JP2008112451A - Gateway card and gateway control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gateway card and a gateway control method which can reduce power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: There are provided a personal computer 520 and a gateway card 510 which performs the arrangement of a communication protocol between different networks (WAN200, LAN400) connected with the personal computer 520. When an access request from a client 300<SB>1</SB>corresponds to the access of external devices (server 100<SB>1</SB>-100<SB>n</SB>) in the gateway card 510, a client 300<SB>1</SB>is made to access to the external device in a state the power saving mode is maintained in a power mode of the personal computer 520. The personal computer 520 switches the power mode to the electric power saving mode from a usual power mode when a predetermined shift factor is generated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gateway card, a gateway device, a gateway control method, and a gateway control program that are installed in a home and adjust communication protocols between different networks, for example, and can particularly reduce power consumption. The present invention relates to a gateway card and a gateway control method.

  As is well known, with the widespread use of the Internet, not only personal computers but also various devices such as televisions and telephones have an Internet connection function that can use the Internet.

  However, when a user newly purchases a device having an Internet connection function, in order to make the Internet usable in each device, connection settings to an access point for connecting each device to the Internet are required. This is necessary and takes time.

  In addition, these devices need to be wired for communication lines at home, and this also takes time, and there is a problem that the wiring becomes complicated as the number of devices increases.

  In recent years, a gateway device called a home gateway or the like has attracted attention as a solution for such a problem. One gateway device is installed in each home, and adjusts the difference in communication protocol between a home network and an external network such as the Internet to enable mutual connection.

  All devices that can use the Internet are connected to this gateway device. The gateway device can be connected to the Internet via a public telephone network.

  If system data relating to connection to the Internet is set by the gateway device, each device connected to the gateway device can use the Internet without individually setting connection to the Internet.

  In this way, by installing the gateway device, it is possible to save time and labor for setting the connection to the Internet, and it is possible to consolidate wiring and the like in the home, which greatly improves convenience for the user. As a result, the spread of these devices that can use the Internet is expected to accelerate.

JP-A-10-190855 JP 2001-168879 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-93061 JP 10-31370 A

  Conventionally, when a gateway device is installed in a home, power consumption becomes a problem from the viewpoint of saving electricity charges. That is, unlike a gateway device for enterprises that places importance on reliability, an important factor is how to reduce the electricity bill as an operation cost in a gateway device for home use.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a gateway card and a gateway control method capable of reducing power consumption.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a gateway card connected to an information processing unit for transferring data between different networks, and receiving power from the same power source as the information processing unit. A gateway device is configured together with an information processing unit, and an access request receiving unit that receives an access request from a device connected via the network, and an access request received by the access request receiving unit is analyzed, and the access request is When the operation state of the information processing unit is in the power saving mode, the access request from the device is sent to the external device while the operation state is maintained in the power saving mode. And an access control means for performing the above.

  According to the present invention, when the access request from the device corresponds to the access to the external device, the access request from the device is sent to the external device while the operation state of the information processing unit is maintained in the power saving mode. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

  The present invention also relates to a gateway control method applied to a gateway card that is connected to an information processing unit and transfers data between different networks. The gateway control method is connected to the information processing unit and transfers data between different networks. A gateway control method applied to a gateway card, comprising: a gateway card that receives power from the same power source as the information processing unit and forms a gateway device together with the information processing unit from a device connected by the network; An access request receiving step for receiving an access request and an access request received by the access request receiving step are analyzed, and when the access request corresponds to an access to an external device, the operating state of the information processing unit is When in power saving mode, the operating status is set to power saving mode. In a state of being maintained, characterized in that it comprises a an access control step of causing to the external device access requests from the device.

  According to the present invention, when the access request from the device corresponds to the access to the external device, the access request from the device is sent to the external device while the operation state of the information processing unit is maintained in the power saving mode. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, when the access request from the device corresponds to the access to the external device, the access request from the device is sent to the external device while the operation state of the information processing unit is maintained in the power saving mode. Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, the access request from the device is returned in a state where the operation state of the information processing unit is returned from the power saving mode to the normal power mode. Since the power mode is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed, there is an effect that wasteful power consumption in the information processing unit can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gateway card and a gateway control method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment according to the present invention. This figure shows a communication system in which a WAN (Wide Area Network) 200 and a LAN (Local Area Network) 400 having different communication protocols and standards are connected via a gateway personal computer 500.

