JP2010257070A - Information processor, backup battery connecting method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor, etc., for connecting the power supply passage of a backup battery by unnecessitating an SW operation in arrangement concerning the information processor for connecting the power supply passage of the backup battery by SW. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor 100 includes: a power supply line 40 connecting the backup battery 11 to a calculation circuit; and a switch means 12 for connecting/disconnecting the power supply line 40. The information processor also includes: a switch means control means 49 for switching the switch means 12 between a connection state and a disconnection state; a main power source detecting means 47 for notifying the switch means control means 49 of the ON of a main power source when detecting the ON of the main power source; and a first timer 48 for starting the count of setting time when the main power source detecting means detects the ON of the main power source, and notifying the switch means control means when the set time elapses. The switch means control means 49 switches the switch means 12 into the connection state when receiving a notification that the set time elapses from the first timer in the ON state of the main power source. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a backup battery for supplying backup power to an arithmetic circuit, and in particular, it is possible to turn on / off connection / disconnection means for connecting / disconnecting a power supply line connecting the backup battery and the arithmetic circuit. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a backup battery connection method, and a program.

  Many information processing apparatuses are equipped with a lithium primary battery (hereinafter referred to as a backup battery) as a backup power source for RTC (Real Time Clock) or CMOS RAM (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which the voltage of a backup battery is monitored by a microcomputer, and when the battery voltage falls below a certain level, the data stored in the CMOS RAM is saved to a buffer memory.

  Since the backup battery in the information processing apparatus is not premised on frequent replacement, there are many structures that cannot be easily replaced. For this reason, it is preferable that the backup battery has a large capacity, but in consideration of the mounting space and cost, the backup battery cannot have an unlimited capacity. In a general backup battery control circuit, power is supplied from a main power source (hereinafter, simply referred to as a main power source) such as a secondary battery represented by a commercial power source or a lithium ion battery while the information processing apparatus is in operation. During the period when the backup battery is used, the power consumption of the backup battery is cut.

  For this reason, the capacity of the backup battery installed in the information processing device is calculated taking into account the time during which the main power supply is continuously off (the time during which no power is supplied from the main power supply), but it is actually large. In general, it is designed with an additional margin.

  And, the capacity resulting from the inventory period factor occupies a large weight in this margin. The inventory period is, for example, a period from factory shipment until installation in the market (hereinafter referred to as “customer”). In the inventory period, power is not supplied from the main power source. Once installed at the customer site, power is supplied from the main power supply for a predetermined period (about 1 to 2 weeks even if there is a long holiday), so the inventory period is the period when power is not supplied from the main power supply Enter the longest category. In a general information processing apparatus, the power of the backup battery continues to be consumed during a period in which power is not supplied from the main power source, such as an inventory period.

  However, if the margin is set assuming the inventory period, the margin becomes excessively large. Depending on the information processing apparatus, the backup battery may be switched by SW (switch) or the like for the purpose of preventing power consumption of the backup battery in stock. A method of cutting the power supply path may be adopted. In this method, during the inventory period, the power supply path and the arithmetic circuit of the backup battery are shut off by the SW, and when the information processing apparatus is installed at the customer, the SW is turned on (short-circuited), Connect the power supply path to the arithmetic circuit. Therefore, it is not necessary to consider the inventory period of the information processing apparatus that is difficult to predict, and the capacity of the backup battery can be designed with a reduced margin.

  However, in the method of cutting off the power supply path of the backup battery by the SW during the inventory period, when installing the information processing apparatus at the customer, for example, a serviceman or user operates the SW to set the power supply path of the backup battery. There is a problem that connection is an essential task. That is, an operation omission by a serviceman or a user may occur. If a SW operation leak occurs, if the power supply to the information processing device is interrupted due to an instantaneous interruption of the main power supply, a power failure, or the remaining battery level during operation of the information processing device, the RTC or The data stored in the CMOS RAM is lost. Further, even if no operation omission occurs, requesting the SW operation from the user causes a disadvantage that the initial work of the information processing apparatus is complicated.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that connects a power supply path of a backup battery with an SW, and that can connect the power supply path of the backup battery without requiring a SW operation during installation. Another object is to provide a backup battery connection method and program.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a backup battery that supplies power for backup to the arithmetic circuit separately from the main power source, a power supply line that connects the backup battery and the arithmetic circuit, and connection / disconnection means for connecting / disconnecting the power supply line. And a connection / disconnection means control means for switching the connection / disconnection means to either a connected state or a disconnected state, and a notification to the connection / disconnection means control means when detecting that the main power supply is turned on. And a first timer that starts counting the set time when the main power supply detecting means detects that the main power supply is turned on, and notifies the cutoff means control means when the set time has elapsed, The disconnection means control means switches the disconnection means to the connected state when receiving a notification that the set time has elapsed from the first timer while the main power is on.

  Provided are an information processing apparatus, a backup battery connection method, and a program that can connect a power supply path of a backup battery without an SW operation at the time of installation in the information processing apparatus that connects the power supply path of the backup battery by SW can do.

