KR20180082786A - Automatic power consumption reduction device and method for personal computer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device to automatically reduce the power consumption of a personal computer and a method thereof, capable of reducing power consumption by automatically measuring and storing a consumption current and a state value in relation to an operational mode and automatically controlling power of a mainboard and screen output in accordance with an operational state of the computer. The device to automatically reduce the power consumption of a personal computer includes: a mainboard including an idle mode (standby mode) management application and saving power by controlling the screen brightness of a monitor in accordance with an operational mode; a power supply part converting power for common use into DC power to supply the power; and a power consumption reducing part automatically setting a power saving reference value by measuring a mainboard signal level and power consumption through each operation state caused on the mainboard, and executing a power saving function by controlling the power of the mainboard based on an actual measurement value and an automatically set power saving reference value when a computer system operates.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an automatic power consumption reduction device and method for a personal computer,

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer, and more particularly, to a system and method for automatic power consumption reduction of a personal computer, And more particularly, to a device for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer and a method of controlling the power consumption of the personal computer.

The types of services available through personal computers are becoming diverse, entertainment contents are rapidly increasing, and the number and time of use of personal computers is also increasing. As a result, the power consumption of a personal computer is also increasing, and development of a technology capable of reducing power consumption is continuously required.

In order to reduce the power consumption of the personal computer, the proposed technique checks the activity of the system, suspends the processor if there is no activity of the system for a certain period of time, and restarts the processor There is a way.

As another power saving method, there is a power saving function using a speed step. Speedstep's power saving feature is a technology that supports four modes of CPU, allowing the user to select according to his / her environment and dynamically adjusting processor voltage and core frequency according to each mode, thereby reducing power consumption.

On the other hand, another technology that has been conventionally proposed for performing a power saving function in a personal computer is disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 7 below.

The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a power management section for adjusting the speed of the CPU by changing the throttle ratio of the system chip according to the power management mode of the CPU,

The power saving mode can reduce the power consumption of the CPU by slowing the speed of the CPU. In particular, even in a portable computer system having a low-cost CPU in which the function of controlling the CPU speed is not provided, To reduce power consumption and extend the operating time.

In addition, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2, in order to minimize the unnecessary power consumption while detecting the opening and closing state of the portable computer through the reed switch and not having a long preparation time when the portable computer is opened and closed, The speed of the CPU is controlled to be lowered, thereby achieving an economical effect.

In addition, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 3 does not need to return to the normal operation mode in order to terminate the system or perform hibernation when the battery power is low in the hybrid power saving mode, so unnecessary power consumption is prevented, abnormal system shutdown is prevented, There is an advantage that it is possible to prevent a phenomenon that the user environment before the entry into the hybrid power saving mode is lost because the excessive power is not consumed to perform the power saving operation.

In addition, in the conventional art disclosed in Patent Document 4, when the external AC power input to the external power input side of the power supply of the computer is turned off, the computer is switched to the standby mode to prevent data loss in the active computer, It is possible to maximize the power saving efficiency through the forced shutdown of the power source and to prevent the wake-up of the computer by wrong operation of the input device when the external AC power is cut off.

In addition, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 5 includes a call processor, an application processor, and a main memory, and the call processor drives a real-time operating system, the application processor drives a general-purpose operating system, A first memory implemented as a volatile memory for storing data for operation of the first memory and a second memory implemented as a non-volatile memory, wherein when entering the hibernation mode, a part of the data stored in the first memory is stored in the second memory The power of the first memory and the second memory is turned off. With this configuration, the main memory system, the computer system, and the system that receive transmission signals from the outside while maintaining the low power state in the hibernation mode operate at low power.

In addition, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 6 controls the power saving of the main computer system through a dedicated low-power computer that analyzes the state of the main computer system and the power state and determines the power saving policy.

In addition, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 7 utilizes a PIC (Programmable IC) to minimize the standby power while simplifying the cable or other hardware and simplifying the software.

Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2006-0119181 (published on November 24, 2006) (Computer system having power saving function and method of implementing power saving mode in computer system) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1163812 (2012.07.02. Registered (Power saving control device and method of portable computer) Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2009-0044872 (published on May 7, 2009.) (Power saving mode control method for portable computers and portable computers) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1258047 (Registered Mar. 18, 2013) (Power Saving Computer Having Battery for Standby Mode and Its Control Method) Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2014-0069929 (published on June 10, 2014) (System with Hibernation Mode and Method of Operation Thereof) Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2015-0075993 (published on Jul. 20, 2015) (Power Saving Computer System and Power Saving Control Method of Computer System) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1640584 (Registered on July 12, 2016) (Standby power control method using PIC)

However, the above-described conventional technique can realize a power saving in a personal computer (including a portable computer) to some extent, but it is a simple power saving method for realizing power saving only by a condition set by a user, It is impossible to implement a power saving by optimally controlling the computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for automatically measuring a current consumption and a state value for an operating mode, And an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer and a method for controlling the power consumption of the personal computer so as to reduce power consumption.

In order to achieve the above object, the apparatus for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention includes an idle mode (standby mode) operating application and a main board; A power supply unit for converting a commercial power supply into a predetermined direct current power supply; The main power supply and the main board signal level are measured by causing each of the main boards to generate an operation state to automatically set the power saving reference value, and based on the automatically set power saving reference value and the actual measured value during the operation of the computer system And a power consumption reduction unit for controlling the power of the main board to execute the power saving function.

Wherein the power consumption reduction unit includes: a current measurement unit for measuring a current supplied from the power supply unit to the main board in a consumption current; The power consumption and the main board signal level measured by the current measuring unit are set as a power saving reference value and the supply power of the main board is controlled according to the consumption current or the main board signal level measured by the current measuring unit A microcomputer; And a power switching unit for maintaining or cutting off standby power supplied from the power supply unit to the main board according to a power control signal output from the microcomputer.

The microcomputer analyzes the power-off condition of the main board and controls the main board to shut off the standby power when the power-off condition is satisfied. The power-off condition indicates that the sensed power- (PS-On) of the signal level of the main board is at a high level and the off mode detection signal S3 is 0.5 V or less.

In order to achieve the above object, a first embodiment of a method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention is a method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer, comprising: (a) Detecting a current consumed by the board as a first consumption current, sensing and storing a main board signal level for determining an operation mode of the main board, (b) a power saving mode in which the main board forcibly enters the sleep mode in the power saving section, detects a current consumed in the main board as a second consumption current, and determines a main board signal level Detecting and storing the data; (c) returning to a normal mode after the step (b), forcing the main board to enter an off mode in the power saving section, sensing a current consumed in the main board as a third current consumption, Sensing and storing a main board signal level for determining an operation mode of the board; (d) if the computer system operates in the power saving section after the step (c), the current consumption of the main board is sensed, and if the sensed consumption current is the third consumption current value And a power saving operation is performed by shutting down the standby power of the main board.

In the first embodiment of the method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention, when the computer system operates in the main board after the step (c), the operation mode is checked, Controlling the brightness of the monitor output screen and entering a sleep mode; (f) stopping the monitor screen output after entering the sleep mode from the main board; (g) supplying the standby power to the main board when the main board enters the sleep mode in the power saving unit and stops outputting the monitor screen.

In order to achieve the above object, a second embodiment of a method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) booting a main board normally when a commercial power is supplied from a power- Detecting a main board signal level for determining an operation mode of the main board after forcibly entering the board into the sleep mode and storing the main board signal level; (b) forcing the main board to enter an off mode in the power saving unit and sensing and storing a main board signal level for determining an operation mode of the main board; (c) when the computer system operates in the power saving unit after step (b), detecting the signal level of the main board and controlling the main board standby power according to the sensed main board signal level ,

In the step (c), when the mode discrimination signal (PS-On) of the main board signal level is high level and the off mode sensing signal (S3) is 0.5V or less, .

