JPH10283219A - Information processor start system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the start time by eliminating an unnecessary processing time at the time of execution of an initializing program and a self-diagnostic program. SOLUTION: This system is provided with a timer which counts the time by a clock pulse, a timer time part 102 which reads the time from the timer, each function initializing part 105 which initializes various functions of an information processor, and a scheduler 101 which controls a scheduler of the information processor. When the value of the timer time part 102 reaches the time when initialization is possible, the scheduler 101 transfers the control to each function initializing part 105; and when the value of the timer time part 102 reaches the time when diagnosis is possible after the end of execution of the initializing program, the scheduler 101 transfers the control to each function diagnosis part 108.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus activation method, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus activation method for executing an initialization program and a self-diagnosis program at the time of activation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional information processing apparatus starting method, an initialization program and a self-diagnosis program are stored in a ROM or the like in advance and executed when the power is turned on.

In this type of program, a wait time is inserted in the process of initialization, and access is prohibited for a specific time after power-on. In order to measure the wait time, a specific instruction is executed many times, or in the case of prohibiting access for a time period after the power is turned on, the wait time is appropriately inserted. Therefore, a useless wait time occurs, and the time from when the information processing apparatus is turned on to when the OS starts to operate is delayed.

[0004] In addition, when the wait time is secured to a necessary minimum, if the CPU of the information processing apparatus is modified to be faster, the wait time may be insufficient.

In order to solve the problems of the conventional system, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 3-204042 proposes a system in which the time required at the time of turning on the power is shortened and the system is started at a high speed.

The method disclosed in this publication focuses on solving the disadvantage that "the reliability is not low enough to make a diagnosis every time the power is turned on, and the diagnosis time is long and wasteful". The proposed method is a method of diagnosing each function of the information processing apparatus individually or collectively once every time the information processing apparatus is started. For example, even if it is activated five times, diagnosis is performed only once.

A description will be given with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG.
7 is a block diagram. The information processing apparatus shown in FIG.
Processor 170 connected via bus 1701
ROM 1703 which is a nonvolatile memory, and EEPROM 1 which is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory
704.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation. When the power is turned on, the processor 1702 reads the ROM1
The instruction is read from 703 and executed. Step 181
After the initial setting at 1, the contents of the predetermined address of the EEPROM 1704 are read, and the read value is set to X (step 1812). It is determined whether or not X is 0 (step 1).
813) If it is 0, N-1 is written to address A (one diagnosis is performed every time the power is turned on N times). Next, diagnosis is performed (step 1815). Subsequent operations are well known, and a description thereof will be omitted. When X is not 0, X-1 is written to address A, and the diagnosis is bypassed to enable use of the information processing apparatus.

[0009]

In the above-described conventional information processing apparatus activation method, a useless wait time occurs, and the time from when the information processing apparatus is turned on to when the OS starts to operate is delayed. There is a problem.

[0010] Further, when the minimum wait time is secured, if the CPU of the information processing apparatus is modified to be faster, the wait time becomes insufficient.

On the other hand, the method proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-202042 is a method in which diagnosis is performed once every time the information processing apparatus is started up several times. Even if "the reliability is not so low that the diagnosis must be made every time the power is turned on", the occurrence of a fault never goes to zero. Therefore, when the information processing device fails, detection can be performed only once in several times, and even when the information processing device actually fails, there is a possibility that the program may be operated without detecting the failure. There is a problem.

[0012] Further, since the diagnostic time of the information processing apparatus is different every time the apparatus is started, the user of the information processing apparatus may have some problem to start up the information processing apparatus slowly or to perform extra diagnosis than usual. However, there is a problem that it is impossible to determine whether the startup is slow.

An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus starting method in which the useless processing time during the execution of the initialization program and the self-diagnosis program is reduced to shorten the starting time.

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus start-up system for executing an initialization program and a self-diagnosis program at the time of start-up. Timer timing means for reading the time from a timer, and means for confirming whether the time is capable of being initialized when executing the initialization program and for confirming whether the time is capable of performing self-diagnosis when executing the self-diagnosis program An information processing device activation method according to the present invention, characterized in that it comprises an information processing device activation method for executing an initialization program and a self-diagnosis program at startup, and a timer for measuring time by a clock pulse; and Timer function that reads the time from the Each function initialization unit to initialize, each function diagnosis unit that diagnoses various functions of the information processing device, and a scheduler that controls a schedule of the information processing device, wherein the scheduler is a timer When the value reaches a time at which initialization can be performed, control is passed to the function initialization units.After the execution of the initialization program, control is performed by the function diagnosis units when the value of the timer clock unit reaches a time at which diagnosis can be performed. You may pass it.

In the information processing apparatus activation method according to the present invention, the scheduler may include an execution order of the initialization program and the self-diagnosis program, and information on whether the initialization program and the self-diagnosis program have not been executed or have been executed. May be provided.

