Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, information processing method, and program that can reduce power consumption caused by attempting to perform a predetermined function. [Solution] The information processing system according to this disclosure includes a storage unit that stores power consumption information including either the power consumption when each function is executed or the power consumption when any combination of functions is executed, or both, and a control unit that, based on the power consumption information, determines which of the multiple functions will not be executed if attempting to execute multiple functions would exceed a predetermined upper limit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Various techniques for suppressing the power consumption of an information processing device have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of controlling an information processing device so that the power consumption of a device and a processor does not exceed an upper limit value by using the relationship between a plurality of devices and the power consumption of the devices and the relationship between a plurality of processes and the devices used for the processes. In Patent Document 1, power consumption is suppressed by controlling the information processing device to sequentially execute at least any one of the processes that can be executed in parallel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Devices related to an information processing system are controlled and operated to realize a predetermined function. That is, when executing the functions of an information processing system, it is usually necessary to operate one or two or more devices. When the information processing system has a plurality of functions, the correspondence relationship between each function and the device may become complicated. In Patent Document 1, since the device is controlled using the relationship between the device and the process and power consumption by the device, there is a possibility that the device related to the function cannot be appropriately controlled when trying to execute the function provided in the information processing device according to Patent Document 1.

[0005] This disclosure is made to solve these problems and aims to provide an information processing system, information processing method, and program that can suppress power consumption that occurs when attempting to perform a predetermined function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing system relating to this disclosure includes a storage unit that stores power consumption information including either the power consumption when each function is performed or the power consumption when any combination of the above functions is performed, or both; and a control unit that, based on the power consumption information, determines which of the above functions will not be performed if the power consumption exceeds a predetermined upper limit when attempting to perform multiple of the above functions.

[0007] The information processing method relating to this disclosure involves a computer storing power consumption information that includes either or both of the power consumption when each function is performed and the power consumption when any combination of the aforementioned functions is performed. When the power consumption exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to the performance of multiple of the aforementioned functions, the computer determines which of the multiple functions will not be performed based on the power consumption information.

[0008] The program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: store power consumption information including either the power consumption when each function is executed or the power consumption when any combination of the functions is executed, or both; and when the power consumption exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to the execution of multiple functions, determine which of the multiple functions will not be executed based on the power consumption information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure provides an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can reduce power consumption caused by attempting to perform a predetermined function. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 1 related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the information processing system 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 2 related to this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an example of an internal block diagram related to Information Processing System 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operations by the information processing system 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing system 20 related to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 comprises a storage unit 11 and a control unit 12. The information processing system 1 can determine which functions to execute and which not to execute from among a plurality of functions. Each function is typically executed by the operation of a device that constitutes the same or substantially the same device as the control unit 12, however the device that is executed does not have to constitute the same device as the control unit 12. Here, "constitutes substantially the same device" means, for example, that the device is externally attached to a device that incorporates the control unit 12.

[0012] The storage unit 11 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 11 stores power consumption information, which includes either or both the power consumption when each function is executed and the power consumption when any combination of functions is executed. Here, the power consumption information is information related to the power consumption associated with the execution of functions of the information processing system 1. The power consumption information refers to information related to the power consumption of devices and the control unit 12 that operate when each function and any combination of functions are executed, but it may also refer to information related to the power consumption of only the operating devices. In other words, the storage unit 11 typically stores information related to the power consumption of devices and the control unit 12 that operate when each function or a combination thereof is executed as power consumption information. However, the storage unit 11 may also store information related to the power consumption of only the devices that operate when any function is executed as power consumption information.

[0013] The power consumption information related to "any combination of functions" that the memory unit 11 can store refers to power consumption information related to any combination of any multiple functions from each of the functions. In other words, the memory unit 11 can store power consumption information related to a new function that is a combination of two of the functions, or it can store power consumption information related to a new function that is a combination of three or more functions.

