Processing execution control device, processing execution control method, and processing execution control program

Abstract

To surely and easily control the operation of an information processor so as not to exceed an upper limit value in the information processor in which the upper limit value of power consumption is set.SOLUTION: The processing execution control device 30 includes an acquisition unit 31 that acquires device management information 311 indicating power consumption of each of the devices 41 and processing management information 312 indicating identification information of the device 41 used for each of the processings 42 executed by the information processing device 40, a power measurement unit 32 that measures total power consumption of the information processing device 40 and the device 41 in use when the information processing device 40 using at least one of the devices 41 executes the plurality of processings 42, and a control unit 33 that controls the information processing device 40 to sequentially execute at least one of the processings 42 executable in parallel based on the device management information 311 and the processing management information 312 so that the measured total power consumption does not exceed the power upper limit 330.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a process execution control device, a process execution control method, and a process execution control program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In electronic devices such as information processing devices, it is important to reduce power consumption and ensure stable operation, and there are high expectations for technologies that will achieve these goals.

[0003] In relation to the above-mentioned technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a power consumption control device that measures the power supplied to a controlled device that includes a processor and one or more modules. This device monitors whether each of the modules is in use. When the difference between the power supplied to the controlled device and a predetermined allowable upper limit power value is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold, this device controls the power consumption of the unused modules to decrease from a normal state to a low power consumption state.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a contactless communication device that reduces power consumption and can prevent malfunctions due to a lack of power supply. This device is designed so that certain circuits among its various built-in circuits do not operate simultaneously due to power consumption considerations, and is controlled to execute a series of processes in series, with only certain circuits operating simultaneously as a result of the execution. Between the operations of these circuits, i.e., before the operation of the next circuit, a load circuit applies a load to the power supply, and the device detects whether the next circuit can operate normally before starting operation of the next circuit.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses an electronic device that can operate even with a small AC (Alternating Current) adapter with a low rated power. This electronic device includes an AC adapter having a current detection circuit and an information storage unit that stores information about the rated current value and the detected current value. The electronic device also includes a microcomputer that reads information from the information storage unit from the AC adapter and controls the device to reduce power consumption so that the current value supplied from the AC adapter to the electronic device does not exceed a value that takes into account a margin above the rated current value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-042336 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-266094 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-215413 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As the performance of information processing devices improves and the density of electronic component packaging increases year by year, information processing devices are sometimes operated in environments where an upper limit on power consumption is set due to limitations on the capacity of power supply equipment and to avoid malfunctions caused by heat generation. In such environments, it is necessary to control the operation of the information processing device so that the power consumption does not exceed the upper limit. While it is possible to control the information processing device to some extent by using the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, it cannot be said that such control is sufficient in terms of more reliable and easy implementation.

[0008] A main object of the present invention is to reliably and easily control the operation of an information processing device in which an upper limit on power consumption is set so that the upper limit is not exceeded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A processing execution control device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an acquisition means for acquiring device management information representing the individual power consumption of one or more devices and processing management information representing identification information of the devices used for each of a plurality of processes executed by an information processing device; a power measurement means for measuring the total power consumption of the information processing device and the devices in use when the information processing device using at least one of the one or more devices is executing a plurality of the processes; and a control means for controlling the information processing device to sequentially execute at least some of the processes that can be executed in parallel based on the device management information and the processing management information so that the measured total power consumption does not exceed a power upper limit value.

[0010] In another aspect of achieving the above-mentioned object, a process execution control method according to one embodiment of the present invention acquires, by a first information processing device, device management information representing the individual power consumption of one or more devices and process management information representing identification information of the devices used for each of a plurality of processes executed by a second information processing device, measures the total power consumption of the second information processing device and the devices in use when the second information processing device using at least one of the one or more devices is executing a plurality of the processes, and controls the second information processing device, based on the device management information and the process management information, to sequentially execute at least some of the processes that can be executed in parallel so that the measured total power consumption does not exceed a power upper limit value.

