JP3131204B2 - Power saving network equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device (network device) in a network when a plurality of devices are connected via a transmission line such as a cable to form a network, and more particularly to a device in a normal operation. The present invention relates to an improvement in a power-saving network device having a power-saving mode that consumes less power than a normal operation mode and capable of shifting from a normal operation mode to a power-saving mode as needed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a network environment as described above, each power-saving network device is based on IEEE1.
394 standard or, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-134628, when there is no access from another network device to the network device for a certain period of time or when all the network devices are not connected to each other. The mode shifts to a power saving mode. The power-saving network device that has shifted to the power-saving mode cannot perform normal operation, and the built-in port connected to the transmission line also stops transmitting and receiving data.

In the above-described power-saving network device, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-93061, when an access is requested from another network device after shifting to a power-saving mode, a normal operation is performed. Returning to operation mode.

[0004]

However, in the conventional power-saving network device, when it is connected to another power-saving network device via a transmission line, the other power-saving network device accesses the power-saving network device for a predetermined time or more. If there is no network device, or if the access frequency is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the mode shifts to the power saving mode. For example, the network device that has shifted to the power saving mode becomes a relay node located between two network devices. However, the mode shifts to the power saving mode. As a result, when data transmission / reception is required between the two network devices, first, the port of the network device in the power saving mode is operated to enable data transmission / reception. It is necessary to access the other network device via the network device in the power saving mode to exchange data. Therefore, every time any network device on the network shifts to the power saving mode, if it becomes necessary to exchange data between the two network devices that are operating normally, time is required to operate the port,
Therefore, there is a problem that the transmission and reception of necessary data is delayed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to eliminate such a network device if it is a network device necessary for exchanging data with another network device, such as one of the network devices acting as a relay node on the network. It is an object of the present invention to provide a power-saving network device that adopts a configuration that does not shift to a power mode, quickly transmits and receives necessary data, and can achieve both high-speed operation and low power consumption.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in a network to which a plurality of power-saving network devices are connected, a connection relationship between these power-saving network devices is examined, and the connection is determined. It is determined whether or not each power-saving network device can shift to the power-saving mode based on the relationship.

[0007] That is, the power-saving network unit of the invention described in claim 1, it is connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are formed are connected through a transmission line Ne
A power-saving network device forming a network node and having a normal operation mode and a power-saving mode, wherein each power-saving network device is connected to the network.
Information storage means for storing network information indicating a connection relationship between connection devices, and network information of the information storage means
As a result, the own power saving network device is connected to the network.
Network and not parent of other network devices
If not a node, this own power saving network
And a power-saving mode shift unit that does not prohibit shifting the device to the power-saving mode .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the power-saving network device according to the first aspect, information is received from peripheral I / O means connected to the network and a device of the network, and the information is processed. Digital processing means, the peripheral I / O means and the digital processing means receive a command signal from the power saving mode shifting means when the power saving mode shifting means determines to shift to the power saving mode. The mode is characterized by shifting to a power saving mode .

[0009] According to a third aspect of the invention, in the power saving network device of claim 1, further comprising a frequency calculating means for calculating the frequency of access to its own power-saving network device from each device, the power-saving The mode shifting means, when the own power saving network device is neither a parent nor a relay node in the network, according to the access frequency calculated by the frequency calculating means, the own power saving network device saves power. The mode is allowed to be shifted to the mode.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the power-saving network apparatus according to the third aspect, there is provided a switch unit which is turned on by a human operation or a non-human detection signal of a human sensor, and wherein the switch unit performs the frequency calculation. Connected to the switching means, wherein the frequency calculating means receives the ON signal of the switching means and forcibly outputs a signal indicating that the access frequency is equal to or less than a reference value.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the power-saving network device according to the first aspect, the power-saving network device further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not its own power-saving network device is connected to the network. Is input to the information storage means, and the configuration of the network already stored in the information storage means is modified according to the result of the determination by the determination means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the power-saving network device according to the first aspect, there is provided a network monitoring means for sequentially monitoring and re-evaluating a change in the configuration of the network, and an output of the network monitoring means is provided. The network configuration already stored in the information storage unit is modified by the changed network configuration input to the information storage unit and grasped again by the network monitoring unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the power saving network device according to the second aspect, the peripheral I / O device and the digital processing means are required for relaying information from the device connected to a network. Of the peripheral I / O device and the digital processing means, only the circuit parts other than the circuit parts necessary for relaying the information are shifted to the power saving mode. It is characterized by being possible.

