JP2009217711A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor, capable of shortening system startup time without deteriorating the responsiveness to a user. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor comprises a startup information registration table 2 showing a delay execution flag showing, for each of a plurality of function modules 1-1 to 1-n, whether to delay the start thereof or not. When the processor is started, a system starting means 3 starts function modules with delay execution flags except delay in reference to the startup information registration table 2, and starts function modules with delay execution flags of delay after completion of the startup of the function modules with delay execution flags except delay. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus in which a plurality of functional modules perform corresponding processing, and particularly relates to activation control of each functional module.

  A conventional system (information processing apparatus) startup method includes providing a startup list that lists which programs are to be started when the system is started, and selecting a startup target program with reference to a startup check column therein. The system startup time was shortened. In addition, a periodic operation check is performed while the system is operating, and when the specific conditions (execution time and number of executions) regarding the start frequency of each program are met, the start check column is updated to start the next time the system starts The program to be executed has been determined (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-323549 A

  In the conventional system activation method, a program that was not activated at the time of system activation is not activated until a subsequent activation request is issued. For this reason, among information processing devices, in embedded devices based on user operations (for example, consumer products such as information home appliances, in-vehicle devices, and mobile terminals), there is a request to start a function or service that is used for the first time during system operation. If there is, the program start processing is performed at that time. Accordingly, there arises a new problem that the responsiveness and user operability are impaired and the value of the product is affected.

  On the other hand, in recent years, not only embedded devices (dedicated devices) that provide a single function, but also embedded devices (composite devices) that have multiple functions have started to appear on the market. Specifically, a digital TV, a car navigation system, a mobile phone, and the like that provide functions such as viewing of broadcast programs, viewing of video images and music, shopping via Internet connection, and mail transmission / reception are examples. Conventionally, a dedicated device such as a TV program for viewing broadcast programs and an AV player for viewing video images and music is integrated into a single device, depending on the user's usage scene. It is becoming possible to switch.

  In this type of equipment, it is most appropriate to activate the function that was operating at the time of the previous system shutdown at the next system startup. However, the conventional system startup method selects programs to be started at the next system startup from the viewpoint of frequently used functions and functions that are not, based on cumulative conditions such as the startup frequency of each program during system operation. . If the device is occupied by a single user, such as a personal computer, the above selection criteria may be advantageous. However, it is not always appropriate for a composite device shared by multiple users, such as a digital TV or a car navigation system. There was a problem that it was not.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an information processing apparatus that can shorten the system startup time and does not reduce the responsiveness to the user. And

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a startup information registration table indicating a delay execution flag for each of a plurality of functional modules indicating whether to delay the startup of a plurality of functional modules, and startup information when the apparatus is started. System activation means for referring to the registration table, first activating a functional module whose delay execution flag is other than delay, and activating the functional module whose delay execution flag is delayed after the activation of the functional module other than delay is completed It is a thing.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, when starting the apparatus, the function module whose delay execution flag is other than the delay is first activated, and then the function module whose delay execution flag is the delay is activated. The system startup time can be shortened without reducing the response to the system.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
In the figure, the information processing apparatus includes a plurality of functional modules 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n, a startup information registration table 2, and a system startup unit 3. The plurality of functional modules 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n are program components each serving as one unit for performing predetermined processing.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the functional module and the user program.
In the figure, a user program is a program such as an application or middleware installed in an information processing apparatus, and is composed of one or more functional modules. In addition, the functional module usually includes one or more tasks (excluding the functional module c3 (library) in the figure). The user programs A and B shown in (a) and (b) in the figure are composed of one functional module a or a functional module b, and the user program C shown in (c) includes a plurality of functional modules c1. , C2, c3. The present invention assumes a one-user program = multitask configuration (one or more tasks exist) in any form. Further, as shown by the functional module b and the functional module c2, there is a one-function module = multitask configuration. As such a user program, for example, the user program C shown in (c) includes a program such as a digital TV application. In such a case, the functional module c1 = broadcast viewing, the functional module c2 = internet browsing, the functional module c3 = It is configured to watch video (Video On Demand). When the Internet browsing function is realized as the function module c2, tasks such as a communication task, a browser task, and a TV drawing task exist as tasks.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the activation information registration table 2 displays a delay execution flag indicating whether or not activation of a plurality of functional modules 1-1, 1-2,. This table is shown for each of −2,..., 1-n, and details thereof will be described later. Further, when starting the apparatus, the system activation means 3 refers to the activation information registration table 2, first activates a functional module whose delay execution flag is other than delay, and finishes activation of the functional module other than delay. Later, the delayed execution flag is configured to activate the delayed functional module.

FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In the figure, a system initialization processing task 10 is a task for performing system initialization processing when the system (information processing apparatus) is started, and a system initialization delay execution task 11 is a task for performing delayed execution processing upon receiving an initial startup completion notification. This is a task corresponding to the system activation means 3 in FIG. The initialization function registration table 20 is a table in which a list of initialization functions of each functional module installed in the system is registered, and corresponds to the activation information registration table 2 in FIG. Here, the initialization function pointer 21 is a component of one entry in the initialization function registration table 20, and is a pointer that holds address information to the initialization function of the functional module installed in the system. Similarly, the delayed execution flag 22 is a component of one entry in the initialization function registration table 20, and whether the initialization function indicated by the initialization function pointer 21 is executed at the time of system startup (value = zero) or later. This is information for selecting whether to execute (delayed execution) or (value = non-zero). The initialization function 30 is an initialization function of each functional module installed in the system, and the task 31 is a task activated from the initialization function 30.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of system startup based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 4, first, when the information processing apparatus is powered on in step ST100, an operating system (hereinafter simply referred to as OS) is initialized in step ST101. Thereafter, the system initialization delay execution task 11 is activated in step ST102, and the system initialization delay execution task 11 waits for an initial activation completion notification (sleep state) in step ST103.
On the other hand, after the process of step ST102, the system initialization process task 10 is subsequently started in step ST104. The subsequent processing is processing of the system initialization processing task 10, and first, in step ST105, each entry in the initialization function registration table 20 is searched in order from the top. In step ST106, the delayed execution flag 22 of the first entry in the initialization function registration table 20 is referred to. If the value is zero, the process proceeds to step ST107. If the value of the delayed execution flag 22 is zero, it is determined that the delayed execution flag 22 is not subject to delayed execution. In step ST107, the initialization function pointer 21 in the same entry as the delayed execution flag 22 is referred to and the initialization function 30 is called. In step ST108, the called initialization function 30 is executed, and the task 31 is activated as necessary. If the value of the delayed execution flag 22 is non-zero in step ST106, the process of step ST107 is skipped, and therefore the initialization function 30 for the entry is not called. The above is the process for one entry of the initialization function registration table 20, and the process returns to step ST105 and is repeated until the terminal entry of the initialization function registration table 20 is reached. Finally, the system initialization processing task 10 issues an initial activation completion notification in step ST109 and ends, or shifts to an operation mode in a system steady state.

  Next, the system initialization delay execution task 11 that has been in a sleep state in step ST103 wakes up upon receiving the initial activation completion notification issued in step ST109. The subsequent processing is processing of the system initialization delay execution task 11. First, in step ST110, each entry in the initialization function registration table 20 is searched in order from the top. In step ST111, the delayed execution flag 22 of the first entry in the initialization function registration table 20 is referred to. If the value is non-zero, the process proceeds to step ST112. The condition determination in step ST111 is obtained by inverting the above-described step ST106. If the value of the delay execution flag 22 is non-zero, it is determined that the object is to be delayed. In step ST112, the initialization function pointer 21 in the same entry as the delayed execution flag 22 is referred to and the initialization function 30 is called. In step ST113, the called initialization function 30 is executed, and the task 31 is activated as necessary. If the value of the delayed execution flag 22 is zero in step ST111, the process of step ST112 is skipped, and therefore the initialization function 30 for the entry is not called. The above is the process for one entry of the initialization function registration table 20. The process returns to step ST110, and the process is repeated until the end entry of the initialization function registration table 20 is reached.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the startup processing is performed in the order of (1) execution of the system initialization processing task 10 → (2) notification of completion of initial startup → (3) delayed execution by the system initialization delay execution task 11. Is called.

In the first embodiment, the system initialization processing task 10 issues the initial activation completion notification in step ST109. However, each of the initialization functions 30 called in step ST107 issues an initial activation completion notification. Thus, the system initialization delay execution task 11 may wait for a specific initial activation completion notification or a logical product (AND) of several initial activation completion notifications.
In the first embodiment, the system initialization delayed execution task 11 is provided separately from the system initialization processing task 10. However, the system initialization processing task 10 itself is triggered by the initial activation completion notification as a delayed execution processing. May be performed.
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the initialization function 30 and the task 31 are assumed to be user programs (groups of function modules developed by the user) such as applications and middleware (libraries) installed in the information processing apparatus. For example, the system initialization processing task 10 and the system initialization delay execution task 11 are realized as system tasks in the OS, and then an OS function module and a device driver that is control software for various hardware devices You may apply to.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment, in the information processing apparatus having a plurality of function modules, the delay execution flag indicating whether or not to delay the activation of the plurality of function modules is set to the plurality of function modules. Refer to the startup information registration table and the startup information registration table for each startup, refer to the startup information registration table, first start the functional module whose delay execution flag is other than delay, and start the functional module other than delay Later, since the delay execution flag includes system activation means for activating the delayed function module, the system activation time can be shortened, so that the function or service that the user wants to provide to the user first after the system activation can be started earlier. . Furthermore, even when a request to start a function or service to be used for the first time during system operation is generated, the installed function module has already been started due to delayed execution, so the responsiveness to the user is not reduced. It is possible to transition to the next function or service at high speed.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment, the function module is a module constituting the operating system, and the system booting means is realized as a task of the operating system, so the boot time of the operating system can be shortened, Furthermore, the system startup time can be shortened.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, each delayed execution flag 22 in the initialization function registration table 20 is statically set in advance. Next, as the second embodiment, the function that was operating at the time of system termination. An example will be described in which the delay execution flag 22 is updated so that the initialization function 30 of the module group is initially executed at the next system startup and the initialization functions 30 of other functional module groups are delayed.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment includes function modules 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n, an activation information registration table 2, a system activation unit 3, a current function mode setting unit 4, and a system termination unit 5. ing. Here, the configuration of the function modules 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n to the system activation unit 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The current function mode setting means 4 determines which function module 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n among the plurality of function modules 1-1, 1-2,. This is a functional unit for setting the current function mode flag 40 shown. Further, the system ending unit 5 has a function of updating the value of the delayed execution flag in the activation information registration table 2 based on the value of the current function mode flag 40 at the time when the device is ended. That is, the delay execution flag of the function module corresponding to the current function mode flag 40 is updated to a state other than the delay, and the delay execution flags of other function modules are updated to the delay state.