In the information processing apparatus activation method according to the present invention, the queue table includes a module table having callable time information of each module of the initialization program and the self-diagnosis program, and the timer operates at a specific time. In this case, the scheduler may have a function of generating an interrupt signal, and the scheduler may select a module that can operate at the earliest time and operate the module only for a time allocated using the interrupt signal.

[0017]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention includes a scheduler 101 and a timer
, An initialization unit 103, a diagnosis unit 106, and an error message display unit 109.

The initialization unit 103 includes a timer-related initialization unit 104 and each function initialization unit 105. The timer-related initialization unit 104 performs initialization of a timer used by the timer clock unit 102 and initialization of minimum functions necessary for using the timer, for example, initialization of a bus and a cache. Each function initialization unit 105 is a function group for initializing various functions of the information processing apparatus. In addition,
The timer counts up a clock unique to the information processing apparatus for each clock, and is omitted in the figure.

The diagnosing unit 106 includes a timer-related diagnosing unit 10
7 and each function diagnosis unit 108. The timer-related diagnosis unit 107 diagnoses the minimum functions required to use the timer, such as the diagnosis of the CPU and the cache, in addition to the diagnosis of the timer used by the timer clock unit 102. Timer 102
A diagnosis of a register or a memory for storing the read time is performed. Each function diagnosis unit 108 is a group of functions for diagnosing various functions of the information processing apparatus.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the embodiment of the present invention. When the information processing apparatus starts operating, first, the scheduler 101 operates. The scheduler 101 instructs the timer-related initialization unit 104 to perform initialization (step 201). When the initialization of the timer-related initialization unit 104 ends, the scheduler 101 instructs the timer-related diagnosis unit 107 to perform a diagnosis. Timer-related diagnosis unit 107
Diagnoses and transfers control to the scheduler 101 if normal, and instructs the error message display unit 109 to display an error message if abnormal. After displaying the error message, the error message display unit 109 stops operating (step 202). When the diagnosis by the timer-related diagnosis unit 107 is completed, the scheduler 101 instructs the timer clock unit 102 to read the value of the timer. The timer counting unit 102 reads the value of the timer, and
Return the timer value to 01. The scheduler 101 starts control of each initialization and each diagnosis with the returned timer value as a starting point (step 203). This time is hereinafter referred to as a base time.

Again, the scheduler 101 instructs the timer counting unit 102 to read the value of the timer. The timer counting unit 102 reads the value of the timer and returns the value of the timer to the scheduler 101 (Step 204). The scheduler 101 obtains a difference between the read value and the base time, and when the difference becomes a value that can be initialized, each function initialization unit 1
Pass control to 05. If the difference is a value that cannot be initialized, the process returns to step 204 (steps 205 and 206). When the function initialization is completed, scheduler 1
01 checks whether there is any other initialization function. If there is a function to be initialized, the process returns to step 204.
If there is no function to be initialized, proceed to the next step (step 20).
7).

The scheduler 101 includes a timer clock unit 1
Instruct 02 to read the value of the timer. The timer counting unit 102 reads the value of the timer, and
Is returned to the timer (step 208). The scheduler 101 obtains a difference between the read value and the base time, and when the difference reaches a time at which a diagnosis can be made, passes the control to each function diagnosis unit 108 (step 209). If each function diagnosis unit 10
If an abnormality in the function is detected during the diagnosis of step 8, an instruction to display an error message is given to the error message display section 109. After displaying the error message, the error message display unit 109 stops operating (step 210).

When the function diagnosis is completed, the scheduler 1
01 checks whether there is any other function to be diagnosed. If there is a function to be diagnosed, the scheduler 101
Returns to step 208. If not, the process ends (step 211).

[0026]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, a first embodiment will be described. The first embodiment is an example in which the information processing apparatus can be started by initializing and diagnosing only the keyboard.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.
In the embodiment, the scheduler 301 and the timer
02, an initialization unit 303, a diagnosis unit 306, and an error message display unit 309.

The scheduler 301 has a base time 310
It has. The base time 310 is a register or a memory that stores a time serving as a time reference point.

The initialization unit 303 includes a timer initialization unit 30
4 and a keyboard initialization unit 305. The timer initialization unit 304 initializes a timer used by the timer clock unit 302. Keyboard initialization unit 305
Performs initialization of a keyboard connected to the information processing apparatus. The timer counts up a clock unique to the information processing apparatus for each clock, and is omitted in the figure.

