Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system enabling more reduction of a time required for processing in starting the system.SOLUTION: An information processing system (10) is provided including a first information processing device (12) and a second information processing device (14), and a communication device (15) performing cable communication between them. The communication device includes a first communication cable (16), a controller (18) for communication, controlling communication through the first communication cable, and a second communication cable (20) provided apart from the first communication cable. A second information processing device includes an auxiliary storage device (44) and a main storage device (43). Then, the first information processing device generates a start command (a return command) and transmits it through the second communication cable when the first information processing device detects a system start request signal. The second information processing device, on the other hand, executes start processing (return processing) when receiving the start command, on the basis of start processing data read from the auxiliary storage device and stored in the main storage device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] As the functions provided by various information processing devices become more complex, systems that distribute the processing for realizing those functions among multiple controllers have become known. Patent Document 1 discloses a control method for shortening the startup time by configuring an information processing system consisting of a first controller and a second controller connected via a communication connector and distributing the processing at system startup between the two controllers.

[0003] In particular, in the control of Patent Document 1, when the system is in standby mode, the second controller is put into sleep mode while the first controller is running to monitor specified data, and when the data is detected, the first controller causes the second controller to perform preparatory processing for startup. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 072071 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, in order to properly perform distributed processing by a first controller and a second controller to realize a desired function, a communication controller may be required to control communication between these controllers. In this case, in order for the first controller to execute preparation processing for startup in the second controller while the system is in standby mode, it is first necessary to execute processing (initialization processing) to start up the communication controller in order to perform communication between them. Therefore, the startup processing of the second controller is executed after the initialization processing of the communication controller, which increases the time required to transition the system from standby mode to operating mode (hereinafter simply referred to as "system startup time").

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide an information processing system and an information processing program that can further reduce the system startup time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided that includes a first information processing device and a second information processing device that execute processing in a distributed manner to realize a desired function, and a communication device that performs wired communication between the first information processing device and the second information processing device.

[0008] In this information processing system, the communication device includes a first communication cable, a communication controller that controls communication via the first communication cable, and a second communication cable provided separately from the first communication cable. The second information processing device includes an auxiliary storage device that stores startup process data defining a startup process for transitioning from a sleep state to normal operation, and a main storage device that retains the startup process data read from the auxiliary storage device. When the first information processing device detects a predetermined system startup request signal in the sleep state of the second information processing device, it generates a startup command for the second information processing device and transmits it via the second communication cable. The second information processing device also includes a sleep time control unit that executes control during the sleep state. The sleep time control unit reads and retains the startup process data from the auxiliary storage device in the main storage device, monitors communication of the startup command via the second communication cable, and, upon detecting communication of the startup command, performs the following operations based on the startup process data read from the auxiliary storage device and retained in the main storage device: No. 2. Main control unit of information processing device Wake up Furthermore, The first communication cable is configured to function as a power supply path from the first information processing device to the second information processing device, and the second information processing device further has a power supply circuit that supplies power to the sleep-time control unit and the main storage device, and the power supply circuit supplies power to the sleep-time control unit and the main storage device using power supplied via the first communication cable when the second information processing device is in a sleep state. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This makes it possible to further reduce the time required for processing at system startup. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the system startup process of this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the system startup process of the reference example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [First embodiment] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the information processing system 10 is configured as a part of an in-vehicle network IVN mounted in a vehicle (not shown).

[0013] The information processing system 10 has a main unit 12 that functions as a first information processing device, a sub-unit 14 that functions as a second information processing device, and a communication device 15. The communication device 15 includes a USB cable 16 (first communication cable), a communication controller 18 that controls communication via the USB cable 16, and a recovery communication cable 20 (second communication cable) that is provided separately from the USB cable 16.

[0014] (Main unit 12 configuration) The main unit 12 is configured by one or more ECUs (Electronic Control Units) provided in an in-vehicle network IVN configured according to a protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network). More specifically, the main unit 12 is configured as an ECU that performs processing on objects such as an in-vehicle camera, audio equipment, various sensors, and other predetermined in-vehicle software in response to commands from other ECUs (hereinafter also referred to as "external devices 101") in the in-vehicle network IVN, thereby realizing desired functions.