It is an example of the hardware block diagram of information processing apparatus. FIG. 4 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of an MFP as another example of the information processing apparatus. It is an example of the block diagram of the principal part in the conventional information processing apparatus. It is an example of the block diagram of the principal part in information processing apparatus. It is an example of the timing chart figure of the operation | movement which information processing apparatus turns ON SW. It is an example of a timing chart when the main power is turned off before the set time has elapsed. An example of a timing chart when the main power is turned off before the set time elapses but the main power is turned on again in a short time is shown. It is an example of a timing chart when the main power is turned on again in a short time without resetting the count value of the ON timer when the main power is turned off before the set time has elapsed. FIG. 10 is an example of a block diagram of a main part in an information processing apparatus (second embodiment). It is an example of the timing chart figure of the operation | movement which information processing apparatus turns off SW. FIG. 6 is an example of a timing chart when the main power is turned on again before the OFF setting time has elapsed. FIG. 10 is an example of a block diagram of a main part in an information processing apparatus (third embodiment). It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of setting time or OFF setting time displayed on a display apparatus or an operation panel. It is an example of the flowchart figure which shows the procedure in which information processing apparatus turns ON or OFF SW.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The backup battery power supply method according to the present embodiment can be applied to all information processing apparatuses in which the power supply path 40 from the backup battery to a predetermined arithmetic circuit is disconnected by a SW (switch) until installed at the customer. It is. The information processing apparatus is, for example, a printer, a copier, a FAX apparatus, a scanner apparatus, an MFP that integrates these two or more functions, a personal computer, a mobile phone, or the like. Further, although “installed at the customer” has been described, since the definition of the customer varies depending on the information processing apparatus 100, for example, all the information processing apparatuses 100 used such as offices, factories, stores, schools, private homes, etc. Including location. Further, instead of defining the installation of the information processing apparatus at the place, it may be defined that the information processing apparatus is installed “when use is started”.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The information processing apparatus 100 includes an input device 16, a display device 17, an auxiliary storage device 18, a memory device 13, an arithmetic processing device (CPU) 14, and an interface device 15 that are connected to each other via a bus. Is done.

  The input device 16 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and is used for inputting various operation instructions. The display device 17 displays various windows (GUI (Graphical User Interface)) and data necessary for operation. The display device 17 includes, for example, a graphic board and a liquid crystal display. The interface device 15 is an interface for connecting the information processing apparatus 100 to a network, and includes a modem, a router, and the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 18 stores a program 10 that causes the information processing apparatus 100 to perform a process that will be described later, and stores various files and data necessary for the processing of the program 10. The auxiliary storage device 18 has, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) as an entity. The memory device 13 is a so-called main storage device (RAM) that reads and stores the program 10 from the auxiliary storage device 18 when the information processing apparatus 100 is activated. The arithmetic processing unit 14 executes processing according to the program 10 stored in the memory device 13.

  The storage medium mounting device 19 loads the storage medium 20, reads data stored in the storage medium 20, and writes data in the storage medium 20. The storage medium 20 may be any medium that stores data magnetically, optically, or magneto-optically, such as a memory card, USB memory, or CD-ROM. The storage medium 20 stores the program 10. The program 10 is copied or moved to the auxiliary storage device 18. As a result, the program 10 is installed in the information processing apparatus 100. Further, the program 10 stored in the auxiliary storage device 18 may be installed from a server (not shown) via the interface device 15.

  As shown in the figure, a backup battery 11 is connected to the arithmetic processing unit 14 via the SW 12. The SW 12 and the backup battery 11 will be described later. The arithmetic processing unit 14 includes an RTC (Real Time Clock) and a CMOS RAM inside. When power is not supplied from the main power supply, the RTC 45 is driven from the backup battery 11 to the arithmetic processing unit 14 or stored in the CMOS RAM 46. Power is supplied to maintain the data.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration diagram of an MFP as another example of the information processing apparatus 100. The MFP includes a controller 50, an operation panel 33, an engine unit 34, and a FAX control unit 35. The controller 50 includes a CPU 21, a system memory 22, an NB (North Bridge) 23, an SB (South Bridge) 27, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 25, a local memory 24, an HDD 26, and an NIC (Network Interface). Card) 28, USB device 29, IEEE 1394 device 31, and Centronics device 32.

  For example, the storage medium 20 is detachable from the USB device 29, and the program 10 stored in the storage medium 20 is installed from the storage medium 20 to the HDD 26. The program 10 may be installed in the HDD 26 from a server (not shown) via the NIC 28.

  The CPU 21 performs overall control of the MFP. For example, the CPU 21 starts and executes a process on the OS. The NB 23 is a bridge. The SB 27 is a bridge for connecting the PCI bus, ROM, peripheral devices, and the like. The system memory 22 is a memory used as a drawing memory of the MFP. The local memory 24 is a memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer.

  The ASIC 25 is an IC for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing. The HDD 26 is an example of a storage (auxiliary storage device) that stores image data, document data, a program 10, font data, and the like. The NIC 28 is an interface device that connects the MFP to the network. The USB device 29, the IEEE 1394 device 31, and the Centronics device 32 are interfaces conforming to the respective standards.

  The operation panel 33 is an operation unit that receives an input operation from an operator and performs display for the operator. The engine unit 34 is a black-and-white plotter and / or a one-drum color plotter, and forms an image for each page based on print job data and image data read by the scanner 36 and transfers the image to a sheet. For example, a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum or the like is transferred onto a sheet using an electrophotographic process using a laser beam, and is fixed by a fixing device with heat and pressure and output.

  The scanner 36 optically scans the document placed on the contact glass, A / D converts the reflected light, performs image processing such as error diffusion and gamma conversion, and converts the digital data into a predetermined resolution. Convert to generate image data.

  The FAX control unit 35 is connected to a public communication network via an NCU (Network Control Unit), and performs facsimile transmission / reception according to a communication procedure (communication protocol) corresponding to, for example, a G3 or G4 standard facsimile. The FAX control unit 35 has a memory. For example, facsimile data received when the power of the MFP is OFF is stored in this memory in order to temporarily store it.

  As shown in the figure, the backup battery 11 is connected to the CPU 21 via the SW 12. The SW 12 and the backup battery 11 will be described later. The CPU 21 includes an RTC 45 and a CMOS RAM 46 therein. When power is not supplied from the main power supply, the CPU 21 has power for driving the RTC 45 and maintaining the stored data of the CMOS RAM 46 from the backup battery 11 to the arithmetic processing unit 14. Supplied.

  FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a block diagram of a main part in the conventional information processing apparatus 100. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, whether or not the SW 12 is provided between the LSI 44 and the backup battery 11 is different. Each block may be realized by the arithmetic processing unit 14 or the CPU 21 executing the program 10, or may be realized by hardware such as ASCI.

  3A and 3B includes a battery unit 41, an AC / DC conversion unit 42, a main power supply control unit 43, an LSI 44, and a backup battery 11. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 3B further includes a SW 12.

  The battery unit 41 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery, and often has a larger capacity than the backup battery 11. The battery unit 41 is a battery that enables the information processing apparatus 100 to continue to operate even when the power supply from the commercial AC power supply is stopped for a short time due to movement of the information processing apparatus 100 or a power failure.

  A commercial AC power supply is connected to the information processing apparatus 100, and the information processing apparatus 100 normally operates using the commercial AC power supply as a power supply. The AC / DC conversion unit 42 converts the commercial AC power into DC and converts the commercial AC power into voltage and current required by the specifications of the information processing apparatus 100. The electric power converted into direct current by the AC / DC converter 42 is supplied to the main power supply controller 43. Here, the commercial AC power source is used because most commercial power sources are AC (alternating current). Therefore, if the commercial power source is a direct current, the AC / DC converter 42 does not need to convert from alternating current to direct current. Absent.

  The main power supply control unit 43 appropriately adjusts the power supplied from the battery unit 41 and the power supplied from the commercial AC power supply, and stably supplies DC power to the LSI 44 and other electronic circuits. For example, when the main switch (not shown) is turned on, the main power supply control unit 43 supplies the power supplied from the commercial AC power to the LSI 44 in principle (hereinafter referred to as “the main power is turned on” "When the main switch is turned off", the main power is turned off.)

  In this case, the main power supply control unit 43 also charges the battery unit 41 using the power supplied from the AC / DC conversion unit 42. When the main power supply is turned off or not operated for a long time, the main power supply control unit 43 cuts off or reduces the power supplied from the commercial AC power supply to the LSI 44, and the battery unit 41 has a sufficient remaining capacity. The unit 41 is charged, and if the remaining power of the battery unit 41 is sufficient, the battery unit 41 is not charged. When the latter battery unit 41 is not charged, the power supplied from the commercial AC power source to the information processing apparatus 100 can be made substantially zero.

  The LSI 44 is an arithmetic circuit having an RTC 45 and a CMOS RAM 46. The LSI 44 is included in, for example, the arithmetic processing unit 14 in FIG. 1, and is included in the SB 27 in FIG. As described above, the main power for operating the LSI 44 is supplied from the main power supply control unit 43 (from the battery unit 41 or the commercial AC power supply). In the present embodiment, the power supply via the main power supply control unit 43 is referred to as a main power supply.

[Capacity design of conventional backup battery 11]
The operation of the conventional information processing apparatus 100 will be described. First, when the remaining amount of the battery unit 41 does not remain to the extent that the LSI 44 can be driven, power is supplied from the battery unit 41 to the main power supply control unit 43, such as during the charging period of the battery unit 41. If there is no power supply period or a power outage or a momentary interruption of the commercial AC power supply (hereinafter, this situation is referred to as “backup battery drive status”), the main power supply control unit 43 sends the internal electronic circuit including the LSI 44 to the internal electronic circuit. The period during which the power supply is stopped occurs.

  However, even in such a case, the time and operation of the RTC 45 and the data stored in the CMOS RAM 46 (hereinafter, data to be held by the LSI 44 are simply referred to as “holding target data”) must be held. A backup battery 11 is mounted for the purpose of avoiding data loss. Lithium primary batteries are widely used for the backup battery 11, but since they are primary batteries, they cannot be charged and generally have a structure that is difficult to replace, so a large margin is expected. The capacity is often set with.

  During the period in which power is supplied to the RTC 45 and the CMOS RAM 46 from the main power supply control unit 43, power is not supplied from the backup battery 11, so that the power of the backup battery 11 is not consumed. However, by expecting a large margin, the information processing apparatus 100 is installed and operated under the user even when power is not supplied from the main power supply control unit 43 to the LSI 44 for a long period of time such as an inventory period. Data to be held can be held until it starts.

  However, since the capacity of the backup battery 11 is common to the same type of information processing apparatus 100, if the capacity of the backup battery 11 is increased, the capacity of the backup battery 11 is too large in the majority of information processing apparatuses 100. For this reason, when the information processing apparatus 100 is discarded or regenerated (recycling after collection), there may be a case where a large amount of the backup battery 11 remains. At the time of disposal as well as at the time of regeneration, the backup battery 11 is unconditionally replaced and discarded, so it is very wasteful, and it is desirable to improve it from an environmental point of view.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, it is considered to arrange the SW 12 in the power supply path 40 from the backup battery 11 to the LSI 44. SW12 is set in a period in which power supply from the backup battery 11 is not required, that is, a period in which power supply from the main power supply control unit 43 to the LSI 44 is performed, or data to be held in the RTC 45 or the CMOS RAM 46 is not required. By turning it off, the information processing apparatus 100 can avoid unnecessary power consumption of the backup battery 11.

The information processing apparatus 100 having such characteristics has an advantage that the capacity of the backup battery 11 can be reduced because it is not necessary to consider the power consumption of the backup battery 11 during an inventory period that is difficult to predict.
On the other hand, in the configuration of FIG. 3B, after the information processing apparatus 100 is installed, it is necessary to reliably turn on the SW 12 when the information processing apparatus 100 starts operation. The service person who installs the information processing apparatus 100 or the user of the information processing apparatus 100 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “service person”) turns on the SW 12. The data to be held in the RTC 45 and the CMOS RAM 46 is lost in the backup battery driving situation. The SW 12 may be designed with an inconspicuous appearance, such as a dip switch, and it does not necessarily mean that a service person forgets the operation to turn on.

