JP2016153952A - Information processor, start processing method, and start processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the possibility of delaying a starting time of a specific program.SOLUTION: An information processor causes start processing of a first program to progress with the progress of start processing of a second program having a priority lower than that of the first program in a program group during performing a first start of the program group composed of a plurality of programs, stores first history information showing a history of resource use information by the first program every fixed period in the start processing, causes the start processing of the second program to progress during a fixed period when it is not specified that the resource use information reaches a prescribed value on the basis of the first history information during the period of the start processing of the first program during performing a second start of the program group after the first start, and does not cause the start processing of the second program to progress during a fixed period when it is specified that the resource use information reaches the prescribed value on the basis of the first history information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a startup processing method, and a startup processing program.

  In an embedded device, a plurality of application programs (hereinafter referred to as “apps”) can be operated simultaneously, but basically, only one app can occupy the operation panel. The user can switch the application to be used by performing a predetermined operation via the operation panel.

  By setting an application that is frequently used as a priority application (hereinafter referred to as “priority application”), the operation panel can be occupied by the application immediately after the device is activated. An example of a priority application is an application that displays a login screen.

  It is desirable that the priority application activation time is short because it affects the time required for the user to operate the device after the device is activated. Therefore, as a method for shortening the activation time of the priority application, it is conceivable to preferentially allocate resources such as CPU to the priority application process by temporarily increasing the priority of the priority application process at the time of activation. There is also known a method for following a short time for a preferential allocation amount of computer resources in accordance with the load of an application.

  However, in the above method, even when it is desired to use 100% of a resource such as a CPU, there is a case where a resource required by the priority application cannot be acquired sufficiently due to the existence of an application process other than the priority application. . This is because a general process / thread scheduler allocates a certain amount of resources to a high priority process or thread, while allocating a relatively large amount of resources to a high priority process or thread. For this reason, there is a problem that the startup of the priority application is delayed. Such a problem becomes more prominent as the number of applications activated simultaneously with the priority application increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of delay in the startup time of a specific program.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, the information processing apparatus includes a start control unit that controls start processing of a program group including a plurality of programs included in the information processing apparatus, and the start control unit At the start-up of the first program, the start-up process of the first program is advanced in a state where the progress of the start-up process of the second program having a lower priority than the first program in the program group is stopped, Storing first history information indicating a history of resource usage information by the first program for each predetermined period in the startup processing, and the program group at the second startup time after the first startup time; In the period of the startup process of the first program, the one period is specified based on the first history information that the resource usage information has not reached a predetermined value In the predetermined period in which the startup process of the second program is advanced, and it is specified that the resource usage information has reached the predetermined value based on the first history information, The startup process of the second program is not advanced.

  To reduce the possibility of delays in the startup time of specific programs.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure when the image forming apparatus is activated. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a starting process state memory | storage part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of a 1st temporary starting process. It is a figure which shows an example of the information before correction | amendment memorize | stored in a 1st starting log | history memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows an example of the information after correction | amendment memorize | stored in a 1st starting log | history memory | storage part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of a 2nd temporary starting process. It is a figure showing an example of information memorized by the 2nd starting history storage part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of the sampling width determination process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of a normal starting process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes hardware such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, an operation panel 15, a network interface 16, and an SD card slot 17.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an HDD 114, an NVRAM 115, and the like. The ROM 113 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 112 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area for the loaded program, and the like. The CPU 111 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded in the RAM 112. The HDD 114 stores a program and various data used by the program. The NVRAM 115 stores various setting information and the like.

  The scanner 12 is hardware (image reading means) for reading image data from a document. The printer 13 is hardware (printing means) for printing print data on printing paper. The modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line, and is used to execute transmission / reception of image data by FAX communication. The operation panel 15 is hardware including input means such as buttons for accepting input from the user, display means such as a liquid crystal panel, and the like. The liquid crystal panel may have a touch panel function. In this case, the liquid crystal panel also functions as an input unit. The network interface 16 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The SD card slot 17 is used for reading a program stored in the SD card 80. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10, not only the program stored in the ROM 113 but also the program stored in the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed. The SD card 80 may be replaced by another recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). That is, the type of recording medium corresponding to the positioning of the SD card 80 is not limited to a predetermined one. In this case, the SD card slot 17 may be replaced by hardware corresponding to the type of recording medium.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes one or more applications 120, a service unit 130, an activation control unit 140, a resource management unit 150, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing executed by the CPU 111 by one or more programs installed in the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses an activation processing state storage unit 161, a first activation history storage unit 162, a second activation history storage unit 163, and the like. Each of these storage units can be realized using, for example, the HDD 114 or a storage device that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a network.

  The application 120 is an application program. Each application 120 provides a service that is highly convenient for the user by using, for example, hardware resources (hardware resources) of the image forming apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the application 120 is classified into a priority application 120a, a subordinate application 120b, and a general application 120c.

  The priority application 120 a is one application 120 that first occupies the display authority to the operation panel 15 among the plurality of applications 120. When there are a plurality of applications 120, which one is set as the priority application 120a is set by, for example, an administrator of the image forming apparatus 10 or the like. For example, the identification information of the application 120 as the priority application 120a is stored in the NVRAM 115 or the HDD 114.

  The subordinate application 120b is an application 120 that provides a service to the user in cooperation with the priority application 120a. For example, when the priority application 120a is the application 120 that executes printing or scanning according to an instruction from the user, the application 120 that executes image processing related to printing or scanning may be the subordinate application 120b. Since the priority application 120a uses the function of the subordinate application 120b, in order to provide the user with the service of the priority application 120a, both the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b need to be activated. The subordinate application 120b may be a plurality of applications 120. In addition, a dependency relationship may exist between the dependent applications 120b.