The diagnosis unit 306 includes a timer diagnosis unit 307
And a keyboard diagnostic unit 308. The timer diagnosis unit 307 diagnoses the timer 300 used by the timer clock unit 302. The keyboard diagnostic unit 308
Diagnose the function of the keyboard connected to the information processing device.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a time chart of the keyboard according to the embodiment of the present invention. The POW ON time 501 is a time during which power is supplied to the keyboard, and the operation of the keyboard starts at this time. Initialization time 502 is POW
This is the time during which initialization is performed inside the keyboard after being turned on. During this period, no command can be issued from the information processing apparatus main body to the keyboard. Further, even if a key on the keyboard is pressed, the key data is not notified to the information processing apparatus. After this period, a command can be issued from the information processing device. The reset command 503 is a reset (initialization) command from the information processing apparatus main body. The key code 504 is a key code of the keyboard that has been pressed when the reset (initialization) command is processed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the restrictions when issuing a command to the keyboard. Only after the reset command is issued (other commands have no relation), the next command is prohibited during the command non-reception period 601 of 0 to 3 ms and the command non-reception period 603 of 10 to 50 ms. Command acceptable period 602 for 3 ms to 10 ms
And the command acceptable period 604 after 50 ms is a period during which the next command can be issued. The information processing apparatus body must issue a command to the keyboard during the command acceptable period 602 or the command acceptable period 604.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of keyboard initialization and diagnosis for each module.

The operation flow of FIGS. 4 and 7 will be described with reference to FIG. When the information processing apparatus starts operating, first, the scheduler 301 operates. The scheduler 301
The timer initialization unit 304 is instructed to initialize the timer. The timer initialization unit 304 initializes a timer (step 401). When the initialization of the timer is completed,
The scheduler 301 instructs the timer diagnostic unit 307 to diagnose the timer. The timer diagnosis unit 307 makes a diagnosis. If the timer does not operate normally as a result of the diagnosis, the error message display unit 309 is instructed to display an error message, and the operation of the information processing apparatus is stopped (step 402). If the result of the timer diagnosis indicates that the timer is normal, the scheduler 301 instructs the timer clocking unit 302 to measure time. The timer counting unit 302 counts the timer and returns the counted value to the scheduler 301 (step 403). Hereinafter, the time received from the timer clock unit 302 is referred to as the current time. The scheduler 301 sets the counted value to the base time 310 (step 404, step 701).

The scheduler 301 has a timer
The current time is received from 02 (step 405). Initially, since the initializable time is not set, when the base time 310 is compared with the current time, it is determined that initialization is possible because they are equal or the value of the base time 310 is small (step 406), and the keyboard initializing unit Instruct 305 to initialize the keyboard (step 407). The keyboard initialization unit 305 sets the base time 310 to POW ON
Assuming that the time is almost the same as the time 501, the scheduler 30
In response to 1, a value for calling the keyboard initialization unit 305 after the initialization time 502 and a value for which initialization has not been completed are returned (step 702). The scheduler 301 receives the current time from the timer timer 302 (step 40).
8) The base time 310 is rewritten by adding the current time and the value for calling the keyboard initialization unit 305 (step 409). Since the initialization has not been completed, the scheduler 301 returns to step 405 (step 410).

The scheduler 301 has a timer
The current time is received from 02 (step 405). The scheduler 301 calculates a difference between the base time 310 and the current time. If the difference is a positive value, it is determined that it is not yet time to call the keyboard initialization unit 305, and the process returns to step 405. If the value is a negative value, it is determined that it is time to call the keyboard initialization unit 305 (steps 406 and 703). In the following description, the description of waiting for time is omitted.

At the time specified by the keyboard initialization unit 305, the difference between the base time 310 and the current time becomes a negative value, so that the keyboard can be initialized (step 406). The scheduler 301 instructs the keyboard initialization unit 305 to initialize the keyboard (step 407). The keyboard initialization unit 305 issues a reset command to the keyboard (step 704), and returns to the scheduler 301 a value that calls the keyboard initialization unit 305 after 50 ms and a value that has not been initialized (step 705). The scheduler 301 receives the current time from the timer timer 302 (step 40).
8) The base time 310 is rewritten by adding the current time and the value for calling the keyboard initialization unit 305 (step 409). Since the initialization has not been completed, the scheduler 301 returns to step 405 (step 410).

After the same time waiting process as described above, 50
After ms, the keyboard initialization unit 305 is called (steps 407 and 706). Keyboard initialization unit 30
5 returns a value indicating that initialization has been completed to the scheduler 301 (step 707). The scheduler 301 receives the initialized value (step 410), and starts a diagnostic process.

