 that limits the power of the notebook PC 100 in stages.

  Then, the CPU (processor) 200 including the monitoring unit 201, the average value calculating unit 202, the maximum value detecting unit 203, and the limiting unit 204 increases the operating frequency (clock) of the CPU 200 according to the processing status of the CPU 200, Dynamic Turbo Boost 207, which is a function for temporarily increasing the processing speed, P-STATE 208 for adjusting the power mode of the CPU 200 by switching the frequency and voltage of the CPU 200, and Processor Hot 209, which is a mode for reducing the frequency of the CPU 200 In addition, the display 104 typified by a liquid crystal panel incorporates a graphic 210 having a function of displaying a result of arithmetic processing performed by the CPU 200.

  Here, the Dynamic Turbo Boost 208 will be briefly described. The Dynamic Turbo Boost 208 refers to a function that automatically operates the CPU 200 at a speed higher than the rated operating frequency. That is, it means a state where the performance of the CPU is improved so that the operation frequency may be exceeded beyond the maximum frequency for a predetermined short time. In the embodiment of the present invention, as will be described later, the function of the Dynamic Turbo Boost 208 is disabled, that is, restricted so as not to operate as one of power limiting means.

  Next, the P-STATE 208 for adjusting the power mode of the CPU 200 will be briefly described. When the CPU 200 is in an operating state, performance setting (P-STATE) can be performed on the CPU 200, and performance setting regarding the operating frequency and voltage of the CPU 200 is performed. In the P-STATE 208, as the number following P increases, the CPU 200 operates at a lower frequency and a lower voltage, and the frequency and voltage vary depending on the CPU used. P-STATE = 0 indicates a state that always provides the best performance. By switching the power mode of the CPU 200 step by step from P-STATE = 0 to P-STATE = 15, the frequency and voltage of the CPU 200 are reduced, and the power consumption is also reduced. This P-STATE setting is executed by inputting a command request to an OS (Operating System). It is possible to arbitrarily set the number of steps from P-STATE = 0 to the number of steps in accordance with the type of notebook PC.

  The processor hot 209 refers to operating the CPU 200 in the power saving mode in which the operating frequency is reduced to the lowest operating frequency from the normal mode operating at a high frequency. That is, power consumption is reduced by reducing the processing speed of the CPU 200.

  Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described. 3 to 9 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, first, in the process of step (hereinafter referred to as “S”) 301, the power consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 is monitored and measured by the monitoring means 201 (FIG. 2). . In the process of S302, the average power amount within a predetermined time is calculated by the average value calculation means 202. In the process of S303, the maximum power amount within a predetermined time is detected by the maximum value detecting unit 203. The predetermined time mentioned here may be an average power amount consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100, an average power value per second, a maximum power amount may be a peak power amount per second, etc. It is possible to set the time.

  In the process of S304, it is determined whether or not the average power amount within the predetermined time calculated in the process of S302 exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (FIG. 1) by a determination unit (not shown). If it is determined in S304 that the rated power is exceeded (S304: Y), the process proceeds to S306. If it is determined that the rated power is equal to or lower than the rated power (S304: N), the process proceeds to S305. Transition.

  In the processes of S305 and S306, it is determined whether or not the maximum power amount within the predetermined time detected in the process of S303 has exceeded the maximum rated power of the AC adapter 108 by a determination unit (not shown). If it is determined in step S305 that the maximum power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the maximum rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S305: N), the process ends. In the process of S304, the average power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S304: Y), and in the process of S306, the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108. If the average power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S304 (S304: Y), the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined in the process of S306. If the AC adapter is less than or equal to the maximum power of the AC adapter (S306: N) and the process of S304, the average power amount within a predetermined time is less than or equal to the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S304: N), the process of S305 When the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108 (S306: Y), the process proceeds to S401 in FIG.

  In the process of S401, charging of the battery 205 is restricted by the restricting unit 204 (FIG. 2). Specifically, charging from the charging circuit 206 to the battery 205 is limited by a control signal from the limiting unit 204. As a result, the current consumption in the charging circuit 206 is reduced, and the current consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed.