  The general application 120c is an application 120 that does not have a dependency relationship with the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b. That is, the behavior of the general application 120c, the priority application 120a, and the subordinate application 120b are independent from each other, and one process does not wait for the other process. However, the priority application 120a, the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c share the hardware resources (hardware resources) of the CPU 111 and the like including the time of starting each. The general application 120c may be a plurality of applications 120. In addition, a dependency relationship may exist between the general applications 120c.

  The service unit 130 provides the application 120 with an interface (API (Application Program Interface)) for controlling the image forming apparatus 10. The service unit 130 executes processing corresponding to the called interface. For example, the service unit 130 includes an interface related to energy saving, an interface related to scanning, printing, and the like. The service unit 130 may be configured by a plurality of processes. Since each application 120 uses the function of the service unit 130, it is desirable that the activation process of the service unit 130 is completed before the activation process of each application 120 is completed.

  The activation control unit 140 controls the start of the activation process of each unit such as the service unit 130 and each application 120, stop of the activation process, and restart of the activation process. The activation control unit 140 may be realized by a part of an OS (Operating System) such as a process / thread scheduler capable of controlling the operation of each unit. Further, one application 120 may be the activation control unit 140. When the activation control unit 140 is the application 120, the service unit 130 and each of the other applications 120 have an interface that can stop and resume their activation, and the activation control unit 140 passes through the interface. The operation of each unit may be controlled.

  In the present embodiment, the activation control unit 140 relates to the activation process of the service unit 130 and each application 120 when the image forming apparatus 10 is activated, and includes a mode of first temporary activation, second temporary activation, and normal activation. Have In the first provisional activation, activation processing is executed in series for each program of the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c. In each activation process executed in series, history information (time series data of resource usage rate) indicating the usage rate (hereinafter referred to as “resource usage rate”) of the CPU 111 for each fixed period is generated and generated. History information is stored in the first activation history storage unit 162.

  In the second temporary activation, each of the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c is based on the history information stored in the first activation history storage unit 162 in the first temporary activation. The startup process is executed in parallel for the program. However, a program having a relatively low priority with respect to the startup process is activated in a period in which sufficient resources are allocated to a program with a relatively high priority with respect to the startup process and there is a vacant resource. Is allowed to proceed. The period in which the resource usage rate by the program having a relatively high priority has a margin is specified based on the history information stored in the first temporary activation. In the second provisional activation, history information indicating the resource usage rate for each program in a certain period in the process of performing such parallel processing is generated, and the generated history information is stored in the second activation history storage unit 163. Is remembered. In the present embodiment, among the service unit 130, the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c, the service unit 130 has the highest priority regarding the activation process. The second highest priority is the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b.

  In normal activation, parallel activation processing is executed in the same manner as in the second temporary activation based on information stored in the second activation history storage unit 163. The normal activation is different from the second temporary activation in that history information is not generated.

  The first provisional activation and the second provisional activation are performed in the order of priorities of the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, and the subordinate application 120b, and the priority application 120a for ending these activation processes in as short a time as possible. And the sub-application 120b and the general application 120c are executed to obtain information for determining the timing of progress of the activation processing (in other words, the timing of resource allocation to each). In order to obtain such timing, the first provisional activation and the second provisional activation may be alternately repeated a plurality of times.

  The activation process is a process including an initialization process that is executed from when the program is activated until the steady state is reached. The steady state is a state in which functions related to the program can be provided. For example, the state of waiting for the occurrence of an event that triggers some processing is an example of a steady state.

  The resource management unit 150 has resource information of the image forming apparatus 10 (usage rate of the CPU 111, usage rate of the I / O buffer, etc.). The resource management unit 150 may be realized by a part of an OS (Operating System). When the resource management unit 150 receives an inquiry about resource information from the activation control unit 140, the resource management unit 150 returns resource information in the latest sampling interval. Alternatively, the resource management unit 150 may periodically notify the resource information to the activation control unit 140 and the like.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure when the image forming apparatus is activated.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 is activated, the activation control unit 140 refers to the activation process state storage unit 161 and starts the activation process state of the image forming apparatus 10 before starting the activation process of the service unit 130 and each application 120. Confirm (S101).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the activation process state storage unit. In FIG. 4, the activation process state storage unit 161 stores a temporary activation end flag, a first temporary activation number, a second temporary activation number, and the like.

  The provisional activation end flag is a parameter indicating whether or not the first provisional activation or the second provisional activation is necessary, and has a value of “0” or “1”. “0” indicates that it is necessary to execute the first provisional activation or the second provisional activation. “1” indicates that the purpose of the first provisional activation and the second provisional activation is achieved, and neither the first provisional activation nor the second provisional activation needs to be executed. The first provisional activation count is the number of executions of the first provisional activation. The second provisional activation count is the number of executions of the second provisional activation.

  In step S101, it is determined whether the value of the temporary activation end flag is 1 or whether the second number of temporary activations is equal to or greater than the threshold value α. The threshold value α is an upper limit value with respect to the number of times of execution of the first temporary start and the second temporary start in order to avoid the first temporary start and the second temporary start being repeated indefinitely.

