Information processing device and control method

Abstract

To improve the operability of an information processing device. [Solution] The information processing device performs a first setting control process in a first process by the OS that controls the selection of options from a first setting group that includes multiple first setting options as OS settings, and a second setting control process in a second process by a program executed on the OS that controls the selection of options from a second setting group that includes each of the second settings associated with each of the multiple first settings as options.When the first setting control process is enabled, the second setting control process acquires the first setting selected by the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation, and selects a second setting associated with the acquired first setting from the second setting group.When the first setting control process is disabled, the second setting control process selects a second setting from the second setting group in response to input of a specific operation, and performs settings related to the operation of the information processing device based on the selected second setting.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Some information processing devices, such as notebook PCs (personal computers), are equipped with power modes, such as a performance mode that prioritizes performance, a power-saving mode that prioritizes power consumption, and a balance mode that balances performance and power consumption, in order to optimize performance and power consumption. Electronic devices, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), generate heat during operation, causing a temperature rise. Therefore, general information processing devices are equipped with a heat dissipation fan (cooling fan) to suppress a temperature rise in the housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Information processing devices perform control (so-called "thermal control") to optimize performance and power consumption and suppress a temperature rise by controlling the power mode and the heat dissipation fan as described above.

[0003] For example, some information processing devices have the above-mentioned power modes as OS settings, but in addition, some vendors provide their own thermal control functions that can be executed on the OS to enable more optimal control. For example, the thermal control functions include various modes (hereinafter referred to as "thermal modes") related to performance, power consumption, heat dissipation fan settings, etc., similar to the power mode settings provided by the OS. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-226617 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, when a user selects the above-mentioned thermal mode, for example, in the case of Windows (registered trademark), multiple operations (for example, about four times) are required, including an operation on the battery icon on the taskbar of the desktop screen (for example, an operation when selecting a power mode), which cannot be said to be good operability. Therefore, if the thermal mode selection operation could be performed directly using, for example, a hotkey, operability can be expected to be improved.

[0006] However, for example, certain applications or tools running on Windows® may arbitrarily change the Windows® power plan. Power plans include hardware and system setting plans that manage power usage, and a power plan (e.g., Balanced) that balances performance and power consumption is set as the standard. While the standard setting allows the power mode to be changed, changing the power mode from the standard power plan may prevent it from being changed depending on the changed hardware and system settings. Therefore, if the thermal mode is controlled in association with at least some of the power modes, changing the power plan from the standard power plan may prevent the thermal mode from being changed, resulting in a problem of hotkey operations not working.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objects is to provide an information processing device and a control method that can improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS, and the processor performs, in the first process, a first setting control process that controls options of a first setting group that includes multiple first setting options as settings of the OS to be selectable, in the second process, a second setting control process that controls options of a second setting group that includes, as options, each of second settings associated with each of multiple first settings included in the first setting group to be selectable, and in the second process, an operation setting process that configures the operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process, and when the first setting control process is enabled, the second setting control process acquires the first setting selected from the first setting group by the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation, and selects a second setting associated with the acquired first setting from the second setting group, and when the first setting control process is disabled, the second setting control process selects a second setting from the second setting group in response to input of a specific operation.

[0009] In the information processing device, the processor may instruct, in the second process, a display unit to display display information corresponding to the second setting selected by the second setting control process.

[0010] In the information processing device, the first settings included in the first setting group and the second settings included in the second setting group may include settings that affect performance and power consumption.

[0011] In the information processing device, the second settings included in the second setting group may include settings that affect a temperature rise inside a housing of the information processing device.

[0012] The information processing device may be provided with a heat dissipation fan for dissipating heat inside a housing of the information processing device to the outside, and the second settings included in the second setting group may include settings related to control of the heat dissipation fan.

[0013] In the information processing device, whether the first setting control process is enabled or disabled may be determined based on a selection of a setting from among the OS settings that is different from a selection of a first setting included in the first setting group.

[0014] In the information processing device, whether the first setting control process is enabled or disabled may be determined based on a selection of a hardware setting and a system setting related to power among the settings of the OS.

[0015] In the information processing device, the specific operation may be an operation on a preset hot key.

[0016] In addition, an information processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS, and the processor performs, in the first process, a first setting control process that controls options of a first setting group that includes multiple first setting options as settings of the OS to be selectable, in the second process, a second setting control process that controls options of a second setting group that includes, as options, each of second settings associated with each of multiple first settings included in the first setting group to be selectable, and in the second process, an operation setting process that sets the operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process, and in the second setting control process, switches between a first selection process that acquires a first setting selected from the first setting group by the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation, and selects a second setting associated with the acquired first setting from the second setting group, and a second selection process that selects a second setting from the second setting group in response to input of a specific operation, depending on a specific setting of the OS that is different from the first setting.

[0017] In addition, an information processing device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS, and the processor performs, in the first process, a first setting control process that controls options of a first setting group that includes multiple first setting options as settings of the OS so that they can be selected, in the second process, a second setting control process that controls options of a second setting group that includes, as options, each of the second settings associated with each of the multiple first settings included in the first setting group, so that they can be selected, and an operation setting process that performs, in the second process, settings related to the operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process, and in the second setting control process, selects a second setting from the second setting group regardless of the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation.