[0014] The control unit 12 can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit and includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Based on the power consumption information stored in the memory unit 11, the control unit 12 determines which of the multiple functions will not be executed if attempting to execute multiple functions would cause the power consumption to exceed a predetermined upper limit. In other words, the control unit 12 determines which of the multiple functions will be executed based on the power consumption information. That is, the control unit 12 determines in advance whether the power consumption associated with the execution of multiple functions will exceed an upper limit based on the power consumption information, and if it is expected to exceed the limit, it determines which functions will not be executed. The control unit 12 can set an arbitrary upper limit. The control unit 12 controls the functions that have been decided not to be executed so that they are not executed. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of the device for executing the function in question.

[0015] Next, the processing flow of the information processing system 1 will be explained. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the information processing system 1. First, the storage unit 11 stores power consumption information, which includes either the power consumption when each function is executed or the power consumption when any combination of functions is executed, or both (S101). Next, the control unit 12 determines, based on the power consumption information, whether the power consumption will exceed a predetermined upper limit by attempting to execute multiple functions (S102). If the power consumption does not exceed the upper limit, the process returns to step S102. If the power consumption exceeds the upper limit, the control unit 12 determines which of the multiple functions will not be executed (S103).

[0016] Thus, according to the information processing system 1 according to Embodiment 1, when attempting to execute a plurality of functions, it is possible to determine whether the power consumption exceeds the upper limit value due to the execution of the plurality of functions based on the power consumption information. In the information processing system 1, by previously storing the relationship between one or two or more functions and the power consumption caused by the functions, the operation of the device related to the execution of the functions can be controlled. Thereby, the information processing system 1 can suppress the power consumption generated by attempting to execute a predetermined function.

[0017] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 2 according to the present disclosure. The information processing system 2 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, and a plurality of functions 13. That is, the information processing system 2 is obtained by adding a plurality of functions 13 to the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to Embodiment 1, and is a configuration that specifically realizes the information processing system 1. Descriptions that overlap with those of the information processing system 1 will be omitted as appropriate. In the information processing system 2, the same components as those in the information processing system 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0018] The function 13 is executed by operating one or two or more devices 17. In FIG. 3, in order to execute the function 13A, the devices 17a and 17b are operated. Also, in order to execute the function 13N, the devices 17m and 17n are operated. The device 17 is, for example, a camera module, a touch panel module, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), but is not limited thereto. The number of devices 17 that operate to execute one function may be one or may be plural. That is, there may be cases where a plurality of devices operate to realize one function. Also, there may be cases where one device is used to realize a plurality of functions.

[0019] The storage unit 11 stores power consumption information in the same way as the information processing system 1. Here, the storage unit 11 storing and remembering the power consumption information can also be referred to as managing the power consumption information. The storage unit 11 stores the power consumption when the control unit 12 executes each function 13 or a combination of arbitrary functions 13. The power consumption information is acquired by a predetermined method. The method for acquiring the power consumption information will be described later.

[0020] The power consumption information stored in the storage unit 11 will be described. The power consumption information is information that describes the correspondence between the target device that consumes power and the power consumption by the target device, for example, by a correspondence table. Instead of the power consumption, the power consumption information may describe the relationship with the consumption current of the target device. Hereinafter, the description will continue assuming that the relationship with the power consumption of the target device is described in the power consumption information.

[0021] The storage unit 11 stores the device 17 and the power consumption by the device 17 as power consumption information. The power consumption information in this case is the correspondence between the device and the power consumption when the device is operated. Here, the device 17 may mean one device 17 or a plurality of devices 17. That is, the storage unit 11 may store power consumption information related to a combination of a plurality of devices 17. The power consumption when the device is operated typically means the rated power consumption of the device, but is not limited to this, and may be the power consumption at any operation stage.