[0011] In addition, in a further aspect of achieving the above-mentioned object, a processing execution control program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to execute an acquisition process for acquiring device management information representing the individual power consumption of one or more devices and processing management information representing identification information of the devices used for each of a plurality of processes executed by an information processing device; a power measurement process for measuring the total power consumption of the information processing device and the devices in use when the information processing device using at least one of the one or more devices is executing a plurality of the processes; and a control process for controlling the information processing device to sequentially execute at least any of the processes that can be executed in parallel based on the device management information and the processing management information so that the measured total power consumption does not exceed a power upper limit value.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by a computer-readable, non-volatile recording medium on which such a processing execution control program (computer program) is stored. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention makes it possible to reliably and easily control the operation of an information processing device in which an upper limit on power consumption is set so that the upper limit is not exceeded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of data of device management information 161 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data of processing management information 162 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between execution control of a process 203 by a control unit 13 and a power upper limit value 164 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5]3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process execution control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a process execution control device 30 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a process execution control device 30 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device 900 capable of realizing a process execution control device according to each embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] First Embodiment 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 1 roughly comprises a process execution control device 10, an information processing resource 20, one or more devices 21, a power supply circuit 22, a power measurement resistor 23, and one or more temperature sensors 24.

[0017] The information processing resource 20 includes one or more processors 201 and a memory 202. The memory 202 stores a plurality of processes 203. The processes 203 are executed by the processor 201, and are, for example, programs, processes, tasks, etc.

[0018] The device 21 is used when the information processing resource 20 executes the process 203, and is, for example, a video camera, a storage device, a printer, a touch panel module, a microphone, a speaker, etc. The information processing resource 20 and the device 21 are connected by, for example, a GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) interface.

[0019] The power supply circuit 22 supplies power to the information processing resource 20 and the device 21 via a power measurement resistor 23. The power measurement resistor 23 will be described later.

[0020] The process execution control device 10 is a device that controls the execution of a process 203 by an information processing resource 20. The process execution control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a power measurement unit 12, a control unit 13, a temperature measurement unit 14, a load measurement unit 15, and a memory unit 16. The acquisition unit 11, the power measurement unit 12, the control unit 13, the temperature measurement unit 14, and the load measurement unit 15 are examples of an acquisition means, a power measurement means, a control means, a temperature measurement means, and a load measurement means, respectively.

[0021] The processing execution control device 10 may be realized by the information processing resource 20 executing a program for realizing the functions of the processing execution control device 10. The processing execution control device 10 may also be constructed outside the information processing device 1. In this case, however, the information processing device 1 and the processing execution control device 10 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0022] The storage unit 16 is, for example, a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a hard disk 904, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 8. The storage unit 16 stores device management information 161, process management information 162, temperature management information 163, power upper limit value 164, temperature upper limit value 165, and resource management information 166. The information stored in the storage unit 16 will be described later.

[0023] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the device management information 161 and the process management information 162 , and stores the acquired device management information 161 and process management information 162 in the storage unit 16 .

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating data of device management information 161 according to this embodiment. The device management information 161 is information that indicates the power consumption of each device 21. According to the device management information 161 illustrated in FIG. 2, device 21-1 is a video camera, and its power consumption is 200 W (watts). Device 21-2 is a storage device, and its power consumption is 150 W. Device 21-3 is a storage device, and its power consumption is 100 W. In this embodiment, when distinguishing between the multiple devices 21, they are represented by adding subscripts, such as devices 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3.

