Information storage device control device, information processing device, information storage device control method, and information storage device control program

Abstract

To enable an information storage device to be suppressed from becoming unable to store information.SOLUTION: A control device controls an information storage device that can store a plurality of bits of information in one cell. The control device switches, in step S15, the information storage device to a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell, on condition that a remaining count of times N1 in which information is storable in the information storage device is smaller than a predetermined count of times RN (S12: YES) when the information storage device is in a first mode in which multiple bits of information are stored in one cell.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an information processing device that includes an information storage device and a control device. The information storage device is capable of storage processing in a first mode in which multiple bits of information are stored in one cell. The information storage device is capable of storage processing in a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell. The control device switches the storage mode of the information storage device from the first mode to the second mode on the condition that a new storage device is connected to the information processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-228010 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an information processing device such as that described in Patent Document 1, the control device does not switch the storage mode of the information storage device from the first mode to the second mode unless a new storage device is connected. Therefore, there is a risk that the information storage device will no longer be able to store information if the number of times the information storage device has stored information reaches the upper limit of the number of times it can store information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a control device for controlling an information storage device capable of storing multiple bits of information in one cell, which, when the information storage device is in a first mode in which multiple bits of information are stored in one cell, switches the information storage device to a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell, provided that the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than a predetermined number of times.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by a computer to control an information storage device capable of storing multiple bits of information in one cell, wherein when the information storage device is in a first mode in which multiple bits of information are stored in one cell, the method switches the information storage device to a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell, provided that the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than a predetermined number of times.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a control program that is executed by a computer to control an information storage device capable of storing multiple bits of information in a single cell, and that switches the information storage device to a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in a single cell when the information storage device is in a first mode in which multiple bits of information are stored in a single cell, provided that the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than a predetermined number of times.

[0008] In each of the above configurations, when the information storage device is in the second mode, the remaining number of times that the information storage device can store information is greater than when the information storage device is in the first mode. According to each of the above configurations, the information storage device switches to the second mode on the condition that the number of times that the information storage device can store information is less than a predetermined number of times. This makes it possible to prevent the information storage device from becoming unable to store information more effectively than when the information storage device remains in the first mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a series of processes including mode switching. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (One embodiment) An embodiment of a control device for a storage device, an information processing device, a control method for a storage device, and a control program for a storage device will be described below.

[0011] <Outline of the information processing system> As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes a server 20 and a vehicle 30. The server 20 is capable of wireless communication with the vehicle 30 via a wireless communication network (not shown). The server 20 acquires vehicle configuration information from the vehicle 30 that indicates the state of the software of the vehicle 30. Based on the acquired vehicle configuration information of the vehicle 30, the server 20 transmits campaign information to the vehicle 30 indicating that a software update is available. In addition, the server 20 transmits information indicating the updated software in response to a request from the vehicle 30. The information indicating the updated software is, for example, information indicating the software after the update.

[0012] The vehicle 30 includes a communication device 41, an input device 42, an output device 43, a drive control device 44, a brake control device 45, a steering control device 46, and an information processing device 50. That is, the information processing device 50 is mounted on the vehicle 30.

[0013] The communication device 41 is capable of wireless communication with the server 20 via a wireless communication network (not shown). The communication device 41 outputs information acquired from the server 20 to the information processing device 50. The communication device 41 transmits the information acquired from the information processing device 50 to the server 20 via wireless communication.

[0014] The input device 42 is a device into which a signal indicating the operation content is input by a user's operation. The output device 43 outputs information indicating the signal input from the information processing device 50 as an image or sound. By outputting the image or sound, the output device 43 requests the user to operate the input device 42, for example. When the user operates the input device 42, the input device 42 inputs a signal indicating the operation content to the information processing device 50. The input device 42 and the output device 43 are realized, for example, as a touch display.