[0018] Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a control method in an information processing device having a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS includes the steps of: performing, by the processor, a first setting control process in the first process, for controlling options of a first setting group that includes multiple first setting options as settings of the OS to be selectable; performing, by the processor, a second setting control process in the second process, for controlling options of a second setting group that includes, as options, each of second settings associated with each of multiple first settings included in the first setting group to be selectable; and performing, by the processor, an operation setting process in the second process, for configuring the operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process; wherein, when the first setting control process is enabled, the second setting control process acquires the first setting selected from the first setting group by the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation, and selects from the second setting group a second setting associated with the acquired first setting; and when the first setting control process is disabled, the second setting control process selects a second setting from the second setting group in response to input of a specific operation.

[0019] Furthermore, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a control method in an information processing device having a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS includes the steps of: performing, in the first process, a first setting control process that controls options of a first setting group that includes multiple first setting options as settings of the OS to be selectable; performing, in the second process, a second setting control process that controls options of a second setting group that includes, as options, each of second settings associated with each of multiple first settings included in the first setting group to be selectable; and performing, in the second process, an operation setting process that sets the operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process, wherein, in the second setting control process, a first selection process that acquires a first setting selected from the first setting group by the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation, and selects a second setting associated with the acquired first setting from the second setting group; and a second selection process that selects a second setting from the second setting group in response to input of the specific operation, switching between these depending on a specific setting of the OS that is different from the first setting.

[0020] Furthermore, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a control method in an information processing device having a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS includes the steps of: performing, by the processor, a first setting control process in the first process, that controls options of a first setting group that includes multiple first setting options as settings of the OS to be selectable; performing, by the processor, a second setting control process in the second process, that controls options of a second setting group that includes, as options, each of the second settings associated with each of the multiple first settings included in the first setting group to be selectable; and performing, by the processor, an operation setting process in the second process, that sets settings related to the operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process, wherein, in the second setting control process, a second setting is selected from the second setting group regardless of the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the above aspects of the present invention, the operability of the information processing device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the inside of a device housing of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an overview of selection of a thermal mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a power plan and a power mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a thermal mode selection process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Outline of information processing device] First, an overview of the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an information processing device according to this embodiment. The illustrated information processing device 10 is a clamshell-type notebook PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 10 includes a display housing 101 on which a display unit 14 (display) is mounted, a device housing 102 on which a keyboard 32 is mounted, and a hinge mechanism 103. The display housing 101 and the device housing 102 are substantially rectangular, plate-shaped (e.g., flat) housings. One side of the display housing 101 and one side of the device housing 102 are coupled (connected) via the hinge mechanism 103, and the display housing 101 and the device housing 102 can rotate relatively around a rotation axis formed by the hinge mechanism 103. A state in which the display housing 101 and the device housing 102 overlap and are closed (referred to as a "closed state") is when the opening angle θ between the display housing 101 and the device housing 102 around the rotation axis is substantially 0°. A state in which the display housing 101 and the device housing 102 are open relative to the closed state is referred to as an "open state." The open state is a state in which the display housing 101 and the device housing 102 are rotated relative to each other until the opening angle θ becomes larger than a preset threshold value (for example, 10°).

[0024] The surface of the display housing 101 on which the display unit 14 is provided is referred to as the display surface 101a, and the surface opposite to the display surface 101a is referred to as the top surface 101b. The surface of the device housing 102 on which the keyboard 32 is provided is referred to as the keyboard surface 102a, and the surface opposite to the keyboard surface 102a is referred to as the bottom surface 102b. In the closed state, the display surface 101a and the keyboard surface 102a are surfaces that face each other. In the illustrated example, the keyboard 32 is a physical keyboard on which a plurality of keys (an example of an operator) that accept user operations are arranged. Note that a touchpad or the like may be provided on the keyboard surface 102a in addition to the keyboard 32.

[0025] In the closed state, the display surface 101a of the display housing 101 and the keyboard surface 102a of the device housing 102 overlap, so that the display unit 14 is not visible and the keyboard 32 cannot be operated. On the other hand, in the open state, the display unit 14 is visible and the keyboard can be operated.

[0026] 2 is a plan view schematically showing the inside of the device housing 102 of the information processing device 10. Inside the device housing 102, a motherboard MB, a storage medium 23, an audio system 24, a battery 34, and a heat dissipation fan 35 are arranged. On the motherboard MB, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a video subsystem 13, a chipset 21, a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) memory 22, an embedded controller 31, and a power supply circuit 33 are mounted.

[0027] The CPU 11 may be a CPU and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or either of them. The CPU 11 may be a type in which the CPU and GPU are formed on the same core. Furthermore, the CPU 11 may be a type in which the CPU and GPU are formed on separate cores to share the load. There may also be multiple CPUs 11. The CPU 11 generates more heat as the operating frequency, power consumption, etc. increase, leading to an increase in temperature inside the device housing 102. Note that other electronic devices inside the device housing 102 may also be sources of heat.