[0025] The acquiring unit 11 may acquire the device management information 161, for example, through a user's input operation to the process execution control device 10. Alternatively, the acquiring unit 11 may generate the device management information 161 by measuring the power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and each of the devices 21. In this case, the acquiring unit 11 first sets all of the devices 21 to an unused state and then measures the power consumption of each of the information processing resources 20. The acquiring unit 11 measures the voltage applied across the power measurement resistor 23 to determine the current flowing through the power measurement resistor 23, and can obtain the power consumption from this value. Note that each of the voltage measurement points across the power measurement resistor 23 is connected to the acquiring unit 11 and a power measurement unit 12 (described later) via an analog-to-digital converter. Next, when only one of the devices 21 is being used by the information processing resource 20, the acquiring unit 11 measures the voltage applied across the power measurement resistor 23 to obtain the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the used devices 21. The acquiring unit 11 can obtain the power consumption of the individual device 21 by subtracting the power consumption of the individual information processing resource 20 from the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21. The acquiring unit 11 measures the power consumption as described above while switching between the devices 21 used by the information processing resource 20, thereby obtaining the power consumption of each of the individual devices 21. The acquiring unit 11 may also cause the information processing resource 20 to execute a predetermined program for measuring power consumption when measuring the power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21 described above.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating data of the process management information 162 according to this embodiment. The process management information 162 is information representing identification information of the device 21 used by each of the processes 203 executed by the information processing resource 20. According to the process management information 162 illustrated in FIG. 3, the process 203-1 compresses data of an image captured by a video camera, and the device used is the device 21-1. Note that the device management information 161 illustrated in FIG. 2 indicates that the device 21-1 is a video camera. The process 203-2 stores the captured image compressed by the process 203-1 in the device 21-2, which is a storage device, and the device used is the device 21-2. The process 203-3 stores the captured image compressed by the process 203-1 in the device 21-3, which is a storage device, and the device used is the device 21-3. In this embodiment, when a plurality of processes 203 are to be distinguished from one another, they are represented by adding subscripts, such as processes 203-1, 203-2, and 203-3.

[0027] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the process management information 162, for example, through an input operation of information by a user to the process execution control device 10.

[0028] 1 measures the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21 in use when the information processing resource 20 using at least one of the devices 21 is executing a plurality of processes 203. The power measuring unit 12 measures the total power consumption by measuring the voltage applied across the power measuring resistor 23, in the same way as when the acquiring unit 11 acquired the device management information 161 as described above.

[0029] Based on the above-described device management information 161 and process management information 162, the control unit 13 controls the information processing resource 20 to sequentially execute at least any of the processes 203 that can be executed in parallel so that the total power consumption measured by the power measurement unit 12 does not exceed the power upper limit value 164. However, the power upper limit value 164 stored in the storage unit 16 is set by the user based on, for example, the power supply environment in the place where the information processing device 1 is installed.

[0030] For example, assume that the information processing resource 20 starts executing processes 203-1 to 203-3 illustrated in Fig. 3. In this case, the information processing resource 20 can execute processes 203-1 to 203-3 in parallel, which are a series of processes for compressing data of an image captured by a video camera (device 21-1) and storing portions of the compressed captured image in storage devices (devices 21-2 and 21-3).

[0031] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the execution control of the process 203 illustrated in FIG. 3 by the control unit 13 according to this embodiment and the power upper limit value 164. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the power consumption of the information processing resource 20 alone is set to 1000 W.

