JP2008114571A - Controller and data processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data processor having an HDD, which is improved in power saving effect without degrading the life of the HDD. <P>SOLUTION: If a power turn-on frequency or a power turn-off frequency of the HDD in a predetermined duration is limited to an upper limit value, an allowable value indicative of a frequency to which turning-on or turning-off operation of the HDD is permitted in the predetermined duration, is stored, and upon input of a power turn-off request of the HDD, a power source of the HDD is turned off if the balance of the stored allowable value remains. Then the balance of the stored allowable value, remaining when the power source of the HDD is turned off, is subtracted. When the predetermined duration has elapsed, a value obtained by adding the balance of the allowable value, remaining when the predetermined duration has elapsed, to the allowable value set at every predetermined duration, is set as a new allowable value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for controlling an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) device and a data processing device including the HDD device.

  Some image processing apparatuses such as copiers and printing apparatuses use an HDD to store image data to be processed. In this HDD, the start / stop of the disk is controlled by a motor. The life of the motor provided in the HDD is shorter than that of other components, and the life is greatly influenced by the number of times of operation. Therefore, the number of times the HDD is turned on / off is limited in consideration of the motor life. For example, when a performance specification of 96 times / 24 hours is defined, it is necessary that the number of power on / off times in 24 hours does not exceed 96 times.

  In addition, in an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine, when no processing is performed for a certain period of time, a power saving mode (energy saving mode) that reduces power consumption by powering off a module that consumes a large amount of power such as a printing module. Mode). And since the power consumption of HDD is comparatively large, when it transfers to power saving mode, the power supply of HDD will also be turned off.

  However, if the HDD is controlled to be turned off each time the power saving mode is entered, the HDD power is also turned on / off in a complicated manner when the image processing apparatus is used to make a complicated transition to the power saving mode. It will be. As a result, it becomes impossible to comply with the regulations on the number of times the HDD is turned on / off, and the life of the HDD is shortened.

  In order to prevent such an adverse effect on the HDD life due to frequent switching to and from the power saving mode, information on the number of times the disk has been started and the number of times it has been stopped are managed, and the user is notified when the number of times approaching the predetermined number. A method for restricting blocking is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, only a predetermined number of times are set in accordance with the HDD specifications in a predetermined period, and a sufficient power saving effect cannot be obtained depending on the use environment of the user.

JP 2004-157961 A

  In the above-described prior art, the power-on / off regulation of a storage device such as an HDD is observed, but there is a problem that a sufficient power saving effect may not be obtained.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing device capable of improving the power saving effect without impairing the life of a storage device such as an HDD.

[Control device]
In order to achieve the above object, a control device of the present invention is a control device that controls a storage device in which an upper limit of the number of power on or off within a predetermined period is defined,
Storage means for storing an allowable value indicating the number of times the storage device is allowed to be turned on or off within a predetermined period;
A setting unit that sets a value obtained by adding the remaining allowable value stored in the storage unit and the allowable value set for each predetermined period to the storage unit as a new allowable value when a predetermined period has elapsed; ,
Subtracting means for subtracting an allowable value stored in the storage means when the storage device is powered off.

  In the present invention, when the predetermined period has elapsed, a value obtained by adding the allowable value set for each predetermined period to the allowable value remaining in the storage means is set as a new allowable value in the storage means. Therefore, according to the present invention, the probability that the power of the storage device is turned off within the prescribed range of the number of power on or off allowed for the storage device is increased, and the power saving effect is improved.

The control device of the present invention is a control device that controls a storage device in which an upper limit of the number of times of power on or off within a predetermined period is defined,
Storage means for storing an allowable value indicating the number of times the storage device is allowed to be turned on or off within a predetermined period;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed while the power of the storage device is turned off, based on a difference between a start time of the predetermined period and a time when the power is turned on;
A setting unit configured to set, for the storage unit, an allowable value corresponding to the number of times that the predetermined period has elapsed when the determination unit determines that the predetermined period has elapsed while the storage device is powered off; ,
Subtracting means for subtracting an allowable value stored in the storage means when the storage device is powered off.

  In the present invention, when a predetermined period elapses while the power of the storage device is turned off, an allowable value corresponding to the number of times the predetermined period has elapsed (number of times crossing the predetermined period) is set in the storage means. Therefore, according to the present invention, the probability that the power of the storage device is turned off within the prescribed range of the number of power on or off allowed for the storage device is increased, and the power saving effect is improved.