  The WAN 200 is a wide area network including the Internet, a public line network, a wireless communication network, a CATV (CAble TeleVision) network, and the like, and interconnects computers at remote locations according to a predetermined communication protocol. Hereinafter, WAN 200 will be described as the Internet as an example.

The servers 100 _{1 to} 100 _n are mail servers, WWW (World Wide Web) servers, and the like, and are connected to the WAN 200. These servers 100 _{1 to} 100 _n provide mail services, WWW site services, and the like to clients 300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ via a gateway personal computer 500 and a LAN 400 described later.

The clients 300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ are, for example, home appliances and are electrical appliances (televisions, telephones, audio devices, etc.) equipped with personal computers and network connection functions.

These clients 300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ are connected to a LAN 400 installed in the home, and access the servers 100 _{1 to} 100 _n via the LAN 400, the gateway card 510, and the WAN 200, and perform various services described above. Has the function to receive provision.

The clients 300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ also have a function of accessing the personal computer unit 520 via the LAN 400 and the gateway card 510 and receiving various data.

As described above, the clients 300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ have access to the servers 100 _{1 to} 100 _n as external devices and access to the personal computer unit 520 as internal devices.

  Here, in the WAN 200 and the LAN 400, different communication protocols are respectively employed.

  The gateway personal computer 500 is a dedicated personal computer that is installed in a home and provides a function as a (home) gateway (for example, a router function, a bridge function, etc.), and the WAN 200 and the LAN 400 having different communication protocols. It is inserted between.

  A gateway is a general term for hardware and software for adjusting a difference in communication protocol between the WAN 200 and the LAN 400 to enable interconnection.

  The gateway personal computer 500 includes a gateway card 510, a personal computer unit 520, a power supply unit 530, and a shared HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 540.

  The gateway card 510 is a card-type gateway device that is detachably inserted into the insertion unit 521 of the personal computer unit 520, and provides the above-described gateway function.

  The personal computer unit 520 has a function as a general personal computer. The power supply unit 530 supplies power to each unit of the gateway card 510 and the personal computer unit 520.

  The shared HDD 540 is a large-capacity storage device shared by the gateway card 510 and the personal computer unit 520, and stores an operating system and various application programs respectively used by the gateway card 510 and the personal computer unit 520. Switching in the shared HDD 540 is executed by a switching unit 516 described later.

  In the gateway card 510, the WAN interface unit 511 is connected to the WAN 200 and serves as a communication interface with the WAN 200. The LAN interface unit 512 is connected to the LAN 400 and serves as a communication interface with the LAN 400.

  The input / output interface unit 513 is detachably inserted into the insertion unit 521 of the personal computer unit 520 and has an interface with the personal computer unit 520.

  The communication protocol control unit 514 performs control (such as analysis of a communication protocol) for adjusting a difference in communication protocol between the WAN 200 and the LAN 400 and enables mutual connection.

  The memory 515 is a rewritable read-only memory that does not require a backup power source and can electrically erase stored data, and is a flash EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or the like.

  This memory 515 stores system data and the like. For example, when the gateway card 510 provides a router function, the system data is an IP (Internet Protocol) address, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) data, line data, filtering data, firmware, and the like.

  The switching unit 516 has a switch configuration as shown in FIG. 2 and has a function of switching the shared HDD 540 to the gateway card 510 side or the personal computer unit 520 side.

  When the switching unit 516 is switched to the gateway card 510 side, the shared HDD 540 is accessible from the gateway card 510. On the other hand, when the switching unit 516 is switched to the personal computer unit 520 side, the shared HDD 540 is accessible from the personal computer unit 520.

  Returning to FIG. 1, in the personal computer unit 520, the input / output interface unit 513 of the gateway card 510 is inserted into the insertion unit 521. The main control unit 522 controls each unit of the personal computer unit 520.

  The power control unit 523 performs control according to the normal power mode or the power saving mode when supplying power from the power supply unit 530 to each unit of the personal computer unit 520.