[0015] In particular, the main unit 12 has a main processor 32 , a USB port 34 , a recovery communication port 36 , a main-side power supply circuit 38 , and an IVN communication unit 39 .

[0016] The main processor 32 is an arithmetic / control device such as a CPU or MPU that executes main processes to realize the functions provided by the main unit 12. More specifically, the main processor 32 receives power from a main-side power supply circuit 38, reads out a specified program from a main storage device (memory) such as a RAM (not shown), and executes various processes to realize the desired functions.

[0017] The USB port 34 is a communication interface such as a USB connector for communicating with the subunit 14 via the USB cable 16. The recovery communication port 36 is a communication interface for communicating via the recovery communication cable 20.

[0018] The main power supply circuit 38 supplies power to each element in the main unit 12 from a power supply 22, which is formed by, for example, an in-vehicle battery, under the control of the main processor 32. More specifically, the main power supply circuit 38 supplies power to the main processor 32, the USB port 34, the IVN communication unit 39, and other elements (such as a RAM not shown).

[0019] The IVN communication unit 39 is configured by various communication protocols (such as a communication interface and architecture for ID identification) to realize communication between the main unit 12 and the external device 101 within the in-vehicle network IVN under the control of the main processor 32.

[0020] (Subunit 14 configuration) The subunit 14 is a computer connected to the main unit 12 via a communication device 15. More specifically, the subunit 14 is configured by any computer for realizing functions such as a navigation system, a virtual personal assistant (VPA), and a web application in response to commands from the main unit 12.

[0021] In particular, the sub-unit 14 of this embodiment is provided as an ECU that extends the functions of the main unit 12 provided in the in-vehicle network IVN. Therefore, the information processing system 10 of this embodiment is a distributed processing system in which both the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14 realize functions that are more extended than those that can be realized by the main unit 12 alone.

[0022] More specifically, the sub-unit 14 has a sub-processor 42, a sub-side RAM 43, a sub-side auxiliary memory device 44, a USB port 45, a recovery communication port 46, a sub-side power supply circuit 47, and a sleep processor 48.

[0023] The sub-processor 42 is an arithmetic / control device such as a CPU or MPU that performs processing to realize the functions (control of the above-mentioned control targets) provided by the sub-unit 14. More specifically, the sub-processor 42 receives power from the sub-side power supply circuit 47, reads out a specified program from the sub-side RAM 43, and executes various processes to realize the required functions.

[0024] The sub-side RAM 43 is a device that receives power from the sub-side power supply circuit 47 and temporarily stores programs that define various processes executed by the sub-processor 42. During normal operation of the subunit 14 (when the information processing system 10 is running normally) and during recovery processing, the sub-side RAM 43, under the command of the sub-processor 42, stores a normal operation program that defines the processing of the sub-processor 42 during the normal operation. The recovery processing is a process required for the subunit 14 to prepare to return to normal operation from a sleep state (standby state). Meanwhile, during the sleep state of the subunit 14 (when the information processing system 10 is in standby state), the sub-side RAM 43 receives power from the sub-side power supply circuit 47 under the command of the sleep processor 48 and stores a recovery processing program that defines the recovery processing.

[0025] The sub-side auxiliary storage device 44 is a non-volatile storage device that stores the normal operation program and the recovery processing program. Specifically, the sub-side auxiliary storage device 44 can be realized by any non-volatile memory such as an HDD, an SSD, or a flash memory.

[0026] The USB port 45 is a communication interface such as a USB connector for communicating with the main unit 12 via the USB cable 16. In particular, in this embodiment, the USB port 45 functions as a communication interface for performing various communications with the sub-unit 14, excluding communications during the system startup process described below.

[0027] The recovery communication port 46 is a communication interface dedicated to system startup, which communicates with the main unit 12 via the recovery communication cable 20 during system startup processing.

