JP2000339065A - Information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute power supply control in a cooperated state between a master device and a slave peripheral device in a system connecting the master device to the slave peripheral device through an interface having no power supply monitoring function. SOLUTION: The information processing system connecting a slave peripheral device 101 to a master device 100 through an interface cable 102 having no power supply monitoring function is provided with a remote adaptor 103 connected to both of the mater device 100 and the slave peripheral device 101 respectively through an AC line monitoring interface 103a and a power supply control interface 103b independently of the cable 102. When the adaptor 103 outputs a power ON/OFF control signal to the device 101 through the interface 103b in accordance with the power supply state of the master device 100 which is detected through the interface 103a, the ON/OFF of the power supply of the slave device 101 interlocking with the master device 101 can be controlled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to information processing technology, and more particularly, to one or more higher-order devices, lower-order peripheral devices,
The present invention relates to a technology that is effective when applied to power control and the like in an information processing system including a non-stop power supply.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in an information processing system, an upper device such as a host computer and a lower peripheral device such as a peripheral device under the host computer are connected via a desired input / output interface, so that data can be exchanged between them. In general, a configuration for exchanging information is provided. Regarding the power ON / OFF of the upper-level device and the subordinate peripheral devices under the control, it is necessary to turn on / off the power of the lower-level peripheral device in conjunction with the power ON / OFF of the upper-level device. Look natural.

When a higher-level device and a lower-level peripheral device are connected by an interface cable, a signal (T) indicating the power supply state of the higher-level device, such as a SCSI interface, is used.
(Emitter power signal)
Using the signal, that is, power ON / OF of the host device
At F, the power of the lower peripheral device can be turned on / off.

As a reference technology, FIG. 5 shows a case where a power supply monitoring signal 1003 of a host device 1000 is present in an interface cable 1002. In this case, the power supply state of the higher-level device 1000 is transmitted to the lower-level peripheral device 1001 by the power supply monitoring signal 1003 of the interface cable 1002,
Upon receiving the monitoring signal, the lower peripheral device 1001 can perform power control.

[0005]

However, in the case of an interface that does not have a signal indicating the power supply state of the higher-level device, there is a technical problem that power control of the lower-level peripheral device cannot be performed only by ON / OFF of the higher-level device. There is. In recent years, due to the extension of the interface cable, the upper device and the lower peripheral device are often not on the same floor, and when a plurality of lower peripheral devices are on different floors or remote locations, the power control of the lower peripheral device is also greatly increased. This requires more labor and lowers maintenance efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system in which a host device and a lower peripheral device are connected to each other by an interface having no power monitoring function on the host device side, according to the ON / OFF state of the power supply of the host device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of controlling the ON / OFF state of the power supply of a lower peripheral device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of controlling the power supply of the lower peripheral device according to the power supply state of the upper device with less labor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of realizing more efficient maintenance management work such as power management of a higher-order device and a lower-order peripheral device.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an information processing system for transmitting and receiving information between a higher-order device and a lower-order peripheral device by connecting a higher-order device and a lower-order peripheral device by a first interface. Independently of the first interface, a second interface is provided for controlling the state of the power supply of the lower peripheral device according to the state of the power supply of the upper device.

More specifically, as an example, the present invention relates to an information processing system in which an upper device and a lower peripheral device are connected by an interface having no power monitoring signal.
A power supply monitoring module (hereinafter, referred to as a remote adapter) for monitoring a power supply state of a higher-level device is connected as a second interface separately from the interface described above, and the remote adapter is used in accordance with the power supply state of the higher-level device. This is for performing power supply remote control of a lower peripheral device.

[0011]

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

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a part of the system in more detail. FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing system according to the present embodiment connects an upper device 100, a lower peripheral device 101 operating under the upper device 100, and connects the upper device 100 and the lower peripheral device 101. And an interface cable 102 for exchanging information. The interface cable 102 does not depend on serial / parallel and allows a plurality of pieces of information to be transferred between the higher-level device 100 and the lower-level peripheral device 101 in a time-division manner.

In the case of this embodiment, for example, the interface cable 102 is constituted by a fiber channel or the like,
If there is no power monitoring signal of the higher-level device 100, the lower-level peripheral device 101 cannot know the power state of the higher-level device 100. Therefore, even when the higher-level device 100 is turned off, the lower-level peripheral device 101 cannot automatically turn off the power. Conversely, even when the power of the higher-level device 100 is turned on, the lower-level peripheral device 101
Does not automatically recognize that the power is turned on.

Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, separately from the interface cable 102, the AC line monitoring interface 103a and the power control interface 1 are connected to both the upper device 100 and the lower peripheral device 101, respectively.
A remote adapter 103 connected via the remote controller 103b is provided. Although not particularly shown, the lower peripheral device 101
It has a function of turning on / off its own power supply in the logical state of the power supply control interface 103b.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the remote adapter 103. That is, the remote adapter 103 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the AC input from the host device 100 monitored by the own adapter obtained from the AC line monitoring interface 103a and the other remote adapter 103 on the upper stage in the case of a plurality of configurations described later. The power supply control interface 103b is input, and the other remote adapter 1
03 or the operation of outputting the power control interface 103b to the lower peripheral device 101. The power supply control interface 103b receives a signal from another remote adapter 103
C output and AC monitoring output from another remote adapter 103.

