WO2003034191A1

WO2003034191A1 - Information processor, recovering method and recovering program

Info

Publication number: WO2003034191A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/008848
Authority: WO
Inventors: Airi Hirata; Atsushi Kudoh; Haruhisa Sakuma
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 2001-10-09
Filing date: 2001-10-09
Publication date: 2003-04-24

Abstract

The timing for storing data determining the state of an apparatus is designated, the data determining the state of the apparatus when the timing is designated is stored, and the apparatus is set in the state at the designated timing using the stored data and recovered.

Description

Description Information processing apparatus, restoration method and restoration program

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a restoring method, and a restoring program for restoring an apparatus to a predetermined state, and in particular, information that can arbitrarily restore the state of the apparatus by saving the state of the apparatus at an arbitrary timing. The present invention relates to a processing device, a restoration method, and a restoration program. Background art

In recent years, computers equipped with a power saving function (ACP: Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) are increasing. In such a computer, the power supply to the display, hard disk, peripheral devices, etc. is stopped during the transition to the power saving mode (suspend), so that the contents of the hardware context and the main memory are automatically saved. However, when returning from the power saving mode (resume), the system is restored based on the saved data.

In addition, if the application has an automatic backup function, data such as a document file that is being edited is automatically saved, so even if an error occurs in the computer and the application or computer terminates abnormally, editing is not possible. Document files on the way can be restored.

However, even if the above power saving function is provided, the hardware context and the contents of the main memory are not saved when a computer error occurs, so there is a high possibility that data will be lost due to an unexpected accident. Also, since the system cannot be restored to the state before the error occurred after the restart, it is necessary for the user to reset the system state, which increases the burden on the user. Even applications that have an automatic backup function cannot restore the computer to the state before the error occurred, because only the file being edited is saved.

In addition to restoring when an error occurs, it is also possible to arbitrarily restore the past system environment during normal operation. Although the number of users who want to restore the environment is increasing, it is not possible with the above-mentioned power saving function because it is not possible to save the data at any time. This is not possible because the context is not saved.

As a means for solving such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-57010 discloses a method of backing up data stored on a hard disk. According to this method, it is possible to restore the data stored on the hard disk in the event of any failure or abnormality. However, since the data before being saved on the hard disk, that is, the data existing in the main memory, is not saved, for example, when an error occurs while editing data such as a document file and the system is restarted, the data may not be saved. — According to the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5 07 0 15, the backed up contents are saved, but the data in the main memory that was edited immediately before backup, such as document files, cannot be restored. Furthermore, it cannot satisfy the user's desire to arbitrarily restore the past state.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and when an error has occurred in a device, the data or system state edited immediately before the error occurred can be restored. It is another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus, a restoring method, and a restoring program that can arbitrarily restore a past system state. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention is characterized by using timing instruction means for instructing a predetermined timing, storage means for storing data that determines the state of the device at the timing instructed by the timing instruction means, and data stored in the storage means The present invention also provides an information processing apparatus comprising: setting means for setting the apparatus to the state at the timing and restoring the apparatus.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to save data (data for restoration) that determines the state of the device to be restored at a predetermined time, so that the state of the device can be changed when an abnormality occurs or arbitrarily. It can be restored to the past state, Loss of data and system environment due to abnormalities can be avoided. In addition, it is possible to arbitrarily restore the device status in the past even when an error does not occur. In the embodiment of the present invention, the timing instruction means is constituted by a CPU and a timer operated by 0S or 〇S, the storage means is constituted by a storage device or a storage memory, and the setting means is constituted by an OS or It consists of a CPU that runs on the OS.

Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the data stored in the storage means includes a hardware context of the apparatus and contents of a main memory. According to such a configuration, not only the data stored on the hard disk but also the data (memory contents) before being stored on the hard disk can be stored. However, the contents of the memory need not be lost.

Also, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the timing instruction means includes a timer, and instructs the predetermined timing at regular time intervals. According to such a configuration, the storage process can be performed at an hourly or weekly timing, for example, so that the user who wishes to periodically save the data becomes more convenient.

Also, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the timing instruction means includes a timer, and instructs the predetermined timing at a predetermined time. According to such a configuration, data can be saved at the set date and time, so that it is possible to avoid omission of saving, and it is possible to reliably save data and restore the device.

Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the timing instructing unit instructs the predetermined timing when the CPU of the apparatus is idle. According to such a configuration, the load on the device in the storage processing is reduced, and the usability of the device for the user is improved.

Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the timing instruction means instructs the predetermined timing based on a predetermined operation. According to such a configuration, the environment (condition) State) can be saved at the best timing, so that the saving process can be executed with high user satisfaction. In the present embodiment, the predetermined operation corresponds to a specific operation by the user, such as pressing a predetermined key while using the device.

Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the timing instruction means includes timing setting means for setting the predetermined timing in advance. According to such a configuration, the storage process can be executed with a high degree of freedom for the user. In this embodiment, the timing setting means is constituted by an OS or a CPU operated by the OS, displays a predetermined setting input screen (system saving setting window), and allows the user to input the setting of the saving timing. Is possible.

Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the storage unit stores data that defines a state of the device corresponding to each of a plurality of timings that are chronologically instructed by the timing instructing unit. The means selects data at any timing from among the data stored in the storage means, and sets the apparatus using the selected data.

According to such a configuration, the environment of the apparatus can be arbitrarily restored to the past state according to the user's preference. Note that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the selection unit performs restoration using the data selected in the system restoration selection window.

Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus may include a storage unit configured to store a predetermined parameter relating to an operation state of the apparatus, and an abnormality occurring in the apparatus based on the parameters stored in the storage unit. Determining means for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the device, when the determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the device, storing the information in the storage device at a timing before the abnormality occurs in the device. The apparatus is set to a state before the occurrence of an abnormality by using the obtained data.

According to such a configuration, when it is determined that an error has occurred in the device, the device can be restored to the state before the occurrence of the error, so that the user can use the device with high reliability. Become. In this embodiment, the predetermined parameter corresponds to a system status flag, and the determining means is determined by the OS or a CPU operated by the OS. Be composed. '

Further, the present invention relates to a restoration method for restoring an apparatus to a predetermined state, comprising: a timing instruction step for instructing a predetermined evening, and data for determining a state of the apparatus at the timing instructed by the timing instruction step. A storage step of storing the data in the storage device; and a setting step of setting the device to the state at the timing using the data stored in the storage step and restoring the device.

In the restoring method according to the present invention, in the storing step, data that defines a state of the device corresponding to each of a plurality of timings indicated in time series by the timing instruction step is stored, and the setting step is performed. Then, among the data stored in the storing step, data at any timing is selected, and the apparatus is set using the selected data.

Further, in the restoration method according to the present invention, a storage step of storing a predetermined parameter relating to an operation state of the apparatus, and an abnormality occurs in the apparatus based on the parameter stored in the storage unit. A determining step for determining that the device has failed. If the determining step determines that an error has occurred in the device, the storing step is performed at a timing before the device has failed. The data stored in the storage device is selected, and the device is set to a state before the occurrence of the abnormality.

The present invention also provides a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described method. If such a program is stored in a computer, a reliable restoration process can be realized.

Still further, the present invention further provides a reading means for reading the data from a storage means for storing data for determining a state of the apparatus at a predetermined timing, and using the data read by the reading means to perform the timing of the apparatus. An information processing apparatus comprising a setting means for setting to a state in. According to such a configuration, the restoration process can be easily performed even when the device to be saved and the device to be restored are different devices. For example, data that determines the status of the first device Can be saved, and the second device different from the first device can be restored to the state of the first device at the saved timing by using the saved data. If the storage means is a portable storage medium and the data that determines the state of the apparatus at a predetermined timing is stored in the portable storage medium, a failure occurs in the apparatus to be restored and restoration cannot be performed. In this case, it is possible to connect the portable storage medium to another device, easily read data from the portable storage medium, and reproduce an environment at a desired timing.

The present invention also relates to a restoring method for restoring an apparatus to a predetermined state, comprising: a step of reading out a data that determines a state of the apparatus at a predetermined timing from a storage device; Setting the device to the state at the timing using the output data.