[0032] First, we will explain Case 1, in which the power upper limit 164 is 1500 W, as illustrated in Fig. 4. According to the device management information 161 illustrated in Fig. 2, the total power consumption of devices 21-1 to 21-3 used by processes 203-1 to 203-3 is 450 W. Therefore, the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and devices 21-1 to 21-3 measured by the power measurement unit 12 is 1450 W, which does not exceed the power upper limit 164 of 1500 W. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 13 controls the information processing resource 20 to continue parallel execution of processes 203-1 to 203-3, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0033] Next, we will explain Case 2, in which the power upper limit 164 is 1300 W, as illustrated in FIG. 4 . In this case, the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and devices 21-1 to 21-3 measured by the power measurement unit 12, which is 1450 W, exceeds the power upper limit 164 of 1300 W, and therefore the information processing resource 20 cannot execute processes 203-1 to 203-3 in parallel. In this case, the control unit 13 calculates, from the device management information 161 and the process management information 162, that the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and device 21-1 when process 203-1 is executed alone is 1200 W. The control unit 13 further calculates that the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and devices 21-2 and 21-3 when processes 203-2 and 203-3 are executed in parallel is 1250 W. Therefore, the total power consumption when the information processing resource 20 executes the process 203-1 alone and the total power consumption when the processes 203-2 and 203-3 are executed in parallel by the information processing resource 20 do not exceed 1300 W, which is the upper power limit 164. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , the control unit 13 executes and completes the process 203-1, and then controls the information processing resource 20 to execute the processes 203-2 and 203-3 in parallel. That is, the control unit 13 temporarily suspends the execution of the processes 203-2 and 203-3, and after completing the execution of only the process 203-1, resumes the execution of the processes 203-2 and 203-3. In this case, the information processing resource 20 may temporarily store the data resulting from the execution of the process 203-1 in the memory 202, and after completing the execution of the process 203-1, execute the processes 203-2 and 203-3 using the data stored in the memory 202.

[0034] Next, a case 3 will be described in which the power upper limit value 164 is 1200 W, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In this case, the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and devices 21-2 and 21-3, 1250 W, measured by the power measurement unit 12, exceeds the power upper limit value 164 of 1200 W. Therefore, the information processing resource 20 cannot execute processes 203-2 and 203-3 in parallel, as in case 2. The control unit 13 then confirms from the device management information 161 and the process management information 162 that the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and any of devices 21-1 to 21-3 does not exceed the power upper limit value 164 of 1200 W. The control unit 13 then controls the information processing resource 20 to execute and complete process 203-1, execute process 203-2, and execute process 203-3 after completing process 203-2, as illustrated in FIG. 4. That is, the control unit 13 controls the information processing resource 20 so as to execute the processes 203-1, 203-2, and 203-3 in sequence.

[0035] Furthermore, if the device 21 has a function of transitioning to a standby state (standby mode) in which power consumption is lower when the device 21 is not in use than when the device 21 is in use, the control unit 13 may set the device 21 in a standby state when the device 21 is not in use by the information processing resource 20. In other words, the control unit 13 may set the use of the device 21 from an enabled state to an disabled state.

[0036] The control unit 13 may also control the information processing resource 20 to sequentially execute processes 203 that can be executed in parallel so that the average value of the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21 measured over a predetermined period of time does not exceed the power upper limit value 164. Since the total power consumption measured by the power measurement unit 12 usually fluctuates, it is more appropriate to control the execution of the processes 203 based on the average value of the total power consumption over a predetermined period of time.

[0037] In addition to controlling the execution of process 203 based on the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and device 21 described above, the process execution control device 10 of this embodiment also controls the execution of process 203 based on the temperature of a specified location in the information processing device 1.

[0038] The temperature measurement unit 14 receives data from temperature sensors 24 installed at one or more predetermined locations in the information processing device 1, and measures (calculates) the temperature at the locations where the temperature sensors 24 are installed from the received data. The temperature sensors 24 are installed at one or more locations in the information processing device 1 and are used to measure the temperature at the locations. The temperature sensors 24 are installed at locations determined by the user where the temperature of the information processing device 1 is likely to rise. The temperature sensors 24 and the temperature measurement unit 14 are connected by, for example, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) bus (registered trademark).

[0039] The acquisition unit 11 acquires temperature management information 163 that indicates the relationship between the temperature at the installation location of the temperature sensor 24 and the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21, and stores the acquired temperature management information 163 in the storage unit 16. The temperature management information 163 indicates that the greater the total power consumption, the higher the temperature at the installation location. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the temperature management information 163, for example, via a user's input operation of information to the process execution control device 10.