[0022] In addition to the power consumption of the device 17, the storage unit 11 stores the power consumption of the control unit 12 that operates the device 17 as power consumption information. In this case, the storage unit 11 stores the relationship of the total power consumption of the device 17 and the control unit 12. Thereby, the storage unit 11 can store information on the power consumption substantially consumed to operate the device 17. Further, the storage unit 11 may store information on the power consumption of the control unit 12 alone, or may store information on the power consumption by the storage unit 11.

[0023] Furthermore, in addition to the above, the storage unit 11 stores the correspondence between a predetermined function 13 of the information processing system 2 and its power consumption as power consumption information. That is, the storage unit 11 stores the correspondence between a function 13 and the power consumption of that function 13, rather than the correspondence between the device 17, the storage unit 11, and the control unit 12. Here, the power consumption of the function 13 typically refers to the power consumption of the device 17, storage unit 11, and control unit 12 necessary to perform the function 13, but is not limited to this. For example, the power consumption of only the device 17 necessary to perform the function 13 may be considered as the power consumption of the function 13.

[0024] By storing the relationship between function 13 and the power consumption caused by function 13, the storage unit 11 can store the power consumption substantially required to realize function 13. In particular, when realizing function 13, it is not always the case that all devices 17 related to function 13 are in a rated state. In such cases, simply storing power consumption information for devices 17 is not sufficient to know the power consumption caused by function 13 in advance. Power consumption information for function 13 is useful in such cases.

[0025] Furthermore, the memory unit 11 can store the correspondence between multiple functions 13 and their power consumption when any combination of functions 13 is executed, as power consumption information. For example, the power consumption resulting from combining multiple functions 13 may not match the value obtained by simply adding up the power consumption when each function 13 is executed. This can occur, for example, when a predetermined device 17 operates for any of the multiple functions 13. In other words, when combining multiple functions 13 results in overlapping operation of the device 17 among the multiple functions 13, simply adding up the power consumption of the functions 13 does not allow for prior knowledge of the power consumption resulting from the multiple functions 13. Power consumption information for multiple functions 13 is useful in such cases.

[0026] Similar to the information processing system 1, the control unit 12 determines which of the multiple functions 13 will not be executed if its power consumption exceeds the upper limit due to attempting to execute multiple functions 13. Here, if the control unit 12 executes the functions 13 that will not be executed at a time lower priority than the functions 13 that will be executed, determining which functions 13 will not be executed also means postponing the execution of those functions 13. The control unit 12 also obtains power consumption information stored in the storage unit 11 by controlling the device 17. In this embodiment 2, the upper limit means the maximum power that can be supplied to the information processing system 2.

[0027] Here, we will explain how to obtain power consumption information. First, we will describe an example of an internal block diagram of the information processing system 2. Figure 4 is an example of an internal block diagram related to the information processing system 2. The information processing system 2 includes a control unit 12, a power supply 14, a sense resistor 15, a power switch 16, and a device 17. Note that the storage unit 11 is omitted in Figure 4.

[0028] The control unit 12 includes an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) 121, an ADC 122, a GPIO (General-Purpose Input / Output) 123, and a VCC input 124. ADC 121 and ADC 122 are used to measure the voltage values ​​before and after the sense resistor 15. ADC 121 measures the voltage value before the voltage drop due to the sense resistor 15. ADC 122 measures the voltage value after the voltage drop due to the sense resistor 15. The voltage drop due to the sense resistor 15 can be measured by the difference between ADC 121 and ADC 122. GPIO 123 is an interface for enabling and disabling the device 17. There are as many GPIO 123s as there are devices 17. Specifically, the control unit 12 includes GPIO 123a to GPIO 123n. Each GPIO 123 is connected to a device 17. The VCC input 124 is an input terminal for receiving power from the power supply 14. The VCC input 124 is connected to the device 17 terminal of the sense resistor 15.

