Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of reducing the power consumption of the whole system.SOLUTION: An information processing device has: a first power supply which generates DC power from AC power; a second power supply which converts the DC voltage supplied from a power supply source through a communication cable into a predetermined DC voltage; an information processing part which is powered by the first power supply to operate; a communication part which is powered by the first power supply or second power supply to operate; an acquisition part which acquires a power load state of the power supply source; and a selection part which selects a power supply to power the communication part according to the power load state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various regulations have been established regarding the power consumption of electronic devices. For example, EuP Lot26 requires that the power consumption in a standby state where only network communication is possible be 2W or less. To meet such requirements, a highly efficient power supply circuit is required. When supplying power from a commercial AC power source, a circuit for improving efficiency called a PFC circuit (power factor correction circuit) is essential for the AC / DC power supply to increase the power supply efficiency. In such a configuration, the efficiency improves when the power load is large, such as during normal operation, but the efficiency is poor when the power load is small, such as in a standby state. In addition, the requirements can be met by providing a separate power supply for the standby state, but this leads to an increase in the size of the device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that has an external power source such as PoE (registered trademark, Power over Ethernet) / USB in addition to its own built-in ACDC power source, and improves efficiency in standby state by switching to the most efficient power source depending on the power load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-26083 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the information processing device of Patent Document 1, the external power supply also has an ACDC power supply, and the fact that the efficiency of the ACDC power supply changes depending on the power load is not taken into consideration, so supplying power from an external power supply does not necessarily result in power saving.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device capable of realizing low power consumption of the entire system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device as one aspect of the present invention is characterized in having a first power supply that generates DC power from an AC power supply, a second power supply that converts a DC voltage supplied from a power supply source via a communication cable into a predetermined DC voltage, an information processing unit that operates with power supplied from the first power supply, a communication unit that operates with power supplied from the first power supply or the second power supply, an acquisition unit that acquires the power load state of the power supply source, and a selection unit that selects a power supply to supply power to the communication unit depending on the power load state. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of realizing low power consumption of the entire system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation for acquiring a power load of a PoE network hub. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system includes projectors 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, which are examples of information processing devices, and a PoE network hub (power supply source) 200 that supplies power to the information processing devices via a LAN cable (communication cable). Each projector has the same configuration, and will be referred to as projector 100 hereinafter unless a specific projector is mentioned. The PoE network hub 200 is connected to the projector 100 via a LAN port 101. A control terminal such as a personal computer may be connected to the upstream side.

[0012] In this embodiment, a projector is used as an example of an information processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to an information processing device that is an electronic device that has a standby state and can be powered and communicated from an external source, such as a printer, a personal computer, a display, or a network camera.

[0013] Projector 100 can be changed to at least two operating modes (standby mode and projection mode). Standby mode is a state (first state) in which some of the bare minimum functions, including communication functions, are stopped, that is, functions other than power-on by user operation and communication with external devices, etc. Projection mode is a state (second state) in which images are projected and all functions are available. The power load in standby mode is 2W, and the power load in projection mode is 100W. These values ​​are typical for a projector power supply with medium brightness of around 4000lm.

[0014] The PoE network hub 200 is compatible with PoE++ and can supply power to four projectors 100. Therefore, it has a power supply with a power capacity of 450 W to supply 400 W (=100 W×4).

[0015] The projector 100 has an ACDC unit (first power supply) 102 that generates DC power from a commercial AC power supply. The projector 100 also has a DCDC unit (second power supply) 103 that converts the DC voltage supplied from the PoE network hub 200 via the LAN port 101 into a value (predetermined DC voltage) suitable for the voltage of the internal circuit. The power capacity of the ACDC unit 102 is 450 W. In this embodiment, the PoE network hub 200 that supports PoE++ is used to supply power to the DCDC unit 103, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an interface capable of supplying power, such as USB, PoE+, PoE++, and IEEE1394, may be used.