  If the value of the provisional activation end flag is 1, or if the second number of provisional activations is greater than or equal to the threshold value α (Yes in S101), the activation control unit 140 activates the service unit 130 and each application 120. The normal activation process is executed for (S102). When the value of the temporary activation end flag is not 1 and the second temporary activation count is less than the threshold value α (No in S101), the activation control unit 140 determines that the second temporary activation count is the first temporary activation count. It is determined whether it is less than the number of activations (S103). The first provisional activation and the second provisional activation are alternately executed. In step S103, it is determined whether or not the second provisional activation corresponding to the N-th first provisional activation is performed. When the second number of temporary activations is less than the first number of temporary activations (Yes in S103), the activation control unit 140 executes the second temporary activation process for the activation processes related to the service unit 130 and each application 120. (S104). On the other hand, when the second temporary activation count matches the first temporary activation count (No in S103), the activation control unit 140 performs the first temporary activation for the activation process related to the service unit 130 and each application 120. Processing is executed (S105).

  Next, details of step S105 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the first temporary activation processing.

  In step S201, the activation control unit 140 generates processes for the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c, and stops the progress of the activation process for each process. Process creation may be performed using fork-exec. Further, the stop of the progress of the activation process may be executed by raising the usage authority of the CPU 111 of each of the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c. Alternatively, when the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, the subordinate application 120b, the general application 120c, and the like have an interface (for example, a method) for stopping and resuming processing, the activation control unit 140 is stopped. Stopping the progress of the startup process may be executed by calling the interface for.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 substitutes 0 for each of the variables t1 and t2. The variable t1 is a variable for storing the elapsed time of the activation process of the service unit 130. The variable t2 is a variable for storing the elapsed time of activation processing of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b. In the first temporary activation process, the activation processes are executed in series, but the activation processes of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b are executed simultaneously (in parallel). This is because the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b are substantially inseparable.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 resumes the activation process of the service unit 130 (S203). As a result, the activation process of the service unit 130 starts to proceed. Subsequently, the activation process executes a sampling width determination process (S204). The sampling width is a time width of a certain period for measuring or observing the resource usage rate. The certain period is referred to as “sampling period”. Although details of the sampling width determination process will be described later, in the first temporary activation for the first time, the sampling width is fixedly 1000 (milliseconds). Hereinafter, the sampling width is expressed by “Δt”.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 waits for the elapse of time of Δt (S205). During this time, the activation process of the service unit 130 proceeds. Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 acquires the resource usage rate by the service unit 130 from the resource management unit 150 in the sampling period from t1 to t1 + Δt, and stores the acquired resource usage rate in the first activation history storage unit 162. Store (S206). Subsequently, if the activation process of the service unit 130 has not been completed (No in S207), the activation control unit 140 substitutes t1 + Δt1 for t1 (S208), and repeats Step S204 and subsequent steps. Steps S204 to S206 and S208 are repeated until the activation process of the service unit 130 is completed (S207). As a result, the first activation history storage unit 162 stores the resource usage rate in increments of Δt during the activation process period of the service unit 130. The completion of the activation process of the service unit 130 may be detected by the activation control unit 140 receiving an event generated from the service unit 130. Alternatively, it may be considered that the activation process has been completed when the usage rate of the resources acquired periodically with respect to the service unit 130 is stable.

  When the activation process of the service unit 130 is completed (Yes in S207), the activation control unit 140 resumes the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b (S209). Subsequently, in steps S210 to S214, the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b are targeted, and the same processing as in steps S204 to S208 is executed. Note that, in the first temporary activation for the first time, the sampling width of each sampling interval related to the activation processing of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is fixedly 1000 (milliseconds), similarly to the sampling width related to the activation processing of the service unit 130. ).

  In step S212 corresponding to step S206, the resource usage rates of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b in the sampling period from t2 to t2 + Δt are acquired and stored in the first activation history storage unit 162. Further, in step S214 corresponding to step S208, t2 + Δt is substituted for t2.

  When the activation processing of both the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is completed (Yes in S213), the activation control unit 140 uses the information stored in the first activation history storage unit 162 in the first temporary activation of this time. Correction is performed (S215). Before the correction, that is, when the activation processing of both the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is completed (Yes in S213), the first activation history storage unit 162 stores, for example, information as illustrated in FIG. Is remembered.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information before correction stored in the first activation history storage unit. In FIG. 6, (1) is an example of information stored in step S206 (hereinafter referred to as “service section activation history information”). The service unit activation history information is information indicating the resource usage rate by the service unit 130 in association with the start timing and end timing (t1 to t1 + Δt) of each sampling interval based on t1.

  (2) is an example of information stored in step S212 (hereinafter referred to as “priority application activation history information”). The priority application activation history information is information indicating the resource usage rate by the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b in association with the start time and end time (t2 to t2 + Δt) of the sampling interval based on t2.

  In the first provisional activation, the activation process of the service unit 130, the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c is executed in series. Therefore, the information shown in (1) is obtained by the service unit 130. It can be said that it is time-series information of “necessary” resource usage rates. Further, (2) can be said to be time-series information of the resource usage rate “necessary” by the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b.

  In step S215, the priority application activation history information ((2) in FIG. 6) is corrected. Specifically, in a state where the time axes of t1 and t2 are aligned, the resource usage rate of the service unit 130, the resource usage rates of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b, and the cost by the context switch (resource usage rate) It is determined whether there is a sampling period in which the sum of the estimated value C and the estimated value C exceeds 100%. If there is a corresponding sampling interval, the portion exceeding 100% is carried over to the next sampling interval. As a result of carryover, if the total of the next sampling interval exceeds 100%, the excess is carried over to the next sampling interval. As a result, for example, the information shown in FIG. 6 is corrected as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of corrected information stored in the first activation history storage unit. In FIG. 7, the estimated value C of the context switch cost is 10%. Note that the value of C may be set to an appropriate value based on the specifications of the CPU 111 and the like.