[0029] Power supply 14 is a power supply generated by the power supply circuit. Power supply 14 supplies power supply voltage to the control unit 12, sense resistor 15, and device 17. Power supply 14 has an upper limit that limits the amount of power it can supply. That is, power supply 14 has a defined maximum power supply limit. Sense resistor 15 is a resistor inserted into the output section of the power supply circuit and used for power measurement. Power supply 14 and ADC 121 are connected to the power supply 14 terminal of sense resistor 15. ADC 122, VCC input 124, and power switch 16 are connected to the device 17 terminal of sense resistor 15. Power switch 16 has the function of opening the power supply circuit of device 17. There are as many power switches 16 as there are devices 17. Specifically, there are power switches 16a to 16n. Each power switch 16 is connected to sense resistor 15 and device 17.

[0030] Device 17 performs a predetermined function 13 under the control of the control unit 12. Device 17 consists of devices 17a to 17n. Each device 17 is equipped with a VCC input 171 and an enable terminal 172. The VCC input 171 is an input terminal for receiving power supply from the power supply 14. There are VCC inputs 171a to 171n for each device 17. The VCC input 171 is connected to the power switch 16. The enable terminal 172 is a control signal input terminal used to receive enable / disable control signals from the control unit 12. There are enable terminals 172a to 172n for each device 17. The enable terminal 172 is connected to the corresponding GPIO 123 in the control unit 12.

[0031] In this second embodiment, the control unit 12 and the device 17 constitute the same or substantially the same device. In other words, the device 17 that operates to perform a predetermined function 13 is located in the same or substantially the same device as the control unit 12 in the information processing system 2. In addition, the sense resistor 15 and the power switch 16 are also located in the same or substantially the same device as the control unit 12 and the device 17.

[0032] Furthermore, in Figure 2, each device 17 is connected in parallel to the power supply 14 and the sense resistor 15. Here, some devices 17 may be connected in series with other devices 17. That is, by providing one power switch 16 and an enable terminal 172 for the devices 17 connected in series, all of the devices 17 may be enabled / disabled or their VCC input 171 may be opened by a single control signal from the control unit 12.

[0033] Next, the method for obtaining power consumption information in the information processing system 2 will be explained. Power consumption can be determined by using the current value flowing through the sense resistors 15, which are sense resistors 15 whose resistance values ​​are known, by determining the voltage drop value across them using ADC121 and ADC122. First, the control unit 12 disables all devices 17, measures the power consumption in this case, and stores it in the storage unit 11. Next, the control unit 12 enables only device 17a, leaving the other devices 17 disabled, measures the power consumption, and stores it in the storage unit 11. Here, the power consumption of device 17a can be determined by subtracting the power consumption determined earlier from the power consumption determined later. The storage unit 11 stores this power consumption corresponding to device 17a. By doing this for all devices 17, the storage unit 11 can store power consumption information for each device 17.

[0034] Here, the control unit 12 can observe the transient power consumption related to the operation of the device 17. For example, when the control unit 12 enables the device 17, the control unit 12 can observe the transient power consumption of the device 17 and store it in the storage unit 11.

[0035] The power consumption when only device 17a is enabled is the power consumption of device 17a and the control unit 12. The storage unit 11 can store the actual power consumption when each device 17 is in operation by storing the power consumption for each device 17.

[0036] The method for obtaining power consumption information for multiple devices 17 is as follows: The control unit 12 disables all devices 17 and measures the power consumption in this case. Next, the control unit 12 simultaneously enables any two or more devices 17, leaving the other devices 17 disabled. Here, the power consumption of those two or more devices 17 can be determined by subtracting the power consumption obtained earlier from the power consumption obtained later. The storage unit 11 stores the power consumption of those two or more devices 17 in association with the devices 17.