[Capacity design of backup battery 11 of this embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main part of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. 4, the same parts as those in FIG. 3B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The information processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 4 further includes a main power supply detection unit 47, a SW control unit 49, and an ON timer 48, as compared with the information processing apparatus 100 in FIG.

In the information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment,
(1) When the main power supply detection unit 47 detects that the main power supply is turned on from the main power supply control unit 43, the main power supply detection unit 47 starts the ON timer 48, and the main power supply detection unit 47 indicates that the main power supply is output. The SW control unit 49 is notified (main power ON notification).
(2) When the set time is counted, the ON timer 48 notifies the SW control unit 49 (set time elapse notification).
(3) Upon receiving notifications from the main power supply detection unit 47 and the SW control unit 49, the SW control unit 49 turns on the SW12.

  By detecting that the main power supply is turned on, it is detected that the installation work of the information processing apparatus 100 has started (main power supply detection unit 47), and the installation work is completed when the state continues for a certain period of time. By determining that it has been performed (ON timer 48), the SW 12 can be automatically turned on. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the backup battery 11, and it is not necessary for the service person to turn on the SW 12.

  The main power supply detection unit 47 monitors the power state of the main power supply that the main power supply control unit 43 supplies to the LSI 44. The main power source is mainly a commercial AC power source, but the battery unit 41 may be the main power source. When installed at the customer, power is supplied from the commercial AC power source to the information processing apparatus 100. However, if there is a problem with the commercial AC power source, the battery unit 41 is charged from the main power source if the battery unit 41 is charged. May be supplied. Therefore, the state in which the main power source is ON includes not only the case where power is supplied from the commercial AC power source to the LSI 44 but also the case where power is supplied from the battery unit 41 to the LSI 44.

  When the main power supply detection unit 47 detects that the main power supply control unit 43 has started outputting the main power supply to the LSI 44, it outputs a main power supply ON notification to the SW control unit 49 and starts the ON timer 48. Specifically, the main power supply detection unit 47 detects that the main power supply is turned on by using, for example, a “Hi” signal supplied from the main power supply control unit 43. Further, when receiving the input of the “Hi” signal, the main power supply detection unit 47 supplies the “Hi” signal to the ON timer 48. As a result, the ON timer 48 starts counting a predetermined set time. The main power supply detection unit 47 continuously outputs a main power supply ON signal to the SW control unit 49 while the main power supply is ON.

  When the ON timer 48 counts up to a predetermined time set in advance, it outputs a set time elapse notification (for example, “Hi” signal) to the SW control unit 49. Once the ON timer 48 starts counting time, it counts up to a set time unless the count is stopped. On the other hand, when the main power supply is turned off, the main power supply detection unit 47 stops supplying the main power supply ON signal to the SW control unit 49. Thus, even if only the set time elapse notification is supplied to the SW control unit 49, the SW control unit 49 does not turn on the SW 12.

  Further, the main power supply detection unit 47 can stop the counting of the ON timer 48. The time counted by the ON timer 48 halfway is maintained by being stopped. Further, the ON timer 48 has a reset terminal, and the main power source detection unit 47 can continuously output the Hi signal to the reset terminal for a predetermined time, thereby resetting the time counted halfway.

  For example, the ON timer 48 counts until a set time elapses every time a rising edge or a falling edge of a clock signal supplied from a clock generator (not shown) is detected.

  The SW control unit 49 turns on the SW 12 when notified of the main power supply ON notification from the main power supply detection unit 47 and the set time elapse notification from the ON timer 48. Thereby, the power supply path 40 from the backup battery 11 to the LSI 44 is connected. The SW 12 is, for example, an FET, and the SW control unit 49 can be configured by, for example, an AND circuit.

  Thereafter, the SW 12 is always turned on, and when the backup battery driving state is reached, the power for driving the RTC 45 and maintaining the data stored in the CMOS RAM 46 is supplied from the backup battery 11 to the LSI 44.

〔Timing chart〕
Hereinafter, an operation example of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to several timing charts.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart of an operation in which the information processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 4 turns on the SW 12.

  t1: The information processing apparatus 100 is installed at the customer, and the service person turns on the main power supply of the information processing apparatus 100. The main power supply detection unit 47 detects this and starts the ON timer 48. Further, the main power supply detection unit 47 continuously outputs a main power supply ON notification to the SW control unit 49.

  t2: When the ON timer 48 starts measuring time and the set time (time t1 to t2 in the figure) elapses, the ON timer 48 outputs a set time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49. The SW control unit 49 receives both the main power ON notification and the set time elapsed notification, and turns on the SW 12. Therefore, as shown in the figure, when the set time has elapsed after the supply of the main power supply is started, the SW 12 is turned on.

When the main power is turned off before the set time elapses By the way, the main power may be turned off before the set time elapses after the main power is turned on. For example, the main power supply is turned on experimentally (temporarily) after the information processing apparatus 100 is installed.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a timing chart when the main power is turned off before the set time elapses.

  t1: The information processing apparatus 100 is installed at the customer, and the service person turns on the main power supply of the information processing apparatus 100. The main power supply detection unit 47 detects this and starts the ON timer 48. Further, the main power supply detection unit 47 continuously outputs a main power supply ON notification to the SW control unit 49.

  t2: Before the set time elapses, the main power supply is turned off again by a service person, for example. In this case, the main power detection unit 47 stops notifying the SW control unit 49 of the main power ON signal.

  t3: When the ON timer 48 starts measuring time and reaches a set time (time t1 to t3 in the figure), the ON timer 48 outputs a set time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49. However, since the main power ON notification is not input to the SW control unit 49, the SW 12 is not turned ON (it remains OFF).