  In the process of S402, the charging of the battery 205 is restricted in the process of S401, and the current consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 is reduced. In the processes of S403 and S404, it is determined whether or not the power exceeds the maximum rated power of the AC adapter 108 in the processes of S403 and S404.

  In the process of S402, it is determined that the average power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S402: N), and in the process of S403, the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108. If it is determined that the power is equal to or lower than the power (S403: N), the process is terminated. In the process of S402, the average power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S402: Y), and in the process of S404, the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108. If the average power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S402 (S402: Y), the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined in the process of S404. When the power is below the maximum power of the AC adapter (S404: N) and the processing of S402, the average power amount within a predetermined time is less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S402: N), but at the processing of S403 When the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108 (S403: Y), the process proceeds to S501 in FIG.

  When it is determined in S403 that the maximum power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 (S403: N), the battery charging restriction performed in S401 is canceled. May be. This is because there may be a margin in power consumption depending on the usage status of the information processing apparatus (notebook PC).

  In the process of S501, the function of the Dynamic Turbo Boost 207 is disabled by the restriction unit 204 (FIG. 2), that is, restricted so as not to operate. Specifically, the control signal from the control unit 204 restricts the function of the CPU (processor) 200 to automatically shift to a function that operates at a higher speed than the rated operating frequency. Thereby, the current consumption in the CPU 200 is reduced, and the current consumed in the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 is reduced, so that the amount of power consumed is reduced.

  In the process of S502, the function of the Dynamic Turbo Boost 207 is limited in the process of S501, and the current consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 is reduced. In the processes of S503 and S504, whether or not the rated power is exceeded is determined whether or not the maximum power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the maximum rated power of the AC adapter 108.

  In the process of S502, it is determined that the average power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S502: N), and in the process of S503, the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108. If it is determined that the power is equal to or lower than the power (S503: N), the process is terminated. In the process of S502, the average power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S502: Y), and in the process of S504, the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108. (S504: Y), the average power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S502 (S502: Y), but the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined in the process of S504. When the power is below the maximum power of the AC adapter (S504: N) and the processing of S502, the average power amount within a predetermined time is less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S502: N), but at the processing of S503 When the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108 (S503: Y), the process proceeds to S601 in FIG.

  When it is determined in the process of S503 that the maximum power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 (S503: N), the restriction on the function of the Dynamic Turbo Boost 207 performed in the process of S501 is released. In addition, when there is a surplus in power consumption, the battery charging restriction performed in the process of S401 may be canceled. This is because there may be a margin in power consumption depending on the usage status of the information processing apparatus (notebook PC). As described above, when canceling the power restriction, a procedure reverse to the procedure in which the restriction is applied is followed.

  In the process of S601, the performance setting of the P-STATE 208 is changed stepwise from P-STATE = 0 to P-STATE = 15 by the control signal from the limiting unit 204 (FIG. 2), so that the power of the CPU 200 is increased. The mode is switched. As a result, the frequency and voltage of the CPU 200 are reduced, the current consumed by the CPU 200 is reduced, and the current consumed by the information processing device (notebook PC) 100 is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed. is there.

  In the process of S602, the performance setting of the P-STATE 208 is changed stepwise from P-STATE = 0 to P-STATE = 15 in the process of S601, and the current consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook type PC) 100 is changed. As a result of the reduction, whether or not the average power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108, and whether or not the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum rated power of the AC adapter 108 in the processing of S603 and S604. Each is determined.

  In the process of S602, it is determined that the average power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S602: N), and the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined as the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S603. If it is determined that the power is equal to or lower than the power (S603: N), the process is terminated. In the process of S602, the average power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S602: Y), and in the process of S604, the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108. If the average power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S602 (S602: Y), the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined in the process of S604. If the AC adapter is less than or equal to the maximum power of the AC adapter (S604: N) and the process of S602, the average power amount within a predetermined time is less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S602: N), the process of S603 When the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108 (S603: Y), the process proceeds to S701 in FIG.