  Preferably, the setting means sets a value obtained by multiplying the number of times that the predetermined period has elapsed by an allowable value set for each predetermined period in the storage means as a new allowable value.

  Preferably, when a request for powering off the storage device is input, power control for controlling to power off the storage device when an allowable value stored in the storage means remains It further has means.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives the predetermined period and the number of times the power is turned on or off that is allowed for the predetermined period.
The setting means sets an allowable value in the storage means based on a predetermined period accepted by the accepting means and an allowable number of power on / off times.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily set the predetermined period and the allowable number of power on / off times.

[Data processing equipment]
The data processing device of the present invention includes a storage device in which an upper limit of the number of times of power on or off within a predetermined period is defined,
A control device for controlling the storage device,
The controller is
Storage means for storing an allowable value indicating the number of times the storage device is allowed to be turned on or off within a predetermined period;
A setting unit that sets a value obtained by adding the remaining allowable value stored in the storage unit and the allowable value set for each predetermined period to the storage unit as a new allowable value when a predetermined period has elapsed; ,
Subtracting means for subtracting an allowable value stored in the storage means when the storage device is powered off.

Further, the data processing device of the present invention includes a storage device in which an upper limit of the number of times of power on or off within a predetermined period is defined,
A control device for controlling the storage device,
The controller is
Storage means for storing an allowable value indicating the number of times the storage device is allowed to be turned on or off within a predetermined period;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed while the power of the storage device is turned off, based on a difference between a start time of the predetermined period and a time when the power is turned on;
A setting unit configured to set, for the storage unit, an allowable value corresponding to the number of times that the predetermined period has elapsed when the determination unit determines that the predetermined period has elapsed while the storage device is powered off; ,
Subtracting means for subtracting an allowable value stored in the storage means when the storage device is powered off.

  Preferably, the setting means sets a value obtained by multiplying the number of times that the predetermined period has elapsed by an allowable value set for each predetermined period in the storage means as a new allowable value.

  Preferably, when a request for powering off the storage device is input, power control for controlling to power off the storage device when an allowable value stored in the storage means remains It further has means.

Preferably, the control device further includes a reception unit that receives the predetermined period and the number of times the power is turned on or off allowed for the predetermined period.
The setting means sets an allowable value in the storage means based on a predetermined period accepted by the accepting means and an allowable number of power on / off times.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the probability that the power of the storage device is turned off within the prescribed range of the number of power on or off allowed for the storage device is increased, and the power saving effect can be improved. The effect that can be obtained.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image processing system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 10 includes an image processing device 12 and a terminal device 14 connected via a network 16. The terminal device 14 generates print data such as a print job and transmits it to the image processing device 12. The image processing apparatus 10 receives the print data transmitted from the terminal device 12 and outputs an image corresponding to the print data on the printing paper. The image processing apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment is a multifunction machine having a printing function, a facsimile function, and a copying function.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 12 includes a reading module 20, a printing module 22, an operation panel module 24, a control module 26, an interface unit 28, and a power supply unit 30. .

  The control module 26 includes a ROM 32, a CPU 34, a RAM 36, an HDD 38 that is a storage device, a module control unit 40, and an interface control unit 42. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 44.

The HDD 38 is a storage device in which an upper limit of the number of times the power is turned on or off within a predetermined period is defined.
The CPU 34 executes predetermined processing based on an image processing program stored in the ROM 32, RAM 36, or HDD 38 and controls the operation of the control module 26.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control module 26 realized by executing the image processing program.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control module 26 in the present embodiment includes a control device 50 and a transmission / reception unit 51.
The control device 50 includes a timer 61, an allowable value setting unit 62, an allowable value receiving unit 63, an operation mode management unit 64, a power supply control unit 65, and an allowable value storage unit 66.

  The timer 61 measures time by subtracting the set timer value at regular intervals. Specifically, the timer 61 measures a time for shifting from the normal power saving mode to the first power saving mode, and measures a time for shifting from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode. The timer includes a second power saving mode transition timer, a predetermined period timing timer for measuring a predetermined period for updating the allowable value, and the like.

  The operation mode management unit 64 manages the operation mode of the image processing apparatus 12, and controls the power supply control unit 65 based on the selected operation mode to control each module such as the HDD 38, the reading module 20, and the printing module 22. Manage power on / off.

