Information processing device and control method

Abstract

Operate the system in an appropriate state that balances performance and power consumption. [Solution] The information processing device includes an input unit that receives input from a user, a control unit that can perform information processing so as not to exceed a set power consumption limit, an input delay detection unit that detects the delay time from the input received by the input unit to the output to the display unit, and a power control unit that controls the power consumption limit so that the delay time detected by the input delay detection unit falls within a predetermined range.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] In information processing apparatuses such as personal computers (PCs), when performance is emphasized, the performance per watt (Perf / Watt) efficiency deteriorates, and problems such as wasted power consumption, noise from the cooling fan, and an increase in the temperature of the housing may occur. In order to solve such problems, in recent years, attempts have been made to provide an information processing apparatus with a power limit to balance performance and power consumption and operate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in an information processing apparatus, for example, since various tasks are being processed and the operating status is constantly changing, it has been difficult for conventional information processing apparatuses to operate in an appropriate state with a balance between performance and power consumption.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus and a control method that can operate in an appropriate state with a balance between performance and power consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus comprising: an input unit for receiving input from a user; a control unit capable of performing information processing so as not to exceed a set power consumption limit; an input delay detection unit for detecting a delay time from the input received by the input unit to the output to the display unit; and a power control unit that controls the power consumption limit so as to the delay time detected by the input delay detection unit so as to keep the delay time within a predetermined range.

[0007] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus described above allows the power consumption limit value to be set in multiple stages, and the power control unit may control the power consumption limit value by changing the stage of the power consumption limit value according to the delay time.

[0008] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described information processing apparatus, the power control unit may change the step in a direction that lowers the power consumption limit when the delay time is earlier than the predetermined range, and change the step in a direction that raises the power consumption limit when the delay time is later than the predetermined range.

[0009] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described information processing device, the power control unit may change the number of steps to be changed according to the degree to which the delay time deviates from the predetermined range.

[0010] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described information processing apparatus, the input delay detection unit may use the User Input Delay function of the OS (Operating System) to detect the delay time, and detect the delay time every second.

[0011] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a control method for an information processing apparatus comprising an input unit that receives input from a user and a control unit that can perform information processing so as not to exceed a set power consumption limit, the control method including an input delay detection step in which an input delay detection unit detects a delay time from the input received by the input unit to the output to the display unit, and a power control step in which a power control unit controls the power consumption limit so that the delay time detected by the input delay detection step falls within a predetermined range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above-described aspect of the present invention, the device can be operated in an appropriate state that balances performance and power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of a notebook PC according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a notebook PC according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the principle of power control for a notebook PC according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the concept of power control for a notebook PC according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of how a notebook PC operates according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is the first figure illustrating an example of the operation of a notebook PC according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is the second figure illustrating an example of the operation of a notebook PC according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the effects of the notebook PC according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus and a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of the notebook PC1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the notebook PC1 (notebook personal computer) includes a CPU 11, a main memory 12, a video subsystem 13, a display unit 14, a chipset 21, a BIOS memory 22, an SSD 23, an audio system 24, a WLAN card 25, an embedded controller 31, an input unit 32, a power supply circuit 33, a battery 34, a cooling fan 35, and a temperature sensor 36. In this embodiment, as an example of the information processing apparatus, the case where the information processing apparatus is the notebook PC1 will be described.

[0016] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 executes various arithmetic processes under program control and controls the entire notebook PC1.

[0017] The main memory 12 is a writable memory that is used as a loading area for the execution program of the CPU 11 or as a working area for writing the processing data of the execution program. The main memory 12 is composed of, for example, a plurality of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. This execution program includes an OS (Operating System), various drivers for operating peripheral devices hardware, various services / utilities, application programs, and the like.

[0018] The video subsystem 13 is a subsystem for realizing functions related to image display and includes a video controller. This video controller processes the drawing commands from the CPU 11, writes the processed drawing information into the video memory, reads out this drawing information from the video memory, and outputs it to the display unit 14 as drawing data (display data).

[0019] The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays a display screen based on the drawing data (display data) output from the video subsystem 13.