Further, the present invention relates to a restoring program for restoring an apparatus to a predetermined state, comprising: a reading step of reading data that determines the state of the apparatus at a predetermined timing from a storage device; And a setting step of setting the device to the state at the timing using the data thus obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing a hardware configuration of a convenience store having a restoration function according to the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system save setting window.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a flow of a process of storing the system restoration data in the storage device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of processing for a flag for detecting whether or not an abnormality has occurred in a computer at the time of startup.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the restoration processing in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the restoration processing in the second embodiment. You.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a system restoration selection window.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram conceptually showing an eighty-one duer configuration of a computer having a restoration function according to the third embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

Embodiment 1

In this embodiment, the memory contents and the hardware / context are stored in a storage device such as a magnetic disk at a fixed time or at an arbitrary time, either singly or a plurality of times, so that an unexpected application error, system stop, In the event of data loss due to a sudden power failure, etc., it has a function to restore the system to the normal state before the occurrence of the abnormality by using the saved memory contents and the 81st hardware context (hereinafter, system restoration data) 2 shows an example of a computer. Note that such a restoration function (including the storage processing) may be provided as a function incorporated in the OS in advance, or may be provided by a dedicated application. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the restoration function is processed by OS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing a hardware configuration of a computer having the above-mentioned restoration function. In the figure, a computer 1 is provided with a CPU 10 and a (main) memory 13, which are controlled by a CPU memory controller 11. Further, a timer 14 is connected to the CPU 10, and an IZO controller 12 is connected to the CPU / memory controller 11. The I / O controller 12 is a non-volatile memory (such as CMOS) or a magnetic disk for storing various IZO devices 15 and a system status flag 26 indicating the operating status of the computer 1. Storage device 16 for storing the system restoration data 27 of the computer 1 and transfer the data of each connected device to the CPU 10 and the memory 13 . As shown, the system restoration data 27 includes management information 27a such as a name, a storage time, and a management number, and a data portion 27b as data actually required for restoration. The storage device 17 is a computer (1) The storage device may be a magnetic disk provided inside or a storage device connected via a network, and its type is not limited. Although the system status flag 26 is stored in the storage medium 16 such as a nonvolatile memory or a magnetic disk, any type of recording medium may be used as long as the contents of the flag are not erased when the power is turned off. You may.

In this embodiment, the data stored in the storage device 17 is, specifically, the context 20 (cache and register contents) of the CPU 10 and the context 21 (contents of the register) of the CPU / memory controller 11. ), Context 2 2 (register contents) of the IZO controller, memory content 23 of memory 13, and context 2 5 (register contents) of various IZO devices 15, and these are the data section 27 b Are stored together at each storage timing, and management information 27a is added to each data section 27b.

Further, in the present embodiment, the user can arbitrarily set the timing for saving the system restoration data 27. More specifically, any of the following can be set as the save timing: saving at a fixed time (expiration of the time interval), saving at a predetermined date and time, or saving when the CPU 10 is idle. FIG. 2 shows an example of the system save setting window. The save timing can be set by performing a predetermined input in the pop-up window. This window is displayed on the computer 1 by the user performing a predetermined key input. Hereinafter, the setting method will be described.

1. If you want to save at the expiration of the time interval, click the option button 30 of “Save at mouth interval” 30 and enter the save interval numerically.

2. If you want to specify the date and time and save it, click the option button 3 1 of “Year / month / day / day / day: mouth” and enter the save date and time.

3. If you want to save at a fixed time every day, click the save option button 3 2 in “Mouth: Mouth” and enter the save time.

4. If you want to save on the fixed day of the week, click the option button for “Every Weekday Mouth: Mouth” and enter the day and time.

5. If you want to save when CPU 10 is idle, select “Save when CPU 10 is idle”. Click the option button 34 of "Exist."

When the setting is made by such an operation, 〇S performs the saving process according to the setting. Note that in the figure, only one of the above five selection items can be selected as the timing at which the system restoration data 27 is saved.However, as another embodiment, a plurality of selection items can be selected. Alternatively, the system restoration data 27 may be saved according to a plurality of timings selected by the user. In addition to the setting on the setting screen, when the user presses a predetermined key while using the computer 1, the memory content and hardware context at the time of pressing may be immediately saved. it can. The setting function described above may be provided as a function incorporated in the OS in advance, or may be provided by a dedicated application.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for saving the system restoration data 27 in the storage device 17. First, the computer 1 is operating in a normal state without any abnormality (normal state, S100), and waits until the save timing set as described above (S101, NO) is reached. Processing is continued (S102). When the set save timing comes (S101, YES), the OS automatically saves the management information 27a such as the save name and management number of the system restore data 27 before saving the system restoration data 27. (S103).

