Information processor

Abstract

To activate an information processor at an activation scheduled time even after the information processor ends abnormally.SOLUTION: An information processor 1 includes: a processing unit 2; a power source control unit 3 for controlling supply of power from the power source to a processing unit 2; and a timer activation processing unit 4 for activating the processing unit 2 when a set activation scheduled time comes. The power source control unit 3, when detecting an abnormal ending of the processing unit 2, starts supply of power to the processing unit 2 to activate the processing unit 2. when the processing unit 2, when being activated in response to the activation instruction in association with detection of the abnormal ending, activates the processing of the timer activation processing unit 4 and executes shutting down.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Some information processing apparatuses are equipped with a timer startup processing function that automatically starts up when a set startup reservation time arrives. Such timer startup processing is executed based on the time measured by, for example, an RTC (Real Time Clock).

[0003] Also, as a related technique, there has been proposed an information processing apparatus that, when detecting a forced termination of its own device, restarts the device, and after setting it to be able to receive a startup instruction for its own device via a network, executes a shutdown.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An information processing apparatus equipped with the above-described timer startup processing function may invalidate the timer startup processing function at a predetermined timing or an irregular timing after startup. In a state where the timer startup processing function is thus invalidated, if the information processing apparatus abnormally terminates due to a power failure or the like, there is a problem that the information processing apparatus does not start up even when the startup reservation time arrives.

[0006] On one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that can be started at a reserved startup time even when an abnormal termination occurs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one proposal, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a processing unit, a power supply control unit that controls the supply of power from a power supply to the processing unit, and a timer startup processing unit that starts the processing unit when a set reserved startup time is reached. In this information processing apparatus, when the power supply control unit detects an abnormal termination of the processing unit, it starts the supply of power to the processing unit and instructs the startup of the processing unit. When the processing unit starts in response to the startup instruction accompanying the detection of the abnormal termination, it enables the processing of the timer startup processing unit and executes a shutdown.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] On one aspect, it can be started at the reserved startup time even when an abnormal termination occurs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

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Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 〔First Embodiment〕

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example and a processing example of an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 is a computer that can be automatically started when the set startup reservation time arrives. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a processing unit 2, a power control unit 3, and a timer startup processing unit 4.

[0012] The processing unit 2 is, for example, a processor that executes various processes by executing a program. For example, when starting up, the processing unit 2 executes a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) program to perform startup processing, and when the startup processing is completed, it executes an OS (Operating System) program.

[0013] The power control unit 3 is, for example, a microcontroller, and controls the supply of power from a power source (not shown) to the processing unit 2.

[0014] When the set startup reservation time arrives, the timer startup processing unit 4 starts up the processing unit 2. The timer startup processing unit 4 may start up the processing unit 2, for example, by instructing the power control unit 3 to start up the processing unit 2.

[0015] When the information processing apparatus 1 is in the shutdown state, power from the power supply is supplied to the power control unit 3 and the timer activation processing unit 4, but not to the processing unit 2. When the processing unit 2 is to be activated, the power control unit 3 starts supplying power from the power supply to the processing unit 2.

[0016] Also, when the processing unit 2 starts up, it may invalidate the timer activation processing unit 4. This is because, for example, the settings of the timer activation processing unit 4 may affect the processing of the processing unit 2.

[0017] Here, assume that the processing unit 2 has abnormally terminated while the timer activation processing unit 4 is invalidated by the processing unit 2. In this case, there is a problem that the information processing apparatus 1 does not start up even when the scheduled startup time arrives later. Therefore, when the processing unit 2 abnormally terminates, the following processing is executed.

[0018] When the power control unit 3 detects the abnormal termination of the processing unit 2, it starts supplying power from the power supply to the processing unit 2 and instructs the processing unit 2 to start up. For example, when the power supply to the information processing apparatus 1 from the power supply is cut off and then the power supply is resumed, the power control unit 3 detects the abnormal termination of the processing unit 2. Alternatively, when the information processing apparatus 1 restarts in response to a reset operation such as a long press of the power button, the power control unit 3 detects the abnormal termination of the processing unit 2.

[0019] When the processing unit 2 starts up in response to the startup instruction in step S2, that is, the startup instruction accompanying the detection of abnormal termination, it enables the processing of the timer activation processing unit 4 and executes shutdown. As a result, even when the processing unit 2 abnormally terminates, the information processing apparatus 1 enters the shutdown state with the processing of the timer activation processing unit 4 enabled. Therefore, when the scheduled startup time arrives later, the timer activation processing unit 4 can surely start up the processing unit 2 and transition the information processing apparatus 1 to the startup state.

[0020] 〔Second Embodiment〕 Next, a case where a digital signage device is applied as an example of the information processing apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a digital signage device according to the second embodiment. The digital signage device 10 includes a display 11 and a set-top box (STB) 12.

[0022] The display 11 displays an image under the control of the STB 12. The display 11 mainly displays an image of advertisement content. A plurality of displays 11 may be mounted on the digital signage device 10. The STB 12 is a display control device that controls image display on the display 11. The STB 12 is, for example, a computer having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] The STB 12 includes a CPU 21 (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, a chipset 23, an SSD (Solid State Drive) 24, an EC (Embedded Controller) 25, a BIOS memory 26, a connector 27, a battery 28, and a DDC (DC / DC Converter, DC: Direct Current) 29.

[0024] The CPU 21 is an electronic circuit that integrally controls the entire STB 12. The CPU 21 may include a plurality of processor cores. Also, the CPU 21 may include a plurality of processors, and may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. as the processor. Further, at least a part of the functions realized by the CPU 21 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0025] The RAM 22 is used as the main memory device of the STB 12. At least a part of the OS program and application programs to be executed by the CPU 21 are temporarily stored in the RAM 22. Also, various data necessary for the processing by the CPU 21 are stored in the RAM 22.

[0026] The chipset 23 is a control processor that controls data input / output processing between the CPU 21 and the SSD 24, the EC 25, and the BIOS memory 26. The chipset 23 includes an RTC 231. The RTC 231 is an electronic circuit that measures the date and time by generating and counting a clock. The RTC 231 has a timer start processing function for starting the digital signage device 10 at the set time.

[0027] The SSD 24 is used as the auxiliary storage device of the STB 12. The OS program, application programs, and various data are stored in the SSD 24. Note that as the auxiliary storage device, other types of non-volatile storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) can also be used.

[0028] The EC25 is a microcontroller for power control. The EC25 controls the power supply to each part of the digital signage device 10 from an external AC (Alternating Current) power supply (not shown). For example, in the power state S0 (the operating state of the digital signage device 10) in the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) standard, the EC25 controls to supply power to the CPU 21 and starts the CPU 21. Also, when a shutdown operation is performed by the user, the EC25 transitions the digital signage device 10 to the power state S5 (shutdown state). In the power state S5, the EC25 stops the power supply to the CPU 21 and puts the CPU 21 into a standby state. Note that the EC25 is operating in the power state S5, and the EC25 transitions the digital signage device 10 to the power state S0 in response to a startup operation of the digital signage device 10 (for example, pressing the power button).

[0029] Also, the EC25 includes a memory 251. The memory 251 is a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory, for example.

[0030] The BIOS memory 26 is a non-volatile memory that stores the BIOS program. A cable for connecting to the display 11 is connected to the connector 27. The connector 27 and the cable transmit an image signal in accordance with a standard such as HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface: registered trademark) or DisplayPort, for example.

[0031] The battery 28 is provided specifically for the RTC 231 and is, for example, a small primary battery called a "coin battery". The DDC 29 is a power supply circuit for converting the AC power supplied from an external AC power source into DC power at a predetermined voltage and supplying it to the entire inside of the STB 12. For the RTC 231, DC power from the DDC 29 is supplied when power is being supplied from an external AC power source, and DC power from the battery 28 is supplied in a power outage state where power is not being supplied from an external power source. Thereby, the RTC 231 continues to operate even in a power outage state. Note that the DDC 29 may be a power supply circuit provided specifically for the RTC 231.

[0032] With the above-described hardware configuration, the processing functions of the STB 12 can be realized.

[0033] Note that the CPU 21 is an example of the processing unit 2 in FIG. 1. The EC 25 is an example of the power control unit 3 in FIG. 1. The RTC 231 is an example of the timer startup processing unit 4 in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the relationships between the respective parts in the STB. First, the processing functions provided in the STB 12 will be described using FIG. 3. The STB 12 includes a BIOS 211, an OS 212, and a timer startup processing unit 232.

[0035] The processing of the BIOS 211 is realized by the CPU 21 executing the BIOS program stored in the BIOS memory 26. The BIOS 211 executes a POST (Power On Self Test) process when the digital signage device 10 is started up. In the POST process, checks and initializations of various hardware, startup of the OS, etc. are executed. Also, in the POST process, a BIOS setting screen can be displayed on the display 11 according to the user's operation, and various setting operations by the user can be accepted.

[0036] The processing of the OS 212 is realized by the CPU 21 executing the OS program. The OS 212 executes basic management and control of the hardware provided in the digital signage device 10.

[0037] The timer startup processing unit 232 is a processing function realized by the RTC 231. The timer startup processing unit 232 receives the setting of the startup reservation time and stores it in a non-volatile memory (not shown) provided in the RTC 231. The startup reservation time is set via the BIOS setting screen displayed on the display 11 by the BIOS 211. The timer startup processing unit 232 automatically starts the digital signage device 10 at the set startup reservation time.

[0038] When the EC 25 transitions the digital signage device 10 from the power state S0 to the power state S5, it starts the power supply to the CPU 21 from the power source and starts the BIOS 211. The BIOS 211 can set the startup reservation time for the timer startup processing unit 232. Also, the BIOS 211 can invalidate the timer startup processing unit 232 (i.e., invalidate the timer startup processing function). Furthermore, the BIOS 211 can access a specific storage area on the memory 251 provided in the EC 25.

[0039] The OS 212 can invalidate the timer startup processing unit 232 (i.e., invalidate the timer startup processing function). When the startup reservation time is set and the timer startup processing unit 232 is enabled, the timer startup processing unit 232 instructs the EC 25 to start the digital signage device 10 at the startup reservation time.

[0040] Note that the memory 251 of the EC 25 stores status information 252 and a UXSD (Unexpected Shutdown) flag 253. The status information 252 and the UXSD flag 253 will be described later.

[0041] Incidentally, the digital signage device 10 operates, for example, during a certain time period and displays advertising content. In such an operation, even if the digital signage device 10 shuts down due to some cause such as a power outage, it is expected that the digital signage device 10 will automatically start up at the designated time and start displaying the advertising content. Also, the digital signage device 10 may operate continuously 24 hours a day. Even in such an operation, it is expected that the digital signage device 10 will automatically start up at least at a certain designated time.

[0042] As described above, in the digital signage device 10, the timer startup processing unit 232 of the RTC 231 enables automatic startup at the designated time. However, when the digital signage device 10 shuts down due to an unexpected event such as a power outage, there is a problem that startup cannot be performed at the designated time by the timer startup processing unit 232. This is because after the OS 212 starts up, the timer startup processing unit 232 is invalidated by the OS 212.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a comparative example of the operation of the digital signage device. In the initial state of FIG. 4, the digital signage device 10 is in the power state S5. Assume that a startup operation is performed by the user from this state. The EC 25 starts supplying power to the CPU 21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 to the power state S0. As a result, the CPU 21 starts up and executes the BIOS program to start the BIOS 211.

[0044] The activated BIOS 211 starts the POST process (step S11). Here, assume that the display of the BIOS setup screen is instructed by the user's operation and the BIOS 211 displays the BIOS setup screen on the display 11. When an input is made from the BIOS setup screen to turn on the timer startup process and specify the scheduled startup time, the BIOS 211 sets the execution necessity setting information stored in the non-volatile memory (not shown) provided in the RTC 231 to on and writes the specified scheduled startup time to this non-volatile memory (step S12).

[0045] After that, when the POST process is completed, the BIOS 211 starts the OS 212 (step S13). For example, the BIOS 211 starts the bootloader, and the started bootloader detects and executes the OS program, so that the OS 212 starts (step S14).

[0046] The OS 212 invalidates the timer startup processing unit 232 of the RTC 231 at a predetermined timing or an irregular timing after startup (step S15). In this invalidation, for example, regardless of whether the execution necessity setting information is on or off, the operation of the timer startup processing unit 232 itself is stopped. However, when the scheduled startup time is set, this setting information is not erased.

[0047] Such invalidation of the timer startup processing unit 232 by the OS 212 is performed because, for example, the setting of the timer startup process may affect the processing of the OS 212 or applications on the OS 212.

[0048] In the above description, the case where the scheduled startup time is set from the BIOS setup screen at startup has been described. However, even when the BIOS 211 and the OS 212 are started with the scheduled startup time already set and the execution necessity setting information being on, the timer startup processing unit 232 is invalidated by the started OS 212.

[0049] Next, assuming that a shutdown operation is performed by the user while the OS 212 is running, the OS 212 executes a normal shutdown process (step S16). When the BIOS 211 detects that the OS 212 has been normally shut down, it activates the timer startup processing unit 232 (step S17). As a result, the timer startup processing unit 232 is in an activated state. Then, the BIOS 211 executes a normal shutdown process (step S18). When the EC 25 detects that the BIOS 211 has been normally shut down, it stops the power supply to the CPU 21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 to the power state S5.

[0050] As in steps S16 to S18 above, when a normal shutdown of the digital signage device 10 is performed, the timer startup processing unit 232 is activated by the BIOS 211. As a result, the digital signage device 10 can be automatically started at the set startup reservation time.

[0051] However, there may be a case where the digital signage device 10 is unintentionally shut down due to a power supply interruption (power failure) from an external AC power source while the OS 212 is running and the timer startup processing unit 232 is deactivated by the process of step S17. In this case, the digital signage device 10 shuts down while the timer startup processing unit 232 remains deactivated. For this reason, the digital signage device 10 will not automatically start at the subsequent startup reservation time.

[0052] To avoid such a problem, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the state information 252 (first information) and the UXSD flag 253 (second information) stored in the memory 251 of the EC 25 are used.

[0053] The status information 252 is information indicating the progress status of the processing during startup and shutdown by the BIOS 211. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the status information 252 is an 8-bit bit string (1-byte binary data). When the BIOS 211 starts the POST process, it updates the status information 252 to 0x00, and then sequentially counts up the status information 252 to 0x07 as the POST process progresses. And when the POST process is completed, the BIOS 211 updates the status information 252 to 0xFF. Therefore, in the state where the OS 212 is started, the status information 252 is 0xFF. Also, when performing a normal shutdown, the BIOS 211 updates the status information to 0xF0.

[0054] This status information 252 is referred to by the EC 25 when the digital signage device 10 transitions to the power state S5. When the status information 252 is 0xF0, the EC 25 can recognize that the digital signage device 10 has been normally shut down. Therefore, the status information 252 is used as information to notify the EC 25 whether the digital signage device 10 has been normally shut down.

[0055] The UXSD flag 253 is flag information indicating whether the most recent shutdown process has been performed normally. When the value is 0, it indicates that the shutdown has been performed normally, and when the value is 1, it indicates that an abnormal shutdown has been performed. When the digital signage device 10 transitions to the power state S5 and the status information 252 is not 0xF0, the EC 25 recognizes that the transition to the power state S5 has occurred without a normal shutdown. In this case, the EC 25 updates the UXSD flag 253 to 1, transitions the power state to S0, and activates the BIOS 211. The activated BIOS 211 refers to the UXSD flag 253 and recognizes that an abnormal shutdown has been performed recently. In this case, the BIOS 211 activates the timer startup processing unit 232, updates the status information 252 to 0xF0, and shuts down.

[0056] In this way, when the digital signage device 10 transitions to the power state S5 due to an abnormal shutdown, the BIOS 211 is temporarily activated, the timer activation processing unit 232 is enabled, and then the device shuts down. As a result, even when an abnormal shutdown occurs, the digital signage device 10 can automatically start up at the subsequent scheduled startup time.

[0057] Next, the processing of the digital signage device 10 will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of POST processing by the BIOS. The EC 25 starts supplying power to the CPU 21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 from the power state S5 to the power state S0. As a result, the CPU 21 starts up and executes the BIOS program, thereby activating the BIOS 211. The activated BIOS 211 executes the following processing.

[0058] [Step S21] The BIOS 211 starts POST processing. At the start of the POST processing, the BIOS 211 updates the status information 252 to 0x00 and sequentially counts up the status information 252 to 0x07 as the POST processing progresses.

[0059] [Step S22] The BIOS 211 reads the UXSD flag 253 during the POST processing. If the value of the UXSD flag 253 is 0, the processing proceeds to step S23; if it is 1, the processing proceeds to step S26.

[0060] Note that at least during the period from the start of step S21 to the completion of the execution of step S22, the BIOS 211 does not display an image on the display 11.

[0061] [Step S23] The BIOS 211 continues the POST processing. [Step S24] At the final stage of the POST processing, the BIOS 211 updates the status information 252 to 0xFF and completes the POST processing.

[0062] [Step S25] The BIOS 211 activates the OS 212. For example, the BIOS 211 activates the boot loader, and the activated boot loader detects and executes the OS program, thereby activating the OS 212.

[0063] [Step S26] The BIOS 211 interrupts the POST process and enables the timer activation processing unit 232.

[0064] [Step S27] The BIOS 211 updates the value of the status information 252 to 0xF0. [Step S28] The BIOS 211 executes the shutdown process. When the shutdown process of the BIOS 211 is completed, this is notified to the EC 25. The EC 25 stops the power supply to the CPU 21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 from the power state S0 to the power state S5.

[0065] Note that when it is determined as "Yes" in step S22, the POST process is interrupted while the display 11 is in the non-display state of the image. Therefore, after that, until step S28 is completed, the display 11 remains in the non-display state of the image.

[0066] According to the above processing, for example, when the BIOS 211 is activated because the digital signage device 10 has received a power-on operation after normal termination, or when the BIOS 211 is activated because the current time has reached the scheduled startup time, the value of the UXSD flag 253 becomes 1 in step S22. In this case, the POST process is executed and the OS 212 is normally activated.

[0067] When, for example, the digital signage device 10 stops due to a power outage and then restarts and the BIOS 211 starts up, or when the BIOS 211 restarts due to a reset operation, the value of the UXSD flag 253 becomes 0 in step S22. In this case, the BIOS 211 activates the timer startup processing unit 232 and then shuts down. As a result, when the set startup reservation time arrives, the digital signage device 10 can be surely started up. Also, the value of the status information 252 is updated to 0xF0 so as to indicate that a normal shutdown has been performed by the BIOS 211.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of shutdown processing by the BIOS. When the OS 212 shuts down in response to a shutdown operation, the BIOS 211 executes the following processing.

[0069] [Step S31] The BIOS 211 activates the timer startup processing unit 232. [Step S32] The BIOS 211 updates the value of the status information 252 to 0xF0.

[0070] [Step S33] The BIOS 211 executes shutdown processing. Similar to step S28 in FIG. 5, when the shutdown processing of the BIOS 211 is completed, the EC 25 stops the power supply to the CPU 21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 from the power state S0 to the power state S5.

[0071] In this way, when the digital signage device 10 shuts down normally, the timer startup processing unit 232 is activated and the value of the status information 252 is updated to 0xF0. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the EC when transitioning to the power state S5. Cases where the transition to the power state S5 occurs include, for example, a case where the digital signage device 10 stops due to a power outage and then restarts, or a case where it restarts in response to a reset operation during the execution of the OS 212.

[0072] [Step S41] The EC25 reads the status information 252. [Step S42] If the value of the status information 252 is 0xF0, the process proceeds to step S43. If the value is other than 0xF0, the process proceeds to step S45.

[0073] [Step S43] The EC25 reads the UXSD flag 253. If the value of the UXSD flag 253 is 1, the process proceeds to step S44. If the UXSD flag 253 is 0, the process of step S44 is skipped.

[0074] [Step S44] The EC25 updates the value of the UXSD flag 253 to 0. After that, the digital signage device 10 remains in the power state S5.

[0075] [Step S45] The EC25 determines whether 15 seconds have elapsed since the execution of step S42. The EC25 remains in a waiting state until 15 seconds have elapsed, and when 15 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S46.

[0076] [Step S46] The EC25 updates the value of the UXSD flag 253 to 1. [Step S47] The EC25 starts supplying power to the CPU21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 from the power state S5 to the power state S0. As a result, the CPU21 is activated, and the BIOS 211 is activated when the CPU21 executes the BIOS program.

[0077] According to the above processing, when transitioning to the power state S5, if the value of the status information 252 is 0xF0, it is determined that the digital signage device 10 has been properly shut down, and it remains in the power state S5 with the value of the UXSD flag 253 set to 0.

[0078] On the other hand, if the value of the status information 252 is not 0xF0, it is determined that an abnormal shutdown has occurred. In this case, after 15 seconds, the value of the UXSD flag 253 is updated to 0, and the BIOS 211 is started. The started BIOS 211 will execute the processes of steps S26 to S28 in FIG. 5. That is, by the processes of steps S46 and S47, the BIOS 211 is temporarily started to activate the timer start processing unit 232.

[0079] Here, when an abnormal shutdown occurs, the digital signage device 10 may restart due to other factors within a relatively short time after the shutdown. Such factors include, for example, an operation for restart by a user who recognized that the digital signage device 10 has shut down. As an example, there are a reset operation by long-pressing the power button and a WOL (Wake On LAN, LAN: Local Area Network) operation from another information processing device connected via a network. Also, depending on the device, some devices automatically restart within a predetermined time after an abnormal shutdown. Such restarts are called global reset, power cycle reset, etc. Such automatic restarts are also considered as the above factors.

[0080] If, for example, an intentional restart due to such other factors overlaps with the processes of steps S46 and S47, there may occur a malfunction such as the started BIOS 211 shutting down despite an intentional restart. In steps S45 and S46 above, the processes of steps S46 and S47 are not executed immediately after the transition to the power state S5, but are executed at regular intervals. This can reduce the possibility of occurrence of the above malfunctions.

[0081] Incidentally, the above-mentioned automatic restart is often executed about 4 seconds after shutdown. By setting the waiting time until the execution of steps S46 and S47 to about 15 seconds, the startup of BIOS 211 associated with the automatic restart can be surely executed before the processes of steps S46 and S47 are executed, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned malfunction can be surely prevented. However, the waiting time until the execution of steps S46 and S47 is not limited to 15 seconds.

[0082] Next, the processing of the digital signage device 10 will be described using a sequence diagram. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when the digital signage device is normally started. FIG. 8 shows, as an example, the case where the device is started because the set startup reservation time has been reached. For example, when the device is started due to a power-on operation from the shutdown state, the processes after step S53 are executed. Also, in the initial state of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the value of the state information 252 is 0xF0 and the value of the UXSD flag 253 is 0.

[0083] [Step S51] The timer startup processing unit 232 of the RTC 231 determines whether the current time has reached the set startup reservation time. The timer startup processing unit 232 remains in a waiting state until the startup reservation time is reached, and when the startup reservation time is reached, the process proceeds to step S52.

[0084] [Step S52] The timer startup processing unit 232 sends a startup instruction to the EC 25.

[0085] [Step S53] The EC 25 starts the power supply to the CPU 21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 from the power state S5 to the power state S0. As a result, the CPU 21 is started, and the BIOS 211 is started when the CPU 21 executes the BIOS program.

[0086] [Step S54] The BIOS 211 starts the POST process. [Step S55] BIOS 211 updates the status information 252 to 0x00 at the start of the POST process, and sequentially increments the status information 252 up to 0x07 as the POST process progresses.

[0087] [Step S56] BIOS 211 reads the UXSD flag 253 during the POST process. Since the value of the UXSD flag 253 is 0, BIOS 211 determines that the most recent shutdown process was performed normally and continues the POST process.

[0088] [Step S57] At the final stage of the POST process, BIOS 211 updates the status information 252 to 0xFF and completes the POST process. [Step S58] BIOS 211 starts the OS 212.

[0089] [Step S59] The OS 212 invalidates the timer start processing unit 232 of the RTC 231 at a predetermined timing after startup or at an irregular timing. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process when the digital signage device shuts down normally. In the initial state of Figure 9, it is assumed that the OS 212 is running and the timer start processing unit 232 is in an invalidated state. Also, it is assumed that the value of the status information 252 is 0xFF and the value of the UXSD flag 253 is 0.

[0090] [Step S61] The OS 212 receives a shutdown operation and executes a shutdown process. Here, it is assumed that the shutdown process has been completed normally.

[0091] [Step S62] BIOS 211 activates the timer start processing unit 232. [Step S63] BIOS 211 updates the value of the status information 252 to 0xF0.

[0092] [Step S64] BIOS 211 executes a shutdown process. Here, it is assumed that the shutdown process has been completed normally.

[0093] [Step S65] The EC 25 stops the power supply to the CPU 21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 from the power state S0 to the power state S5.

[0094] [Step S66] The EC 25 reads the status information 252. [Step S67] Since the value of the status information 252 is 0xF0, the EC 25 determines that the digital signage device 10 (specifically, the BIOS 211) has shut down normally and maintains the power state S5. At this time, the UXSD flag 253 remains 0.

[0095] In this way, when the digital signage device 10 shuts down normally, the timer activation processing unit 232 is in an activated state, and when the current time reaches the scheduled startup time, the digital signage device 10 can be automatically restarted. Also, since it shuts down with the value of the status information 252 set to 0xF0 and the value of the UXSD flag 253 set to 0, when the next startup operation is performed, at least the processing from step S53 in FIG. 8 and later is executed, and the digital signage device 10 can be started up normally.

[0096] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are sequence diagrams showing examples of processing when the digital signage device ends abnormally. In the initial state of FIG. 10, it is assumed that the OS 212 is running and the timer activation processing unit 232 is in a deactivated state. Also, it is assumed that the value of the status information 252 is 0xFF and the value of the UXSD flag 253 is 0.

[0097] [Step S71] The digital signage device 10 ends abnormally. For example, the OS 212 or the BIOS 211 ends abnormally.

[0098] [Step S72] The EC 25 transitions the digital signage device 10 to the power state S5.

[0099] For example, in step S71, when the digital signage device 10 stops due to a power outage and then the power supply is resumed, it transitions to the power state S5 in step S72. As another example, in step S71, during the execution of the OS 212 or during the POST process by the BIOS 211, a reset operation is performed to force the digital signage device 10 to terminate, and it transitions to the power state S5 in step S72. When a reset operation is performed during the POST process, the state information 252 becomes any value from 0x01 to 0x07.

[0100] [Step S73] The EC 25 reads the state information 252. [Step S74] Since the value of the state information 252 is not 0xF0, the EC 25 determines that an abnormal shutdown has occurred. In this case, the EC 25 enters a waiting state for 15 seconds.

[0101] [Step S75] The EC 25 updates the value of the UXSD flag 253 to 1. [Step S76] The EC 25 starts the power supply to the CPU 21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 from the power state S5 to the power state S0. As a result, the CPU 21 starts up, and the BIOS 211 starts up when the CPU 21 executes the BIOS program.

[0102] [Step S77] The BIOS 211 starts the POST process. [Step S78] The BIOS 211 updates the state information 252 to 0x00 at the start of the POST process and sequentially counts up the state information 252 to 0x07 as the POST process progresses.

[0103] [Step S79] The BIOS 211 reads the UXSD flag 253 during the POST process. Since the value of the UXSD flag 253 is 1, the BIOS 211 determines that an abnormal shutdown has occurred most recently and interrupts the POST process.

[0104] [Step S80] The BIOS 211 activates the timer startup processing unit 232. [Step S81] The BIOS 211 updates the value of the status information 252 to 0xF0.

[0105] [Step S82] The BIOS 211 executes a shutdown process. When the shutdown process of the BIOS 211 is completed, EC 25 is notified to that effect.

[0106] [Step S83] The EC 25 stops the power supply to the CPU 21 and transitions the digital signage device 10 from the power state S0 to the power state S5.

[0107] [Step S84] The EC 25 reads the status information 252. [Step S85] Since the value of the status information 252 is 0xF0, the EC 25 determines that the digital signage device 10 (specifically, the BIOS 211) has shut down normally and maintains the power state S5.

[0108] [Step S86] The EC 25 updates the value of the UXSD flag 253 to 0. In this way, when the digital signage device 10 terminates abnormally, the BIOS 211 is temporarily activated to enable the timer activation processing unit 232 and execute a normal shutdown. As a result, the digital signage device 10 will shut down with the timer activation processing unit 232 enabled, and it will be possible to automatically restart the digital signage device 10 when the current time reaches the scheduled startup time.

[0109] Also, since the digital signage device 10 is shut down with the value of the status information 252 set to 0xF0 and the value of the UXSD flag 253 set to 0, when the next startup operation is performed, at least the processing after step S53 in FIG. 8 will be executed, and the digital signage device 10 can be normally started up.

[0110] In the POST process by the BIOS 211, information such as the diagnosis result of the hardware is displayed on the display 11 according to the progress of the process. The processes of steps S77 to S82 described above are executed before such information is displayed in the POST process. That is, these processes are executed in a state where no image is displayed on the display 11.

[0111] It is desirable that the temporary activation of the BIOS 211 for activating the timer activation processing unit 232 be performed without the user noticing. For example, if some image is displayed on the display 11 during such temporary activation, the user may not know why the digital signage device 10 has started up, which may cause confusion. As described above, by performing such temporary activation in a state where no image is displayed, the occurrence of such confusion can be suppressed, and reliable processing by the BIOS 211 can be executed.

[0112] In the above-described second embodiment, the digital signage device 10 is shown as an example of the information processing apparatus 1. However, the processing of the second embodiment can also be applied to other types of information processing apparatuses such as personal computers.

[0113] Also, the processing functions of the apparatuses (for example, the information processing apparatus 1 and the digital signage device 10) shown in the above-described embodiments can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that each apparatus should have is provided, and by executing that program on a computer, the above-described processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage devices, optical disks, and semiconductor memories. Magnetic storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs), magnetic tapes, etc. Optical disks include CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray Discs (BD, registered trademark), etc.

[0114] When distributing a program, for example, a portable recording medium such as a DVD or CD on which the program is recorded is sold. Also, the program can be stored in the storage device of a server computer and transferred from the server computer to other computers via a network.

[0115] A computer that executes a program stores, for example, a program recorded on a portable recording medium or a program transferred from a server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. Note that the computer can also directly read the program from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. Also, each time a program is transferred from a server computer connected via a network, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

Explanation of Signs

[0116] 1 Information processing apparatus 2 Processing unit 3 Power control unit 4 Timer activation processing unit

Claims

1. A processing unit, a power supply control unit that controls the supply of power from a power supply to the processing unit, a timer startup processing unit that starts up the processing unit when a set startup reservation time is reached, and has, when the power supply control unit detects an abnormal termination of the processing unit, the power supply control unit starts the supply of power to the processing unit and instructs the startup of the processing unit, when the processing unit starts up in response to a startup instruction accompanying the detection of the abnormal termination, the processing unit enables the processing of the timer startup processing unit and executes a shutdown, an information processing apparatus.

2. When the processing unit starts up in response to a startup instruction accompanying the detection of the abnormal termination, the processing unit executes the enabling of the processing of the timer startup processing unit and the shutdown in a state where an image is not displayed on a display device connected to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply control unit detected the abnormal termination, the power supply control unit instructs the startup of the processing unit. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. The information processing apparatus further includes a non-volatile storage unit that stores first information, when the processing unit executes the shutdown, the processing unit updates the first information so as to indicate that the processing unit has ended normally, when the power supply control unit transitions to a shutdown state in which the power is supplied to the timer startup processing unit and the power supply control unit but not to the processing unit, the power supply control unit refers to the first information, and when the first information does not indicate that the processing unit has ended normally, the power supply control unit detects the abnormal termination and instructs the startup of the processing unit. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

5. The storage unit further stores second information, when the power supply control unit detects the abnormal termination, the power supply control unit updates the second information so as to indicate that it has started up in response to the abnormal termination, and instructs the startup of the processing unit, when the processing unit starts up, the processing unit refers to the second information, and when the second information indicates that it has started up in response to the abnormal termination, the processing unit enables the processing of the timer startup processing unit and executes the shutdown. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 4.

6. The processing unit, When starting up, it executes the startup process according to the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) program, refers to the second information during the startup process, and if the second information does not indicate that it has started up in response to an abnormal termination, it continues the startup process. When the startup process is completed, it updates the first information to indicate that the startup process has been completed and executes the OS (Operating System) program, and invalidates the processing of the timer startup processing unit according to the OS program. When a shutdown operation is performed during the execution of the OS program, it terminates the execution of the OS program, enables the processing of the timer startup processing unit according to the BIOS program, updates the first information to indicate that the processing unit has terminated normally, and executes the shutdown. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

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