JP2002062947A - Automatic reset computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a computer capable of providing a smooth response to a user by a communication request from network equipment or the user's input operation and being automatically reset to a set time in the presence of an automatic execution program to save the power without impairing server function. SOLUTION: When idling is continued in a CPU 106 for a fixed time, this computer is transferred to hibernation, and the power to the CPU 106, a RAM 111, or the like is stopped to save the power of others except a communication circuit 114, an input and output circuit 113, a peripheral circuit 109, a power supply control circuit 102, an automatic reset circuit 105 and an interruption detecting circuit 108. The state or memory content of the CPU 106 is evacuated to a nonvolatile memory 115. When the presence of the automatic execution program is confirmed prior to the above, the recovery time is set to a reset timer 120. When the communication circuit 114 detects the communication request, or the reset timer 120 or peripheral circuit 109 is triggered, a signal is transmitted from the interruption detecting circuit 108 to the automatic reset circuit 105 to return the computer from the hibernation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to state management of a computer, and it is possible to make it seem as if it is always operating by returning immediately and responding when necessary. Relates to a computer that automatically shifts to hibernation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an existing computer, when it is used as a mail server, a print server, or the like, it has been turned on and operated regardless of whether or not it is used at that time.

As a mechanism of the power saving mode in some existing computers, a method has been adopted in which the state of the CPU is monitored and the internal clock of the CPU is reduced when an idle time equal to or longer than a set value is monitored.

[0004] In a notebook computer,
Power saving has been achieved by lowering the internal clock of the CPU and adjusting the backlight of the liquid crystal monitor depending on the state of the power supply.

As a method of further shifting to power saving, a method of shifting to a state called hibernation, that is, a state of the CPU is monitored, and after an idle time equal to or longer than a set value is monitored, the contents of the RAM and the CPU are transferred to a hard disk There is a method of evacuating to the upper side and stopping the supply of power, thereby realizing power saving.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, CPU
In the method of realizing power saving by internal clock down, there is a problem that the clock supply to the bus and the peripheral circuit is continued, and power saving other than the CPU is not reduced.

In the method of realizing power saving by hibernation, a method of returning a computer requires a method of sending a specific packet via a network or a specific operation such as a user operating a switch. There has been a problem that it is necessary to incorporate a program that issues the packet into the client, and that the user must perform additional operations according to the state of the computer.

Further, since an automatic execution program on a server, such as cron in Unix, is not executed during hibernation, hibernation cannot be used when used as a server.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for automatically returning to a communication request from another network device or an input operation by a user, thereby enabling other network devices or users to automatically return. In addition to providing a smooth response to the program, if there is an auto-executing program, it automatically returns at that time to operate the auto-executing program.
An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic return computer which can save power by being in hibernation when there is no work to be performed by U.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an automatic return computer according to the present invention comprises a load monitoring means for monitoring a state in which there is no work to be performed by a CPU at idle time, and a load monitoring means for setting the load monitoring means to a predetermined value. Hibernation execution means for controlling the power supply control unit to shift to the hibernation state in which the CPU and the system bus are stopped when the idle time exceeding the idle time is measured, and a trigger for returning from the hibernation state while being supplied with power even in the hibernation state Interrupt detecting means for detecting the CP and controlling the power supply control unit when the trigger is detected even when the power is supplied even in the hibernation state.
U and a system bus for automatically supplying power to the system bus, the CPU for returning from the hibernation state at a high speed by the power supply, and the CPU required for returning from the hibernation state when transitioning to the hibernation state. Storage means for saving the state and the stored contents.

Alternatively, in the automatic return computer, a trigger for returning from the hibernation state is a trigger after a lapse of a set time from the transition to the hibernation state by a return timer supplied with power even in the hibernation state. It is characterized by.

Alternatively, in the automatic recovery computer, a trigger for returning from the hibernation state is a trigger by an input / output with an external device in an input / output circuit to which power is supplied even in the hibernation state.

[0013] Alternatively, in the automatic recovery computer, a trigger for returning from the hibernation state is a trigger by a control of a peripheral device in a peripheral circuit designated in advance and supplied with power even in the hibernation state. It is characterized by.