The scheduler 301 has a timer
02, the current time is received (step 411). Initially, no diagnostic time is set, so base time 3
When the current time is compared with 10, the base time 310 is equal or the value of the base time 310 is small, so that it is determined that the diagnosis is possible (step 412), and the keyboard diagnosis unit 308 is instructed to diagnose the keyboard (step 413). The keyboard diagnosis unit 308 issues a self-diagnosis command to the keyboard and determines that the self-diagnosis has been completed normally since the self-diagnosis result has not been received from the keyboard (steps 414 and 70).
8). The keyboard diagnosis unit 308 returns a value for calling the keyboard initialization unit 305 after 10 ms to the scheduler 301 and a value indicating that the diagnosis is not completed (step 709). Here, 10 ms is the time until the self-diagnosis result is output from the keyboard. The scheduler 301 receives the current time from the timer counting unit 302 (step 415), and rewrites the base time 310 by adding the current time and a value for calling the keyboard initialization unit 305 (step 416). Scheduler 301
Returns to step 411 because the diagnosis has not been completed (step 417).

After the same time waiting process as described above, 10
After ms, the keyboard diagnosis unit 308 is called (steps 413 and 710). Keyboard diagnostic unit 308
Receives the self-diagnosis result from the keyboard (steps 414 and 711). If the self-diagnosis result is abnormal (steps 414 and 712), an instruction to display an error message is issued to the error message display unit 30.
9 (steps 418 and 714), and stops the operation (steps 419 and 716).

If the self-diagnosis result is normal, the keyboard diagnosis unit 308 sends a value indicating the end of the diagnosis to the scheduler 3.
01 (step 713). The scheduler 301 receives the current time from the timer counting unit 302 (step 415), and rewrites the base time 310 by adding the current time and a value for calling the keyboard initialization unit 305 (step 416). Since the scheduler 301 has completed the diagnosis (step 417), the process of initialization and diagnosis is completed.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11. FIG. The second embodiment is an example in which the information processing apparatus can be started by initializing and diagnosing only the keyboard, as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, a scheduler 801, a timer clock unit 802, and an initialization unit 803.
, A diagnosis unit 806 and an error message display unit 809.

The scheduler 801 has a base time 810
And a queue table 811. Base time 8
Reference numeral 10 denotes a register or a memory for storing a time serving as a time reference point. The queue table 811 is a table including the order of execution of each initialization and diagnosis module, and information on whether or not the module has been executed.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the queue table 811. Referring to FIG. 9, a queue table 811 stores a module pointer 9 indicating an address of a module to be executed.
01 and an unexecuted / unexecuted flag 9 indicating that execution has not been performed
02. These pieces of information are arranged in the order of execution.

The initialization unit 803 includes a timer initialization unit 80
4 and a keyboard initialization unit 805. The timer initialization unit 804 initializes a timer used by the timer clock unit 802. Keyboard initialization unit 805
Has an initialization A 812 and an initialization B 813.
The initialization A 812 sets the initialization time 502 to the scheduler 80.
Tell 1 The initialization B813 initializes a keyboard connected to the information processing device. The timer counts up a clock unique to the information processing apparatus for each clock, and is omitted in the figure.

The diagnosis unit 806 includes a timer diagnosis unit 807
And a keyboard diagnostic unit 808. The timer diagnosis unit 807 diagnoses the timer 800 used by the timer clock unit 802. The keyboard diagnostic unit 808
A diagnosis A 814 and a diagnosis B 815 are provided. Diagnosis A8
14 issues a command for self-diagnosing the function of a keyboard connected to the information processing apparatus. Diagnosis B815. Receive self-diagnosis result and determine normal / abnormal.

Next, the operation will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of keyboard initialization and diagnosis for each module.

When the information processing apparatus starts operating, first, the scheduler 801 operates. The scheduler 801 instructs the timer initialization unit 804 to initialize the timer. The timer initialization unit 804 initializes a timer (step 1001). When the initialization of the timer is completed, the scheduler 801 instructs the timer diagnosis unit 807 to diagnose the timer. The timer diagnosis unit 807 makes a diagnosis (step 1002). If the timer does not operate normally as a result of the diagnosis, the error message display unit 809 is instructed to display an error message, and the operation of the information processing apparatus is stopped. If the timer diagnosis shows that the timer is normal,
The scheduler 801 receives the current time from the timer clock unit 802 (step 1003). Scheduler 80
1 sets the current time to the base time 810 (step 1004), and sets the unfinished / finished flag 902 to unexecuted (step 1005, step 1101).

The scheduler 801 has a timer
02, the current time is received (step 1006). At first, since the time until the next module is called is not set, when the base time 810 is compared with the current time, since the base time 810 is equal or the value of the base time 810 is small, it is determined that the first module can be called (step 1007) The module to be called first is selected from the module pointer 901 (step 1008). The scheduler 801 calls the selected initialization A 812 (step 1009). The initialization A 812 determines that the base time 810 is almost the same as the POW ON time 501 and informs the scheduler 801 of the initialization time 502
Later, the next module callable value is returned (step 11).
02). This value is hereinafter referred to as a callable time. The scheduler 801 initializes the queue table 811 A81
Then, the non-finished flag 902 of the second is set to executed (step 1010, step 1103). Scheduler 80
1 receives the current time from the timer counting unit 802 (step 1011), adds the current time and the callable time,
The base time 810 is rewritten (step 1012).
Next, the scheduler 801 checks the presence / absence of a module to be called next to the initialization A 812 in the queue table 811 with reference to the unfinished / finished flag 902. Next, initialization B8
Since 13 operates, the process returns to step 1006 (step 1013).