[0040] Based on device management information 161, process management information 162, and temperature management information 163, control unit 13 controls information processing resource 20 to sequentially execute processes 203 that can be executed in parallel so that the temperature at a predetermined location measured by temperature measurement unit 14 does not exceed upper temperature limit 165. However, upper temperature limit 165 stored in memory unit 16 is set by the user based on, for example, the cooling environment at the location where information processing device 1 is installed. Upper temperature limit 165 does not have to be a value that is common to all installation locations of temperature sensors 24, and may be a value that differs depending on the installation location.

[0041] When the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 14 exceeds the upper temperature limit 165, the control unit 13 controls the execution of process 203, for example, as in case 2 illustrated in Fig. 4. When the measured temperature exceeds the upper temperature limit 165 even after controlling the execution of process 203 as in case 2, the control unit 13 controls the execution of process 203 as in case 3.

[0042] The processing execution control device 10 of this embodiment further controls the execution of processing 203 based on the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21 described above and the temperature of a specified location in the information processing device 1, as well as the load status of the information processing resource 20.

[0043] The acquisition unit 11 acquires resource management information 166 that indicates the relationship between the load on the information processing resource 20 and the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21, and stores the acquired resource management information 166 in the storage unit 16. The resource management information 166 indicates that the greater the load on the information processing resource 20, the greater the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21. The load on the information processing resource 20 is represented, for example, by the utilization rate of the processor 201. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the resource management information 166, for example, via a user's input operation of information to the process execution control device 10.

[0044] The load measuring unit 15 can measure the utilization rate, which indicates the load on the processor 201, using, for example, an existing processor utilization rate measuring tool.

[0045] The control unit 13 controls the utilization rate of the processor 201 based on the device management information 161, the processing management information 162, the resource management information 166, and the measurement results by the load measurement unit 15 so that the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21 measured by the power measurement unit 12 does not exceed the power upper limit value 164.

[0046] When the total power consumption exceeds the power upper limit value 164 and it is necessary to reduce the utilization rate of the processor 201, the control unit 13 controls the execution of process 203, for example, as in case 2 illustrated in Fig. 4. Then, when the total power consumption still exceeds the power upper limit value 164 after controlling the execution of process 203 as in case 2 and it is necessary to further reduce the utilization rate of the processor 201, the control unit 13 controls the execution of process 203 as in case 3.

[0047] Next, the operation (processing) of the process execution control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0048] The acquisition unit 11 acquires device management information 161, process management information 162, and temperature management information 163 (step S101). The power measurement unit 12 measures the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21 from the voltage applied to the power measurement resistor 23 when the information processing device 1 is executing a plurality of processes 203 (step S102). The temperature measurement unit 14 measures the temperature of a predetermined location on the information processing device 1 from a value measured by a temperature sensor 24 installed at the predetermined location (step S103). The control unit 13 checks whether the total power consumption does not exceed a power upper limit 164 and whether the temperature at the predetermined location does not exceed a temperature upper limit 165 (step S104).

[0049] If the total power consumption does not exceed the power upper limit value 164 and the temperature at the specified location does not exceed the temperature upper limit value 165 (Yes in step S105), the control unit 13 controls the information processing resource 20 to execute multiple processes 203 in parallel (step S106), and the process returns to step S102.

[0050] If the total power consumption exceeds the power upper limit value 164 or the temperature at the specified location exceeds the temperature upper limit value 165 (No in step S105), the control unit 13 controls the information processing resource 20 to sequentially execute at least one of the multiple processes 203 so that the total power consumption does not exceed the power upper limit value 164 and so that the temperature at the specified location does not exceed the temperature upper limit value 165 (step S107), and the processing returns to step S102.

[0051] The process execution control device 10 according to this embodiment can reliably and easily control the operation of the information processing device 1, for which an upper limit on power consumption has been set, so that the upper limit is not exceeded. The reason for this is that the process execution control device 10 controls the information processing device 1 to sequentially execute at least any of the processes 203 that can be executed in parallel, so that the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21 does not exceed the power upper limit 164, based on device management information 161 that indicates the power consumption of each device 21 and process management information 162 that indicates the device 21 used for each process 203.