The second embodiment of the method for automatically reducing the power consumption of the personal computer according to the present invention is characterized in that (d) after the step (b), when the computer system operates in the main board, Controlling the brightness of the monitor output screen and entering a sleep mode; (e) stopping the monitor screen output after entering the sleep mode from the main board; (f) supplying standby power to the main board when the main board enters the sleep mode in the power saving unit and stops outputting the monitor screen.

According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically measure the consumption current and the state value for the operating mode, store the same as the power saving reference value, and control the power of the main screen and the screen output according to the operation state of the computer, have.

1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention;
3 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of a method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention includes a power supply unit (10), a power saving unit (20), and a main board (30).

The power supply unit 10 is a power supply unit that is essential to a personal computer. The power supply unit 10 converts a commercial power supply (for example, AC 220V) to a predetermined DC power supply, Can be used.

The SMPS is connected to the SIO of the main board 30 by 24 pins, and one of them is connected to the + 5V standby voltage (+ 5VSB) for easy application.

The main board 30 is a main board provided in a general personal computer. The main board 30 includes an idle mode (standby mode) operating application, performs power saving by controlling the screen brightness of the monitor according to the operating mode, As shown in FIG. In addition, the main board 30 generates a main board signal level according to the operating mode of the computer system, and transmits the main board signal level to the power saving unit 20.

Here, the main board signal level includes a mode discrimination signal PS-On and an off mode sense signal S3. The mode discrimination signal PS-On generates a low level signal in the normal mode, And generates a high level signal. The off mode detection signal S3 generates a high level signal of 1.0 V or more in the normal mode and a low level signal of 0.5 V or less in the off mode.

The power consumption reduction unit 20 is interposed between the power supply unit 10 and the main board 30 and causes the main board 30 to generate an operation state to measure power consumption and main board signal level And the power saving function is executed by controlling the power of the main board 30 based on the automatically set power saving reference value and the actual measured value during the operation of the computer system.

Here, the operating state means a normal mode, a sleep mode, and an off mode of the main board 30. [

The power consumption reduction unit 20 includes a current measurement unit 22 for measuring a current supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the main board 30 by current consumption, A microcomputer for setting the current and the main board signal level as the power saving reference value and controlling the power supply of the main board 30 according to the consumption current measured by the current measuring unit 22 or the main board signal level And a power switching unit 23 for maintaining or cutting off standby power supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the main board 30 according to a power control signal output from the microcomputer 21.

The microcomputer 21 analyzes the power shutdown condition of the main board 30 and controls the standby power of the main board 30 to be shut off if the power shutdown condition is satisfied. Here, the power-off condition may be such that the sensed consumption current is the consumed current value in the off mode of the main board 30, the mode discrimination signal PS-On of the signal level of the main board 30 is high level, And the signal S3 is 0.5 V or less.

The operation of the apparatus for automatically reducing the power consumption of the personal computer according to the present invention will now be described in detail.

First, when a commercial power source (AC 220V) is supplied, the main board 30 performs a normal booting operation. The microcomputer 21 in the power consumption saving unit 20 detects the current of the standby power supply 5VSB supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the main board 30 through the current sensing unit 22 . At this time, the field effect transistor (FET) of the power supply switching unit 23 is turned on.

When a current after the normal boot is detected by the current sensing unit 22, the sensed current is set as a first consumption current among the power saving reference values. At this time, the main board signal level outputted from the main board 30 (PS-On) is low level, and the off mode detection signal S3 is 1.0 V or more) and the first consumption current and stores them in the internal memory.

Then, the main board 30 is forced to enter the sleep mode in cooperation with the main board 30. Here, the interlocking operation is performed by transmitting the interlocking data to the main board 30.

Next, when the current is sensed by the current sensing unit 22 after the sleep mode, the sensed current is set to the second consumption current of the power saving reference value, and the main board signal level The mode discrimination signal PS-On is high level, and the off mode detection signal S3 is 1.0V or more) and the second consumption current, and stores them in the internal memory.