In the above setting example, if the setting is made to save at regular time intervals (every time interval expires), an event occurs when the timer 14 expires for a fixed time, and the system restoration data management information 27a Is created. If the setting is made to save at the specified time, an event occurs when the set time matches the current time of the timer 14, and the process of creating the system restoration data management information 27a is executed. You. Furthermore, if the setting is made to save when the CPU 10 is idle, when the OS detects the idle state of the CPU 10, the process of creating the system restoration data management information 27a is executed.

When the creation of the management information 27a is completed, all the tasks of the computer 1 are temporarily stopped (S104), and the memory contents 23 and various hardware contexts (20, 21, 22, 25) described above are collected (S104). 105), System Restore Data 27 The information such as the storage time acquired from the timer 14 is added to the management information 27a and stored in the storage device 17 (S106). After saving, enable all tasks and return to the normal state.

Next, the flow of the restoration processing when an abnormality occurs in the computer 1 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 4 shows the flow of processing for a flag (system state flag 26) for detecting whether or not an error has occurred in the computer 1 at the time of startup. First, when the computer 1 is turned on or restarted (S 200), after the OS is started (S 201), the OS sets the system status flag 26 to “abnormal” and sets the storage medium 16 such as a nonvolatile memory. To save. When the shutdown is started (S300), the 〇S executes the shutdown processing (S301) and saves the system status flag 26 as “normal” (S302). By operating the system status flag 26 in this way, if the computer 1 terminates abnormally, the system status flag 26 remains “abnormal”, so the system status flag 26 is referred to at the next startup. This indicates that Computer 1 terminated abnormally.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the restoration processing. First, when the combination 1 is turned on or restarted (S400), the initialization is completed by the BIOS, and then the OS is started (S401). At this time, the OS checks the system status flag 26 stored by the processing in Fig. 4, and if "normal", determines that the previous shutdown status is normal, reads the system file, and starts up normally. Processing is performed (S403). If the system status flag 26 is "abnormal", it is determined that the previous shutdown was not performed normally, and the latest one of the stored system restoration data 27 is read out, and the same data is read out. The data is copied to the memory 13 and the registers of each hardware such as the CPU 10, the memory contents are restored, the hardware context is restored, and the system is started (S404).

As described above, the system can be restored to the state before the occurrence of the error using the system restoration data before the occurrence of the error. Can be avoided. Embodiment 2

In the first embodiment, the description has been given of restoring the state of the computer before the occurrence of the abnormality by using data stored by a preset timing or an arbitrary operation when the abnormality occurs in the computer. Even if a failure does not occur, the past system environment of the computer can be restored by arbitrarily reading and setting the saved data according to the user's intention. Hereinafter, the details of the restoration processing will be described.

Since the hardware configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, the description is omitted. Also, the process of saving the system restoration data 27 in the same figure is executed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned flowchart in FIG. 3, and therefore the description is omitted. The number of system restoration data 27 to be saved basically depends on the capacity of the storage device 17, but the number of saved system restoration data 27 may be set in advance, or it may reach the limit of the capacity. In such a case, old data may be overwritten.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the restoration processing in the present embodiment. First, when the computer 1 is turned on or restarted (S500), the OS is started after the initialization work is completed (S501). In the present embodiment, when a user presses a predetermined key at the time of booting the OS, the key is used as a trigger to activate the restoration function. Therefore, the OS checks whether or not a predetermined key input has been made by the user (S502). At this time, if there is no instruction from the user (if there is no key input) (S502, nothing), the system file is read and the startup processing is performed as usual (S503). When the restore function is called by a key input from the user (S502, yes), a list of the system restore data 27 saved by the save process shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. Is displayed (S504). FIG. 7 is an example of a system restore selection window displayed on the computer 1 when the restore function is called. By selecting any system restoration data 27 in this window, the computer 1 can be restored to the state desired by the user. In the figure, click either the 40 or 41 option button and select whether the user wants to restore. 40 Select “Do not restore system” In this case, the normal startup processing of S503 is performed. 4 If you select “Restore system” in 1), click on the desired system restore data 2 7 from the list 4 2 of system restore data 2 7 and select it. / 01/01 11:00 "is selected), and the window is closed (S505). When the user selects data, the selected data is read from the storage device 17 and the data is copied to the memory 13 and registers of each hardware such as the CPU 10 to copy the data to the memory 13. And the hardware context are restored, and the system is started (S506).