Each of the remote adapters 103 includes an A / D converter 103h and an A / D converter for converting an AC input from the host device 100 monitored by the own adapter obtained from the AC line monitoring interface 103a into a predetermined DC voltage. A mode switch 103c for switching whether or not to transmit the output of 103h to the subsequent remote adapter 103 or the lower peripheral device 101 as an AC monitoring output from another remote adapter 103, an A / D converter 103h
Output from other remote adapter 103
The logical sum of the diode 103d output as the C output, the DC output from the other remote adapter 103, and the output of the mode switch 103c is output to the AC line monitoring interface 103a as the AC monitoring output from the other remote adapter 103. OR circuit 10
3e, a photodiode 103f for controlling whether or not a DC output from the other remote adapter 103 is input to the OR circuit 103e based on an AC monitoring output from the other remote adapter 103, a transistor 103g, and the like. .

As shown in FIG. 1, one upper device 100 and one lower peripheral device 101
In the case of intervening one-to-one, the remote adapter 103
The mode change switch 103c is closed to operate in the cascade mode.

In the case of this embodiment, the lower peripheral device 101
Remote power control is performed by the following method.

That is, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a remote adapter 103 provided separately from a normal interface cable 102 is connected to a service outlet or the like of a higher-level device 100 via an AC line monitoring interface 103a. The power line of the device 100 is monitored. The service outlet is connected to the host device 100.
Is an outlet provided for supplying operating power to nearby devices, and the ON / OFF state changes in conjunction with the power supply state of the host device 100 itself. The host device 100 does not need a function of transmitting ON / OFF for its own power supply line. In the remote adapter 103, the host device 100
Power line (in this case, service outlet output)
, And outputs an AC monitoring output signal and a DC output signal to the lower peripheral device 101 as the power supply control interface 103b.

In the lower peripheral device 101, the remote adapter 103 sends AC power as the power control interface 103b.
The output signal of the monitoring output and the DC output is received, and the ON / OFF control of the power supply of the own device is performed by the output signal.
When the power of the higher-level device 100 is ON, the remote adapter 103 outputs a signal to turn the power ON (, is high level).
Is output to the lower peripheral device 101. When the power of the higher-level device 100 is turned off, the remote adapter 103 outputs a signal to turn off the power to the lower-level peripheral device 101 (, "L" level). In response to this, the lower peripheral device 101 performs a power OFF process. Also, the host device 100
Is turned on, the remote adapter 103 outputs a signal indicating that the power is on to the lower-level peripheral device 101, and the lower-level peripheral device 101 turns on its own power in response to the signal.

As described above, in the case of the first embodiment, the higher-level device 100 and the lower-level peripheral device 101 are connected to the higher-level device 100 via the interface cable 102 such as a fiber channel having no power monitoring signal interface.
Also, in the case where the remote peripheral device 101 is connected, remote control of the power supply of the lower peripheral device 101 can be performed by using the remote adapter 103 provided separately from the interface cable 102.

As a result, for example, an interface that can be connected over a relatively long distance, such as a fiber channel, is used as the interface cable 102, and the higher-level device 100 and the lower-level peripheral device 101 under its control are arranged on different floors or remote locations. Even in such a case, the power of the lower peripheral device 101 is turned on in conjunction with the ON / OFF of the power of the upper device 100.
N / OFF can be performed, and the power control operation can be performed with less labor. Therefore,
It is possible to realize more efficient maintenance management work such as power management of the higher-level device 100 and the lower-level peripheral device 101.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of the second embodiment, the host device 1
The case where the non-stop power supply 105 for the higher-order device and the non-stop power supply 106 for the lower-order peripheral device are connected to the lower peripheral device 101 and 00, respectively, will be described. In this case, the remote adapter 103 operates in the cascade mode as in the case of FIG.
5. Connect to the lower-level peripheral device 101 (FIG. 3 shows a state where the remote adapter 103 is connected to both the higher-level device non-stop power supply 105 and the higher-level device 100 for simplicity. Is fine). As in the case of the first embodiment, the function of transmitting ON / OFF of the power supply line is not required on the host device 100 side. The remote adapter 103 monitors the power supply line of the host device 100 or the non-stop power supply 105 for the host device, and
An ON / OFF signal is output according to the detection of the FF. ON
/ OF signal, the lower peripheral device 101 receives its own power supply O.
N / OFF control is performed.