[0016] Projector 100 also has an information processing circuit (information processing unit) 104 and a projection unit 108. Information processing circuit 104 includes circuits that do not operate in standby mode (for example, a video signal processing circuit that processes input video, and a light source driving circuit). Projection unit 108 is controlled by a projection control circuit included in information processing circuit 104, and projects image light generated based on image data onto a projection surface (not shown) such as a screen.

[0017] Furthermore, the projector 100 has a communication unit 105. The communication unit 105 includes circuits that operate even in standby mode (for example, circuits including operation buttons and communication circuits). The communication unit 105 supports PoE and can be supplied with power from the LAN port 101 via the DCDC unit 103.

[0018] The information processing circuit 104 is supplied with power from the ACDC unit 102. The communication unit 105 is supplied with power by switching between the ACDC unit 102 and the DCDC unit 103 by the selection unit 106. The communication unit 105 includes a circuit for communicating via the LAN port 101, and is capable of communication even in standby mode. The communication unit 105 also includes a PoE load acquisition unit 107 for acquiring the power load state of the PoE network hub 200. The power load state is the number of projectors 100 connected to the PoE network hub 200 and the load factor of the PoE network hub 200. The selection unit 106 selects a power source for supplying power to the communication unit 105 according to the power load state of the PoE network hub 200 acquired from the PoE load acquisition unit 107.

[0019] In this embodiment, the PoE load acquisition unit 107 is provided in the communication unit 105, but the present invention is not limited to this. The PoE load acquisition unit 107 does not necessarily need to be provided in the information processing device, and may be configured as a separate terminal.

[0020] 2 is a flowchart showing the operation for acquiring the power load status of PoE network hub 200. This flow starts when projector 100 is started and connected to a commercial AC power source. This flow is preferably used when projector 100 is in standby mode.

[0021] In step S1, the ACDC unit 102 first supplies power to each circuit included in the information processing circuit 104. Next, the selection unit 106 performs switching so that the ACDC unit 102 supplies power to the circuits included in the communication unit 105. As a result, power is supplied from the ACDC unit 102 to all circuits.

[0022] In step S2, communication unit 105 determines whether power can be supplied from PoE network hub 200. Communication unit 105 may also determine the power class at the same time. If communication unit 105 determines that PoE power supply is possible, it executes the process of step S3, and if communication unit 105 determines that PoE power supply is not possible, it executes the process of step S5.

[0023] In step S3, the selection unit 106 judges whether to select the DCDC unit 103 as a power source for supplying power to the communication unit 105 according to the power load state of the PoE network hub 200 acquired from the PoE load acquisition unit 107. If the selection unit 106 judges that the DCDC unit 103 is to be selected, the selection unit 106 executes the process of step S4. If the selection unit 106 judges that the DCDC unit 103 is not to be selected, that is, if the selection unit 106 judges that the ACDC unit 102 is to be selected, the selection unit 106 executes the process of step S5.

[0024] In step S3, in this embodiment, the selection unit 106 determines whether to select the DCDC unit 103 according to the number of projectors 100 connected to the PoE network hub 200 acquired from the PoE load acquisition unit 107. The number of projectors 100 can be acquired, for example, by broadcasting a specific command and counting the number of unique IDs of each projector that responded to the command. If the number of projectors 100 is greater than a predetermined value, the selection unit 106 determines to select the DCDC unit 103, and if the number of projectors 100 is smaller than the predetermined value, the selection unit 106 determines to select the ACDC unit 102. Note that, when the number of projectors 100 is equal to the predetermined value, it is possible to arbitrarily set which power source is selected.

[0025] The selection unit 106 may also determine whether to select the DCDC unit 103 based on the load factor of the PoE network hub 200 when the DCDC unit 103 is selected and the load factor of the ACDC power supply when the ACDC power supply is selected. When the load factor of the PoE network hub 200 is greater than the load factor of the ACDC unit 102, the selection unit 106 determines to select the DCDC unit 103. When the load factor of the PoE network hub 200 is smaller than the load factor of the ACDC unit 102, the selection unit 106 determines to select the ACDC unit 102. When the load factor of the PoE network hub 200 is equal to the load factor of the ACDC unit 102, it can be arbitrarily set which power supply is to be selected.

