Temperature control device, circuit, temperature control method, and program

Abstract

To prevent an internal temperature of a device from abnormally rising even in a case where a thermal shutdown function of a CPU does not function.SOLUTION: An acquisition section (11) acquires information indicating an internal temperature of a device at a fixed time interval and based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature, a detection section (12) detects an abnormality of the internal temperature of the device. When the abnormality of the internal temperature is detected predetermined times or more, an output control section (13) shuts down output of a system power source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for monitoring the internal temperature of a device or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In fanless devices, the surface temperature of the case tends to rise because heat sources such as the CPU (computing processing unit) and battery are difficult to cool. There is a trade-off between lowering the surface temperature of the case and improving the performance of the device.

[0003] In a related technique, the CPU monitors the internal temperature of the device using temperature data continuously output by a temperature sensor. In one example of the related technique, a DTS (Digital Thermal Sensor) is installed inside the CPU. In another example, a thermistor is mounted near the coil of the charging circuit.

[0004] If the CPU detects that the internal temperature of the device has fallen below a threshold, it will shut down (turn off the output). This is called the CPU's thermal shutdown function or overheat protection function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-276949 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7141011 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When a CPU is running a high-load process, it may go out of control. While the CPU is running out of control, the CPU's thermal shutdown function is not executed. As a result, the internal temperature of the device continues to rise, which may lead to device failure.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to prevent the internal temperature of the device from rising abnormally even when the CPU's thermal shutdown does not function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A temperature control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the internal temperature of the device at regular intervals, a detection means for detecting an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature, and an output control means for cutting off the output of the system power supply when an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected a predetermined number of times or more.

[0009] A circuit according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a power cut-off switch connected to a power line, a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature of a device, and an embedded controller, wherein the embedded controller acquires information indicating the internal temperature of the device at regular intervals, detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature, and cuts off the output of the system power supply when an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected a predetermined number of times or more.

[0010] In a temperature control method according to one aspect of the present invention, a computer acquires information indicating the internal temperature of a device at regular intervals, detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature, and cuts off the output of the system power supply when an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected a predetermined number of times or more.

[0011] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to acquire information indicating the internal temperature of a device at regular intervals, detect an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature, and cut off the output of the system power supply when an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected a predetermined number of times or more. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the internal temperature of the device from rising abnormally. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the temperature control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature control device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a temperature control device according to second and third embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [Embodiment 1] A first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the first embodiment, a circuit for controlling the device will be described.

[0015] (Circuit 1) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a circuit 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the circuit 1 includes an embedded controller EC, a temperature sensor 100, and power cutoff switches SW1 and SW2. The circuit 1 also includes a system power supply (AC power supply) and a CPU.

[0016] The embedded controller EC and the temperature sensor 100 are connected via an I / F capable of CLK / DATA communication. The temperature sensor 100 detects the internal temperature of the device. The embedded controller EC continuously receives temperature data from the temperature sensor 100. The temperature data indicates the internal temperature of the device.

[0017] The embedded controller EC periodically acquires information indicating the internal temperature of the device, and detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature.

[0018] The embedded controller EC counts the number of times an internal temperature abnormality is detected, and when an internal temperature abnormality is detected a predetermined number of times or more, the embedded controller EC turns off (shuts off) the output of the system power supply.

[0019] In the second and third embodiments described below, specific examples of the configuration and operation of the embedded controller EC will be described.

[0020] 1, a power line for the system power supply is connected to a power cutoff switch SW1, and a power line for the battery is connected to a power cutoff switch SW2.

[0021] When the embedded controller EC detects an abnormal temperature inside the device, it turns off the power cutoff switch SW1, forcibly turning off the system power output. This stops power being supplied to the CPU, which is the heat source, and the temperature of the CPU drops. As a result, the internal temperature of the device can be cooled.

[0022] (Variation) A modified example of the embedded controller EC included in the circuit 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0023] In one variation, the embedded controller EC can change the threshold setting for detecting an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device, for example, depending on the environment of the device or the user's request.

