JP2007004229A - Information processing device which is backed up during power saving - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve both the drawback of a suspending function which loses restored information when the power source of a battery is exhausted during a standby condition and the drawback of a hibernation function which takes much time in restoration processing due to the reading of restored information from a nonvolatile memory after a power source is applied. <P>SOLUTION: Restored information is stored only in a volatile memory 1109b, which can perform restoration processing in a short period, if a power source is not being charged. If the power source is being charged, the restored information is stored in a volatile memory 1109a and in a nonvolatile memory 1110a which does not lose the restored information even if a battery is exhausted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that stores return information during power saving so that work can be resumed from a state immediately before the system is turned off.

  Conventionally, in an information processing apparatus, when the operation is interrupted halfway and the system is turned off to be in a standby state and then restored by turning on the power, a function that can be resumed from the state at the time of interruption ( As a method for realizing the resume function), a method for mainly storing information for restoration in a volatile memory such as a DRAM and a method for storing it in a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk are used. The former is called a suspend function, and the latter is called a hibernation function (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  The suspend function saves data during work in volatile memory when the work is interrupted, puts the display and hard disk into a standby state that minimizes power consumption, and returns from the volatile memory return information when work is resumed A function that can perform processing. Even in the standby state, not all the power is turned off, and the return information is also stored in the volatile memory having a high access speed, so that the return process at the time of restart is fast.

The hibernation function is a function that saves the data being worked on in the non-volatile memory when the work is interrupted, turns off all power, and can perform the return processing from the return information in the non-volatile memory when the work is resumed. Say. In the hibernation, the return information is stored in the non-volatile memory. Therefore, the return information is not lost even when the power is completely turned off, and there is an advantage that almost no power is consumed during the operation interruption.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-93814 JP 2002-324012 A

  However, the suspend function and the hibernation function have the following problems. In the suspend function, if the battery is turned off in the standby state, the return information is lost, and it is impossible to resume the work from the work state before the transition to the standby state. In the hibernation function, the recovery information is read from the non-volatile memory after the power is turned on, so it takes time for the recovery process and power consumption for startup is large. When the hibernation function is used, there is a drawback that the influence of the power consumption on the remaining battery level is increased.

  In view of such a situation, the present invention proposes an information processing apparatus that writes return information in accordance with power standby processing and a method for storing return information of the information processing apparatus. In addition, when the charging unit is being charged, the return information is written to the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory, and when the charging unit is not being charged, the return information is written only to the volatile memory. I do.

  If the return information of the volatile memory is invalid while the charging unit is charging, and the return information of the nonvolatile memory is valid, the return information is stored from the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory. In addition, when the return information of the nonvolatile memory is invalid and the return information of the volatile memory is valid, the function of storing the return information from the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory is provided. An information processing apparatus and a return information storage method for the information processing apparatus are proposed.

  An information processing apparatus that checks whether the return information of the volatile memory or the nonvolatile memory is valid using a valid flag, and can check whether the return information is updated using the update flag, and An information processing apparatus having an error check function for checking whether return information is valid or invalid is proposed.

  Furthermore, when the information processing apparatus detects that the return information is not written in the nonvolatile memory and the system goes down due to a battery exhaustion or the like, the information is stored in the nonvolatile memory before the system goes down. An information processing apparatus having a function of writing return information is proposed.

  In addition, an information processing apparatus having a function of writing return information to an external storage device connected to the information processing apparatus through a network is proposed.

  As described above, in any one of the information processing apparatuses according to one or more inventions of the present invention, the return process is performed using the volatile memory in principle, so that the standby process is started in a short time. Even if the return information of the volatile memory is invalid, the recovery process using the return information of the non-volatile memory is performed before the standby process is started. It is possible to restore the working state. Furthermore, the return information of the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory can be complemented with each other during the standby state, thereby reducing the risk of the return information being lost. Since writing to the non-volatile memory is performed while the battery is being charged in principle, there is no need to worry about the influence of power consumption due to writing to the non-volatile memory on the remaining battery level.

  Further, by using a valid flag, an update flag, and an error check function, it is possible to quickly determine whether the return information is valid or updated.

  Furthermore, even if the battery runs out during the work place or in the standby state, the return information is written to the nonvolatile memory regardless of whether the charging unit is charging or not charging. It is possible to perform a return process from the return information written in, and to resume the work before the start of the standby process.

  In addition, by arranging the storage unit in an external storage device connected via a network, it is possible to restore the work state before the start of the standby process regardless of the status of the information processing apparatus.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the relationship between the following embodiment and a claim is as follows. The first embodiment will explain claims 1 and 13. The second embodiment will explain claims 2 and 3. The third embodiment will explain claims 4, 5, 14, 15 and the like. The fourth embodiment will explain claims 6, 7, 16, 17 and the like. The fifth embodiment will explain claim 8 and the like. The sixth embodiment will explain claims 9 and 10. The seventh embodiment will explain claim 11 and the like. The eighth embodiment will explain claim 12 and the like.

  << Embodiment 1 >>

  <Outline of Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment relates to an information processing apparatus that writes, in a storage unit, return information for restoring a work state before the start of standby processing at the end of standby in accordance with power standby processing.

  <Hardware Configuration Common to Embodiments> FIG. 1 is an example of a hardware configuration according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, and is common to the hardware configurations of other embodiments. For example, the hardware components include a CPU (power OFF processing unit, power standby processing unit, writing unit, recovery processing unit) that writes and reads power OFF processing, power standby processing, and recovery information, and recovery An information processing apparatus including a DRAM (volatile memory) or a hard disk (nonvolatile memory) corresponding to a storage unit to which information is written, and a power supply circuit (power supply, charging unit) can be given. In the case where input from the outside is allowed, an I / O device or the like may be provided as shown in FIG. 1, or other devices or the like that constitute the information processing apparatus may be provided as necessary.

  <Configuration of Embodiment 1> FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional block diagram in this embodiment. The “information processing apparatus” (0200) of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a “power supply” (0201), a “power-off processing unit” (0203), a “power standby processing unit” (0204), and a “memory”. Part "(0206)," charging part "(0202)," writing part "(0205), and" return processing part "(0207).

  <Description of Configuration of First Embodiment> An “information processing apparatus” (0200) is an apparatus that performs information processing having a function capable of shifting to a standby state, and has information processing functions such as a computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, and a digital home appliance. Applicable to all electronic devices.

The “power source” (0201) supplies power to the information processing apparatus. There are backup power supply and system power supply. The backup power supply supplies the minimum necessary power when the information processing device is in the standby state. The system power supply is not limited to the power supplied by the backup power supply. This is a power source for operating a system necessary for performing work of the information processing apparatus. The power supply can take any one of the following three states depending on ON / OFF of the backup power supply and the system power supply.
(1) Backup power ON and system power ON (working status)
(2) Backup power ON and system power OFF (standby state)
(3) Backup power off and system power off (stopped)
When the backup power supply is ON and the system power supply is ON, power necessary for the operation of the information processing apparatus is supplied (1), and the operation state can be performed in the information processing apparatus. When the backup power supply is OFF, no power is supplied to the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the system power supply is not turned ON and the state (3) is stopped. When the backup power source is ON and the system power source is OFF, the information processing apparatus is (2) in a standby state. The standby state refers to a state in which normal work on the information processing apparatus cannot be performed unless return processing is performed, and power consumption can be suppressed by restricting devices operating in the standby state. For example, in a standby state, a device such as a volatile memory that stores return information is operating, but a state in which the power of other devices is turned off is considered (hereinafter referred to as standby state 1). In addition, a state in which only the display of the information processing apparatus is turned off is considered (hereinafter referred to as standby state 2). In the case of the standby state 1, the minimum necessary power source that does not lose the return information of the volatile memory is the backup power source, and the power sources of the other devices necessary for working with the information processing apparatus are the system power source. In the standby state 2, only the power source applied to the display is the system power source, and the other power sources are backup power sources. During the standby state, each device is in a standby mode. The standby mode refers to the state of each device when only the necessary power corresponding to each standby state is supplied to the information processing apparatus. As described above, the target of the backup power source and the target of the system power source differ depending on the possible standby states. In addition to the standby states given as specific examples, an infinite number of standby states are conceivable depending on the types of devices operated during the standby state.

  FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram that can be taken by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus can (1) shift from the work state to the standby state by the standby process (2), and (3) shift to the stop state by the power-off process. The information processing apparatus can (2) shift from the standby state to (1) work state by return processing, and (3) shift to stop state by power-off processing. The information processing apparatus can shift only from the (3) stopped state to the working state (1) by the startup process. This is because the information processing apparatus may (1) shift to the work state when the work is performed in (3) the stop state, and may continue the stop state of (3) when the work is not performed. (2) This is because it is not necessary to shift to the standby state.

  The “power OFF processing unit” (0203) has a function of executing a power OFF process when the information processing apparatus is turned OFF. The power off means a state where the backup power of the information processing apparatus is off. The time when the power is turned off indicates a time when the power is turned off, and more specifically when the power is turned off from the working state or the standby state. The power-off process is a process performed when the power is turned off, and is a process performed in response to a request for transition to a stop state by an external or internal trigger. An external trigger occurs when the user presses the power OFF switch or when the end of software for operating the information processing device is selected, and the internal trigger causes the remaining battery level of the charging unit to run out. This occurs when the power is turned off after a certain period of time. The power-off processing unit corresponds to a CPU, a microcontroller, a program stored in a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, a functional circuit configured by one or a combination of two or more thereof.

  The “power standby processing unit” (0204) has a function of executing standby processing when the power is set to a standby state. The standby state of the power supply is a state where the backup power supply is ON as described above, and is a state where the system power supply is OFF. The standby processing can be classified into a plurality of types of standby processing depending on the range of devices that operate during the standby state, the condition of the charging unit when shifting to the standby state, and the like. For example, the standby state 1 and the standby state 2 described above differ in the range in which the information processing apparatus should be turned off, so different standby processes are performed. In order to shift to the standby state 1, the power supply other than the minimum necessary device for operating the volatile memory is turned off (hereinafter, standby process 1). In order to shift to the standby state 2, only the power of the display is turned off (hereinafter, standby process 2). Moreover, you may link | relate these standby states to the conditions of a charging part, etc. For example, in a charging unit to be described later, when power is supplied from an external AC power source or the like, there is no need to worry about running out of the battery. It is possible to choose to perform standby processing 2 to turn off only the display power, and reduce the risk of lost recovery information when there is no need to worry about running out of battery as well. In order to do this, it is possible to cause the writing unit to write the return information to a plurality of storage media in the storage unit. Further, when the power supply is not received from the external power supply, the writing unit stores one of the storage units so that the standby process 1 in which power saving can be expected from the standby process 2 is performed and the power consumption is not increased. It is also possible to write the return information only on a medium (for example, a volatile memory). Note that the standby process is a process that is performed in response to a request to shift from a work state to a standby state by an external or internal trigger. An external trigger occurs when the user presses the standby state transition switch or when a software standby state transition button for operating an information processing device such as an OS is selected. This occurs when the information processing apparatus is set to automatically enter the standby state when no operation is performed on the information processing apparatus. The power standby processing unit corresponds to a CPU, a microcontroller, a program stored in a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, a functional circuit configured by one or a combination of two or more thereof.

  The “storage unit” (0206) stores return information. The return information is information relating to the working state of the information processing apparatus when the return information is created, and the required return information differs depending on the type of standby processing. The information processing apparatus can restore the work state at the time of creating the return information by performing the return process using the return information. The storage unit corresponds to a DRAM that is a volatile memory, a hard disk that is a nonvolatile memory, or the like, and an external memory or the like can also be used as the storage unit. For example, it may be stored in a storage medium such as FD, CD, DVD, or MO, or may be stored in a USB memory or an external hard disk. Note that the storage unit may use a plurality of the same storage media.

  The “charging unit” (0202) has a function of charging power supplied to the information processing apparatus. There is no limitation on the method of charging the charging unit with electric power. For example, when power is supplied from an AC power source by an AC adapter, when power is supplied through USB by a portable terminal or the like, when power is supplied by a solar battery, when connecting a battery to the outside, etc. Conceivable. When the charging unit is supplied with power, the charging unit is being charged. On the other hand, when the charging unit is not receiving power supply, the charging unit is not being charged. When the charging unit is not being charged, there is a possibility that the battery will run out, and it is desirable to reduce power consumption as much as possible in the standby state.

  The “writing unit” (0205) has a function of writing, in the storage unit, return information for restoring the work state before the start of standby processing at the end of standby according to the type of standby processing of the power supply standby processing unit. . The type of power standby processing of the power standby processing unit varies depending on the standby state to be transferred, conditions of the charging unit, and the like, and the writing unit writes return information in the storage unit in accordance with these different standby processing. For example, since the above-described standby processing 1 and standby processing 2 require different return information at the end of standby, the writing unit writes the return information to be held in each standby state into the storage unit. Also, for example, when the charging unit is supplied with power from an external AC power source, that is, there is no need to worry about running out of the battery during charging, the writing unit writes to a plurality of storage media among the storage units. When there is no power supply, that is, there is a possibility of running out of the battery during non-charging, the writing unit writes the return information to a single storage medium in the storage unit, and writes according to the type of standby processing It can be performed. Note that the end of standby refers to the time of transition from the standby state to the working state. The request to enter the working state may be triggered from the outside or the inside. An external trigger occurs when the standby state return switch is pressed from the outside, etc., and an internal trigger is forced after a certain period of time from the start of the standby state by a timer that the information processing device has. Occurs when settings are made to return from the standby state to the working state.

  The “return processing unit” (0207) performs a return process using the return information stored in the storage unit. The return process is a process for restoring the work state of the information processing apparatus at the time when the return information is created when the return information stored in the storage unit is valid. The process for restoring the working state is a process that differs depending on each standby state of the information processing apparatus. Specifically, when the information stored in the main memory is expanded or stored in the video memory There are cases where image information is expanded or device settings are restored. When the return information is stored in a plurality of storage media in the storage unit, the return information is read from the storage medium with a shorter processing time in order to reduce the time required for the return process. For example, when the storage unit includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, the return processing unit reads the return information from the volatile memory having a high access speed and performs the return process. Even if there is no return information on the volatile memory, if there is return information in the nonvolatile memory, the return information is read from the nonvolatile memory and the return process is performed. On the other hand, when there is no return information in the storage unit, the system is initialized and restarted in the return process. System initialization restart refers to a process of initializing and restarting only a device that is powered by the system power supply. A device that is powered by a backup power supply does not need to be activated because it is still powered and operating even in standby mode. This is because it may be lost. Note that the time required for the return process also changes depending on the combination of devices operating in the standby state. The return processing unit corresponds to a CPU, a microcontroller, a program stored in a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, a functional circuit configured by one or a combination of two or more thereof.

  <Processing Flow of First Embodiment> FIG. 36 shows the processing flow of the return information storage method according to the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment. The return information storage method according to the information processing apparatus first executes standby processing when the power supply is set to a standby state (S3601, power standby processing step), and then according to the type of power standby processing in the power standby processing step. Thus, return information for restoring the work state before the start of the standby process at the end of the standby is written to the storage medium (S3602, return information writing step).

  <Specific Example of First Embodiment> FIGS. 4 to 8 show processing flows of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be given along this processing flow.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment performs a startup process (0403) when the power switch is pressed (0402). The activation process is performed along the activation process flow shown in FIG. In the startup process, first, the backup power source and the system power source are turned on (0501). Next, the system is initialized (0502), and the system is initialized and started (0503). When the activation process is finished, the information processing apparatus shifts to a working state, and the work on the information processing apparatus becomes possible. Thereafter, the information processing apparatus continues the working state until the stop state transition request (0404) or the standby state transition request (0405) in FIG. 4 is made. The stop state transition request is when a trigger for the information processing device to transition to the stopped state occurs, and the standby state transition request is a trigger for the information processing device to transition to the standby state. Is the case. Hereinafter, a case where a standby state transition request is made will be described, and a case where a stop state transition request is made will be described later.

  <When Standby State Transition Request (0405) Is Made> When the standby state transition request (0405) is made, the power standby processing unit performs standby processing (0406) along the standby processing flow shown in FIG. As described above, a plurality of standby processes can be set, and the range of return information and system power supply created for each standby process is different. For example, when the standby process 1 is performed, return information 1 corresponding to the standby process 1 is created (0601 (1)), and the return information 1 is written in the storage unit by the writing unit (0602 (1)). . When writing of the return information 1 to the storage unit is completed, each device that is not operated during the standby state shifts to the standby mode (0603 (1)), and the information processing apparatus turns off the system power (0604 (1). )). When the standby process ends, the information processing apparatus shifts to a standby state.