[0015] The drive control device 44 is a device that controls the drive source of the vehicle 30. The drive source is, for example, an internal combustion engine and a motor. The drive control device 44 controls the drive of the vehicle 30 by controlling the drive source based on user operation of an accelerator pedal or the like. The drive control device 44 also adjusts the control of the internal combustion engine based on information indicating a signal input from the information processing device 50. For example, when information indicating the driving mode of the vehicle 30, such as a sports mode, is input from the information processing device 50, the drive control device 44 adjusts the drive content of the vehicle 30 according to the input mode.

[0016] The brake control device 45 is a device that controls the brakes of the vehicle 30. The brake control device 45 controls the braking of the vehicle 30 by controlling the brakes based on the user's operation of a brake pedal or the like. The brake control device 45 also adjusts the control of the brakes based on information indicating a signal input from the information processing device 50. For example, when information indicating the driving mode of the vehicle 30 is input from the information processing device 50, the brake control device 45 adjusts the braking content of the vehicle 30 according to the input mode.

[0017] The steering control device 46 is a device that controls the steering device of the vehicle 30. The steering control device 46 controls the steering device based on the user's operation of the steering wheel, thereby controlling the steering angle of the vehicle 30. The steering control device 46 also adjusts the control of the steering device based on information indicating a signal input from the information processing device 50. For example, when information indicating the driving mode of the vehicle 30 is input from the information processing device 50, the steering control device 46 adjusts the steering angle of the vehicle 30 according to the input mode.

[0018] The information processing device 50 is a device that processes information of the vehicle 30. The information processing device 50 acquires information received by the server 20 from the communication device 41. The information processing device 50 outputs information to be transmitted to the server 20 to the communication device 41. The information processing device 50 acquires a signal indicating the content of a user's operation from the input device 42. The information processing device 50 outputs a signal indicating an image or sound to the output device 43. The information processing device 50 outputs information indicating the driving mode of the vehicle 30 to the drive control device 44, the brake control device 45, and the steering control device 46.

[0019] The information processing device 50 includes a control device 60 and an information storage device 70. The control device 60 controls the storage mode of the information storage device 70. The control device 60 is a computer having an execution unit 61 and a storage unit 62. The execution unit 61 is a CPU. The storage unit 62 is a ROM and RAM. The storage unit 62 stores various programs that describe the processes to be executed by the execution unit 61.

[0020] The storage unit 62 stores a management operation system 63, a hypervisor 64, a first operation system 65, and a second operation system 66. The hypervisor 64 is software that creates a virtualized environment in which multiple operation systems can run. The hypervisor 64 runs on the management operation system 63.

[0021] The first operation system 65 and the second operation system 66 run on the hypervisor 64. Therefore, the first operation system 65 and the second operation system 66 can be executed in parallel by the execution unit 61. That is, the execution unit 61 runs the management operation system 63 and then runs the first operation system 65 and the second operation system 66 in parallel. This allows the first operation system 65 and the second operation system 66 to run. The hypervisor 64 minimizes the exchange of information between the operation systems so that the first operation system 65 and the second operation system 66 do not interfere with each other.

[0022] The storage unit 62 stores a plurality of first applications 67, which are application programs for the first operation system 65. The plurality of first applications 67 run on the first operation system 65. Therefore, while the first operation system 65 is running, the first applications 67 are executed by the execution unit 61 on the first operation system 65. The first applications 67 are programs that perform control other than driving control of the vehicle 30. For example, the plurality of first applications 67 are a program that performs control on the output device 43 to realize a chat function, a program that performs control to realize a call function, and a program that performs control to realize a function to display information such as a weather forecast. In other words, the first applications 67 are programs that perform control other than driving control, including drive control, braking control, and steering angle control of the vehicle 30. Note that two first applications 67 are illustrated in FIG. 1 .

[0023] The storage unit 62 stores a plurality of second applications 68, which are application programs for the second operation system 66. The plurality of second applications 68 run on the second operation system 66. Therefore, the second applications 68 are executed by the execution unit 61 on the second operation system 66 while the second operation system 66 is running. The second applications 68 are programs that perform driving control of the vehicle 30. For example, the plurality of second applications 68 are programs that output driving modes of the vehicle 30 to the drive control device 44, the brake control device 45, and the steering control device 46. Also, for example, the plurality of second applications 68 are a program that adjusts the control content for the drive control device 44, a program that adjusts the control content for the brake control device 45, and a program that adjusts the control content for the steering control device 46. Note that two second applications 68 are illustrated in FIG. 1 .