  The normal power mode is a power mode for supplying rated power to each unit of the personal computer unit 520. The power saving mode is a power mode in which power lower than the rated power is supplied to the minimum necessary parts of the personal computer unit 520 to reduce power consumption.

  The power saving mode is roughly divided into two types: a standby mode and a sleep mode. The standby mode and the hibernation mode differ in the place where work data is stored. In the standby mode, the work data is stored in the memory 524, and it is necessary to continue supplying power to the memory 524.

  On the other hand, in the sleep mode, the work data is stored in the shared HDD 540 and the power is turned off, so that the power consumption is very small compared to the standby mode. In the following, it is assumed that the power saving mode is the standby mode or the hibernation mode.

  The power control unit 523 performs control to shift the power mode from the normal power mode to the power saving mode when a transition factor occurs, or to return from the power saving mode to the normal power mode when a return factor occurs. .

Here, the migration factor is, for example, when access from the clients 300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ to the personal computer unit 520 is completed. On the other hand, the return factor is, for example, when there is an access request from the clients 300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ to the personal computer unit 520.

  Various data are stored in the memory 524. The input unit 525 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and is used for inputting various data. The display unit 526 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various screens and data under the control of the main control unit 522.

  Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a power mode transition operation according to the embodiment. 4 and 5 are sequence diagrams for explaining the power control operation in the embodiment.

  In the state where the power mode of the personal computer unit 520 is set to the normal power mode, when the power mode transition factor described above in step SA1 shown in FIG. 3 occurs, in step SA2, the main control unit 522 of the personal computer unit 520 The gateway card 510 is notified of the transition from the normal power mode to the power saving mode.

  In step SA3, the communication protocol control unit 514 of the gateway card 510 notifies the main control unit 522 of the personal computer unit 520 of a response in response to the notification of the transition.

  In step SA4, the main control unit 522 instructs the power control unit 523 to shift from the normal power mode to the power saving mode. In step SA5, the power control unit 523 shifts the power mode from the normal power mode to the power saving mode. Thereby, the power consumption of the personal computer unit 520 is reduced.

In the state where the power mode of the personal computer unit 520 is the power saving mode, in step SB1 shown in FIG. 4, among the clients 300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ , for example, the client 300 ₁ is the server 100 ₁ as an external device. ˜100 _n , out of the personal computer unit 520 as an internal device, for example, issues an access request to the server 100 ₁ (WAN 200) as an external device to the gateway card 510.

At step SB2, the communication protocol control unit 514 of the gateway card 510, performs protocol analysis relating to the access request from the client 300 _1. In step SB3, the communication protocol controller 514 returns a dummy response to the client 300 _1. In step SB4, the communication protocol control unit 514 determines whether or not the request is an access request to the server. In this case, the determination result is “Yes”.

In step SB5, the communication protocol control unit 514 activates the router function. In step SB6, the communication protocol control unit 514 executes connection processing for connecting to the server 100 ₁ via the WAN interface unit 511 and the WAN 200. In this case, since the personal computer unit 520 is not used, the power mode of the personal computer unit 520 remains in the power saving mode.

In step SB7, the client 300 ₁ accesses the server 100 ₁ via the LAN 400, the gateway personal computer 500, and the WAN 200, and receives various services.

In a state where the power mode of the personal computer 520 is the power saving mode, at step SB1 shown in FIG. 4, among the clients 300 ₁ to 300 _3, for example, the client 300 ₂ is, personal as an internal device An access request to the computer unit 520 is issued to the gateway card 510.

At step SB2, the communication protocol control unit 514 of the gateway card 510, performs protocol analysis relating to the access request from the client 300 _2. In step SB3, the communication protocol controller 514 returns a dummy response to the client 300 _2. In step SB4, the communication protocol control unit 514 determines whether or not the request is an access request to the server. In this case, the determination result is “No”.

  In step SB8 shown in FIG. 5, the communication protocol control unit 514 issues a return request for returning the power mode from the power saving mode to the normal power mode to the power control unit 523 of the personal computer unit 520.

  In step SB9, the power control unit 523 returns the power mode from the power saving mode to the normal power mode. As a result, the rated power is supplied to each part of the personal computer unit 520, and the personal computer unit 520 wakes up.