[0037] The method for obtaining power consumption information when a predetermined function 13 is executed is as follows. Specifically, the control unit 12 simultaneously enables all devices 17 that need to be operated in order to execute the predetermined function 13, and disables the other devices 17. This allows the control unit 12 to determine the power consumption required to execute the function 13. The storage unit 11 stores the function 13 and the power consumption in association. The method for obtaining power consumption information when any combination of functions 13 is executed is similar, so the explanation is omitted. Specifically, the control unit 12 simultaneously enables multiple devices 17 that are to be operated in order to execute each function 13 or combination of functions 13. The storage unit 11 then stores the power consumption of the enabled devices 17 as power consumption information. Here, the control unit 12 can observe the transient power consumption of the multiple devices 17 that were simultaneously enabled and store it in the storage unit 11.

[0038] Next, we will explain the control function of the control unit 12 when power consumption exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to attempting to execute multiple functions 13. The control unit 12 implements each function 13 by operating the devices 17 according to the program. Here, the control unit 12 can know in advance which devices 17 to operate according to the program. For example, in the case of the memory-mapped I / O (Input / Output) method, the control unit 12 allocates each device 17 in the memory space in the same way as normal memory and performs control. Therefore, the control unit 12 can identify the function 13 to be executed by monitoring the memory. In particular, the control unit 12 can identify multiple functions 13 to be executed by monitoring the memory.

[0039] Now, consider the case where the control unit 12 identifies multiple functions 13 to be executed by monitoring the memory. In this case, the control unit 12 can determine in advance the power consumption of each function 13 or the multiple functions 13 as a whole to be executed by referring to the power consumption information stored in the memory unit 11. In other words, the control unit 12 can estimate the power consumption of the multiple functions 13. Therefore, the control unit 12 can determine whether the power consumption at a given time point exceeds the upper limit, i.e., the maximum power that can be supplied by the power supply 14, when multiple functions 13 are executed simultaneously at that time point.

[0040] If the control unit 12 determines that the power consumption at a given time point exceeds an upper limit, the control unit 12 can decide which of the multiple functions 13 to not execute. Here, the control unit 12 can decide which functions 13 to not execute in several ways. First, if there is a function 13 among the multiple functions 13 that is already being executed, the control unit 12 can execute one or more other functions 13 from the multiple functions 13 after the execution of the currently executing function 13 is completed. That is, during that time, the other functions 13 are put into a pending execution state. After the execution of the currently executing function 13 is completed, the control unit 12 can execute the pending functions 13 in the order in which they were interrupted. The control unit 12 can also execute the functions 13 in the order in which they are scheduled. Furthermore, the control unit 12 can execute the functions 13 based on a predetermined priority.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 12 can refer to the storage unit 11 for the power consumption of each pending function 13 and the power consumption when multiple functions are combined, and then decide which function 13 to execute next. For example, if executing all pending functions 13 simultaneously does not exceed the upper limit, the control unit 12 may execute all of the functions 13 simultaneously.

[0042] If executing all three pending functions 13 simultaneously would exceed the upper limit, the control unit 12 may determine which function 13 to execute next based on the number of functions 13 that can be executed simultaneously. In other words, if there are multiple pending functions 13, the control unit 12 may simultaneously execute the function that has the largest number of functions 13 that can be executed simultaneously within the upper limit of power consumption, from among the various combinations of functions 13.

[0043] For example, if no function 13 is already running, the control unit 12 can determine which functions 13 to run and which not to run by running them in the order in which they were interrupted, in the order in which they were scheduled, or based on a predetermined priority. Alternatively, the control unit 12 may choose to run the function 13 that has the largest number of functions that can run simultaneously within the upper limit of power consumption, and not run the other functions 13.

[0044] The control unit 12 disables the operation of the device 17 related to the function 13 that it has decided not to execute. Specifically, the control unit 12 disables the operation of the device 17 related to the function 13 by sending a disable signal from GPIO 123 to the enable terminal 172 of the device 17. Here, the control unit 12 can disable the device 17 related to the function 13 that will not be executed and also cut off the power switch of the device 17.