As described above, according to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, whether or not the power-saving network device shifts to the power-saving mode is determined by the individual connected to the network .
Network showing connection relationships between power-saving network devices
Is determined based on network information, and
Network device is another network device in the network.
If it is not a parent and not a relay node,
The power saving network device can switch to the power saving mode.
In addition, for example, when the own power saving network device is “parent” in a parent-child relationship with another device in the network, or when the device is a relay node located between two devices, the own power saving network device is saved. The power network device does not shift to the power saving mode and is kept in the normal operation mode. Therefore, conventionally, as in the case where the network device shifts to the power saving mode even when its own network device is a relay node, the network device in the power saving mode is returned to the normal mode to be in a state in which data can be exchanged. This eliminates the necessity and allows data to be exchanged earlier than in the past.

In particular, according to the invention described in claim 5 , when the own device is disconnected from the network or reconnected afterwards, the disconnection or reconnection is judged and recognized by the judging means, and the judgment is made. Since the configuration of the network stored in the network information storage means is changed based on the information, it is possible to appropriately shift its own power-saving network device to the power-saving mode or to maintain the normal operation mode.

In the invention according to claim 6 , even if the network configuration is changed, the network monitoring means monitors the network configuration at any time and feeds back the changed network configuration to the network information means. Irrespective of the change in the configuration of the network, all the power-saving network devices can be appropriately shifted to the power-saving mode or kept in the normal operation mode.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7 , when the own power saving network device is necessary only for relaying information, only the circuit portion necessary for relaying information among the own power saving network device is provided. In normal operating mode,
Since parts other than the circuit part necessary for the relay can be shifted to the power saving mode, further power saving can be achieved.

[0018]

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

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an entire network to which a plurality of power saving network devices of the present invention are connected. Network X in the figure
, Five power saving network devices A, B, C, D,
E exists and the network device C has three transmission lines 5
0, 51, 52, respectively, the network device A,
B and D are connected. The network device D is connected to the network device E via a transmission line 53. These power saving network devices A, B, C, D,
E forms a node of the network X. The power saving network devices A to E include, for example, a CPU, a DVDR,
OM, DVC (digital video camera), printer, scanner, VCR, etc. The transmission lines 50 to 53 are cables, optical cables, signal lines, or the like. In this embodiment, the devices A to E connected to the network X are all configured by the power saving network device according to the present invention. The network may be configured by mixing the devices and the power-saving network device according to the present invention.

Each of the power saving network devices A to E includes:
Inside, it has a common configuration. This common internal configuration is shown in FIG. 2 taking the power saving network device D as an example.

In the power-saving network device D of FIG. 2, reference numeral 5 denotes peripheral I / O means, and the two transmission lines 5
2 and 53, convert the signals from the power-saving network devices C and E into digital information that can be recognized as digital and input the digital information.
Digital information from each power-saving network device C,
Output to E. Numeral 6 denotes digital processing means for transmitting information from each of the network devices C and E to the peripheral I / O means 5.
And digitally processes the received information in accordance with its own function such as DVC, and sends the processed information to each of the network devices C and E via the peripheral I / O means 5 as necessary. Output. Further, this digital processing means 6 transmits to the digital processing means 6 in the other network devices A to C and E when connected to the network X.
It communicates connection information such as the number of ports of the peripheral I / O means 5 of its own network device D, the priority of these ports, and which network device these ports are connected to, and other information. Network devices A to C,
The connection information of these network devices A to C and E is received from each digital processing means 6 in E and the connection status of the entire network X is grasped. The digital processing means 6 outputs an access signal when receiving data from another network device.