  In FIG. 6, in the sampling interval of t1 = t2 = 0 to 1000, the remainder after allocating sufficient resources to the service unit 130 is 100− (80 + 10) = 10% when C = 10 is considered. Accordingly, in (2) of FIG. 7, the resource usage rate in the sampling interval of t2 = 0 to 1000 is corrected to 10%. However, in (2) of FIG. 6, since the resource usage rate in the sampling interval of t2 = 0 to 1000 is 60%, a surplus of 60-10 = 50% occurs.

  In the next sampling period (t2 = 1000 to 2000), the remainder after allocating sufficient resources to the service unit 130 is 100− (70 + 10) = 20% considering C = 10. Therefore, in (2) of FIG. 7, the resource usage rate in the sampling interval of t2 = 1000 to 2000 is corrected to 20%. However, in (2) of FIG. 6, since the resource usage rate in the sampling interval of t2 = 1000 to 2000 is 70%, a surplus of 70−20 = 50% occurs. When combined with the surplus carried over from the previous sampling interval, the total surplus is 100%.

  In the next sampling period (t2 = 2000 to 3000), the activation process of the service unit 130 is completed. Therefore, resources are preferentially allocated to the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b. In the sampling period, the resource usage rate required by the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is 30%. However, when combined with the surplus (100%) up to the previous sampling interval, it is 130%. Note that in the sampling period, since the activation process of the service unit 130 is completed, the cost of the context switch need not be considered. Therefore, in (2) of FIG. 7, the resource usage rate in the sampling period is corrected to 100%. Here, a surplus of 130-100 = 30% occurs.

  In order to carry over the surplus, a sampling interval of t2 = 3000 to 4000 is added, and the surplus is allocated to the sampling interval. As a result, in (2) of FIG. 7, 30% is allocated to the sampling interval.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 adds 1 to the first provisional activation number stored in the activation process state storage unit 161 (S216). Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 resumes the activation process of the general application 120c (S217). Also for the general application 120c, the resource usage rate may be acquired and stored for each sampling period.

  Note that when the activation processing of both the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is completed, the user can use the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b in the image forming apparatus 10. That is, the first provisional activation does not particularly affect the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 after the activation processing of the service unit 130 and each application 120 is executed. Therefore, even when the first temporary activation is performed, the user can use the image forming apparatus 10 as usual. This also applies to the second temporary activation.

  Next, details of step S104 in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the second temporary activation processing.

  Steps S301 to S304 are the same as steps S201 to S204 in FIG. However, in step S301, the priority of the process of the service unit 130 is the first, the priority of the process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is the second, and the priority of the process of the general application 120c is the third or higher. It may be said. Note that the sampling width determined in step S304 of the first second temporary activation is fixedly 1000 (milliseconds), as in the first temporary activation of the first time.

  In step S305, the activation control unit 140 acquires the resource usage rate of the service unit 130 from t1 to t1 + Δt from the service unit activation history information ((1) in FIG. 7) of the activation process state storage unit 161. Assign the value to the variable R. When t1 is 0, “60%” with respect to 0 to 1000 in (1) of FIG. 4 is acquired.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 determines whether the value of R + C is less than 100% or whether the activation process of the service unit 130 has been completed (S306). Here, the condition that the value of R + C is less than 100% is a condition for determining whether or not there is a margin for allocating resources (CPU 111) for the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b. C is the estimated value (C = 10%) of the resource usage rate by the context switch described in FIG. That is, when the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is resumed, a context switch occurs with respect to the CPU 111, and therefore the presence / absence of the above margin is determined in consideration of the cost of the context switch.

  Whether or not the activation process of the service unit 130 is completed is determined if the activation process of the service unit 130 is completed, regardless of the value of R + C, the resource is the priority application 120a and This is because it should be preferentially assigned to the activation process of the subordinate application 120b.

  When the value of R + C is less than 100%, or when the activation process of the service unit 130 has been completed (Yes in S306), the activation control unit 140 resumes the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b ( S307). At this time, the activation control unit 140 stores in the first activation history storage unit 162 that the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b has been resumed in the sampling period from t1 to t1 + Δt1. Note that if the activation process is resumed in the immediately preceding sampling interval, step S307 may not be executed.

  Here, when step S307 is executed in the period of the activation process of the service unit 130, the activation process of the service unit 130 and the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b are executed in parallel. That is, in the second provisional activation, if there is a margin (remaining amount) in the period of the activation process of the service unit 130, the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is resumed and the resource is valid. Be utilized. By doing so, it is possible to shorten the time required from the start of the activation process of the service unit 130 to the completion of the activation of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 includes the priority application 120a and the priority application 120a indicated in the priority application activation history information ((2) in FIG. 7) stored in the first activation history storage unit 162 with respect to the sampling period t2 to t2 + Δt. A value obtained by adding the resource usage rate of the subordinate application 120b to the variable R is substituted into the variable R (S308). When step S308 is executed first, the resource usage rates of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b in 0 to 1000 (milliseconds) are substituted into the variable R. Regarding the information stored in the first activation history storage unit 162, the information after correction is used in the second temporary activation.

