Information processor, and control method

Abstract

To suppress continuity of a state in which no image is displayed on a screen at the time of start-up, and make a current processing state understandable.SOLUTION: An information processor includes a display panel, a controller for driving the display panel, a first memory which is connected to the controller and stores display data displayed on the display panel, a first processor for executing processing of BIOS (Basic Input Output System), and a second processor for executing processing before start of the processing of the BIOS, at least at the time of the start-up, wherein the second processor displays the display data stored in the first memory in response to execution of non-regular processing other than regular processing on the display panel, when the non-regular processing occurs, in a period before display control on the display panel is enabled by the processing of the BIOS at the time of start-up.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] In an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is executed to initialize the information processing device and start up an OS (Operating System). When the BIOS is executed to start up the device, a diagnostic test called a POST (Power On Self Test) process is also executed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-76285 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the BIOS image is damaged by a surge voltage or a power outage, a self-recovery process is executed as a recovery function to automatically restore the BIOS image. In addition, memory training may be executed after a BIOS update. Since the BIOS cannot output to the screen until the latter half of the POST process (after the end of memory training), when a non-routine process that is not executed routinely, such as the BIOS self-recovery process or memory training, is executed, the screen may remain blank (for example, a black screen) for a long time (for example, several minutes). This raises concerns that users may become anxious because they are not aware of the state of their PC. Previously, some systems notified users that processing was being performed by turning on the keyboard backlight, but this was difficult for users to understand.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an information processing device and a control method that can prevent a state in which nothing is displayed on the screen upon startup and make the current processing status easier to understand. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a display panel, a controller for driving the display panel, a first memory connected to the controller and storing display data to be displayed on the display panel, a first processor for executing processing of a Basic Input Output System (BIOS), and a second processor for executing processing at least before the start of processing of the BIOS at startup, wherein when non-regular processing other than regular processing occurs during the period before display control on the display panel becomes possible through processing of the BIOS at startup, the second processor causes the display data stored in the first memory to be displayed on the display panel in accordance with the execution of the non-regular processing.

[0007] The information processing device may further include a second memory connected to the second processor and storing a BIOS code and a backup code for the BIOS code, and when the second processor detects corruption of the BIOS image at the startup, the second processor may execute a BIOS restoration process as the non-regular process to restore the BIOS image using the backup code, and may display the display data stored in the first memory on the display panel in response to the execution of the BIOS restoration process.

[0008] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when memory training of a third memory used when executing processing of the BIOS at the startup is required, the first processor may execute the memory training by the BIOS as the non-steady processing, and the second processor may display the display data stored in the first memory on the display panel in response to the execution of the memory training by the BIOS.

[0009] In the information processing device, the display data may be image data including information notifying that the BIOS restoration process is being executed.

[0010] In the information processing device, the display data may be image data including information notifying that the memory training is being executed.

[0011] In the above information processing device, the second processor may stop displaying the display data that was being displayed on the display panel in response to the end of the BIOS restoration process.

[0012] In the above information processing device, the second processor may stop displaying the display data that was being displayed on the display panel in response to the end of the memory training.

[0013] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a control method in an information processing device having a display panel, a controller for driving the display panel, a first memory connected to the controller and storing display data to be displayed on the display panel, a first processor for executing processing of a Basic Input Output System (BIOS), and a second processor for executing processing at least before the start of processing of the BIOS at startup includes a step in which the second processor determines whether or not non-steady processing other than steady processing has occurred during a period before display control on the display panel becomes possible through processing of the BIOS at startup, and if it is determined that the non-steady processing has occurred, causes the display data stored in the first memory to be displayed on the display panel in accordance with the execution of the non-steady processing. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the above-described aspects of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a state in which nothing is displayed on the screen during startup, and to make the current processing state easier to understand. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration for performing screen output without using BIOS processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a screen output process when a non-steady process occurs at startup according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an information processing device according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 shown in the figure is a clamshell-type notebook PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 1 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, and a hinge mechanism 103. The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are substantially rectangular plate-shaped (for example, flat) housings. One side surface of the first housing 101 and one side surface of the second housing 102 are coupled (connected) via the hinge mechanism 103, and the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 can rotate relatively around a rotation axis formed by the hinge mechanism 103. A state in which the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 around the rotation axis is substantially 0° is a state in which the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 overlap and are closed (referred to as a "closed state"). In the closed state, the surfaces of first housing 101 and second housing 102 that face each other are referred to as the "inner surface," and the surfaces opposite the inner surfaces are referred to as the "outer surface." The opening angle θ can also be said to be the angle formed by the inner surface of first housing 101 and the inner surface of second housing 102. A state in which first housing 101 and second housing 102 are open relative to the closed state is referred to as an "open state." The open state is a state in which first housing 101 and second housing 102 are rotated relatively until the opening angle θ becomes larger than a preset threshold value (for example, 10°).

[0017] A display unit 13 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing 101. A keyboard 21 is provided on the inner surface of the second housing 102. In the example shown in the figure, the keyboard 21 is a physical keyboard. The keyboard 21 may include a touch pad or a software keyboard. In the case of a software keyboard, a display unit is also provided on the inner surface of the second housing 102.

[0018] Further, an external interface such as a USB connector 15, a power button 22, etc. are arranged on the side surface of the second housing 102. Note that these arrangements are merely examples, and for example, the power button 22 may be arranged on the inner surface of the second housing 102.

[0019] In the closed state, the display unit 13 cannot be seen, and the keyboard 21 cannot be operated. On the other hand, in the open state, the display unit 13 can be seen, and the keyboard can be operated (i.e., the information processing device 1 can be used). In a typical usage mode when a user uses the information processing device 1, the information processing device 1 is often in an open state, for example, within the range of 90°≦open angle θ≦180°.

[0020] When the user closes the information processing device 1 and then presses the power button 22, the information processing device 1 starts up the system and transitions to a usable state. For example, when the power button 22 is pressed, the information processing device 1 executes a power on self test (POST) process by a basic input output system (BIOS), and then starts up an operating system (OS).

[0021] Here, the BIOS image may be damaged by a surge voltage, a power outage, or the like. When the BIOS image is damaged, the information processing device 1 executes a self-restoration process to automatically restore the BIOS image as a recovery function. The information processing device 1 may also execute memory training after updating the BIOS. Since the BIOS cannot output a screen to the display unit 13 until the latter half of the POST process (after the end of memory training), when non-routine processes such as the BIOS self-restoration process and memory training are being executed, there is a concern that a state without screen output may continue for a long time (for example, several minutes), causing the user to become anxious.

[0022] Therefore, the information processing device 1 stores image data for screen output in the display controller of the display unit 13, and when the BIOS self-restoration process or memory training is being executed, the image data in the display controller is displayed on the display unit 13 without using BIOS processing. This makes it possible for the information processing device 1 to prevent a state in which nothing is displayed on the screen during startup, so that the user does not have to worry. The configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0023] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a main hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. In this figure, components corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 1 includes a SoC 10, a communication unit 11, a storage 12, a display unit 13, an audio system 14, a USB connector 15, a system memory 16, an EC (Embedded Controller) 20, a keyboard 21, a power button 22, a BIOS memory 23, a power circuit 24, and a battery 25.

[0025] The SoC 10 (an example of a first processor) is configured as a SoC (System on a Chip) in which a plurality of ICs (Integrated Circuits) such as a processor and a memory are integrated into one chip. For example, the SoC 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a chipset (not shown). The CPU executes system programs such as an OS and a BIOS, various drivers that run on the OS, various services / utilities, and application programs. The chipset includes controllers such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a serial ATA (AT Attachment), a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express bus, and an Embedded Serial Peripheral Interface (eSPI) bus. In the illustrated example, a communication unit 11, a storage 12, a display unit 13, an audio system 14, a USB connector 15, a system memory 16, and an EC 20 are connected to the SoC 10.

[0026] The communication unit 11 connects to a communication network via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wired LAN, and performs data communication.

[0027] The storage 12 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. For example, the storage 12 stores an OS, various drivers, various services / utilities, application programs, various data, and the like.

[0028] The display unit 13 includes a screen such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 13 and the SoC 10 are connected to each other via a display port (such as an embedded DisplayPort (eDP)). The display unit 13 displays display data (such as text data and image data) on the screen in response to the processing of various programs executed by the SoC 10.

[0029] The display unit 13 is also connected to the EC 20 via a serial bus (e.g., I2C). The display unit 13 can also display display data (text data, image data, etc.) stored in a display controller of the display unit 13 under the control of the EC 20.

[0030] The audio system 14 records, plays, and outputs audio data. The USB connector 15 is a connector for connecting to peripheral devices that use USB. For example, the USB connector 15 has a plurality of connectors so that it can connect to a plurality of peripheral devices. The USB connector 15 may include either one or both of a USB Type-A and a USB Type-C connector.

[0031] The system memory 16 (an example of a third memory) is a writable memory used as a read area for a program executed by the CPU of the SoC 10 or as a work area for writing processing data for the program to be executed. The system memory 16 is composed of, for example, a plurality of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. The programs executed by the CPU of the SoC 10 include a BIOS, an OS, various drivers, various services / utilities, application programs, and the like.

[0032] The EC20 (an example of a second processor) is a one-chip microcomputer that monitors and controls various devices (peripheral devices, sensors, etc.) regardless of the operating state of the system by the SoC10. The EC20 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and also includes various buses, A / D input terminals of multiple channels, a D / A output terminal, a timer, and a digital input / output terminal. For example, the EC20 has an eSPI and is connected to the SoC10 via the eSPI. The EC20 also has an SPI and is connected to the BIOS memory 23 via the SPI. The EC20 is also connected to a keyboard 21, a power button 22, a power circuit 24, etc.

[0033] As described above, the keyboard 21 is, for example, a physical keyboard. The keyboard 21 may include a touch pad or a software keyboard. When the user operates the keyboard 21 (typing operation), the keyboard 21 transmits an operation signal indicating the operated key to the EC 20.

[0034] The keyboard 21 is a physical keyboard equipped with, for example, a backlight. This backlight irradiates light from the back side of the keys so that typing can be performed even in a dark environment, and is equipped with, for example, LEDs (Light Emission Diodes) as light emitting elements. The EC 20 controls the lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of the backlight of the keyboard 21.

[0035] The power button 22 is an operator that allows the user to instruct the power to be turned on or off. The BIOS memory 23 (an example of a second memory) is, for example, an SPI flash memory, and stores at least the BIOS program (BIOS code) and the like.

[0036] The power supply circuit 24 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter and a charge / discharge unit (not shown). The DC / DC converter converts the voltage of DC power supplied from an external power source (such as an AC / DC adapter) or the battery 25 into a plurality of voltages required to operate each unit of the information processing device 1. The power supply circuit 24 also supplies power to each unit of the information processing device 1 under control of the EC 20. The charge / discharge unit controls charging and discharging of the battery 25.

[0037] The battery 25 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. When DC power is supplied from an external power source to the power supply circuit 24, the battery 25 is charged under the control of the power supply circuit 24. When no external power source is supplied, the battery 25 supplies the charged DC power to the power supply circuit 24.

[0038] For example, when the user presses the power button 22 while the system is shut down and off, the EC 20 controls the power circuit 24 to start the power supply, and the BIOS code is loaded from the BIOS memory 23 to the system memory 16. Then, the SoC 10 executes the POST process by the BIOS and the OS startup process, and starts up the system.

[0039] [Screen output configuration when non-routine processing is performed at startup] Next, a detailed description will be given of a configuration in which the information processing device 1 performs screen output without using BIOS processing when performing non-routine processing such as BIOS self-restoration processing and memory training at start-up.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration in which the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment performs screen output without using BIOS processing at startup. This figure shows a part of the configuration shown in Fig. 2 for explaining the configuration in which screen output is performed without using BIOS processing, and the same reference numerals are used for the components corresponding to those in Fig. 2.

[0041] The display unit 13 includes a display panel 131 and a display controller 132 that controls the display (screen output) of the display panel 131. The display panel 131 has a screen including a plurality of display elements arranged, for example, in a matrix. The display elements may be, for example, transmissive liquid crystal elements that adjust the degree of transmission of light from a backlight, or may be self-luminous elements such as organic electroluminescence (EL).

[0042] The display controller 132 includes a driver 1321, a TCON (Timing Controller) 1322, and a flash memory 1323 connected to the TCON 1322. Note that the TCON 1322 and the flash memory 1323 may be integrated into one unit.

[0043] The driver 1321 drives each display element of the display panel 131. The TCON 1322 is a controller that drives the display panel 131, and generates timing signals, image signals, and the like for the driver 1321.

[0044] Flash memory 1323 (an example of a first memory) stores timing information and various parameters necessary for the processing of TCON 1322, as well as display data for displaying (screen output) on display panel 131. This display data is for screen output without using BIOS processing when non-stationary processing such as BIOS self-restoration processing and memory training is being executed at startup, and is, for example, image data.

[0045] Here, image data G1 and image data G2 are shown as examples of display data. Image data G1 is an example of image data displayed when the BIOS self-restoration process is being executed. Image data G1 includes a logo image and information notifying that the BIOS self-restoration process is being executed (e.g., "Processing BIOS Self-Healing..."). The logo image may be any of an image resembling a computer as shown in the figure, a manufacturer logo, a brand logo, etc.

[0046] Image data G2 is an example of image data displayed when memory training is being executed. Image data G2 includes a logo image and information notifying that memory training is being executed (e.g., "Processing Memory Training..."). Image data G1 and image data G2 are examples of display data, and any display data may be used as long as the user can recognize that each process is being executed.

[0047] The BIOS memory 23 stores the BIOS code and a backup code for the BIOS code (backup BIOS code). The backup BIOS code is prepared for recovery when the BIOS code is damaged. For example, at the time of shipping the information processing device 1, a backup BIOS code with the same contents as the BIOS code is stored. When the BIOS code is updated, the backup BIOS code is also updated as necessary. For example, when the BIOS code is updated to include security-related changes, the backup BIOS code is also updated.

[0048] During the period before BIOS processing enables display control on the display panel 131 at startup, if non-regular processing other than regular processing occurs, the EC20 controls the display panel 131 to display display data (e.g., image data G1 or image data G2) stored in the flash memory 1323 in accordance with the execution of the non-regular processing.

[0049] For example, when the EC 20 detects corruption of the BIOS image at the time of startup, the EC 20 executes a self-restoration process as a non-regular process, which restores the BIOS image using the backup BIOS code stored in the BIOS memory 23. In addition, the EC 20 controls the display panel 131 to display the image data G1 stored in the flash memory 1323 in response to the execution of the BIOS self-restoration process. In addition, the EC 20 controls the display panel 131 to hide the image data G1 that has been displayed in the display panel 131 in response to the end of the BIOS self-restoration process. In addition, the EC 20 may further control the lighting or blinking of the backlight of the keyboard 21 in response to the execution of the BIOS self-restoration process.

[0050] Furthermore, at the time of startup, the Soc 10 executes BIOS processing based on the BIOS code stored in the BIOS memory 23. For example, when memory training of the system memory 16 used for executing BIOS processing at the time of startup is required, the Soc 10 executes memory training by the BIOS as a non-regular process.

[0051] In response to the execution of memory training by the BIOS, the EC 20 performs control to display the image data G2 stored in the flash memory 1323 on the display panel 131. In addition, in response to the end of memory training by the BIOS, the EC 20 performs control to hide the image data G2 that was displayed on the display panel 131. Note that the EC 20 may further perform control to turn on or blink the backlight of the keyboard 21 in response to the execution of memory training by the BIOS.

[0052] [Screen output processing when non-stationary processing occurs at startup] Next, the operation of the screen output process performed by the information processing device 1 when a non-stationary process occurs at the time of startup will be described. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a screen output process when a non-routine process occurs during startup according to the present embodiment. The process shown in this figure is executed when the user presses the power button 22, causing the EC 20 to control the power circuit 24 to start supplying power to each unit, and when the startup process begins.

[0053] (Step S101) The EC 20 detects corruption of the BIOS image and determines whether the BIOS image is corrupted. For example, if the EC 20 determines that the BIOS image is not corrupted (NO), the EC 20 proceeds to processing of step S201. On the other hand, if the EC 20 determines that the BIOS image is corrupted (YES), the EC 20 proceeds to processing of step S103.

[0054] (Step S103) The EC 20 starts blinking the backlight (LED) of the keyboard 21. Then, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0055] (Step S105) The EC 20 controls the display controller 132 to display image data G1 (see FIG. 3) to be displayed when the BIOS self-restoration process is being executed. For example, the EC 20 transmits a request signal to the display controller 132 to request the display of image data G1 (self-restoration process in progress screen). In response to this request, the display controller 132 displays the image data G1 stored in the flash memory 1323 on the display panel 131. Then, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0056] (Step S107) The EC 20 executes a self-restoration process to restore the BIOS image using the backup BIOS code. When the EC 20 finishes restoring the BIOS image, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0057] (Step S109) The EC 20 transmits a request signal requesting the display controller 132 to not display the image data G1 (self-restoration processing screen). In response to this request, the display controller 132 makes the image data G1 displayed on the display panel 131 non-displayable. Then, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0058] (Step S111) The EC 20 stops the blinking of the backlight (LED) of the keyboard 21. Then, the process proceeds to step S201.

[0059] (Step S201) SoC 10 starts BIOS processing. Hereinafter, processing that SoC 10 executes based on the BIOS will be described as processing executed by the BIOS. The BIOS starts POST processing, and the process proceeds to step S203.

[0060] (Step S203) The BIOS determines whether or not memory training is required for the system memory 16. If the BIOS determines that memory training is not required (NO), the BIOS proceeds to processing of step S215. On the other hand, if the BIOS determines that memory training is required (YES), the BIOS proceeds to processing of step S205.

[0061] (Step S205) The BIOS transmits to the EC a request signal requesting blinking of the backlight (LED) of the keyboard 21. In response to this request, the EC 20 starts blinking of the backlight (LED) of the keyboard 21, and performs the process of step S207.

[0062] (Step S207) The EC 20 controls the display controller 132 to display image data G2 (see FIG. 3) to be displayed while the memory training is being performed. For example, the EC 20 transmits a request signal to the display controller 132 to request the display of image data G2 (memory training in progress screen). In response to this request, the display controller 132 displays the image data G2 stored in the flash memory 1323 on the display panel 131. Then, the process proceeds to step S209.

[0063] (Step S209) The BIOS executes memory training for the system memory 16. When the memory training ends, the BIOS proceeds to the process of step S211.

[0064] (Step S211) The BIOS transmits to the EC a request signal requesting the EC to stop blinking of the backlight (LED) of the keyboard 21. In response to this request, the EC 20 stops the blinking of the backlight (LED) of the keyboard 21 and performs the process of step S213.

[0065] (Step S213) The EC 20 transmits a request signal requesting the display controller 132 to not display the image data G2 (memory training in progress screen). In response to this request, the display controller 132 makes the image data G2 displayed on the display panel 131 non-displayable. Then, the process proceeds to step S215.

[0066] (Step S215) The BIOS executes the remaining POST processing. When the POST processing ends, the BIOS loads the OS and transitions to the OS startup processing.

[0067] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment includes the display panel 131, the TCON 1322 (an example of a controller) in the display controller 132 that drives the display panel 131, and a flash memory 1323 (an example of a first memory) that is connected to the TCON 1322 and stores image data G1 or image data G2 (an example of display data) to be displayed on the display panel 131. The information processing device 1 also includes the SoC 10 (an example of a first processor) that executes BIOS processing, and the EC 20 (an example of a second processor) that executes at least processing before the start of BIOS processing at startup. When non-regular processing other than regular processing occurs during a period before display control on the display panel 131 becomes possible by BIOS processing at startup, the EC 20 displays the image data G1 or image data G2 stored in the flash memory 1323 on the display panel 131 in response to the execution of the non-regular processing.

[0068] As a result, even if an unsteady process occurs at the time of startup, the information processing device 1 can prevent a state in which nothing is displayed on the screen from continuing, and can make the current processing state easier to understand.

[0069] For example, the information processing device 1 further includes a BIOS memory 23 (an example of a second memory) that is connected to the EC 20 and stores a BIOS code and a backup BIOS code (a backup code for the BIOS code). If the EC 20 detects damage to the BIOS image at startup, the EC 20 executes a self-restoration process (BIOS restoration process) as a non-routine process to restore the BIOS image using the backup BIOS code, and displays display data stored in the flash memory 1323 on the display panel 131 in response to the execution of the BIOS self-restoration process.

[0070] This prevents the information processing device 1 from remaining in a state where nothing is displayed on the screen even if a BIOS self-recovery process is executed at startup, and makes it easier to understand the current processing state.

[0071] For example, one example of the display data is image data G1 (see FIG. 3) including information notifying that the BIOS self-restoration process is being executed.

[0072] This allows the information processing device 1 to allow the user to easily recognize that the BIOS self-restoration process is being executed even if the start-up process is interrupted.

[0073] Furthermore, the EC 20 stops displaying the display data (for example, the image data G1) that has been displayed on the display panel 131 in response to the end of the BIOS self-restoration process.

[0074] This allows the information processing device 1 to display a state according to the startup when the startup process is resumed after the BIOS self-restoration process is completed.

[0075] In addition, when memory training is required for the system memory 16 (an example of a third memory) used when executing BIOS processing at startup, the SoC 10 executes memory training by the BIOS as non-stationary processing. The EC 20 displays display data stored in the flash memory 1323 on the display panel 131 in response to the execution of memory training by the BIOS.

[0076] This prevents the information processing device 1 from continuing to display nothing on the screen even when memory training is performed by the BIOS at startup, and makes it easier to understand the current processing state.

[0077] For example, one example of the display data is image data G2 (see FIG. 3) including information notifying that memory training of the system memory 16 is being executed.

[0078] This allows the information processing device 1 to allow the user to easily recognize that memory training is being executed even if the startup process is interrupted.

[0079] Furthermore, in response to the end of the memory training, the EC 20 stops displaying the display data (for example, the image data G2) that has been displayed on the display panel 131.

[0080] This allows the information processing device 1 to display a state according to the startup when the startup process is resumed after the memory training ends.

[0081] In addition, in this embodiment, a control method in an information processing device 1 including a display panel 131, a TCON 1322 (an example of a controller) in a display controller 132, a flash memory 1323 (an example of a first memory) connected to the TCON 1322 and storing image data G1 or image data G2, etc. (an example of display data) to be displayed on the display panel 131, an SoC 10 (an example of a first processor) that executes BIOS processing, and an EC 20 (an example of a second processor) that executes processing at least before the start of BIOS processing at startup includes a step in which the EC 20 determines whether or not non-regular processing other than regular processing has occurred during a period before display control on the display panel 131 becomes possible through BIOS processing at startup, and a step in which, if it is determined that non-regular processing has occurred, the EC 20 causes the display panel 131 to display display data stored in the flash memory 1323 in accordance with the execution of the non-regular processing.

[0082] As a result, even if an unsteady process occurs at the time of startup, the information processing device 1 can prevent a state in which nothing is displayed on the screen from continuing, and can make the current processing state easier to understand.

[0083] Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the present invention also includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be arbitrarily combined.

[0084] The information processing device 1 described above has a computer system inside. A program for implementing the functions of each component of the information processing device 1 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing in each component of the information processing device 1 described above. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a dedicated line. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0085] The recording medium also includes a recording medium installed inside or outside and accessible from a distribution server to distribute the program. The program may be divided into a plurality of parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined by each component of the information processing device 1, or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a recording medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network. The program may be a recording medium for implementing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0086] In addition, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 1 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually processed, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[0087] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of the above embodiment is not limited to a notebook PC, but may be a desktop PC, a tablet PC, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Information processing device, 10 SoC, 11 Communication unit, 12 Storage, 13 Display unit, 14 Audio system, 15 USB connector, 16 System memory, 20 EC, 21 Keyboard, 22 Power button, 23 BIOS memory, 24 Power circuit, 25 Battery, 131 Display panel, 132 Display controller, 1321 Driver, 1322 TCON, 1323 Flash memory

Claims

1. A display panel; a controller for driving the display panel; a first memory connected to the controller and configured to store display data to be displayed on the display panel; a first processor that executes processing of a BIOS (Basic Input Output System); a second processor that executes a process before the start of the BIOS process at least at the time of booting; Equipped with The second processor when a non-regular process other than a regular process occurs during a period before display control on the display panel becomes possible by processing of the BIOS at the time of the startup, the display data stored in the first memory is displayed on the display panel in response to execution of the non-regular process. Information processing device.

2. a second memory connected to the second processor and configured to store a BIOS code and a backup code for the BIOS code; In addition, The second processor, if damage to the BIOS image is detected during the boot-up, a BIOS restoration process is executed as the non-routine process, in which the BIOS image is restored using the backup code, and the display data stored in the first memory is displayed on the display panel in response to the execution of the BIOS restoration process. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The first processor, When memory training of a third memory used when executing the process of the BIOS at the time of the startup is necessary, the memory training by the BIOS is executed as the non-stationary process; The second processor, displaying the display data stored in the first memory on the display panel in response to execution of the memory training by the BIOS; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the display data is image data including information notifying that the BIOS restoration process is being executed; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. The display data is image data including information notifying that the memory training is being executed. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

6. The second processor, When the BIOS restoration process is completed, the display data displayed on the display panel is made non-display. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

7. The second processor, in response to the completion of the memory training, the display data that has been displayed on the display panel is made non-displayable. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

8. A control method for an information processing apparatus including a display panel, a controller for driving the display panel, a first memory connected to the controller and storing display data to be displayed on the display panel, a first processor for executing a process of a Basic Input Output System (BIOS), and a second processor for executing at least a process prior to the start of the process of the BIOS at boot time, the method comprising: The second processor: determining whether or not a non-stationary process other than a stationary process has occurred during a period before display control on the display panel becomes possible by processing of the BIOS at the time of booting; When it is determined that the unsteady process has occurred, displaying the display data stored in the first memory on the display panel in response to execution of the unsteady process; A control method comprising:

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