When the detection and storage of the current and the signal level in the sleep mode is completed, the system returns to the normal mode and requests the system shutdown by using the Tact Switch (P-Switch) or the shutdown icon of the system. In response to such a request, the main board 30 executes the system shutdown.

After the microcomputer 21 has delayed a predetermined time (about 10 seconds) after requesting the mainboard 30 to shut down the system, the current detector 22 detects a current The main board signal level (the mode discrimination signal PS-On) outputted from the main board 30 is at a high level, and the off mode detection signal (S3) is less than or equal to 0.5 V) and the third consumption current and stored in the internal memory.

As described above, the present invention automatically sets the power saving reference value for each state by detecting the current consumption and the main board signal level of the main board 30 at that time while automatically switching the computer to the operating state without setting the user.

After the power saving reference value is set, when the system is operated, the microcomputer 21 automatically performs the power saving operation from then on.

For example, the main board 30 is provided with an operating application for idle mode operation, thereby detecting the idle mode operating state.

If it is detected that the Idle mode operation is detected, it is checked whether the Idle mode is continuously maintained for a predetermined time. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined time can be variably set by the operator, and is set to 3 minutes in the present invention.

As a result of checking the duration of the idle mode, if the idle mode continues for the predetermined time or more, the main board 30 suspends the function currently operating in the software and adjusts the brightness of the output screen of the monitor step by step, Save. Here, it is assumed that the step of the brightness of the output screen of the monitor is set in advance. In the normal mode, the brightness is set to the bright brightness. In the idle mode, the brightness is set to the dark brightness rather than the bright brightness. In addition, the step on the brightness can be set in such a manner that the brightness gradually decreases according to the holding time of the Idle mode. Here, when the brightness of the monitor screen is lowered, the output level of the backlight is lowered, which results in lowering the power consumption.

The main board 30 performs power saving for the idle mode as described above, and enters the sleep mode automatically when the idle mode is maintained for a predetermined time to determine the sleep mode. In the sleep mode, the display output is interrupted to save power consumption.

Here, the main board 30 transmits a main board signal level according to each operating state (operating mode state) of the computer system to the microcomputer 21.

The microcomputer 21 searches the main board 30 for a mode identification signal PS-On outputted according to each operation mode, and maintains the current state in the normal mode and the sleep mode.

Here, the maintenance of the current state means that the power supply switching unit 23 is normally turned on, and the standby power supply 5VSB output from the power supply unit 10 is supplied to the main board 30 normally.

Meanwhile, the main board 30 operates in the sleep mode, and enters the off mode again when the sleep mode continues for more than the set time.

When the main board 30 enters the off mode, the main board 30 outputs the main board signal level to the microcomputer 21 of the power saving unit 20. At this time, The mode determination signal PS-On is a high level signal, and the off mode detection signal S3 is 0.5 V or less.

When the computer starts operating, the microcomputer 21 performs power saving in two ways according to the consumption current of the main board or the signal level of the main board.

For example, as a first power saving mode, a current of a standby power supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the main board 30 is sensed through the current sensing unit 22.

Then, it compares the sensed current value with the previously set second to third consumption currents to determine whether the sensed current value is equal to or less than the third consumption current. As a result, if the sensed current value is equal to or less than the third consumption current, it is determined that the main board 30 operates in the off mode and the power shutdown signal is generated in the off state.

The power supply switching unit 23 is turned off according to the off-state power shut-off signal to shut off the standby power supply 5VSB to be supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the main board 30.

The standby power source itself is not supplied to the main board 30 during the off mode determined according to the consumption current detection, thereby preventing unnecessary power wastage, thereby reducing power consumption.

Also, as a second power saving mode, power saving is controlled by analyzing the main board signal levels (the mode discrimination signal (PS-On) and the off mode sensing signal (S3)) output from the main board 30. [

For example, if the mode discrimination signal PS-On is at a high level (1.0 V or more), the sleep mode or the off mode is recognized. Then, the off mode sensing signal S3 is 0.5 V or less V or more), it is finally determined that the main board 30 is in the off mode, and the power shutdown signal is generated in the off state.