  When it is determined in S603 that the maximum power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 (S603: N), the performance setting of P-STATE 208 performed in S601 is performed stepwise. If the power consumption still has a margin, the restriction on the function of the Dynamic Turbo Boost 207 performed in the process of S501 is canceled, and if there is a margin in the power consumption, the process was performed in S401. The battery charging restriction may be canceled. This is because there may be a margin in power consumption depending on the usage status of the information processing apparatus (notebook PC). As described above, when canceling the power restriction, a procedure reverse to the procedure in which the restriction is applied is followed.

  In the process of S701, the function of the graphic 210 performing the display control of the display 104 is limited by the control signal from the limiting unit 204 (FIG. 2). The CPU 200 has a graphic function in addition to the arithmetic processing function. By adjusting the frequency and voltage of the CPU 200, it is possible to limit the power only to the graphic function portion. Thereby, the operation of the graphic function of the CPU 200 is limited, the current consumption in the CPU 200 is reduced, and the current consumed in the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed. It is.

  In the process of S702, the operation of the function of the graphic 204 is limited in the process of S701, and the current consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 is reduced. As a result, the average power amount within a predetermined time is reduced to the AC adapter 108. In the processes of S703 and S704, it is determined whether or not the maximum power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the maximum rated power of the AC adapter 108, respectively.

  In the process of S702, it is determined that the average power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S702: N), and the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined as the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S703. If it is determined that the power is equal to or lower than the power (S703: N), the process is terminated. In step S702, the average power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S702: Y), and in step S704, the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108. If the average power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 in the processing of S702 (S702: Y), the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined in the processing of S704. When the power is below the maximum power of the AC adapter (S704: N) and the processing of S702, the average power amount within a predetermined time is less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S702: N), the processing of S703 When the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108 (S703: Y), the process proceeds to the process of S801 in FIG.

  When it is determined in S703 that the maximum power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 (S703: N), the operation of the function of the graphic 210 performed in S701 is restricted. If the power consumption is still sufficient, the P-STATE 208 performance setting performed in the process of S601 is returned in stages, and if the power consumption is sufficient, the process is performed in S501. If the restriction on the function of the Dynamic Turbo Boost 207 is released and the power consumption is still sufficient, the restriction on the charging of the battery performed in the process of S401 may be released. This is because there may be a margin in power consumption depending on the usage status of the information processing apparatus (notebook PC). As described above, when canceling the power restriction, a procedure reverse to the procedure in which the restriction is applied is followed.

  In the processing of S801, the processor hot 209 that causes the CPU 200 to operate in the power saving mode in which the operating frequency is reduced to the lowest operating frequency from the normal mode operating at the high frequency by the control signal from the limiting unit 204 (FIG. 2). Switch to mode. As a result, the CPU 200 operates in the power saving mode in which the operating frequency is reduced to the minimum operating frequency from the normal mode operating at the high frequency, and the current consumption is reduced due to the reduction in the processing speed. As the current consumed by the (type PC) 100 is reduced, the amount of power consumed is reduced.

  In the process of S802, as a result of the CPU (processor) 200 shifting to the processor hot 209 mode in the process of S801 and reducing the current consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100, the average power amount within a predetermined time In step S803 and step S804, it is determined whether or not the maximum power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the maximum rated power of the AC adapter 108.

  In the process of S802, it is determined that the average power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S802: N), and the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined as the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S803. If it is determined that the power is equal to or lower than the power (S803: N), the process is terminated. In step S802, the average power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S802: Y), and in step S804, the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108. If the average power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S802 (S804: Y), the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is increased in the process of S804. When the power is equal to or less than the maximum power of the AC adapter (S804: N), and in the process of S802, the average power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S802: N), the process of S803 When the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108 (S803: Y), the process proceeds to S901 in FIG.