The scheduler 801 includes a timer clock unit 8
02, the current time is received (step 1006). The scheduler 801 calculates the difference between the base time 810 and the current time. If the difference is a positive value, it is determined that it is not yet time to call the next module,
It returns to step 1006. If the value is a negative value, it is determined that it is time to call the next module (step 1007). The process continues to loop until the next module can be called (step 1104). In the following description, description of waiting for time is omitted.

When it is time to call the next module,
The difference between the base time 810 and the current time is a negative value (step 1007). The scheduler 801 refers to the unfinished / finished flag 902 from the queue table 811 and searches for an unexecuted module that has an earlier execution order (step 1008). The scheduler 801 calls the found module, initialization B813 (step 100).
9). The initialization B 813 issues a reset command to the keyboard (step 1105), and the scheduler 801
Returns a callable time of 50 ms (step 1)
106). The scheduler 801 has a queue table 811
Of the unfinished / completed flag 902 of the initialization B 813 of the step (step 1010, step 1107). The scheduler 801 receives the current time from the timer counting unit 802 (step 1011), and rewrites the base time 810 by adding the current time and the callable time (step 1012). The scheduler 801 checks the presence / absence of a module to be called next to the initialization B 813 in the queue table 811 with reference to the unfinished / finished flag 902. Next, since the diagnosis A 814 operates, the process returns to step 1006 (step 1013).

After the same time waiting process as described above, 50
The loop is continued until ms elapses (step 1108). The scheduler 801 refers to the unfinished / finished flag 902 from the queue table 811 and searches for an unexecuted module that has an earlier execution order (step 1008). The scheduler 801 starts the diagnosis A814
Is called (step 1009). The diagnosis A 814 issues a self-diagnosis command to the keyboard (step 100).
9, step 1109), and returns a callable time of 10 ms to the scheduler 801 (step 1110). The scheduler 801 checks the diagnosis A81 of the queue table 811.
4 is set to executed (step 1010, step 1111). Scheduler 80
1 receives the current time from the timer counting unit 802 (step 1011), adds the current time and the callable time,
The base time 810 is rewritten (step 1012).
The scheduler 801 checks the diagnosis A
The presence / absence of a module to be called next to 814 is checked with reference to the unfinished flag 902. Next, since the diagnosis B 815 operates, the flow returns to step 1006 (step 101).
3).

After the same time waiting process as described above, 10
The loop is continued until ms elapses (step 1112). The scheduler 801 refers to the unfinished / finished flag 902 from the queue table 811 and searches for an unexecuted module that has an earlier execution order (step 1008). The scheduler 801 checks the diagnosis B815
Is called (step 1009). The diagnosis B 815 receives the self-diagnosis result from the keyboard (step 11).
13). If the self-diagnosis result is abnormal (step 1
114), an instruction to display an error message is sent to the error message display section 809 (step 1116), and the operation is stopped (step 1118). If the self-diagnosis result is normal, control is returned to the scheduler 801 (step 11).
15). The scheduler 801 has a queue table 811
The non-finished flag 902 of the diagnosis B 815 is set to executed (steps 1010 and 1117). The scheduler 801 receives the current time from the timer counting unit 802 (step 1011), and rewrites the base time 810 by adding the current time and the callable time (step 1012). The scheduler 801 has the queue table 8
The presence / absence of a module to be called next to the eleventh diagnosis B 815 is checked with reference to the unfinished / finished flag 902. Since there is no module to be called next, the initialization and diagnosis processing ends (step 1013).

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. FIG. In a third embodiment, a keyboard and RA
This is an example in which the information processing apparatus can be started by initializing and diagnosing M.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, a third embodiment of the present invention provides a scheduler 1201, a timer clock unit 1202, an initialization unit 1203, and a diagnosis unit 1206.
And an error message display unit 1209.

The scheduler 1201 has a queue table 1210. The queue table 1210 is a table including the order of execution of each initialization and diagnosis module, and information on unexecuted / executed information. Queue table 1210
Is the function table 1228 and the module table 1229
And

Referring to FIG. 13, function table 122
8 is composed of a function pointer 1301, and the module table 1229 is composed of a table for each function. Details of FIG. 13 will be described later.

The initialization unit 1203 includes a timer-related initialization unit 1204 and each function initialization unit 1205.