Alternatively, in the automatic recovery computer, a trigger for returning from the hibernation state may be a trigger caused by a human body being detected by the human body sensor in a peripheral circuit which is supplied with power even in the hibernation state and cooperates with the human body sensor. It is characterized by.

Alternatively, in the automatic return computer, when there is an automatic execution program to be executed after a specific time when shifting to hibernation, the specific time is set as the set time in the return timer before the shift. It is characterized by doing.

Alternatively, in the automatic return computer, the automatic return means stops the power supply of a peripheral device connected via a peripheral circuit in conjunction with the transition to the hibernation state, and interlocks with the return from the hibernation state. And is controlled to return.

Alternatively, in the above-mentioned automatic recovery computer, a trigger for returning from the hibernation state is a trigger based on detection of a network packet from a communication circuit supplied with power even in the hibernation state.

In the present invention, the state of the CPU is monitored, and if idle for a certain period of time, the mode shifts to hibernation. Prior to hibernation, the presence or absence of an automatic execution program is automatically checked, and if there is an automatic execution program, a specific time for executing the program is set in a return timer.

Hibernation refers to stopping power supply to the CPU and the memory and supplying power only to a portion that receives a return event. When the contents disappear due to the stop of the power supply to the CPU and the memory, the memory image and the state of the CPU are saved to a nonvolatile storage unit. Therefore, power is saved except for the communication circuit, the input / output circuit, the peripheral circuit, the power control unit, the automatic return circuit, and the interrupt detection circuit.

When there is a connection request (communication request) from a client on the network, the communication circuit detects the connection request, sends a trigger signal to the interrupt detection circuit, and returns from hibernation. Alternatively, a trigger signal is sent from the automatic return means to the interrupt detecting means by the return timer before the start time of the automatic execution program, and the apparatus returns from hibernation.
Alternatively, the device returns from hibernation upon detection of an interrupt (trigger detection) from a peripheral circuit.

According to the present invention, a computer that provides the same function as a continuously operating computer by automatically returning when necessary, and is in a hibernation state when there is no work to be performed by the CPU. In this way, a power saving operation is performed.

When connected to a network,
By returning from hibernation using a network packet, a service can be received without changing the OS and application of the existing client at all.

In addition, a user's input can be restored without requiring any special operation, thereby providing a comfortable environment.

[0024]

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

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an automatic return computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the automatic return computer according to the present embodiment comprises a CPU 106 for processing, a RAM 111 for primary storage, and a secondary storage 11 for secondary storage.
2. Non-volatile memory 115 as storage means for storing non-volatile data; frequency dividing circuit 107 for dividing a clock to a desired clock; and input / output circuit 11 for controlling input and output with the outside
3. a communication circuit 114 for controlling communication with the outside, a display circuit 116 for performing display, a bus 110 for connecting them, and a hibernation execution device 10 for executing hibernation
1. A power supply control unit 102 for controlling a power supply, a load monitoring device 103 for measuring an idle time by monitoring a load, and a clock generation circuit 10 for generating a reference clock.
4. It is composed of an automatic recovery circuit 105 for automatic recovery, an interrupt detection circuit 108 for detecting an interrupt, and a peripheral circuit 109 for controlling peripheral devices.

In the present embodiment, power is supplied during hibernation because of a power control unit 102 for controlling power, an automatic return circuit 105 for automatic recovery, an interrupt detection circuit 108 for detecting an interrupt, and peripheral devices. Peripheral circuit 109, input / output circuit 1 for external input / output
13, a communication circuit 114 that manages communication with the outside. Note that this is an example, and power supply during hibernation can be cut off for a circuit that handles an unused interrupt. Further, the power supply of the peripheral device connected to the peripheral circuit may be stopped in association with the hibernation.

The state change according to this embodiment will be described step by step with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

(1) After the computer is first started, the load monitoring device 103 measures the idle time of the CPU 106, compares it with the set value, and continues measuring the idle time if the set value is not reached. (S10
1).

(2) If the idle time exceeds the set value, it is checked whether or not there is an automatic execution program (S10).
2).