[0024] The storage unit 62 stores a control program 69 for the management operation system 63, which controls the storage mode of the information storage device 70. The control program 69 is a program that realizes a control method for controlling the storage mode of the information storage device 70. The control program 69 runs on the management operation system 63. Therefore, the control program 69 is executed by the execution unit 61 on the management operation system 63 while the management operation system 63 is running.

[0025] The information storage device 70 stores information by executing various programs of the control device 60. The information storage device 70 can store multiple bits of information in one cell. The information storage device 70 is a NAND-type flash memory. The information storage device 70 is, for example, an eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card).

[0026] The information storage device 70 has a first area 71 and a second area 72 as areas for storing information. The first area 71 is an area where information accompanying the execution of the first operation system 65 can be stored. The second area 72 is an area where information accompanying the execution of the second operation system 66 can be stored.

[0027] The information storage device 70 stores information in a set storage mode for each area. The information storage device 70 can set the storage mode for each area to a first mode or a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which multiple bits of information are stored in one cell. An example of the first mode is MLC (Multi Level Cell). The second mode is a mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell. An example of the second mode is pSLC (Pseudo Single Level Cell). When the information storage device 70 is new, the storage mode is the first mode for both the first area 71 and the second area 72.

[0028] The execution unit 61 stores information in the first area 71 of the information storage device 70 in association with the execution of the first operation system 65. At this time, the execution unit 61 counts the number of times information is stored in association with the execution of the first operation system 65. The execution unit 61 stores the counted value in the first area 71 of the information storage device 70 as the number of times information has been stored in the first area 71.

[0029] Furthermore, the execution unit 61 stores information in the second area 72 of the information storage device 70 in association with the execution of the second operation system 66. At this time, the execution unit 61 counts the number of times information is stored in association with the execution of the second operation system 66. The execution unit 61 stores the counted value in the second area 72 of the information storage device 70 as the number of times information has been stored in the second area 72.

[0030] The number of times information has been stored corresponds to the number of times information has been written to the same memory cell in conjunction with the execution of an application. Storing information here includes not only writing information to an empty memory cell, but also overwriting the contents of a memory cell that already has information written to it. The information storage device 70 stores the number of times information has been stored since the information storage device 70 was new. In other words, the execution unit 61 constantly updates the value of the number of times information has been stored in the information storage device 70. Therefore, the number of times information has been stored is a value that increases with use of the same information storage device 70.

[0031] The execution unit 61 executes the first application 67 to realize the function of the first application 67. As described above, the execution unit 61 executes the first application 67 on the first operation system 65. Therefore, the execution unit 61 also executes the first operation system 65 in conjunction with the execution of the first application 67, and therefore stores information associated with the execution of the first application 67 in the first area 71.

[0032] Furthermore, the execution unit 61 executes the second application 68 to realize the function of the second application 68. The execution unit 61 executes the second application 68 on the second operation system 66. Therefore, the execution unit 61 also executes the second operation system 66 in conjunction with the execution of the second application 68, and therefore stores information associated with the execution of the second application 68 in the second area 72.

[0033] The information storage device 70 pre-stores a first upper limit number and a second upper limit number. The first upper limit number is the upper limit number of times the first operation system 65 can store data in the first area 71. The first upper limit number is a value predetermined for each storage mode. The second upper limit number is the upper limit number of times the second operation system 66 can store data in the second area 72. The second upper limit number is a value predetermined for each storage mode. For example, the first upper limit number and the second upper limit number in the first mode are determined as follows: First, the total upper limit number of times information can be stored in the information storage device 70 in the first mode is obtained. The total upper limit number is the number of times one memory cell or a specified memory frame can be written in the first mode. The total upper limit number is a number determined, for example, depending on the type of the information storage device 70. Therefore, the total upper limit number multiplied by the capacity of the memory cell or memory frame and the number of memory cells or memory frames is the total capacity of information that can be stored in the information storage device 70 in the first mode, including information overwrites. Next, a usage ratio is set between the first operation system 65 and the second operation system 66. Then, values according to the usage ratio of the total upper limit number are set as the first upper limit number and the second upper limit number in the first mode.