[0028] The sub-side power supply circuit 47 supplies power, which is supplied from the main unit 12 via the USB cable 16, to each element in the sub-unit 14 under the control of the sub-processor 42 or the sleep processor 48. More specifically, the sub-side power supply circuit 47 supplies power to the sub-processor 42, the sub-side RAM 43, the USB port 45, the sleep processor 48, and other elements. In particular, during the recovery process and normal operation of the sub-unit 14, the sub-side power supply circuit 47 supplies power to the sub-processor 42, the sub-side RAM 43, the USB port 45, and other elements under the control of the sub-processor 42. Meanwhile, when the sub-unit 14 is in a standby state, the sub-side power supply circuit 47 supplies power to the sub-side RAM 43 and the sleep processor 48 under the control of the sleep processor 48.

[0029] The idle processor 48 is an arithmetic / control device such as a CPU or MPU that functions as an idle control unit that executes necessary control while the subunit 14 is in the standby state. In particular, while the subunit 14 is in the standby state, the idle processor 48 monitors communication at the recovery communication port 46, and reads and stores the above-mentioned recovery processing program from the sub-side auxiliary storage device 44 into the sub-side RAM 43. Note that the processing load required to realize the functions required of the idle processor 48 is smaller than those of the main processor 32, the sub-processor 42, and the communication controller 18, and therefore the required power can also be relatively small.

[0030] (Configuration of communication device 15) The USB cable 16 is a cable that functions as a data communication path conforming to the Universal Serial Bus standard (e.g., USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, TYPE-A, or TYPE-C) that interconnects the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14. In addition to functioning as a data communication path between the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14, the USB cable 16 also functions as a power supply path for transmitting power supplied from the power source 22 from the main unit 12 to the sub-unit 14.

[0031] The communication controller 18 controls communication between the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14 via the USB cable 16 during normal operation of the information processing system 10. More specifically, the communication controller 18 is configured with a USB hub or the like that controls communication between the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14 in order to appropriately execute distributed processing in the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14 during normal operation of the information processing system 10. Note that the communication controller 18 of this embodiment may also be provided with a function as a gateway for appropriately incorporating the processing results of the sub-unit 14 into the in-vehicle network IVN during normal operation of the information processing system 10.

[0032] The recovery communication cable 20 functions as a transmission path for one-to-one communication between the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14. As the recovery communication cable 20, any type of cable (e.g., a cross cable) that can transmit a recovery command from the main unit 12 to the sub-unit 14 (described later) can be used.

[0033] Next, a system startup process in the information processing system 10 having the above configuration will be described.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the information processing system 10 is in standby mode (hereinafter also referred to as the "system standby mode"), the main processor 32 of the main unit 12 is operating in a state where only some of its functions can be executed, and the sub-processor 42 and communication controller 18 of the sub-unit 14 are both stopped.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a system startup process in the information processing system 10. As shown in FIG.

[0036] As shown in the figure, in the system standby state, the subunit 14 is maintained in a sleep state (S100). Here, in this embodiment, in the sleep state of the subunit 14, the sub-processor 42 for realizing the main functions required of the subunit 14 is stopped (not supplied with power), and the sleep processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43 are operating (supplied with power). Therefore, in the sleep state, power consumption is reduced compared to during normal operation when the sub-processor 42 is operating.

[0037] Furthermore, when the subunit 14 is in the sleep state, the sleep processor 48 monitors communication (transmission of a recovery command) over the recovery communication cable 20, and executes processing to read and store a recovery processing program from the sub-side auxiliary storage device 44 into the sub-side RAM 43. In particular, the sleep processor 48 issues a command to the sub-side power supply circuit 47 to supply power to the sleep processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43 using power supplied from the main unit 12 via the USB cable 16.

[0038] On the other hand, when the main unit 12 (particularly the main processor 32) detects a system startup request signal from the external device 101 (S101), it executes a main processor startup process (S102). The system startup request signal is generated using as a trigger any event that can be assumed to be a request to transition the information processing system 10 to a normal operating state, such as the detection of a predetermined operation by a user in the external device 101.

[0039] In particular, in the main processor startup process, the main processor 32 generates a preparation process for starting normal operation to perform the functions required of the main unit 12, and a return command to the subunit 14.