  The allowable value storage unit 66 stores an allowable value indicating the number of times the HDD 38 can be turned on or off within a predetermined period.

  When the predetermined period elapses, the allowable value setting unit 62 adds a value obtained by adding the remaining allowable value stored in the allowable value storage unit 66 when the predetermined period elapses and the allowable value set for each predetermined period. Then, a new allowable value is set in the allowable value storage unit 66.

  Further, the allowable value setting unit 62 functions as a subtracting unit that subtracts the allowable value stored in the allowable value storage unit 66 when the power of the HDD 38 is turned off.

  When a request to turn off the HDD 38 is input, the power control unit 65 controls the HDD 38 to be turned off when there is an allowable value stored in the allowable value storage unit 66.

  The allowable value receiving unit 63 also receives from the operation panel 24 the number of times the power is turned on or off that is allowed for the predetermined period and what the predetermined period.

  Although a predetermined fixed value may be used for the predetermined period and the allowable number of times of power on or off, the allowable value setting unit 62 is configured to accept the predetermined period of time and the allowable power on or An allowable value may be set in the allowable value storage unit 66 based on the number of times of off.

  Next, operation modes that the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment can take will be described. In the image processing apparatus 12 of this embodiment, four operation modes are set as operation modes: a normal state and first to third power saving modes as described below.

(1) Normal state The normal state indicates a state in which all modules are energized.

(2) First Power Saving Mode The first power saving mode is, for example, a part in the control module 26 related to the reading module 20 and the operation panel module 24 by stopping power supply to the reading module 20 and the operation panel module 24. The state where the operation of is stopped. In the first power saving mode, since the power of the printing module 22 remains on, the printing process can be executed immediately when printing is instructed. Instead, the amount of power consumption reduction is small compared to the second power saving mode.

(3) Second Power Saving Mode The second power saving mode is a state in which the printing module 22 and the operation in the control module 26 related to the printing module 22 and the HDD 38 are stopped as compared with the first power saving mode. In this second power saving mode, even the printing module 22 and the HDD 38 are in a power-off state, so it is possible to realize a significant reduction in power consumption. However, when a printing instruction is received, a printing process is executed. In order to do so, a return time is required and the printing process cannot be executed immediately.

(4) Third Power Saving Mode The third power saving mode is a state where power is supplied only to the HDD 38 in the second power saving mode. That is, only the HDD 38 is turned on while the power of the printing module 22 with high power consumption is kept off.

  In the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, when no operation is performed, the operation mode shifts in the order of normal state → first power saving mode → second power saving mode to reduce power consumption. When access to the HDD 38 occurs after the transition to the second power saving mode, the third process is to turn on the power of only the HDD 38 without turning on the power of other modules and execute the requested processing. It is a power saving mode. For example, when acquiring log information or the like stored in the HDD 38 via the network 16 from an application on the terminal device 14, the power of only the HDD 38 is turned on while the power of the reading module 20 and the printing module 22 is turned off. The process is realized by.

  In order to shift from the third power saving mode to the second power saving mode, a certain timer may be provided, or may be shifted immediately after the process of accessing the HDD 38 is completed.

  Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 12 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the operation mode management method by the operation mode management unit 64 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the image processing apparatus 12 is powered on, the operation mode management unit 64 sets the operation mode to the normal state (S101). If no external processing is performed until the first power saving mode transition timer reaches 0 (S102), the operation mode management unit 64 shifts the operation mode to the first power saving mode (S103). . When there is no return request after shifting to the first power saving mode (S104) and the second power saving mode transition timer becomes 0 (S105), the allowable value setting unit 62 is stored in the allowable value storage unit 66. 1 is subtracted from the allowable value (S106), and the operation mode management unit 64 shifts the operation mode to the second power saving mode (S107).

  For example, it is assumed that the timer time of the first power saving mode transition timer is 15 minutes and the second power saving mode transition timer is 45 minutes. In this case, when the period during which no processing is performed exceeds 15 minutes, the image processing apparatus 12 shifts from the normal state to the first power saving mode, and when the state continues for another 45 minutes, the first power saving is performed. Transition from the mode to the second power saving mode.

  When there is a return request during the second power saving mode (S108), the operation mode management unit 64 determines whether the process can be performed when only the HDD 38 is powered on (S109). When it is determined that the processing cannot be performed only by turning on the power of only the HDD 38, the operation mode management unit 64 shifts the operation mode to the normal state so that the requested processing can be executed ( S101).