[0034] When the execution unit 61 receives information indicating updated software from the server 20 via the communication device 41 while the first area 71 is set to the first mode, the execution unit 61 executes the control program 69 .

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, when the execution unit 61 starts executing the control program 69, it first performs the process of step S11. In step S11, the execution unit 61 obtains the remaining number of times N1 that can be stored in the first area 71. Specifically, the execution unit 61 obtains the remaining number of times N1 by subtracting the number of times stored in the first area 71 from the first upper limit number of times. In other words, the remaining number of times N1 is a value that decreases as the information storage device 70 is used. Thereafter, the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S12.

[0036] In step S12, the execution unit 61 determines whether the remaining number of times N1 is less than a predetermined number of times RN. The predetermined number of times RN is smaller than the first upper limit number of times, but is determined in advance through testing, simulation, etc. as a number that indicates that the remaining number of times that can be stored has become appropriately small. If the remaining number of times N1 is less than the predetermined number of times RN (S12: YES), the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S13.

[0037] In step S13, the execution unit 61 acquires the available remaining capacity C1 of the first area 71. Specifically, the execution unit 61 acquires information indicating the used and unused areas of the first area 71. Next, the execution unit 61 acquires the total capacity of the memory cells or memory frames of the unused areas of the first area 71 as the remaining capacity C1. Note that "using an area" refers to the area being occupied by installed programs. In other words, the more programs are installed, the more area is being used. After that, the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S14.

[0038] In step S14, the execution unit 61 determines whether the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity RC. The predetermined capacity RC is determined in advance through testing, simulation, or the like as the capacity required for the first area 71 to switch the first area 71 from the first mode to the second mode. If the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC (S14: YES), the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S15.

[0039] In step S15, the execution unit 61 switches the first area 71 from the first mode to the second mode. That is, the execution unit 61 switches the first area 71 from the first mode to the second mode on the condition that the remaining number of times N1 is less than the predetermined number of times RN and the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC. In this embodiment, the execution unit 61 switches the storage mode of the first area 71 from MLC to pSLC. Thereafter, the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S16.

[0040] In step S16, the execution unit 61 performs an update process for the first operation system 65 based on the information indicating the downloaded update software. Specifically, the execution unit 61 installs information indicating the updated software in the storage unit 62. Then, the execution unit 61 activates the installed updated software based on the information indicating the updated software. This allows the execution unit 61 to execute the updated first operation system 65 based on the information indicating the updated software. Then, the execution unit 61 ends the series of processes.

[0041] Meanwhile, when the remaining number of times N1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times RN (S12: NO), the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S16. That is, when the remaining number of times N1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times RN, the execution unit 61 performs the update process of the first operation system 65 while keeping the first area 71 in the first mode without switching the first area 71 to the second mode.

[0042] On the other hand, when the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC (S14: NO), the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the execution unit 61 deletes predetermined information RI from the first area 71. The predetermined information RI is determined in advance through testing or simulation as information that will not affect subsequent control even if deleted, such as log information older than a predetermined period of time. Thereafter, the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S22.

[0043] In step S22, the execution unit 61 determines whether the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity RC. That is, after deleting the predetermined information RI, the execution unit 61 determines whether the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC. In this embodiment, the process of step S22 is the same as the process of step S14. If the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC (S22: YES), the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S15.

[0044] On the other hand, if the remaining capacity C1 is less than the predetermined capacity RC (S22: NO), the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the execution unit 61 outputs to the output device 43 a request to output information indicating a request to the user to delete the information in the first area 71. As a result, the output device 43 outputs a request to the user to delete the information in the first area 71, for example, by using an image including text. Specifically, the output device 43 displays an image including text stating, "To switch to SLC, you need to erase another 1 GB of data." The execution unit 61 then proceeds to step S24.