[0020] The chipset 21 includes controllers such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), Serial ATA (AT Attachment), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, PCI-Express bus (PCIe bus), and LPC (Low Pin Count) bus, to which a plurality of devices are connected. In FIG. 1, as an example of devices, a BIOS memory 22 and an SSD 23 are connected to the chipset 21.

[0021] The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) memory 22 is composed of an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or flash ROM (flash memory). The BIOS memory 22 stores system firmware such as BIOS and an embedded controller 31 for control.

[0022] The SSD (Solid State Drive) 23 (an example of a non-volatile storage device) stores an OS, various drivers, various services / utilities, application programs, and various data.

[0023] The audio system 24 records, plays back, and outputs audio data. The WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) card 25 connects to a network via a wireless (radio) LAN and performs data communication.

[0024] The embedded controller 31 is a one-chip microcomputer that monitors and controls various devices (peripherals, sensors, etc.) regardless of the system state of the notebook PC 1. The embedded controller 31 also has a power management function that controls the power supply circuit 33. The embedded controller 31 consists of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and is equipped with multiple channels of A / D input terminals, D / A output terminals, a timer, and digital input / output terminals. The embedded controller 31 is connected to, for example, the input unit 32, the power supply circuit 33, the cooling fan 35, and the temperature sensor 36 via these input / output terminals, and the embedded controller 31 controls the operation of these components.

[0025] Furthermore, the embedded controller 31 may control power consumption by controlling the operating frequency of the CPU 11, the average processing speed, etc., via the chipset 21.

[0026] The input unit 32 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, touchpad, or mouse, and accepts input from the user. The input unit 32 detects user operations as input and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the detected operation to the embedded controller 31. The input unit 32 may also be configured as a touch sensor placed on top of the display unit 14.

[0027] The power supply circuit 33 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter, a charge / discharge unit, and an AC / DC adapter. For example, the power supply circuit 33 converts a DC voltage supplied from an external power source such as an AC adapter (not shown) or a battery 34 into multiple voltages necessary to operate the notebook PC 1. The power supply circuit 33 also supplies power to various parts of the notebook PC 1 according to the control of the embedded controller 31.

[0028] The battery 34 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery 34 is charged via the power supply circuit 33 when the notebook PC 1 is powered by an external power source. When the notebook PC 1 is not powered by an external power source, the battery 34 outputs the stored power via the power supply circuit 33 as the operating power of the notebook PC 1.

[0029] The cooling fan 35 is installed in the casing (not shown) of the notebook PC 1 and cools the components housed inside the casing. The cooling fan 35 primarily dissipates heat generated by components that generate a lot of heat, such as the CPU 11. The cooling fan 35 rotates its fins to draw air into the casing and exchanges heat between the drawn-in air and the components installed inside the casing. The air, whose temperature has risen due to the heat exchange, is then discharged to the outside of the casing. The operation of the cooling fan 35 is controlled, for example, by an embedded controller 31.

[0030] The temperature sensor 36 is located inside the casing of the notebook PC 1 and detects the temperature at its location. The temperature sensor 36 is positioned close to a device that generates a large amount of heat, such as the CPU 11, within a predetermined distance. The temperature sensor 36 outputs a temperature signal indicating the detected temperature to the embedded controller 31. The embedded controller 31 controls the operation of the cooling fan 35 based on the temperature indicated by the temperature signal input from the temperature sensor 36.

[0031] The CPU 11 and chipset 21 mentioned above are, for example, processors, and in this embodiment, they correspond to the main control unit 10. The main control unit 10 is an example of a processor (main processor) that executes programs stored in memory (main memory 12).

[0032] Generally, the power consumption of the CPU 11 and chipset 21 (main control unit 10) is variable. The main control unit 10 has a mechanism to control either the operating voltage or the operating frequency, or both, according to the power consumption. For example, the main control unit 10 executes system firmware and sets the maximum permissible operating frequency in its own register according to the operating state (operating mode) or power control mode of the main system of the notebook PC 1. The main system is a computer system that includes hardware such as the CPU 11, chipset 21, and main memory 12, and software such as the OS and schedule tasks. The devices that make up the main system correspond to system devices. The main control unit 10 is the core of the system devices.