[0028] The heat dissipation fan 35 (an example of a heat dissipation unit) replaces the air inside the device housing 102 with outside air. For example, when the heat dissipation fan 35 is activated and the fan (impeller) rotates, outside air enters the device housing 102 through the air intake 81 of the device housing 102, exchanges heat with a heat sink (not shown), and is discharged outside the device housing 102 through the air exhaust 83. The heat sink is thermally coupled to the CPU 11 by a heat pipe (not shown) or the like. Temperature sensors 36 are disposed in the device housing 102, respectively, at electronic devices requiring temperature management and at a plurality of predetermined positions within the device housing 102. For example, the temperature sensor 36a shown in the figure is disposed to detect the temperature of the CPU 11. Other temperature sensors 36 (not shown) are also disposed to similarly detect temperatures at their respective positions. The information processing device 10 can dissipate heat inside the device housing 102 by rotating the heat dissipation fan 35 based on the temperatures detected by each temperature sensor 36.

[0029] [Hardware configuration of information processing device 10] Next, the main hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10.

[0030] The information processing device 10 includes a CPU 11, a main memory 12, a video subsystem 13, a display unit 14, a chipset 21, a BIOS memory 22, a storage medium 23, an audio system 24, a WLAN card 25, a USB connector 26, an embedded controller 31, a keyboard 32, a power supply circuit 33, a battery 34, a heat dissipation fan 35, a temperature sensor 36, and an acceleration sensor 37.

[0031] The CPU 11 executes various arithmetic processes under program control, and controls the entire information processing device 10. For example, the CPU 11 executes processes based on programs of an OS (Operating System) or BIOS. The main memory 12 is a writable memory used as a read area for the execution program of the CPU 11 or as a work area for writing processing data for the execution program. The main memory 12 is composed of, for example, multiple DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. The execution program includes an OS, various drivers for operating peripheral devices, various services / utilities, application programs, etc.

[0032] Video subsystem 13 is a subsystem for realizing functions related to image display, and includes a video controller. This video controller processes drawing commands from CPU 11, writes the processed drawing information to a video memory, and also reads the drawing information from the video memory and outputs it to display unit 14 as drawing data (display data).

[0033] The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays a display screen based on the drawing data (display data) output from the video subsystem 13.

[0034] The chipset 21 includes controllers for a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a serial AT Attachment (Serial ATA), a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express bus, and a low pin count (LPC) bus, and is connected to a plurality of devices, such as a BIOS memory 22 (described later), a storage medium 23, an audio system 24, a WLAN card 25, a USB connector 26, and an embedded controller 31.

[0035] The BIOS memory 22 is configured by an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash ROM, etc. The BIOS memory 22 stores the BIOS and system firmware for controlling the embedded controller 31, etc.

[0036] The storage medium 23 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. For example, the storage medium 23 stores an OS, various drivers, various services / utilities, application programs, and various data.

[0037] The audio system 24 is connected to a microphone and a speaker (not shown) and records, plays back, and outputs sound data. The microphone and the speaker are built into the information processing device 10, for example.

[0038] The WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) card 25 connects to a network via a wireless LAN to perform data communication. For example, when the WLAN card 25 receives data from the network, it generates an event trigger indicating that the data has been received. The USB connector 26 is a connector for connecting peripheral devices that use USB.

[0039] The keyboard 32 is an input device on which a plurality of keys (an example of an operator) for accepting user operations are arranged. As shown in Fig. 1, the keyboard 32 is provided on the keyboard surface 102a of the device housing 102. The keyboard 32 outputs input information (for example, an operation signal indicating a key operated on the keyboard) input by a user operation to the embedded controller 31.

[0040] The power supply circuit 33 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter, a charge / discharge unit, an AC / DC adapter, etc. 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 a plurality of voltages required to operate the information processing device 10. The power supply circuit 33 also supplies power to each unit of the information processing device 10 based on control from the embedded controller 31.

[0041] The battery 34 is, for example, a lithium battery, and is charged via the power supply circuit 33 when the information processing device 10 is supplied with power from an external power source, and when the information processing device 10 is not supplied with power from an external power source, the battery 34 outputs the charged power via the power supply circuit 33 as operating power for the information processing device 10.

[0042] The acceleration sensors 37 include an acceleration sensor 37A provided inside the display housing 101 and an acceleration sensor 37B provided inside the device housing 102. The information processing device 10 uses the detection results of the two acceleration sensors 37 (37A, 37B) to detect the opening angle θ between the display housing 101 and the device housing 102. For example, the information processing device 10 can detect the opening angle θ by estimating the orientations (postures) of the display housing 101 and the device housing 102 based on the detection signals output from the acceleration sensors 37A and 37B.

[0043] The embedded controller 31 is a one-chip microcomputer that monitors and controls various devices (peripheral devices, sensors, etc.) regardless of the system state of the information processing device 10. The embedded controller 31 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, A / D input terminals for multiple channels, a D / A output terminal, a timer, and digital input / output terminals (not shown). For example, a keyboard 32, a power supply circuit 33, a heat dissipation fan 35, a temperature sensor 36, and an acceleration sensor 37 are connected to the digital input / output terminals of the embedded controller 31. The embedded controller 31 receives input information (operation signals) from the keyboard 32 and sensor signals from the temperature sensor 36, acceleration sensor 37, etc. The embedded controller 31 also controls the operation of the power supply circuit 33, the heat dissipation fan 35, etc.