  On the other hand, when R + C is 100% or more and the activation process of the service unit 130 is not completed (No in S306), the activation control unit 140 stops the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b ( S309). At this time, the activation control unit 140 stores in the second activation history storage unit 163 that the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b has been stopped in the sampling period from t1 to t1 + Δt1. Note that if the activation process is stopped in the immediately preceding sampling interval, step S309 may not be executed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of R is less than 100%, or whether the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b has been completed (S310). The determination in step S310 is a determination as to whether or not the activation process of the general application 120c can be resumed. In Step S310, the comparison target with 100% is R instead of R + C because the cost of the context switch when the activation process of the general application 120c is further added is considered negligible. is there. However, if the cost cannot be ignored, the result of adding the estimated value of the cost to R may be compared with 100%.

  When the value of R is less than 100%, or when the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b has been completed (Yes in S310), the activation control unit 140 resumes the activation process of the general application 120c ( S311). At this time, the activation control unit 140 stores in the second activation history storage unit 163 that the activation process of the general application 120c has been resumed in the sampling period from t1 to t1 + Δt1. Note that when the activation process is resumed in the immediately preceding sampling interval, step S311 may not be executed.

  On the other hand, when R is 100% or more and the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is not completed (No in S310), the activation control unit 140 stops the activation process of the general application 120c ( S312). At this time, the activation control unit 140 stores in the second activation history storage unit 163 that the activation process of the general application 120c has been stopped in the sampling period from t1 to t1 + Δt1. Note that if the activation process is resumed in the immediately preceding sampling interval, step S312 may not be executed.

  Following step S311 or S312, the activation control unit 140 waits for the elapse of time of Δt (S313). Note that the passage of processing time from step S304 to S312 is ignored for convenience. Accordingly, in step S313, the passage of time Δt from the start of step S304 is waited for.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 acquires, from the resource management unit 150, the resource usage rates of the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c in the sampling period from t1 to t1 + Δt. The obtained value is stored in the second activation history storage unit 163 (S314). Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 substitutes t1 + Δt for t1 (S315). Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 substitutes t2 + Δt for t2 (S316).

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 determines whether activation processing of the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, and the subordinate application 120b has been completed (S317). When the activation process of the service unit 130 or the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b has not been completed (No in S317), Step S304 and subsequent steps are repeated. When the activation processing of the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, and the subordinate application 120b is completed (Yes in S317), the activation control unit 140 divides the sampling interval (of the sampling width) in any sampling interval in step S304. (S (S318)) If there is no divided sampling interval (No in S318), the activation control unit 140 activates the activation process stored in the activation process state storage unit 161. The value of the flag is set to 1 (S319) Therefore, in this case, the normal activation process is executed when the image forming apparatus 10 is activated the next time or later.

  In the case of Yes in step S318 or following step S319, the activation control unit 140 adds 1 to the second provisional activation number stored in the activation process state storage unit 161 (S320). Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 resumes the activation process of the general application 120c (S321). However, if the activation process has already been resumed, or if the activation process of the general application 120c has already been completed, step S321 may not be executed.

  At the end of the second provisional activation, the second activation history storage unit 163 stores, for example, information as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the second activation history storage unit. In FIG. 9, (1) and (2) are examples of information stored in step S314. In (1), the resource usage rate by the service unit 130 is shown in association with each sampling interval (t1 to t1 + Δt). Further, (2) shows the resource usage rate by the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b in association with each sampling section. In (2), for the start time and end time of each sampling section, a value based on t1 and a value based on t2 are stored.

  (3) is an example of information stored in steps 307, S309, S311, and S312. That is, (3) shows information indicating whether the activation process is restarted or stopped for each of the priority application 120a, the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c for each sampling interval. Hereinafter, the information shown in (3) is referred to as “activation control information”.

  For example, from FIG. 7, the resource usage rate of the service unit 130 is 80 in the sampling interval of 0 to 1000 related to t1. That is, 80 + C (where C = 10) is less than 100%. Therefore, for the sampling period, the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is resumed in step S307. Here, the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b executed in parallel at 0 to 1000 with respect to t1 is an activation process with respect to t2 = 0 to 1000. From FIG. 7, the resource usage rate of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is 10 in the sampling period. That is, 80 + C + 10 is 100% or more. Therefore, in this case, the activation process of the general application 120c is stopped in step S311. These histories are shown in columns 0 to 1000 in (3) of FIG.

  Further, from FIG. 7, the resource usage rate of the service unit 130 is 70 in the sampling interval of 0 to 1000 regarding t1. That is, 70 + C is less than 100%. Therefore, for the sampling period, the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is restarted in step S307. Here, the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b executed in parallel at 1000 to 2000 with respect to t1 is an activation process with respect to t2 = 1000 to 2000. From FIG. 7, the resource usage rate of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is 20 in the sampling period. That is, 70 + C + 20 is 100% or more. Therefore, in this case, the activation process of the general application 120c is stopped in step S311. These histories are shown in columns 1000 to 2000 in (3) of FIG.

  Next, details of steps S204 and S210 in FIG. 5 and step S304 in FIG. 8 will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure of sampling width determination processing.

  In step S401, the activation control unit 140 branches the process depending on whether or not it is the first temporary activation. In the case of the first temporary activation (Yes in S401), the activation control unit 140 determines whether or not the number of first temporary activations stored in the activation process state storage unit 161 is less than 1 (S402). ). When the first temporary activation count is less than 1 (Yes in S402), the activation control unit 140 determines that the sampling width is 1000 milliseconds. In this embodiment, the initial value of the sampling width is 1000 milliseconds, but other values may be used as the initial value of the sampling width.