The power supply switching unit 23 is turned off according to the off-state power shut-off signal to shut off the standby power supply 5VSB to be supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the main board 30.

In the OFF mode determined according to the signal level according to the operation state of the main board, the standby power itself is not supplied to the main board 30, thereby preventing unnecessary power wastage, thereby reducing power consumption will be.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, (a) A step S11 to S13 of sensing a main board signal level for sensing a current consumed by the main board 30 as a first current consumption and determining an operation mode of the main board 30, The power consumption reduction unit 20 forcibly enters the sleep mode, the current consumed by the main board 30 is sensed as a second current consumption, and the current consumption of the main board 30 (C) after returning to the normal mode after the step (b), the power saving unit 20 saves the main board signal level detected by the main board (S14 to S15) 30) forcibly enters the off mode, and the main board 30 (S16 to S18) of sensing a main board signal level for sensing a current consumed by a third current consumption and determining an operation mode of the main board 30, and (d) If the consumption current of the main board 30 is sensed when the computer system operates in the power saving unit 20 and the sensed consumption current is the third consumption current value that is automatically set to determine the off mode, (S19 to S22) of cutting off the standby power supply of the power supply unit.

In the first embodiment of the method for automatically reducing the power consumption of the personal computer according to the present invention, when the computer system operates in the main board 30 after the step (c) Controlling the brightness of the monitor output screen to enter the sleep mode when the sleep mode is maintained for a predetermined period of time (S23 to S25); (f) stopping the monitor screen output after entering the sleep mode from the main board 30 (S27) of supplying standby power to the main board 30 when the main board 30 enters the sleep mode and the monitor screen output is interrupted in the power saving unit 20 .

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention will be described in detail.

First, when a commercial power source (AC 220V) is supplied in step S11, the mainboard 30 performs a normal booting operation in step S12.

The microcomputer 21 in the power saving section 20 in step S13 determines whether the current of the standby power source 5VSB supplied from the power supply section 10 to the main board 30 through the current sensing section 22 Lt; / RTI > At this time, the field effect transistor (FET) of the power supply switching unit 23 is turned on.

If the current sensing unit 22 senses the current after the normal booting, the current sensed at step S13 is set as the first consumption current of the power saving reference value, and the main board signal level Mode detection signal (PS-On) - low level, off mode detection signal (S3) - high level of 1.0 V or more in the normal mode / sleep mode and low level of 0.5 V or less in the off mode) And stores it in the memory.

Then, in step S14, the main board 30 is forcibly entered into the sleep mode in cooperation with the main board 30. Here, the interlocking operation is performed by transmitting the interlocking data to the main board 30.

Next, in step S15, when the current is sensed by the current sensing unit 22 after the sleep mode, the sensed current is set to a second consumption current of the power saving reference value. At this time, Signal level (PS-On - high level, off mode detection signal S3 - high level of 1.0 V or more in the normal mode / sleep mode and low level of 0.5 V or less in the off mode) and the second consumption current And stores them in the internal memory.

When the detection and storage of the current and the signal level in the sleep mode is completed, the system returns to the normal mode in step S16, and then proceeds to step S17 to use the system tact switch (P-Switch) And requests the system shutdown. In response to such a request, the main board 30 executes the system shutdown.

After the microcomputer 21 has delayed a predetermined time (about 10 seconds) after requesting the mainboard 30 to shut down the system, the current detector 22 detects a current If it is detected, the current sensed in step S18 is set to the third consumption current of the power saving reference value. At this time, the main board signal level (the mode discrimination signal PS-On-high level, Detection signal S3 - high level of 1.0V or more in the normal mode / sleep mode, and low level of 0.5V or less in the off mode) and the third consumption current and stores them in the internal memory.

As described above, the present invention automatically switches the computer to the operating state without setting the user, detects the current consumption of the main board 30 at that time, and sets the power saving reference value for each state.

After the power saving reference value is set, if the system is operated in step S19, the microcomputer 21 automatically performs the power saving operation thereafter.

For example, in step S20, the current sensing unit 22 senses the current of the standby power supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the main board 30.