[0026] Specifically, when the projector 100 operates in standby mode using the ACDC unit 102, in this embodiment, the power capacity of the ACDC unit 102 is 450 W, and the power consumption in standby mode is 2 W, so the load factor is 0.45% (=2 W / 450 W). When one projector 100 is connected to the PoE network hub 200, in this embodiment, the power supply of the PoE network hub 200 is 450 W, so the load factor is 0.45% (=2 W / 450 W). When the load factors are the same, the selection unit 106 determines to select the ACDC unit 102. Note that when the load factors are the same, the selection unit 106 may be set to select the DCDC unit 103. When four projectors 100 are connected to the PoE network hub 200 as shown in FIG. 1, the load factor of the PoE network hub 200 is 1.8%. The higher the load factor, the higher the power efficiency. In this case, the selection unit 106 determines to select the DCDC unit 103.

[0027] In step S4 , the selection unit 106 performs switching so that the DCDC unit 103 supplies power to the circuits included in the communication unit 105 .

[0028] In step S5, the selection unit 106 maintains the state in which the ACDC unit 102 supplies power to the circuits included in the communication unit 105.

[0029] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to supply power from a more efficient power source in accordance with the power load state of the PoE network hub 200.

[0030] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, when two or more projectors 100 are connected, the DCDC unit 103 is selected and power is supplied from the PoE network hub 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. Also, when power efficiency is improved by supplying power from the PoE network hub 200 when one projector 100 is connected, power may be supplied from the PoE network hub 200. On the other hand, when the PoE network hub 200 has a power capacity of, for example, 1 kW or more, and power efficiency is deteriorated by supplying power from the PoE network hub 200, the ACDC unit 102 may be selected and power may be switched to be supplied from a commercial AC power source.

[0031] Therefore, it is desirable to set a comprehensive threshold value according to each power supply capacity and load and determine whether to supply power from PoE network hub 200. For example, this can be realized by preparing an efficiency graph or table relating to the power supply capacity and load of multiple general power supplies, and determining switching based on the obtained power supply capacity and load of PoE network hub 200.

[0032] In this embodiment, the power load state of the PoE network hub 200 is acquired using the number of connected projectors 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power load state of the PoE network hub 200 may be acquired by directly communicating with the PoE network hub 200, or may be input by the user. Also, the power capacity of the PoE network hub 200 may be acquired by communication, or may be input by the user. Furthermore, a load test circuit such as a PoE tester may be prepared in the communication circuit, and an estimate may be made by applying a load within the range of the standard. It is desirable that the load test circuit is configured to be disconnected from the communication circuit in standby mode so as not to consume power.

[0033] In this embodiment, if the power supply from the commercial AC power source is cut off, the projection mode cannot be entered. When connected to the PoE network hub 200, communication is possible, so the communication unit 105 may notify the user that the commercial AC power source has been cut off via a control terminal or another projector on the network. Any method of notification may be used as long as it is possible to notify the user, and for example, an indicator of the projector itself may be used, or a signal related to the notification may be transmitted. (Modification) The PoE network hub 200 may not necessarily be able to output power according to the PoE standard for the number of ports. In this case, in the above-mentioned embodiment, there is a possibility that the power rating of the PoE network hub 200 will be exceeded. Therefore, the maximum rated value of the PoE network hub 200 may be directly acquired or may be input by the user. Also, an expected rated value may be acquired by preparing a load test circuit in the projector 100. When it is determined that the number of units connected is equal to or greater than the rated load, at least one projector 100 is switched to be powered from the ACDC unit 102 side so that the load falls within the rated load. At this time, the projector 100 switches to be powered from the ACDC unit 102 side in descending order of the unique IDs of the connected projectors 100, for example, until the load falls below the rated load.