  On the other hand, when the first temporary activation count is 1 or more (No in S402), the activation control unit 140 substitutes the sampling width at the time of the first temporary activation for the target section in Δt (S404). . The previous first provisional activation time refers to the first provisional activation time in which the first provisional activation count is one smaller than this time. Also, when the process of FIG. 10 is called from step S204 of FIG. 5, the process of FIG. 10 is called from step S210 of FIG. 5 where the sampling period starting at t1 at the call time is the target period. A sampling interval starting at t2 at the calling time is the target interval.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 determines whether the target section is included in the activation process period of the service unit 130 (S405). When the process of FIG. 10 is called from step S204 of FIG. 5, the value of t1 at the time of calling is the service unit activation history information stored in the first activation history storage unit 162 ((1) of FIG. 7). It is determined whether or not it is less than or equal to the start time of the last sampling interval that constitutes. According to the example of (1) of FIG. 7, if the value of t1 at the time of calling the process of FIG. 10 is 1000 or less, the determination in step S405 is affirmative. When the process of FIG. 10 is called from step S208 of FIG. 5, the value of t2 at the time of the call is the service unit activation history information stored in the first activation history storage unit 162 ((1 of FIG. 7). It is determined whether or not it is less than or equal to the start time of the last sampling interval constituting)). According to the example of (1) of FIG. 7, if the value of t2 at the time of calling the process of FIG. 10 is 1000 or less, the determination in step S405 becomes affirmative.

  If the determination in step S405 is affirmative (Yes in S405), the activation control unit 140 stores the service unit 130 in the target section stored in the first activation state storage unit with respect to the previous first temporary activation. The resource usage rate is substituted into the variable R11 (S406). For example, if the target section is t1 = 0 to 1000, 80% is substituted for R11 from (1) of FIG.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 substitutes the resource usage rate related to the target section of the service unit 130 stored in the second activation state storage unit at the time of the final second temporary activation into the variable R12 (S407). For example, if the target section is t1 = 0 to 1000, 75% is acquired from (1) of FIG.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 determines whether or not R11> R21 (S408). R11> R21 is a determination as to whether or not the resource usage rate by the service unit 130 in the target section is smaller during the second temporary activation than during the first temporary activation.

  When R11 = 80 and R12 = 75, R11> R12 (Yes in S408). In this case, the activation control unit 140 sets a value obtained by dividing Δt by 2 as the sampling width (S409). That is, the sampling period is divided. On the other hand, when R11 ≦ R12 (No in S408), the activation control unit 140 does not change the value of Δt. Therefore, in this case, the same sampling width as that of the previous target section is applied to the current target section.

  On the other hand, when the determination in step S405 is negative (No in S405), the activation control unit 140 stores the priority application in the target section stored in the first activation state storage unit with respect to the previous first temporary activation. The resource usage rates of 120a and subordinate application 120b are substituted into variable R21 (S410). According to FIG. 7, the determination in step S405 is initially negative when step S210 is executed when t2 = 2000 in FIG. In this case, the target section is t2 = 2000 to 3000. As shown in FIG. 7 (2), the resource usage rate of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b in the target section at the time of the previous first temporary activation is 100%. Therefore, 100 is substituted into R21.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 substitutes the resource usage rate related to the target section of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b stored in the second activation state storage unit at the time of the final second temporary activation in the variable R22 ( S411). For example, if the target section is t2 = 2000 to 3000, 100% is substituted for R22 from (1) of FIG.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 determines whether R21> R21 is satisfied (S412). R21> R21 is a determination as to whether or not the resource usage rate by the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b in the target section is smaller at the time of the second temporary activation than at the time of the first temporary activation.

  When R21> R22 (Yes in S412), the activation control unit 140 sets a value obtained by dividing Δt by 2 as a sampling width (S413). That is, the sampling period is divided. On the other hand, when R21 ≦ R22 (No in S412), the activation control unit 140 does not change the value of Δt. Therefore, in this case, the same sampling width as that of the previous target section is applied to the current target section.

  The reason why the sampling interval is divided in step S408 will be described. R11> R12 is presumed that the resource required by the service unit 130 in the target section is not allocated to the service unit 130 in the parallel processing by the second temporary activation.

  As is apparent from steps S305 and S306 in FIG. 8, in the second provisional activation, if the resources are available during the activation process of the service unit 130, the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is performed. Are executed in parallel. Therefore, if the priority of each process of the service unit 130, the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c is set as service unit 130> priority application 120a and subordinate application 120b> general application 120c, basically, There is a high possibility that a desired resource is allocated to the service unit 130. Nevertheless, the reason why the resource allocated to the service unit 130 is less than the desired value is considered as the following.

  The resource usage rate for each sampling interval is an average value in the sampling interval. That is, the instantaneous resource usage rate varies within the sampling interval. For example, in the sampling interval of 0 to 1000, even if the resource usage rate of the service unit 130 is 80%, it may be 70% at 0 to 500 and 90% at 500 to 1000. In this case, if the context switch cost C = 10% is considered in 500 to 1000, there is originally no room for executing the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b. Nevertheless, in the second provisional activation, the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b was executed in the section, so that there is a possibility that sufficient resources were not allocated to the service unit 130. . That is, in this case, if the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b can be stopped in the section 500 to 1000, it is considered that there is a possibility that sufficient resources are allocated to the service unit 130.