As described above, since the system can be restored to an arbitrary state using arbitrary system restoration data, the user can save multiple environments on the system and select the system environment according to the situation. It can be changed. , Embodiment 3.

In the first and second embodiments, the storage device 17 has been described as a magnetic disk or a storage device connected via a network.However, at the time of storage, all the tasks of the computer need to be temporarily stopped. Shorter is better.

Therefore, in order to shorten the storage time, a storage memory may be provided separately from the (main) memory, and the system restoration data 27 may be stored in the storage memory. In this case, it is assumed that power is always supplied to the storage memory even when a computer error occurs (other than a power failure).

FIG. 8 shows a hardware configuration of a computer provided with such a storage memory. In the figure, the computer 1 ′ is provided with a storage memory 18 in addition to the (main) memory 13, and the latest system restoration data 28 is stored in the storage memory 18. The saving and restoring processing using FIG. 8 is performed in the same manner as in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, and thus the description is omitted. The system restoration data 28 saved in the saving memory 18 is Before the next storage timing, backup is appropriately made to the storage device 17. If the storage and the pack-up are performed in this manner, the storage memory 18 has a minimum capacity.

As described above, the provision of the storage memory shortens the storage time, The usability of the user who uses the computer is improved. Embodiment 4.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the storage processing of the system restoration data 27 and the restoration processing based on the system restoration data 27 are performed by the same device. Can be performed in separate devices. For example, the own device (the first device) does not store data, and the other device (the second device) having the same hardware configuration and software configuration as the first device stores the data. And the first device performs the restoration process using the data stored in the second device. In this configuration as well, both the save and restore processes can be performed by the second device, but in the case where restoration by the second device becomes impossible due to a hardware failure or the like. Also, using the data stored in the second device, the same environment as the second device can be reproduced in the first device, which is another device.

Specifically, of the components shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 10, CPU UZ main controller 11, controller 10, memory 13, and various IZO devices are connected to the first device and the second device. The storage device 17 is provided for each device, and the second device is provided with a storage device 17 as a storage area for the system restoration data 27. Further, in the storage device 17 provided in the second device, the hardware context and the memory contents of each component are stored according to the preset storage timing as in the first embodiment. I do. In the present embodiment, the storage device 17 is a portable medium such as a CD-ROM, for example, and is detachably provided in the second device.

According to such a configuration, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the restoration processing can be performed by the second device that has performed the storage processing. However, a hardware failure or the like occurs in the second device, and the second processing is performed. If it becomes impossible to perform the restoration process on the first device, the only device for storage 17 is removed from the second device and connected to the first device, so that the first device can be used. The system restoration data 27 can be read and restored. Note that the details of the restoration processing are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated. Further, in the third embodiment, the system restoration data 27 is stored in the storage memory 18. However, in the present embodiment, such a configuration is provided in the second device to implement the system restoration data 27. The storage process can be performed in the same manner as in the third embodiment. Industrial applicability

In the conventional system, when an error such as a sudden system error, a system stop, or a power failure due to a power outage occurs, the system is restarted, so the memory contents and system status before the error were lost, and editing was in progress. The documents and the progress of the running application had disappeared.

However, in the present invention, since the hardware context and memory contents can be saved at any time, the document being edited or the ablation state during operation can be restored to the same state as before the occurrence of the error. Will be possible. Conventionally, there is a function that automatically saves the progress of the application as a function of the application. However, the present invention can save the state of the progress of the application regardless of the presence or absence of the function of the application, thereby reducing the burden on the user. You.

Further, according to the present invention, not only the device can be restored to the state before the occurrence of the abnormality or the like, but also the environment can be changed to the previously saved environment. You can change the computer environment by selecting the saved system environment.

Furthermore, in the present invention, since the device to be saved and the device to be restored can be different devices, for example, data defining the state of the first device is saved in the first device, and Using the stored data, it is possible to restore the state of the first device at the stored timing in a second device different from the first device. Therefore, even if an abnormality such as a hardware failure occurs in the first device, the environment of the first device can be easily reproduced by the second device. The reliability of the system or the device is greatly improved.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1-timing indicating means for indicating a predetermined timing;

Storage means for storing data defining the state of the apparatus at the timing instructed by the timing instruction means;

An information processing apparatus comprising: setting means for setting the apparatus to the state at the timing by using data stored in the storage means and restoring the apparatus.