[0033] The main control unit 10 executes the BIOS and, in cooperation with other system devices, controls the input and output of data by each system device. The main control unit 10, in cooperation with the main memory 12 or other devices, executes the OS and provides the basic functions of the notebook PC 1. These basic functions include, for example, managing and controlling the execution status of various applications and other programs, providing a standard interface for the execution of those programs, and managing resources in the main system and hardware that directly or indirectly cooperates with the main system.

[0034] Generally, processor power consumption increases with higher operating frequencies. Processors have set lower and upper limits for their operating frequencies. For example, a processor can have a function or control table pre-configured that shows the relationship between operating frequency and power consumption, and this relationship can be used to determine the operating frequency corresponding to the target power consumption. Setting the operating frequency to the lower limit ensures minimum processing power. Setting the operating frequency to the upper limit maximizes processing power. This relationship can be associated with operating modes and power control parameters, as will be discussed later.

[0035] Generally, processors consume more power and generate more heat as their operating frequency or utilization increases. A processor operates in a way that keeps power consumption below a set maximum power consumption by setting an operating frequency that corresponds to a power consumption below the maximum allowable power consumption. Therefore, as the operating frequency decreases, power consumption decreases and process execution time increases. Furthermore, the OS allocates computing resources such as memory and power consumption to each process to enable the simultaneous execution of multiple processes. Execution time depends on the presence or number of other processes running simultaneously and the processing instructed for each individual process. Therefore, the responsiveness of the main control unit 10 depends on its operating state at any given time and affects the user experience (UX).

[0036] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the functional configuration of the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the notebook PC 1 comprises a main control unit 10 and a storage unit 40. Note that only the main functional configuration relating to this embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 2.

[0037] The memory unit 40 is a memory unit implemented by, for example, the main memory 12 or SSD 23, and stores various information used by the notebook PC 1. The memory unit 40 stores, for example, various information used in BIOS processing and OS processing, and various information used in power control processing. The memory unit 40 includes a power limit setting memory unit 41 and a step setting memory unit 42.

[0038] The power limit setting storage unit 41 is a storage unit implemented by, for example, the main memory 12, and stores setting information related to the currently set power control. The power limit setting storage unit 41 stores, for example, steps (stages, levels, etc.) indicating the operating mode, which will be described later, and power control parameters (for example, power limit (PL), lower and upper limits of the operating frequency, etc.).

[0039] The step setting storage unit 42 is a storage unit implemented by, for example, the main memory 12 or SSD 23, and stores multiple stages (steps) and the values ​​of power control parameters corresponding to each step in association with each step. In this embodiment, for example, five steps are provided, and an example of changing the value of the power limit (for example, PL1: Power Limit 1) as a power control parameter will be described.

[0040] Step 5 (LV5): PL1 = PL15 Step 4 (LV4): PL1 = PL14 Step 3 (LV3): PL1 = PL13 Step 2 (LV2): PL1 = PL12 Step 1 (LV1): PL1 = PL11

[0041] Step 5 (LV5) is the operating mode with the highest power limit (limit on power consumption), and Step 1 (LV1) is the operating mode with the lowest power limit (PL15>PL14>PL13>PL12>PL11). Furthermore, PL1 (Power Limit 1) corresponds to the limit value of the rated power.

[0042] The main control unit 10 is a functional unit that is realized by causing the CPU 11 to execute programs stored in the BIOS memory 22, SSD 23, and main memory 12, etc. The main control unit 10 executes processing based on the OS and BIOS. The main control unit 10 is capable of performing information processing so as not to exceed the set power consumption limit (power limit value). The main control unit 10 includes, for example, an OS processing unit 101, an input delay detection unit 102, and a power control unit 103.

[0043] The OS processing unit 101 is a functional unit that is realized, for example, by having the CPU 11 execute the OS program stored in the SSD 23 and the main memory 12, and performs OS-based processing. The OS processing unit 101 has a function to detect the delay time from the input received by the input unit 32 to the output to the display unit 14, and has a "User Input Delay" function that detects this delay time by the OS (for example, Windows®).

[0044] The input delay detection unit 102 is a functional unit that is implemented by causing the CPU 11 to execute driver programs stored in the SSD 23 and main memory 12, and corresponds to, for example, a driver (device driver) attached to the OS. The input delay detection unit 102 detects the delay time (input-output time) from the input received by the input unit 32 until it is output to the display unit 14. The input delay detection unit 102 detects the delay time (input-output time) in 1-second increments, for example, by utilizing the "User Input Delay" function of the OS mentioned above.