[0044] [Functional configuration of information processing device 10] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 includes a control unit 100 as a functional configuration. The control unit 100 includes a first processing unit 111 as a functional configuration realized by the CPU 11 executing an OS program. The control unit 100 also includes a second processing unit 112 as a functional configuration realized by the CPU 11 executing a thermal control driver program on the OS.

[0045] The first processing unit 111 executes various processes according to the OS. For example, the first processing unit 111 controls a selection of a plurality of modes included in a power mode. Here, the plurality of modes included in the power mode include, as OS settings, settings that affect, for example, performance and power consumption.

[0046] The second processing unit 112 executes processing by a thermal control driver executed on the OS. For example, the second processing unit 112 controls a selection of multiple modes included in a thermal mode. Here, the multiple modes included in the thermal mode are thermal control functions that can be executed on the OS and are provided independently by vendors or the like, separate from the OS settings, and include, for example, settings that affect performance, power consumption, and temperature rise inside the housing (mainly inside the device housing 102).

[0047] The second processing unit 112 also performs settings related to the operation of the information processing device 10 based on a mode selected from among the multiple modes included in the thermal mode. For example, the second processing unit 112 performs settings such as limiting the operating frequency of the CPU 11, the screen brightness of the display unit 14, and the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 35.

[0048] Here, the relationship between the selection of the thermal mode in the thermal control function and the power mode by the OS will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram outlining the selection of the thermal mode according to this embodiment. In the example shown, the thermal mode options include a performance mode (Performance) that prioritizes performance, a power saving mode (Eco) that prioritizes power consumption, and a balance mode (Balanced) that balances performance and power consumption.

[0050] In addition, the power mode, for example in Windows (registered trademark), includes options such as a Best performance mode that prioritizes performance, a Best power efficiency mode that prioritizes power efficiency, and a Balanced mode that balances performance and power efficiency.

[0051] In the past, the user would select a power mode by performing four operations (four clicks), for example, by clicking the battery icon on the taskbar of the desktop screen. Furthermore, thermal mode options were associated with the OS power mode options, and when a user selected a power mode option by performing four operations (four clicks), the thermal mode option associated with the selected power mode option was also selected. Thus, in the past, selecting a thermal mode required multiple operations (for example, four times), which was not user-friendly.

[0052] Therefore, in this embodiment, the four operations starting with the conventional operation on the task bar are changed to operations on a preset hot key (for example, fn+F8) arranged on the keyboard 32. As a result, thermal mode options are selected in order in a toggle manner in response to pressing the hot key, improving operability. The selection of the thermal mode in this embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0053] Specifically, the thermal mode options are associated with the power mode options of the OS, so when an OS power mode option is selected by pressing a hotkey, the thermal mode option associated with the selected power mode option will be selected.

[0054] For example, the performance mode (Performance) of the thermal mode is associated with the best performance mode (Best performance) of the power mode (Power mode), the power saving mode (Eco) of the thermal mode is associated with the best power efficiency mode (Best power efficiency) of the power mode (Power mode), and the balanced mode (Balanced) of the thermal mode is associated with the balanced mode (Balanced) of the power mode (Power mode).

[0055] For example, pressing the hotkey once selects the best performance mode (Best performance) of the power mode (power mode), thereby selecting the performance mode (Performance) of the thermal mode. Pressing the hotkey once again selects the balanced mode (Balanced) of the power mode (power mode), thereby selecting the balanced mode (Balanced) of the thermal mode. Pressing the hotkey once more selects the best power efficiency mode (Best power efficiency) of the power mode (power mode), thereby selecting the power saving mode (Eco) of the thermal mode.

[0056] In this way, by repeatedly pressing the hotkey, the power mode options of the OS are selected in sequence in a toggle manner, and through this selection, the thermal mode options are selected in sequence in a toggle manner.

[0057] In addition, mode icons M10 corresponding to the performance mode (Performance), balance mode (Balanced), and power saving mode (Eco), which are included as options in the thermal mode, are set as display information, and the mode icon M10 corresponding to the selected mode is displayed on the display unit 14.

[0058] However, for example, certain applications or tools running on Windows® may arbitrarily change the Windows® power plan. Power plans include plans for hardware and system settings that manage power usage, and a power plan (e.g., Balanced) that balances performance and power consumption is set as the standard. While the standard settings allow you to change the power mode described above, if the standard power plan is changed, you may not be able to change the power mode depending on the changed hardware and system settings.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between power plans and power modes according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the power plan is set to the standard "Balanced," a list of options is displayed on the power mode setting screen, and options can be selected. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the power plan is set to anything other than "Balanced," the list of options is not displayed, and options cannot be selected. In more detail, even with a power plan other than "Balanced," it may be possible to select a power mode depending on the hardware and system settings. However, with a power plan other than "Balanced," there is no guarantee that a power mode can be selected, and detailed settings are determined by the OS and are therefore difficult to understand from outside the OS.

[0060] Therefore, as an example, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment performs different thermal mode selection processes when the power plan is set to "Balanced" (i.e., when the power mode can be selected) and when the power plan is set to a value other than "Balanced."

[0061] [Thermal mode selection process] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the thermal mode selection process according to this embodiment, and the operation of the thermal mode selection process in the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to this FIG.