The timer-related initialization section 1204 includes a timer 1 initialization section 1211, a timer 2 initialization section 1212,
A RAM1 initialization unit 1213 and an interrupt initialization unit 1214 are provided. Timer 1 is a timer that can measure time in smaller units than timer 2. Timer 2 has a function of generating an interrupt signal at a specific time, while timer 1 has a simple function that can only measure time. The timer 1 initialization unit 1211 includes a timer clock unit 1202
Initializes the timer used by. The timer 2 initialization unit 1212 initializes the timer 2 that generates an interrupt signal at a specific time interval. RAM1 initialization unit 121
Reference numeral 3 initializes an address (vector table) which jumps into an interrupt destination when an interrupt occurs. The interrupt initializing unit 1214 initializes a function of generating an interrupt when an interrupt signal is generated by the timer 2.

Each function initialization unit 1205 includes a keyboard initialization unit 1215 and a RAM2 initialization unit 1216. The keyboard initialization unit 1215 includes a keyboard initialization unit A1217. Keyboard initialization unit A1
Step 217 initializes a keyboard connected to the information processing apparatus. The RAM2 initialization unit 1216 includes a RAM2 initialization unit A1218. RAM2 initialization unit A1218
Initializes the RAM other than the vector table.

The diagnosis unit 1206 is a timer-related diagnosis unit 1
207 and each function diagnosis unit 1208.

The timer-related diagnosis section 1207 includes a timer 1 diagnosis section 1219, a timer 2 diagnosis section 1220, and a RAM.
1 diagnostic section 1221 and interrupt diagnostic section 1222 are provided.

The timer 1 diagnosis unit 1219 diagnoses a timer used by the timer clock unit 1202. The timer 2 diagnosis unit 1220 diagnoses a timer that generates an interrupt signal every specific time. RAM1 diagnostic unit 12
Reference numeral 21 diagnoses an address (vector table) that jumps into an interrupt destination when an interrupt occurs. The interrupt diagnosis unit 1222 diagnoses a function of generating an interrupt when an interrupt signal is generated by a timer.

Each function diagnosis section 1208 includes a keyboard diagnosis section 1223 and a RAM2 diagnosis section 1224.
The keyboard diagnosis unit 1223 includes a keyboard diagnosis unit A12.
25 and a keyboard diagnostic unit B1226. The keyboard diagnostic unit A1225 issues a command for self-diagnosing the function of a keyboard connected to the information processing device.
The keyboard diagnosis unit B1226 receives the result of the self-diagnosis command. The RAM2 diagnostic unit 1224 includes a RAM2 diagnostic unit A1227. RAM2 diagnostic unit A1227
Diagnoses the RAM other than the vector table.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of the queue table 1210. The function table 1228 stores the function pointer 13
01. The function pointer 1301 indicates a pointer of a table prepared for each function in the module table 1229. The arrangement of the function table 1228 is arranged in the order of the module in which the waiting time easily occurs.

The module table 1229 is composed of a table for each function. Each function is keyboard and R
Since the two are AM2, they are composed of a keyboard module table 1305 and a RAM2 module table 1306. Each table includes a callable time 1302, a module pointer 1303 which is a pointer to an initialization / diagnosis module, and an unfinished / executed flag 1304 which indicates whether or not the module has been executed. These pieces of information are arranged in the order of execution.

Next, the operation will be described.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of “selection of module that can operate fastest” 1405 in the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the initialization of each function or the schedule of the diagnostic module. FIG. 16 is a diagram obtained by adding a time axis to the module table 1229 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 16, in the functional keyboard, a keyboard initialization unit A1217 operates after an initialization time 502. 50m when keyboard initialization unit A1217 ends
After s, the keyboard diagnostic unit A1225 operates. When the keyboard diagnosis unit A1225 ends, the keyboard diagnosis unit B1226 operates 10 ms later. Function RAM2 is 0
After ms, the RAM2 initialization unit A1218 operates. RA
When the M2 initialization unit A1218 ends, the RAM is set to 0 ms later.
The two diagnostic unit A1227 operates.

First, an outline of the operation will be described.

In this embodiment, the scheduler 1201 controls the diagnosis and initialization module. Each module operates only within the time allocated by the scheduler 1201. In this embodiment, a representative example of a module to be scheduled will be described. Since the keyboard-related modules have an interface with peripheral devices, they are modules that have to wait for a specified time or more while easily releasing their allotted time. On the other hand, since the RAM-related module does not communicate with the peripheral device, it is a module that can take up the time forcibly allocated, and there is no need to wait for a specific time or more. As described above, this is an example of the processing for initializing the RAM by sewing a gap in the processing related to the keyboard.