[0045] The power control unit 103 is a functional unit that is implemented by causing the CPU 11 to execute driver programs stored in the SSD 23 and main memory 12, and corresponds to, for example, a driver (device driver) attached to the OS. The power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit value (power limit value) so that the delay time (input-output time) detected by the input delay detection unit 102 falls within a predetermined range. Here, the predetermined range is set to, for example, a range that balances performance and power consumption.

[0046] The power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit (power limit value) by increasing it when the delay time (input-output time) is slower (longer) than a predetermined range. Conversely, the power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit (power limit value) by decreasing it when the delay time (input-output time) is faster (shorter) than a predetermined range.

[0047] Now, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the concept of power control for the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 3 illustrates the principle of power control for the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment.

[0048] The graph shown in Figure 3 has the power limit value [W (watts)] on the horizontal axis and the processing time [S (seconds)] on the vertical axis. Waveform W1 shows the relationship between the power limit value and the task completion time. Waveform W2 shows the relationship between the power limit value and the average value of "User Input Delay" (input-output time).

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the task completion time for waveform W1 and the input-output time for waveform W2 show similar trends, suggesting a correlation (proportional relationship) between task completion time and input-output time. Therefore, based on this relationship, input-output time can be used as a substitute for task completion time.

[0050] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the concept of power control for the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, the horizontal axis of the diagram represents time, and the input-output time TDLY indicates the delay time from when the input unit 32, such as a mouse or keyboard, receives an input until the display unit 14 produces an output corresponding to that input.

[0051] Furthermore, the input-output time TDLY before time TDLY1 is the "Fast (wasteful)" region, where processing speed is fast and power is wasted. The input-output time TDLY from time TDLY1 to time TDLY2 is the "Balanced" region, where the performance and power consumption of Notebook PC1 are balanced and optimal. The input-output time TDLY from time TDLY2 onwards is the "SLOW" region, where processing speed is slow and performance is insufficient.

[0052] Here, the "balance" region from time TDLY1 to time TDLY2 corresponds to the predetermined range (threshold range RG1) described above. In this embodiment, by controlling the power limit value (power consumption limit value) so that it falls within the "balance" region from time TDLY1 to time TDLY2 shown in Figure 4, an optimal operating state with a balance between performance and power consumption can be obtained.

[0053] In other words, the power control unit 103 controls the power limit value to decrease when the input-output time TDLY is in the "Fast (waste)" region, so that it moves into the "balanced" region (threshold range RG1). Conversely, the power control unit 103 controls the power limit value to increase when the input-output time TDLY is in the "SLOW" region, so that it moves into the "balanced" region (threshold range RG1).

[0054] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, specifically, the power consumption limit is set in multiple stages (5 stages) as described above, and the power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit by changing the step (stage) of the power consumption limit according to the delay time (input-output time). The power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit by changing, for example, PL1, which is the rated power limit of the processor constituting the main control unit 10, as a power control parameter.

[0055] The power control unit 103 changes the step (stage) in the direction of lowering the power consumption limit (e.g., the value of PL1) when the delay time (input-output time) is shorter than a predetermined range (threshold range RG1) (less than the lower limit of the threshold range RG1). Also, the power control unit 103 changes the step (stage) in the direction of raising the power consumption limit (e.g., the value of PL1) when the delay time (input-output time) is longer than a predetermined range (threshold range RG1) (greater than the upper limit of the threshold range RG1).

[0056] When the power control unit 103 changes a step (stage), it obtains the power control parameter corresponding to the step to be changed from the step setting storage unit 42, sets it in the register of the main control unit 10, and changes the step. The power control unit 103 also associates the changed step with the power control parameter and stores it in the power limit setting storage unit 41 as the setting information for the current step.

[0057] Next, the operation of the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, the main control unit 10 of the notebook PC 1 first detects the input-output time (step S101). The input delay detection unit 102 of the main control unit 10 detects the input-output time every second, for example, by using the "User Input Delay" function of the OS processing unit 101.