  After the transition to the standby state, the information processing apparatus continues the standby state until the stop state transition request (0407) or the return processing request (0408) in FIG. 4 is made. The return processing request is a case where a trigger for the information processing apparatus to shift to the working state is pulled. Hereinafter, a case where a return processing request is made will be described, and a case where a stop state transition request is made will be described later.

  <When a return processing request (0408) is made> When the return processing request (0408) is made, the return processing unit performs the return processing according to the return processing flow shown in FIG. In the return process, first, the system power is turned on (0701). Next, it is confirmed whether or not return information is stored in the storage unit (0702). If there is return information, the return processing unit uses the return information in the storage unit to restore the working state before the start of standby processing ( 0703), the return information which is no longer necessary is deleted (0705). If there is no return information, initialization restart is performed (0704). When the return process ends, the information processing apparatus shifts to a working state. When the information processing apparatus shifts to the work state, the information processing apparatus continues the work state until the standby state shift request (0405) or the stop state shift request (0404) in FIG. 4 is made again.

  <When the stop state transition request (0404, 0407) is made> When the stop state transition request (0404, 0407) is made, the power OFF processing unit performs the power OFF processing along the power OFF processing flow shown in FIG. Do. In the power-off process, the system power source and the backup power source are turned off (0801, 0802), and the restoration information that is no longer necessary is deleted (0803). Note that erasure of the return information is necessary when the return information is stored in the nonvolatile memory, but this processing is not necessary when the return information is stored only in the volatile memory. When the power OFF process ends, the information processing apparatus shifts to a stopped state.

  <Effect of First Embodiment> The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment can write return information according to the type of standby processing.

  << Embodiment 2 >>

  <Outline of Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the writing unit has means for writing to the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory.

  <Configuration of Second Embodiment> FIG. 9A or 9B illustrates an example of a functional block diagram in the present embodiment. The “information processing apparatus” (0900a) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 9A has the configuration of the first embodiment, and further adds a “first memory writing unit” (0906a) to the “writing unit” (0905a). It is characterized by having. Note that the storage portion (0908a) includes at least a volatile memory (0909a). The “information processing apparatus” (0900b) of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9B includes the “second memory writing unit” (0907b) in the writing unit (0906b) in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. It is characterized by. Note that the storage portion (0908b) includes at least a nonvolatile memory (0910b).

  <Description of Configuration of Second Embodiment> In addition to the functions described in the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a “writing unit” that is “first memory writing means” or “second memory writing”. Function ". The “first memory writing unit” (0906a) has a function of writing the return information to the volatile memory in the storage unit. The “second memory writing unit” (0907b) has a function of writing the return information to the nonvolatile memory in the storage unit.

  “Writing unit” (0905a, b) is set by the “first memory writing unit” or the “second memory writing unit” before starting standby processing, depending on the type of standby processing of the power supply of the power standby processing unit. Return information for restoring the work state at the end of standby can be written to the storage unit. That is, it is possible to select a standby process according to the state of the information processing apparatus at the time of transition to the standby process or the user's intention, and to write return information according to the purpose of the selected standby process. For example, when the battery of the power source is low, the power standby processing unit selects the standby processing for writing the return information only in the volatile memory so that the battery does not consume much, and only the volatile memory is selected by the first memory writing means. It is also possible to write the return information to the second memory. Similarly, if the remaining battery level is low and there is a possibility that the battery will run out during the standby state, the second memory is written so that the return information is not lost. It is also possible to write the return information only in the nonvolatile memory by means. Furthermore, when it is desirable to avoid the risk of losing the return information as much as possible, it is better to store the return information in a plurality of storage media in the storage unit, so the power standby processing unit stores both the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory. A standby process for writing return information is selected, and a process of writing return information to both the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory using the first memory writing means and the second memory writing means is also possible.

  The “storage unit” has the same function as that of the first embodiment, and the storage unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is at least volatile when the writing unit includes the first memory writing unit. In the case of having the memory (0909a) and having the second memory writing means, at least the nonvolatile memory (0910b) is provided. The return information of the volatile memory is lost when the information processing apparatus is in a stopped state, but the return information of the nonvolatile memory is not lost in principle unless the data is corrupted. A volatile memory corresponds to a DRAM, and a nonvolatile memory corresponds to a hard disk.

  Other configurations in the present embodiment are the same as the configurations described in the first embodiment, and thus are omitted.

  <Specific Example of Second Embodiment> The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment and is represented by the same processing flow. However, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized in standby processing. The standby process is a process performed when the standby state transition request (0405) described in the first embodiment is made.

  FIG. 10A shows a standby process when the first memory writing means is used, FIG. 10B shows a standby process when the second memory writing means is used, and FIG. 10C shows the first memory writing means and the first memory writing means. The standby process when the two-memory writing means is used is shown. In FIG. 10A, the return information is written only in the volatile memory in the standby process by the first memory writing means (1002 (a)). In FIG. 10B, the return information is written only in the nonvolatile memory in the standby process by the second memory writing means (1002 (b)). In FIG. 10C, by using the first memory writing means and the second memory writing means in combination, the return information can be written in only the volatile memory, only the nonvolatile memory, or both in the standby process ( 1002 (c1), (c2), (c3)).

  <Effects of Second Embodiment> In addition to the effects of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment has the first memory writing means and the first memory writing unit according to the type of standby processing of the power standby processing unit. By using the two-memory writing means singly or in combination, it is possible to select the return information writing destination in the storage unit according to the purpose of the standby process.

  << Embodiment 3 >>

  <Outline of Embodiment 3> Embodiment 3 will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is any one of the information processing apparatuses according to the first or second embodiment, and writes the return information only in the volatile memory when the charging unit is not charged. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a function of writing return information to both a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory during charging.

  <Configuration of Third Embodiment> FIG. 11A or 11B illustrates an example of a functional block diagram in the present embodiment. The “information processing apparatus” (1100a) of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A is based on the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first or second embodiment, and further includes a “charging determination unit” (1112a ) And the “writing unit” (1105a) include “processing means during charging” (1106a). The “information processing apparatus” (1100b) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 11B is based on the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first or second embodiment, and further includes a “charging determination unit” (1112b ) And the “writing unit” (1105b) includes “non-charging processing means” (1107b).

  <Description of Configuration of Third Embodiment> In addition to the functions described in the first or second embodiment, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a “charging determination unit” and a writing unit “processing unit during charging”. Or it has any one or two functions of "the processing means during non-charging".

  The “charging determination unit” (1112a, b) has a function of determining whether the charging unit is charging. In order for the charging unit to be charged, it is necessary to receive power from the outside, but the method is not limited. Specifically, when power is supplied from an AC power source by an AC adapter, when power is supplied via USB by a portable terminal, etc., when power is supplied by a solar battery, a battery is connected to the outside. For example, it may be possible to receive power supply. Further, in an information processing apparatus that cannot be activated and operated without receiving power supply from the outside, it is determined that the charging unit is always being charged while the information processing apparatus is operating, that is, while the backup power supply is ON. . On the other hand, when the charging unit does not receive power supply from the outside, the charging unit is not being charged. Further, even when power is supplied from the outside, when power is supplied from a dry battery or the like and supply power is limited, it can be regarded as not being charged. When the charging unit is not being charged, there is a possibility that the battery runs out, and it is desirable to suppress power consumption as much as possible during the standby state.

  The “in-charge processing means” (1106a) means that if the determination result of the charging determination unit is a charging result when the standby process is performed, the return information is stored as volatile in the storage unit. It refers to a function for performing processing for storing in both the memory and the nonvolatile memory (hereinafter referred to as charging processing).

  “Non-charging processing means” (1107b) means that the writing unit displays return information when the determination result of the charging determination unit is non-charging when the standby process is performed. A function of performing processing for storing only in a volatile memory in the storage unit (hereinafter referred to as non-charging process).

  Since the return information is also stored in the non-volatile memory by the processing means during charging, even if the return information of the volatile memory is invalidated or destroyed, it becomes a standby process from the return information of the non-volatile memory. The working state before the start can be restored. The return information is stored in the nonvolatile memory only when the charging unit is being charged. When the charging unit is not being charged, the return information is stored only in the volatile memory by the non-charging processing means. Therefore, a large amount of power is not consumed by writing return information during non-charging.