[0062] (Step S100) The second processing unit 112 acquires setting information of the OS from the first processing unit 111 and determines whether the power plan of the OS is set to "Balanced" or to something other than "Balanced." If the second processing unit 112 determines that the power plan is set to "Balanced," the process proceeds to step S111, where it performs a thermal mode selection process (conventional method) that utilizes the selected power mode of the OS. On the other hand, if the second processing unit 112 determines that the power plan is set to something other than "Balanced," the process proceeds to step S121, where it performs a thermal mode selection process (new method) that does not utilize the selected power mode of the OS.

[0063] First, the selection process of the thermal mode (conventional method) when the power plan is set to "Balanced" will be described. (Step S111) If a hot key (for example, fn+F8 keys) is pressed, the second processing unit 112 proceeds to step S113.

[0064] (Step S113) In response to the pressing of the hot key, the second processing unit 112 transmits instruction information for selecting an option for the power mode to the first processing unit 111. That is, in response to the pressing of the hot key, the thermal control driver sets the power mode to the OS. Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0065] (Step S115) The second processing unit 112 acquires the power mode option selected by the first processing unit 111. That is, the thermal control driver acquires the selected power mode option from the OS. Then, the process proceeds to steps S117 and S119.

[0066] (Step S117) The second processing unit 112 selects a thermal mode option associated with the power mode option acquired in step S115, and instructs the display unit 14 to display a mode icon M10 corresponding to the selected thermal mode option as an OSD (On Screen Display). For example, the second processing unit 112 calls a utility (base utility) that displays an OSD from the thermal control driver, and sets the mode icon M10 corresponding to the selected thermal mode option on the OSD.

[0067] (Step S119) The second processing unit 112 selects a thermal mode option associated with the power mode option acquired in step S115, and performs settings related to the operation of the information processing device 10 based on the selected thermal mode option. For example, the thermal control driver performs thermal mode settings such as limiting the operating frequency of the CPU 11, the screen brightness of the display unit 14, and the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 35, for the BIOS.

[0068] The order of the processing of step S117 and step S119 may be arbitrary, or they may be performed simultaneously.

[0069] Next, a thermal mode selection process (new method) when the power plan is set to something other than "Balanced" (not Balanced) will be described. (Step S121) If a hot key (for example, fn+F8 keys) is pressed, the second processing unit 112 proceeds to step S123.

[0070] (Step S123) In response to the pressing of the hot key, the second processing unit 112 transmits instruction information for selecting an option of the power mode to the first processing unit 111. However, the second processing unit 112 only transmits this instruction information to the first processing unit 111, and does not acquire the option of the power mode from the first processing unit 111 because the first processing unit 111 is unable to select the power mode. The second processing unit 112 directly selects the option of the thermal mode in response to the pressing of the hot key. In other words, when the hot key is pressed, the second processing unit 112 performs a process of selecting the thermal mode, regardless of the process of selecting the power mode. Then, the process proceeds to steps S127 and S129.

[0071] (Step S127) The second processing unit 112 instructs the display unit 14 to display, as an OSD, a mode icon M10 corresponding to the thermal mode option selected in step S123. For example, the second processing unit 112 calls a utility (base utility) that displays an OSD from the thermal control driver, and sets the mode icon M10 corresponding to the selected thermal mode option in the OSD.

[0072] (Step S129) The second processing unit 112 performs settings related to the operation of the information processing device 10 based on the thermal mode option selected in step S123. For example, the thermal control driver performs thermal mode settings such as limiting the operating frequency of the CPU 11, the screen brightness of the display unit 14, and the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 35 on the BIOS.

[0073] The order of the processing of step S127 and step S129 may be arbitrary, or they may be performed simultaneously.

[0074] [Summary of the embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a processor (e.g., CPU 11) that executes a first process by an OS and a second process by a program (e.g., a thermal control driver) executed on the OS. In the first process, the information processing device 10 performs a first setting control process that controls the OS to select options (e.g., power mode options) of a first setting group that includes multiple first setting options. In the second process, the information processing device 10 performs a second setting control process that controls the OS to select options (e.g., thermal mode options) of a second setting group that includes second settings associated with multiple first settings (first settings) of the power mode. In the second process, the information processing device 10 performs an operation setting process that sets the operation of the information processing device 10 based on the thermal mode options (second settings) selected in the second setting control process.

[0075] Then, when the first setting control process (selection of power mode) is valid, the information processing device 10 acquires an option (first setting) selected from the power modes by the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation (for example, pressing a hot key) in the second setting control process (selection of thermal mode), and selects a thermal mode option (second setting) associated with the acquired option (first setting) from among the thermal modes. On the other hand, when the first setting control process (selection of power mode) is invalid, the information processing device 10 selects a thermal mode option (second setting) from among the thermal modes in response to input of a specific operation (for example, pressing a hot key) in the second setting control process.

[0076] As a result, when the information processing device 10 uses a first setting (e.g., a power mode setting) of the OS to perform a second setting (e.g., a thermal mode setting) in a second process by a program executed on the OS, the information processing device 10 can perform the second setting (e.g., a thermal mode setting) in response to a specific operation being input (e.g., pressing a hotkey) whether the first setting (e.g., a power mode setting) is enabled or disabled, thereby improving operability.