[0045] In step S24, the execution unit 61 determines whether the information in the first area 71 has been deleted by the user. For example, when the execution unit 61 receives information indicating an operation by the user that completes the deletion of the information in the first area 71 from the input device 42, the execution unit 61 determines that the information in the first area 71 has been deleted by the user. Furthermore, when the execution unit 61 does not receive information indicating an operation by the user that completes the deletion of the information in the first area 71 from the input device 42 within a predetermined period, the execution unit 61 determines that the information in the first area 71 has not been deleted by the user. If the information in the first area 71 has not been deleted by the user (S24: NO), the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if the information in the first area 71 has been deleted by the user (S24: YES), the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S25.

[0046] In step S25, the execution unit 61 determines whether the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC. That is, after outputting information indicating a request to delete information to the output device 43, the execution unit 61 determines whether the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC when information is deleted by an operation from the input device 42. In this embodiment, the process of step S25 is the same as the process of step S14. If the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC (S25: YES), the execution unit 61 proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the remaining capacity C1 is less than the predetermined capacity RC (S25: NO), the execution unit 61 returns the process to step S23. As a result, the execution unit 61 again outputs information indicating a request to delete information to the output device 43.

[0047] (Operation of the embodiment) The number of times data can be stored when the storage mode of the first area 71 is the second mode is approximately 10 times the number of times data can be stored when the storage mode of the first area 71 is the first mode. According to the above embodiment, in step S15, the execution unit 61 switches the first area 71 from the first mode to the second mode. As a result, the storage mode of the first area 71 of the information storage device 70 switches from the first mode to the second mode, and the remaining number of times data can be stored in the first area 71 becomes approximately 10 times.

[0048] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) According to the above embodiment, by switching to the second mode when the number of times that the first area 71 of the information storage device 70 can store information falls below the predetermined number of times RN, the remaining number of times N1 that the information storage device 70 can store information becomes larger than when the information storage device 70 remains in the first mode. This prevents the information storage device 70 from becoming unable to store information.

[0049] (2) According to the above embodiment, the execution unit 61 switches the storage mode of the information storage device 70 to the second mode when the number of times the first area 71 can store information falls below the predetermined number of times RN and the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC. This prevents the storage mode switching from being delayed midway.

[0050] (3) According to the above embodiment, when the number of times that the first area 71 can store information falls below the predetermined number of times RN and the remaining capacity C1 falls below the predetermined capacity RC, the predetermined information RI is deleted. This increases the remaining capacity C1. Therefore, by deleting the predetermined information RI, the remaining capacity C1 can become equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC.

[0051] (4) According to the above embodiment, after the predetermined information RI is deleted, it is determined whether the remaining capacity C1 is less than the predetermined capacity RC. As a result, it is possible to determine whether to switch to the second mode based on the remaining capacity C1 that has increased due to the deletion of the predetermined information RI compared to before the deletion.

[0052] (5) According to the above embodiment, when the remaining number of times N1 is less than the predetermined number of times RN and the remaining capacity C1 is less than the predetermined capacity RC, the execution unit 61 outputs to the output device 43 a request to output information indicating a request to the user to delete the information in the first area 71. This can prompt the user to delete the information in the first area 71. As a result, when the user performs a deletion operation, the remaining capacity C1 can become equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC.

[0053] (6) According to the above embodiment, after a request to output information indicating a request to delete information is output to the output device 43, when deletion is performed by an operation from the input device 42, the execution unit 61 determines whether the remaining capacity C1 is less than the predetermined capacity RC. This makes it possible to determine whether to switch to the second mode based on the remaining capacity C1 that has increased as a result of the user's deletion operation compared to before the deletion operation.

[0054] (7) According to the above embodiment, when updating the first operation system 65, the execution unit 61 switches the storage mode for storing information in association with the execution of the first operation system 65 to the second mode. This causes the timing of the storage mode switch to coincide with the timing of the update of the first operation system 65. In this case, the user is less likely to feel uncomfortable due to the switching of the storage mode.