Next, the operation will be described in detail. First, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

When the information processing apparatus starts operating, first, the scheduler 1201 operates. The scheduler 1201
The timer-related initialization unit 1204 is instructed to perform initialization. The timer-related initialization unit 1204 initializes the timer 1, the timer 2, the RAM1, and the interrupt (step 1401). When the timer-related initialization is completed, the scheduler 1201 instructs the timer-related diagnosis unit 1207 to perform a diagnosis. Timer related diagnosis unit 1
207 is a timer 1 diagnosis, a timer 2 diagnosis, RA
Diagnose M1 and interrupt (Step 140)
2). If the result of the diagnosis is not normal, the error message display unit 1209 is instructed to display an error message, and the operation of the information processing apparatus is stopped. If the result of the diagnosis is normal, the scheduler 1201 operates as a timer
The current time is received (step 1403). The scheduler 1201 performs initialization of the queue table 1210, setting of interrupt processing by a timer, setting of the RAM 1, and the like, and adds the current time to the callable time 1302 of the module executed first in the table indicated by all the function pointers 1301. (Step 1404).

The scheduler 1201 refers to a table in the module table 1229 indicated by the function table 1228 of the queue table 1210 and the base time, and first searches for a module that becomes a callable time.

The search will be described with reference to FIG. First, the current time is received from the timer counting unit 1202 (step 1501). Next, in order to check the priority order, a module in which the unfinished / unfinished flag 1304 is not found is searched from the head of the first table of the function pointer 1301. Further, a difference obtained by subtracting the time measured by the timer from the callable time 1302 is set as the time value α. That is, a value substantially equal to the initialization time 502 is set as the time value α (step 1502). Since the searched module is selected as the initial value of the search result, the keyboard initialization unit A1217 is set (step 1503). Next, the pointer next to the function pointer 1301 is selected (step 1504).

Next, it is checked whether the time value α is equal to or less than 0, that is, whether or not it can be executed immediately. If it is 0 or negative,
The module selected as the initial value is the search result (step 1505). If the time value α is a positive value, from the top of the RAM2 module table 1306,
A module whose unfinished flag 1304 is not yet searched is searched. Since the RAM2 initialization unit A1218 is found first, it is selected (step 1506). A difference is obtained by subtracting the time measured by the timer from the value of the callable time 1302 of the RAM2 initialization unit A1218. Further, the difference between this difference and the time value α is calculated (step 1507). if,
If the difference is 0 or a negative value, the callable time 1302 of the newly selected module is set to the time value α to give priority to the execution of the newly selected module (step 150).
8, step 1509), and select a newly selected module as a search result (step 1510). If the difference is a positive value, the process proceeds to the next step (step 150).
8). To check the next function, a pointer next to the function pointer 1301 is selected (step 1511). if,
Step 1 if there is a function that has a module that operates next
Return to 505. If there is no function, the processing ends (step 15
12).

According to the above-mentioned search, in most cases, the RAM 2
The initialization unit A1218 is selected (Step 140)
5).

As a result of the search, there is a case where the callable time has not yet come.
There is a process of returning to step 1406 (step 1407) until it becomes possible to call 6), but since the callable time of the RAM2 initialization unit A1218 is 0 ms, the process proceeds to the next step.

In order to switch the execution of each module halfway, it is set so that an interrupt occurs 10 ms after the timeout period (step 1408), and the RAM2 initialization unit A1218, which is the searched module, is executed (step 1409). Since the RAM 2 initialization unit A 1218 does not generate a waiting time due to communication with the peripheral device or the like, 1
Execution is interrupted by a timeout due to an interrupt after 0 ms. Since the timeout is interrupted, the interrupted address is rewritten in the module pointer 1303 and the process returns to step 1405 (step 1410, step 141).
5).

Steps 1405 to 1415 are repeated until the initialization time 502 elapses.

After the initialization time 502, step 1
In step 405, a keyboard initialization unit A1217 is selected. The selection process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the current time is read from the timer counting unit 1202 (step 1501). Next, in order to check the priority order, a module in which the unfinished / unfinished flag 1304 is not found is searched from the head of the first table of the function pointer 1301. Retrievable module call time 1
The difference obtained by subtracting the current time from the initialization time 502 in 302 is set as the time value α (step 1502). Since the searched module is selected as the initial value of the search result, the keyboard initialization unit A1217 is set. Next, the pointer next to the function pointer 1301 is selected (step 150).
4). When the time value α is checked, since the time value α is 0 or a negative value, the keyboard initialization unit A1217 is selected.

Steps 1406 and 1407 are:
Since the initialization time 502 has passed, the process proceeds to the next step.

In order to switch the execution of each module in the middle, it is set so that an interrupt occurs 10 ms after the timeout period (step 1408), and the keyboard initialization unit A1217 which is the searched module is executed (step 1409). Keyboard initialization unit A1217
Issues a reset command, and the scheduler 1201
Return to Since the time during this period is less than 10 ms, the execution ends without being interrupted by the timeout (step 14).
10).