  <Processing Flow of Third Embodiment> FIG. 37 shows the processing flow of the return information storage method in the charging processing means of the information processing apparatus of the third embodiment. As a method for storing the return information in the charging processing means, first, standby processing when the power source is set to the standby state is executed (S3701, power standby processing step), and then it is determined whether the charging site is charging (S3702, charging) Determination step) When the standby process is performed next, if the determination result in the charging determination step is a determination result that charging is in progress, the return information is stored in the volatile memory of the storage medium. Then, processing for storing both in the nonvolatile memory is performed (S3703, processing step during charging).

  FIG. 38 shows the flow of processing of the return information storage method in the non-charging processing means of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the return information storage method according to the non-charging processing means, first, standby processing when the power source is set to the standby state is executed (S3801, power standby processing step), and then it is determined whether the charging site is charging (S3802, charging). Medium determination step), and when the standby process is performed next, if the determination result in the charging determination step is a determination result that the battery is not being charged, the return information is stored in the storage medium as volatile. Processing for storing only in the memory is performed (S3803, non-charging processing step).

  <Specific Example of Embodiment 3> The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the information processing apparatus described in any one of Embodiments 1 and 2, and is represented by the same processing flow. However, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized in standby processing. The standby process is a process performed when the standby state transition request (0405) described in the first embodiment is made.

  FIG. 12A exemplifies a standby process flow when the processing unit for charging of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is used. As shown in FIG. 12A, when standby processing is started, return information for restoring the current working state is first created (1201a). Next, the charging determination unit determines whether the charging unit is charging (1202a). If the determination result of the charging determination unit is charging, the writing unit performs the charging process by the charging processing unit, and writes the return information to the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory (1203a, 1204a). After writing the return information, each device on the system is set to the standby mode (1205a), the system power is turned off (1206a), and the standby process is terminated. FIG. 12B illustrates a standby process flow when the non-charging processing unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is used. As shown in FIG. 12B, when the standby process is started, first, return information for restoring the current working state is created (1201b). Next, the charging determination unit determines whether the charging unit is charging (1202b). If the determination result of the charging determination unit is not charging, the writing unit performs the non-charging process by the charging processing means, and writes the return information in the volatile memory (1203b). After writing the return information, each device on the system is set to the standby mode (1204b), the system power is turned off (1205b), and the standby process is terminated.

  <Effects of Third Embodiment> The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first or second embodiment, in the case where the return information of the volatile memory is lost Even so, if return information is stored in the non-volatile memory, the return process can be performed from the non-volatile memory, so that the probability that the work state before the start of the standby process can be restored is increased. Have. Further, since the return information is stored in the non-volatile memory only when the charging unit is being charged, there is no need to worry about the influence of power consumption on the remaining battery level.

  << Embodiment 4 >>

  <Outline of Embodiment 4> Embodiment 4 will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment, and further includes a volatile memory validity determination unit and a nonvolatile memory validity determination unit, and the return information is volatile. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that can be complemented by a memory and a nonvolatile memory.

  <Configuration of Embodiment 4> FIG. 13 (a) or (b) shows an example of a functional block diagram in this embodiment. The “information processing apparatus” (1300a) of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13A is based on the information processing apparatus described in the third embodiment, and further includes a “volatile memory validity determination unit” (1313a) and “ Non-volatile memory validity determination unit ”(1314a), and the writing unit (1305a) includes“ first copying means ”(1306a). The “information processing apparatus” (1300b) of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13B is based on the information processing apparatus described in the third embodiment, and further includes a “volatile memory validity determination unit” (1313b) and “ Non-volatile memory validity determination unit ”(1314b), and the writing unit (1305b) includes“ second copying means ”(1307b).

  <Description of Configuration of Fourth Embodiment> In addition to the functions described in the first to third embodiments, the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment includes a “volatile memory validity determination unit” and a “nonvolatile memory validity determination unit”. And the storage unit has “first copying means” and “second copying means”.

  The “volatile memory validity determination unit” (1313a, b) has a function of determining whether the return information of the volatile memory is invalid. The recovery information of the volatile memory is invalid when the recovery information is not stored in the volatile memory, or when it has been stored but has disappeared for some reason or has been damaged. This means that the return information cannot be read correctly. Whether or not the return information is broken is determined by storing multiple return information and checking whether they match, or by creating a hash value at regular time intervals using a hash function etc. It can be judged by whether or not. It should be noted that when the information processing apparatus detects that the return information has disappeared or has been broken, it is desirable to warn the user and call attention.

  The “nonvolatile memory validity determination unit” (1314a, b) has a function of determining whether the return information of the nonvolatile memory is invalid. The return information of the nonvolatile memory is invalid when the return information is not originally stored in the nonvolatile memory, or when it has been stored but disappeared due to some reason, or when it has been stored. This means that the return information cannot be read correctly. The return information of the nonvolatile memory can also be determined by the same method as that for the return information of the volatile memory.

  The “first copying means” (1306a) is a determination result that the determination result in the volatile memory validity determination unit is invalid, and a determination result that the determination result in the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit is valid If the determination result in the charging determination unit is a determination result that charging is in progress, a process for storing return information from the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as copy process 1) is performed. It has a function. The return information stored in the volatile memory may be lost due to some reason or become invalid. Even in this case, if the return information is stored in the nonvolatile memory, the return process can be performed using the return information of the nonvolatile memory. However, it takes time to read the return information from the non-volatile memory and perform the return process. Therefore, storing the return information from the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory during the standby state shortens the time required for the return process. can do.

  The “second copying means” (1307b) is a determination result that the determination result in the volatile memory validity determination unit is valid, and a determination result that the determination result in the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit is invalid If the determination result in the charging determination unit is a determination result that charging is in progress, a process for storing return information from the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory (hereinafter referred to as copy process 2) is performed. It has a function. When the charging unit is charging, the writing unit writes the return information to both the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory in the storage unit by the function described in the third embodiment, but the charging unit is not charged. When it is inside, the return information is written only in the volatile memory of the storage unit by the non-charging processing means. Therefore, after the non-charging process is performed, the volatile memory is switched to the non-volatile memory when the charging unit is charged by receiving external power supply by connecting an AC adapter or the like to the charging unit. By storing the return information, the risk that the return information is lost can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, the copy process 1 and the copy process 2 are collectively referred to as a copy process. Copy processing refers to processing performed when a request for performing copy processing (hereinafter referred to as copy processing request) is made, and the copy processing request may be triggered by an external or internal trigger. The trigger from the outside is that the charging unit is set to perform copying processing when the charging unit changes from non-charging to charging during the standby state. This occurs when the charging unit is being charged by supplying power. An internal trigger occurs when the copying process is set to be performed at regular intervals during the standby state.

  FIG. 14 shows a state transition diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The state transition diagram according to the present embodiment is characterized in that, in addition to the state transition diagram according to the first embodiment, the copying process can be performed during the standby state. Since the copying process is a function of mutually complementing the return information, the copy process is a process performed during the standby state in which the return information is stored in the storage unit, and returns to the standby state after the completion of the copy process.

  Other configurations in the present embodiment are the same as the configurations described in any one of the first to third embodiments, and thus are omitted.

  <Processing Flow of Embodiment 4> FIG. 39 shows the processing flow of the return information storage method in the first copying means of the information processing apparatus of Embodiment 4. In the return information storage method according to the first copying means, first, it is determined whether the charging site is being charged (S3901, determination step during charging), and then it is determined whether the return information of the volatile memory in the storage medium is invalid. (S3902, volatile memory validity determination step), next, it is determined whether the return information of the nonvolatile memory of the storage medium is invalid (S3903, nonvolatile memory validity determination step), and then the volatile The determination result in the memory memory validity determination step is invalid, the determination result in the nonvolatile memory validity determination step is valid, and the determination result in the charging determination step is charging. If it is a determination result, a process for storing the return information from the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory is performed (S3904, first copying step). The charging determination step, the volatile memory validity determination step, and the nonvolatile memory validity determination step are not limited to these orders, and the order may be interchanged.