  According to the timing chart of FIG. 6, for example, in order to repair or maintain the information processing apparatus 100 inside the production factory, even if the main power supply is temporarily turned on for the information processing apparatus 100, When the ON timer 48 is within the set time, the SW 12 is not turned on, so that it is possible to avoid consuming the power of the backup battery 11 before being installed.

・ When the main power is turned off before the set time has passed, and when the main power is turned on again in a short time Figure 7 shows that the main power was turned off before the set time passed. An example of a timing chart when the main power is turned on again in a short time is shown. In FIG. 7, the set times are from time t1 to t4 and from time t3 to t5.

  t1: The information processing apparatus 100 is installed at the customer, and the service person turns on the main power supply of the information processing apparatus 100. The main power supply detection unit 47 detects this and starts the ON timer 48. Further, the main power supply detection unit 47 continuously outputs a main power supply ON notification to the SW control unit 49.

  t2: Before the set time elapses, for example, a commercial AC power supply may be momentarily interrupted or a short-time power failure may occur, and power may not be supplied from the battery unit 41. When the main power supply detection unit 47 detects that the main power supply is OFF, the main power supply detection unit 47 stops outputting the main power supply ON notification. In this case, it is preferable that the main power supply detection unit 47 stops the ON timer 48 and resets the time counted so far. In this way, when the main power supply is turned on again, the ON timer 48 can count the elapsed time from the beginning.

  t3: After that, when the main power supply detection unit 47 detects the main power supply ON again, the main power supply detection unit 47 restarts the main power supply ON notification to the SW control unit 49. At approximately the same time, the main power supply detection unit 47 starts the ON timer 48 again.

  t4: Since the time counted by the ON timer 48 is reset at time t2, the SW control unit 49 does not turn on SW12 even if the set time elapses at time t1 to t4.

  t5: When the ON timer 48 starts measuring time and reaches a set time (time t3 to t5 in the figure), the ON timer 48 outputs a set time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49. The SW control unit 49 receives both the main power ON notification and the set time elapsed notification, and turns on the SW 12.

  According to the timing chart of FIG. 7, the same effect as that of the timing chart of FIG. 6 is obtained, and the time counted by the ON timer 48 is reset to repair or maintain the information processing apparatus 100 inside the production factory. After performing the above, when it is installed at the customer, the set time can be counted from the beginning.

When the main power is turned off before the set time elapses, the count value of the ON timer 48 is not reset, and the main power is turned on again in a short time. In the timing chart of FIG. When set up at the customer's site, the set time can be counted from the beginning. However, in an environment where the main power supply is frequently turned on and off repeatedly, the ON timer 48 can be used even if sufficient time has elapsed. Cannot count until the set time, and SW12 does not turn ON. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 that does not reset the count value of the ON timer 48 when the main power is turned off before the set time has elapsed will be described.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a timing chart when the main power is turned on again in a short time without resetting the count value of the ON timer 48 when the main power is turned off before the set time elapses. Show. As shown in the figure, the times t2 to t3 are equal to the times t4 to t5. Times t1 to t4 are equal to the set time, and times t1 to t2 + times t3 to t5 are equal to the set time.

  t1: The information processing apparatus 100 is installed at the customer, and the service person turns on the main power supply of the information processing apparatus 100. The main power supply detection unit 47 detects this and starts the ON timer 48. Further, the main power supply detection unit 47 continuously outputs a main power supply ON notification to the SW control unit 49.

  t2: Before the set time elapses, for example, a commercial AC power supply may be momentarily interrupted or a short-time power failure may occur, and power may not be supplied from the battery unit 41. When the main power source detecting unit 47 detects that the main power source is OFF, the main power source detecting unit 47 stops outputting the main power ON notification. In this case, the main power detection unit 47 stops the ON timer 48. However, the time counted until then is not reset. In this way, when the main power is turned on again, the elapsed time can be restarted from the time counted by the ON timer 48.

  t3: After that, the main power supply detection unit 47 resumes outputting the main power supply ON notification to the SW control unit 49 when the main power supply ON is detected again. At approximately the same time, the main power supply detection unit 47 starts the ON timer 48 again. The initial value of the ON timer 48 at the time of restart is time t2.

  t4: Since the count of the ON timer 48 is stopped at the times t2 to t3, the SW control unit 49 turns ON the SW12 even if the time when it is assumed that the counting has started from the time t1 exceeds the set time at the time t4. do not do.

  t5: When the ON timer 48 starts measuring time and reaches a set time (in the figure, time t1 to t2 + time t3 to t5), the ON timer 48 outputs a set time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49. The SW control unit 49 receives both the main power ON notification and the set time elapsed notification, and turns on the SW 12.

  According to the timing chart of FIG. 8, the SW 12 can be turned on even at a customer who repeatedly turns on and off the main power in a short time.

  According to the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, it is detected that the main power of the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on, and it is determined that the installation work has been completed because the state has continued for a certain period of time. It is not necessary to increase the capacity of the battery 11, and it is possible to eliminate the need for a service person to turn on the SW 12.

  As described in the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can automatically turn on the SW 12. However, when a failure occurs in the information processing apparatus 100 that is moving in this state, for the purpose of repairing. The information processing apparatus 100 may be temporarily collected by the manufacturer. In this case, when the repair of the information processing apparatus 100 is completed and the information processing apparatus 100 is installed again at the customer, the service person registers the retention target data in the RTC 45 or the CMOS RAM 46 and returns the data to the state before the repair. That is, the service person can appropriately manage and re-register the retention target data before and after the repair.

  Therefore, when the information processing apparatus 100 is collected by the manufacturer, the retention target data may be lost. Further, it is desirable to reduce the power consumption of the backup battery 11 as much as possible during the period when the information processing apparatus 100 is collected by the manufacturer for repair.