[0052] The effects achieved by the process execution control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0053] As the performance of information processing devices improves and the density of electronic component packaging increases year by year, information processing devices are sometimes operated in environments where an upper limit on power consumption is set due to limitations on the capacity of power supply equipment and to avoid malfunctions caused by heat generation. In such environments, it is necessary to control the operation of the information processing device so that the upper limit on power consumption is not exceeded. Therefore, it is a challenge to perform such control more reliably and easily.

[0054] To address this issue, the process execution control device 10 according to this embodiment acquires device management information 161 indicating the power consumption of each of one or more devices 21 and process management information 162 indicating the identification information of the device 21 used for each of multiple processes 203 executed by the information processing device 1. When an information processing resource 20 using at least one of the one or more devices 21 is executing multiple processes 203, the process execution control device 10 measures the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21 in use. Based on the device management information 161 and the process management information 162, the process execution control device 10 controls the information processing device 1 to sequentially execute at least one of the processes 203 that can be executed in parallel so that the measured total power consumption does not exceed a power upper limit 164. In other words, the process execution control device 10 manages the power consumption of each device 21 and the devices 21 used by each process 203, and controls the information processing device 1 to sequentially execute processes 203 executed in parallel as needed, thereby reliably and easily preventing the power consumption of the information processing device 1 from exceeding the power upper limit 164.

[0055] Furthermore, the process execution control device 10 according to this embodiment measures the temperature at a predetermined location in the information processing device 1, and acquires temperature management information 163 that indicates the relationship between the temperature at the predetermined location and the total power consumption of the information processing resource 20 and the device 21. Based on the temperature management information 163, the process execution control device 10 controls the information processing device 1 to sequentially execute at least any of the processes 203 that can be executed in parallel, so that the measured temperature at the predetermined location does not exceed an upper temperature limit 165. In this way, the process execution control device 10 can reliably and easily avoid the occurrence of failures due to heat generation in the information processing device 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the process execution control device 10 according to this embodiment measures the load on the information processing resource 20 included in the information processing device 1, and acquires resource management information 166 that indicates the relationship between the load on the information processing resource 20 and the power consumption of the information processing device 1. Then, based on the load measurement results and the resource management information 166, the process execution control device 10 controls the load on the information processing resource 20 so that the total power consumption does not exceed the power upper limit value 164. This allows the process execution control device 10 to more reliably and easily ensure that the power consumption of the information processing device 1 does not exceed the power upper limit value 164.

[0057] Furthermore, the process execution control device 10 according to this embodiment sets devices 21 that are not being used by the information processing device 1 to a standby state in which power consumption is lower than when the devices 21 are in use. This allows the process execution control device 10 to more reliably prevent the power consumption of the information processing device 1 from exceeding the power upper limit value 164.

[0058] Furthermore, the process execution control device 10 according to this embodiment controls the information processing device 1 to sequentially execute at least any of the processes 203 that can be executed in parallel, so that the average value of the total power consumption measured over a predetermined period does not exceed the power upper limit value 164. In this way, the process execution control device 10 can more accurately grasp the fluctuating total power consumption, and can more reliably prevent the power consumption of the information processing device 1 from exceeding the power upper limit value 164.

[0059] <Second embodiment> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a process execution control device 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] The process execution control device 30 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 31, a power measurement unit 32, and a control unit 33. The acquisition unit 31, the power measurement unit 32, and the control unit 33 are examples of an acquisition means, a power measurement means, and a control means, respectively.

[0061] The acquisition unit 31 acquires device management information 311 indicating the power consumption of each of one or more devices 41, and process management information 312 indicating identification information of the device 41 used for each of a plurality of processes 42 executed by the information processing device 40. The device 41 is, for example, a device similar to the device 21 according to the first embodiment. The process 42 is, for example, a process similar to the process 203 according to the first embodiment. The device management information 311 is, for example, information similar to the device management information 161 according to the first embodiment. The process management information 312 is, for example, information similar to the process management information 162 according to the first embodiment. The acquisition unit 31 operates in the same manner as the acquisition unit 11 according to the first embodiment, for example.