Next, the current value detected in step S21 is compared with a previously set third consumption current, and it is confirmed whether the sensed current value is equal to or less than the third consumption current. As a result, if the sensed current value is equal to or less than the third consumption current, it is determined that the main board 30 operates in the off mode and the power shutdown signal is generated in the off state.

The power supply switching unit 23 is turned off in step S22 and the standby power supply 5VSB supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the main board 30 is blocked .

The standby power source itself is not supplied to the main board 30 during the off mode determined according to the consumption current detection, thereby preventing unnecessary power wastage, thereby reducing power consumption.

If the sensed current value is greater than the third current consumption, the main board 30 determines whether the idle mode operation is in progress or not in step S23, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > idle < / RTI > mode of operation.

If the idle mode operation is detected, the flow advances to step S24 to check whether the Idle mode is continuously maintained for a predetermined time. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined time can be variably set by the operator, and is set to 3 minutes in the present invention.

If the Idle mode continues for the predetermined time or more as a result of checking the duration of the Idle mode, the mainboard 30 moves to step S25 to temporarily suspend the function currently being operated by the software, Thereby reducing power consumption.

Here, it is assumed that the step of the brightness of the output screen of the monitor is set in advance. In the normal mode, the brightness is set to the bright brightness. In the idle mode, the brightness is set to the dark brightness rather than the bright brightness. In addition, the step on the brightness can be set in such a manner that the brightness gradually decreases according to the holding time of the Idle mode. Here, when the brightness of the monitor screen is lowered, the output level of the backlight is lowered, which results in lowering the power consumption.

The main board 30 performs power saving for the idle mode as described above, and enters the sleep mode automatically when the idle mode is maintained for a predetermined time to determine the sleep mode.

Subsequently, in the state where the apparatus enters the sleep mode in step S26, the screen output is interrupted to reduce power consumption.

Here, the main board 30 transmits the main board signal levels (PS-On, S3) to the microcomputer 21 according to the respective operating states (operating mode states) of the computer system.

In step S27, the microcomputer 21 retrieves the main board signal level output from the main board 30 according to each operation mode, and maintains the current state in the normal mode and the sleep mode.

Here, the maintenance of the current state means that the power supply switching unit 23 is normally turned on, and the standby power supply 5VSB output from the power supply unit 10 is supplied to the main board 30 normally.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the standby power of the main board 30 is cut off through the power consumption reduction unit 20 in the off mode, thereby reducing power consumption. The idle mode and the sleep mode The power consumption of the motherboard is reduced through the screen brightness of the monitor and the interruption of the screen output.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention. FIG. 3 (a) (S51 to S54) of sensing a main board signal level for determining an operation mode of the main board 30 after forcibly entering the main board 30 into a sleep mode, (b) (S55 to S57) for sensing the main board signal level for determining the operation mode of the main board 30 by forcing the main board 30 into the off mode at the saving unit 20, (c) After the step (b), when the computer system operates in the power saving section 20, the signal level of the main board 30 is sensed and the standby power of the main board is determined according to the sensed main board signal level (S58 to S61).

In the step (c), when the mode discrimination signal PS-On of the main board signal level is high level and the off mode sensing signal S3 is 0.5V or less, Do.

The second embodiment of the method for automatically reducing the power consumption of the personal computer according to the present invention is characterized in that (d) after the step (b), when the computer system operates in the main board 30, (S62-S64) controlling the brightness of the monitor output screen and entering the sleep mode when the main monitor 30 is in the sleep mode for a predetermined time or longer, a step (S66) of maintaining the supply of standby power to the main board (30) when the main board (30) enters the sleep mode in the power saving section (20) .

A second embodiment of a method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

First, when a commercial power source (AC 220V) is supplied in step S51, the mainboard 30 performs a normal booting operation in step S52.

The microcomputer 21 in the power saving section 20 forces the main board 30 to enter the sleep mode in cooperation with the main board 30 in step S53. Here, the interlocking operation is performed by transmitting the interlocking data to the main board 30.