Although not shown, the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 have a built-in mechanism for reducing the power consumption by halving the operating frequency. The state when the mechanism is not operating is the state of the normal operation mode.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 7 denotes a network information storage means, which has a configuration of the network X grasped by the digital processing means 6, that is , is connected to the network X.
The connection relation between the connected individual power saving network devices A to E is internally stored as network information. 8
Is an access frequency calculating means, the internal configuration of which is shown in FIG.
Is shown in In FIG. 3, 8a is a counter, 8b is a timer, and 8c is a comparator. The timer 8b is a predetermined time (for example, 1) for periodically clearing the counter 8a.
Minutes) and outputs a reset signal when the measurement is completed.
The counter 8a receives an access signal from the digital processing means 6 and counts the number of receptions.
Upon receiving a reset signal from the timer 8b, the count number is reset to zero. The comparator 8c inputs the count number of the counter 8a and a predetermined reference value. The reference value is a minimum number of accesses (for example, five times) for shifting the peripheral I / O unit 5 and the digital processing unit 6 to the power saving mode. The comparator 8c compares the count number of the counter 8a with the reference value, and outputs a result of the comparison as access frequency information. Note that the internal configuration of the access frequency information calculation means 8 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and various other modifications are possible. For example,
When there is no access to the own network device for a set time or more, access information indicating this may be output to the power saving mode shifting means 9.

Further, reference numeral 9 denotes a power saving mode shifting means, which is network information stored in the network information storage means 7, that is , connected to the network X.
Shows the connection relationship between individual power saving network devices
Information and the access frequency information from the access frequency calculation means 8, and based on these information, the peripheral I / O
Means 5 and said digital processing means 6 determines whether or not to shift to the power saving mode, its power-saving network
The device is connected to another network device in the network X.
If this is not the parent of the
Power-saving network devices can switch to power-saving mode.
It is determined that there is a power saving mode shift command signal
Output to the I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6.
These peripheral I / O means 5 and said digital processing means 6
Receives the power saving mode transition command signal, operates the built-in power consumption reduction mechanism, and transitions to the power saving mode.

Hereinafter, the details of the determination of the shift to the power saving mode by the power saving mode shifting means 9 will be described.

The network information storage means 7 stores network information. Since this network information is a connection relationship between the five power saving network devices A to E in the network X, the network information is stored in each of the power saving network devices A to E. The same information is stored in the network information storage unit 7. However,
The power saving network devices A to E have different numbers (node numbers). The power saving mode shifting means 9 includes:
The network information in the network information storage means 7 is determined prior to the access frequency information from the access frequency calculation means 8. The power saving mode shifting means 9 first determines whether or not its own network device is a “parent” in relation to other network devices in the network X, based on the network information in the network information storage device 7. At X, it is determined whether or not to become a relay node for data transmission between the other two network devices. For example, in the network X of FIG.
When the network device A is the “parent”, the power saving mode shifting unit 9 of the “parent” network device A issues the power saving mode shifting command regardless of the content of the access frequency information from the access frequency calculating unit 8. Does not output a signal. In addition, the power saving mode shifting means 9 of the two network devices C and D which become relay nodes in the network X of FIG. 1 execute the power saving mode shifting command regardless of the content of the access frequency information from the access frequency calculating means 8. Does not output a signal.

On the other hand, when the own network device is neither a “parent” nor a relay node, ie, the network X
In the two network devices B and E, the power saving mode shifting unit 9 determines whether to output or not output the power saving mode shifting command signal based on the access frequency information of the access frequency calculating unit 8. That is, based on the access frequency information,
When it is determined that the number of accesses within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the reference value, a power saving mode transition command signal is output. When it is determined that the number of accesses exceeds the reference value, a power saving mode transition command signal is output. do not do.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the network device A that is the “parent” in the network X and the network devices C and D that are the relay nodes, the power saving mode shifting means 9 operates independently of the access frequency information. Since the power saving mode shift command signal is not output, the normal operation mode is maintained without shifting to the power saving mode even if the number of accesses is less than the reference value and small. Accordingly, management of communication from the “child” network devices B to E on the network X is always ensured. Further, it is always ensured that data is transmitted from the network device A to the network device B via the network device C, or that data is transmitted from the network device B to the network device E via the network devices C and D. Therefore, unlike the related art, there is no need to return the relay nodes C and D from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode, so that data transmission via the relay node can be performed early, and data transmission can be speeded up. .