  On the other hand, if the SW control unit 49 immediately turns off the SW 12 just because the main power is turned off, the main power is stopped for a short time (insufficient battery power in the battery unit 41, power failure, AC interruption), etc. Originally, the retention target data is lost even during a period in which the backup battery 11 is desired to retain the retention target data.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, after the SW control unit 49 turns on SW12, when the time when the main power supply is turned off becomes a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “OFF set time”) or more, the SW control unit 49 sets the SW12. The information processing apparatus 100 that turns OFF will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block diagram of a main part of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. 9, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, an OFF timer 51 is connected to the main power source detection unit 47, and an SW control unit 49 is connected to the OFF timer 51.

In the information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment,
(1) When the main power supply detection unit 47 detects that the main power supply of the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on, the main power supply detection unit 47 starts the ON timer 48. Further, the main power supply detection unit 47 continuously outputs a main power supply ON notification to the SW control unit 49.

Further, when the main power source detection unit 47 detects that the main power source of the information processing apparatus 100 is turned off, the main power source detection unit 47 starts the OFF timer 51. Further, the main power supply detection unit 47 continuously outputs a main power supply OFF notification to the SW control unit 49. Here, the main power supply OFF notification may be a “Hi” signal, but the main power supply may take either the ON or OFF state, so that the main power supply ON notification is not output, that is, the main power supply ON. If the signal is a “Hi” signal, the main power OFF signal can be a “Low” signal on the same signal line as the main power ON signal.
(2) When the ON timer 48 counts a predetermined time, it outputs a set time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49. When the OFF timer 51 counts a predetermined time, it outputs an OFF set time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49.
(3) Upon receiving the main power ON notification and the set time elapsed notification, the SW control unit 49 turns on the SW 12. Further, when receiving the main power OFF notification and the OFF set time elapsed notification, the SW control unit 49 turns the SW 12 OFF.

  By providing the OFF timer 51, even if the main power is turned off, if it is within the OFF setting time, it is determined that the power failure or instantaneous interruption is short, and the SW control unit 49 keeps SW12 ON. On the other hand, when the main power supply is turned off beyond the OFF setting time, it is determined that the information processing apparatus 100 is no longer installed, and the SW control unit 49 can turn off the SW12. By doing so, the power consumption of the backup battery 11 during the collection period can be reduced as much as possible.

  In this embodiment, the operation of the information processing apparatus 100 when the main power supply is turned on is the same as that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, an operation in which the SW control unit 49 turns off the SW 12 using the OFF timer 51 will be described.

  The OFF timer 51 starts counting the OFF setting time when started by the main power supply detection unit 47. The OFF timer 51 outputs an OFF setting time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49 when the OFF setting time elapses. When the SW control unit 49 receives both the main power OFF notification from the main power detection unit 47 and the OFF set time elapse notification from the OFF timer 51, the SW control unit 49 controls the SW 12 to be OFF and the power from the backup battery 11 to the LSI 44. The supply path 40 is cut.

  On the other hand, when the main power supply is turned on before the OFF timer 51 performs the OFF set time elapse notification, the main power supply detection unit 47 stops the main power supply OFF notification output to the SW control unit 49 (main power supply). (ON notification is output). Therefore, even if the SW control unit 49 receives an OFF set time elapse notification from the OFF timer 51, the SW control unit 49 does not turn off the SW12.

  In the present embodiment, the main power supply control unit 43 may stop the OFF timer 51 or stop and reset the OFF timer 51 when the main power supply detection unit 47 detects the main power supply OFF. May be.

  Further, since the OFF timer 51 operates after the main power is turned off, it is preferable to receive power supply directly from the battery unit 41. Further, not the battery unit 41 but the main power control unit 43 may supply the minimum power to the OFF timer 51.

[Timing chart]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart of an operation in which the information processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 9 turns off the SW 12.

  t1: In the information processing apparatus 100 in which the SW 12 is turned on, the service person turns off the main power supply of the information processing apparatus 100. The main power source detection unit 47 detects this and starts the OFF timer 51. Further, the main power supply detection unit 47 continuously outputs a main power supply OFF notification to the SW control unit 49.

  t2: When the OFF timer 51 starts measuring time and the OFF set time (time t1 to t2 in the figure) elapses, the OFF timer 51 outputs an OFF set time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49. The SW control unit 49 receives both the main power OFF notification and the OFF set time elapsed notification, and turns off the SW 12. As shown in the figure, when the OFF setting time has elapsed since the main power supply was turned off, the SW 12 is turned off.

When the main power is turned on again before the OFF set time elapses FIG. 11 is an example of a timing chart when the main power is turned on again before the OFF set time elapses. Show. When the main power source is turned off by the operation of FIG. 11 due to shortage of the remaining battery unit 41, power failure, AC interruption, etc., the information processing apparatus 100 does not turn off the SW 12, so Can be retained.

  t1: When the main power supply is turned off, the main power supply detection unit 47 detects this and starts the OFF timer 51. Further, the main power supply detection unit 47 continuously outputs a main power supply OFF notification to the SW control unit 49.

  t2: Before the set OFF time elapses, for example, the instantaneous interruption is resolved and the main power supply is turned on again. In this case, the main power supply detection unit 47 stops outputting the main power supply OFF notification to the SW control unit 49. Further, the main power control unit 43 stops counting the OFF timer 51. When the main power source is turned on, as described in the first embodiment, the main power source control unit 43 outputs a main power source ON notification to the SW control unit 49 and starts the ON timer 48.

  t3: When the OFF timer 51 starts measuring time and reaches the OFF set time (time t1 to t3 in the figure), the OFF timer 51 outputs an OFF set time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49. However, since the main power OFF notification is not input to the SW control unit 49, the SW control unit 49 does not turn off the SW 12 (it remains ON).