[0024] Changing the threshold setting changes the number of times the embedded controller EC detects an abnormality in the device's internal temperature, which in turn changes the timing at which the system power supply output is shut off.

[0025] According to the configuration of this modified example, the threshold setting can be changed so that the output of the system power supply of the circuit 1 is cut off at an appropriate timing.

[0026] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the circuit 1 includes power cutoff switches SW1 and SW2 connected to the power line, a temperature sensor 100 that detects the internal temperature of the device, and an embedded controller EC.

[0027] The embedded controller EC acquires information indicating the internal temperature of the device at regular intervals, detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature, and cuts off the output of the system power supply when an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device is detected a predetermined number of times or more.

[0028] This makes it possible to prevent the internal temperature of the device from rising abnormally, regardless of the CPU's thermal shutdown function.

[0029] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In the second embodiment, the details of the embedded controller that constitutes the circuit (Figure 1) according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0030] (Configuration of temperature control device 10) 2 is a functional block diagram of a temperature control device 10 according to embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a detection unit 12, and an output control unit 13.

[0031] The acquiring unit 11 acquires information indicating the internal temperature of the device at regular time intervals. The acquiring unit 11 is an example of an acquiring means.

[0032] For example, the acquisition unit 11 continuously acquires temperature data indicating the internal temperature of the device from the temperature sensor 100 (FIG. 1). The acquisition unit 11 outputs information (or temperature data) indicating the internal temperature of the device acquired from the temperature sensor 100 at regular intervals to the detection unit 12.

[0033] Every time the acquiring unit 11 acquires temperature data representing the internal temperature of the device from the temperature sensor 100, the acquiring unit 11 outputs information indicating the internal temperature of the device to the detecting unit 12. Alternatively, the acquiring unit 11 may output time-series data of the internal temperature of the device to the detecting unit 12.

[0034] The detector 12 detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature. The detector 12 is an example of a detecting means.

[0035] For example, the detection unit 12 receives information indicating the internal temperature of the device from the acquisition unit 11. The detection unit 12 determines whether the internal temperature of the device is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

[0036] If the internal temperature of the device is equal to or higher than the threshold, the detector 12 detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device and notifies the output controller 13 that an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device has been detected.

[0037] The output control unit 13 measures the number of times an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected. For example, the output control unit 13 is notified by the detection unit 12 that an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device has been detected. The output control unit 13 increments the count of the number of times the detection unit 12 has detected an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device by 1.

[0038] The output control unit 13 increments the count by one each time the detection unit 12 notifies the output control unit 13 that an abnormality has been detected.

[0039] The output control unit 13 turns off the output of the system power supply when an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected a predetermined number of times or more. The output control unit 13 is an example of an output control means.

[0040] For example, the output control unit 13 switches off the power cutoff switches SW1 and SW2 (FIG. 1) connected to the power line for the system power supply, thereby cutting off the output of the system power supply.

[0041] (Operation of Temperature Control Device 10; Temperature Control Method) The operation of the temperature control device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, first, the temperature control device 10 is powered on (S101).

[0043] Next, the acquisition unit 11 acquires information (temperature data) indicating the internal temperature of the device from the temperature sensor 100 (FIG. 1) connected to the embedded controller EC (S102). The acquisition unit 11 stores the measured value of the internal temperature of the device in a register.

[0044] Thereafter, the acquiring unit 11 acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 100 at regular intervals, and each time the acquiring unit 11 acquires temperature data, the acquiring unit 11 updates the value in the register.

[0045] The detection unit 12 refers to the temperature data acquired from the temperature sensor 100. Then, the detection unit 12 determines whether the internal temperature of the device exceeds a threshold value (S103).

[0046] If the internal temperature of the device is below the threshold, the process returns to step S102.

[0047] On the other hand, if the internal temperature of the device is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the detection unit 12 detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device (S104).