[0059] Next, the power control unit 103 of the main control unit 10 determines whether the input-output time is faster than a threshold range (an example of a predetermined range) (step S102). The power control unit 103 determines, for example, whether the input-output time TDLY shown in Figure 4 is faster than a threshold range (for example, threshold range RG1 (range of TDL1 to TDL2)). If the input-output time is faster than the threshold range (step S102: YES), the power control unit 103 proceeds to step S103. If the input-output time is not faster than the threshold range (step S102: NO), the power control unit 103 proceeds to step S104.

[0060] In step S103, the power control unit 103 lowers the power limit value step by one step. The power control unit 103 obtains the current step information from the power limit setting storage unit 41 and obtains the step information one step lower than the current step from the step setting storage unit 42. The power control unit 103 changes the step by setting the power control parameter corresponding to the step to be changed, obtained from the step setting storage unit 42, in the register of the main control unit 10. The power control unit 103 also associates the changed step with the power control parameter and stores it in the power limit setting storage unit 41 as the setting information (step information) for the current step. After processing in step S103, the power control unit 103 returns to processing in step S101.

[0061] Furthermore, in step S104, the power control unit 103 determines whether the input-output time is slower than the threshold range. For example, the power control unit 103 determines whether the input-output time TDLY shown in Figure 4 is slower than the threshold range (for example, the threshold range RG1 (range of TDL1 to TDL2)). If the input-output time is slower than the threshold range (step S104: YES), the power control unit 103 proceeds to step S105. If the input-output time is not slower than the threshold range (step S104: NO), the power control unit 103 returns to step S101.

[0062] In step S105, the power control unit 103 obtains the current step information from the power limit setting storage unit 41 and obtains the step information one step higher than the current step from the step setting storage unit 42. The power control unit 103 changes the step by setting the power control parameters corresponding to the step to be changed, obtained from the step setting storage unit 42, in the registers of the main control unit 10. The power control unit 103 also associates the changed step with the power control parameters and stores them in the power limit setting storage unit 41 as the setting information (step information) for the current step. After processing in step S105, the power control unit 103 returns to processing in step S101.

[0063] Furthermore, if the input-output time is within the threshold range, the power control unit 103 maintains the currently set step (stage).

[0064] Next, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, we will explain a specific example of the process described in the flowchart shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 is the first diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment.

[0065] The example shown in Figure 6 illustrates a case of power control when the input-output time is slower than the threshold range RG1.

[0066] In Figure 6, the steps are set to five levels, from "Step 1" (LV1) to "Step 5" (LV5). Also, in the current operating state ST1, the operating mode step is set to "Step 3" (LV3). In the "Step 3" (LV3) operating state ST1, if the input-output time detected by the input delay detection unit 102 is slower than the threshold range RG1, the power control unit 103 changes to "Step 4" (LV4), which has a power limit value one step higher, and transitions to the operating state ST2.

[0067] Figure 7 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 7 illustrates an example of power control when the input-output time is faster than the threshold range RG1.

[0068] In Figure 7, as in Figure 6, the steps are set to five levels, from "Step 1" (LV1) to "Step 5" (LV5). Also, in the current operating state ST3, the operating mode step is set to "Step 3" (LV3).

[0069] In the "Step 3" (LV3) operating state ST3, if the input-output time detected by the input delay detection unit 102 is shorter than the threshold range RG1, the power control unit 103 changes to "Step 2" (LV2), which has a power limit value one step smaller, and transitions to the operating state ST4.

[0070] As described above, the notebook PC 1 (information processing device) according to this embodiment comprises an input unit 32, a main control unit 10, an input delay detection unit 102, and a power control unit 103. The input unit 32 receives input from the user. The main control unit 10 can perform information processing so as not to exceed a set power consumption limit. The input delay detection unit 102 detects the delay time (e.g., input-output time) from the input received by the input unit 32 to the output to the display unit 14. The power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit (power limit value) so that the delay time (e.g., input-output time) detected by the input delay detection unit 102 falls within a predetermined range (within the threshold range RG1).