[0055] (8) According to the above embodiment, the execution unit 61 targets the first area 71 of the information storage device 70 as a storage mode switch target. The first area 71 is an area where information is stored as the first application 67 is executed. The first application 67 is a program that performs control different from driving control of the vehicle 30. According to the above embodiment, the execution unit 61 switches the storage mode of the first area 71 to the second mode when the first operation system 65 is updated. Therefore, the change due to the update of the first operation system 65 and the change in the storage mode of the first area 71 occur at the same time, which can prevent the user from feeling that the change is occurring twice.

[0056] (9) When the storage mode of the information storage device 70 is switched from the first mode to the second mode, the available capacity is reduced to approximately one-third. In the above embodiment, the second area 72 stores information in association with the execution of the second application 68. The second application 68 is a program for controlling the driving of the vehicle 30. According to the above embodiment, when the first operation system 65 is updated, the execution unit 61 switches the storage mode of the first area 71 to the second mode without switching the storage mode of the second area 72 to the second mode. Therefore, by switching the second area 72 to the second mode, the available capacity does not decrease to one-third, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which driving control becomes impossible due to insufficient available capacity.

[0057] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0058] <About information processing devices> The control device 60 may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). The control device 60 may also be configured as a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that execute at least some of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0059] The storage unit 62 may be included in the information storage device 70. The information processing device 50 may be configured with the execution unit 61 and the information storage device 70 including the storage unit 62. That is, the information storage device 70 may have a storage area divided into a program storage area for storing programs and a data storage area for storing data associated with the execution of the programs. In this case, the program storage area constitutes the storage unit 62, and the data storage area constitutes the first area 71 and the second area 72 in the above embodiment.

[0060] The storage unit 62 does not have to have two operation systems, the first operation system 65 and the second operation system 66. For example, the second operation system 66 may be omitted. In this case, the information processing device 50 functions as a device that performs control other than the driving control of the vehicle 30.

[0061] The information processing device 50 does not have to be mounted on the vehicle 30. The information storage device 70 does not need to have its storage area divided into the first area 71 and the second area 72. Specifically, the information storage device 70 may use the storage area regardless of the operating system and application executed by the execution unit 61.

[0062] <About the series of processes including mode switching> The timing when the execution unit 61 executes the control program 69, that is, when updating the first operation system 65, is not limited to when information indicating the updated software is received. For example, it may be when campaign information is received or when the information indicating the updated software is installed. It may be any time between when the campaign information is received and when activation is completed.

[0063] The timing at which the execution unit 61 executes the control program 69 is not limited to when the first operation system 65 is updated. For example, the execution unit 61 may execute the control program 69 when the vehicle 30 is started.

[0064] The execution unit 61 may switch the storage mode of the information storage device 70 based on the total number of storage times in the first area 71 and the second area 72. In this case, the execution unit 61 may switch the storage mode of the entire storage area of the information storage device 70, not just the first area 71, which is part of the information storage device 70 as in the above embodiment.

[0065] The execution unit 61 may perform the processes of steps S21 and S22 after the process of step S25. That is, the execution unit 61 may first request the user to delete the information, and then delete the predetermined information RI.

[0066] The execution unit 61 may perform the process of step S15 simultaneously with the process of step S16, or may perform the process after the process of step S16. Regarding the processing of steps S11 and S12, the execution unit 61 only needs to be able to determine whether the remaining number of times N1 is less than the predetermined number of times RN, and the detailed processing is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the execution unit 61 may determine whether the remaining number of times N1 is less than the predetermined number of times RN based on whether the number of times the information in the first area being counted exceeds the number obtained by subtracting the predetermined number of times RN from the first upper limit number of times.

[0067] Regarding the processing of steps S13 and S14, the execution unit 61 only needs to be able to determine whether the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC, and the detailed processing is not limited to that of the above embodiment. For example, the execution unit 61 may calculate the used capacity based on information indicating the used area of the first area, and determine whether the calculated used capacity is less than the total capacity minus the predetermined capacity. In this way, the execution unit 61 may determine whether the remaining capacity C1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity RC.