[0045] In this case, the control unit 12 can control the power switch 16 of the device 17 using a control signal that performs disable control. In other words, the control unit 12 can shut off the power switch 16 of the device 17 in conjunction with the control signal.

[0046] Next, an example of processing operation by the information processing system 2 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation by the information processing system 2. First, the storage unit 11 stores power consumption information (S201). Next, the control unit 12 monitors the operation of the device 17 (S202). Through monitoring, the control unit 12 identifies that multiple functions 13 are about to be executed (S203). Subsequently, the control unit 12 estimates the power consumption expected to be generated by the execution of the functions 13 (S204). Subsequently, the control unit 12 determines whether the power consumption exceeds the upper limit (S205). If it does not exceed the upper limit, the control unit 12 continues to monitor the operation of the device 17 (S202). In this case, the multiple functions 13 are executed as is.

[0047] If the control unit 12 determines that the estimated power consumption exceeds the upper limit, it decides which functions 13 of them will not be executed (S206). The control unit 12 sends a disable signal from GPIO 123 to the device 17 related to the functions 13 that will not be executed (S207). Now, suppose that some functions 13 are already in the process of being executed. In this case, the control unit 12 determines whether the execution of the function 13 has been completed (S208). If the execution has not been completed, the control unit 12 puts the other functions 13 into a pending state until the execution is completed. Once the execution is completed, the control unit 12 executes the functions 13 that were not being executed using a predetermined method (S209). In this way, the control unit 12 can execute multiple functions 13.

[0048] Thus, according to the information processing system 2 of this embodiment 2, the devices 17 can be operated efficiently within a limited power consumption range. That is, when attempting to implement a predetermined function 13 of the information processing system 2, it is not necessary to operate all of the devices 17; it is sufficient to operate only the devices 17 related to that function 13. Therefore, if an upper limit on power consumption is set, the information processing system 2 can suppress the overall power consumption of the information processing system 2 and avoid exceeding the upper limit by disabling the operation of the devices 17 related to the functions 13 that are not being performed.

[0049] In particular, when the device 17 operated to execute function 13 related to the information processing system 2 constitutes the same or substantially the same device as the control unit 12, the power consumption of the device is the sum of the power consumption of the control unit 12 and the operating device 17. Therefore, for example, if device 17 is attached externally to the device, the power consumption of the device increases, and there is a risk of exceeding a predetermined upper limit. In such cases, the information processing system 2 can execute function 13 within the range of the upper limit, thus enabling efficient operation of device 17.

[0050] Furthermore, in recent years, the miniaturization of devices including the control unit 12 and device 17 has progressed, making it difficult to manage the mounting space for components inside the device and the heat dissipation generated during operation. Therefore, there is a growing need for systems that can achieve efficient power consumption. Information processing system 2 can meet these market needs.

[0051] Furthermore, according to Information Processing System 2, the maximum power consumption can be suppressed depending on the setting of the upper limit. As a result, Information Processing System 2 can have a smaller circuit size. In addition, as a result of reduced power consumption, heat generation can be suppressed for Information Processing System 2 as a whole.

[0052] The information processing system 2 can be controlled in such a way that, after the execution of the currently running function 13 is completed, one or more other functions 13 from among the multiple functions 13 are executed. This ensures that the execution of the currently running function 13 continues reliably, and as soon as that function 13 finishes, other functions 13 can be executed promptly.

[0053] Furthermore, the information processing system 2 can simultaneously enable multiple devices 17 that are operated to perform function 13, and can store the power consumption of these enabled devices as power consumption information. This allows the information processing system 2 to observe and store transient power consumption during the operation of the devices 17 for performing function 13. Therefore, the information processing system 2 can also estimate and suppress transient deviations from the upper limit for the execution of function 13.