[0040] Next, when the main unit 12 completes the main processor startup process, it transmits the generated recovery command to the subunit 14 via the recovery communication cable 20 (S103) and executes initialization processing for the communication controller 18 (S104). Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the main unit 12 transmits the recovery command while executing the main processor startup process. This allows the subunit 14 to start the recovery processing more quickly.

[0041] On the other hand, when the subunit 14 receives the recovery command from the main unit 12, it activates the subprocessor 42 and executes recovery processing (S105).

[0042] More specifically, when the sleep processor 48 detects receipt of a recovery command via the recovery communication cable 20, it controls the sub-side power supply circuit 47 to start supplying power to the sub-processor 42 and start up the sub-processor 42. The sub-processor 42 then executes recovery processing by referring to a recovery processing program that was read from the sub-side auxiliary storage device 44 and stored in the sub-side RAM 43 during the sleep state.

[0043] In particular, in this embodiment, the recovery processing program is read out from the sub-side auxiliary storage device 44 to the sub-side RAM 43 in advance while the sub-unit 14 is in standby state, thereby shortening the time required for the recovery processing of the sub-unit 14.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the return command is transmitted from the main unit 12 to the sub-unit 14 using the return communication cable 20. Therefore, the return command can be transmitted without waiting for the completion of the initialization process of the communication controller 18. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the initialization process of the communication controller 18 (S104) and the return process in the sub-unit 14 (S105) can be executed in parallel.

[0045] Then, when the initialization process of the communication controller 18 and the recovery process of the sub-unit 14 are completed, both the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14 transition to normal operation. That is, the startup of the information processing system 10 is completed, and the transition to the normal operating state is completed (S106).

[0046] 4 shows a sequence diagram illustrating the system startup process in the reference example. In particular, the system startup process in the reference example assumes that a return command is sent from the main unit 12 to the sub-unit 14 via the USB cable 16.

[0047] In the reference example, in order to transmit the recovery command generated by the main unit 12 to the sub-unit 14, it is necessary to wait for the completion of the initialization process (S104) of the communication controller 18. Therefore, the initialization process (S104) of the communication controller 18 and the startup process (S105) in the sub-unit 14 must be executed in sequence, which lengthens the system startup time.

[0048] In contrast to this, in the information processing system 10 of this embodiment, as described above, the initialization process (S104) and the startup process (S105) can be performed in parallel, thereby further shortening the system startup time.

[0049] The configuration of the above embodiment and the effects of the configuration will be described below.

[0050] According to this embodiment, an information processing system 10 is provided which includes a first information processing device (main unit 12) and a second information processing device (sub-unit 14) which execute processing in a distributed manner to realize desired functions, and a communication device 15 which performs wired communication between the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14.

[0051] The communication device 15 has a first communication cable (USB cable 16), a communication controller 18 that controls communication via the USB cable 16, and a second communication cable (return communication cable 20) that is provided separately from the USB cable 16. The subunit 14 also has an auxiliary storage device (sub-side auxiliary storage device 44) that stores startup processing data (return processing program) that defines the startup processing (return processing) for transitioning from a hibernation state to normal operation, and a main storage device (sub-side RAM 43) that holds the return processing program read from the sub-side auxiliary storage device 44.

[0052] When the main unit 12 detects a predetermined system startup request signal while the subunit 14 is in a sleep state, it generates a startup command (restore command) for the subunit 14 and transmits it via the restore communication cable 20. Meanwhile, when the subunit 14 receives the restore command, it executes restore processing based on the restore processing program stored in the sub-side RAM 43 from the sub-side auxiliary storage device 44.

[0053] This allows the subunit 14 to receive a recovery command from the main unit 12 via the recovery communication cable 20, which is separate from the USB cable 16, and to execute startup processing based on the recovery processing program stored in the sub-side RAM 43. In other words, the subunit 14 can be made to refer to the recovery processing program prepared in the sub-side RAM 43 while in standby mode and execute startup processing without waiting for the start-up of the communication controller 18 for communicating over the USB cable 16, thereby shortening the system startup time.