The scheduler 1201 sets the unfinished flag 1
304 is already set (step 1411), and the current time is read from the timer unit 1202 (step 14).
12). The current time is added to the callable time 1302 of the keyboard diagnosis unit A1225 which can be executed next to the keyboard initialization unit A1217 (step 1413). Next, it is checked whether there is a module that has not been executed yet, and the process returns to step 1405 (step 1414).

Next, when the earliest operable module is selected, the RAM2 initialization unit A 1218 whose execution has been interrupted is selected (step 1405). Thereafter, the processing proceeds in the same manner as described above.

[0093]

As described above, according to the present invention, the waiting time for the control of the peripheral device can be optimized by comparing the values measured by the timers, so that the effect of reducing the startup time of the information processing apparatus can be obtained. is there.

For the same reason, the CPU of the information processing apparatus
Even when only the CPU is replaced with a high-speed CPU, there is an effect that the waiting time for the peripheral device control is not short.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a time chart of the keyboard according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing restrictions when issuing a command to the keyboard according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of keyboard initialization and diagnosis according to the first embodiment of the present invention for each module.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a queue table according to the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of keyboard initialization and diagnosis according to the second embodiment of the present invention, for each module.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a queue table.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of “selection of a module that can operate fastest” according to the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schedule of each module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional technique.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 scheduler 102 timer counting unit 103 initialization unit 104 timer-related initialization unit 105 each function initialization unit 106 diagnosis unit 107 timer-related diagnosis unit 108 each function diagnosis unit 109 error message display unit 301 scheduler 302 timer timer unit 303 initialization unit 304 Timer initialization unit 305 Keyboard initialization unit 306 Diagnosis unit 307 Timer diagnosis unit 308 Keyboard diagnosis unit 309 Error message display unit 310 Base time 501 POW ON time 502 Initialization time 503 Reset command 504 Key code 801 Scheduler 802 Timer timer 803 Initialization unit 804 Timer initialization unit 805 Keyboard initialization unit 806 Diagnostic unit 807 Timer diagnostic unit 808 Keyboard diagnostic unit 809 Error message Display unit 810 Base time 811 Queue table 812 Initialization A 813 Initialization B 814 Diagnosis A 815 Diagnosis B 1201 Scheduler 1202 Timer clock unit 1203 Initialization unit 1204 Timer-related initialization unit 1205 Each function initialization unit 1206 Diagnosis unit 1207 Timer-related Diagnosis unit 1208 Function diagnosis unit 1209 Error message display unit 1210 Queue table 1211 Timer 1 initialization unit 1212 Timer 2 initialization unit 1213 RAM1 initialization unit 1214 Interrupt initialization unit 1215 Keyboard initialization unit 1216 RAM2 initialization unit 1217 Keyboard Initializing unit A 1218 RAM2 initializing unit A 1219 Timer 1 diagnostic unit 1220 Timer 2 diagnostic unit 1221 RAM1 diagnostic unit 1222 Interrupt diagnostic unit 1223 Keyboard diagnostic unit 224 RAM 2 diagnosing unit 1225 keyboard diagnostic unit A 1226 keyboard diagnostic unit B 1227 RAM 2 diagnostic unit A 1228 function table 1229 module table 1301 function pointers 1302 callable times 1303 module pointer 1304 Not-flag 1305 keyboard module table 1306 RAM 2 module table

Claims (4)

[Claims] In an information processing apparatus startup method for executing an initialization program and a self-diagnosis program at startup, a timer for measuring time by a clock pulse, timer timer means for reading time from the timer, and an initialization program are provided. Means for confirming whether a time when initialization is possible at the time of execution and a time at which self-diagnosis is possible when executing the self-diagnosis program are provided. 2. An information processing apparatus start-up method for executing an initialization program and a self-diagnosis program at the time of startup, a timer for measuring time by a clock pulse, a timer timer for reading time from said timer, Each function initialization unit that initializes various functions, each function diagnosis unit that diagnoses various functions of the information processing device, and a scheduler that controls a schedule of the information processing device, wherein the scheduler is When the value of the timer counting unit has reached a time at which initialization can be performed, control is passed to the function initialization unit. After execution of the initialization program, when the value of the timer counting unit has reached a time at which diagnosis can be performed, the function diagnosis is performed. An information processing device activation method, wherein control is passed to a unit. 3. The scheduler includes a queue table having an execution order of the initialization program and the self-diagnosis program, and information on whether the initialization program and the self-diagnosis program have not been executed or have been executed. 3. The information processing apparatus activation method according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The queue table includes a module table having callable time information of each module of the initialization program and the self-diagnosis program, and the timer generates an interrupt signal when a specific time is reached. 4. The information processing apparatus activation method according to claim 3, wherein the scheduler selects a module that can operate at the earliest time and operates the module only for a time allocated by using the interrupt signal.