  If it is determined in S109 that processing can be performed only by turning on the power of only the HDD 38, the operation mode management unit 64 shifts the operation mode to the third power saving mode (S110). By shifting to the third power saving mode, the power control unit 65 turns on only the power of the HDD 38 from the second power saving mode.

  If there is a return request during the third power saving mode (S111), the operation mode management unit 64 shifts the operation mode to the normal state (S101). When there is no return request during the third power saving mode (S111), the allowable value setting unit 62 checks the allowable value stored in the allowable value storage unit 66 and determines whether it is greater than zero. (S112). When the allowable value is larger than 0, the allowable value setting unit 62 subtracts the allowable value stored in the allowable value storage unit 66 (S113), and the operation mode management unit 64 sets the operation mode to the second value. Transition to the power saving mode (S107).

  Next, an allowable value setting operation in the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the power of the image processing apparatus 12 is turned on for the first time, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets an allowable value in the allowable value storage unit 66 (S201). Here, the case where 1 hour is set as the predetermined period A and the number of times that the power of the HDD 38 is allowed to be turned off within the predetermined period A is four will be described. That is, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets a value “4” in the allowable value storage unit 66 for each predetermined period A.

  When the setting of the allowable value is completed, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets a timer A for a predetermined period (S202). Here, it is assumed that a timer value corresponding to one hour is set.

  Then, when a period of time until the timer value of the A clock timer is subtracted from the predetermined time period A becomes 0 (S203), the allowable value setting unit 62 resets the timer value of the A clock timer for the predetermined period (S204). Reset is performed so that the value of the allowable value stored in the storage unit 66 is “4” (S205).

  Further, it is determined whether or not there is a remaining amount in the previous allowable value (S206). If there is a remaining amount, the allowable value setting unit 63 sets the allowable value “4” currently set in the allowable value storage unit 66. Is added to the remaining amount (S207). If there is no remaining amount in S206, the allowable value set in the allowable value storage unit 66 remains “4”.

  Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIG. When the allowable value is set to “4” at time t1 in FIG. 6, the allowable value is decremented by 1 to “3” when the power of the HDD 38 is turned off at time t2. Assuming that there is some return request at time t3 and the predetermined period A has elapsed at time t4 with the HDD 38 powered on, the remaining allowable value “3” at that time is set for each predetermined period A. A value “7” obtained by adding the allowable value “4” is set as a new allowable value.

  In other words, if the allowable value “4” set for each predetermined period A remains unused within the predetermined period A, it is carried over to the allowable value set for the next predetermined period A. Will be added.

  By carrying over such allowable values, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the HDD 38 can be turned off up to 7 times in the next predetermined period A, and the power is turned off up to 4 times. Compared to the case where the power saving mode is not permitted, the possibility of transition from the third power saving mode to the second power saving mode is increased. As a result, a higher power saving effect can be obtained.

  Further, even when such control is performed, the regulation that the frequency of power off is 4 times / hour is observed, so that the power saving effect can be improved without shortening the life of the HDD 38.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment described above, when a certain predetermined period remains at the end of a predetermined period, a value obtained by adding a remaining amount value to the allowable value in the next predetermined period. Was to set.

  In the present embodiment, when the power is turned off for a long time spanning a predetermined period, an allowable value is set according to the power off period.

  In addition to the function of the tolerance value setting unit 62 in the first embodiment, the tolerance value setting unit 62 in the present embodiment is based on the difference between the start time of the predetermined period and the time when the HDD 38 is turned on. A function for determining whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed while the power is turned off, and the number of times that the predetermined period has elapsed when it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed while the power of the HDD 38 is turned off. A corresponding allowable value is set in the allowable value storage unit 66.

  Specifically, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets a value obtained by multiplying the number of times that the predetermined period has elapsed by the allowable value set for each predetermined period in the allowable value storage unit 66 as a new allowable value.

  The operation of the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment when the power is turned on for the first time is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by adding steps S301 to S304 to the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, steps having the same contents as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  First, when the image processing apparatus 12 is first turned on, the allowable value setting unit 62 stores the time when the power is turned on as a predetermined period start time α (S301). Then, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets an allowable value in the allowable value storage unit 66 (S201), and sets an A timer for a predetermined period (S202).

  When power-off of the HDD 38 is not detected (S302), the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed (S203 to S207). However, in this embodiment, every time the predetermined period ends, the predetermined period start time α is updated with the current time (S303).