  When it is determined in S803 that the maximum power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 (S803: N), the CPU (processor) 200 performed in S801 is replaced with the processor hot 209. When the mode is returned to the normal mode and there is a margin in power consumption, the restriction of the function operation of the graphic 210 performed in the process of S701 is canceled, and in the case where there is still a margin in power consumption, S601 is performed. The performance setting of P-STATE 208 performed in the process of step S1 is returned in stages, and if there is a surplus in power consumption, the restriction on the function of the Dynamic Turbo Boost 207 performed in the process of S501 is canceled and the power consumption is still If there is room in the battery, the battery charging restriction performed in the process of S401 may be canceled. This is because there may be a margin in power consumption depending on the usage status of the information processing apparatus (notebook PC). As described above, when canceling the power restriction, a procedure reverse to the procedure in which the restriction is applied is followed.

  In the process of S901, the brightness of the display 104 represented by the liquid crystal panel is suppressed by the control signal from the limiting unit 204 (FIG. 2). As a result, the display 104 shifts from a state in which it operates at high luminance to a state in which luminance is suppressed, thereby reducing current consumption and reducing current consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100. As a result, the amount of power consumed is reduced.

  In the process of S902, the display brightness of the display 105 is shifted to a low brightness state in the process of S901, and the current consumed by the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 is reduced. In step S903 and S904, it is determined whether or not the maximum power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the maximum rated power of the AC adapter 108.

  In the process of S902, it is determined that the average power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S902: N), and the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined as the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S903. When it is determined that the power is equal to or lower than the power (S903: N), the process is terminated. In step S902, the average power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S902: Y), and in step S904, the maximum power amount within the predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108. If the average power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the rated power of the AC adapter 108 in the process of S902 (S902: Y), the maximum power amount within the predetermined time is determined in the process of S904. If it is equal to or less than the maximum power of the AC adapter (S904: N) and the process of S902, the average power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the rated power of the AC adapter 108 (S902: N), the process of S903 If the maximum power amount within a predetermined time exceeds the maximum power amount of the AC adapter 108 (S903: Y), the system of the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 is in an abnormal state. Since obtaining, in the process of S905, to cut off the power supplied to the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100.

  When it is determined in step S903 that the maximum power amount within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the maximum rating of the AC adapter 108 (S903: N), the display brightness of the display 105 performed in step S901 is the original state. If the power consumption is sufficient, the CPU (processor) 200 performed in S801 is returned from the processor hot 209 mode to the normal mode, and if the power consumption is sufficient, the process proceeds to S701. When the restriction on the operation of the function of the graphic 210 performed in the processing is released and the power consumption is still sufficient, the performance setting of the P-STATE 208 performed in the processing of S601 is returned in stages, and the power consumption is further increased. If there is a margin, the restriction on the function of Dynamic Turbo Boost 207 performed in the process of S501 is canceled, and if there is a margin in the power consumption, You may make it cancel | release the charge limitation of the battery performed by the process of S401. This is because there may be a margin in power consumption depending on the usage status of the information processing apparatus (notebook PC). As described above, when canceling the power restriction, a procedure reverse to the procedure in which the restriction is applied is followed.

  Note that each operation flow of the information processing apparatus (notebook PC) 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3 to 9 can be executed by a program on a computer. That is, the CPU 200 of the information processing apparatus 100 loads a program stored in a storage unit (not shown) including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and each processing step of the program is sequentially executed. Is done by doing.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an information processing apparatus connected to an external power supply and consuming power supplied from the external power supply, the monitoring means for monitoring the amount of power consumed, and the monitoring means Calculating means for calculating the average value of the amount of power monitored within a predetermined time, detecting means for detecting the maximum value of the amount of power monitored within the predetermined time by the monitoring means, and the average value of the calculated amount of power When it is determined that exceeds the rated power of the external power supply and / or the maximum value of the detected power exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power supply, the power consumed in stages is limited in a predetermined order. Limiting the power consumption of the information processing apparatus in a more detailed and stepwise manner without directly affecting the performance of the information processing apparatus and the normal usage by the user. Reducing the load, an information processing apparatus capable of preventing the destruction of the AC adapter power rating is low, it is possible to obtain a control method, and a program.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. is there.