In the case of the second embodiment, the effects exemplified in the first embodiment can be obtained, and if necessary, the remote adapter 1 is connected to the non-stop power supply 105 for the higher-level device.
Connecting 03 allows an effect that remote power control of the lower peripheral device 101 can be performed without using an interface having a power monitoring signal.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of the third embodiment, a case where there are a plurality of components of the second embodiment will be described. Each of the plurality of higher-level devices 100-1 to 100-n is connected to each of the lower-level peripheral devices 101-1 to 101-n via each of the interface cables 102-1 to 102-n. Non-stop power supplies 105-1 to 105-n for the host device are connected to each of the plurality of host devices 100-1 to 100-n, and the lower peripheral devices 101-1 to 101-n are connected to each of the lower peripheral devices 101-1 to 101-n. Non-stop power supply 106-1 to 106-
n are connected.

In this case, the remote adapters 103-1 to 103-1
103-n is connected to the upper devices 100-1 to 100-n, the non-stop power supply 105-1 to 105-n for the upper device, and the lower peripheral devices 101-1 to 101-n. Regarding the remote adapters 103-2 to 103-n, the monitoring of the AC line and the remote
The output signal from 3- (n-1) is input, and the logical sum of the two signals is output. In this case, the uppermost remote adapter 103-1 operates in the cascade mode, and the lower remote adapters 103-2 to 103-n operate in the hub mode. Power supply line is ON /
No function of transmitting OFF is required. Remote adapter 1
03-1 to 103-n are host devices 100-1 to 100-100
-N or non-stop power supply 105-1 to 105-
n power supply lines, and
Outputs an OFF signal when all of -n are turned off. On the contrary, from the OFF state, the host devices 100-1 to 100-100
An ON signal is output when any of -n is turned ON. The lower peripheral devices 101-1 to 101-n are connected to the power supply control interface 103b from the remote adapter 103-n.
ON / OFF signal, and own power ON / OF
F is controlled.

As described above, in the case of the third embodiment,
Even when the host device 100 and the subordinate peripheral devices 101 have a plurality of configurations, the power ON / OFF of the subordinate peripheral device 101 group side is performed according to the ON / OFF state of the power source of the host device 100 group.
FF control can be performed, and substantial improvement in maintenance management work such as power management can be realized as compared with the case where ON / OFF control of each power supply of the lower peripheral device group 101 is manually performed. Becomes possible.

Although the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment, the invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Needless to say, there is.

[0032]

According to the information processing system of the present invention, in an information processing system in which a higher-level device and a lower-level peripheral device are connected to each other by an interface having no power monitoring function on the higher-level device, the power supply of the higher-level device is turned on. The effect that the ON / OFF state of the power supply of the lower peripheral device can be controlled according to the / OFF state.

Further, there is an effect that the control of the power supply of the lower peripheral device according to the power supply state of the upper device can be performed with less labor.

In addition, there is an effect that the efficiency of maintenance management work such as power management of the upper device and the lower peripheral device can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a part of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention in more detail;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a system according to the reference technology of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

100: upper device, 100-1 to 100-n: upper device, 101: lower peripheral device, 101-1 to 101-n ...
Lower peripheral device, 102... Interface cable (first
, 102-1 to 102-n... Interface cable (first interface), 103.
Remote adapter (second interface), 103-
1 to 103-n: remote adapter (second interface); 103a: AC line monitoring interface (second interface); 103b: power supply control interface (second interface); 103c: mode changeover switch; 103d: diode; 103e: OR circuit, 103f: Photodiode, 103g: Transistor, 103h: A / D converter, 105: Non-stop power supply for host device, 105-1 to 105-n: Nonstop power supply for host device, 106: Lower order Non-stop power supply for peripheral devices, 106-
1 to 106-n: Non-stop power supply for lower peripheral devices.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Shigeichi Maeba 2880 Kozu, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa F-term in Hitachi Computer Equipment Co., Ltd. 5B011 EA10 EB03 FF01 GG05 HH01 MA13 5B014 HC03

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An information processing system for transmitting and receiving information between a higher-level device and a lower-level peripheral device by connecting a higher-level device and a lower-level peripheral device by a first interface, An information processing system comprising a second interface that is independent of an interface and controls a power supply state of the lower peripheral device according to a power supply state of the upper device. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said second interface is a power supply monitoring line for monitoring a power supply state of said higher-level device, and a power supply control for controlling a power supply state of said lower-level peripheral device. An information processing system, comprising: a line; and a remote adapter that outputs a signal for controlling power of the lower peripheral device to the power supply control line according to a state of the power supply monitoring line. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein a non-stop power supply for a host device is connected to the host device,
The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the second interface controls a power supply of the lower peripheral device according to a power supply state of at least one of the upper device and the non-stop power supply for the upper device. 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein a non-stop power supply for a lower peripheral device is connected to the lower peripheral device, and the second interface is a power supply for the upper device. An information processing system, wherein a power supply of the lower-order peripheral device is controlled according to a state. 5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said higher-level device and said lower-level peripheral device is composed of a plurality, and said second interface is at least one of said higher-level devices. An information processing system, wherein a power supply state of at least one of the lower peripheral devices is controlled according to a power supply state of the apparatus.