  FIG. 40 shows a processing flow of the return information storage method according to the second copying means of the information processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment. The return information storage method in the second copying means first determines whether the charging site is being charged (S4001, determination step during charging), and then determines whether the return information of the volatile memory in the storage medium is invalid. (S4002, volatile memory validity determination step) Next, it is determined whether the return information of the nonvolatile memory of the storage medium is invalid (S4003, nonvolatile memory validity determination step), and then the volatile The determination result in the memory validity determination step is valid, the determination result in the nonvolatile memory validity determination step is invalid, and the determination result in the charging determination step is charging If it is a result, processing for storing the return information from the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory is performed (S4004, second copying step). The charging determination step, the volatile memory validity determination step, and the nonvolatile memory validity determination step are not limited to these orders, and the order may be interchanged.

  <Specific Example of Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 15 illustrates a processing flow of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized in that a copy processing request (1508) is made in a standby state. When a copy process request is made, the information processing apparatus performs one or two copy processes (1509) of the copy process 1 or the copy process 2. Each copy process will be described below.

  FIG. 16 shows a processing flow of the copying process 1 by the first copying means. When the copying process 1 is started, first, the charging determination unit determines whether the charging unit is charging (1601). If the determination result of the charging determination unit is charging, the system power is turned on (1602), and the volatile memory validity determination unit determines whether the return information of the volatile memory is valid (1603). If the determination result of the volatile memory validity determination unit is invalid, the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit further determines whether the return information of the nonvolatile memory is valid (1604). If the determination result of the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit is a determination result that is valid, the writing unit writes the return information of the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory (1605). If the judgment result of the nonvolatile memory validity judgment unit is invalid, the system is initialized and restarted (1608), return information is created from the work state after startup (1609), and the return information is volatilized. (1610) is written to the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory. In this case, even if the return process is performed, the work state before the start of the standby process cannot be restored. However, since the return information is valid, there is no need to perform system initialization and restart in the return process described later. The return process can be performed in a short time (the same applies to the following second copying means and copying means). Thereafter, each device on the system is set to the standby mode (1606), the system power is turned off (1607), and the copying process is completed.

  FIG. 17 shows a processing flow of the copying process 2 by the second copying means. When the copying process 2 is started, first, the charging determination unit determines whether the charging unit is charging (1701). If the determination result of the charging determination unit is that it is charging, the system power is turned on (1702), and the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit determines whether the return information of the nonvolatile memory is valid (1703). . If the determination result of the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit is invalid, the volatile memory validity determination unit further determines whether the return information of the volatile memory is valid (1704). If the judgment result of the volatile memory validity judgment unit is valid, the writing unit writes the return information of the volatile memory in the nonvolatile memory (1705). If the determination result of the volatile memory validity determination unit is invalid, the system is initialized and restarted (1708), return information is created from the work state after startup (1709), and the return information is volatilized. To the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory (1710). Thereafter, each device on the system is set to the standby mode (1706), the system power is turned off (1707), and the copying process is completed.

  Note that the order in which the volatile memory validity judgment unit and the nonvolatile memory validity judgment unit judge the validity may be reversed. However, it is desirable to determine whether or not the charging unit is charging by the charging determination unit before turning on the system power supply in order to prevent wasteful power consumption. Also, a method of using the first copying means and the second copying means in combination (hereinafter referred to as copying means) is possible. The copying means will be described below.

  FIG. 18 illustrates a processing flow of the copying means. As shown in FIG. 18, in the copy processing unit, if the charging determination unit determines that the charging unit is charging, the copy processing unit volatilizes whether the return information of the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory is valid. This is determined by the volatile memory validity determination unit or the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit (1803, 1804, 1806). If both the determination results are valid, it is not necessary to perform the copying process, so that each device on the system is shifted to the standby mode (1811), and the system power is turned off (1812). If the return information of the volatile memory is valid and if the return information of the nonvolatile memory is invalid, the return information of the volatile memory is written into the nonvolatile memory (1805). If it is determined that the return information of the volatile memory is invalid, and if the return information of the nonvolatile memory is valid, the return information of the nonvolatile memory is written into the volatile memory (1807). If both judgment results are invalid, there is no return information to be complemented, so the copying process can be terminated as it is, and the system is initialized and restarted as shown in FIG. 18 (1808) and started. Return information may be created from a later state (1809), and the return information may be written to the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory (1810).

  Further, the functions of the volatile memory validity determination unit and the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit may be used for determining the validity of the return information in the return process (1511). The return process is a process performed when the return process request (1510) in FIG. 15 is made. A processing flow of the return processing is illustrated in FIG. In the return process, the system power is turned on (1901), and the volatile memory validity determination unit determines whether the volatile memory is valid (1902). If the determination result of the volatile memory validity determination unit is valid, the work state before the start of the standby process is restored using the return information of the volatile memory (1903). If the determination result of the volatile memory validity determination unit is invalid, the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit determines whether the return information of the nonvolatile memory is valid (1904). If the determination result of the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit is valid, the work state before the start of the standby process is restored using the return information of the nonvolatile memory (1905). If the determination result of the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit is invalid, it is impossible to restore the work state before the start of the standby process, and the system is initialized and restarted (1906). Since the return information is no longer necessary after the information processing apparatus is in a working state, the return information of the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory is invalidated (1907). Thereafter, the return processing is terminated and the operation state is shifted. The order of determination of the effectiveness of the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory has the same function even if the nonvolatile memory is first, but it is shorter to restore the working state by reading the return information from the volatile memory. Therefore, it is desirable to first determine the validity of the return information of the volatile memory.

  <Effect of Embodiment 4> In addition to the effect of the information processing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has either a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. If the return information is valid, the return information can be mutually complemented. For this reason, there is a high probability that the return information is stored in both the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory, and the risk that the work state before the start of the standby process cannot be restored can be reduced. Moreover, since these operations are performed while the charging unit is being charged, there is no need to worry about the influence of power consumption due to exchange of return information on the remaining battery level.

  << Embodiment 5 >>

  <Outline of Embodiment 5> Embodiment 5 will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is an information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, and further relates to an information processing apparatus including a valid flag indicating whether the return information is valid in a storage unit.

  <Configuration of Embodiment 5> FIG. 20 shows an example of a functional block diagram of this embodiment. The “information processing apparatus” (2000) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 20 is based on the information processing apparatus described in the fourth embodiment, and the storage unit has a “valid flag”.

  <Description of Configuration of Embodiment 5> The “valid flag” is a flag indicating whether the return information is valid, and is set in the valid flag storage area. The valid flag storage area is provided in each of the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory. 21 and 22 are conceptual diagrams of the effective flag storage area of the volatile memory and the effective flag storage area of the nonvolatile memory. When the volatile memory validity judgment unit (2013) obtains a judgment result that the return information of the volatile memory is valid, a flag is set in the valid flag storage area on the volatile memory, and the nonvolatile memory When the validity judgment unit (2014) obtains a judgment result that the return information of the nonvolatile memory is valid, a flag is set in the validity flag storage area on the nonvolatile memory. Since the valid flag must be reset when the return information is invalidated, it is desirable to set the valid flag so that it is reset when the return information is lost or broken. When the information processing apparatus is turned off, the information in the volatile memory is lost, and the validity flag of the volatile memory is reset. On the other hand, the information in the non-volatile memory is not lost even when the information processing device is turned off. If the validity flag of the non-volatile memory is set, the information processing device is turned on after that. In some cases, the valid flag on the non-volatile memory remains set, and must be reset during the power-off process or the startup process.

  <Specific Example of Embodiment 5> The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the information processing apparatus described in Embodiment 4, but it is determined whether the return information of the volatile memory or the nonvolatile memory is valid. Is different depending on whether the valid flag is set or not. For this reason, the function of the validity flag can be used in standby processing and copy processing in which return information is stored, or in copy processing and return processing in which the validity of return information is determined. Each process will be described below. The standby processing is processing performed when the standby state transition request (0405) described in the first embodiment is made, and the copying processing is performed when the copying processing request (1508) described in the fourth embodiment is made. The return process is a process performed when the return process request (1510) described in the fourth embodiment is made.

  <Standby Processing> FIG. 23 illustrates a processing flow of standby processing when a processing unit during charging and a processing unit during non-charging are used in combination. In the standby process, first, return information is created from the current work state in order to restore the work state before the start of the standby process after the end of the standby state (2301). The writing information is written into the volatile memory of the storage unit by the writing unit (2302), and the validity flag of the volatile memory is set (2303). Next, the charging determination unit determines whether the charging unit is charging or not charging (2304). If the determination result is charging, the writing unit returns to the nonvolatile memory in the storage unit. Information is written (2305), and a valid flag of the nonvolatile memory is set (2306). On the other hand, when the determination result of the charging determination unit is not charging, the return information is not stored in the nonvolatile memory. When the return information is written to the storage unit, each device on the system shifts to the standby mode (2307), and the information processing apparatus turns off the system power (2308). When the standby process ends, the information processing apparatus shifts to a standby state.