[0034] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) a first power supply generating a DC power supply from an AC power supply; a second power supply that converts a DC voltage supplied from the power supply source through the communication cable into a predetermined DC voltage; an information processing unit that operates by being powered by the first power source; a communication unit that operates by being powered by the first power source or the second power source; An acquisition unit that acquires a power load state of the power supply source; a selection unit that selects a power source to supply power to the communication unit in accordance with the power load state. (Configuration 2) the information processing device is capable of changing between a first state in which all functions are available and a second state in which some functions including a communication function are available; 2. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the selection unit, in the second state, selects a power source for supplying power to the communication unit in accordance with the power load state. (Configuration 3) The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the selection unit selects the first power source when the number of devices connected to the power supply source is smaller than a predetermined value, and selects the second power source when the number of devices is greater than the predetermined value. (Configuration 4) 4. The information processing device according to configuration 3, wherein the selection unit selects the first power source when it is determined that the number of the devices is greater than a predetermined value and the power supply source exceeds a power supply rating. (Configuration 5) The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the selection unit selects the first power source when the load rate of the power supply source when the second power source is selected is smaller than the load rate of the first power source when the first power source is selected, and selects the second power source when the load rate of the power supply source when the second power source is selected is larger than the load rate of the first power source when the first power source is selected. (Configuration 6) The information processing device described in configuration 5, characterized in that the selection unit selects the first power source when it determines that the load factor of the power supply source when the second power source is selected is greater than the load factor of the first power source when the first power source is selected and that the power supply source exceeds a power supply rating. (Configuration 7) The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that after the information processing device is started up using the first power source, the selection unit selects a power source to supply power to the communication unit depending on the power load state. (Configuration 8) The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the communication unit operates using power supplied from the second power source when the first power source is cut off, and notifies the user that the first power source has been cut off. (Configuration 9) An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8; and a power supply source.

[0035] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 100 Projector (information processing device) 102 ACDC section (first power supply) 103 DCDC section (second power supply) 105 Communications Department 106 Selection section 107 PoE load acquisition unit (acquisition unit) 108 Information processing circuit (information processing section) 200 PoE network hub (power supply source)

Claims

1. a first power supply that generates a DC power supply from an AC power supply; a second power supply that converts a DC voltage supplied from the power supply source through the communication cable into a predetermined DC voltage; an information processing unit that operates by being powered by the first power source; a communication unit that operates by being powered by the first power source or the second power source; An acquisition unit that acquires a power load state of the power supply source; a selection unit that selects a power source to supply power to the communication unit in accordance with the power load state.

2. the information processing device is capable of changing between a first state in which all functions are available and a second state in which some functions including a communication function are available; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit, in the second state, selects a power source for supplying power to the communication unit in accordance with the power load state.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the first power source when the number of devices connected to the power supply source is smaller than a predetermined value, and selects the second power source when the number of devices is greater than the predetermined value.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit selects the first power source when it is determined that the number of the devices is greater than a predetermined value and the power supply source exceeds a power source rating.

5. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the first power source when the load rate of the power supply source when the second power source is selected is smaller than the load rate of the first power source when the first power source is selected, and selects the second power source when the load rate of the power supply source when the second power source is selected is larger than the load rate of the first power source when the first power source is selected.

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the selection unit selects the first power source when it determines that the load factor of the power supply source when the second power source is selected is greater than the load factor of the first power source when the first power source is selected and that the power supply source exceeds a power supply rating.

7. 3 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit selects a power source for supplying power to the communication unit in accordance with the power load state after the information processing apparatus is started up using the first power source. 4 .

8. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit operates using power supplied from the second power source when the first power source is cut off, and notifies the user that the first power source has been cut off.

9. An information processing device according to claim 1 or 2; and a power supply source.

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