FIG. 6 is a software configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 6, a system termination processing task 12 is a task that operates when a system termination request is made and performs termination processing of a functional module group installed in the information processing apparatus. It corresponds. That is, the system termination processing task 12 updates the value of the delay execution flag 22 in the initialization function registration table 20 based on the value of the current function mode flag 40 indicating the current function mode during system operation. Here, the function mode refers to a function type (function set) corresponding to a user use scene such as viewing of a broadcast program, viewing of video images and music, Internet connection (shopping and mail transmission / reception), and the like. Other components such as the system initialization processing task 10 and the system initialization delay execution task 11 are the same as those in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the end of the system based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 7, first, whenever there is a function mode switching request based on a user operation while the system is operating in step ST200, the current function mode setting means 4 sets the current function mode flag 40 to a value indicating a new function mode in step ST201. Update ((1) function mode switching (update) in FIG. 6). Next, when there is a system termination request based on a user operation in step ST202, the system termination unit 5 wakes up the system termination processing task 12 in step ST203. The subsequent processing is processing of the system termination processing task 12. First, in step ST204, each entry in the initialization function registration table 20 is searched in order from the top. In step ST205, referring to the current function mode flag 40, whether the entry corresponds to the function modules 1-1, 1-2,. judge.

  As an example of the determination method, the function module in operation is selected based on the accounting information (operation time information) of the task 31 activated from the initialization function 30 of each function module. If the entry is an active function module, zero (non-delayed state) is set in the delayed execution flag 22 of the first entry in the initialization function registration table 20 in step ST206. If the entry is not an active function module, the delay execution flag 22 of the first entry in the initialization function registration table 20 is set to non-zero (delay state) in step ST207. Thereafter, in step ST208, the end processing function of the functional module is called. The above is the process for one entry of the initialization function registration table 20, and the process returns to step ST204 and is repeated until the end entry of the initialization function registration table 20 is reached ((2) update in FIG. 6). Finally, the process of the system termination process task 12 is terminated, and the process proceeds to a system (OS) termination process in step ST209.

  Then, when the information processing apparatus is turned on next time, a delay execution process is performed according to the process flow at the time of system startup described with reference to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, (3) next system activation → (4) execution of system initialization processing task 10 → (5) notification of completion of initial activation → (6) delayed execution by system initialization delay execution task 11 The startup process is performed in the order of.

  In the second embodiment, the initialization function 30 and the task 31 are assumed to be a user program (functional module group developed by the user) such as an application or middleware (library) installed in the information processing apparatus. For example, after realizing the system initialization processing task 10, the system initialization delay execution task 11, and the system termination processing task 12 as system tasks in the OS, the OS function module and various hardware devices You may apply to the device driver etc. which are control software.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the second embodiment, the current function mode setting means for setting the current function mode flag indicating which function module among the plurality of function modules is currently being executed, When ending, since the delay execution flag of the activation information registration table, based on the current function mode flag, provided with a system ending means for updating the delay execution flag corresponding to the function module that was being executed other than the delay, At the next system startup, functions and services corresponding to the function mode immediately before the previous system termination can be started earlier.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the second embodiment, the function module is a module constituting the operating system, and the system starting unit and the system ending unit are realized as the operating system task. The system startup time can be further shortened.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the second embodiment, the system termination processing task 12 updates the delay execution flag 22 to reflect the operation status of the functional module immediately before the system termination, and the function module that was operating at the previous system termination at the next system startup is the first. The remaining functional modules are activated and delayed execution is performed. Next, as the third embodiment, the configuration of the delayed execution flag 22 in the initialization function registration table 20 is provided by the information processing apparatus. An example in which the function mode immediately before the end of the previous system is stored and delayed execution is performed while referring to the column of the delay execution flag 22 corresponding to the function mode will be described. Here, the function mode refers to a function type (function set) corresponding to a user use scene such as viewing of a broadcast program, viewing of video images and music, Internet connection, and the like.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
In the figure, the information processing apparatus includes function modules 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n, a start information registration table 2a, a system start means 3a, a current function mode setting means 4, and a system end means 5a. . Here, the functional modules 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n are program components similar to those in the first and second embodiments. The activation information registration table 2a is a table including delayed execution flags corresponding to a plurality of function modes, as shown in FIG. The system activation unit 3a is configured to function modules 1-1, 1-2,... Based on the function mode delay execution flag in the activation information registration table 2 corresponding to the value of the function mode storage flag 41 set by the system termination unit 5a. , 1-n. The system termination means 5a has a function of saving the value of the current function mode flag 40 set by the current function mode setting means 4 as the function mode saving flag 41 when the apparatus is terminated. The configuration of the current function mode setting unit 4 is the same as that of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a software configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
As illustrated, the delay execution flag 22 of the initialization function registration table 20 is configured to store a delay execution flag for each function mode such as mode A (22A), mode B (22B), and mode C (22C). Yes. These mode A (22A) to C (22C) execute the initialization function 30 indicated by the initialization function pointer 21 at the time of system startup according to the function mode immediately before the end of the previous system (value = zero), or execute later This is a column corresponding to a function mode to be referred to in order to select whether to perform (delay activation) (value = non-zero). The function mode storage flag 41 is a flag for holding the function mode immediately before the previous system termination in the nonvolatile medium by the system termination processing task 12. Other components are the same as those in FIG. 6 of the second embodiment.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the end of the system based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 10, steps ST200 to ST203 are the same as those in FIG. 7 of the second embodiment. The subsequent processing is processing of the system end processing task 12. First, in step ST208, the end processing function of the functional module is called. Thereafter, in step ST210, the value of the current function mode flag 40 is set to the function mode storage flag 41 ((1) storage process in FIG. 9). The processing of the system end processing task 12 is as described above, and the process proceeds to system (OS) end processing in step ST209.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of system startup based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 11, a description will be given focusing on differences from FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. First, with respect to the processing of the system initialization processing task 10, the function mode storage flag 41 is referred to in step ST114 to acquire the value of the function mode immediately before the end of the previous system. For example, it is assumed that the value of the function mode storage flag 41 is “modeB”. Next, in the repetition processing from step ST105 to step ST108, the column “modeB” 22B of the delayed execution flag 22 in the initialization function registration table 20 is referred to, and the initialization function 30 is entered for zero (non-delayed state) entries. Is called. On the other hand, for the processing of the system initialization delay execution task 11, after the waiting for the initial activation completion notification in step ST103 is canceled, the function mode storage flag 41 is referred to in step ST115, and the value of the function mode immediately before the previous system termination is obtained. get. Next, in the repeated processing from step ST110 to step ST113, the column “modeB” 22B of the delayed execution flag 22 in the initialization function registration table 20 is referred to, and the initialization function 30 is set for a non-zero (delayed state) entry. Is called (delayed execution).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the system is started up as follows: (2) Next system startup → (3) Reference of function mode storage flag 41 by system initialization processing task 10 → (4) System initialization processing task 10 Execution → (5) Notification of completion of initial activation → (6) Reference of function mode storage flag 41 by system initialization delay execution task 11 → (7) Delayed execution by system initialization delay execution task 11

