Method of manufacturing an information processing device and mobile computer

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an information processing device and a mobile computer are disclosed, the method of manufacturing including storing an installation program in a first storage area of a solid state drive (SSD) of the information processing device, the installation program, when executed, causing the information processing device to install pre-load data, executing the installation program to at least partially install the pre-load data in a second storage area of the SSD, and after executing the installation program, moving a portion of the pre-load data stored in the second storage area to the first storage area of the SSD. The first storage area is configured to store single-bit cells in which one bit of data is stored in one memory cell, and the second storage area is configured to store multi-bit cells in which multiple bits of data are stored in one memory cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods for preparing information processing devices and mobile computers. Background Technology

[0002] Some information processing devices, such as personal computers, come pre-installed with an operating system (OS) and pre-defined applications. Depending on the circumstances, these devices may be stored for extended periods (e.g., in a warehouse) before being shipped to the end user. In such cases, it is desirable to improve the reliability of the pre-installed data during storage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A brief overview of this disclosure is given below in order to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing an information processing device is provided, comprising: storing an installer in a first storage region of a solid-state drive (SSD) of the information processing device, causing the information processing device to install preloaded data when the installer is executed; executing the installer to install the preloaded data at least partially in a second storage region of the SSD; and after executing the installer, moving a portion of the preloaded data stored in the second storage region to the first storage region of the SSD, wherein the first storage region is configured to store a single-bit unit in a memory cell containing one bit of data, and the second storage region is configured to store a multi-bit unit in a memory cell containing multiple bits of data.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing an information processing device is provided. The information processing device includes a solid-state drive (SSD) and a control unit. The SSD has a first storage area where a single-bit unit of data, as one bit, is stored in a memory cell, and a second storage area where multiple bits of data are stored in a memory cell. The control unit is configured to perform information processing based on programs and data stored on the SSD. The manufacturing method includes: a first manufacturing process in which the control unit stores an installer on the SSD, and the installer performs processing for installing preloaded data to be preloaded on the SSD at the time of shipment; a second manufacturing process in which the control unit performs the installer to install the preloaded data at least partially in the second storage area; and a third manufacturing process in which the control unit moves the preloaded data stored in the second storage area to the first storage area.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a mobile computer is provided, comprising: a solid-state drive (SSD) including a dynamic storage region switchable between a first storage region and a second storage region, the first storage region being configured to store a single-bit unit in a memory cell containing one bit of data, and the second storage region being configured to store a multi-bit unit in a memory cell containing multiple bits of data; and a controller coupled to the SSD, wherein the controller is configured to: store preloaded data in the first storage region of the dynamic storage region of the SSD, and move the preloaded data to the second storage region of the dynamic storage region of the SSD when the mobile computer is first started after storing the preloaded data. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the main hardware configuration of an information processing device and a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0008] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example configuration of the storage area of ​​an SSD.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a table comparing the characteristics of SLC and QLC SSDs.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during the pre-installation process of an information processing device.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of SSD state transitions during the pre-installation process of an information processing device.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during the pre-installation process of an information processing device. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] [First Implementation Method]

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the main hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 and the SSD 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing device 1 is, for example, a laptop computer, and includes a CPU 11, a main memory 12, a video subsystem 13, a display unit 14, a chipset 21, a BIOS memory 22, an embedded controller 31, an input unit 32, a power supply circuit 33, and an SSD 40.

[0017] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 performs various types of arithmetic operations through program control, and is used to control the entire information processing device 1.

[0018] Main memory 12 is a writable memory used as a read area for the CPU 11's executable program or as a working area where the processed data of the executable program is written. Main memory 12 is configured, for example, to include multiple DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. The executable program includes an OS (operating system), various drivers for hardware operation peripherals, various services / utilities, applications, etc.

[0019] The video subsystem 13 is a subsystem for implementing functions related to image display, and it includes a video controller. The video controller processes drawing commands from the CPU 11, writes the processed drawing information to the video memory, reads the drawing information from the video memory, and outputs the drawing information to the display unit 14 as drawing data (display data).

[0020] Display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display used to display a display screen based on drawing data (display data) output from video subsystem 13.

[0021] Chipset 21 includes controllers such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), Serial ATA (AT Accessory), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, PCI-Express bus, and LPC (Low Pin Count) bus, and multiple devices are connected to chipset 21. Figure 1 In the example device, BIOS memory 22 and SSD 40 are connected to chipset 21.

