JPH04273508A - Remote power source control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To save a space, to reduce a cost, and to easily facilitate a countermeasure to each kind of network or each kind of communication procedure, as for a remote power source control system by which the control of the power-on of an electronic computer is operated from a host electronic computer at a remote place. CONSTITUTION:The system is constituted of a communication control part equipped with a nonvolatile memory 47 capable of being reloaded, in which a communication procedure concerning information is set, a first semiconductor memory 48 in which a loading control program which operates the loading of both a remote power source control program and a communication control program is stored, and a second semiconductor memory 49 in which the above mentioned communication control program is stored. And also, this system is constituted of a power source control part 40 which controls the power source of an electronic computer 31 in which the pertinent communication control part 41 is incorporated, and a power source part 39.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote power control system for controlling power-on of a computer from a host computer at a remote location. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for controlling the power supply of computers from remote locations, but since the power must be turned on even when the computer is turned off, it is necessary to A remote power control device has been developed and is in use.

[0002] A remote power supply control device is a device that controls an interface with a communication control section and a power supply control section of a computer, but with the rapid advancement of networks in recent years,
Connection to various networks and support for various communication procedures are increasingly required. Furthermore, with the increasing demand for remote power control devices, there is a strong demand for not only cost reduction but also space saving.

0003

2. Description of the Related Art Connection configurations of a conventional remote power supply control device are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. FIG. 5 shows the case of a specific communication line, and FIG. 6 shows the case of a public communication line. In FIG. 5, when the power is turned on from the host computer 1, it enters the remote power control device 5 via the modem 2, specific line 3, and modem 4, and the remote power control device 5 decodes the power. After the input command is sent and the computer 6 starts up, the computer 6 is connected to the host computer 1 via its communication control section 7.

In FIG. 6, a power-on command from a host computer 1 is sent to a modem 2, a network control device 8, and a switch 9.
, the public line 10 , the exchange 11 , the network control device 12 , and the modem 4 into the remote power supply control device 5 . The subsequent operation is similar to that of the specific communication line 3. Next, the internal configuration of the remote power supply control device 5 is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 13 indicates the communication control section 7 side of the computer 6 or the control section 14 of the remote power supply control device 5.
15 is a driver or receiver provided between the modem 4 and the line switching section 13; 16 is a driver or receiver provided between the communication control section 7 and the line control section 13; Receiver 17 receives RD (received data) from bus 18 and converts it into parallel data.
It also sends SD (transmission data) to bus 19.
A serial-to-parallel converter receives data from 9, converts it into serial data, and sends it to bus 18. 20 indicates CS (ready to send), CD (data channel reception carrier detection), DR (data set ready), and CI (called indication). ), ST2 (transmission signal element timing), RT (reception signal element timing), and other signals from the modem 4 and the HER (data terminal ready) signal from the computer 6, and also sends ER (data data) to the modem 4. terminal ready), RS (send request),
A modem control section that sends out each signal such as ST1 (transmission signal element timing), 21 is a line switching section 1
22 is a power control unit that sends a power-on command to the power supply 23 of the electronic computer 6; 24 is a dedicated memory provided in the control unit 14; 25 is a control unit that controls each part of the control unit 14. Microprocessor (MPU)
).

Reference numeral 7 denotes the communication control section provided in the computer 6, and the HER signal from the communication control section 7 enters the power control section 20 via the driver/receiver 16, which is recognized by the MPU 25. Line switching control section 21
A line switching command is sent to the line switching control unit 21, and the line switching control unit 21 switches the switch of the line switching unit 13 from the B contact to the A contact. Next, FIG. 8 shows the operation flow of the entire system using the remote power supply control device.

[0007] Here, as an example, BSC is used in the transmission control procedure.
Use procedures. The application program of host computer 1 issues a power-on command WRI to the communication control program.
When TE is issued, the communication control program sends a control character ENQ (inquiry) to the communication line. Remote power control device 5
responds to this ENQ with WACK (transmission standby request acknowledgment) and repeats this. In response to the third ENQ, the remote power control device 5 issues a power-on command to the hardware of the computer 6. After this, until you switch lines,
That is, the remote power supply control device 5 repeatedly responds with WACK to the ENQ of the host computer 1 until the host computer 1 and the computer 6 are directly connected via the return line.