  In the third embodiment, the initialization function 30 and the task 31 are assumed to be user programs (functional module groups developed by the user) such as applications and middleware (libraries) installed in the information processing apparatus. For example, after realizing the system initialization processing task 10, the system initialization delay execution task 11, and the system termination processing task 12 as system tasks in the OS, the OS function module and various hardware devices You may apply to the device driver etc. which are control software.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the third embodiment, the activation information registration table has the delay execution flag of each functional module for each functional mode, and which functional module is currently out of a plurality of functional modules. A current function mode setting means for setting a current function mode flag indicating whether it is being executed; and a system ending means for saving the value of the current function mode flag as a function mode storage flag when the apparatus is to be terminated. Since the function module is activated based on the delayed execution flag of the function mode corresponding to the value of the function mode save flag in the activation information registration table, only the function module group corresponding to the function mode immediately before the last system termination You can start up more quickly without excess or deficiency.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the third embodiment, the system termination processing task 12 stores the function mode immediately before the system termination in the function mode storage flag 41, and the system initialization processing task 10 and the system initialization delay execution task 11 are in the function mode at the next system startup. With reference to the column of the delayed execution flag 22 in the separately defined initialization function registration table 20, the initialization function 30 to be initially executed and the initialization function 30 to be delayed are selected. In the fourth embodiment, the value of the delay execution flag 22 in the initialization function registration table 20 is not divided into zero and non-zero, but the delay execution flag 22 of the functional module that was not operating immediately before the system termination is added. The system initialization delayed execution task 11 is delayed in stages according to the value range of the delayed execution flag 22. Explaining the example in which the line.