  <Copying Process> FIG. 24 illustrates a processing flow of the copying process when the first copying means and the second copying means are used in combination. In the copying process, first, the charging determination unit determines whether the charging unit is charging (2401). If the determination result of the charging determining unit is not charging, the copying process is terminated without performing the specific process of the copying process, and the process returns to the standby state. On the other hand, if the determination result of the charging determination unit is charging, the system power is turned on (2402). Next, the validity flag of the volatile memory and the validity flag of the nonvolatile memory are checked (2403, 2404, 2407). If both the volatile memory valid flag and the non-volatile memory valid flag are set, there is no need for copying, so each device on the system is shifted to the standby mode (2413), and the system power is turned off. (2414). When the volatile memory valid flag is set and the nonvolatile memory valid flag is reset, the return information of the volatile memory is written into the nonvolatile memory (2405), and the nonvolatile memory valid flag is set. Set (2406). When the volatile memory valid flag is reset and the nonvolatile memory valid flag is set, the return information of the nonvolatile memory is written into the volatile memory (2408), and the volatile memory valid flag is set. Set (2409). If both valid flags are reset, there is no return information to be complemented. Therefore, the copying process may be terminated as it is, or the system is initialized and restarted as shown in FIG. 24 (2410). The return information may be created from the state after startup, and the return information may be written in the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory (2411). In this case, even if the return process is performed, the work state before the start of the standby process cannot be restored. However, in order to set a valid flag (2412), it is necessary to initialize and restart the system in the return process described later. Therefore, the return process can be performed in a short time. After writing the return information, each device on the system shifts to a standby mode (2413) and turns off the system power (2414). After the copying process is completed, the information processing apparatus shifts to the standby state again.

  <Return Process> FIG. 25 shows a processing flow of the return process using the valid flag when the return process 1 and the return process 2 are combined. In the restoration process, first, the system power is turned on (2501), and it is checked whether the volatile memory valid flag is set (2502). If the effective flag of the volatile memory is set, the work state before the start of the standby process is restored using the return information of the volatile memory (2503). If the effective flag of the volatile memory has been reset, the effective flag of the nonvolatile memory is checked (2504). If the valid flag of the nonvolatile memory is set, the work state before the start of the standby process is restored using the return information of the nonvolatile memory (2505). If the determination result of the non-volatile memory validity determination unit is invalid, it is impossible to restore the work state before the start of the standby process, so the system is initialized and restarted (2506). Since the return information is no longer necessary after the information processing apparatus is in a working state, the validity flags of the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory are reset (2507). Thereafter, the return processing is terminated and the operation state is shifted. The order of determination of the effectiveness of the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory has the same function even if the nonvolatile memory is first, but it is shorter to restore the working state by reading the return information from the volatile memory. Therefore, it is desirable to first determine the validity of the return information of the volatile memory.

  <Effect of Fifth Embodiment> In the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, it is determined whether the return information is valid or not. Therefore, the processing time of each process can be shortened.

  << Embodiment 6 >>

  <Outline of Embodiment 6> Embodiment 6 will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, and includes an update flag indicating whether the return information is updated in the storage unit, and whether the return information is valid or invalid. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having an error check function for checking whether or not.

<Configuration of Embodiment 6>
FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a functional block diagram in the present embodiment. The “information processing apparatus” (2600) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 26 is based on the information processing apparatus described in the fifth embodiment, and the storage unit has an “update flag” and an “error check function”. And

  <Description of Configuration of Embodiment 6> The “update flag” is a flag indicating whether or not the return information has been updated, and is stored in the update flag storage area. Specifically, the update flag is reset when both the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory of the storage unit are updated, and the update flag is set when either one is not updated. That is, in the state where the update flag is reset, the same return information is stored in the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory. In the working state, the update flag is reset because there is no return information to be updated. FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram in which an update flag storage area is provided in a volatile memory. In FIG. 21, the update flag storage area is provided in the volatile memory of the storage unit, but the update flag storage area may be provided in the nonvolatile memory. When the update flag storage area is provided on the volatile memory, the information in the volatile memory is lost when the information processing apparatus is turned off, so the update flag is reset.

  The “error check function” is a function for checking whether the return information of the volatile memory and the return information of the nonvolatile memory are the same. In order to perform an error check, a method of using checksum information of return information can be considered. FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are conceptual diagrams when the checksum information related to the return information of the volatile memory is stored on the volatile memory and when the checksum information about the return information of the nonvolatile memory is stored on the nonvolatile memory. Illustrate. By referring to the checksum information, it is determined whether or not the return information stored in the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory is the same, or whether one of them is not updated. It is possible. Note that the error check function may be any error check method as long as return information error check is possible.

  <Specific Example of Embodiment 6> The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the information processing apparatus described in Embodiment 5, but is the return information stored in both the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory? No is different in that it is determined by referring to the update flag. Further, whether or not the return information of the volatile memory or the nonvolatile memory is the same or updated may be determined using an error check function. The function of the update flag can be used in a processing flow in standby processing and copy processing in which return information is stored, or copy processing and return processing in which the validity of return information is determined. Each process will be described below. The standby processing is processing performed when the standby state transition request (0405) described in the first embodiment is made, and the copying processing is performed when the copying processing request (1508) described in the fourth embodiment is made. The return process is a process performed when a return process request (1510) is made.

  <Standby Processing> FIG. 27 shows a processing flow of standby processing using the update flag. In the standby process according to the present embodiment, when the determination result of the charging determination unit is not charging in the standby process according to the fifth embodiment, the return information is not written in the nonvolatile memory, and thus an update flag is set ( 2707) is characterized by points.

  <Copying Process> FIG. 28 shows a processing flow of the copying process using the update flag when the first copying means and the second copying means are combined. In the copying process, it is first determined whether or not the charging unit is charging (2801). If the charging unit is not charging, the copying process is terminated without performing the specific process of the copying process, and the process returns to the standby state. On the other hand, if the charging unit is being charged, the update flag is checked (2802). When the return information of both the nonvolatile memory and the volatile memory is updated, the update flag is reset. Therefore, when the update flag is reset, it is effective to end the copying process without turning on the system power. As described above, it is preferable to set the update flag so that it can be checked even in the standby state. However, the update flag may be checked after the system power is turned on. If the update flag is set, either the volatile memory or the non-volatile memory has not been updated, or the recovery information may have been lost for some reason. Since it is necessary to complement the information, the system power is turned on (2803). Next, the validity flag of the volatile memory is checked (2804), and if the validity flag of the volatile memory is set, the return information of the nonvolatile memory is invalid because the update flag is set. Therefore, the return information of the volatile memory is written into the nonvolatile memory (2805), and the validity flag of the nonvolatile memory is set (2806). If the volatile memory validity flag is checked (2804) and the volatile memory validity flag has been reset, the nonvolatile memory validity flag is checked (2807). When the validity flag of the nonvolatile memory is set, the writing unit writes the return information of the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory (2808), and sets the validity flag of the volatile memory (2809). If the valid flag of the volatile memory and the valid flag of the nonvolatile memory are reset, the system is initialized and restarted (2810), and the return information is created from the work state after the restart to create the volatile memory. Write to the nonvolatile memory (2811), and set the volatile memory and the valid flag of the nonvolatile memory (2812). In this case, the work state before the start of the standby process cannot be restored even if the return process is performed, but the system is reinitialized in the return process to be described later in order to set the valid flags of the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory. Since it is not necessary to start up, the return process can be performed in a short time. As described above, after the validity flag of the volatile memory and the validity flag of the nonvolatile memory are set, the update flag is reset (2813). Thereafter, each device on the system is set to the standby mode (2814), the system power is turned off (2815), and the copying process is terminated. Even if the copy processing request is made again while the standby state continues, the system power supply does not have to be turned on even if the copy processing is performed while the update flag is reset.

  <Return Process> FIG. 29 shows a process flow of the return process using the update flag. The standby process according to the present embodiment is characterized in that, in the standby process in the fifth embodiment, the update flag is reset (2908) after resetting the valid flag of the return information of the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory.