[0068] In the process of step S14, the execution unit 61 may select information to delete based on the result of comparing the remaining capacity C1 with the predetermined capacity RC. Specifically, the execution unit 61 may select the type of information that satisfies the required deletion capacity.

[0069] After the process of step S12, the execution unit 61 may perform the process of step S21 and then the process of step S13. In this case, the execution unit 61 may omit the process of step S22 and proceed to the process of step S23 when a negative determination is made in the process of step S14. This allows the remaining capacity C1 to be compared with the predetermined capacity RC after deleting the predetermined information RI in advance.

[0070] 2, the execution unit 61 may omit step S14 and proceed to step S21 after step S13. In this case, when the determinations in step S12 and step S21 are both affirmative, the execution unit 61 may determine whether to switch based on the number of times data can be stored and the available capacity.

[0071] The execution unit 61 may omit the process of step S25 in the series of processes shown in Fig. 2. The execution unit 61 may consider that the remaining capacity C1 has become sufficiently large as a result of the process of step S24.

[0072] The execution unit 61 may omit the process of step S22 in the series of processes shown in Fig. 2. In this case, for example, the execution unit 61 may proceed to the process of step S23 after the process of step S21.

[0073] The execution unit 61 may omit the processes of steps S21 and S22 in the series of processes shown in Fig. 2. In this case, when the execution unit 61 makes a negative determination in the process of step S14, it may proceed to the process of step S23.

[0074] The execution unit 61 may omit steps S23 to S25 in the series of processes shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the execution unit 61 may proceed to step S16 after making a negative determination in step S22.

[0075] The execution unit 61 may omit the processes of steps S21 to S25 in the series of processes shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the execution unit 61 may proceed to the process of step S16 after making a negative determination in step S14.

[0076] 2, the processes of steps S13, S14, and S21 to S25 may be omitted. The execution unit 61 may perform the process of step S15 when the determination in step S12 is affirmative.

[0077] The execution unit 61 may perform the process of step S15 when it receives a positive determination result of step S12 from another device. In this case, the other device performs the process of step S12 and outputs the determination result of step S12 to the control device, and the execution unit 61 receives the determination result of the process of step S12 from the other device.

[0078] <Other> The first mode is not limited to MLC, but may be TLC (Triple Level Cell). The second mode is not limited to pSLC, but may be SLC (Single Level Cell).

[0079] (Additional notes) The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. <Appendix 1> A control device for controlling an information storage device capable of storing multiple bits of information in one cell, When the information storage device is in a first mode in which a plurality of bits of information are stored in one cell, the mode of the information storage device is switched to a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell, on the condition that the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than a predetermined number of times. A control device for an information storage device.

[0080] <Appendix 2> When the information storage device is in the first mode, the mode of the information storage device is switched to the second mode on the condition that the number of times that the information storage device can store information is less than the predetermined number of times and the remaining usable capacity of the information storage device is equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity. A control device for an information storage device described in <Supplementary Note 1>.

[0081] <Appendix 3> When the information storage device is in the first mode, if the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than the predetermined number of times and the available remaining capacity of the information storage device is less than the predetermined capacity, the predetermined information stored in the information storage device is deleted. A control device for an information storage device according to <Supplementary Note 1> or <Supplementary Note 2>.

[0082] <Appendix 4> After deleting the predetermined information, it is determined whether the remaining usable capacity of the information storage device is less than the predetermined capacity. A control device for an information storage device according to <Supplementary Note 3>.

[0083] <Appendix 5> When the information storage device is in the first mode, if the number of times that the information storage device can store information is less than the predetermined number of times and the available remaining capacity of the information storage device is less than the predetermined capacity, information indicating a request to delete the information stored in the information storage device is output to an output device. A control device for an information storage device according to any one of <Supplementary Note 1> to <Supplementary Note 4>.