[0054] Furthermore, the information processing system 2 can disable the device 17 related to the function 13 that is not to be executed and shut off the power switch 16 of the device 17. This allows the information processing system 2 to further reduce power consumption. In addition, the information processing system 2 can identify multiple functions 13 that it intends to execute by monitoring the memory. This allows the information processing system 2 to prevent deviations from the upper limit associated with the execution of the function 13.

[0055] (Other embodiments) The information processing system 2 determined whether or not to execute a function 13 based on power consumption information relating to the power consumption associated with each function 13 or any combination of functions 13. In another embodiment, the information processing system 2a can determine whether or not to execute a function based on temperature information in addition to power consumption information. Specifically, the storage unit 11 stores temperature information that includes either or both of the temperature rise that occurs at a predetermined location when each function 13 is executed, and the temperature rise that occurs when a combination of the functions 13 is executed. The control unit 12 then determines which of the multiple functions 13 to execute if the temperature at the predetermined location exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to the execution of multiple functions 13 based on this temperature information.

[0056] The information processing system 2a can measure temperature by installing a temperature sensor readable by the control unit 12 at a predetermined location to be measured. Here, it is desirable that the predetermined location for temperature measurement be the part of the information processing system 2a that is most affected by heat generated by the device 17 and the control unit 12. For example, the predetermined location may be the surface of the device housing the control unit 12 or the surface of the device 17. Alternatively, the predetermined location may be inside the control unit 12 or any device 17. Here, the predetermined location may be one place or multiple places.

[0057] The temperature information acquisition process in information processing system 2a is the same as in information processing system 2. That is, the control unit 12 acquires information related to the temperature rise at a predetermined location when one or more devices 17 are operated. The control unit 12 also acquires information related to the temperature rise at the predetermined location due to the operation of the devices 17 when each function 13 or any combination of functions 13 is executed. The storage unit 11 stores the temperature information acquired by the control unit 12 for each of these locations. If there are multiple predetermined locations for measuring temperature, the control unit 12 acquires temperature information for each location. The storage unit 11 stores the temperature information for each location.

[0058] According to the information processing system 2a, the device 17 can be operated more efficiently. In other words, if the heat dissipation management of the device 17 and the control unit 12 is not appropriate, malfunctions or a decrease in operating speed may occur in these devices. Heat dissipation management can be achieved indirectly by managing the power consumption of the devices, but by deciding whether or not to execute function 13 in the information processing system 2 based on temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor, heat dissipation management at a predetermined location can be performed directly. If the temperature at a predetermined location can be managed, the device 17 and the control unit 12 can be operated appropriately. Furthermore, by deciding whether or not to execute function 13 based on temperature information in addition to power consumption information, the information processing system 2a can operate the devices more safely.

[0059] (Example hardware configuration) Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing system 20 according to this disclosure. In Figure 6, the information processing system 20 has a processor 21 and a memory 22. The processor 21 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU, or a CPU. The processor 21 may include multiple processors. The memory 22 is composed of a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 22 may include storage located away from the processor 21. In this case, the processor 21 may access the memory 22 via an I / O interface not shown.

[0060] In the above example, the program can be stored and provided to the computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium. Non-transitory computer-readable medium includes various types of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, RAMs). Alternatively, the program may be provided to the computer using various types of transient computer-readable medium. Examples of transient computer-readable medium include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels. Computers include various information processing devices such as PCs, servers, CPUs, MPUs, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0061] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0062] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments rather than with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps shown in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.

