Power saving network device

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

According to the present invention, when a plurality of devices are connected via a transmission line such as a cable to form a network, the device (network device) in such a network consumes less power than in normal operation. The present invention relates to the improvement of a power-saving network device that has a power-saving mode and can shift from a normal operation mode to a power-saving mode as needed.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, under the above-mentioned network environment, each power-saving network device accesses itself from another network device for a certain period of time or longer, as disclosed in the IEEE1394 standard and, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-134628. If there is no power, or if it is not connected to all other network devices, the power saving mode is entered to save power. The power-saving network device that has transitioned to the power-saving mode cannot perform normal operation, and the built-in port connected to the transmission line also stops sending and receiving data.

【0003】

In the power-saving network device as described above, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-93061, when access is requested from another network device after shifting to the power-saving mode, the normal operation mode is set. I'm back.

【0004】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in the conventional power-saving network device, when it is connected to another power-saving network device via a transmission line, there is no access from the other power-saving network device for a certain period of time or more, or the access frequency is predetermined. Since the mode shifts to the power saving mode when the value is less than or equal to the value, for example, even if the network device shifted to the power saving mode becomes a relay node located between the two network devices, the power saving mode shifts to the power saving mode. .. As a result, when it is necessary to transfer data between the two network devices, first, the port of the network device in the power saving mode is operated to enable data transfer, and then the data is transferred from one of the network devices. 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 is necessary to exchange data between the two network devices in normal operation, it takes time to operate the port, and that amount is required. , There is a problem that the transfer of necessary data is delayed.

【0005】

When the object of the present invention is a network device necessary for exchanging data of another network device, such as one of the network devices serving as a relay node on the network, such a network device is put into a power saving mode. It is an object of the present invention to provide a power-saving network device that can realize both high-speed operation and low power consumption by adopting a configuration that does not migrate and quickly exchanging necessary data.

【0006】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, in a network to which a plurality of power saving network devices are connected, the connection relationship between these power saving network devices is investigated, and each power saving network device is based on this connection relationship. It is decided whether or not it is possible to shift to the power saving mode.

【0007】

That is, the power-saving network device of the invention according to claim 1 is connected to a network formed by connecting a plurality of devices via a transmission line, and has a normal operation mode and a power-saving mode. A power saving means for storing information indicating the configuration of the network, which is a network device, and a power saving means for determining whether to shift the own power saving network device to the power saving mode based on the network information of the information storage means. It is characterized by having a mode transition means.

【0008】

The invention according to claim 2 is the power-saving network device according to claim 1, which is a peripheral I / O means connected to the network and a digital processing means that receives information from the device of the network and processes the information. When the peripheral I / O means and the digital processing means determine that the power saving mode transitioning means shifts to the power saving mode, the peripheral I / O means receives a command signal from the power saving mode shifting means to save power. It is characterized by shifting to a mode.

【0009】

The invention according to claim 3 is the power saving network device according to claim 1, wherein the power saving mode transition means is a parent in a parent-child relationship with another device in the network. Is characterized by prohibiting the transition of its own power-saving network device to the power-saving mode.

【0010】

The invention according to claim 4 is the power saving network device according to claim 1, wherein the power saving mode transition means is a relay node in which its own power saving network device is located between two other devices in the network. If this is the case, it is characterized in that it is prohibited to shift its own power saving network device to the power saving mode.

【0011】

The invention according to claim 5 is the power saving network device according to claim 1, wherein the power saving mode transition means is not a parent and a relay node in the network. It is characterized in that the prohibition of the own power saving network device shifting to the power saving mode is lifted.

【0012】

The invention according to claim 6 comprises the frequency calculation means for calculating the frequency of access from each device to its own power saving network device in the power saving network device according to claim 5, and the power saving mode transition means. When its own power saving network device is neither a parent nor a relay node in the network, its own power saving network device shifts to the power saving mode according to the access frequency calculated by the frequency calculation means. It is characterized by allowing it to be done.

【0013】

The invention according to claim 7 includes, in the power-saving network device according to claim 6, a switch means that is turned on by a human operation or a human undetected signal of a human sensor, and the switch means is connected to the frequency calculation means. The frequency calculation means is characterized in that it receives an ON signal of the switch means and forcibly outputs a signal indicating that the access frequency is equal to or lower than the reference value.

【0014】

The invention according to claim 8 includes the determination means for determining whether or not its own power saving network device is connected to the network in the power saving network device according to claim 1, and the output of the determination means is The network configuration that has been input to the information storage means and has already been stored in the information storage means is modified according to the determination result of the determination means.

【0015】

The invention according to claim 9 includes the network monitoring means for sequentially monitoring and re-understanding changes in the network configuration in the power-saving network device according to claim 1, and the output of the network monitoring means is the information storage. The network configuration after the change, which is input to the means and re-acknowledged by the network monitoring means, modifies the network configuration already stored in the information storage means.

【0016】

The invention according to claim 10 is the power-saving network device according to claim 2, wherein the peripheral I / O device and the digital processing means are circuit portions necessary for relaying information from the device connected to the network. Of the peripheral I / O device and the digital processing means, only the circuit part other than the circuit part necessary for relaying the information can shift to the power saving mode. It is characterized by that.

【0017】

Based on the above, in the invention according to claim 1 to 10, whether or not the power saving network device shifts to the power saving mode is determined based on the network configuration. For example, if your power-saving network device is a "parent" in a parent-child relationship with other devices in the network, or if it is a relay node located between two devices, your power-saving network device is It is maintained in the normal operation mode without shifting to the power saving mode. Therefore, conventionally, as in the case of shifting to the power saving mode even when the own network device is a relay node, the network device in this power saving mode is returned to the normal mode so that data can be exchanged. There is no need for it, and data can be exchanged earlier than before.

【0018】

In particular, in the invention according to claim 8, when the own device is disconnected from the network or reconnected after that, the disconnection or reconnection is determined and recognized by the determination means, and is based on the determination information. Since the network configuration stored in the network information storage means is changed, the own power saving network device can be appropriately shifted to the power saving mode or kept in the normal operation mode.

【0019】

Further, in the invention according to claim 9, 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. Regardless of the configuration change, all power saving network devices can be appropriately shifted to the power saving mode or kept in the normal operation mode.

【0020】

Further, in the invention of claim 10, when the own power-saving network device is required only for relaying information, only the circuit portion of the own power-saving network device necessary for relaying information is normally operated. Since it is possible to hold the mode and shift the portion other than the circuit portion required for the relay to the power saving mode, further power saving is possible.

【0021】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

【0022】

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 show the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an entire network in which a plurality of power-saving network devices of the present invention are connected. The network X in the figure has five power-saving network devices A, B, C, D, and E, and the network device C is the network device A via three transmission lines 50, 51, and 52, respectively. , B, D are connected. Further, the network device D is connected to the network device E via the transmission line 53. The power-saving network devices A to E are composed of, for example, a CPU, a DVDROM, a DVC (digital video camera), a printer, a scanner, a video deck, and the like. The transmission lines 50 to 53 are cables, optical cables, signal lines, and the like. In the present embodiment, the devices A to E connected to the network X are all composed of the power saving network devices according to the present invention, but they have only the normal operation mode and do not have the power saving mode. A network may be configured by mixing the device and the power-saving network device according to the present invention.

【0023】

Each of the power-saving network devices A to E has a common configuration inside. This common internal configuration is shown in Fig. 2 using the power-saving network device D as an example.

【0024】

In the power-saving network device D of FIG. 2, reference numeral 5 denotes a peripheral I / O means, which is a digital device connected to the two transmission lines 52 and 53 and capable of recognizing signals from the power-saving network devices C and E as digital. It is converted into information and input, and digital information from its own network device D is output to each power saving network device C and E. Reference numeral 6 denotes a digital processing means, which receives information from the network devices C and E via the peripheral I / O means 5, and digitally processes the received information according to its own function such as DVC. , The processed information is output to the network devices C and E via the peripheral I / O means 5 as needed. Further, when the digital processing means 6 is connected to the network X, the port of the peripheral I / O means 5 of the own network device D is connected to the digital processing means 6 in the other network devices A to C and E. While communicating connection information such as the number, priority of these ports, and which network device these ports are connected to, from each digital processing means 6 in other network devices A to C and E. The connection information of these network devices A to C and E is received, and the connection status of the entire network X is grasped. Further, the digital processing means 6 outputs an access signal when data is received from another network device.