[0084] <Appendix 6> After outputting information indicating a request to delete information stored in the information storage device to the output device, when the information stored in the information storage device is deleted by an operation from the input device, it is determined whether or not the remaining usable capacity of the information storage device is less than the predetermined capacity. A control device for an information storage device according to <Supplementary Note 5>. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10...Information Processing Systems 20...Server 30...Vehicle 41...Communication equipment 42...Input device 43...Output device 44...Drive control device 45...Brake control device 46...Steering control device 50...Information processing device 60...Control device 61...Execution unit 62...Memory unit 63...Administrative Operation System 64...Hypervisor 65...First Operation System 66...Second Operation System 67...First Application 68...Second Application 69...Control program 70...Information storage device 71…First area 72…Second area

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an information storage device capable of storing multiple bits of information in one cell, When the information storage device is in a first mode in which a plurality of bits of information are stored in one cell, the information storage device is switched to a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell, on the condition that the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than a predetermined number of times. A control device for an information storage device.

2. When the information storage device is in the first mode, the information storage device is switched to the second mode on the condition that the number of times that the information storage device can store information is less than the predetermined number of times and the remaining usable capacity of the information storage device is equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity.

2. The control device for an information storage device according to claim 1.

3. When the information storage device is in the first mode, if the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than the predetermined number of times and the available remaining capacity of the information storage device is less than the predetermined capacity, the predetermined information stored in the information storage device is deleted. The control device for an information storage device according to claim 2.

4. After deleting the predetermined information, it is determined whether the remaining usable capacity of the information storage device is less than the predetermined capacity. The control device for an information storage device according to claim 3.

5. When the information storage device is in the first mode, if the number of times that the information storage device can store information is less than the predetermined number of times and the remaining usable capacity of the information storage device is less than the predetermined capacity, information indicating a request to delete the information stored in the information storage device is output to an output device. The control device for an information storage device according to claim 2.

6. After outputting information indicating a request to delete information stored in the information storage device to the output device, when the information stored in the information storage device is deleted by an operation from the input device, it is determined whether or not the remaining usable capacity of the information storage device is less than the predetermined capacity. The control device for an information storage device according to claim 5.

7. An information processing device comprising: an information storage device capable of storing multiple bits of information in one cell; and a control device that controls the information storage device, The control device includes an execution unit and a storage unit; the storage unit stores an operating system and an application that runs on the operating system; The execution unit: storing information in the information storage device in association with execution of an application running on the operating system; When updating the operation system, if the storage mode of the information storage device is a first mode in which multiple bits of information are stored in one cell, the information storage device is switched to a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell, on the condition that the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than a predetermined number of times. Information processing device.

8. The information processing device is mounted on a vehicle, When the operation system is a first operation system, and an area of the information processing device that stores information in association with executing a first application that runs on the first operation system is a first area, the first application is a program that performs a control different from a driving control of the vehicle, The control device When updating the first operating system, the first area is switched to the second mode on the condition that the number of times that the information storage device can store information in the first area when the first area is in the first mode is less than a predetermined number of times. The information processing device according to claim 7 .

9. the storage unit stores a second operation system different from the first operation system and a second application running on the second operation system; the second application is a program for controlling driving of the vehicle, The control device storing information in a second area different from the first area of the information storage device in association with the execution of the second application; When updating the first operating system, on the condition that the number of times that the information storage device can store information in the first area when the first area is in the first mode is less than a predetermined number of times, the first area is switched to the second mode without switching the second area to the second mode. The information processing device according to claim 8 .

10. The computer runs 1. A control method for controlling an information storage device capable of storing multiple bits of information in one cell, comprising: When the information storage device is in a first mode in which a plurality of bits of information are stored in one cell, the information storage device is switched to a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell, on the condition that the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than a predetermined number of times. A method for controlling an information storage device.

11. Let the computer run A control program for controlling an information storage device capable of storing multiple bits of information in one cell, comprising: When the information storage device is in a first mode in which a plurality of bits of information are stored in one cell, the information storage device is switched to a second mode in which one bit of information is stored in one cell, on the condition that the number of times the information storage device can store information is less than a predetermined number of times. A control program for an information storage device.

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