[0048] The threshold value may be defined in another register within the temperature control device 10.

[0049] Next, the output control unit 13 determines whether an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device has been detected a predetermined number of times or more (S105).

[0050] If the number of times that an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device has been detected is less than the predetermined number (No in S105), the flow returns to step S102.

[0051] If the number of times that an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device has been detected is a predetermined number or more (Yes in S105), the output control unit 13 turns off the system power supply (S106).

[0052] When the output control unit 13 turns off the system power supply, the power cutoff switches SW1 and SW2 connected to the power supply line (battery, system power supply) are disconnected, and the power supply of the device is turned off.

[0053] This completes the operation of the temperature control device 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0054] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires information indicating the internal temperature of the device at regular intervals. The detection unit 12 detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature. The output control unit 13 cuts off the output of the system power supply when an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected a predetermined number of times or more.

[0055] This makes it possible to prevent the internal temperature of the device from rising abnormally, regardless of the CPU's thermal shutdown function.

[0056] [Embodiment 3] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In this third embodiment, the "predetermined number of times" is defined in another register within the temperature control device 10. If the number of times an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device is detected is equal to or exceeds the defined "predetermined number of times," the system power is turned off.

[0057] In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description in the second embodiment will be cited.

[0058] (Configuration of temperature control device 20) Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature control device 20 according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the temperature control device 20 includes an acquisition unit 11, a detection unit 12, and an output control unit 13. The temperature control device 20 further includes a definition unit 24.

[0059] The defining unit 24 defines a predetermined number of times that an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device is detected as a reference for shutting off the output of the system power supply. The defining unit 24 is an example of a defining means.

[0060] For example, the defining unit 24 defines the predetermined number of times depending on the type of device or CPU. The defining unit 24 may accept input of information specifying the predetermined number of times from the user.

[0061] When an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected a predetermined number of times specified by the specifying unit 24 or more times, the output control unit 13 turns off the output of the system power supply.

[0062] (Operation of Temperature Control Device 20; Temperature Control Method) The operation of the temperature control device 20 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation.

[0063] 5, the defining unit 24 defines a predetermined number of times that serves as a reference for the number of times an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device is detected, in order to shut off the output of the system power supply (S201). The defining unit 24 outputs information indicating the defined predetermined number of times to the output control unit 13.

[0064] Thereafter, the temperature control device 20 is powered on (S202).

[0065] Next, the acquisition unit 11 acquires information (temperature data) indicating the internal temperature of the device from the temperature sensor 100 (FIG. 1) connected to the embedded controller EC (S203). The acquisition unit 11 stores the value of the internal temperature of the device in a register.

[0066] Thereafter, the acquiring unit 11 acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 100 at regular intervals, and each time the acquiring unit 11 acquires temperature data, the acquiring unit 11 updates the value in the register.

[0067] The detection unit 12 refers to the temperature data acquired from the temperature sensor 100. Then, the detection unit 12 determines whether the internal temperature of the device exceeds a threshold value (S204).

[0068] If the internal temperature of the device is below the threshold, the process returns to step S203.

[0069] On the other hand, if the internal temperature of the device is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the detection unit 12 detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device (S205).

[0070] The threshold value may be defined in another register within the temperature control device 10.

[0071] The output control unit 13 receives, from the defining unit 24, information indicating the predetermined number of times defined by the defining unit 24. Next, the output control unit 13 determines whether an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device has been detected the predetermined number of times or more (S206).

[0072] If the number of times that an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device has been detected is less than the predetermined number (No in S206), the flow returns to step S203.

[0073] If the number of times that an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device has been detected is a predetermined number or more (Yes in S206), the output control unit 13 turns off the system power supply (S207).

[0074] When the output control unit 13 turns off the system power supply, the power cutoff switch SW1 connected to the power supply line (battery, system power supply) is disconnected, and the power supply of the device is turned off.

[0075] This completes the operation of the temperature control device 20 according to the third embodiment.