[0062] The power measurement unit 32 measures the total power consumption of the information processing device 40 and the device 41 in use when the information processing device 40, which uses at least one of one or more devices 41, is executing a plurality of processes 42. The power measurement unit 32 operates in the same manner as the power measurement unit 12 according to the first embodiment, for example.

[0063] Based on the device management information 311 and the process management information 312, the control unit 33 controls the information processing device 40 to sequentially execute at least any of the processes 42 that can be executed in parallel so that the measured total power consumption does not exceed the power upper limit value 330. The power upper limit value 330 is, for example, a value similar to the power upper limit value 164 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 33 operates in the same manner as the control unit 13 according to the first embodiment, for example.

[0064] Next, the operation (processing) of the process execution control device 30 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0065] The acquisition unit 31 acquires device management information 311 and process management information 312 (step S201). The power measurement unit 32 measures the total power consumption of the information processing device 40 including the device 41 when the information processing device 40 is executing a plurality of processes 42 (step S202). The control unit 33 checks whether the total power consumption exceeds the power upper limit value 330 (step S203).

[0066] If the total power consumption does not exceed the power upper limit value 330 (Yes in step S204), the control unit 33 controls the information processing device 40 to execute the multiple processes 42 in parallel (step S205), and the process returns to step S202.

[0067] If the total power consumption exceeds the power upper limit value 330 (No in step S204), the control unit 33 controls the information processing device 40 to sequentially execute at least one of the multiple processes 42 so that the total power consumption does not exceed the power upper limit value 330 (step S206), and the process returns to step S202.

[0068] The process execution control device 30 according to this embodiment can reliably and easily control the operation of an information processing device 40 for which an upper limit on power consumption has been set, so that the upper limit is not exceeded. This is because the process execution control device 30 controls the information processing device 40 to sequentially execute at least any of the processes 42 that can be executed in parallel, so that the total power consumption of the information processing device 40 and the devices 41 does not exceed the power upper limit 330, based on device management information 311 that indicates the power consumption of each device 41 and process management information 312 that indicates the devices 41 used for each process 42.

[0069] <Hardware configuration example> In each of the above-described embodiments, each unit in the process execution control device shown in Figures 1 and 6 can be realized by dedicated HW (Hardware) (electronic circuitry). In Figures 1 and 6, at least the following components can be considered as functional (processing) units (software modules) of a software program including instructions executed by a processor. Acquisition units 11 and 31, Power measurement units 12 and 32, Control units 13 and 33, ·Temperature measurement part 14, ·Load measurement section 15, ·Memory control function in the memory unit 16.

[0070] However, the division of the various components shown in these drawings is for the sake of convenience, and various configurations may be envisioned for implementation. An example of the hardware environment in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device 900 (computer) capable of realizing the processing execution control device according to each embodiment of the present invention. That is, Fig. 8 shows the configuration of a computer (information processing device) capable of realizing the processing execution control device shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 6, and represents a hardware environment capable of realizing each function in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0072] The information processing device 900 shown in FIG. 8 includes the following components. ·CPU(Central_Processing_Unit)901, ·ROM(Read_Only_Memory)902, ·RAM(Random_Access_Memory)903, Hard disk (storage device) 904, a communication interface 905; Bus 906 (communication line), A reader / writer 908 capable of reading and writing data stored in a recording medium 907 such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), · Input / output interface 909 such as a monitor, speaker, keyboard, etc.

[0073] That is, the information processing device 900 having the above-mentioned components is a general computer in which these components are connected via a bus 906. The information processing device 900 may have multiple CPUs 901, or may have a CPU 901 configured with multiple cores. The information processing device 900 may also not have some of the above-mentioned components.