When the hardware of the computer 6 receives a power-on command, the computer 6 performs IMPL (initial micro program loading) and IPL (initial program loading) to load the communication control program,
Launch the application program. When the application program starts up, the OPEN
) command to the communication control program, and then the communication control program issues an enable command (ENABLE C
OMMAND) to the hardware. The hardware issues a modem signal ER (HER in this case) to the remote power control device 5, and the remote power control device 5 uses this signal as a trigger to switch the line.

[0009] When the line is switched, the host computer 1
The ENQ from the host computer 1 directly enters the computer 6, and the computer 6 responds with an ACK to the ENQ.Then, the host computer 1 and the computer 6 exchange information via the communication line.

0010

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, since such conventional remote power control devices are external devices, there are problems in that they take up space and are expensive, and furthermore, they are difficult to connect to various networks. Another problem was that it was difficult to accommodate various communication procedures.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of these conventional problems, and can realize space saving and low cost, and can easily support various networks and various communication procedures. The purpose is to provide a remote power control method that can be used.

0012

[Means for Solving the Problems] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention. In FIG. 1, numeral 41 includes a rewritable nonvolatile memory 47 in which communication procedure related information is set, and a power-on instruction from a remote host computer 35, which instructs the power control unit 40 to turn on the power, and a non-rewritable first semiconductor memory 48 having a firmware for processing a communication protocol with the electronic computer 35, loading a program to a rewritable second semiconductor memory 49, and shifting to program control of the second semiconductor memory 49; a second semiconductor memory 49 having a communication control program that takes over control from the first semiconductor memory 48 and processes communication protocols with the host computer 35 and processes each command after initial program loading is completed;
40 is a power supply control unit that controls the power of the computer 31 incorporating the communication control unit 41, and 39 is a power supply unit that is powered on in response to a power-on instruction.

[0013]

[Operation] When the power of the computer is not turned on, the program stored in the first semiconductor memory of the communication control unit performs communication control in accordance with the communication procedure-related information set in advance in the nonvolatile memory to remotely reach the remote location. detects a power-on instruction for the computer from the host electronic computer, and instructs the power control unit to power-on the computer,
During power-on, communication protocol processing with the host computer is performed, and after power-on completion, communication protocol processing with the host computer and program loading control to the second semiconductor memory are performed in parallel, and the program is loaded to the second semiconductor memory. After the loading control is completed, remote power supply control is performed by transferring control from program control of the first semiconductor memory to program control of the second semiconductor memory while performing communication protocol processing with the host computer.

Further, the communication control program in the second semiconductor memory continues to perform communication protocol processing with the host computer, and after the IPL is completed, each command is processed and data communication is started. In this way, by incorporating the remote power control function into the communication control section of the computer, space can be saved, and hardware can be shared, resulting in lower costs. can. Furthermore, it is possible to easily correspond to various networks and various communication procedures.

[0015]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained based on the drawings. 2 to 4 are diagrams showing one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, 31 is an electronic computer, and the electronic computer 3
1 is connected to a host computer 35 via a modem 32, a specific line 33, and a modem 34. electronic computer 3
The first connection form is not limited to the specific line 33, but may be connected to the host computer 35 via a public line as in the conventional example.

The electronic computer 31 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 37 connected to each unit via a bus 36, a semiconductor storage device (memory) 38, a power supply unit 39, a power supply control unit 40 that controls the power supply unit 39, and a remote control unit 40 that controls the power supply unit 39. It has a communication control section 41 having a power supply control function and a communication control function. Next, the configuration of the communication control section 41 is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, 42 is a microprocessor connected to each section via an internal bus 43, and the microprocessor 42 controls each section. 44 is the main body CP
The main CPU interface section 44 is a U interface section, and the main CPU interface section 44 is a central processing unit (CPU) 37 of the computer 31.
and the communication control unit 41. 45
is a line interface section, and the line interface section 45 connects the serial data on the specific line 33 and the communication control section 4.
Controls the conversion and modem interface with parallel data on 1. Reference numeral 46 denotes a power supply control interface unit, and the power supply control interface unit 46 controls an interface with the power supply control unit 40 that requests power-on of the computer 31 during remote power control.