[0022] It should be recognized that in this embodiment, CPU 11 and chipset 21 correspond to main control unit 10.

[0023] The BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) memory 22 is configured, for example, via electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or flash ROM. The BIOS memory 22 stores the BIOS and system firmware used to control the embedded controller 31, etc.

[0024] The embedded controller 31 is a single-chip microcomputer that monitors and controls various devices (peripheral devices, sensors, etc.) regardless of the system status of the information processing device 1. Furthermore, the embedded controller 31 has power management functions for controlling the power supply circuit 33. It should be understood that the embedded controller 31 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and is equipped with multi-channel A / D input terminals and D / A output terminals, timers, and digital input / output terminals. For example, input units 32, power supply circuits 33, etc., are connected to the embedded controller 31 through these input / output terminals, and the embedded controller 31 controls the operation of these units.

[0025] Input unit 32 may include, for example, input devices such as a keyboard and pointing devices (e.g., a touchpad).

[0026] The power supply circuit 33 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter, a charging / discharging unit, an AC / DC adapter, etc., to convert DC voltage supplied from an external power source or from a battery, for example, via an AC / DC adapter, into multiple voltages required to operate the information processing device 1. Furthermore, the power supply circuit 33 supplies power to each unit of the information processing device 1 under the control of the embedded controller 31.

[0027] Solid-state drive (SSD) 40 is a memory drive device with rewritable non-volatile memory for storing the operating system, various drivers, various services / utilities, applications, and various data. Information processing device 1 uses the data stored on SSD 40 to perform various information processing tasks. SSD 40 is connected to chipset 21, for example, via a serial ATA or PCI-Express bus.

[0028] The SSD 40 includes multiple flash memory units 41 and a memory controller 42.

[0029] Flash memory 41 is, for example, NAND flash memory. Each of flash memory 41 is equipped with a charge-trapping memory cell, each of which stores data, for example, by trapping electrons in a charge-trapping layer without any floating gates. The memory cells in flash memory 41 are multi-bit cells used to store multiple bits of data in a single memory cell, for example, as a QLC (Quadruple Level Cell). Here, a QLC is a memory cell capable of storing data corresponding to 4 bits in one memory cell by providing multiple data write thresholds.

[0030] Alternatively, the memory cells in flash memory 41 that function as QLCs can also be used as SLCs (Single-Level Cells). Here, an SLC is a single-bit cell used to store one bit of data in a memory cell by providing a data write threshold.

[0031] Multiple flash memories 41 constitute a storage area compatible with both QLC and SLC. The following will refer to... Figure 2 Detailed description of the storage area of ​​SSD 40.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the storage area of ​​the SSD 40 in this embodiment.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the storage area of ​​SSD 40 has an SLC area SA1 and a QLC area QA1. It should be understood that the storage area of ​​SSD 40 is a storage area that includes multiple flash memories 41.

[0034] SLC region SA1 (an example of the first storage region) is a storage region for single-bit units, such as a storage region that allows QLC units to act as SLCs. SLC region SA1 has a static SLC region SA11 (static storage region) and a dynamic SLC region SA12 (dynamic storage region). SLC region SA1 (an example of the first storage region) is used as an SLC buffer in information processing device 1.

[0035] The static SLC region SA11 is a storage region that is permanently used as an SLC storage region.

[0036] The dynamic SLC region SA12 is a storage region that can be changed into the QLC region QA1 according to the settings of the memory controller 42, which will be described later.

[0037] QLC region QA1 (an example of the second storage region) is a storage region for a QLC as a multi-bit unit. QLC region QA1 has a static QLC region QA11 and a dynamic QLC region QA12.

[0038] The static QLC region QA11 is a storage region that is fixedly used as a QLC storage region.

[0039] The dynamic QLC region QA12 is a storage region that can be changed into the SLC region SA1 according to the settings of the memory controller 42, which will be described later.

[0040] It should be recognized that the dynamic SLC region SA12 and the dynamic QLC region QA12 correspond to the dynamic region DA1, wherein the QLC region QA1 and the SLC region SA1 can be interchanged. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the SSD 40 may include only the dynamic storage area, that is, only the dynamic QLC region QA12 and the dynamic SLC region SA12.