  The functional blocks on the drawing in the information processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment are the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 5 of the second embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12 described later, the activation information registration table 2 according to the fourth embodiment is configured so that a plurality of stages of delayed execution flags corresponding to the order of delay can be set. Further, when the system is terminated, the system termination means 5 changes the value of the delayed execution flag corresponding to the functional module that was not being executed to the side with the larger delay based on the value of the current function mode flag 40. That is, the value is incremented by one. Further, the system activation means 3 is configured to perform the delayed activation of the functional modules 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n in the order from the smallest delay value of the delayed execution flag in the activation information registration table 2. Other configurations are the same as those of the information processing apparatus of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a software configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 12, the basic configuration of each component is the same as in FIG. 6 of the second embodiment. However, in the delay execution flag 22 of the initialization function registration table 20 in the figure, a numerical value other than zero and non-zero can be set, and the system termination processing task 12 and the system initialization delay execution task 11 Processing contents are different.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the end of the system based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 13, description will be given focusing on the differences from FIG. 7 of the second embodiment. First, regarding the processing of the system termination processing task 12, in step ST204, the entries in the initialization function registration table 20 are searched in order from the top. In step ST205, the current function mode flag 40 is referred to, and it is determined whether the entry corresponds to the function module that has been operated after the current function mode flag 40 was last updated. As an example of the determination method, the function module in operation is selected based on the accounting information (operation time information) of the task 31 activated from the initialization function 30 of each function module. If the entry is a function module in operation, zero in the non-delayed state is set in the delayed execution flag 22 of the first entry in the initialization function registration table 20 in step ST206. If the entry is not an active functional module, a value obtained by adding 1 to the current value is set in the delayed execution flag 22 of the first entry in the initialization function registration table 20 in step ST211. That is, the delay state is increased by one step. Thereafter, in step ST208, the end processing function of the functional module is called. The above is the process for one entry of the initialization function registration table 20, and the process returns to step ST204 and is repeated until the terminal entry of the initialization function registration table 20 is reached ((1) Function mode switching in FIG. 12). (2) Corresponds to update of delayed execution flag). Finally, the process proceeds to a system (OS) termination process in step ST209.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of system startup based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG. This is a processing flow when the system is started next time after executing the processing flow at the time of system termination shown in FIG.
In FIG. 14, a description will be given focusing on differences from FIG. 11 of the third embodiment. Regarding the processing of the system initialization delayed execution task 11, after the waiting for the initial activation completion notification in step ST103 is released, the delayed execution flag 22 is referred to for each entry in the initialization function registration table 20 in step ST116, If the value is 1, the initialization function 30 is called (first delayed execution) via the initialization function pointer 21 of the entry. If the value is not 1, the entry is skipped and the process is repeated until the end entry of the initialization function registration table 20 is reached. Thereafter, in step ST117, a timeout setting using the OS function is performed, and the device itself waits for a certain period of time.

  When the specified time has elapsed, a time-out notification is received in step ST118, and the process returns from the waiting state. In step ST119, the delayed execution flag 22 is referred to for each entry of the initialization function registration table 20, and if the value is larger than 1 and smaller than 3, the initial value is initialized via the initialization function pointer 21 of the entry. The function 30 is called (second delayed execution). If the same value does not satisfy the above condition, the entry is skipped and the process is repeated until the end entry of the initialization function registration table 20 is reached. Finally, in steps ST120 and ST121, the same processing as in steps ST117 and ST118 is executed, and then in step ST122, the delayed execution flag 22 is referred to for each entry in the initialization function registration table 20, If the value is 3 or more, the initialization function 30 is called (third delayed execution) via the initialization function pointer 21 of the entry.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 12, (3) next system startup → (4) execution of system initialization processing task 10 → (5) notification of completion of initial startup → (6) system initialization delay execution as shown in FIG. Delayed execution by task 11 → (7) Timer wakeup / event wakeup → (8) Second delay execution → (9) Third delay execution

In the fourth embodiment, an example of three-stage delay execution is shown using 1 and 3 as boundary values of the delay execution flag 22 for performing delay execution in stages. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the boundary value of the delayed execution flag 22 and the number of divisions of delayed execution may be defined according to the information processing apparatus to be applied. Also, regarding the timeout time of the system initialization delay execution task 11 when performing delayed execution in stages, an individual timeout time may be set for each stage or may be dynamically changed.
In the fourth embodiment, an example of waiting for a time-based timeout is shown as a waiting method for the system initialization delayed execution task 11 when performing delayed execution in stages. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The waiting may be canceled in response to some event notification other than the time.

  Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the initialization function 30 and the task 31 are assumed to be user programs (functional module groups developed by the user) such as applications and middleware (libraries) installed in the information processing apparatus. For example, the system initialization processing task 10, the system initialization delay execution task 11, and the system termination processing task 12 are realized as system tasks in the OS, and then the OS function module and various hardware devices are installed. You may apply to the device driver etc. which are control software.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment, the delayed execution flag of the activation information registration table is configured so that a plurality of values can be set, and which functional module is among the plurality of functional modules. Current function mode setting means for setting a current function mode flag indicating whether it is currently being executed, and a delay execution flag corresponding to a function module that was not being executed based on the value of the current function mode flag when the device is to be terminated System termination means for changing the value of the function to the side with the larger delay, and the system activation means performs the delayed activation of the functional modules in order of increasing delay value of the delayed execution flag in the activation information registration table Less frequently used functions and services will be executed later, and the load of initialization processing at the time of system startup will be flattened. It can be. Thereby, it is possible to improve the responsiveness to the next user operation for the function or service provided to the user first after the system is started.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
In the third embodiment, the configuration of the delayed execution flag 22 in the initialization function registration table 20 is provided for each function mode provided by the information processing apparatus. Next, as the fifth embodiment, an initialization function registration table is provided. 20 is divided into the function modes provided by the information processing apparatus, and a plurality of functions are provided. The function mode immediately before the end of the previous system is stored, and an initialization function registration table 20 corresponding to the function mode is stored. An example of performing delayed execution will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the function mode refers to a function type (function set) corresponding to a user use scene such as viewing of a broadcast program, viewing of video images and music, Internet connection, and the like.

