Power-saving processing unit, power-saving processing method and program record medium

Abstract

A power-saving processing unit is provided which is capable of realizing proper mode switching by taking into account a power consumption as well in a shift processing and a return processing for switching an operation mode. In a power-consumption information table, there are recorded a power consumption (mJ) which is required for a processing for shifting into a power-saving mode, a consumed power (mW) when an operation is executed in the power-saving mode and a power consumption (mJ) which is required for a processing for returning to an ordinary mode. A time prediction sectionrefers to a timer-list management queueand predicts a period of time until the power-saving mode is removed. On the basis of the power-consumption information tableand the predicted time, a mode-switching decision sectioncompares a power consumption (mJ) when switching is executed into the power-saving mode and a power consumption (mJ) when the switching is not executed, and only if the former is far less than the latter, decides that switching should be executed into the power-saving mode.