[0041] Here, we will refer to Figure 3 Describe the differences in characteristics between QLC and SLC.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a table comparing the characteristics of SLC and QLC in SSD 40.

[0043] exist Figure 3 In this document, cost / GB (gigabytes), performance, durability, and data retention are presented as characteristics in this order from top to bottom. Cost / GB represents the cost per GB of storage capacity of the SSD 40, while performance represents the level of processing power when the information processing device 1 performs information processing. Furthermore, durability represents the number of times the SSD 40 can be rewritten, while data retention represents the data retention period of the SSD 40.

[0044] QLC can store 4 bits of data in one memory cell, while SLC can store 1 bit of data in one memory cell. Therefore, in terms of cost / GB, QLC is lower than SLC, and SLC is higher than QLC.

[0045] Furthermore, when reading data from QLC, multiple threshold levels (e.g., 15 thresholds) need to be determined, while when reading data from SLC, only one threshold level needs to be determined. Therefore, QLC performs worse than SLC (low performance), while SLC performs better than QLC (high performance).

[0046] Furthermore, QLC has lower durability (the number of times it can be rewritten) than SLC. Therefore, QLC has lower durability than SLC, while SLC has higher durability than QLC.

[0047] Furthermore, QLC's data retention characteristics (data retention period) are more likely to corrupt data than SLC's. Specifically, the data retention period of multi-bit units tends to decrease with increasing temperature. Therefore, for example, if information processing equipment is stored in a high-temperature environment, such as a warehouse, for an extended period before shipment, the data pre-installed in the multi-bit units may be corrupted. Thus, QLC's data retention characteristics are shorter than SLC's, while SLC's data retention characteristics are longer than QLC's.

[0048] Return to Figure 1 As described above, the memory controller 42 includes, for example, a processor (not shown) for centrally controlling the SSD 40, such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. For example, the memory controller 42 performs processes such as: controlling the host interface (host I / F) using the chipset 21, controlling the memory interface (memory I / F) using the flash memory 41, and performing data management processes on the flash memory 41.

[0049] Furthermore, the memory controller 42 performs various processes related to the SSD 40 in response to various requests from the main control unit 10 (e.g., requests via command processing). For example, the memory controller 42 has a special command for moving data stored in the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1. The memory controller 42 executes command processing for moving data stored in the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1 in response to a special command input from the main control unit 10.

[0050] Next, the pre-installation process of pre-installing on the information processing device 1 in the preparation method of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] It should be understood that pre-installation is the process used to install programs and data that should be pre-loaded onto the SSD 40 at the time of shipment (i.e., simply pre-loaded data). Programs and data pre-loaded onto the SSD 40 at the time of shipment are referred to as pre-installed programs and data.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during the pre-installation process of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the state transition of the SSD 40 during the pre-installation process of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, in the pre-installation process, the information processing device 1 first loads the installation program into the SLC region SA1 (step S101). The main control unit 10 of the information processing device 1 obtains the installation program (installation program) from an external source via USB or the like and stores it on the SSD 40. This installation program is used to perform the installation of programs and data pre-loaded on the SSD 40 at the time of shipment. The memory controller 42 of the SSD 40 stores the installation program (installation program) in the SLC region SA1. Therefore, as... Figure 5 As shown, the storage area of ​​SSD 40 changes from state ST1, where the storage area is empty, to state ST2, where the installer (installer) is stored in the SLC area SA1.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown in state ST2, the installer includes, for example, the core OS image, working files, installation source files, page file, drivers (device drivers), etc. Here, the core OS image is, for example, the Windows image information (registered trademark).

[0055] It should be recognized that, typically, the main control unit 10 does not specify which physical storage region of the SSD 40 to write data to via logical address access to the SSD 40. Therefore, the memory controller 42 of the SSD 40 can determine the storage region of the SSD 40. In currently popular technologies, it is common for the memory controller 42 to select the storage region.

[0056] Next, the main control unit 10 executes the installation program to store the pre-installed program and data in a storage area including the QLC area (step S102). The main control unit 10 moves the core OS image, working files, and installation source files from the SLC area SA1 to the QLC area QA1 to secure the temporary file area in the SLC area SA1 of the SSD 40.