  The configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment on the drawing is the same as the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8 according to the third embodiment, and thus will be described with reference to FIG. The startup information registration table 2a of the fifth embodiment is configured as a plurality of initialization function registration tables 20A, 20B, and 20C each corresponding to a function mode, as shown in FIG. Further, the system activation means 3a determines the function modules 1-1, 1-2,... Based on the contents of the initialization function registration tables 20A, 20B, 20C of the corresponding function modes based on the value of the function mode storage flag 41. , 1-n. Other configurations are the same as those of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a software configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.
In FIG. 15, initialization function registration tables 20A, 20B, and 20C are initialization function registration tables for each function mode, and the initialization function registration tables 20A, 20B, and 20C are functions necessary for each function mode. It consists only of the initialization function pointer 21 of the module group. Here, the initialization function registration table 20A is mode A, the initialization function registration table 20B is mode B, and the initialization function registration table 20C is a table corresponding to mode C. The basic configuration of other components is the same as that of the third embodiment, but the processing contents of the system initialization processing task 10 and the system initialization delay execution task 11 are different. This specific operation will be described below.

Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described.
First, the processing flow at the end of the system based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG. 15 is the same as that described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of system startup based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 16, a description will be given focusing on differences from FIG. 11 of the third embodiment. First, with respect to the processing of the system initialization processing task 10, the function mode storage flag 41 is referred to in step ST123 to acquire the value of the function mode immediately before the end of the previous system. For example, the value of the function mode storage flag 41 is “modeB ", The corresponding initialization function registration table 20B is specified. Next, in step ST124, the end entry in the initialization function registration table 20B is searched in order, and in step ST107 and step ST108, the initialization function pointer 21 is referred to and the initialization function 30 is executed. On the other hand, for the processing of the system initialization delay execution task 11, after the waiting for the initial activation completion notification in step ST103 is cancelled, the function mode storage flag 41 is referred to in step ST125, and the value of the function mode immediately before the previous system termination is obtained. The initialization function registration tables 20A and 20C corresponding to the function modes other than the mode value are acquired. Next, in step ST126, first, the end entry in the initialization function registration table 20A is searched in order, the initialization function pointer 21 is referred to in steps ST112 and ST113, and the initialization function 30 is executed. Subsequently, similar processing is performed on the initialization function registration table 20C.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the system is started after the function termination flag 41 is saved (1) in the system termination processing task 12, and then (2) next system activation → (3) system initialization. Reference of function mode storage flag 41 by processing task 10 → (4) Execution of system initialization processing task 10 → (5) Notification of completion of initial startup → (6) Reference of function mode storage flag 41 by system initialization delay execution task 11 → (7) Performed in order of delayed execution by the system initialization delayed execution task 11.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the fifth embodiment, a plurality of activation information registration tables are provided corresponding to a plurality of function modes, and which function module is currently being executed among the plurality of function modules. Current function mode setting means for setting the current function mode flag indicating the system function, and when the apparatus is to be terminated, a system termination means for saving the value of the current function mode flag as a function mode save flag is provided. Since the function modules are activated based on the contents of the activation information registration table of the corresponding function mode based on the value of the mode save flag, only the function module group corresponding to the function mode immediately before the end of the previous system is overwritten. It is possible to start up faster without any shortage, and even if the function mode is changed or increased or decreased, Maintenance As such localized capable of such is not required change changing portion Le structure is easy, and hence it is possible to prevent quality deterioration of the information processing apparatus.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
In the above first to fifth embodiments, activation management is performed for each functional module. Next, as an embodiment 6, an example in which activation management is performed for each task will be described.
Since the functional blocks on the drawing in the information processing apparatus of the sixth embodiment are the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, they will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 17 described later, the activation information registration table 2 according to the sixth embodiment has a delay indicating whether or not tasks of a plurality of functional modules 1-1, 1-2,. The start flag is shown for each task. Further, the system activation means 3 refers to the activation information registration table 2 when the apparatus is activated, first activates a task whose delay activation flag is not a delay, and after the activation of a task other than the delay is completed, the system activation means 3 The activation flag is configured to activate a task indicating a delay.

FIG. 17 is a software configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.
In FIG. 17, a system initialization processing task 10 is a task for performing system initialization processing at the time of system startup, like the system initialization processing task 10 of each embodiment. The system initialization delayed execution task 13 is a task that performs delayed startup processing of a startup task. The task activation API function 14 is an OS API function that performs normal (initial) task activation processing, and a task delayed activation API (Application Programming Interface) function 15 is an OS API function that performs task delay activation processing, and an initialization function. Reference numeral 30 denotes an initialization function of each functional module installed in the system, and a task 31 is a task to be activated. The system initialization processing task 10 to the task delay activation API function 15 and the initialization function 30 described above correspond to the system activation means 3.

  The task registration table 50 has a configuration corresponding to the activation information registration table 2, and holds the values of the following entries. That is, the task name 51 is an entry that describes the name of the activated task, and the delayed activation flag 52 is activated at the time of system activation (value = zero) or later (delayed activation). Or (value = non-zero). The priority 53 indicates the execution priority of the activated task. The pointer 54 is a pointer that points to the entry function of the activated task.

Next, the operation of the sixth embodiment will be described.
18 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of system startup based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 18, first, when the information processing apparatus is powered on in step ST100, the OS is initialized in step ST101. Thereafter, the system initialization delay activation task 13 is activated in step ST102, and the system initialization delay activation task 13 waits for an initial activation completion notification (sleep state) in step ST103.
On the other hand, after the process of step ST102, the system initialization process task 10 is subsequently started in step ST104. The following is the process of the system initialization process task 10. First, in step ST127, the initialization function 30 is called in order. The initialization function 30 is executed in step ST108, and if there is a task to be activated for the functional module in step ST128, the task activation API function 14 is called. In the task activation API function 14 from step ST129, the task registration table 50 is referred to. If the delayed activation flag 52 of the entry with the matching task name 51 in the table is zero, the priority in the entry is determined in step ST130. The task is activated via the pointer 54 with 53. If the delayed activation flag 52 is non-zero, task activation is skipped. The above is the process for one initialization function 30. The process returns to step ST127 and is repeated until the last initialization function 30 is reached. Finally, the system initialization processing task 10 issues an initial activation completion notification in step ST109 and ends, or shifts to an operation mode in a system steady state.