In step SB10, the power control unit 523 notifies the gateway card 510 of the return state. In step SB11, a communication protocol controller 514 notifies the returning state to the client 300 _2.

In step SB12, the client 300 ₂ displays that are being accessed to the personal computer 520. In step SB13, in response to the return from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, the main control unit 522 of the personal computer unit 520 notifies the gateway card 510 of the return.

In step SB14, the communication protocol control unit 514 of the gateway card 510 notifies the main control unit 522 of the personal computer unit 520 of the response. In step SB15, a communication protocol controller 514 notifies the dummy response to the client 300 _2.

In step SB16, the personal computer unit 520 inquires of the gateway card 510 about a return factor. In step SB17, a communication protocol controller 514 notifies the dummy response to the client 300 _2.

In step SB18, a communication protocol controller 514 of the gateway card 510, the return factor that there is an access request from the client 300 ₂ to the personal computer 520 notifies the main control unit 522.

In step SB19, the client 300 ₂ is, via the LAN 400, LAN interface 512 and output interface unit 513, accesses the personal computer 520, performs such downloading of data.

Then, when the access from the client 300 ₂ to the personal computer 520 terminates, step SB20, a communication protocol controller 514, migration factors for shifting from the normal power mode to the power saving mode (access end) a personal computer Notify 520.

  As a result, in step SA1 shown in FIG. 3, a power mode shift factor in the personal computer unit 520 occurs. Then, the processing of Step SA2 to Step SA5 described above is executed, and the power mode of the personal computer unit 520 is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode.

As described above, according to one embodiment, the access request from any one of the clients 300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ corresponds to the access to the external device (server 100 _{1 to} 100 _n ). Since the client is allowed to access the external device while the power mode of the personal computer unit 520 is maintained in the power saving mode, power consumption can be reduced.

  Also, according to one embodiment, when the access request corresponds to access to the personal computer unit 520, the client computer is set in a state where the power mode of the personal computer unit 520 is returned from the power saving mode to the normal power mode. Is accessed to the personal computer unit 520 and the power mode is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed, so that unnecessary power consumption in the personal computer unit 520 can be suppressed.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, a specific configuration example is not limited to this one embodiment, and the design can be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. And the like are included in the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a program for realizing the functions of the gateway personal computer 500 (gateway card 510, personal computer unit 520) is recorded in the computer-readable recording medium 700 shown in FIG. Each function may be realized by causing the computer 600 shown in the figure to read and execute the program recorded in the recording medium 700.

  A computer 600 shown in the figure includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 610 that executes the above-described program, an input device 620 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 630 that stores various data, an operation parameter, and the like. RAM (Random Access Memory) 640, a reading device 650 for reading a program from a recording medium 700, an output device 660 such as a display and a printer, and a bus 670 for connecting each part of the device.

  The CPU 610 implements the above-described functions by reading a program recorded on the recording medium 700 via the reading device 650 and then executing the program. Examples of the recording medium 700 include an optical disk, a flexible disk, and a hard disk.

(Supplementary note 1) A gateway card connected to the information processing unit for transferring data between different networks,
Access request accepting means for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the operation state of the information processing unit is in a power saving mode, the access request is accepted. When the access request corresponds to access to an external device, the operation state is maintained in the power saving mode. Access control means for making the external device make an access request from the device;
A gateway card characterized by comprising:

(Supplementary Note 2) The access control means accepts the access request when the operation state is a power saving mode, and when the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, In the state of returning from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, the access request from the apparatus is made to the information processing unit, and the operation state is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed. The gateway card according to appendix 1, characterized by:

(Supplementary Note 3) A gateway card connected to the information processing unit for transferring data between different networks,
Access request accepting means for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, the access request from the device is processed in the state where the operation state of the information processing unit is returned from the power saving mode to the normal power mode. And an access control means for shifting the operation state from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed,
A gateway card characterized by comprising:

(Supplementary note 4) There is a gateway control method applied to a gateway card that is connected to an information processing unit and transfers data between different networks.
An access request accepting step for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the operation state of the information processing unit is in a power saving mode, the access request is accepted. When the access request corresponds to access to an external device, the operation state is maintained in the power saving mode. An access control step for causing the external device to make an access request from the device;
A gateway control method comprising:

(Supplementary Note 5) In the access control step, the access request is accepted when the operation state is a power saving mode, and when the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, the operation state is In the state of returning from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, the access request from the apparatus is made to the information processing unit, and the operation state is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed. The gateway control method according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein

(Appendix 6) A gateway control method applied to a gateway card connected to an information processing unit and transferring data between different networks,
An access request accepting step for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, the access request from the device is processed in the state where the operation state of the information processing unit is returned from the power saving mode to the normal power mode. And an access control step of shifting the operation state from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed,
A gateway control method comprising:

(Appendix 7) A gateway control program applied to a gateway card connected to an information processing unit and transferring data between different networks,
Computer
Access request accepting means for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the operation state of the information processing unit is in a power saving mode, the access request is accepted. When the access request corresponds to access to an external device, the operation state is maintained in the power saving mode. , Access control means for making the external device make an access request from the device,
Gateway control program to function as

(Supplementary Note 8) The access control means accepts the access request when the operating state is a power saving mode, and when the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, In the state of returning from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, the access request from the apparatus is made to the information processing unit, and the operation state is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed. The gateway control program according to appendix 7, characterized by:

(Supplementary Note 9) A gateway control program applied to a gateway card connected to an information processing unit and transferring data between different networks,
Computer
Access request accepting means for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, the access request from the device is processed in the state where the operation state of the information processing unit is returned from the power saving mode to the normal power mode. Access control means for causing the operation state to shift from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed,
Gateway control program to function as

(Additional remark 10) It is a gateway apparatus provided with the information processing part and the gateway part which is connected to this information processing part, and transfers data between different networks,
The gateway unit is
Access request accepting means for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the operation state of the information processing unit is in a power saving mode, the access request is accepted. When the access request corresponds to access to an external device, the operation state is maintained in the power saving mode. Access control means for making the external device make an access request from the device;
With
The information processing unit
Power control means for shifting the operating state from the normal power mode to the power saving mode when a predetermined shift factor occurs;
A gateway device comprising:

(Supplementary Note 11) The access control means accepts the access request when the operation state is a power saving mode, and when the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, the access control unit After issuing a return notification for returning the operating state from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, the access request from the device is made to the information processing unit, and after the access is completed, the operating state is changed to the normal power. A transition notification for shifting from the mode to the power saving mode is issued, and the power control means returns the operating state from the power saving mode to the normal power mode based on the return notification, and based on the transition notification. The gateway device according to appendix 10, wherein the operating state is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode.

(Supplementary Note 12) A gateway device including an information processing unit and a gateway unit connected to the information processing unit and transferring data between different networks,
The gateway unit is
Access request accepting means for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, after issuing a return notification for returning the operation state of the information processing unit from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, the access request from the device is issued. An access control means for issuing a transition notification for causing the information processing unit to perform a transition from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed;
With
The information processing unit
Power control means for causing the operating state to return from the power saving mode to the normal power mode based on the return notification and for causing the operating state to transition from the normal power mode to the power saving mode based on the transition notification. ,
A gateway device comprising:

(Additional remark 13) It is a gateway control method applied to the gateway apparatus provided with the information processing part and the gateway part which is connected to this information processing part, and transfers data between different networks,
In the gateway part,
An access request accepting step for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the operation state of the information processing unit is in a power saving mode, the access request is accepted. When the access request corresponds to access to an external device, the operation state is maintained in the power saving mode. An access control step for causing the external device to make an access request from the device;
Is executed,
In the information processing unit,
A power control step of shifting the operating state from the normal power mode to the power saving mode when a predetermined transition factor occurs;
The gateway control method is characterized in that is executed.

(Supplementary Note 14) In the access control step, the access request is accepted when the operation state is a power saving mode, and when the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, After issuing a return notification for returning the operating state from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, the information processing unit is made an access request from the device, and the operating state is changed to the normal state after the access is completed. A transition notification for shifting from the power mode to the power saving mode is issued. In the power control step, based on the return notification, the operating state is returned from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, and based on the transition notification. The gateway according to appendix 13, wherein the operating state is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode. Control method.