  In the present embodiment, based on the above-described idea, the sampling interval is divided in order to enable the restart and stop of the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b to be controlled with a shorter time width. It is. Step S413 is also a process for making it possible to control the restart and stop of the startup process of the general application 120c in a shorter time width based on the same idea.

  In other words, when the sampling period included in the activation process period of the service unit 130 is divided, the activation process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is resumed in the sampling period at the time of the previous second provisional activation. Even if it has been performed, the activation process is stopped in any divided section (divided period). Similarly, after the start process of the service unit 130 is completed and the sampling period included in the period of the dynamic process of the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b is divided, Even if the activation process of the general application 120c is resumed in the sampling period, the activation process is stopped in any divided period.

  Note that if step S409 or step S413 is executed for any sampling interval, No is returned in step S318 of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the process of FIG. 10 is executed in the second temporary activation (No in S401), the activation control unit 140 uses the sampling width determined for the target section in the first temporary activation executed immediately before, The sampling width is determined (S414). That is, the sampling widths of the sampling intervals of the first temporary activation and the second temporary activation that are paired are the same.

  Next, details of step S102 in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the normal activation process.

  Steps S501 to S503 are the same as steps S201 to S203 in FIG. 5 or steps S301 to S303 in FIG. However, in step S502, the variable t2 may not be initialized.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 includes information related to a sampling interval (hereinafter, referred to as “target interval”) having t1 as a starting point in the activation control information stored in the second activation history storage unit 163. And is acquired from the second activation history storage unit 163 (S504). Here, the activation control information is activation control information stored in the second provisional activation executed when the temporary activation end flag is updated to 1. If the activation control information is as shown in (3) of FIG. 9 and t1 = 0, “restart” is indicated for the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b, and “stop” is indicated for the general application 120c. The information shown is acquired.

  Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 restarts or stops the activation process of the priority application 120a, the subordinate application 120b, and the general application 120c based on the acquired information (S505). Subsequently, the activation control unit 140 determines whether there is information corresponding to the next sampling section in the activation control information stored in the second activation history storage unit 163 (S506). If there is a next sampling section (Yes in S506), the activation control unit 140 waits for the time corresponding to the sampling width of the target section to elapse (S507). When the time has elapsed (Yes in S507), the activation control unit 140 adds the sampling width of the target section to t1 (S508) and repeats Step S504 and the subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, in step S506, when there is no next sampling section (No in S506), the process in FIG. 11 ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first temporary activation causes the service unit 130, the priority application 120a, and the subordinate application 120b to have the resource usage rate required in the respective activation processes. Series information is acquired. In the second provisional activation, a desired resource usage rate is obtained for each sampling interval with respect to the program having the highest priority among the programs whose activation processing is not completed based on the time series information. The resource usage rate of each program is measured while controlling the restart and stop of the startup process of each program so as to be allocated. As a result, it is possible to confirm whether or not there is an influence due to the parallel startup processing. For example, it is possible to confirm whether or not a desired resource usage rate is assigned in each sampling interval with respect to a program having the highest priority among the programs that have not been activated. When there is an influence due to parallelization of the start processing, the sampling interval in which the influence has occurred is subdivided, and the first temporary start and the second temporary start are re-executed.

  By repeating the above processing, the startup processing of each program with a relatively low priority may be terminated early while the startup processing of each program is parallelized. It is possible to specify the timing of restarting and stopping as possible. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility of delay in the activation time of a specific program such as the service unit 130 or the priority application 120a.

  Note that the second temporary activation may be operated as a normal activation. In the second provisional activation in this case, writing of information to the second activation history storage unit 163 may not be performed. In this case, the normal activation may be executed if the first temporary activation is performed once.

  In the present embodiment, the first provisional activation, the second provisional activation, and the normal activation are described as processes executed when the image forming apparatus 10 is activated. For example, as the image forming apparatus 10, After the first activation, the first temporary activation, the second temporary activation, and the normal activation may be executed in the software group restart process.

  Note that this embodiment may be applied to resources other than the CPU 111. For example, the present embodiment may be applied to an I / O buffer usage rate or a memory usage rate.

  Further, the present embodiment may be applied to an information processing apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, a projector, a video conference system, an electronic blackboard, a digital camera, a PC (Personal Computer), etc.).

  In this embodiment, the usage rate may not be a usage rate in a strict sense. For example, in addition to the usage rate, usage information in which the degree of use or the frequency of use can be grasped may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the service unit 130, the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b, or the service unit 130, the priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b are examples of the first program. The priority application 120a and the subordinate application 120b or the general application 120c are examples of the second program. The first provisional activation is an example of the first activation and the third activation. The second provisional activation is an example of the second activation and the third activation. The first history information and the third history information are examples of information stored in the first activation history storage unit 162. The second history information and the fourth history information are examples of information stored in the second activation history storage unit 163.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to such specific embodiment, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation・ Change is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Controller 12 Scanner 13 Printer 14 Modem 15 Operation panel 16 Network interface 17 SD card slot 80 SD card 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 ROM
114 HDD
115 NVRAM
120 Application 120a Priority Application 120b Dependent Application 120c General Application 130 Service Unit 140 Activation Control Unit 150 Resource Management Unit 161 Activation Processing State Storage Unit 162 First Activation History Storage Unit 163 Second Activation History Storage Unit

