Patent ID: 8307132

Claim:
A control device for controlling an external storage device with a plurality of storage units, the external storage device having at least two power modes in which in each of the at least two power modes the plurality of storage units can be driven and stopped independently, comprising: a display control unit that displays on a display a selection screen to allow a user to select from among the plurality of storage units at least one of the plurality of storage units to be operated; a setting unit that sets a storage unit selected by the user as an operating storage unit to be operated; and a control signal output unit that outputs to the external storage device a control signal for having the operating storage unit be operated; wherein when the control device receives from the external storage device a first power mode signal indicating a first power mode of the external storage device in which the external storage device is driven by a first power capable of driving only one of the plurality of storage units, the display control unit displays the selection screen that allows the user to select, from among the plurality of the storage units, any individual one of the plurality of storage units to be the only storage unit driven by the first power.