(Supplementary note 15) A gateway control method applied to a gateway device including an information processing unit and a gateway unit connected to the information processing unit and transferring data between different networks,
In the gateway part,
An access request accepting step for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, a return notification is issued to return the operating state of the information processing unit from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, and the access request from the device is transmitted to the information processing unit. An access control step for causing the processing unit to issue a transition notification for shifting the operation state from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed;
Is executed,
In the information processing unit,
A power control step of returning the operating state from the power saving mode to the normal power mode based on the return notification, and transferring the operating state from the normal power mode to the power saving mode based on the transition notification;
The gateway control method is characterized in that is executed.

(Supplementary Note 16) A gateway control program applied to a gateway device including an information processing unit and a gateway unit connected to the information processing unit and transferring data between different networks,
Computer
Access request accepting means for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the operation state of the information processing unit is in a power saving mode, the access request is accepted. When the access request corresponds to access to an external device, the operation state is maintained in the power saving mode. , Access control means for making the external device make an access request from the device,
Power control means for causing the operation state of the information processing unit to transition from the normal power mode to the power saving mode when a predetermined transition factor occurs;
Gateway control program to function as

(Supplementary Note 17) The access control unit accepts the access request when the operation state is a power saving mode, and when the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, After issuing a return notification for returning the operating state from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, the information processing unit is made an access request from the device, and the operating state is changed to the normal state after the access is completed. A transition notification for shifting from the power mode to the power saving mode is issued, and the power control means returns the operating state from the power saving mode to the normal power mode based on the return notification, and based on the transition notification. The gateway control according to appendix 16, wherein the operating state is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode. Program.

(Supplementary note 18) A gateway control program applied to a gateway device including an information processing unit and a gateway unit connected to the information processing unit and transferring data between different networks,
Computer
Access request accepting means for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, a return notification is issued to return the operating state of the information processing unit from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, and the access request from the device is transmitted to the information processing unit. An access control means for issuing a transition notification for causing the processing unit to shift the operation state from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access ends;
Based on the return notification, the operation state of the information processing unit is returned from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, and based on the transition notification, the operation state of the information processing unit is changed from the normal power mode to the normal power mode. Power control means for shifting to the power saving mode,
Gateway control program to function as

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one embodiment concerning this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a switching unit 516 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a sequence diagram explaining the transfer operation | movement of the power mode in the same embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining the power control operation in the same embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining the power control operation in the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the modification of the same embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 _{1 to} 100 _n server 200 WAN
300 _{1 to} 300 ₃ Client 400 LAN
500 Gateway Personal Computer 510 Gateway Card 511 WAN Interface Unit 512 LAN Interface Unit 513 I / O Interface Unit 514 Communication Protocol Control Unit 520 Personal Computer Unit 522 Main Control Unit 523 Power Control Unit 530 Power Supply Unit

Claims (4)

A gateway card connected to the information processing unit for transferring data between different networks,
Receiving power from the same power source as the information processing unit to form a gateway device together with the information processing unit;
Access request accepting means for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the access request received by the access request receiving means is analyzed and the access request corresponds to access to an external device, the operating state of the information processing unit is the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, an access control means for making an access request from the device to the external device,
A gateway card characterized by comprising:   The access control means accepts the access request when the operating state is a power saving mode, and when the access request corresponds to an access to the information processing unit, the access control unit changes the operating state from the power saving mode. An access request from the device is made to the information processing unit in a state of returning to the normal power mode, and the operation state is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access ends. The gateway card according to claim 1. There is a gateway control method applied to a gateway card that is connected to an information processing unit and transfers data between different networks,
A gateway card that receives power supply from the same power source as the information processing unit and constitutes a gateway device together with the information processing unit,
An access request accepting step for accepting an access request from a device connected by the network;
When the access request received by the access request receiving step is analyzed, and the access request corresponds to access to an external device, the operating state of the information processing unit is the power saving mode. In the power-saving mode, an access control step for making the external device make an access request from the device;
A gateway control method comprising:   In the access control step, when the access request corresponds to access to the information processing unit, the operation state of the information processing unit is returned from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, from the device. The gateway control method according to claim 3, wherein an access request is made to the information processing unit, and the operation state is shifted from the normal power mode to the power saving mode after the access is completed.

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