[0077] In addition, in the second process, the information processing device 10 instructs the display unit 14 to display a mode icon M10 (an example of display information) corresponding to the thermal mode option (second setting) selected in the second setting control process.

[0078] This allows the user to easily check what is selected each time the information processing device 10 performs a second setting (e.g., setting a thermal mode) in response to a specific operation being input (e.g., pressing a hotkey).

[0079] For example, the power mode options (an example of a first setting included in the first setting group) and the thermal mode options (an example of a second setting included in the second setting group) include settings that affect performance and power consumption.

[0080] This allows the information processing device 10 to improve operability when the user selects settings that affect performance and power consumption.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the options for the thermal mode (an example of the second settings included in the second setting group) include settings that affect the temperature rise inside the housing of the information processing device 10.

[0082] This allows the information processing device 10 to improve operability when the user selects settings that affect performance, power consumption, and temperature rise inside the casing.

[0083] In addition, the information processing device 10 is equipped with a heat dissipation fan 35 for dissipating heat inside the housing to the outside, and the thermal mode options (an example of the second settings included in the second setting group) include settings related to the control of the heat dissipation fan 35.

[0084] This allows the information processing device 10 to improve operability when the user selects settings taking into consideration performance, power consumption, sound (noise) generated by the rotation of the heat dissipation fan 35, and the like.

[0085] Furthermore, whether the first setting control process (selection of the power mode) is enabled or disabled is determined based on the selection of a setting from the OS settings that is different from the selection of the power mode.

[0086] This allows the information processing device 10 to set the thermal mode without using the power mode, even if the power mode setting of the OS becomes invalid due to a change in other OS settings (for example, a change made independently by another application or tool), thereby improving operability.

[0087] For example, whether the first setting control process (selection of power mode) is enabled or disabled is determined based on the selection of a power plan (an example of hardware settings and system settings related to power) among the OS settings.

[0088] This allows the information processing device 10 to set the thermal mode without using the power mode, even if the power mode setting of the OS is invalidated due to a change in the power plan setting of the OS (for example, a change made independently by another application or tool), thereby improving operability.

[0089] Furthermore, the specific operation is, for example, an operation on a preset hot key (for example, fn+F8 keys).

[0090] This allows the information processing device 10 to set the thermal mode by operating a hot key, thereby improving operability compared to a case where multiple operations (for example, four operations) are required.

[0091] The specific operation for selecting the thermal mode is not limited to a hot key (e.g., fn+F8). For example, this specific operation may be a hot key operation using a function key other than the F8 key, or an operation on an icon displayed on the display unit 14 by a GUI (Graphical User Interface) provided by a specific application having a function for selecting the thermal mode.

[0092] In addition, in the second setting control process (selection of thermal mode), the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment switches between a first selection process in which an option (first setting) selected from among power modes (power modes) is acquired by the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation (e.g., pressing a hot key), and a second selection process in which a thermal mode option (second setting) associated with the acquired option (first setting) is selected from among thermal modes in response to input of a specific operation (e.g., pressing a hot key), depending on a specific setting (e.g., power plan setting) in the OS settings that is different from the power mode setting.

[0093] As a result, when performing a second setting (for example, setting a thermal mode) in a second process by a program executed on the OS, the information processing device 10 can switch between a process that uses a first setting of the OS (for example, setting a power mode) and a process that does not use the first setting, and therefore can perform the second setting (for example, setting a thermal mode) in response to input of a specific operation (for example, pressing a hotkey) whether the first setting (for example, setting a power mode) is enabled or disabled. Thus, the information processing device 10 can improve operability.

[0094] Furthermore, the control method in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes the steps of: a processor (e.g., CPU 11) performing a first setting control process in a first process by the OS to select options (e.g., options of a power mode) of a first setting group including multiple options of first settings as OS settings; a second process by a program (e.g., a thermal control driver) executed on the OS to select options (e.g., options of a thermal mode) of a second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of the multiple options (first settings) included in the power mode; and a second process by a program (e.g., a thermal control driver) executing on the OS to select options (e.g., options of a thermal mode) of the second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of the multiple options (first settings) included in the power mode. and performing an operation setting process for setting the operation of the information processing device 10 based on a specific setting of the power mode (power mode selection), wherein, when the first setting control process (selection of a power mode) is enabled, in the second setting control process (selection of a thermal mode), an option (first setting) selected from the power modes by the first setting control process is acquired in response to input of a specific operation (for example, pressing a hot key), and a thermal mode option (second setting) associated with the acquired option (first setting) is selected from the thermal modes, and when the first setting control process (selection of a power mode) is disabled, in the second setting control process, a thermal mode option (second setting) is selected from the thermal modes in response to input of a specific operation (for example, pressing a hot key).

[0095] As a result, the control method in the information processing device 10 utilizes a first setting (e.g., a power mode setting) of the OS to perform a second setting (e.g., a thermal mode setting) in a second process by a program executed on the OS, and can perform the second setting (e.g., a thermal mode setting) in response to a specific operation being input (e.g., pressing a hotkey) whether the first setting (e.g., a power mode setting) is enabled or disabled, thereby improving operability.