  When the power-off of the HDD 38 is detected (S302), the allowable value setting unit 62 subtracts 1 from the allowable value stored in the allowable value storage unit 66 and ends the process (S304).

  Further, the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment when the power is turned on other than the first time is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the power is turned on after the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is performed, the allowable value setting unit 62 stores the current time as the power-on time β (S401). By determining whether or not the difference (β−α) between the predetermined period start time α and the power-on time β is longer than the predetermined period A, it is determined whether or not the power-off period has crossed the predetermined period. Determine (S402).

When it is determined in S402 that the power-off period has crossed the predetermined period, the allowable value setting unit 62 calculates the number of times n that the power-off period has crossed the predetermined period A by the following formula (S403).
n = (β−α) / A

  Then, the allowable value setting unit 62 adds the allowable value for the number of times n over the predetermined period A to the current allowable value (S404).

  Finally, the permissible value setting unit 62 sets a timer value for (n + 1) A− (β−α) for the predetermined time period A timer (S406).

  If it is determined in S402 that the power-off period does not cross the predetermined period, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets the number of times that the power-off period crosses the predetermined period A to n = 0 (S405). Then, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets a timer value for (n + 1) A− (β−α), that is, A− (β−α), for the predetermined time period A timer (S406).

  Specific operations of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the power-off period does not exceed the predetermined period in the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the power-off period exceeds a predetermined period in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, a predetermined period start time α is stored at time t1, and the power of the HDD 38 is turned off at time t2. At time t3, the power of the HDD 38 is turned on, and this time t3 is stored as the power-on time β.

  Therefore, the allowable value setting unit 62 calculates a difference between the power-on time β and the predetermined period start time α, that is, a time t3−t1, and determines whether this difference is longer than the predetermined period A. In FIG. 9, since the difference β−α is shorter than the predetermined period A, the allowable value setting unit 62 determines that the predetermined period has not elapsed while the HDD 38 is powered off. Then, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets a timer value corresponding to A− (β−α) as a timer for a predetermined period of time. When the predetermined period ends at time t4, the remaining allowable value 3 is added to the allowable value 4 for each predetermined period A and stored in the allowable value storage 66 as in the case of the first embodiment. .

  Also, in FIG. 10, the predetermined period start time α is stored at time t1, and the power on / off of the HDD 38 is executed four times by time t2. Therefore, the allowable value is 0 at time t2. At time t3, the power of the HDD 38 is turned off, and this time t3 is stored as the power-on time β.

  Therefore, the allowable value setting unit 62 calculates a difference between the power-on time β and the predetermined period start time α, that is, a time t3−t1, and determines whether this difference is longer than the predetermined period A. In FIG. 10, since the difference β−α is longer than the predetermined period A, the allowable value setting unit 62 determines that the predetermined period has elapsed while the HDD 38 is powered off. Therefore, the allowable value setting unit 62 calculates the number of times n that the predetermined period has elapsed during power-off by (β−α) / A. Here, a value of n = 2 is obtained by truncating the decimal part of (β−α) / A. Therefore, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets a value of 2 × 4 (allowable value set for each predetermined period) = 8 in the allowable value storage unit 66 as an allowable value. Finally, the allowable value setting unit 62 sets a timer value corresponding to 3 × A− (β−α) as a timer for a predetermined period.

  Note that the predetermined period A is measured at regular intervals from the first power-on to the last, and is not affected by a plurality of power-on / off in the power-off period and the predetermined period A. That is, the time measurement for the predetermined period A is not started again from time t2 and time t3 in FIGS.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment, when the predetermined period A elapses while the power is turned off, an allowable value corresponding to the number of times the predetermined period A has elapsed (number of times crossing the predetermined period) is set in the allowable value storage unit 66. The Therefore, according to the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the probability that the power of the HDD 38 is turned off within a prescribed range of the number of power on or off allowed for the HDD 38 is increased, and the power saving effect is improved.