【0025】

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

【0026】

Further, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 7 denotes a network information storage means, which internally stores the configuration of the network X grasped by the digital processing means 6, that is, the connection relationship of the power-saving network devices A to E as network information. 8 is an access frequency calculation means, and its internal configuration is shown in Fig. 3. In FIG. 3, 8a is a counter, 8b is a timer, and 8c is a comparator. The timer 8b measures a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) for periodically clearing the counter 8a, and outputs a reset signal when the measurement is completed. The counter 8a receives an access signal from the digital processing means 6, counts the number of receptions thereof, and receives a reset signal from the timer 8b to reset the count number to a zero value. The comparator 8c inputs the count number of the counter 8a and a predetermined reference value. The reference value is the minimum number of accesses (for example, 5 times) for shifting the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 to the power saving mode. The comparator 8c compares the count number of the counter 8a with the reference value, and outputs the comparison result as access frequency information. 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 the set time or longer, the access information indicating this may be output to the power saving mode transition means 9.

【0027】

Further, reference numeral 9 denotes a power saving mode transition means, which receives network information stored in the network information storage means 7 and access frequency information from the access frequency calculation means 8, and is based on the information. It is determined whether or not the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 are to be shifted to the power saving mode, and when shifting to the power saving mode, the power saving mode transition command signal is sent to the peripheral I / O means 5 and the peripheral I / O means 5 and the peripheral I / O means 6. It is output to the digital processing means 6. The peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 receive the power saving mode transition command signal and operate the built-in power consumption reducing mechanism to shift to the power saving mode.

【0028】

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

【0029】

Network information is stored in the network information storage means 7, and since this network information is the connection relationship of the five power-saving network devices A to E in the network X, the network information storage of each power-saving network devices A to E is stored. Same information in means 7. However, the self-numbers (node numbers) of the power-saving network devices A to E are different. The power saving mode transition means 9 determines the network information of the network information storage means 7 with priority over the access frequency information from the access frequency calculation means 8. First, based on the network information of the network information storage means 7, the power saving mode transition means 9 determines whether or not its own network device is a "parent" in relation to other network devices in network X, and whether or not the network. In X, it is determined whether or not it becomes a relay node for data transmission between two other network devices. For example, in the network X of FIG. 1, when the network device A is the "parent", the power saving mode transition means 9 of the "parent" network device A is the content of the access frequency information from the access frequency calculation means 8. However, the power saving mode transition command signal is not output. Further, the power saving mode transition means 9 of the two network devices C and D serving as relay nodes in the network X of FIG. 1 is a power saving mode transition command regardless of the content of the access frequency information from the access frequency calculation means 8. No signal is output.

【0030】

On the other hand, when the own network device is neither the "parent" nor the relay node, that is, in the two network devices B and E of the network X, the power saving mode transition means 9 is the access frequency of the access frequency calculation means 8. The output or non-output of the power saving mode transition command signal is determined based on the information. That is, when it is determined that the number of accesses within a predetermined time is equal to or less than the reference value based on the access frequency information, a power saving mode transition command signal is output and it is determined to exceed the reference value. Does not output the power saving mode transition command signal.

【0031】

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the network device A which is the "parent" in the network X and the network devices C and D which are the relay nodes, the power saving mode transition means 9 is in the power saving mode regardless of the access frequency information. Since the transition command signal is not output, even if the number of accesses is less than or equal to the reference value, the mode is not shifted to the power saving mode and the normal operation mode is maintained. Therefore, the 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 data is transmitted from the network device B to the network device E via the network devices C and D. Therefore, it is not necessary to return the relay nodes C and D from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode as in the conventional case, and data transmission via the relay node can be performed at an early stage, and the speed of data transmission can be increased. ..

【0032】

Further, in network devices B and E that are neither "parents" nor relay nodes in network X, the power saving mode transition means 9 determines that the number of accesses is less than the reference value based on the access frequency information of the access frequency calculation means 8. When it is determined, a power saving mode transition command signal is output, which causes the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 to shift to the power saving mode, so that the power consumption is effectively reduced. ..

【0033】

(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.

【0034】

In the figure, 20 is a switching means provided corresponding to the own network device D, for example, a person (user) can manually turn it on / off as needed, or in the vicinity of the own network device. Turns on when the person undetected signal of the placed person sensor is received. The on-output of the switch means 20 is input to the access frequency calculation means 8. When the on output of the switch means 20 is input, the access frequency calculation means 8 forcibly outputs access frequency information indicating that the number of accesses is equal to or less than the reference value from the comparator 8c in FIG. 3, although not shown. It is configured to output to the power saving mode transition means 9.