[0096] Furthermore, the control method in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes the steps of: a processor (e.g., CPU 11) performing a first setting control process in a first process by the OS to select options (e.g., options of a power mode) of a first setting group including multiple options of first settings as OS settings; a second process by a program (e.g., a thermal control driver) executed on the OS to select options (e.g., options of a thermal mode) of a second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of the multiple options (first settings) included in the power mode; and a second process by a program (e.g., a thermal control driver) executing on the OS to select options (e.g., options of a thermal mode) of the second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of the multiple options (first settings) included in the power mode. and performing an operation setting process for setting the operation of the information processing device 10 based on the first setting control process (thermal mode selection), and in the second setting control process (thermal mode selection), a first selection process is performed in which an option (first setting) selected from the power modes by the first setting control process is acquired in response to input of a specific operation (e.g., pressing a hot key), and a thermal mode option (second setting) associated with the acquired option (first setting) is selected from among the thermal modes, and a second selection process is performed in which a thermal mode option (second setting) is selected from among the thermal modes in response to input of a specific operation (e.g., pressing a hot key), and switching is performed in response to a specific setting (e.g., power plan setting) different from the power mode setting among the OS settings.

[0097] As a result, the control method in the information processing device 10 can switch between a process that uses the first setting of the OS (for example, setting the power mode) and a process that does not use the first setting when making a second setting (for example, setting the thermal mode) in a second process by a program executed on the OS, so that the second setting (for example, setting the thermal mode) can be made in response to input of a specific operation (for example, pressing a hotkey) whether the first setting (for example, setting the power mode) is valid or invalid. Thus, the control method in the information processing device 10 can improve operability.

[0098] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which when the power plan is "Balanced," that is, when the first setting control process (power mode selection) is enabled, a thermal mode selection process (conventional method) is performed that utilizes the power mode selection of the OS, and when the power plan is other than "Balanced," a thermal mode selection process (new method) is performed that does not utilize the power mode selection of the OS (see FIG. 7). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a thermal mode selection process (new method) that does not utilize the power mode selection of the OS may be performed regardless of the power plan setting (regardless of whether the power mode selection is enabled or disabled).

[0099] For example, the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment performs a first setting control process in a first process by the OS, which controls the OS to select options from a first setting group including multiple first setting options (e.g., options for a power mode). Furthermore, the information processing device 10 performs a second setting control process in a second process by a program (e.g., a thermal control driver) executed on the OS, which controls the OS to select options from a second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with multiple options (first settings) included in the power mode (e.g., options for a thermal mode). Furthermore, the information processing device 10 performs an operation setting process in the second process, which sets the operation of the information processing device 10 based on the options (second settings) for the thermal mode selected by the second setting control process. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may select an option for the thermal mode in the second setting control process (selection of a thermal mode) in response to a specific operation being input (e.g., pressing a hotkey), regardless of the first setting control process (selection of a power mode).

[0100] As a result, when the information processing device 10 performs the second setting (for example, setting the thermal mode) in the second process by the program executed on the OS, it can perform the second setting without using the first setting (for example, setting the power mode) of the OS, and therefore the second setting (for example, setting the thermal mode) can be performed in response to input of a specific operation (for example, pressing a hotkey) regardless of whether the first setting (for example, setting the power mode) is valid or invalid. Thus, the information processing device 10 can improve operability.

[0101] Furthermore, the control method in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes the steps of: performing a first setting control process by a processor (e.g., CPU 11) in a first process by the OS to select an option (e.g., an option of a power mode) of a first setting group including a plurality of first setting options as OS settings; performing a second setting control process in a second process by a program (e.g., a thermal control driver) executed on the OS to select an option (e.g., an option of a thermal mode) of a second setting group including, as options, each of the second settings associated with each of the plurality of options (first settings) included in the power mode; and performing an operation setting process in the second process to set the operation of the information processing device 10 based on the option (second setting) of the thermal mode selected by the second setting control process. In the second setting control process (selection of a thermal mode), a thermal mode option may be selected regardless of the first setting control process (selection of a power mode) in response to a specific operation being input (e.g., pressing a hotkey).

[0102] As a result, the control method in the information processing device 10 can perform the second setting (for example, setting the thermal mode) in the second process by the program executed on the OS without using the first setting (for example, setting the power mode) of the OS, so that the second setting (for example, setting the thermal mode) can be performed in response to input of a specific operation (for example, pressing a hotkey) regardless of whether the first setting (for example, setting the power mode) is valid or invalid. Thus, the control method in the information processing device 10 can improve operability.

[0103] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention also includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, the configurations described in the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the power mode is used as an example of the first setting (first setting group) as an OS setting, and the thermal mode is used as an example of the second setting (second setting group) by the thermal control driver, but these settings may be applied to other settings. Also, although an example has been described in which whether the first setting (e.g., the power mode setting) is enabled or disabled is determined based on the selection of a power plan among the OS settings, a configuration may also be used in which whether the first setting (e.g., the power mode setting) is enabled or disabled is determined based on a setting other than the power plan.