  As a result, the SW 12 is not switched from ON to OFF, and power can be continuously supplied from the backup battery 11 to the LSI 44. That is, when the main power is turned off for a long time, the SW12 is turned off to prevent the backup battery 11 from being consumed, and when the main power is turned off for a short time, the SW12 is kept turned on. Data to be held can be held by the battery 11.

  The setting time of the ON timer 48 of the first embodiment, the setting time of the ON timer 48 of the second embodiment, and the OFF setting time of the OFF timer 51 have been described on the premise that they are constant, although not particularly limited. However, it is natural that the appropriate values of the set times of the ON timer 48 and the OFF timer 51 are different for each environment in which the user uses the information processing apparatus 100. For this reason, it is not preferable to fix the set time or the OFF set time in the information processing apparatus 100. In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus 100 that allows a user to arbitrarily set a set time or an OFF set time will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main part of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same parts as those of FIG. In the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, an ON timer control unit 52 and an OFF timer control unit 53 are connected to the main power supply detection unit 47, an ON timer 48 is connected to the ON timer control unit 52, and an OFF timer control unit 53 is connected to the OFF timer control unit 53. Each of the OFF timers 51 is connected. Each of the ON timer 48 and the OFF timer 51 is connected to the SW control unit 49.

  In the second embodiment, the main power source detection unit 47 controls the start / stop / reset of the ON timer 48 and the start / stop / reset of the OFF timer 51. In this embodiment, the ON timer control unit 52 controls the start / stop / reset of the ON timer 48, and the OFF timer control unit 53 controls the start / stop / reset of the OFF timer 51, respectively.

  Then, the ON timer control unit 52 sets the user input time input by the user as the set time. The OFF timer control unit 53 sets the user input OFF time input by the user as the OFF setting time.

  Several modes are conceivable for the input of the set time or OFF set time by the user. For example, a form in which the input device 16 in FIG. 1 or the operation panel 33 in FIG. 2 is used, a form in which the information processing apparatus 100 reads through the storage medium 20, and the information processing apparatus 100 through the interface device 15 or the NIC 28. There is a form to receive. In this embodiment, a mode in which a user inputs a set time or an OFF set time via the input device 16 in FIG. 1 or the operation panel 33 in FIG. 2 will be described.

  FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of setting time or OFF setting time setting screens displayed on the display device 17 of FIG. 1 or the operation panel 33 of FIG. FIG. 13A shows the state before the set time or OFF set time is input, and FIG. 13B shows the state after the set time or OFF set time is input. The user can set a desired number to “ON timer” and “OFF timer” by using the numeric keypad of the input device 16 or the operation panel 33. For example, in FIG. 13B, “ON timer” is “0 day 12 hours”, and “OFF timer” is “1 hour 00 hours”. Therefore, 12 hours is set time, and 1 day is OFF set time. For example, when the user presses a confirmation button (not shown), “12 hours” is stored in the ON timer control unit 52, and “1 day” is stored in the OFF timer control unit 53. Note that “storage” by the ON timer control unit 52 or the OFF timer control unit 53 means that a program is stored as a parameter in a nonvolatile memory, a storage element such as an EEPROM, or the like.

  Since the ON timer control unit 52 sets “12 hours” to the ON timer 48, the ON timer 48 sets 12 hours as the set time, and when the 12 hours have elapsed since the main power supply is turned on, the set time elapse notification is sent to the SW control unit 49. Output. Similarly, since the OFF timer control unit 53 sets “1 day” as the OFF timer 51, the OFF timer 51 sets the 1 day as the OFF setting time and notifies the OFF setting time elapse notification when 1 day has elapsed since the main power supply was turned OFF. The data is output to the SW control unit 49. Thus, in the present embodiment, the user can set the set time and the OFF set time to desired times.

  FIG. 13C shows a case where the user inputs a numerical value of “9” for each of the “ON timer” and “OFF timer”. The numbers that can be entered in the “day” column and “time” column of “ON timer” and “OFF timer” are limited in advance. For example, “0-10” in the “day” column and “0-24” in the “time” column. When the user inputs a number other than a number that can be entered and the user presses the confirm button, the ON timer control unit 52 or the OFF timer control unit 53 sends an NG signal indicating that the number cannot be received, to the display device 17 or the operation. Send to panel 33. Thereby, since the display device 17 and the operation panel 33 display an error message, the user can grasp that the set time or the OFF set time has not been set. In this case, the ON timer control unit 52 or the OFF timer control unit 53 may set a predetermined initial setting value in the ON timer 48 or the OFF timer 51, or may be set at the last set time or OFF. The set time may be set in the ON timer 48 or the OFF timer 51.

  Moreover, in addition to the form which inputs a number directly like FIG. 13, you may set the validity of a setting time or OFF setting time, and invalidity using the calendar function of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. For example, during large holidays during summer and winter, the main power supply is often turned off for a long time. For this reason, during large holidays, the OFF timer 51 may output an OFF set time elapse notification to the SW control unit 49, but in this case, there is a possibility that the data to be retained is lost.

  Therefore, the user calls the calendar function of the information processing apparatus 100 from the input device 16 or the operation panel 33, and sets “○ month ○ day to □ month □ day” as “OFF timer: invalid”. Whether the set time or the OFF set time is valid or invalid is stored in the SW control unit 49 by a flag or the like, for example. The SW control unit 49 turns this flag on or off by referring to the calendar function or receiving an interrupt from the calendar function. The SW control unit 49 determines whether the SW 12 can be turned on or off with reference to the flags for the set time and the OFF set time. By doing so, the OFF timer 51 can be disabled during a large holiday, and the SW 12 can be kept ON regardless of the OFF timer setting time of the OFF timer 51. For example, even in the case of an information processing apparatus 100 in an office where the power of most of the building is turned off at a time during a large holiday, SW 12 is turned off during that time, and it is possible to avoid loss of data to be retained. . The “ON timer” can also be enabled or disabled using the calendar function.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment turns ON or OFF SW12. The flowchart in FIG. 14 starts with, for example, a trigger when the main power supply of the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on or off.