[0057] In other words, such as Figure 5 As shown in state ST3, the memory controller 42 moves the kernel OS image, working files, and installation source files from the SLC region SA1 to the QLC region QA1 according to instructions from the main control unit 10, in order to secure the temporary file area (working data area) in the SLC region SA1. The main control unit 10 uses the obtained temporary files to perform the installation process of the pre-installed program and data through the installer. Therefore, the main control unit 10 executes the installer to install the pre-installed program and data (the programs and data to be preloaded, or simply preloaded data) in the storage area of ​​the SSD 40, including the QLC region QA1.

[0058] Next, the main control unit 10 erases the working data used during installation (step S103). For example... Figure 5 As shown in state ST4, the main control unit 10 erases the working data used for installation on the SSD 40. It should be understood that... Figure 5 The working data in the example shown corresponds to working files and temporary files.

[0059] Next, the main control unit 10 moves the pre-installed program and data in the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1 (step S104). The main control unit 10 outputs the above-mentioned special command to the SSD 40, and the memory controller 42 of the SSD 40 executes the special command processing to move the kernel OS image and installation source files from the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1, such as... Figure 5 The status is shown in ST5.

[0060] Therefore, SSD 40 enters a state where the pre-installed program and all data are stored in the SLC area SA1 (state ST5) and remains in this state until the information processing device 1 is shipped. After the processing in step S104, the main control unit 10 ends the pre-installation process.

[0061] It should be recognized that when preloaded data is stored in SLC region SA1, the overall capacity of the SSD is reduced because the storage density of SLC is lower than that of QLC. In this case, the main control unit 10 can be configured to control the SSD 40 to move all preloaded data from SLC region SA1 to QLC region QA1 during the first boot after shipment (i.e., a so-called "out-of-the-box" boot performed by the user). Then, to increase the effective capacity of SSD 40, the main control unit 10 can also control the SSD 40 to switch part or all of the dynamic SLC region SA12 to the dynamic QLC region QA12. In this way, preloaded data can be stored in the storage bits of high-reliability but low-capacity SLC during storage and shipment, and then moved to the storage bits of high-capacity QLC after shipment and the first boot.

[0062] It should be recognized that, Figure 4 In the above process, step S101 corresponds to the first preparation process (first step) in the pre-installation process, while steps S102 and S103 correspond to the second preparation process (second step) in the pre-installation process. Furthermore, step S104 corresponds to the third preparation process (third step) in the pre-installation process.

[0063] As described above, the method for manufacturing the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment is as follows: the information processing device 1 includes an SSD 40 having an SLC region SA1 (first storage region) and a QLC region QA1 (second storage region) and a main control unit 10 (control unit) that performs information processing based on programs and data stored on the SSD 40. The manufacturing method includes a first manufacturing process, a second manufacturing process, and a third manufacturing process. Here, the first storage region (SLC region SA1) is a single-bit unit storage region where one bit of data is stored in a memory cell. Furthermore, the second storage region (QLC region QA1) is a multi-bit unit storage region where multiple bits of data are stored in a memory cell. In the first manufacturing process, the main control unit 10 stores an installation program (e.g., in the SLC region SA1) on the SSD 40 to perform processing for installing programs and data pre-loaded on the SSD 40 at the time of shipment. In the second preparation process, the main control unit 10 executes an installer to install the program to be pre-installed (pre-installed program) and data into the storage area of ​​the SSD 40, including the QLC region QA1. In the third preparation process, the main control unit 10 moves the program to be pre-installed (pre-installed program) and data stored in the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1. It should be recognized that in the first preparation process, the installer may also be stored in the SLC region SA1 (first storage area).

[0064] Therefore, in the method for manufacturing the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, since the program to be preloaded (preinstallation program) and data are stored in the SLC region SA1 for a longer period of time (data retention) than in the QLC region QA1, the possibility of damaging the data (including the program) preinstalled on the SSD 40 can be reduced. Therefore, in the method of manufacturing the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can, for example, be stored in a high-temperature environment for a long period of time before shipment.

[0065] For example, when the information processing device 1 is stored in places like India where daytime temperatures may exceed 40°C before shipment, the pre-installation of data in the SLC area SA1 can reduce the possibility of data corruption and thus allow the information processing device 1 to operate normally after shipment.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the installation program is executed during the second preparation process, the main control unit 10 moves the data stored in the SLC region SA1 to the QLC region QA1 to obtain the working data area (e.g., working file) in the SLC region SA1. Additionally, when the installation program execution ends, the main control unit 10 erases the working data stored in the working data area. Then, during the third preparation process, the main control unit 10 moves the program and data stored in the QLC region QA1 and to be preloaded onto the SSD 40 to the free space in the SLC region SA1, which includes the working data area from which the working data has been erased.