Next, in step S54, the main board signal level (the mode discrimination signal PS-On-high level, the off mode detection signal S3, the normal mode / sleep mode) And a low level of 0.5V or less in the off mode), and stores it in the internal memory. The mode discrimination signal PS-On generates a low level signal of 0.5 V or less in the normal mode, a high level signal of 1.0 V or more in the sleep mode and the off mode, Level signal of 1.0 V or more in the mode, and a low-level signal of 0.5 V or less in the off mode.

When the detection and storage of the main-board signal level in the sleep mode is completed, the normal mode is returned to the normal mode in step S55, and then, the process proceeds to step S56, where the tact switch (P- And requests the system shutdown. In response to such a request, the main board 30 executes the system shutdown and enters the off mode.

When the microcomputer 21 enters the off mode by the system shutdown in the main board 30, in step S57, the microcomputer 21 sets the signal level of the main board (the mode discrimination signal PS-On-high level, S3) -low level) and stores it in the internal memory.

As described above, the present invention automatically sets the power saving reference value for each state by detecting the main board signal level of the main board 30 at that time while automatically switching the computer to each operating state without user setting.

After setting the power saving reference value, if the system is operated in step S58, the microcomputer 21 automatically performs a power saving operation thereafter.

For example, in step S59, the main board signal level (PS-On, S3) is sensed, and then it is checked whether the main board signal level detected in step S60 is the main board power-off condition. That is, it is confirmed whether the PS-On signal level, which is the mode discrimination signal, is at the high level and the S3 signal level which is the off mode sensing signal is the low level of 0.5V or less.

If it is determined that the main board signal level is a high level and the off mode detection signal is a low level of 0.5V or less, the main board 30 determines that the main board 30 is in the off mode, The signal is generated in an OFF state.

The power supply switching unit 23 is turned off in step S61 and the standby power supply 5VSB supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the main board 30 is cut off .

In the off mode determined according to the main board signal level, the standby power itself is not supplied to the main board 30, thereby preventing unnecessary power wastage, thereby reducing power consumption.

If the mode determination signal is high level and the off mode detection signal is also high level, the main board 30 determines whether the main board 30 is in the idle mode Detect operating status.

If the idle mode operation is detected, the flow advances to step S63 to check whether the Idle mode is continuously maintained for a predetermined time. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined time can be variably set by the operator, and is set to 3 minutes in the present invention.

As a result of checking the duration of the idle mode, if the idle mode continues for the predetermined time or longer, the mainboard 30 moves to step S64 to suspend the function currently operating in the software, Thereby reducing power consumption.

Here, it is assumed that the step of the brightness of the output screen of the monitor is set in advance. In the normal mode, the brightness is set to the bright brightness. In the idle mode, the brightness is set to the dark brightness rather than the bright brightness. In addition, the step on the brightness can be set in such a manner that the brightness gradually decreases according to the holding time of the Idle mode. Here, when the brightness of the monitor screen is lowered, the output level of the backlight is lowered, which results in lowering the power consumption.

The main board 30 performs power saving for the idle mode as described above, and enters the sleep mode automatically when the idle mode is maintained for a predetermined time to determine the sleep mode.

Then, in the state where the apparatus enters the sleep mode in step S64, the screen output is stopped, and the power consumption is reduced.

Here, the main board 30 transmits the main board signal levels (PS-On, S3) to the microcomputer 21 according to the respective operating states (operating mode states) of the computer system.

In step S66, the microcomputer 21 searches the main board 30 for a main board signal level output according to each operation mode, and maintains the current state in the normal mode and the sleep mode.

Here, the maintenance of the current state means that the power supply switching unit 23 is normally turned on, and the standby power supply 5VSB output from the power supply unit 10 is supplied to the main board 30 normally.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, in the off mode, the standby power of the main board 30 is cut off through the power consumption reduction unit 20 to save power, and the idle mode and the sleep mode The power consumption of the motherboard is reduced through the screen brightness of the monitor and the interruption of the screen output.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It is obvious to those who have.