[0105] The information processing device 10 described above includes an internal computer system. A program for implementing the functions of each component of the information processing device 10 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform processing in each component of the information processing device 10. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computers connected via a network, including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, or other communication lines. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. The recording medium storing the program may also be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0106] The recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined by each component of the information processing device 10, or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a medium that realizes part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0107] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually implemented as a processor, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10 Information processing device, 101 Display housing, 101a Display surface, 101b Top surface, 102 Device housing, 102a Keyboard surface, 102b Bottom surface, 103 Hinge mechanism, 11 CPU, 12 Main memory, 13 Video subsystem, 14 Display unit, 21 Chipset, 22 BIOS memory, 23 Storage medium, 24 Audio system, 24 WLAN card, 26 USB connector, 31 Embedded controller, 32 Keyboard, 33 Power supply circuit, 34 Battery, 35 Heat dissipation fan, 36 Temperature sensor, 37 Acceleration sensor, 100 Control unit, 111 First processing unit, 112 Second processing unit

Claims

1. a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS; The processor: a first setting control process for controlling the first process to select options of a first setting group including a plurality of first setting options as settings of the OS; a second setting control process for controlling options of a second setting group, the second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of a plurality of first settings included in the first setting group, so that the options are selectable in the second setting control process; an operation setting process for setting an operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process in the second process; and When the first setting control process is enabled, in the second setting control process, a first setting selected from the first setting group by the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation is acquired, and a second setting associated with the acquired first setting is selected from the second setting group; When the first setting control process is disabled, in the second setting control process, in response to input of a specific operation, a second setting is directly selected from the second setting group without acquiring a first setting selected from the first setting group. Information processing device.

2. The processor: In the second process, an instruction is given to cause a display unit to display display information corresponding to the second setting selected in the second setting control process. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The first setting included in the first setting group and the second setting included in the second setting group include settings that affect performance and power consumption. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The second settings included in the second setting group include settings that affect a temperature rise inside a housing of the information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. a heat dissipation fan for dissipating heat from inside a housing of the information processing device to the outside; The second settings included in the second setting group include settings related to control of the heat dissipation fan. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. Whether the first setting control process is enabled or disabled is determined based on a selection of a setting from among the settings of the OS that is different from a selection of a first setting included in the first setting group. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. Whether the first setting control process is enabled or disabled is determined based on a selection of a hardware setting and a system setting related to power among the settings of the OS. The information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. The specific operation is an operation on a preset hot key. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS; The processor: a first setting control process for controlling the first process to select options of a first setting group including a plurality of first setting options as settings of the OS; a second setting control process for controlling options of a second setting group, the second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of a plurality of first settings included in the first setting group, so that the options are selectable in the second setting control process; an operation setting process for setting an operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process in the second process; and In the second setting control process, a first selection process is performed in which a first setting selected from the first setting group by the first setting control process is acquired in response to input of a specific operation, and a second selection process is performed in which a second setting associated with the acquired first setting is selected from the second setting group directly without acquiring the first setting selected from the first setting group in response to input of a specific operation, and these selection processes are switched in response to a specific setting different from the first setting among the settings of the OS. Information processing device.

10. a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS; The processor: a first setting control process for controlling the first process to select options of a first setting group including a plurality of first setting options as settings of the OS; a second setting control process for controlling options of a second setting group, the second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of a plurality of first settings included in the first setting group, so that the options are selectable in the second setting control process; an operation setting process for setting an operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process in the second process; and In the second setting control process, in response to input of a specific operation, a second setting is directly selected from the second setting group without acquiring a first setting selected from the first setting group. Information processing device.

11. A control method for an information processing device including a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS, comprising: the processor: performing a first setting control process in the first process to select options of a first setting group including a plurality of first setting options as settings of the OS; performing a second setting control process in the second process to select options of a second setting group, the second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of a plurality of first settings included in the first setting group; In the second processing, performing an operation setting process for setting an operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process; Including, When the first setting control process is enabled, in the second setting control process, a first setting selected from the first setting group by the first setting control process in response to input of a specific operation is acquired, and a second setting associated with the acquired first setting is selected from the second setting group; When the first setting control process is invalid, in the second setting control process, a second setting is directly selected from the second setting group without acquiring a first setting selected from the first setting group in response to input of a specific operation. Control method.

12. A control method for an information processing device including a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS, comprising: the processor: performing a first setting control process in the first process to select options of a first setting group including a plurality of first setting options as settings of the OS; performing a second setting control process in the second process to select options of a second setting group, the second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of a plurality of first settings included in the first setting group; In the second processing, performing an operation setting process for setting an operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process; Including, In the second setting control process, a first selection process is performed in which a first setting selected from the first setting group by the first setting control process is acquired in response to input of a specific operation, and a second selection process is performed in which a second setting associated with the acquired first setting is selected from the second setting group directly without acquiring the first setting selected from the first setting group in response to input of a specific operation, and these selection processes are switched in response to a specific setting different from the first setting among the settings of the OS. Control method.

13. A control method for an information processing device including a processor that executes a first process by an OS (Operating System) and a second process by a program executed on the OS, comprising: the processor: performing a first setting control process in the first process to select options of a first setting group including a plurality of first setting options as settings of the OS; performing a second setting control process in the second process to select options of a second setting group, the second setting group including, as options, second settings associated with each of a plurality of first settings included in the first setting group; In the second processing, performing an operation setting process for setting an operation of the information processing device based on the second setting selected by the second setting control process; Including, In the second setting control process, in response to input of a specific operation, a second setting is directly selected from the second setting group without acquiring a first setting selected from the first setting group. Control method.

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