[0067] Therefore, in the method for manufacturing the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, by obtaining a high-performance working data area in the SLC region SA1, the possibility of damaging the data (including programs) pre-installed on the SSD 40 can be reduced while effectively performing pre-installation.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SSD 40 can execute command processing (special command processing) to move programs and data stored in the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1. During the third preparation process, the main control unit 10 requests the SSD 40 to execute command processing, and the SSD 40 executes command processing to move the programs and data to be preloaded from the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1.

[0069] Therefore, in the method for manufacturing the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, pre-installation can be performed more efficiently through command processing of the SSD 40.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multi-bit unit is a QLC.

[0071] Therefore, since the data retention characteristic (data retention period) in a QLC used to store 4 bits of data in a memory cell is short-lived, the possibility of data (including programs) that are pre-installed in a proper manner being corrupted can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, the pre-installation method according to this embodiment is a pre-installation method for an information processing device 1 as follows: the information processing device 1 includes an SSD 40 having an SLC region SA1 (first storage region) and a QLC region QA1 (second storage region) and a main control unit 10 (control unit) that performs information processing based on programs and data stored on the SSD 40. This pre-installation method includes a first step, a second step, and a third step. Here, the first storage region (SLC region SA1) is a single-bit unit storage region where one bit of data is stored in a memory cell. Furthermore, the second storage region (QLC region QA1) is a multi-bit unit storage region where multiple bits of data are stored in a memory cell. In the first step (e.g., Figure 4 In step S101), the main control unit 10 stores the installer, which performs the process of installing the programs and data pre-loaded on the SSD 40 at the time of shipment, in the SLC region SA1. In the second step (e.g., Figure 4 In steps S102 and S103), the main control unit 10 executes the installer to install the program (pre-installer) and data to be preloaded into the storage area of ​​the SSD 40, including the QLC area QA1. In the third step (e.g., Figure 4 In step S104), the main control unit 10 moves the program (preinstallation program) and data stored in the QLC area QA1 and to be preloaded on the SSD 40 to the SLC area SA1.

[0073] Therefore, the pre-installation method according to this embodiment has the same effect as the preparation method of the information processing device 1 described above, and can reduce the possibility that the data (including programs) pre-installed on the SSD 40 may be corrupted.

[0074] [Second Implementation]

[0075] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a method for preparing the information processing device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0076] In this embodiment, modifications will be described when the data in the QLC region QA1 does not exist in the SLC region SA1 and is moved to the region in the third preparation process (third step).

[0077] In this embodiment, when the size of the program and data to be preloaded, stored in the QLC region QA1, exceeds the free space in the SLC region SA1, the main control unit 10 changes the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1 to obtain free space in the SLC region SA1. Then, the main control unit 10 moves the program and data to be preloaded from the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1.

[0078] It should be recognized that, due to the basic hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 and the SSD 40 in this embodiment, and Figure 1 The basic hardware configuration is the same in the first embodiment shown, so the description of the basic hardware configuration will be omitted here.

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 6 The following describes a pre-installation process for performing pre-installation on the information processing device 1 according to the method of preparing the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing during the pre-installation process of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0081] because Figure 6 The processing from step S201 to step S203 and Figure 4 The above-described processes from steps S101 to S103 are the same, so the description of these steps will be omitted here.

[0082] Next, in step S204, the main control unit 10 determines whether the size of the data to be moved is greater than the free space of the SLC region SA1 (size of the data to be moved > free space of SLC SA1?). When the size of the data to be moved is greater than the free space of the SLC region SA1 (size of the data to be moved > free space of SLC SA1) (step S204: Yes), the main control unit 10 proceeds to the processing in step S205. On the other hand, when the size of the data to be moved is equal to or less than the free space of the SLC region SA1 (size of the data to be moved ≤ free space of SLC SA1) (step S204: No), the main control unit 10 proceeds to the processing in step S206.