The present invention is applied to a technique for implementing power saving by shutting off standby power supplied to a main board according to an operation mode of a main board in a personal computer.

10: Power supply
20: Power consumption reduction part
21: Microcomputer
22: Current sensing unit
23: Power switching unit
30: Motherboard

Claims (7)

An apparatus for automatically reducing power consumption in a personal computer,
Idle mode (standby mode) A mainboard that includes an operating application and controls power consumption of the monitor by controlling the brightness of the monitor according to the operating mode;
A power supply unit for converting a commercial power supply into a predetermined direct current power supply; And
The main power supply and the main board signal level are measured by causing each of the main boards to generate an operation state to automatically set the power saving reference value, and based on the automatically set power saving reference value and the actual measured value during the operation of the computer system And a power consumption reducing unit for controlling the power of the main board to perform a power saving function.
The power consumption reduction unit may include: a current measurement unit that measures a current supplied from the power supply unit to the main board as current consumption; The power consumption and the main board signal level measured by the current measuring unit are set as a power saving reference value and the supply power of the main board is controlled according to the consumption current or the main board signal level measured by the current measuring unit A microcomputer; And a power switching unit for maintaining or cutting off standby power supplied from the power supply unit to the main board according to a power control signal output from the microcomputer.
The microcomputer analyzes power shutdown conditions of the main board and controls the main board to shut off the standby power when the power shutdown condition is satisfied,
The power-off condition may be such that the current consumption sensed by the main board is the current consumption value in the off mode of the main board, or the mode discrimination signal PS-On of the main board is high level and the off mode sensing signal S3 is 0.5V Or less, it is determined that the main board is in a standby power cut-off condition.
A method for automatically reducing power consumption in a personal computer,
(a) When the commercial power is supplied from the power saving section, the main board is normally booted, the current consumed by the main board is detected as the first consumption current, and the main board signal level for determining the operation mode of the main board Sensing and storing;
(b) a power saving mode in which the main board forcibly enters the sleep mode in the power saving section, detects a current consumed in the main board as a second consumption current, and determines a main board signal level Detecting and storing the data;
(c) returning to a normal mode after the step (b), forcing the main board to enter an off mode in the power saving section, detecting a current consumed in the main board as a third current consumption, Sensing and storing a main board signal level for determining an operation mode of the board; And
(d) if the computer system operates in the power saving section after the step (c), the current consumption of the main board is sensed, and if the sensed consumption current is the third consumption current value If the power saving mode is selected, turning off the standby power of the main board to perform power saving.
The method as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: (e) checking the operation mode when the computer system operates in the main board after the step (c), controlling the brightness of the monitor output screen and entering the sleep mode when the idle mode is maintained for a predetermined time ; (f) stopping the monitor screen output after entering the sleep mode from the main board; (g) supplying the standby power to the main board when the main board enters the sleep mode in the power saving unit and stops outputting the monitor screen. .
A method for automatically reducing power consumption in a personal computer,
(a) When the commercial power is supplied from the power saving unit, the main board is normally booted, the main board is forcibly entered into the sleep mode, and then the main board signal level for determining the operation mode of the main board is sensed and stored step;
(b) forcing the main board to enter an off mode in the power saving unit and sensing and storing a main board signal level for determining an operation mode of the main board;
(c) when the computer system operates in the power saving unit after step (b), detecting the signal level of the main board and controlling the main board standby power according to the sensed main board signal level ,
The controller determines that the main board is in a standby power cut-off condition if the mode discrimination signal PS-On of the signal level of the main board is high level and the off mode sensing signal S3 is 0.5 V or less. A method for automatically reducing power consumption of a personal computer.
The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising: (d) after the step (b), if the computer system operates in the main board, checking the operation mode and controlling the brightness of the monitor output screen and entering the sleep mode ; (e) stopping the monitor screen output after entering the sleep mode from the main board; (f) a step of supplying standby power to the main board when the main board enters the sleep mode and the monitor screen output is interrupted at the power saving unit. .

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