  First, in the main power source detection, it is determined whether the main power source has been turned on or off (S10).

  When the main power supply is turned on, the main power supply control unit 43 requests the ON timer control unit 52 to start the ON timer 48 (S20). At this time, the main power supply control unit 43 starts continuous output of the main power supply ON notification to the SW control unit 49.

  Next, until the ON timer 48 outputs a set time elapse notification (No in S30), the main power source detection unit 47 repeats the determination of whether or not the main power source is turned on (S10). If the main power is turned off before the ON timer 48 outputs the set time elapse notification, the process proceeds to step S50. In this case, SW12 is not turned on.

  When the ON timer 48 outputs a set time elapse notification (Yes in S30), the SW control unit 49 turns on the SW 12 (S40).

  Returning to step S10, when the main power supply is turned off, the main power supply control unit 43 requests the OFF timer control unit 53 to start the OFF timer 51 (S50). At this time, the main power control unit 43 starts continuous output of the main power OFF notification to the SW control unit 49.

  Next, until the OFF timer 51 outputs an OFF set time elapse notification (No in S60), the main power supply detection unit 47 repeats the determination of whether or not the main power supply is turned off (S10). If the main power is turned on before the OFF timer 51 outputs an OFF set time elapse notification, the process proceeds to step S20. In this case, SW12 is not turned off.

  When the OFF timer 51 outputs an OFF set time elapse notification (Yes in S60), the SW control unit 49 determines whether the OFF timer 51 is valid with reference to, for example, a flag (S70). Only when the OFF timer 51 is in a valid period (Yes in S70), the SW control unit 49 turns off the SW12 (S80). Thereafter, the processing is repeated from step S10.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can adjust the set time or the OFF set time according to the environment in which the user uses the information processing apparatus 100. In addition, the validity and invalidity of the set time or the OFF set time can be set according to the environment in which the information processing apparatus 100 is used.

11 Backup battery 12 SW (switch)
41 Battery unit 42 AC / DC converter 43 Main power controller 44 LSI
45 RTC
46 CMOS RAM
47 Main power supply detection unit 48 ON timer 49 SW control unit 51 OFF timer 52 ON timer control unit 53 OFF timer control unit 100 Information processing device

JP 58-152278 A

Claims (10)

A backup battery that supplies power for backup to the arithmetic circuit separately from the main power supply,
A power supply line connecting the backup battery and the arithmetic circuit;
An information processing apparatus having connection / disconnection means for connecting / disconnecting the power supply line,
Connection / disconnection means control means for switching the disconnection means to either a connected state or a disconnected state;
When detecting that the main power is turned on, main power detection means for notifying the connection / disconnection means control means,
A first timer that starts counting a set time when the main power supply detecting means detects that the main power supply is turned on, and outputs a set time elapse notification to the disconnection means control means when the set time elapses;
The cutoff means control means switches the cutoff means to a connected state when a set time elapse notification is input from the first timer in a state where the main power is on.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. When the main power supply detecting means detects that the main power supply is turned off, it notifies the connection / disconnection means control means,
A second timer that starts counting the OFF setting time when the main power supply detecting means detects that the main power supply is off, and notifies the disconnection means control means when the OFF setting time has elapsed,
The cutoff means control means switches the cutoff means to a cutoff state when receiving a notification that an OFF set time has elapsed from the second timer while the main power is off.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Receiving means for receiving the set time or the OFF set time;
Timer control means for registering the set time accepted by the accepting means in the first timer, and the OFF set time accepted by the accepting means in the second timer;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The accepting means accepts designation for invalidating the first timer or the second timer;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3. The accepting means accepts designation of a period for invalidating the first timer or the second timer;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. When the main power control means detects that the main power is turned off before the set time elapses after detecting that the main power is turned on,
Stopping and resetting the first timer;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The main power control means, when detecting that the main power is turned off before the set time has elapsed after detecting that the main power is turned on, stops the first timer,
When it is detected that the main power supply is turned on again, the first timer is restarted to count the set time from the stopped time.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The main power supply control means detects that the main power supply is turned on before the OFF set time elapses after detecting that the main power supply is turned off.
Stopping the second timer;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. Main power detection means for detecting that the main power is turned on;
When the main power supply is turned on, the main power supply detection means connects or disconnects the power supply line connecting the backup battery that supplies backup power to the arithmetic circuit separately from the main power supply and the arithmetic circuit, A step of notifying the connection / disconnection means control means for switching to either of the disconnected states;
When the main power supply detecting means detects that the main power supply is turned on, the first timer starts counting the set time, and when the set time elapses, outputs a set time elapse notification to the cutoff means control means;
The disconnecting means control means is configured to switch the disconnecting means to a connected state when a set time elapse notification is input from the first timer in a state where the main power is on;
A backup battery connection method characterized by comprising: A backup battery that supplies power for backup to the arithmetic circuit separately from the main power supply,
A power supply line connecting the backup battery and the arithmetic circuit;
A CPU of an information processing device having connection / disconnection means for connecting / disconnecting the power supply line,
Connection / disconnection means control means for switching the disconnection means to either a connected state or a disconnected state;
When detecting that the main power is turned on, main power detection means for notifying the connection / disconnection means control means,
When the main power supply detecting means detects that the main power supply is turned on, it starts counting a set time, and when the set time elapses, it functions as a first timer that outputs a set time elapse notification to the disconnection means control means,
When a set time elapse notification is detected from the first timer while the main power is on, the disconnecting means is switched to a connected state.
A program characterized by that.

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