In the network devices B and E which are neither the “parent” nor the relay node in the network X, the power saving mode shifting means 9 determines whether the number of accesses is equal to or less than the reference value based on the access frequency information of the access frequency calculating means 8. When it is determined that the power consumption is low, the power-saving mode shift command signal is output, whereby the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 shift to the power-saving mode, so that the power consumption is effectively reduced. Will be.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power saving network device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes switch means provided corresponding to the own network device D. For example, a person (user) manually turns on / off as needed, or switches his / her own network device. Is turned on in response to a human non-detection signal from a human sensor arranged near. The ON output of the switch means 20 is input to the access frequency calculation means 8. The access frequency calculating means 8 includes the switch means 20
When the ON output is input, the access frequency information indicating that the number of accesses is equal to or less than the reference value is forcibly output from the comparator 8c of FIG. Be composed.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 21 denotes the peripheral I / O.
Determining means connected to the peripheral I / O device 5
It is determined whether or not the transmission lines 52 and 53 such as cables are connected to the respective ports. The result of the judgment by the judging means 21 is output to the network information storage means 7. The network information storage unit 7 determines that the network device D has been disconnected from the network or has been reconnected after the disconnection based on the determination result of the determination unit 21, and corrects the stored configuration of the network X. . The configuration of the network X after the correction is output to the power saving mode shifting means 9 as network information.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a person manually turns on the switch means 20 or when the switch means 20 is turned on by a non-human detection signal from a human sensor, that is, when the corresponding network device is turned on. When the operation is considered unnecessary, the access frequency information calculating means 8 of the network device forcibly outputs access frequency information indicating that the access frequency is low to the power saving mode shifting means 9. Therefore, if the network device
If it is not a "parent" or a relay node,
Alternatively, the power-saving mode shifting means 9 immediately outputs a power-saving mode shifting signal in response to the absence of a person, so that the network device can be immediately shifted to the power saving mode.

When a connection cable or the like is disconnected or reconnected to the port of the peripheral I / O means 5 in any of the network devices, the information of the disconnection or reconnection is immediately transmitted to the judgment means 21 by the judgment means 21. After the determination, the network information in the own network information storage means 7 is corrected. Therefore, the own power saving mode shifting means 9 outputs or does not output the power saving mode shifting command signal based on the corrected network information. The disconnected network device can be immediately shifted to the power saving mode, and when its own network device is reconnected to the network X, the power saving mode of this network device is immediately released and the normal operation mode is set. It is possible to return to.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power saving network device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a network monitoring means, which is connected to the peripheral I / O means 5. The network monitoring unit 30 is configured to detect a network structure that has already been grasped when any network device is disconnected or reconnected from the network X, and / or when any network device shifts to the power saving mode. (Topology) is reset, connection information is communicated between all connected network devices, the connection status of these network devices is grasped again, and these connection statuses are output to the network information storage means 7. .

In FIG. 5, the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 are respectively connected to the transmission line 5
Circuit parts 5a, 6 necessary to connect 2, 53 to each other
a and other portions 5b and 6b.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the network X is changed, the network monitoring means 30 re-understands the network X after the change every time the network X is changed, and Since the information is updated successively, even when the configuration of the network X is changed, the power saving mode shifting unit 9 can appropriately output the power saving mode shifting command signal, and becomes the “parent” or the relay node. The normal operation mode can be maintained without shifting to the power saving mode for the network device that has been set.

In the network devices C and D serving as relay nodes, when the number of accesses is less than the reference value, it is necessary to connect the transmission lines in the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 to each other. Only the circuit portions 5a and 6a can be in the normal operation mode, and the other portions 5b and 6b can be in the power saving mode. Therefore, in the first and second embodiments, all of the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 need to be in the normal operation mode. It is possible to achieve electric power.

[0040]

As described above, according to the power-saving network device of the invention according to claims 1 to 7 ,
Whether or not the power saving network device shifts to the power saving mode is determined for each power saving network connected to the network.
Network device indicating the connection relationship between network devices, and
Not a parent of other network devices in the work
If it is not a relay node, this own power saving network
The switch to the power saving mode of the network device is not prohibited.
"Parent" in the parent-child relationship with other devices in the network
Or a relay node located between two devices
In this case, there is no need to return the network device in the power saving mode to the normal mode to make it possible to transmit and receive data. This provides an effect that data can be transmitted and received earlier than before.