[0063] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) A storage unit that stores power consumption information including either the power consumption when each function is performed or the power consumption when any combination of the aforementioned functions is performed, or both; The system includes a control unit that determines which of the multiple functions will not be executed if attempting to execute multiple of the functions based on the power consumption information would cause the power consumption to exceed a predetermined upper limit, Information processing system. (Note 2) The control unit executes one or more other functions from among the plurality of functions after the execution of the function currently being executed has finished. The information processing system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The control unit simultaneously enables and controls multiple devices to be operated in order to perform each of the above functions or a combination thereof. The storage unit stores the power consumption of the enabled device as power consumption information. The information processing system described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The control unit disables the device related to the function that is not to be performed and also shuts off the power switch of the device. An information processing system as described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix. (Note 5) The control unit identifies the plurality of functions to be executed by monitoring the memory. An information processing system as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix. (Note 6) The control unit controls the power switch using the control signal that performs the disable control. The information processing system described in Appendix 4 or 5. (Note 7) The storage unit stores temperature information including either or both of the temperature rise that occurs at a predetermined location when the function is performed and the temperature rise that occurs when a combination of the functions is performed. The control unit, based on the temperature information, determines which of the multiple functions to execute if the temperature at the predetermined location exceeds a predetermined upper limit by executing the multiple functions. An information processing system as described in any one of the items 1 to 6 of the appendix. (Note 8) The device that operates to perform the aforementioned function constitutes a substantially identical apparatus to the control unit. An information processing system as described in any one of the items 1 to 7 of the appendix. (Note 9) Computers The system stores power consumption information, including either the power consumption when each function is performed or the power consumption when any combination of the aforementioned functions is performed, or both. If the power consumption exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to the execution of multiple functions, the system determines which of the multiple functions will not be executed based on the power consumption information. Information processing methods. (Note 10) A step of storing power consumption information that includes either the power consumption when each function is performed or the power consumption when any combination of the aforementioned functions is performed, or both. If the power consumption exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to the execution of multiple functions, the step of determining which of the multiple functions will not be executed based on the power consumption information, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0064] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configuration and function) described in Appendices 2 to 8 that are dependent on Appendice 1 may also be dependent on Appendices 9 and 10 in the same way as those described in Appendices 2 to 8. Some or all of the elements described in any appendice may be applicable to various hardware, software, recording means, systems, and methods for recording software. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1. Information Processing System 2. Information Processing Systems 2a Information Processing System 11 Storage section 12 Control Unit 13 Functions 14 Power supply 15 Sense Resistance 16 Power switch 17 devices 20 Information Processing Systems 21 processors 22 memory 121 ADC 122 ADC 123 GPIO 124 VCC input 171 VCC input 172 Enable terminal

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores power consumption information including either the power consumption when each function is performed or the power consumption when any combination of the aforementioned functions is performed, or both; The system includes a control unit that determines which of the multiple functions will not be executed if attempting to execute multiple of the functions based on the power consumption information would cause the power consumption to exceed a predetermined upper limit, Information processing system.

2. The control unit executes one or more other functions from among the plurality of functions after the execution of the function currently being executed has finished. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit simultaneously enables and controls multiple devices to be operated in order to perform each of the above functions or a combination thereof. The storage unit stores the power consumption of the enabled device as power consumption information. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The control unit disables the device related to the function that is not to be performed and also shuts off the power switch of the device. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit identifies the plurality of functions to be executed by monitoring the memory. The information processing system according to claim 1.

6. The control unit controls the power switch using the control signal that performs the disable control. The information processing system according to claim 4.

7. The storage unit stores temperature information including either or both of the temperature rise that occurs at a predetermined location when the function is performed and the temperature rise that occurs when a combination of the functions is performed. The control unit, based on the temperature information, determines which of the multiple functions to execute if the temperature at the predetermined location exceeds a predetermined upper limit by executing the multiple functions. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Computers The system stores power consumption information, including either the power consumption when each function is performed or the power consumption when any combination of the aforementioned functions is performed, or both. If the power consumption exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to the execution of multiple functions, the system determines which of the multiple functions will not be executed based on the power consumption information. Information processing methods.

9. A step of storing power consumption information that includes either the power consumption when each function is performed or the power consumption when any combination of the aforementioned functions is performed, or both. If the power consumption exceeds a predetermined upper limit due to the execution of multiple functions, the step of determining which of the multiple functions will not be executed based on the power consumption information, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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