  Next, the system initialization delayed activation task 13 that has been in the sleep state in step ST103 wakes up upon receiving the initial activation completion notification issued in step ST109. The following is the processing of the system initialization delayed activation task 13. First, the task delayed activation API function 15 is called in step ST131. Within the task delayed activation API function 15 from step ST132, each entry of the task registration table 50 is searched in order. If the delay start flag 52 in the task registration table 50 is referred to in step ST133 and the flag is non-zero, the task is started via the pointer 54 with the priority 53 in the entry in step ST134. If the delayed activation flag 52 is zero, task activation processing is skipped. Subsequently, the process returns to step ST132, the process is repeated until the end entry of the task registration table 50 is reached, and the process ends.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 17, (1) Execution of the system initialization processing task 10 → (2) Activation by the task activation API function 14 → (3) Notification of completion of initial activation → (4) Task delay activation API function 15 Activation processing is performed in the order of delayed activation by.

In the sixth embodiment, the system initialization processing task 10 is issued in the initial activation completion notification in step ST109. However, each of the initialization functions 30 called in step ST108 issues an initial activation completion notification. The system initialization delay start task 13 waits for a specific initial start completion notification, or a logical product (AND) of several initial start completion notifications, or waits for a specific event notification such as a time-out wakeup. May be.
Further, in the sixth embodiment, the system initialization delay activation task 13 is provided separately from the system initialization processing task 10, but the system initialization processing task 10 itself is triggered by the initial activation completion notification as a delay activation processing. May be performed.
Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the initialization function 30 and the task 31 are assumed to be user programs (groups of function modules developed by the user) such as applications and middleware (libraries) installed in the information processing apparatus. For example, after realizing the system initialization processing task 10 and the system initialization delayed activation task 13 as system tasks in the OS, the OS function module and device drivers that are control software for various hardware devices You may apply to.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the sixth embodiment, in the information processing apparatus having a plurality of functional modules, the delayed activation flag indicating whether or not the tasks of the plurality of functional modules are to be delayed activated is set for each task. When starting the device, refer to the task registration table, start the task with the delayed startup flag other than the delay first, and start the task other than the delay. System startup means for starting tasks that show delays can reduce system startup time (especially task loading time), so that functions and services that users want to provide to users first after system startup can be started earlier. it can. In addition, even when a function or service start request for the first time is generated while the system is operating, the installed function module has already been started due to the delayed activation of the task, thus reducing the responsiveness to the user. It is possible to transition to the next function or service at high speed without any problems.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
In the sixth embodiment, the delayed activation flag 52 in the task registration table 50 is statically set in advance. Next, as a seventh embodiment, the function module group that was operating at the time of system termination is added. An example will be described in which the delayed activation flag 52 in the task registration table 50 is updated so that the related task is initially activated at the next system activation and the tasks related to other functional module groups are delayed activated.

  The functional blocks on the drawing in the information processing apparatus of the seventh embodiment are the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 5 of the second embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG. In the seventh embodiment, the configuration of the function modules 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n to the system activation unit 3 is the same as that of the sixth embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here. The current function mode setting means 4 determines which function module 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n among the plurality of function modules 1-1, 1-2,. This is a functional unit for setting the current function mode flag 40 shown. Further, when the system is terminated, the system termination unit 5 updates the delayed activation flag of the task corresponding to the function module being executed to other than the delay based on the value of the current function mode flag 40 at that time. It has a function. In other words, the delayed activation flag of the task of the functional module corresponding to the current functional mode flag 40 is updated to a state other than the delay, and the delayed activation flag of the task of the other functional module is updated to the delayed state.

FIG. 19 is a software configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.
In FIG. 19, the basic configuration of each component is the same as that of the sixth embodiment, except that a system termination processing task 12 is provided. In other words, the system termination processing task 12 is a task that operates when a system termination request is made and performs termination processing of the functional module group mounted on the information processing apparatus, and is based on the current function mode flag 40 at the time of termination. The contents of the task registration table 50 are configured to be updated. Here, the function mode refers to a function type (function set) corresponding to a user use scene such as viewing of a broadcast program, viewing of a video image or music, Internet connection (shopping or mail transmission / reception), and the like.

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the end of the system based on the software configuration diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 20, a description will be given focusing on differences from the second embodiment shown in FIG. First, regarding the processing of the system termination processing task 12, each entry in the task registration table 50 is searched in order at step ST212. In step ST205, the current function mode flag 40 is referred to, and the function module that has operated after the current function mode flag 40 was last updated is specified. Then, it is determined whether the entry is a task corresponding to the specified functional module. As an example of the determination method, an active function module is selected based on the accounting information (operation time information) of the task 31 related to each function module. If the task registered in the entry on the task registration table 50 is an active functional module, zero is set to the delayed activation flag 52 of the first entry in the task registration table 50 in step ST213. If the entry is not an active functional module, 1 (non-zero) is set to the delayed activation flag 52 in step ST214. The above is the process for one entry in the task registration table 50. The process returns to step ST212 and is repeated until the terminal entry in the task registration table 50 is reached ((1) function mode switching and (2) delay in FIG. Corresponds to updating the activation flag). Finally, the process proceeds to a system (OS) termination process in step ST209.