[0041] In particular, according to the power-saving network unit of the invention of claim 5, wherein the cutting own device from the network, or when subsequently reconnected to, the disconnection or reconnection of the determination, recognizing Since the determination means is provided, the network configuration stored in the network information storage means can be changed based on the determination information, and the own power saving network device can be appropriately shifted to the power saving mode, or can be switched to the normal operation mode. Can be held.

Further, according to the power-saving network unit of the invention of claim 6, wherein, since there is provided a network monitoring means for monitoring a change in the network configuration from time to time, regardless of the change in the network configuration, all power saving The network device can be appropriately shifted to the power saving mode or maintained in the normal operation mode.

[0043] Further, according to the power-saving network unit of the invention of claim 7, wherein, when the self-power-saving network unit is required only to relay information among the self-power-saving network device, the information Since only the circuit part necessary for relaying can be held in the normal operation mode and the part other than the circuit part required for relaying can be shifted to the power saving mode, further power saving can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an entire network including a power-saving network device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a power saving network device of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an access frequency calculation unit provided in the power saving network device of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a power saving network device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a power saving network device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A to E power saving network device 5 peripheral I / O means 6 digital processing means 7 network information means 8 access frequency information calculation means 8a counter 8b timer 8c comparator 9 power saving mode transition means 9 network monitoring means 20 external switch means 21 judgment Means 30 Network monitoring means 50-53 Transmission line X network

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tadahiro Yoshida 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yukio Arima 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takashi Hirata 1006 Oji Kadoma Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Yoshihide Komatsu 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-8-221163 (JP, A) JP-A-10-70561 (JP, A) JP-A 10-233791 (JP, A) JP-A-10-303949 (JP, A) JP-A-11-145993 (JP, A) JP-A-11-234315 (JP, A) JP-A-11-305878 (JP, A) Opening 200 0-69029 (JP, A) JP-T-8-509081 (JP, A) 1394 TRADE ASSOCIATION ION, "Power Specification", Revision 1.0, (Oct. 5 1999) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ^7, DB name) G06F 1/32 H04L 12/28

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of devices are connected to the network formed by being connected via a transmission line the net
A power-saving network device forming a network node and having a normal operation mode and a power-saving mode, wherein each power-saving network connected to the network is provided.
Information storage means for storing network information indicating a connection relationship between the work devices ; and self-saving by the network information of the information storage means.
The power network device is connected to another network in the network.
When not a parent of network device and not a relay node
The power-saving network device in its own power-saving mode.
A power saving mode switching unit that does not prohibit shifting to a power saving mode. 2. A peripheral I / O connected to the network
And digital processing means for receiving information from the network device and processing the information, wherein the peripheral I / O means and the digital processing means cause the power saving mode shifting means to shift to a power saving mode. 2. The power-saving network device according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the command signal is received from the power-saving mode shifting means, the mode is shifted to the power-saving mode. 3. A power saving mode transition means for calculating a frequency of access from each of the devices to its own power saving network device, wherein the power saving mode shifting unit is configured such that its own power saving network device is not a parent in the network. and if not a relay node, in response to said calculated access frequency by the frequency calculation unit, its power-saving network device according to claim 1, wherein allowing the shift to the power saving mode Power saving network device. 4. A switch unit which is turned on by a human operation or a human non-detection signal of a human sensor, wherein said switch unit is connected to said frequency calculation unit, and said frequency calculation unit outputs an ON signal of said switch unit. 4. The power saving network device according to claim 3 , wherein a signal indicating that the access frequency is equal to or lower than a reference value is forcibly output. 5. A judgment means for judging whether or not its own power-saving network device is connected to the network, wherein an output of the judgment means is inputted to the information storage means, and based on a judgment result of the judgment means. 2. The power-saving network device according to claim 1, wherein the configuration of the network already stored in said information storage means is modified. 6. A network monitoring means for sequentially monitoring and recognizing a change in the configuration of the network, wherein an output of the network monitoring means is input to the information storage means and re-recognized by the network monitoring means. 2. The power-saving network device according to claim 1, wherein the network configuration already stored in the information storage unit is modified by the changed network configuration. 7. The peripheral I / O device and the digital processing means are divided into a circuit portion necessary for relaying information from the device connected to a network and a circuit portion other than the circuit portion. / O device and the digital processing means,
3. The power saving network device according to claim 2, wherein only a circuit portion other than a circuit portion necessary for relaying the information can be shifted to a power saving mode.