(3) If there is an automatic execution program, the automatic recovery time is set in the recovery timer 120 in the automatic recovery circuit 105 (S103). Incidentally, an arbitrary automatic return time can be set in the return timer 120 regardless of the presence or absence of the automatic execution program.

(4) When there is no automatic execution program or when the setting of the automatic return circuit 105 is completed,
The contents of the PU 106 and the RAM 111 are saved (S
104). In FIG. 1, the evacuation is performed in the non-volatile memory 115.
It is also possible to evacuate to 12. However, in order to quickly recover from hibernation, the nonvolatile memory 11
It is more advantageous to use 5.

(5) After the contents of the CPU 106 and the RAM 111 have been saved, the CPU 106, the RAM 111 and the like are stopped, and the system shifts to the hibernation state (S1).
05).

(6) An interruption due to the automatic return time from the return timer 120 set in the automatic return circuit 105,
Alternatively, an interrupt from the peripheral circuit 109, an interrupt from the input / output circuit 113, or a communication circuit 114
The hibernation state is maintained until an external communication interrupt occurs (S106).

(7) When an interrupt (trigger) occurs, the interrupt detection circuit 108 sends a signal to the automatic return circuit 105, and the automatic return circuit 105 supplies power to the CPU 106, the RAM 111, and the like through the power supply control unit 102 ( S107).

(8) After power is supplied to the CPU 106, the RAM 111, and the like, the contents of the CPU 106 and the RAM 111 are restored, and the state is shifted from the hibernation state to the operating state (S108).

The above (1) to (8) are repeated.

Next, a specific operation when the automatic return computer of the present invention is used as a computer operated by a user will be described with reference to FIG.

The automatic return computer of the present embodiment is the computer 302 directly operated by the user 307, the human body sensor 305 is connected, and an interrupt for returning from hibernation is set.

The user 307 leaves the computer 30
If No. 2 has been idle for a certain period of time or more, the computer 302 shifts to hibernation.

When the user 307 returns to his or her seat, the human body sensor 305 senses the user 307 and sends a signal to the computer 302 (peripheral circuit associated with the human body sensor 305). Reference numeral 307 indicates that even when the computer 302 has shifted to hibernation to achieve power saving, it is possible to continue working immediately after sitting down, as in the case of continuous operation.

As means for causing the computer 302 to return at a high speed, the CPU 106 or R operating at a high speed clock may be used.
The AM 111, the non-volatile memory 115 (storage means) and the like are used, and the clock generation circuit 104, the frequency divider 10
The clock generated in step 7 has a high frequency. Further, the speed of a circuit that handles an interrupt is increased, the response speed of an operation for returning in the automatic return circuit 120 and the power supply control unit 102 is increased, and the number of steps from the interrupt to the return in the CPU 106 is minimized. Or
The above means are appropriately adopted.

[Second Embodiment] Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a specific operation when the automatic return computer is used as a dial-up server accessed from a public network will be described with reference to FIG. I do.

The automatic return computer according to the present embodiment is a dial-up server 303 for accessing the LAN 301 via the public network 308, a modem / TA 306 is connected, and an interrupt for returning from hibernation is set.

When the dial-up server 303 has been idle for a certain period of time or more, the dial-up server 3
03 shifts to hibernation.

When a call arrives at the modem / TA 306 via the public network 308, the modem / TA 306 detects the incoming signal and sends a dial-up server 303 (modem / TA30).
6), and the dial-up server 303 resumes at a high speed, so that the dial-up server 303 shifts to hibernation and operates continuously despite power saving. It is possible to receive an incoming call in the same way as at the time.

Third Embodiment Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a specific operation when using an automatic return computer as a server connected to a network will be described with reference to FIG.

The automatic return computer of this embodiment is
The server 304 connected to the AN 301 and the LAN 30
It is assumed that the network packet from No. 1 is an interrupt that returns from hibernation via the associated communication circuit.

If the server 304 has been idle for a certain period of time, the server 304 shifts to hibernation.

When an access is made via the computer 302 or the dial-up server 303, the LAN 3
01 senses a network packet, and server 304 responds to access via computer 302 or dial-up server 303 by returning at high speed.