  Then, when the information processing apparatus is turned on next time, the delay execution process is performed according to the process flow at the time of system startup described with reference to FIG. 18 of the sixth embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, (3) When the next system activation is performed, (4) Execution of system initialization processing task 10 → (5) Activation by task activation API function 14 → (6) Initial activation completion Notification → (7) Task delay activation API function 15 performs activation processing in the order of delayed activation.

  In the seventh embodiment, the initialization function 30 and the task 31 are assumed to be a user program (functional module group developed by the user) such as an application or middleware (library) installed in the information processing apparatus. For example, after the system initialization processing task 10, the system initialization delay activation task 13, and the system termination processing task 12 are realized as system tasks in the OS, the OS function module and various hardware devices You may apply to the device driver etc. which are control software.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the seventh embodiment, the current function mode setting means for setting the current function mode flag indicating which function module among the plurality of function modules is currently being executed, When ending, the system has a system ending unit that updates the delayed start flag of the task registration table based on the current function mode flag and updates the delayed start flag of the task corresponding to the function module being executed to other than the delay. At the next system start-up, functions and services corresponding to the function mode immediately before the previous system termination can be started earlier.

It is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the functional module and user program in the information processing apparatus of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of system starting of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the system end of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the system end of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of system starting of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the system end of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of system starting of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of system starting of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of system starting of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the system end of the information processing apparatus by Embodiment 7 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1-1, 1-2,..., 1-n function module, 2, 2a activation information registration table, 3, 3a system activation means, 4 current function mode setting means, 5, 5a system termination means, 10 system initialization process Task, 11 System initialization delay execution task, 12 System termination processing task, 13 System initialization delay activation task, 14 Task activation API function, 15 Task delay activation API function, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Initialization function registration table, 21 Initialization function pointer, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C Delayed execution flag, 30 Initialization function, 31 tasks, 40 Current function mode flag, 41 Function mode save flag, 50 Task registration table, 51 Task name, 52 Delayed start flag , 53 priority, 54 pointers.

Claims (9)

In an information processing apparatus having a plurality of functional modules,
An activation information registration table indicating a delay execution flag indicating whether to delay activation of the plurality of functional modules for each of the plurality of functional modules;
When starting up the device, refer to the startup information registration table, first start the functional module whose delay execution flag is other than delay, and after the startup of the functional module other than the delay ends, the delay execution flag An information processing apparatus comprising system activation means for activating a delay function module. A current function mode setting means for setting a current function mode flag indicating which function module is currently being executed among the plurality of function modules;
System termination means for updating the delayed execution flag corresponding to the function module being executed based on the current function mode flag, other than the delay, based on the current function mode flag when the apparatus is terminated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The activation information registration table has a delay execution flag of each functional module for each functional mode,
A current function mode setting means for setting a current function mode flag indicating which function module is currently being executed among the plurality of function modules;
System termination means for storing the value of the current function mode flag as a function mode storage flag when the apparatus is terminated,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the system activation unit activates the function module based on a delay execution flag of a function mode corresponding to the value of the function mode storage flag in the activation information registration table. The delayed execution flag in the startup information registration table is configured so that multiple values can be set,
A current function mode setting means for setting a current function mode flag indicating which function module is currently being executed among the plurality of function modules;
When ending the device, the system ending means for changing the value of the delayed execution flag corresponding to the functional module that was not being executed to the side with the larger delay, based on the value of the current function mode flag,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the system activation unit performs delayed activation of the functional modules in order of increasing delay in the delay execution flag value of the activation information registration table. A plurality of activation information registration tables are provided corresponding to a plurality of function modes,
A current function mode setting means for setting a current function mode flag indicating which function module is currently being executed among the plurality of function modules;
System termination means for storing the value of the current function mode flag as a function mode storage flag when the apparatus is terminated,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the system activation unit activates the function module based on the content of the activation information registration table of the corresponding function mode based on the value of the function mode storage flag. In an information processing apparatus having a plurality of functional modules,
A task registration table for each task indicating a delayed activation flag indicating whether or not the tasks of the plurality of functional modules are delayed activated;
When starting the device, refer to the task registration table, first start a task other than the delay start flag, and after the start of the task other than the delay, the delay start flag indicates the delay An information processing apparatus comprising system activation means for activating a task. A current function mode setting means for setting a current function mode flag indicating which function module is currently being executed among the plurality of function modules;
A system ending unit for updating a delayed start flag of a task corresponding to a function module being executed based on the current function mode flag, other than a delay, when a device is to be ended The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 provided.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the functional module is a module constituting an operating system, and the system activation unit is realized as a task of the operating system.   8. The function module according to claim 2, wherein the function module is a module constituting an operating system, and the system starting unit and the system ending unit are realized as tasks of the operating system. 1. An information processing apparatus according to item 1.

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