[Modification]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an image processing apparatus for processing image data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an electronic device including an HDD device, for example. The present invention can be similarly applied to any data processing apparatus such as a computer provided with a storage device whose life is shortened by power on / off. Such a data processing apparatus includes an HDD apparatus and a control apparatus for controlling the HDD apparatus, and the present invention is realized by the control apparatus performing the processing described above.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the image processing apparatus 12 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control module 26. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation mode management method by an operation mode management unit 64; 5 is a flowchart for explaining an allowable value setting operation by an allowable value setting unit 62; It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the image processing apparatus 12 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image processing apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is turned on for the first time. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image processing apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is turned on. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement when the power-off period does not exceed a predetermined period in the image processing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement when the power-off period exceeds the predetermined period in the image processing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image processing system 12 Image processing apparatus 14 Terminal device 16 Network 20 Reading module 22 Printing module 24 Operation panel module 26 Control module 28 Interface part 30 Power supply part 32 ROM
34 CPU
36 RAM
38 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
40 module control unit 42 interface control unit 44 control bus 50 control device 51 transmission / reception unit 61 timer 62 allowable value setting unit 63 allowable value reception unit 64 operation mode management unit 65 power supply control unit 66 allowable value storage unit S101 to S113 steps S201 to S207 Steps S301 to S304 Steps S401 to S406 Steps

Claims (10)

A control device for controlling a storage device in which an upper limit of the number of times of power on or off within a predetermined period is defined,
Storage means for storing an allowable value indicating the number of times the storage device is allowed to be turned on or off within a predetermined period;
A setting unit that sets a value obtained by adding the remaining allowable value stored in the storage unit and the allowable value set for each predetermined period to the storage unit as a new allowable value when a predetermined period has elapsed; ,
Subtracting means for subtracting an allowable value stored in the storage means when the storage device is powered off;
Control device. A control device for controlling a storage device in which an upper limit of the number of times of power on or off within a predetermined period is defined,
Storage means for storing an allowable value indicating the number of times the storage device is allowed to be turned on or off within a predetermined period;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed while the power of the storage device is turned off, based on a difference between a start time of the predetermined period and a time when the power is turned on;
A setting unit configured to set, for the storage unit, an allowable value corresponding to the number of times that the predetermined period has elapsed when the determination unit determines that the predetermined period has elapsed while the storage device is powered off; ,
Subtracting means for subtracting an allowable value stored in the storage means when the storage device is powered off;
Control device.   The control device according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets a value obtained by multiplying the number of times that the predetermined period has passed by an allowable value set for each predetermined period in the storage unit as a new allowable value.   And a power control unit configured to control the power of the storage device to be turned off when an allowable value stored in the storage device remains when a request to power off the storage device is input. Item 4. The control device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. And further comprising a receiving means for receiving the predetermined period and the number of times the power is turned on or off which is allowed for the predetermined period.
5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets an allowable value in the storage unit based on a predetermined period received by the receiving unit and an allowable number of power on / off times. 6. . A storage device in which an upper limit of the number of times of power on or off within a predetermined period is defined;
A control device for controlling the storage device,
The controller is
Storage means for storing an allowable value indicating the number of times the storage device is allowed to be turned on or off within a predetermined period;
A setting unit that sets a value obtained by adding the remaining allowable value stored in the storage unit and the allowable value set for each predetermined period to the storage unit as a new allowable value when a predetermined period has elapsed; ,
Subtracting means for subtracting an allowable value stored in the storage means when the storage device is powered off;
A data processing apparatus. A storage device in which an upper limit of the number of times of power on or off within a predetermined period is defined;
A control device for controlling the storage device,
The controller is
Storage means for storing an allowable value indicating the number of times the storage device is allowed to be turned on or off within a predetermined period;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed while the power of the storage device is turned off, based on a difference between a start time of the predetermined period and a time when the power is turned on;
A setting unit configured to set, for the storage unit, an allowable value corresponding to the number of times that the predetermined period has elapsed when the determination unit determines that the predetermined period has elapsed while the storage device is powered off; ,
Subtracting means for subtracting an allowable value stored in the storage means when the storage device is powered off;
A data processing apparatus.   8. The data processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit sets a value obtained by multiplying the number of times that the predetermined period has elapsed by an allowable value set for each predetermined period in the storage unit as a new allowable value.   And a power control unit configured to control the power of the storage device to be turned off when an allowable value stored in the storage device remains when a request to power off the storage device is input. Item 9. The data processing device according to any one of Items 6 to 8. The control device further includes a receiving unit that receives the predetermined period and the number of times the power is turned on or off allowed for the predetermined period,
The data processing according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the setting unit sets an allowable value in the storage unit based on a predetermined period received by the receiving unit and an allowable number of times of power on or off. apparatus.

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