[0071] As a result, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 above, the notebook PC 1 (information processing device) has a correlation between the delay time (e.g., input-output time) detected by the input delay detection unit 102 and the task completion time. Therefore, the operating state of the notebook PC 1 can be appropriately detected using the delay time (e.g., input-output time). Accordingly, the notebook PC 1 (information processing device) in this embodiment can operate in an appropriate state (e.g., the state in range BRG1 in Figure 8) with a balanced performance and power consumption by controlling the power consumption limit value (power limit value) so that the delay time (e.g., input-output time) falls within a predetermined range (within the threshold range RG1).

[0072] Figure 8 illustrates the effects of the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents the application processing time (corresponding to task completion time), and the vertical axis represents power consumption. The range BRG1 indicates the optimal operating range that balances performance and power consumption.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8, the notebook PC 1 (information processing device) according to this embodiment can be easily operated in an appropriate state that balances performance and power consumption by using a delay time (e.g., input-output time). Furthermore, the notebook PC 1 (information processing device) according to this embodiment does not need to detect the operating state with, for example, dummy task processing, and can quickly change the power consumption limit value (power limit value) immediately after detecting the input-output time. Therefore, it can respond very quickly to changes in the operating state and achieve an appropriate state that balances performance and power consumption.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power consumption limit value (power limit value) can be set in multiple stages (multiple steps). The power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit value (power limit value) by changing the stages (power limit value steps) of the power consumption limit value according to the delay time (input-output time).

[0075] As a result, the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment controls the power consumption limit by changing the power consumption limit step, making it easy to control the power consumption limit and allowing it to operate in an appropriate state with a balance between performance and power consumption through simpler processing.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power control unit 103 changes the step (stage) in the direction of lowering the power consumption limit value (power limit value) when the delay time (input-output time) is shorter than a predetermined range (threshold range RG1). The power control unit 103 changes the step (stage) in the direction of raising the power consumption limit value (power limit value) when the delay time (input-output time) is longer than a predetermined range (threshold range RG1).

[0077] As a result, the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment changes the power consumption limit in steps, further reducing the processing time required to control the power consumption limit, and enabling a quick response to changes in operating status.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power control unit 103 may change the number of steps to be modified depending on the degree to which the delay time deviates from a predetermined range (outside the threshold range RG1).

[0079] As a result, the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment can, for example, change the number of steps when the delay time (input-output time) deviates significantly from a predetermined range (threshold range RG1), thereby further improving its responsiveness to changes in operating state.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the input delay detection unit 102 uses the User Input Delay function of the OS (for example, Windows®) to detect the delay time (input-output time) every second to detect the delay time (input-output time).

[0081] As a result, the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment utilizes the functions of the OS, allowing for easy detection of latency (input-output time) with a simple configuration, and enabling the achievement of an appropriate state with a balance between performance and power consumption with a simpler configuration.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit by changing PL1 (Power Limit 1), which is the rated power limit value of the processor constituting the main control unit 10, as a power control parameter.

[0083] As a result, the notebook PC 1 according to this embodiment utilizes PL1 as a power control parameter, allowing for simpler configuration and easy and appropriate control of the power consumption limit (power limit value).

[0084] Furthermore, the control method according to this embodiment is a control method for a notebook PC 1 comprising an input unit 32 that receives input from a user and a main control unit 10 that can perform information processing so as not to exceed a set power consumption limit value (power limit value), and includes an input delay detection step and a power control step. In the input delay detection step, the input delay detection unit 102 detects the delay time (input-output time) from the input received by the input unit 32 to the output to the display unit 14. In the power control step, the power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit value (power limit value) according to the delay time (input-output time) detected by the input delay detection step so that the delay time (input-output time) falls within a predetermined range (within the threshold range RG1).

[0085] As a result, the control method according to this embodiment has the same effect as the notebook PC 1 described above, and can be operated in an appropriate state where performance and power consumption are balanced (for example, the state of range BRG1 in Figure 8).

[0086] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information processing device is a notebook PC 1, but it is not limited to this, and other information processing devices such as a tablet terminal or a desktop PC may also be used.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the power control unit 103 controls the power consumption limit value (power limit value) using PL1 as a power control parameter, but it is not limited to this. The power control unit 103 may, for example, control the power consumption limit value (power limit value) using any of PL1, PL2 (Power Limit 2), and PL4 (Power Limit 4), or a combination of some or all of these.