[0074] The present invention, explained using the above-mentioned embodiment as an example, supplies a computer program capable of realizing the following functions to the information processing device 900 shown in FIG. 8. The functions are the functions described above in the block diagrams (FIGS. 1 and 6) or flowcharts (FIGS. 5 and 7) referred to in the description of the embodiment. The present invention is then achieved by reading the computer program into the CPU 901 of the hardware, interpreting it, and executing it. The computer program supplied to the device may be stored in a readable / writable volatile memory (RAM 903) or a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM 902 or hard disk 904.

[0075] In the above case, the method of supplying the computer program to the hardware can be a currently common procedure, such as installing the program in the device via a recording medium 907 such as a CD-ROM, or downloading the program from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet. In such a case, the present invention can be considered to be constituted by the code constituting the computer program or the recording medium 907 on which the code is stored.

[0076] The present invention has been described above using the above-described embodiments as exemplary examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be applied in various aspects that can be understood by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Information processing equipment 10 Processing execution control device 11 Acquisition Department 12 Power measurement section 13 Control Unit 14 Temperature measurement part 15 Load measurement section 16 Memory section 161 Device Management Information 162 Processing Management Information 163 Temperature management information 164 Power Cap 165 Upper temperature limit 166 Resource management information 20 Information Processing Resources 201 processor 202 memory 203 Processing 21 devices 22 Power supply circuit 23 Resistor for power measurement 24 Temperature Sensor 30 Processing execution control device 31 Acquisition Department 311 Device Management Information 312 Processing Management Information 32 Power measurement section 33 Control Unit 330 Power Cap 40 Information processing equipment 41 devices 42 Processing 900 Information Processing Equipment 901 CPU 902 ROM 903 RAM 904 Hard disk (storage device) 905 Communication Interface 906 Bus 907 Recording Media 908 Reader / Writer 909 Input / Output Interface

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring device management information representing power consumption of each of one or more devices and process management information representing identification information of the device used for each of a plurality of processes executed by an information processing device; a power measurement means for continuously measuring the total power consumption of the information processing device and the device in use when the information processing device using at least one of the one or more devices is executing a plurality of processes; a control means for controlling the information processing device to sequentially execute at least any of the processes that can be executed in parallel based on the device management information, the process management information, and the total power consumption measured by the power measurement means so that the total power consumption does not exceed a power upper limit value; A process execution control device comprising:

2. a temperature measuring unit for measuring a temperature at a predetermined location in the information processing device; the control means controls the information processing device to sequentially execute at least any of the processes that can be executed in parallel so that the measured total power consumption does not exceed the power upper limit value and so that the measured temperature at the predetermined location does not exceed a temperature upper limit value. The process execution control device according to claim 1 .

3. the acquiring means acquires, as the device management information, a difference between the total power consumption measured when the information processing device uses the device and the total power consumption measured when the information processing device does not use the device. The process execution control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control means sets the device not being used by the information processing device to a standby state in which power consumption is lower than when the device is in use. The process execution control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. By the first information processing device, acquiring device management information representing power consumption of each of one or more devices and process management information representing identification information of the device used for each of a plurality of processes executed by the second information processing apparatus; continuously measuring a total power consumption of the second information processing apparatus and the one or more devices in use when the second information processing apparatus is executing a plurality of the processes; controlling the second information processing device to sequentially execute at least any of the processes that can be executed in parallel based on the device management information, the process management information, and the total power consumption that is continuously measured, so that the total power consumption does not exceed a power upper limit value; Processing execution control method.

6. an acquisition process for acquiring device management information representing the power consumption of each of one or more devices and process management information representing identification information of the device used for each of a plurality of processes executed by the information processing device; a power measurement process for continuously measuring the total power consumption of the information processing device and the devices in use when the information processing device using at least one of the devices is executing a plurality of processes; a control process for controlling the information processing device to sequentially execute at least any of the processes that can be executed in parallel based on the device management information, the process management information, and the total power consumption that is continuously measured, so that the total power consumption does not exceed a power upper limit value; A processing execution control program for causing a computer to execute the above.

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