[0076] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires information indicating the internal temperature of the device at regular intervals. The detection unit 12 detects an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature. The output control unit 13 cuts off the output of the system power supply when an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected a predetermined number of times or more.

[0077] This makes it possible to prevent the internal temperature of the device from rising abnormally, regardless of the CPU's thermal shutdown function.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the defining unit 24 defines a predetermined number of times that an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device must be detected as a reference for shutting off the output of the system power supply. When an abnormality in the internal temperature is detected the predetermined number of times defined by the defining unit 24 or more times, the output control unit 13 turns off the output of the system power supply.

[0079] This allows the output of the system power supply to be cut off at an appropriate timing.

[0080] (Hardware configuration) Each component of the temperature control devices 10 and 20 described in the second and third embodiments is represented by a functional block. Some or all of these components are realized by an information processing device such as that shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device.

[0081] 6, the computer 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a main memory 112, a storage device 113, an input interface 114, a display controller 115, a data reader / writer 116, and a communication interface 117. These components are connected to each other via a bus 121 so as to be able to communicate data with each other. Note that the computer 110 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) in addition to or instead of the CPU 111.

[0082] The CPU 111 loads the programs (codes) of this embodiment stored in the storage device 113 into the main memory 112 and executes them in a predetermined order to perform various calculations. The main memory 112 is typically a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The programs of this embodiment are provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium 120. The programs of this embodiment may be distributed over the Internet connected via the communication interface 117.

[0083] Specific examples of the storage device 113 include a hard disk drive and a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory. The input interface 114 mediates data transmission between the CPU 111 and input devices 118 such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display controller 115 is connected to a display device 119 and controls the display on the display device 119.

[0084] The data reader / writer 116 mediates data transmission between the CPU 111 and the recording medium 120, reads programs from the recording medium 120, and writes processing results from the computer 110 to the recording medium 120. The communication interface 117 mediates data transmission between the CPU 111 and other computers.

[0085] Specific examples of the recording medium 120 include general-purpose semiconductor storage devices such as CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) and SD (Secure Digital), magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, or optical recording media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory). [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The present invention can be used, for example, to monitor the internal temperature of a device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 circuit 10 Temperature control device 11 Acquisition Department 12 Detector 13 Output control section 20 Temperature control device 24 Regulations EC Embedded Controller 100 Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the internal temperature of the device at regular intervals; a detection means for detecting an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature; a defining means for defining a predetermined number of times that the internal temperature abnormality has been detected as a reference for shutting off the output of the system power supply in accordance with the type of the device or CPU; and an output control means for cutting off the output of the system power supply when the abnormality in the internal temperature is detected the predetermined number of times or more. Temperature control device.

2. a power cutoff switch connected to the power line; a temperature sensor for detecting an internal temperature of the device; an embedded controller; The embedded controller At regular intervals, information indicating the internal temperature of the device is acquired, Detecting an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature; defining a predetermined number of times that the internal temperature abnormality is detected as a criterion for shutting off the output of the system power supply according to the type of the device or CPU; When the abnormality in the internal temperature is detected the predetermined number of times or more, the output of the system power supply is shut off. circuit.

3. The computer At regular intervals, information indicating the internal temperature of the device is acquired, Detecting an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature; defining a predetermined number of times that the internal temperature abnormality is detected as a criterion for shutting off the output of the system power supply according to the type of the device or CPU; When the abnormality in the internal temperature is detected the predetermined number of times or more, the output of the system power supply is shut off. Temperature control method.

4. acquiring information indicating an internal temperature of the device at regular intervals; Detecting an abnormality in the internal temperature of the device based on the acquired information indicating the internal temperature; defining a predetermined number of times that the internal temperature abnormality is detected as a reference for shutting off the output of the system power supply according to the type of the device or CPU; shutting off the output of the system power supply when the abnormality in the internal temperature is detected the predetermined number of times or more; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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