[0088] Here, PL1 is a threshold that allows the CPU 11's power consumption to temporarily exceed this value, but limits it to exceeding this value for a predetermined duration or longer. PL2 is a threshold that limits the short-term moving average of the power consumption to exceed this value. PL2 is also called the Short Term Power Limit. PL4 corresponds to the instantaneous maximum power. PL4 is a threshold that limits the instantaneous value of the CPU 11's power consumption to exceed this value, even if it is instantaneous (for example, for a short period of several tens of microseconds to several tens of milliseconds). PL4 can be significantly larger than the time-smoothed PL2.

[0089] Furthermore, the power control parameters may also include EPP (Energy Performance Preference). EPP is a parameter related to the frequency behavior of the CPU 11. EPP is a parameter that instructs the CPU 11 to operate at high performance with smaller settings and at low power consumption with larger settings.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the power control unit 103 changes the power consumption limit value (power limit value) in step units, but it is not limited to this, and for example, the power consumption limit value (power limit value) may be changed to any value.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the power control unit 103 changes the power consumption limit value (power limit value) in steps, an example of changing it in one-step increments was described, but it may also be changed in two or more steps. Furthermore, the power control unit 103 may change the number of steps to be modified depending on the degree of deviation in the delay time (input-output time) from the threshold range RG1.

[0092] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example where the number of steps (stages) of the power consumption limit (power limit value) is 5, it is not limited to this, and the number of steps (stages) may be 4 or less, or 6 or more.

[0093] Furthermore, each component of the Notebook PC 1 described above has a computer system inside. The processing in each component of the Notebook PC 1 may be performed by recording a program for realizing the functions of each component on a computer-readable storage medium, loading the program recorded on this storage medium into the computer system, and executing it. Here, "loading the program recorded on the storage medium into the computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0094] Furthermore, the recording medium includes internal or external recording media accessible from the distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined in each configuration of Notebook PC1, and each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Additionally, "computer-readable recording medium" includes volatile memory (RAM) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Moreover, the program may be intended to implement only a portion of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0095] Furthermore, some or all of the above-mentioned functions may be implemented as integrated circuits such as LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Each of the above-mentioned functions may be implemented as an individual processor, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single processor. In addition, the method of implementing integrated circuits is not limited to LSIs; they may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Furthermore, if advances in semiconductor technology lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that can replace LSIs, integrated circuits using such technologies may be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1. Laptop 10 Main Control Unit 11 CPU 12 Main Memory 13 Video Subsystems 14 Display section 21 Chipset 22 BIOS memory 23 SSD 24 Audio Systems 25 WLAN cards 31. Embedded Controller (EC) 32 Input section 33 Power supply circuit 34 batteries 35 Cooling fan 36 Temperature Sensor 40 Storage section 41 Power limit setting memory unit 42-step setting memory unit 101 OS Processing Unit 102 Input delay detection unit 103 Power Control Unit

Claims

1. An input section that receives input from the user, A main control unit capable of performing information processing so as not to exceed the set power consumption limit, An input delay detection unit detects the delay time from the input received by the input unit until it is output to the display unit, A power control unit controls the power consumption limit value so that the delay time falls within a predetermined range, according to the delay time detected by the input delay detection unit. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned power consumption limit can be set to multiple levels. The power control unit controls the power consumption limit by changing the steps of the power consumption limit value according to the delay time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The power control unit, If the delay time is shorter than the predetermined range, the step is changed in a direction that lowers the power consumption limit. If the delay time is longer than the predetermined range, the step is changed in a direction that increases the power consumption limit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The power control unit changes the number of steps to be changed according to the degree to which the delay time deviates from the predetermined range. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The input delay detection unit uses the User Input Delay function of the OS (Operating System) to detect the delay time, and detects the delay time every second. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The power control unit controls the power consumption limit by changing PL1 (Power Limit 1), which is the rated power limit of the processor constituting the main control unit, as a power control parameter. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A control method for an information processing device comprising an input unit that receives input from a user and a main control unit that can perform information processing so as not to exceed a set power consumption limit, The input delay detection unit includes an input delay detection step in which it detects the delay time from the input received by the input unit until it is output to the display unit, The power control unit performs a power control step in which it controls the power consumption limit value so that the delay time detected by the input delay detection step falls within a predetermined range. A control method including

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