By returning at a high speed, it is possible to respond to a network packet in the same manner as when the server 304 is continuously operating, even though the server 304 has shifted to hibernation to achieve power saving. is there.

Fourth Embodiment Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a specific operation when using an automatic return computer as a server having an automatic execution program will be described with reference to FIG.

The automatic return computer of this embodiment is represented by L
It is assumed that the server 304 is connected to the AN 301. Server 3
If the idle state continues for a certain period of time, the server 304 shifts to hibernation.

At this time, if there is an automatic execution program by specifying time such as cron, the CPU 106 sets the return timer 120 inside the automatic return circuit 105. When the desired time is reached, the server 304 automatically returns by the automatic return circuit 105, thereby executing an automatic execution program by specifying a time such as cron.

By automatically recovering by the internal recovery timer 120, the server 304 shifts to hibernation and realizes power saving, but performs the same automatic processing as when the server 304 operates continuously. Implement the function.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention, since recovery from hibernation is performed by an external circuit, C
By shifting to hibernation when there is no work to be performed by the PU, an effect of power saving can be obtained.

When connected to the network, since the return from hibernation is a network packet, the client side does not need to be aware of whether the server side is in hibernation or not, and the OS and application of the existing client do not matter. It is possible to perform communication without making any changes to.

Even if there is an automatic execution program, it is possible to shift to hibernation until a desired time, so that the function as a server is not impaired.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a state change according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating first, second, third, and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Hibernation execution device 102 ... Power supply control unit 103 ... Load monitoring device 104 ... Clock generation circuit 105 ... Automatic recovery circuit 106 ... CPU 107 ... Division circuit 108 ... Detection circuit 109 ... Peripheral circuit 110 ... Bus 111 ... RAM 112 ... Two Next memory 113 ... Input / output circuit 114 ... Communication circuit 115 ... Non-volatile memory 116 ... Display circuit 120 ... Recovery timer 301 ... LAN 302 ... Computer 303 ... Dial-up server 304 ... Server 305 ... Human sensor 306 ... Modem / TA 307 ... User 308 ... Public network

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A load monitoring means for monitoring a state in which there is no work to be performed by a CPU with an idle time, and controlling the power supply control unit when the load monitoring means measures an idle time exceeding a set value. Hibernation executing means for shifting the system bus to a hibernation state in which the system bus is stopped; interrupt detection means for detecting a trigger for returning from the hibernation state to be supplied with power even in the hibernation state; and detecting power of the power supply also in the hibernation state Automatic resetting means for controlling the power supply control unit to supply power to the CPU and the system bus when the power supply control unit is turned off, the CPU returning from the hibernation state at a high speed by the power supply, and when shifting to the hibernation state The hibernation state Automatic return computer, characterized by comprising storage means for saving the status and memory contents of the CPU required to return. 2. The trigger for returning from the hibernation state is a trigger after a lapse of a set time from the transition to the hibernation state by a recovery timer supplied with power even in the hibernation state. 2. The automatic return computer according to 1. 3. The computer according to claim 1, wherein the trigger for returning from the hibernation state is a trigger due to an input / output with an external device in an input / output circuit to which power is supplied even in the hibernation state. . 4. The trigger for returning from the hibernation state is a trigger by controlling a peripheral device in a peripheral circuit designated in advance and supplied with power even in the hibernation state. Item 6. The automatic return computer according to Item 1. 5. The trigger for returning from the hibernation state is a trigger caused by detecting a human body by the human body sensor in a peripheral circuit which is supplied with power even in the hibernation state and cooperates with the human body sensor. Item 5. The automatic return computer according to Item 1 or 4. 6. When there is an automatic execution program to be executed after a specific time when shifting to the hibernation, the specific time is set as the set time in the return timer before the shift. Claim 2
Automatic return computer as described. 7. The automatic return means stops a power supply of a peripheral device connected via a peripheral circuit in conjunction with the transition to the hibernation state, and returns in synchronization with a return from the hibernation state. The automatic return computer according to claim 1, wherein the automatic return computer is controlled. 8. The automatic return according to claim 1, wherein the trigger for returning from the hibernation state is a trigger based on detection of a network packet from a communication circuit supplied with power even in the hibernation state. Computer.