JP 2014-164715 A JP 2010-74303 A

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus,
A start control unit that controls start processing of a program group including a plurality of programs included in the information processing apparatus;
The activation control unit
At the first startup of the program group, the startup process of the first program is stopped in a state where the startup process of the second program having a lower priority than the first program in the program group is stopped. And storing first history information indicating a history of resource usage information by the first program at regular intervals in the startup process,
Based on the first history information, the resource usage information is set to a predetermined value during the first program activation process at the second activation time of the program group after the first activation time. During the certain period in which it is specified that the resource has not been reached, the startup process of the second program is advanced, and the resource usage information has reached the predetermined value based on the first history information. In the predetermined period in which the second program is specified, the startup process of the second program is not allowed to proceed.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The activation control unit
In the startup process of the first program at the time of the second startup, second history information indicating a history of the resource usage information by the first program for each predetermined period is stored,
In the third startup of the program group after the second startup, the startup process of the first program is advanced in a state where the progress of the startup process of the second program is stopped, Third history information indicating a history of resource usage information for each fixed period in the startup process, wherein the resource usage information by the first program indicated by the first history information is the second history. For the certain period larger than the resource usage information by the first program indicated by the information, the third history information indicating the resource usage information is stored for each divided period obtained by dividing the certain period. ,
Based on the third history information, the resource usage information is set to a predetermined value during the first program startup process at the time of the fourth startup of the program group after the third startup. During the predetermined period or the divided period specified as not reached, the second program activation process proceeds, and based on the first history information, the resource usage information reaches the predetermined value. The second program startup process is not allowed to proceed during the certain period or the divided period specified to be reached,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The activation control unit activates the second program during the first program activation process during the second activation, during the first program activation process during the fourth activation. Do not allow the second program startup process to proceed for any of the divided periods for which the process has proceeded.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. The resource usage information is a usage rate of the resource.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Information processing device
A state in which the progress of the startup process of the second program having a lower priority than the first program in the program group is stopped at the first startup of the program group including the plurality of programs included in the information processing apparatus And a first procedure for storing first history information indicating a history of resource use information by the first program for each predetermined period in the startup process,
Based on the first history information, the resource usage information is set to a predetermined value during the first program activation process at the second activation time of the program group after the first activation time. During the certain period in which it is specified that the resource has not been reached, the startup process of the second program is advanced, and the resource usage information has reached the predetermined value based on the first history information. A second procedure in which the startup process of the second program is not allowed to proceed during the certain period of time specified by:
An activation processing method characterized by executing In the second procedure, the second history information indicating the history of the resource use information by the first program for each predetermined period in the startup process of the first program at the time of the second startup. Remember,
The information processing apparatus is
In the third startup of the program group after the second startup, the startup process of the first program is advanced in a state where the progress of the startup process of the second program is stopped, Third history information indicating a history of resource usage information for each fixed period in the startup process, wherein the resource usage information by the first program indicated by the first history information is the second history. For the certain period larger than the resource usage information by the first program indicated by the information, the third history information indicating the resource usage information is stored for each divided period obtained by dividing the certain period. A third procedure;
Based on the third history information, the resource usage information is set to a predetermined value during the first program startup process at the time of the fourth startup of the program group after the third startup. During the predetermined period or the divided period specified as not reached, the second program activation process proceeds, and based on the first history information, the resource usage information reaches the predetermined value. A fourth procedure that does not allow the second program activation process to proceed during the certain period or the divided period specified to have reached,
The start processing method according to claim 5, wherein: In the fourth procedure, the second program is activated during the first program activation process during the second activation, and during the second program activation process during the second activation. The startup process of the second program is not advanced for the divided period related to any one of the fixed periods for which the startup process has proceeded.
The activation processing method according to claim 6. The resource usage information is a usage rate of the resource.
The activation processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7. In the information processing device,
A state in which the progress of the startup process of the second program having a lower priority than the first program in the program group is stopped at the first startup of the program group including the plurality of programs included in the information processing apparatus And a first procedure for storing first history information indicating a history of resource use information by the first program for each predetermined period in the startup process,
Based on the first history information, the resource usage information is set to a predetermined value during the first program activation process at the second activation time of the program group after the first activation time. During the certain period in which it is specified that the resource has not been reached, the startup process of the second program is advanced, and the resource usage information has reached the predetermined value based on the first history information. A second procedure in which the startup process of the second program is not allowed to proceed during the certain period of time specified by:
An activation processing program characterized by causing In the second procedure, the second history information indicating the history of the resource use information by the first program for each predetermined period in the startup process of the first program at the time of the second startup. Remember,
In the information processing apparatus,
In the third startup of the program group after the second startup, the startup process of the first program is advanced in a state where the progress of the startup process of the second program is stopped, Third history information indicating a history of resource usage information for each fixed period in the startup process, wherein the resource usage information by the first program indicated by the first history information is the second history. For the certain period larger than the resource usage information by the first program indicated by the information, the third history information indicating the resource usage information is stored for each divided period obtained by dividing the certain period. A third procedure;
Based on the third history information, the resource usage information is set to a predetermined value during the first program startup process at the time of the fourth startup of the program group after the third startup. During the predetermined period or the divided period specified as not reached, the second program activation process proceeds, and based on the first history information, the resource usage information reaches the predetermined value. A fourth procedure that does not allow the second program activation process to proceed during the certain period or the divided period specified to have reached,
The startup processing program according to claim 9, wherein: In the fourth procedure, the second program is activated during the first program activation process during the second activation, and during the second program activation process during the second activation. The startup process of the second program is not advanced for the divided period related to any one of the fixed periods for which the startup process has proceeded.
The startup processing program according to claim 10. The resource usage information is a usage rate of the resource.
12. The activation process program according to claim 9, wherein the activation process program is any one of claims 9 to 11.

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