【0035】

Further, in FIG. 4, reference numeral 21 denotes a determination means connected to the peripheral I / O means 5, and whether or not transmission lines 52 and 53 such as cables are connected to each port of the peripheral I / O device 5. To judge. The determination result of the determination means 21 is output to the network information storage means 7. The network information storage means 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 means 21, and corrects the stored network X configuration. .. The modified network X configuration is output to the power saving mode transition means 9 as network information.

【0036】

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a person manually turns on the switch means 20 or the switch means 20 is turned on by a human undetected signal from the human sensor, that is, the operation of the corresponding network device is unnecessary. When it is considered that the above is obtained, the access frequency information calculation means 8 of the network device forcibly outputs the access frequency information indicating that the access frequency is low to the power saving mode transition means 9. Therefore, when the network device is not the "parent" or the relay node, the power saving mode transition means 9 immediately outputs the power saving mode transition signal by human operation or in the absence of the human, and thus this network device. Can be immediately transitioned to power saving mode.

【0037】

Further, when the 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 determined by the determination means 21. , The network information of the own network information storage means 7 is corrected. Therefore, the own power saving mode transition means 9 does not output or output the power saving mode transition command signal based on the modified network information, and therefore, when the own network device is disconnected from the network X, this The disconnected network device can be immediately put into the power saving mode, and when its own network device is reconnected to network X, the power saving mode of this network device is immediately canceled and the normal operation mode is set. It is possible to return to.

【0038】

(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.

【0039】

In the figure, 30 is a network monitoring means and is connected to the peripheral I / O means 5. The network monitoring means 30 has a network structure that has already been grasped when any network device is disconnected or reconnected from 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 re-understood, and these connection statuses are output to the network information storage means 7. ..

【0040】

Further, in FIG. 5, the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 are the circuit parts 5a and 6a necessary for connecting the connected transmission lines 52 and 53, respectively, and the other parts 5b, respectively. It is divided into 6b.

【0041】

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the network X is changed, the network monitoring means 30 re-understands the changed network X for each change, and the network information of the network information storage means 7 is sequentially recorded. Since it is updated, even if the configuration of network X is changed, the power saving mode transition means 9 can appropriately output the power saving mode transition command signal, and the network device becomes the "parent" or the relay node. The normal operation mode can be maintained without shifting to the power saving mode.

【0042】

Further, in the network devices C and D serving as relay nodes, when the number of accesses is less than the reference value, the circuit portion 5a required to connect the transmission lines in the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 to each other. , 6a can be set to the normal operation mode, and the other parts 5b and 6b can be set to the power saving mode. Therefore, in the first and second embodiments, it is necessary to set all of the peripheral I / O means 5 and the digital processing means 6 to the normal operation mode, whereas in the present embodiment, further saving is achieved. It is possible to increase the power consumption.

【0043】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the power-saving network device of the invention according to claim 1 to 10, it is determined whether or not the power-saving network device shifts to the power-saving mode based on the network configuration. As a result, it is no longer necessary to return the network device in the power saving mode to the normal mode so that data can be exchanged as in the past, and the effect of being able to exchange data earlier than in the past can be achieved. Play.

【0044】

In particular, according to the power-saving network device of the invention according to claim 8, when the own device is disconnected from the network or reconnected after that, a determination means for determining and recognizing the disconnection or reconnection is provided. Since it is provided, the network configuration stored in the network information storage means can be changed based on the judgment information, and the own power saving network device can be appropriately shifted to the power saving mode or maintained in the normal operation mode. Can be done.

【0045】

Further, according to the power-saving network device of the invention according to claim 9, since the network monitoring means for monitoring the change of the network configuration at any time is provided, all the power-saving network devices can be used regardless of the change of the network configuration. It is possible to appropriately shift to the power saving mode or keep it in the normal operation mode.

【0046】

Further, according to the power saving network device of the invention according to claim 10, when the own power saving network device is necessary only for relaying information, it is necessary for relaying information among the own power saving network devices. Since it is possible to hold only the circuit portion in the normal operation mode and shift the portion other than the circuit portion required for the relay to the power saving mode, further power saving is possible.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a figure which shows the whole of the network which provided the power-saving network apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the power saving network apparatus of this embodiment.

[Fig. 3]

It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the access frequency calculation means provided in the power saving network apparatus of this embodiment.

[Fig. 4]

It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the power saving network apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 5]

It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the power saving network apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

A ~ E Power saving network device 5 Peripheral I / O means 6 Digital processing means 7 Network information means 8 Access frequency information calculation method 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