  <Effect of Sixth Embodiment> In the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, it is determined whether or not the return information has been updated by an update flag. Since this is possible by checking this, it is possible to shorten the processing time in the copying process. Further, the consistency of the return information can be improved by using the error check function.

  << Embodiment 7 >>

  <Outline of Embodiment 7> Embodiment 7 will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, and according to the power OFF process, the work state before starting the power OFF process is The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that writes return information for restoration to a nonvolatile memory in a storage unit.

  <Structure of Embodiment 7> FIG. 30 shows an example of a functional block diagram in this embodiment. The “information processing apparatus” (3000) of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30 is based on the information processing apparatus described in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, and further includes a “second writing unit” (3006). It is characterized by having.

  <Description of Configuration of Seventh Embodiment> An information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a “second writing unit” in addition to the functions described in the first to sixth embodiments, and includes a “power-off processing unit”. It has a feature in the function.

  The “second writing unit” (3006) is a non-volatile memory in the storage unit that stores return information for restoring the work state before starting the power-off process when the power is turned on according to the power-off process of the power-off processing unit. It has a function to write to. The time when the power is turned on indicates a time when the information processing apparatus shifts from the stopped state to the working state, and a shift request is made by an external or internal trigger. An external trigger occurs when the power switch of the information processing system is pressed, and an internal trigger occurs when the information processing device is set to start at a specific time every day. To do.

  The “power OFF processing unit” (3003) has the function of the power OFF processing unit according to the first embodiment, and further performs different power OFF processing depending on whether the stop state transition request is based on an external trigger or an internal trigger. . In order to perform the power-off process, an external trigger and an internal trigger are assumed as described in the first embodiment, and the power-off processing unit performs the following process according to each case. In the case of power off processing by an external trigger, it is assumed that the user wants to power off, such as when the power off switch is pressed, so even if the information being worked on is unsaved, It is considered that the user wants to turn off the power after recognizing the state. In this case, the power is turned off without any special processing. In addition, since it is also assumed that the power OFF switch is pressed due to carelessness of the user, it is desirable to warn the user that the power OFF processing is performed. On the other hand, in the case of the power-off process by the trigger from the inside, it is assumed that the power is turned off against the user's intention, such as when the remaining battery level is low and the power is forcibly turned off. Even in the case of power-off processing by an internal trigger, if the information processing device is in a standby state and the return information is already stored in the nonvolatile memory, the return information can be retained without loss. Is possible. On the other hand, if the information processing device is in a working state or is in a standby state and the return information is not stored in the nonvolatile memory, the information before the start of the power-off process by the internal trigger is turned off as it is. Therefore, in the second writing unit, the work state before the start of the power-off process is written in the nonvolatile memory of the storage unit as the return information. The return information stored in the nonvolatile memory is read when the information processing apparatus is started again, and the work can be continued from the work state before the power-off process is started. The determination as to whether or not the return information of the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory in the present embodiment is valid may be determined using a volatile memory validity determination unit and a nonvolatile memory validity determination unit, You may judge using an effective flag.

  Other configurations in the present embodiment are the same as those described in the first to sixth embodiments, and thus are omitted.

  <Specific Example of Seventh Embodiment> The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the information processing apparatus according to the first to sixth embodiments and is represented by the same processing flow, but is characterized by the power-off process and the startup process. It is different in having. In addition, although the processing flow of the power OFF process in this embodiment is demonstrated using an effective flag, the same effect is acquired even if it uses a volatile memory validity judgment part and a non-volatile memory validity judgment part. The power-off process is a process performed when the stop state transition request (0405, 0407) described in the first embodiment is made, and the activation process is performed when the power switch described in the first embodiment is pressed. It is a process performed.

  <Power OFF Process> FIG. 31 shows a process flow of the power OFF process according to this embodiment. In the power-off process, first, it is determined whether the trigger is an external trigger or an internal trigger (3101). In the case of an external trigger, both the system power supply and the backup power supply are turned off (3109) without performing the specific process of the power supply OFF process, the power supply OFF process is terminated, and a transition is made to a stopped state. On the other hand, in the case of an internal trigger, the current state of the information processing apparatus is checked (3102), and if it is a working state, return information is created from the current state (3106). The created return information is written to the nonvolatile memory (3107), and the validity flag of the nonvolatile memory is set (3108). If the current state of the information processing apparatus is a standby state, the validity flag of the nonvolatile memory is checked (3103). When the valid flag of the nonvolatile memory is set, the return information is stored in the nonvolatile memory, and the return information is not lost even when the power is off. Therefore, the system power supply and the backup power supply are turned off (3109). ), The power-off process is terminated and the machine is stopped. When the valid flag of the nonvolatile memory is reset, the valid flag of the volatile memory is checked (3104). When the valid flag of the volatile memory is set, the return information stored in the volatile memory is written to the nonvolatile memory (3105), and the valid flag of the nonvolatile memory is set (3108). After setting the valid flag of the nonvolatile memory, the system power supply and the backup power supply are turned off (3109), the power-off process is terminated and the system is stopped. If both the nonvolatile memory valid flag and the volatile memory valid flag are reset, there is no information to be restored, so the system power supply and backup power supply are turned off as they are (3109), and the power off process is terminated. To stop.

  <Start-up process> If the return information is stored in the non-volatile memory even in the stopped state due to the power-off process, read the return information when starting the information processing device, so that the work state before starting the power-off process You can resume your work. In this case, the activation process is performed according to the process flow shown in FIG. After the system initialization is started (3203), the information processing apparatus checks the validity flag of the nonvolatile memory (3204). If the validity flag is set, the power-off process is started using the return information of the nonvolatile memory. (3205), and after that, the return information becomes unnecessary, so the validity flag of the nonvolatile memory is reset (3206), and the start-up process is terminated.

  <Effect of Embodiment 7> In addition to the effects of the information processing apparatus according to the first to sixth embodiments, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment can be used even when the power is turned off against the user's intention due to the internal trigger. The work state before the start of the power-off process can be stored in the nonvolatile memory as the return information, so that the work can be resumed from the state before the start of the power-off process. In addition, when the power is turned off at the user's intention by an external trigger, the return information is not stored, so there is no need to waste power consumption.

  << Embodiment 8 >>

  <Outline of Embodiment 8> Embodiment 8 will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, and the storage unit is disposed in an external storage device connected to the information processing apparatus via a network. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus.

  <Configuration of Eighth Embodiment> FIG. 33 illustrates an example of a functional block diagram in the present embodiment. The “information processing apparatus” (3300) of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 33 includes a “power supply” (3301), a “power-off processing unit” (3303), a “power standby processing unit” (3304), and “charging”. Section ”(3302) and“ return processing section ”(3307), and the“ storage section ”(3310) is installed outside the information processing apparatus via the network (3308). 3309). The “storage unit” (3306) may also be provided inside the information processing apparatus.

  <Description of Configuration of Eighth Embodiment> The “storage unit” has the same function as the storage units described in the first to seventh embodiments, and the “storage unit” according to the present embodiment is an information processing apparatus. A storage unit (3310) is provided outside. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus may include a storage unit (3306). The storage unit (3310) outside the information processing apparatus is arranged in an “external storage device” (3309) connected to the information processing apparatus (3300) via a network. The “network” (3308) may be anything as long as it can exchange return information. Specifically, for example, when a portable information processing terminal for a sales person in a company corresponds to an information processing device, and a server installed in an office corresponds to an external storage device, The external storage device can exchange return information via the Internet. Further, when a client server type network is constructed in the same office by a LAN, an information processing device used by each office worker and an external storage device can communicate with each other through the LAN. Note that the storage unit on the external storage device may be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, but is preferably a nonvolatile memory. Because, in this embodiment, return information is exchanged through the network, read of the return information depends on the capacity of the communication line, and the advantage of storing it in a volatile memory that enables quick processing is reduced. This is because it has a great advantage in preventing the return information from being lost.

  In addition to the functions described in the first to seventh embodiments, the “writing unit” (3305) writes the return information to an external storage device installed outside the information processing apparatus in the storage unit via the network. For example, as described above, the return information may be written by connecting to an external storage device through the Internet, or the return information may be written by connecting to the external storage device through a LAN. The return information is not only directly written, but the return information is once written in the storage unit (3306) in the information processing apparatus, and the return information written in the storage unit in the information processing apparatus is transmitted to the external storage device. May be. When storing return information through a LAN, if the LAN is relatively small, even if the return information is set to be written directly to the external storage device, it is considered that the server does not take a very large load. As the load on the external storage device increases, the larger the LAN, the more preferably the return information is once written in the storage unit inside the information processing device and then transmitted. In addition, when writing return information through the Internet, there is a possibility that a write error or line disconnection may occur during writing of the return information. From this point, the return information is not directly written, but once in the information processing apparatus. It is desirable to set the return information written in the storage unit to be transmitted to the external storage device.