2. In the information processing device according to claim 1,

The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data stored in the storage unit includes a hardware context of the apparatus and contents of a main memory.

3. In the information processing device according to claim 1,

The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing instruction means includes a timer, and instructs the predetermined timing at regular time intervals.

4. In the information processing device according to claim 1,

The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing instruction unit includes a timer, and instructs the predetermined timing at a predetermined time.

5. In the information processing device according to claim 1,

The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing instruction means instructs the predetermined timing when the CPU of the apparatus is idle.

6. In the information processing device according to claim 1,

The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing instructing unit instructs the predetermined timing based on a predetermined operation.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing instruction means includes timing setting means for setting the predetermined timing in advance.

8. In the information processing device according to claim 1,

The storage means stores data for determining a state of the device corresponding to each of a plurality of timings indicated in time series by the timing instruction means, and the setting means stores the data in the storage means. An information processing apparatus comprising: selecting data in one of evenings among data; and setting the apparatus using the selected data.

9. In the information processing device according to claim 8,

Storage means for storing predetermined parameters relating to the operation status of the apparatus; anddetermination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the apparatus based on parameters stored in the storage means,

When the setting unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the device, the setting unit uses the data stored in the storage unit at a timing before the abnormality occurs in the device to cause the device to malfunction. An information processing apparatus characterized by setting to a state before occurrence.

10. A restoration method for restoring a device to a predetermined state,

A timing instruction step for instructing a predetermined timing;

A storage step of storing data defining a state of the device at the timing designated by the timing designating step in a storage device;

A restoring method comprising: setting a device to a state at the timing by using the data saved in the saving step and restoring the device.

1 1. In the restoration method described in claim 10,

In the storage step, instructions are given in chronological order by the timing instruction step. Storing data defining a state of the device corresponding to each of a plurality of timings to be performed;

In the setting step, a data is selected at any timing from the data stored in the storing step, and the apparatus is set using the selected data.

1 2. In the restoring method described in claim 11,

A storage unit for storing predetermined parameters relating to the operation status of the apparatus;

A determination step for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the device based on the parameters stored in the storage means,

In the setting step, if it is determined in the determination step that an abnormality has occurred in the device, the data stored in the storage step is selected at a timing before the abnormality occurs in the device, and the device is configured to A restoration method characterized by setting to the state before the occurrence of the abnormality.

1 3. A restoration program for restoring the device to a predetermined state,

A timing instruction step for instructing a predetermined timing;

A storage step of storing, in a storage device, data that determines the state of the apparatus at the timing instructed by the timing instruction step;

Using the data stored in the storage step to cause the computer to execute a setting step of setting the apparatus to the state at the timing and restoring the apparatus.

1 4. In the restoration program described in claim 13,

In the storing step, data that defines a state of the device corresponding to each of a plurality of timings specified in time series by the timing specifying step is stored,

In the setting step, among the data stored in the storing step, data at any timing is selected, and the data is selected using the selected data. A restoration program characterized by setting an apparatus.

15. In the restoration program described in claim 14,

A storage step of storing predetermined parameters related to the operation status of the device; anda determination step for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the device based on the parameters stored in the storage unit.

In the setting step, when it is determined in the determination step that an abnormality has occurred in the device, the data stored in the storing step is selected at a timing before the abnormality occurs in the device, and the device is selected. A restoration program characterized by setting to the state before the error occurred.

16. Reading means for reading the data from the storage means for storing the data for determining the state of the apparatus at a predetermined timing;

An information processing apparatus comprising: a setting unit configured to set the device to a state at the timing using the data read by the reading unit.

1 7. A restoration method for restoring a device to a predetermined state,

A reading step of reading data that determines the state of the device at a predetermined timing from the storage device;

A setting step of setting the device to the state at the evening using the data read in the reading step.

1 8. A restoration program for restoring the device to a predetermined state,

A readout step of reading out from the storage device a data that determines the state of the device at a predetermined timing;

Using the data read in the reading step to cause a computer to execute a setting step of setting the device to the state at the evening time.