[0083] In step S205, the main control unit 10 changes a portion of the QLC region QA1 into the SLC region SA1. The main control unit 10 will... Figure 2 A portion of the dynamic QLC region QA12 shown is converted into a dynamic SLC region SA12 to obtain free space in the SLC region SA1. When the dynamic QLC region QA12 is converted into the dynamic SLC region SA12, since the storage capacity becomes (1 / 4), the main control unit 10 needs to convert a portion of the dynamic QLC region QA12 corresponding to four times the insufficient capacity of the SLC region SA1 into the dynamic SLC region SA12. After the processing in step S205, the main control unit 10 proceeds to the processing in step S206.

[0084] In step S206, the main control unit 10 moves the pre-installed program and data in QLC region QA1 to SLC region SA1. Due to the processing in step S206... Figure 4 The process described above in step S104 is the same, so a description of that process will be omitted here. After the process in step S206, the main control unit 10 ends the pre-installation process.

[0085] exist Figure 6 In the above processing, the processing in step S201 corresponds to the first preparation process (first step) in the pre-installation process, and steps S202 and S203 correspond to the second preparation process (second step) in the pre-installation process. Furthermore, the processing from steps S204 to S206 corresponds to the third preparation process (third step) in the pre-installation process.

[0086] As described above, in the preparation method (pre-installation method) of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the SSD 40 can make the multi-bit unit of the QLC region QA1 act as a single-bit unit, thereby changing the QLC region QA1 into the SLC region SA1. In the third preparation process (third step), when the size of the program and data to be preloaded, stored in the QLC region QA1, is greater than the free space of the SLC region SA1, the main control unit 10 changes the QLC region QA1 into the SLC region SA1 to obtain free space in the SLC region SA1. Then, the main control unit 10 moves the program and data to be preloaded from the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1.

[0087] Therefore, in the preparation method (pre-installation method) of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, even when the SLC area SA1 lacks disk space, the QLC area QA1 can be changed to the SLC area SA1 so that the program (pre-installation program) and data to be preloaded can be correctly moved from the QLC area QA1 to the SLC area SA1.

[0088] Under normal operating conditions when the information processing device 1 is used by the end user, since the memory controller 42 of the SSD 40 manages data storage to correctly perform rewriting, the end user does not need to worry about data corruption stored in the QLC area QA1.

[0089] However, this disclosure is not limited to each of the above embodiments and may be modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0090] For example, in each of the above embodiments, an example is described whereby the memory controller 42 of the SSD 40 performs a process for moving data from the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1 via a special command, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the main control unit 10 may also use the control of a normal SSD 40 to move data from the QLC region QA1 to the SLC region SA1 without requiring special commands for the SSD 40.

[0091] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example of an information processing device 1 being a laptop computer has been described; however, this disclosure is not limited to this example. For instance, information processing device 1 can be any other information processing device, such as a desktop computer or a tablet terminal.

[0092] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example of using QLC as various multi-bit cells on the SSD 40 is described, but this disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, a multi-bit cell may also be an MLC (Multi-Level Cell) that stores data corresponding to 2 bits in one memory cell, a TLC (Tertiary-Level Cell) that stores data corresponding to 3 bits in one memory cell, etc.

[0093] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the memory cells of the flash memory 41 are described as examples of charge-trapping memory cells, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. The memory cells may also be floating-gate memory cells with floating gates.

[0094] In addition, the main execution of the main control unit 10 is described. Figure 6 The above-described processing steps S204 and S205 are examples, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. The SSD 40 may also perform these processing steps.

[0095] Furthermore, in currently used technologies, since the common practice is for the SSD 40's memory controller 42 to select the SSD 40's storage area, therefore... Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the process shown, the memory controller 42 can also select the SLC region SA1 and the QLC region QA1 as control entities.

[0096] Furthermore, in the first preparation process described above, an example of storing the installer in the SLC region SA1 (first storage region) was described; however, this disclosure is not limited to this example. The installer may also be stored in the QLC region QA1.

[0097] It should be understood that each of the components included in the information processing device 1 and the SSD 40 contains a computer system. A program for implementing the function of each of the components included in the electronic device 1 and the SSD 40 can then be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such that the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed for processing in each of the components included in the electronic device 1 and the SSD 40. Here, the fact that "the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed" includes installing the program on the computer system. It should be understood that "computer system" here includes the operating system and hardware such as peripheral devices.