Reference numeral 47 denotes an EEPROM section which is a rewritable non-volatile memory, and the EEPROM section 47 stores communication procedure related information for remote power supply control. 48
is a ROM section which is a non-rewritable first semiconductor memory, and the ROM section 48 contains a remote power control program and a RAM section 49 which is a rewritable second semiconductor memory.
A loading control program for loading a communication control program to is stored.

That is, the ROM section 49 detects power-on from the remote host computer 35, instructs the power control section 40 to turn on the power, and performs communication protocol processing with the host computer 35 and the RAM section 49. It has a firmware for loading a communication control program and shifting to program control of the RAM section 49. The RAM unit 49 stores a communication control program that takes over control from the ROM unit 48, performs communication protocol processing with the host computer 35, performs each command process after IPL, and starts communication.

Next, the operation will be explained based on FIG. When the computer 31 is not powered on, the program stored in the ROM section 48 of the communication control section 41 allows
Through communication control according to communication procedure-related information set in advance in the EEPROM section 47, a power-on instruction for the computer 31 from a remote host computer 35 is detected, and the power is turned on via the power control interface section 46. An instruction is given to the control unit 40 to turn on the power of the computer 31.

The power supply control unit 40 powers on the power supply unit 39 in response to a power-on instruction from the ROM unit 48, and after the power-on is completed, transmits the I/O to the loader on the central processing unit (CPU) 37.
Provides MPL instructions. The loader is
MPL is started, and the RAM section 49 is transferred to the ROM section 48.
Instructs to load the communication control program of IM
When PL is completed, an IPL instruction is given to the OS.

The ROM unit 48 processes the communication protocol with the host computer 35 while the power is turned on, detects bus power ready after the power is turned on, processes the communication protocol with the host computer 35, and writes the program to the RAM unit 49. Perform loading control in parallel. After loading R
The OM unit 48 monitors the reception of the ENQ from the host computer 35, sets the takeover information, and jumps to the RAM unit 49.

On the other hand, when the OS receives an IPL instruction from the loader, it starts IPL, and when the IPL ends, it starts network control and sends a set mode command, an enable command, and a read command to the RAM section 49. R
The AM unit 49 initializes the communication control program, receives the takeover information from the ROM unit 48, and transmits WACK to the host computer 35. Then, when the RAM unit 49 performs read command processing, the ENQ from the host computer 35 directly reaches the OS of the computer 31, and the WRI
By responding with the TE command, data communication is performed between the host computer 35 and the computer 31.

In this embodiment, since the remote power control function is built into the communication control unit 41 of the computer 31, it is possible to save space, and since the hardware is shared, Low cost can be achieved. Furthermore, it can easily accommodate various networks and various communication procedures.

[0025]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, space saving and cost reduction can be realized.
Moreover, it can easily support various networks and various communication procedures.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

[Figure 1] Diagram explaining the principle of the present invention

[Fig. 2] A diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 3] Configuration diagram of communication control unit

[Figure 4] Diagram showing the operation flow

[Fig. 5] Diagram showing a conventional connection form

[Fig. 6] Diagram showing another conventional connection form

[Figure 7] Configuration diagram of remote power control device

[Figure 8] Diagram showing the conventional operation flow

[Explanation of symbols]

31: Computers 32, 34: Modem 33: Specific line 35: Host computer 36: Bus 37: Central processing unit 38: Semiconductor storage device 39: Power supply section 40: Power supply control section 41: Communication control section 42: Microprocessor 43 : Internal bus 44: Main body CPU interface section 45: Line interface section 46: Power supply control interface section 47: EEPROM section (non-volatile memory) 48: ROM
Part (first semiconductor memory) 49: RAM part (second semiconductor memory)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A rewritable nonvolatile memory (47) in which communication procedure related information is set, and a power supply controller (40) that detects a power-on instruction from a remote host computer (35). Instruct the host computer (35
) and the program loading to the rewritable second semiconductor memory (49).
Communication between a non-rewritable first semiconductor memory (48) having a firmware for transitioning to program control of the semiconductor memory (49) and a host computer (35) that takes over control from the first semiconductor memory (48). a communication control unit (41) having a second semiconductor memory (49) having a communication control program that performs protocol processing and processes each command after initial program loading is completed; and an electronic computer incorporating the communication control unit (41). (31)
The computer (31) is powered on by a host computer (35) at a remote location. A remote power supply control method that is characterized by: