Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and the like capable of inhibiting a lifetime of a nonvolatile memory from becoming short.SOLUTION: An information processing system 10 includes: an application addition unit 14 for acquiring a predicted write amount that is predicted to be written in a nonvolatile memory 20 per unit time by an application; and the application addition unit 14, a monitoring unit 17, and a control unit 18 for inhibiting the application from performing writing in the nonvolatile memory 20 on the basis of the predicted write amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording medium life monitoring system including a counting unit that counts the number of write operations to a recording medium, a calculation unit that calculates the temporal change in the number of write operations counted by the counting unit, a prediction unit that calculates an estimated time to reach a write limit number that limits writing to the recording medium based on the temporal change calculated by the calculation unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the estimated time to reach to a management device only when the estimated time to reach calculated by the prediction unit is equal to or less than a set time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the recording medium life monitoring system of Patent Document 1, although it is possible to detect that the recording medium has reached the end of its life and issue an alarm or the like to prompt the replacement of the recording medium, it is not possible to suppress writing to the recording medium, and there is a problem that it is not possible to suppress the shortening of the life of the recording medium. For this reason, in a device where it is difficult to remove a non-volatile memory (recording medium) or in a case where replacement is difficult, the non-volatile memory reaches the end of its life and damage to recorded data may occur.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an information processing system and the like that can suppress the shortening of the life of a non-volatile memory.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires an expected write amount that is expected to be written to a non-volatile memory per unit time by an application, and a suppression unit that suppresses writing to the non-volatile memory by the application based on the expected write amount.

[0007] Also, an information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step of acquiring an expected write amount that is expected to be written to a non-volatile memory per unit time by an application, and a suppression step of suppressing writing to the non-volatile memory by the application based on the expected write amount.

[0008] Also, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above information processing method.

[0009] These general or specific aspects may be implemented by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be implemented by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-transitory recording medium.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] The information processing system and the like of the present disclosure can suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 8

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Figure 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a predicted write amount that is expected to be written to a non-volatile memory per unit time by an application, and a suppression unit that suppresses writing to the non-volatile memory by the application based on the predicted write amount.

[0013] According to this, writing to the non-volatile memory by the application can be suppressed based on the predicted write amount. Since writing can be suppressed before the non-volatile memory approaches the end of its life, it is possible to suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory.

[0014] Further, in the information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the acquisition unit acquires the predicted write amount when the application is installed in the information processing system.

[0015] According to this, when an application is installed in an information processing system, the expected write amount can be surely obtained. Therefore, writing by the application based on the expected write amount to the non-volatile memory can be surely suppressed, and shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory can be suppressed.

[0016] Also, in the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the write amount written to the non-volatile memory per unit time by the application is larger than the expected write amount, the suppression unit may suppress the writing.

[0017] According to this, when the write amount is larger than the expected write amount, shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory can be suppressed.

[0018] Also, in the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suppression unit may suppress the writing by prohibiting the writing.

[0019] According to this, since writing to the non-volatile memory by the application can be prohibited, shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory can be more surely suppressed.

[0020] Also, the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an output unit that outputs a warning when the write amount is larger than the expected write amount.

[0021] According to this, by notifying a user or the like that the write amount is larger than the expected write amount, the user is prompted to change the operation of the application to a state where the amount of writing is small, and shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory can be suppressed.

[0022] Also, the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a notification unit that notifies the application that it is being suppressed during the suppression of the writing.

[0023] According to this, the application can be changed to a state with a small amount of writing upon receiving the notification, and it becomes easier to reduce the amount written to the non-volatile memory, so it is possible to more reliably suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory.

[0024] Also, in the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suppression unit calculates the predicted life of the non-volatile memory from the predicted amount of writing, and when the predicted life is shorter than the target life of the non-volatile memory, the installation of the application to the information processing system may be prohibited to suppress the writing.

[0025] According to this, when the predicted life of the non-volatile memory is shorter than the target life, the installation of the application to the information processing system can be prohibited, so it is possible to more reliably suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory.

[0026] Also, the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an output unit that outputs a list of one or more of the plurality of applications whose installation is not prohibited.

[0027] According to this, it is possible to notify a user or the like of one or more applications whose installation is not prohibited. It is possible to suppress the installation operation from becoming complicated due to the failure of the installation when trying to install an application whose installation is prohibited.

[0028] Also, in the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the amount of writing per unit time written to the non-volatile memory by the installed application is more than the predicted amount of writing, the suppression unit may request a reduction in the amount written to the non-volatile memory for the installed application.

[0029] According to this, the application can be changed to a state with a small amount of writing in response to a request, making it easier to reduce the amount written to the non-volatile memory, so that it is possible to more reliably suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory. For example, in the case of an application that records video or the like, it is possible to reduce the amount of writing while suppressing the impact on the user or the like by reducing the recording quality of the video.

[0030] Also, in the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the amount of writing is more than the predicted amount of writing and the reduction has been requested, the suppression unit may suppress the writing.

[0031] According to this, even when the application has not sufficiently reduced the amount of writing despite a request to reduce the amount of writing to the application, it is possible to reliably suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory.

[0032] Also, in the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the amount of writing is more than the predicted amount of writing and the reduction has been requested, the suppression unit may uninstall the application from the information processing system.

[0033] According to this, when the amount of writing is more than the predicted amount of writing and the reduction of the amount of writing has been requested, it is possible to reliably suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory. Also, since the application is deleted from the non-volatile memory by performing the uninstallation, the free capacity of the non-volatile memory increases, and it is possible to more reliably suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory.

[0034] Also, the information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step of acquiring a predicted amount of writing that is predicted to be written to the non-volatile memory per unit time by an application, and a suppression step of suppressing the writing to the non-volatile memory by the application based on the predicted amount of writing.

[0035] According to this, it has the same operational effects as the above information processing system.

[0036] Moreover, the program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above information processing method.

[0037] According to this, it has the same operational effects as the above information processing system.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] Note that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components. Each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Also, in each drawing, the same constituent members are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0040] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing system 10 according to an embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 will be described.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes a communication interface 11, a display unit 12, an operation reception unit 13, an app addition unit 14, an app operation unit 15, a recording device 16, a monitoring unit 17, and a control unit 18. For example, the display unit 12 is configured by a display or the like, the operation reception unit 13 is configured by a touch panel or a hardware button or the like, and the app addition unit 14, the app operation unit 15, the monitoring unit 17, and the control unit 18 are configured by a processor or the like.

[0042] The communication interface 11 communicates with a server (not shown) that provides an application or the like. The communication interface 11 may perform wireless communication or wired communication.

[0043] The display unit 12 is an example of an output unit that outputs a warning when the amount of writing per unit time written to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application is greater than the expected writing amount that is expected to be written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by the application. The display unit 12 outputs a warning by displaying the warning. Note that the warning may be output by, for example, emitting a warning sound. The writing amount and the expected writing amount will be described later.

[0044] The display unit 12 is an example of an output unit that outputs a list of one or more applications that are not prohibited from being installed in the information processing system 10. For example, for each of a plurality of applications that can be provided by a server or the like that provides an application, whether or not to prohibit installation in the information processing system 10 is determined by the application addition unit 14, and the display unit 12 outputs a list of one or more applications that are not prohibited from being installed in the information processing system 10 among the plurality of applications. The display unit 12 outputs the list by displaying the list. Note that the display unit 12 may display a list of a plurality of applications that can be provided by a server or the like that provides an application.

[0045] The operation reception unit 13 receives a selection operation or the like for selecting an application to be installed in the information processing system 10. A user or the like can select an application to be installed in the information processing system 10 by the selection operation.

[0046] The application addition unit 14 adds an application by installing the application in the information processing system 10. Further, when adding an application, the application addition unit 14 acquires a predicted write amount that is expected to be written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by the application and records it in the write prediction amount recording unit 23. For example, the predicted write amount is the amount of data that is expected to be written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by the application and is expressed as, for example, 1 gigabyte / day. For example, the predicted write amount is predicted by the developer of the application or the like, and information indicating the predicted write amount is associated with the application, and the application addition unit 14 acquires the predicted write amount from a server that provides the application or the like. For example, the application and the predicted write amount are acquired from a server that provides the application connected via the communication interface 11.

[0047] The application addition unit 14 calculates the predicted life of the non-volatile memory 20 from the predicted write amount, and when the predicted life is shorter than the target life of the non-volatile memory 20, suppresses writing by prohibiting the installation of the application to the non-volatile memory 20. For example, a value obtained by dividing the remaining writable amount of the non-volatile memory 20 by the predicted write amount is calculated as the predicted life. The remaining writable amount is the amount of writing until the non-volatile memory 20 reaches its write life, and for example, is a value obtained by subtracting the amount of writing up to that point from the total write amount TBW (Total Bytes Written) of the non-volatile memory 20.

[0048] The application addition unit 14 is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires a predicted write amount that is expected to be written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by the application. Further, the application addition unit 14 is an example of a suppression unit that suppresses writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application based on the predicted write amount.

[0049] The application operation unit 15 operates the installed applications. Here, Application A, Application B, and Application C are installed, and the application operation unit 15 operates Application A, Application B, and Application C.

[0050] The recording device 16 has a host interface 19 and a non-volatile memory 20. For example, the recording device 16 is an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like.

[0051] The host interface 19 communicates with the control unit 18 and communicates with the monitoring unit 17 etc. via the control unit 18. The host interface 19 may perform wireless communication or may perform wired communication.

[0052] The non-volatile memory 20 is a non-volatile recording medium with a write life, having an application program recording unit 21, an application data recording unit 22, a write predicted amount recording unit 23, a write amount recording unit 24, and a write state recording unit 25. For example, the non-volatile memory 20 is a NAND-type flash memory or the like.

[0053] The application program recording unit 21 records the programs of the applications installed in the information processing system 10. Here, the application program recording unit 21 stores the program of Application A, the program of Application B, and the program of Application C.

[0054] The application data recording unit 22 records data related to the application. For example, the operation reception unit 13 receives an input operation by the user, the application operation unit 15 operates the application based on the input operation, and the application records the data in the application data recording unit 22.

[0055] The write predicted amount recording unit 23 records the write predicted amount that is predicted to be written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by the application.

[0056] The write amount recording unit 24 records the write amount written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by the application. For example, the write amount is the amount of data written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by the application.

[0057] The write state recording unit 25 records whether it is in a state where writing is suppressed or not in a state where writing is suppressed. When the control unit 18 is suppressing writing, the write state recording unit 25 records that it is in a state where writing is suppressed, and when the control unit 18 is not suppressing writing, the write state recording unit 25 records that it is not in a state where writing is suppressed.

[0058] The monitoring unit 17 monitors the write amount written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by the application, and makes judgments such as suppression or prohibition of writing. When the write amount written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by the application is greater than the predicted write amount, writing is suppressed. For example, the monitoring unit 17 suppresses writing by prohibiting writing.

[0059] When the write amount written to the non-volatile memory 20 by the installed application is greater than the predicted write amount, the monitoring unit 17 requests a reduction in the amount written to the non-volatile memory 20 for the installed application. For example, the monitoring unit 17 requests to reduce the frequency of writing and / or the amount of data written.

[0060] For example, when the write amount is greater than the predicted write amount and a reduction has already been requested, the monitoring unit 17 suppresses writing. For example, the monitoring unit 17 suppresses writing by prohibiting writing.

[0061] Further, when the write amount is more than the predicted write amount and reduction has been requested, the monitoring unit 17 uninstalls the application from the information processing system 10.

[0062] The control unit 18 is an example of a notification unit that notifies the application that writing is being suppressed during the suppression of writing. By the control unit 18 notifying the application that writing is being suppressed during the suppression of writing, the application stops writing, reduces the frequency of writing, or reduces the amount of data written.

[0063] The control unit 18 controls writing to and reading from the recording device 16. In accordance with the determination of suppression or prohibition of writing by the monitoring unit 17, the control unit 18 suppresses or prohibits writing from the application to the recording device 16. Note that the control unit 18 may suppress writing by compressing the written data or the like.

[0064] The monitoring unit 17 and the control unit 18 are an example of a suppression unit that suppresses writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application based on the predicted write amount. That is, in the present embodiment, the suppression unit includes the application addition unit 14, the monitoring unit 17, and the control unit 18.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a graph for explaining the operation and effect of the first information processing method by the information processing system 10 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 2, the operation and effect of the first information processing method by the information processing system 10 will be described.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system according to the comparative example detects that the write amount to the nonvolatile memory has reached just before the writable amount in the period T1 just before that. On the other hand, the information processing system 10 can detect, in a period T2 when the write amount becomes larger than the expected write amount, that the write amount is larger than the expected write amount before the period T1, and can suppress writing when the write amount is larger than the expected write amount. When the write amount reaches the writable amount, the life of the nonvolatile memory 20 ends. Hereinafter, the first information processing method will be described.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first operation example in the first information processing method. With reference to FIG. 3, the first operation example in the first information processing method will be described.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3, the operation reception unit 13 receives a selection operation of an application to be installed (step S1). Here, the application addition unit 14 does not prohibit the installation of the application to the nonvolatile memory 20 when the expected life of the nonvolatile memory 20 is shorter than the target life. For example, when a user or the like accesses a predetermined web page using the information processing system 10, a server or the like that provides the application causes the display unit 12 to display a selection screen for selecting the application. The user or the like selects an application to be installed from the selection screen by performing a selection operation.

[0069] The application addition unit 14 acquires the expected write amount of the selected application (acquisition step) (step S2). For example, the application addition unit 14 acquires the expected write amount from a server or the like that provides the application.

[0070] The application addition unit 14 acquires the program of the selected application (step S3). For example, the application addition unit 14 acquires the program from a server or the like that provides the application.

[0071] The app addition unit 14 records the program of the selected application in the app program recording unit 21 (step S4). For example, the app addition unit 14 records the program obtained from a server or the like that provides the application in the app program recording unit 21.

[0072] The app addition unit 14 records the predicted write amount of the selected application in the write predicted amount recording unit 23 (step S5). For example, the app addition unit 14 records the predicted write amount obtained from a server or the like that provides the application in the write predicted amount recording unit 23.

[0073] For example, each time an application is selected by a user or the like, the information processing system 10 performs the first operation example shown in FIG. 3.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second operation example in the first information processing method. With reference to FIG. 4, the second operation example in the first information processing method will be described.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 18 determines whether writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application is being suppressed (step S11). The control unit 18 determines whether writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application is being suppressed based on the state recorded in the write state recording unit 25.

[0076] When the control unit 18 is not suppressing writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application (No in step S11), the control unit 18 accepts writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application (step S12), and the control unit 18 records the written amount in the write amount recording unit 24 (step S13).

[0077] When the control unit 18 is suppressing writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application (Yes in step S11), the control unit 18 notifies the application that writing is being suppressed (step S14).

[0078] For example, when an application attempts to write to the non-volatile memory 20, the information processing system 10 performs the second operation example shown in FIG. 4.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a third operation example in the first information processing method. With reference to FIG. 5, the third operation example in the first information processing method will be described.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5, the monitoring unit 17 initializes the write amount for each application (step S21).

[0081] The monitoring unit 17 determines whether or not a unit time has elapsed (step S22).

[0082] When the unit time has not elapsed (No in step S22), the monitoring unit 17 determines again whether or not the unit time has elapsed (step S22).

[0083] When the unit time has elapsed (Yes in step S22), the monitoring unit 17 compares the write amount and the predicted write amount for each application (step S23). For example, when multiple writes are performed in a unit time, the monitoring unit 17 sums up the write amounts of multiple times and compares the total write amount with the predicted write amount.

[0084] The monitoring unit 17 determines whether there is an application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (step S24).

[0085] When there is no application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (No in step S24), the monitoring unit 17 ends the process.

[0086] When there is an application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (Yes in step S24), the display unit 12 outputs a warning (step S25).

[0087] The monitoring unit 17 suppresses writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by an application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (suppression step), and records in the write state recording unit 25 that the application is in a state where writing to the non-volatile memory 20 is suppressed (step S26).

[0088] For example, the information processing system 10 performs the third operation example shown in FIG. 5 every unit time.

[0089] Also, after recording in the write state recording unit 25 that an application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount is in a state where writing is suppressed by step S26, if the operation of the application is changed in response to a warning or the like output by step S25 and the amount written from the application to the non-volatile memory 20 is reduced, the monitoring unit 17 records in the write state recording unit 25 that the application with the reduced write amount is not in a state where writing is suppressed, and may stop suppressing writing. Since the operation of the application is not hindered by suppressing writing and the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20 can be suppressed, it is effective.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining the effects of the second information processing method by the information processing system 10 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 6, the effects of the second information processing method by the information processing system 10 of FIG. 1 will be described.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing system according to the comparative example detects that the write amount to the non-volatile memory has reached just before the writable amount in the immediately preceding period T3. On the other hand, the information processing system 10 can detect in the period T4 before the period T3 and before installing an application to the information processing system 10 that the predicted life of the non-volatile memory 20 becomes shorter than the target life, and when the predicted life of the non-volatile memory 20 becomes shorter than the target life, writing can be suppressed by prohibiting the installation of the application to the information processing system 10. Hereinafter, the second information processing method will be described.

[0092] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a first operation example in the second information processing method. With reference to FIG. 7, the first operation example in the second information processing method will be described.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 7, the operation reception unit 13 receives a selection operation of an application to be installed (step S31). For example, when a user or the like accesses a predetermined web page using the information processing system 10, a server or the like that provides the application causes the display unit 12 to display a selection screen for selecting the application to be installed. The user or the like selects the application to be installed from the selection screen by performing a selection operation.

[0094] The application addition unit 14 acquires the predicted write amount of the selected application (acquisition step) (step S32). For example, the application addition unit 14 acquires the predicted write amount from a server or the like that provides the application.

[0095] The application addition unit 14 calculates the predicted life of the non-volatile memory 20 from the predicted write amount of the selected application (step S33).

[0096] The application addition unit 14 determines whether the predicted life is shorter than the target life (step S34).

[0097] When the predicted life is not shorter than the target life (No in step S34), the application addition unit 14 records the program of the selected application in the application program recording unit 21 (step S35), and records the predicted write amount of the selected application in the write predicted amount recording unit 23 (step S36).

[0098] When the predicted life is shorter than the target life (Yes in step S34), the application addition unit 14 prohibits the installation of the application (suppression step) (step S37).

[0099] For example, each time an application is selected by a user or the like, the information processing system 10 performs the first operation example shown in FIG. 7.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a second operation example in the second information processing method. With reference to FIG. 8, the second operation example in the second information processing method will be described.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 8, the application addition unit 14 acquires a list of n installable applications (applications 1 to n) (step S41). For example, a server or the like that provides applications holds the list, and the monitoring unit 17 acquires the list from a server or the like that provides applications.

[0102] The application addition unit 14 sets i = 1 (step S42) and acquires the predicted write amount of application i (acquisition step) (step S43). For example, the monitoring unit 17 acquires the predicted write amount from a server or the like that provides application i.

[0103] The application addition unit 14 calculates the predicted life of the non-volatile memory 20 from the predicted write amount of application i (step S44).

[0104] The application addition unit 14 determines whether the predicted life is shorter than the target life (step S45).

[0105] If the predicted life is shorter than the target life (Yes in step S45), the application addition unit 14 prohibits the installation of application i and deletes application i from the list of applications (suppression step) (step S46).

[0106] If the predicted life is not shorter than the target life (No in step S45), the application addition unit 14 determines whether i = n (step S47).

[0107] When i≠n (No in step S47), the application addition unit 14 sets i = i + 1 (step S48), and obtains the predicted write amount of application i from the list of applications (acquisition step) (step S43).

[0108] When i = n (Yes in step S47), the display unit 12 outputs the list of applications (step S49). In this way, the display unit 12 outputs the list of one or more applications among the plurality of applications for which installation is not prohibited. As a result, a user or the like can select an application to be installed in the information processing system 10 from among one or more applications for which installation is not prohibited.

[0109] Note that the information processing system 10 may perform only one of the first operation example shown in FIG. 7 and the second operation example shown in FIG. 8, or may perform the one selected by a user or the like.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a third operation example in the second information processing method. With reference to FIG. 9, the third operation example in the second information processing method will be described.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 9, the monitoring unit 17 initializes the write amount for each application (step S51).

[0112] The monitoring unit 17 determines whether or not a unit time has elapsed (step S52).

[0113] When the unit time has not elapsed (No in step S52), the monitoring unit 17 determines again whether or not the unit time has elapsed (step S52).

[0114] When a unit of time has elapsed (Yes in step S52), the monitoring unit 17 compares the write amount and the predicted write amount for each application (step S53). For example, when multiple writes are performed in a unit of time, the monitoring unit 17 sums up the write amounts of the multiple writes and compares the total write amount with the predicted write amount.

[0115] The monitoring unit 17 determines whether there is an application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (step S54).

[0116] When there is no application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (No in step S54), the monitoring unit 17 ends the process.

[0117] When there is an application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (Yes in step S54), the monitoring unit 17 determines whether a reduction in the amount written to the application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount has been requested (step S55).

[0118] When a reduction in the amount written to the application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount has not been requested (No in step S55), the monitoring unit 17 requests a reduction in the amount written to the application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (step S56).

[0119] When a reduction in the amount written to the application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount has been requested (Yes in step S55), the monitoring unit 17 suppresses the writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (step S57).

[0120] For example, the information processing system 10 performs the third operation example shown in FIG. 9 every unit of time.

[0121] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth operation example in the second information processing method. With reference to FIG. 10, a fourth operation example in the second information processing method will be described. Note that, hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the third operation example shown in FIG. 9.

[0122] When the monitoring unit 17 has already requested a reduction in the amount written to an application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (Yes in step S55), the monitoring unit 17 uninstalls the application whose write amount is greater than the predicted write amount (step S61).

[0123] For example, the information processing system 10 performs the fourth operation example shown in FIG. 10 every unit time.

[0124] Note that the information processing system 10 may perform only one of the third operation example shown in FIG. 9 and the fourth operation example shown in FIG. 10, or may perform the one selected by the user or the like.

[0125] The information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes an application addition unit 14 that acquires a predicted write amount that is expected to be written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by an application, and the application addition unit 14, a monitoring unit 17, and a control unit 18 that suppress writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application based on the predicted write amount.

[0126] According to this, writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application can be suppressed based on the predicted write amount, so that it is possible to suppress a reduction in the life of the non-volatile memory 20.

[0127] Also, in the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the application addition unit 14 acquires the predicted write amount when the application is installed in the information processing system 10.

[0128] According to this, when an application is installed in the information processing system 10, the expected write amount can be surely obtained. Therefore, writing by the application based on the expected write amount to the non-volatile memory 20 can be surely suppressed, and shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20 can be suppressed.

[0129] Also, in the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the amount of writing written per unit time to the non-volatile memory 20 by an application is larger than the expected write amount, the monitoring unit 17 and the control unit 18 suppress the writing.

[0130] According to this, when the amount of writing is larger than the expected write amount, shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20 can be suppressed.

[0131] Also, in the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the monitoring unit 17 and the control unit 18 suppress the writing by prohibiting the writing.

[0132] According to this, writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application can be prohibited, so that shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20 can be more surely suppressed.

[0133] Also, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a display unit 12 that outputs a warning when the amount of writing is larger than the expected write amount.

[0134] According to this, by notifying a user or the like that the amount of writing is larger than the expected write amount, the user is prompted to change the operation of the application to a state where the amount of writing is small, and shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20 can be suppressed.

[0135] Also, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 18 that notifies an application that writing is being suppressed during the suppression of writing.

[0136] According to this, the application can receive the notification and change to a state with a small amount of writing, making it easier to reduce the amount written to the non-volatile memory 20, so that it is possible to more reliably suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20.

[0137] Also, in the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the application addition unit 14 calculates the predicted life of the non-volatile memory 20 from the predicted amount of writing, and when the predicted life is shorter than the target life of the non-volatile memory 20, the application addition unit 14 prohibits the installation of applications to the information processing system 10, thereby suppressing the writing.

[0138] According to this, when the predicted life of the non-volatile memory 20 is shorter than the target life, the installation of applications to the information processing system 10 can be prohibited, so that it is possible to more reliably suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20.

[0139] Further, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a display unit 12 that outputs a list of one or more applications among the plurality of applications whose installation is not prohibited.

[0140] According to this, it is possible to notify a user or the like of one or more applications whose installation is not prohibited. It is possible to suppress the installation operation from becoming complicated due to the failure of the installation when trying to install an application whose installation is prohibited.

[0141] Also, in the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the amount of writing per unit time written to the non-volatile memory 20 by the installed application is more than the predicted amount of writing, the monitoring unit 17 requests the installed application to reduce the amount written to the non-volatile memory 20.

[0142] According to this, the application can be changed to a state with a small amount of writing in response to a request, and it becomes easier to reduce the amount written to the non-volatile memory 20, so that it is possible to more surely suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20. For example, in the case of an application that records a video or the like, by reducing the recording quality of the video, it is possible to reduce the amount written while suppressing the influence on the user or the like.

[0143] Also, in the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the amount of writing is more than the predicted amount of writing and a reduction has been requested, the monitoring unit 17 and the control unit 18 suppress writing.

[0144] According to this, even when the application has not sufficiently reduced the amount of writing despite a request to reduce the amount of writing to the application, it is possible to surely suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20.

[0145] Also, in the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the amount of writing is more than the predicted amount of writing and a reduction has been requested, the monitoring unit 17 uninstalls the application from the information processing system 10.

[0146] According to this, when the amount of writing is more than the predicted amount of writing and a reduction in the amount of writing has been requested, it is possible to surely suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20. Further, since the application is deleted from the non-volatile memory 20 by performing the uninstallation, the free capacity of the non-volatile memory 20 increases, and it is possible to more surely suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20.

[0147] Further, the information processing method according to the present embodiment includes an acquisition step (steps S2, S32, S43) of acquiring an expected write amount that is expected to be written to the non-volatile memory 20 per unit time by an application, and a suppression step (steps S26, S37, S46) of suppressing writing to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application based on the expected write amount.

[0148] According to this, the same operational effects as those of the above-described information processing system 10 are achieved.

[0149] Further, the program according to the present embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method.

[0150] According to this, the same operational effects as those of the above-described information processing system 10 are achieved.

[0151] (Other embodiments, etc.) As described above, the information processing system and the like according to one or more aspects have been described based on the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art may be applied to these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and such modifications may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0152] In the above-described embodiments, the case where the application and the expected write amount are acquired from a server that provides an application connected via the communication interface 11 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when manufacturing the information processing system 10, the application and the expected write amount may be recorded in the recording device 16 before incorporating the recording device 16 into the information processing system 10. Alternatively, an external recording medium in which the application and the expected write amount are recorded may be connected to the information processing system instead of the server, and the application and the expected write amount may be copied from the external recording medium to the recording device 16.

[0153] In the above-described embodiments, the predicted write amount is the amount of data expected to be written per unit time to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application, and the written amount is the amount of data written per unit time to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the predicted write amount may be the number of times expected to be written per unit time to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application, and the written amount may be the number of times written per unit time to the non-volatile memory 20 by the application. In this case, the writable amount may be the number of times writable to the non-volatile memory 20. Also, although the predicted write amount has been described for the case of acquisition when an application is added, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after installation, the written amount from the application may be acquired for a certain period of time, and the predicted write amount may be calculated based on the acquired result. Even when the predicted write amount cannot be acquired when an application is added, it is effective because it is possible to suppress the shortening of the life of the non-volatile memory 20 by performing write suppression based on the predicted write amount.

[0154] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software for realizing the device and the like of the above-described embodiments is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

[0155] Note that the following cases are also included in the present disclosure.

[0156] (1) Specifically, each of the above devices is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, hard disk unit, display unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or the hard disk unit. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, each device achieves its function. Here, the computer program is composed of a combination of a plurality of instruction codes indicating instructions for the computer in order to achieve a predetermined function.

[0157] (2) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be composed of one system LSI (Large Scale Integration). The system LSI is a super multi-functional LSI manufactured by integrating a plurality of components on one chip, and specifically, is a computer system including a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, the system LSI achieves its function.

[0158] (3) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be composed of an IC card or a single module detachable from each device. The IC card or the module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or the module may include the above super multi-functional LSI. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, the IC card or the module achieves its function. This IC card or this module may have tamper resistance.

[0159] (4) The present disclosure may be the method described above. Further, it may be a computer program for realizing these methods by a computer, or may be a digital signal composed of the computer program.

[0160] Further, the present disclosure may be the computer program or the digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. Further, it may be the digital signal recorded on these recording media.

[0161] Further, the present disclosure may be to transmit the computer program or the digital signal via a telecommunication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, data broadcasting, etc.

[0162] Further, the present disclosure may be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor operates according to the computer program.

[0163] Further, it may be implemented by another independent computer system by recording and transferring the program or the digital signal to the recording medium, or by transferring the program or the digital signal via the network or the like.

[0164] (5) The above embodiments and other forms may be combined.

[0165] (Supplementary Note) From the description of the above embodiments and the like, the following technology is disclosed.

[0166] (Technology 1) An acquisition unit that acquires a predicted write amount that is expected to be written to the non-volatile memory per unit time by an application, and a suppression unit that suppresses writing to the non-volatile memory by the application based on the predicted write amount. An information processing system.

[0167] (Technology 2) The acquisition unit acquires the predicted write amount when the application is installed in the information processing system. The information processing system according to Technology 1.

[0168] (Technology 3) When the write amount written to the non-volatile memory per unit time by the application is greater than the predicted write amount, the suppression unit suppresses the writing. The information processing system according to Technology 1.

[0169] (Technology 4) The suppression unit suppresses the writing by prohibiting the writing. The information processing system according to Technology 3.

[0170] (Technology 5) It includes an output unit that outputs a warning when the write amount is greater than the predicted write amount. The information processing system according to Technology 3 or 4.

[0171] (Technology 6) It includes a notification unit that notifies the application that it is being suppressed during the suppression of the writing. The information processing system according to any one of Technologies 3 to 5.

[0172] (Technology 7) The suppression unit calculates the predicted lifespan of the non-volatile memory from the predicted write amount, and when the predicted lifespan is shorter than the target lifespan of the non-volatile memory, the suppression unit suppresses the writing by prohibiting the installation of the application to the information processing system. The information processing system according to Technique 1.

[0173] (Technique 8) The information processing system includes an output unit that outputs a list of one or more applications among the plurality of applications for which installation is not prohibited. The information processing system according to Technique 7.

[0174] (Technique 9) When the amount of writing per unit time to the non-volatile memory by the installed application is greater than the predicted write amount, the suppression unit requests a reduction in the amount written to the non-volatile memory for the installed application. The information processing system according to Technique 7 or 8.

[0175] (Technique 10) When the amount of writing is greater than the predicted write amount and the reduction has already been requested, the suppression unit suppresses the writing. The information processing system according to Technique 9.

[0176] (Technique 11) When the amount of writing is greater than the predicted write amount and the reduction has already been requested, the suppression unit uninstalls the application from the information processing system. The information processing system according to Technique 9.

[0177] (Technique 12) An acquisition step of acquiring a predicted write amount that is predicted to be written per unit time to a non-volatile memory by an application. A suppression step of suppressing writing to the non-volatile memory by the application based on the predicted write amount. Information processing method.

[0178] (Technology 13) A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in Technology 12.

Industrial Applicability

[0179] The present disclosure can be used in a system for monitoring writing to a non-volatile memory and the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0180] 10 Information processing system 11 Communication interface 12 Display unit 13 Operation reception unit 14 Application addition unit 15 Application operation unit 16 Recording device 17 Monitoring unit 18 Control unit 19 Host interface 20 Non-volatile memory 21 Application program recording unit 22 Application data recording unit 23 Predicted write amount recording unit 24 Write amount recording unit 25 Write state recording unit

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires a predicted write amount that is expected to be written to a non-volatile memory per unit time by an application; A suppression unit that suppresses writing to the non-volatile memory by the application based on the predicted write amount. An information processing system.

2. The acquisition unit acquires the predicted write amount when the application is installed in the information processing system. The information processing system according to Claim 1.

3. The suppression unit suppresses the writing when the amount of writing written to the non-volatile memory per unit time by the application is greater than the predicted write amount. The information processing system according to Claim 1.

4. The suppression unit suppresses the writing by prohibiting the writing. The information processing system according to Claim 3.

5. An output unit that outputs a warning when the amount of writing is greater than the predicted write amount. The information processing system according to Claim 3 or 4.

6. A notification unit that notifies the application that it is being suppressed during the suppression of the writing. The information processing system according to Claim 3 or 4.

7. The suppression unit calculates a predicted lifespan of the non-volatile memory from the predicted write amount, and when the predicted lifespan is shorter than the target lifespan of the non-volatile memory, suppresses the writing by prohibiting installation of the application to the information processing system. The information processing system according to Claim 1.

8. An output unit that outputs a list of one or more applications among the plurality of applications whose installation is not prohibited. The information processing system according to Claim 7.

9. When the amount of writing written to the non-volatile memory per unit time by the installed application is greater than the predicted write amount, the suppression unit requests a reduction in the amount of writing to the non-volatile memory for the installed application. The information processing system according to Claim 7 or 8.

10. The suppression unit suppresses the writing when the amount of writing is greater than the predicted write amount and the reduction has been requested. The information processing system according to Claim 9.

11. When the write amount is greater than the predicted write amount and the reduction has been requested, the suppression unit uninstalls the application from the information processing system. The information processing system according to claim 9. **Claim 12** An acquisition step of acquiring a predicted write amount that is predicted to be written per unit time to the non-volatile memory by an application; A suppression step of suppressing writing to the non-volatile memory by the application based on the predicted write amount. An information processing method. **Claim 13** A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 12.

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