[0098] Furthermore, "computer system" can also include two or more computers connected via a network including the Internet, WAN, LAN, or communication lines such as dedicated lines. Additionally, "computer-readable recording medium" means storage media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, removable media like CD-ROMs, or hard disks integrated into a computer system. Therefore, the recording medium on which programs are stored can be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0099] Furthermore, a recording medium that is internally or externally configured to be accessible from a delivery server used to transmit the program is included as a recording medium. It should be understood that the program can be divided into multiple fragments, which are downloaded at different times and then combined in each component included in the electronic device 1 and the SSD 40, or the delivery servers for the various fragments of the program can be different from each other. Furthermore, a "computer-readable recording medium" includes a medium on which the program is held for a given period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system acting as a server or client when transmitting the program over a network. The program described above can also be for implementing some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program can be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can be combined with a program already recorded in the computer system to achieve the functions described above.

[0100] Furthermore, some or all of the above functions can be implemented as integrated circuits such as LSI (Large-Scale Integration). Each of the above functions can be implemented individually by a processor, or some or all of the functions can be integrated into a processor. Moreover, the circuit integration method is not limited to LSI and can be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology to replace LSI emerges as semiconductor technology advances, integrated circuits based on that technology can be used.

Claims

1. A manufacturing method of an information processing apparatus, comprising: storing an installer in a first storage area of a solid state drive (SSD) of the information processing apparatus, the installer causing the information processing apparatus to install pre-load data when the installer is executed; executing the installer to install the pre-load data at least partly in a second storage area of the SSD; and after the execution of the installer, moving a part of the pre-load data stored in the second storage area to the first storage area of the SSD, wherein the first storage area is configured to store single-bit cells in which data of one bit is stored in one memory cell, and the second storage area is configured to store multi-bit cells in which data of a plurality of bits is stored in one memory cell.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the step of executing the installer includes, when the execution of the installer ends, moving data stored in the first storage area to the second storage area to release a work data area in the first storage area, and erasing the work data area, and the step of moving the pre-load data includes moving at least a part of the pre-load data to the work data area of the first storage area.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the SSD is configured to execute a command process for moving data between the first storage area and the second storage area, and the step of moving the pre-load data includes controlling the SSD to move a part of the pre-load data stored in the second storage area to the first storage area.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein both the first storage area and the second storage area are at least a partial part of a dynamic storage area of the SSD, the dynamic storage area being a dynamic memory cell switchable between the first storage area and the second storage area.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein the step of moving the pre-load data includes moving at least a part of the pre-load data to the dynamic storage area of the SSD.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein the step of moving the pre-load data includes controlling the SSD to switch at least a part of the dynamic storage area from the second storage area to the first storage area.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, further comprising: before the execution of the installer, controlling the SSD to switch at least a part of the dynamic storage area from the first storage area to the second storage area. ​ 8. A manufacturing method of an information processing apparatus including a solid state drive (SSD) having a first storage area that is a storage area of a single-bit cell in which data of one bit is stored in one memory cell and a second storage area that is a storage area of a multi-bit cell in which data of a plurality of bits is stored in one memory cell, and a control unit configured to perform information processing based on programs and data stored on the SSD, the manufacturing method comprising: a first manufacturing process in which the control unit stores an installation program on the SSD, the installation program performing a process for installing preloaded data to be preloaded on the SSD at the time of shipment; a second manufacturing process in which the control unit executes the installation program to install the preloaded data at least partially in the second storage area; and a third manufacturing process in which the control unit moves the preloaded data stored in the second storage area to the first storage area.

9. A mobile computer comprising: a solid state drive (SSD) including a dynamic storage area switchable between a first storage area configured to store a single-bit cell in which data of one bit is stored in one memory cell and a second storage area configured to store a multi-bit cell in which data of a plurality of bits is stored in one memory cell; and a controller coupled to the SSD, wherein the controller is configured to: store an installation program in the first storage area of the solid state drive (SSD), the installation program causing the mobile computer to install preloaded data when the installation program is executed; execute the installation program to install the preloaded data in the second storage area of the SSD; after executing the installation program, move the preloaded data stored in the second storage area to the first storage area of the SSD, when the mobile computer is first started, move the preloaded data to the second storage area of the dynamic storage area of the SSD.

10. The mobile computer of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to, when the mobile computer is first started, control the SSD to switch the dynamic storage area of the SSD from the first storage area to the second storage area after the preloaded data is moved to the second storage area.

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