100 notebook PC (information processing equipment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Touchpad 102 Hinge 103 Cover body 104 Liquid crystal panel 105 Keyboard 106 Main body case 107 Power supply terminal 108 AC adapter 200 CPU (processor)
201 monitoring means 202 average value calculating means 203 maximum value detecting means 204 limiting means 205 battery 206 charging circuit 207 Dynamic Turbo Boost
208 P-STATE
209 Processor hot 210 Graphic 211 Resistance 212 Ammeter

Claims (5)

An information processing apparatus connected to an external power source and consuming power supplied from the external power source,
Monitoring means for monitoring the amount of power consumed;
Calculating means for calculating an average value of the amount of power monitored within a predetermined time by the monitoring means;
Detecting means for detecting a maximum value of the electric energy monitored within the predetermined time by the monitoring means;
When it is determined that the calculated average amount of power exceeds the rated power of the external power source and / or the maximum value of the detected power amount exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power source, Even if the power consumption is limited stepwise in order, and the power consumption is limited stepwise in the predetermined order, the average value of the calculated power amount exceeds the rated power of the external power source. And / or when it is determined that the maximum value of the detected electric energy exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power supply, the power supplied from the external power supply is shut off, and the average of the calculated electric energy is calculated. When it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the rated power of the external power source and the maximum value of the detected power amount is equal to or less than the maximum rated power of the external power source, the steps are performed in an order reverse to the predetermined order. The power consumption limit And control means for dividing,
An information processing apparatus comprising: A battery charged by electric power supplied from the external power source, further comprising a processing means for controlling operation, said control means, a turbo accompanying charge limiting operation clock rise of the processing means of the battery Prohibition of mode operation, adjustment of power mode of the arithmetic processing means, restriction of graphic function operation by the arithmetic processing means, reduction of operation clock of the arithmetic processing means, and display means for displaying the arithmetic result by the arithmetic processing means The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power consumption is limited step by step in the order of luminance suppression.   Adjustment of the power mode of the arithmetic processing means is performed by changing P-STATE, and the operation clock of the arithmetic processing means is reduced by setting the arithmetic processing means to a hot mode on state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. A control method of an information processing apparatus connected to an external power source and consuming power supplied from the external power source,
Monitoring means for monitoring the amount of power consumed;
A step of calculating an average value of the amount of power monitored within a predetermined time by the monitoring step;
A step of detecting a maximum value of the amount of power monitored within the predetermined time by the monitoring step;
The control means
When it is determined that the calculated average amount of power exceeds the rated power of the external power source and / or the maximum value of the detected power amount exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power source, A step of limiting the consumed power step by step in order;
Even if the power consumption is limited stepwise in the predetermined order, the average value of the calculated power amount exceeds the rated power of the external power source and / or the maximum value of the detected power amount Shutting off the power supplied from the external power source when it is determined that exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power source,
When it is determined that the calculated average amount of power is equal to or less than the rated power of the external power source, and the maximum value of the detected power amount is equal to or less than the maximum rated power of the external power source, Removing the restriction of the consumed power step by step in the reverse order of
The control method characterized by including. A computer-readable program connected to an external power source and executed by an information processing device that consumes power supplied from the external power source,
Monitoring means for monitoring the amount of power consumed;
A process in which the calculating means calculates an average value within a predetermined time of the amount of power monitored within a predetermined time by the monitoring process;
A process of detecting a maximum value of the amount of power monitored within the predetermined time by the process of monitoring;
The control means
When it is determined that the calculated average amount of power exceeds the rated power of the external power source and / or the maximum value of the detected power amount exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power source, Processing to limit the consumed power step by step in order;
Even if the power consumption is limited stepwise in the predetermined order, the average value of the calculated power amount exceeds the rated power of the external power source and / or the maximum value of the detected power amount When it is determined that exceeds the maximum rated power of the external power supply, a process of cutting off the power supplied from the external power supply,
When it is determined that the calculated average amount of power is equal to or less than the rated power of the external power source, and the maximum value of the detected power amount is equal to or less than the maximum rated power of the external power source, A process of releasing the restriction of the consumed power step by step in the reverse order of
The program characterized by including.

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