  <Specific Example of Eighth Embodiment> FIG. 34 illustrates a standby processing flow in the case where return information is directly written through a network. When the information processing apparatus starts standby processing, return information is created from the current working state (3401). The created return information is written to the storage unit of the external storage device via the network (3402). Thereafter, each device on the system shifts to the standby mode (3403), and the system power is turned off (3404).

  FIG. 35 exemplifies a standby process flow in the case of transmitting return information once written to the storage unit in the information processing apparatus through the network. In the standby process of FIG. 35, when the information processing apparatus starts the standby process, return information is created from the current working state (3501). Next, the created return information is once written in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus (3502), and then the return information is transmitted to the external storage device through the network (3503). Thereafter, each device on the system shifts to the standby mode (3504), and the system power is turned off (3505).

  <Effect of Eighth Embodiment> In addition to the effects of the information processing apparatus according to the first to seventh embodiments, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment stores the return information in an external external storage device so that the return information is more It has the advantage that the risk of being lost can be reduced. Further, it is possible to perform a return process between information processing apparatuses located at remote locations.

Conceptual diagram of information processing device Functional block diagram of Embodiment 1 State transition diagram of information processing device Main processing flowchart of Embodiment 1 Start processing flow diagram of Embodiment 1 Standby processing flowchart of Embodiment 1 Return processing flowchart of Embodiment 1 Power OFF processing flow diagram of Embodiment 1 Functional block diagram of Embodiment 2 FIG. 1 is a standby process flow according to the second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a standby processing flowchart according to the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a standby processing flowchart according to the second embodiment. Functional block diagram of Embodiment 3 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of standby processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 2 is a standby processing flowchart according to the third embodiment. Functional block diagram of Embodiment 4 State transition diagram of embodiment 4 Main processing flowchart of Embodiment 4 Copy processing 1 flowchart of Embodiment 4 Copy processing 2 flowchart of Embodiment 4 Copy processing flowchart of Embodiment 4 Return processing flowchart of Embodiment 4 Functional block diagram of Embodiment 5 Diagram showing flag storage area on volatile memory A diagram showing the flag storage area on the non-volatile memory Standby processing flowchart of Embodiment 5 Copy processing flow diagram of embodiment 5 Return processing flowchart of Embodiment 5 Functional block diagram of Embodiment 6 Standby processing flowchart of Embodiment 6 Copy processing flow diagram of Embodiment 6 Return processing flowchart of Embodiment 6 Functional block diagram of Embodiment 7 Embodiment 7 power-off processing flowchart Startup process flow diagram of Embodiment 7 Functional block diagram of Embodiment 8 Standby processing flow diagram of embodiment 8 Standby processing flow diagram of embodiment 8 The figure explaining the flow of processing of a return information storage method The figure explaining the flow of a process of the return information storage method in the process means during charge The figure explaining the flow of a process of the return information storage method in the process means during non-charging The figure explaining the processing flow of the return information storage method in a 1st copy means The figure explaining the processing flow of the return information storage method in a 2nd copy means

Explanation of symbols

1100a Information processing apparatus 1101a Power supply 1102a Charging unit 1103a Power-off processing unit 1104a Power standby processing unit 1105a Writing unit 1106a Processing unit during charging 1107b Processing unit during non-charging 1108a Storage unit 1109a Volatile memory 1110a Non-volatile memory 1111a Restoring processing unit 1112a Judgment part during charging

Claims (17)

A power-off processing unit that executes a power-off process when the power is off;
A power standby processing unit that executes standby processing when power is set as standby processing;
An information processing apparatus having
A storage unit;
A live part,
In accordance with the type of power standby processing of the power standby processing unit, a writing unit for writing return information to the storage unit for restoring the work state before starting standby processing at the end of standby;
A return processing unit that performs return processing using the return information stored in the storage unit;
An information processing apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the writing unit includes first memory writing means for writing return information to a volatile memory in the storage unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the writing unit includes a second memory writing unit that writes the return information to the nonvolatile memory in the storage unit. A charging determination unit that determines whether the charging unit is charging;
The writing part
When the standby process is performed, if the determination result in the charging determination unit is a determination result that charging is in progress,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit during charging that performs processing for storing the return information in both the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory in the storage unit. The writing part
When the standby process is performed, if the determination result in the charging determination unit is a determination result that is not charging,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a non-charging processing unit that performs processing for storing the return information only in the volatile memory of the storage unit. A volatile memory validity determination unit for determining whether the return information of the volatile memory in the storage unit is invalid;
A non-volatile memory validity determination unit for determining whether the return information of the non-volatile memory is invalid in the storage unit;
Have
The determination result in the volatile memory validity determination unit is a determination result that is invalid, the determination result in the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit is a determination result that is valid, and the determination result in the charging determination unit is If it is determined that charging is in progress,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the writing unit includes a first copying unit that performs processing for storing return information from the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory. The judgment result in the volatile memory validity judgment unit is a judgment result that is valid,
The determination result in the nonvolatile memory validity determination unit is a determination result that is invalid,
If the judgment result in the charging judgment unit is the judgment result that charging is in progress,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the writing unit includes a second copying unit that performs processing for storing return information from the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory. The storage unit
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a valid flag indicating whether the return information is valid is provided in a valid flag storage area. The storage unit
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an update flag indicating whether the return information has been updated by the writing unit is provided in the update flag storage area. The storage unit
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an error check function for checking whether the return information is valid.   In accordance with the power-off process of the power-off processing unit, a second writing unit is provided for writing the return information for restoring the work state before starting the power-off process when the power is turned on to the nonvolatile memory in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is disposed in an external storage device connected to the information processing apparatus via a network. A method for storing return information in standby processing when the power supply of the information processing device is set to a standby state,
A power standby process step for performing a standby process when the power is set to a standby state;
In accordance with the type of power standby processing in the power standby processing step, a return information writing step for writing, in a storage medium, return information for restoring the work state before the start of standby processing at the end of standby;
Method of storing return information of information processing apparatus having A method for storing return information in standby processing when the power supply of the information processing device is set to a standby state,
A power standby process step for performing a standby process when the power is set to a standby state;
A charging determination step for determining whether the charging part is charging;
When the standby process is performed, if the determination result in the charging determination step is a determination result indicating that charging is in progress, return information is stored between the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory in the storage medium. A processing step during charging for performing processing for storing both;
Method of storing return information of information processing apparatus having A method for storing return information in standby processing when the power supply of the information processing device is set to a standby state,
A power standby process step for performing a standby process when the power is set to a standby state;
A charging determination step for determining whether the charging part is charging;
When the standby process is performed, if the determination result in the charging determination step is a determination result that the battery is not being charged, the return information is stored only in the volatile memory of the storage medium. A non-charging processing step for processing;
Method of storing return information of information processing apparatus having A method for storing return information during a standby state of an information processing device,
A charging determination step for determining whether the charging part is charging;
A volatile memory validity determination step for determining whether the return information of the volatile memory of the storage medium is invalid;
A non-volatile memory validity determining step for determining whether the return information of the non-volatile memory of the storage medium is invalid;
The determination result in the volatile memory validity determination step is a determination result that is invalid, the determination result in the nonvolatile memory validity determination step is a determination result that is valid, and the determination result in the determination step during charging Is a determination result that charging is in progress, a first copying step for performing processing for storing return information from the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory;
Method of storing return information of information processing apparatus having A method for storing return information during a standby state of an information processing device,
A charging determination step for determining whether the charging part is charging;
A volatile memory validity determination step for determining whether the return information of the volatile memory of the storage medium is invalid;
A non-volatile memory validity determining step for determining whether the return information of the non-volatile memory of the storage medium is invalid;
The determination result in the volatile memory validity determination step is a determination result that is valid, the determination result in the nonvolatile memory validity determination step is a determination result that is invalid, and the determination result in the charging determination step is A second copying step for performing a process for storing the return information from the volatile memory to the non-volatile memory if the determination result is that charging is in progress;
Method of storing return information of information processing apparatus having

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