[0054] Furthermore, since a recovery command can be sent from the main unit 12 to the sub-unit 14 without using the USB cable 16, the communication controller 18 can be stopped when the sub-unit 14 is in a hibernation state (a standby state of the information processing system 10), thereby reducing the power consumption required to operate the communication controller 18.

[0055] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 of this embodiment, the subunit 14 further includes a sleep processor 48 that functions as a sleep control unit that executes control during sleep mode. This sleep processor 48 reads and stores startup processing data from the sub-side auxiliary storage device 44 to the sub-side RAM 43, monitors communication of a recovery command via the recovery communication cable 20, and, upon detecting communication of a recovery command, causes the sub-processor 42, which is the main control unit of the subunit 14, to execute recovery processing.

[0056] This realizes a more specific configuration that allows the sub-side RAM 43 to retain a recovery processing program even during a pause state in which the sub-processor 42 is stopped, while more accurately detecting a recovery command from the main unit 12 and causing the sub-processor 42 to execute the recovery processing.

[0057] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 of this embodiment, the USB cable 16 is configured to function as a power supply path from the main unit 12 to the sub-unit 14. The sub-unit 14 further includes a sub-side power supply circuit 47 that functions as a power supply circuit that supplies power to the sleep processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43. Furthermore, when the sub-unit 14 is in a sleep state, the sub-side power supply circuit 47 supplies power to the sleep processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43 using power supplied via the USB cable 16.

[0058] This realizes a more specific system configuration that allows power to be supplied to the idle processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43 even when the sub-unit 14 is in an idle state with the sub-processor 42 stopped.

[0059] With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a new power supply path connected to the power supply 22 in order to ensure power for the sleep processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43 while the sub-unit 14 is in a sleep state. For this reason, it is particularly preferable to employ this configuration when the sub-unit 14 is a unit that is added for the purpose of expanding the functionality of the main unit 12, for example.

[0060] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below, with the same elements as those in the first embodiment being given the same reference numerals and their description omitted.

[0061] 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, in addition to the USB cable 16 that functions as a power supply path for the sub-unit 14, a second power supply path used as a power supply path for the sleep processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43 during sleep mode is connected to the sub-side power supply circuit 47.

[0062] That is, in the information processing system 10 of this embodiment, the USB cable 16 is configured to function as a first power supply path (a power supply path used during normal operation of the information processing system 10) from the main unit 12 to the sub-unit 14. Also, a power supply cable 51 that functions as a power supply path (a second power supply path) from a power source 22 separate from the USB cable 16 is connected to a sub-side power supply circuit 47 that supplies power to the sleep processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43. Then, when the sub-unit 14 is in a sleep state, the sub-side power supply circuit 47 supplies power to the sleep processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43 using power supplied via the power supply cable 51.

[0063] This realizes a more specific system configuration that enables power to be supplied to the idle processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43 even when the subunit 14 is in an idle state with the sub-processor 42 stopped. In particular, with the configuration of this embodiment, power supply to the communication controller 18 via the USB cable 16 can be more reliably cut off while the system is in a standby state, thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0064] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0065] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first communication cable for communication between the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14 during normal system operation is configured as the USB cable 16. However, if communication control by the communication controller 18 is possible, another communication cable, such as a LAN cable, may be used as the first communication cable instead of the USB cable 16. Also, FIGS. 1 and 4 show an example in which the communication controller 18 is provided separately from the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14. However, instead of this, a configuration in which the communication controller 18 is provided within the main unit 12, within the sub-unit 14, or distributed within both may be adopted. Furthermore, the power supply path for supplying power to the idle processor 48 and the sub-side RAM 43 when the sub-unit 14 is in the idle state may be configured as an additional cable connecting the main unit 12 and the sub-unit 14 to each other, instead of the USB cable 16 or the power supply cable 51.

[0066] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the sleep processor 48 is provided inside the subunit 14. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the sleep processor 48 is provided outside the subunit 14. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the sleep processor 48 is provided inside the main unit 12, and during the system startup process, the sleep processor 48 outputs various control command signals to the subprocessor 42, sub-side RAM 43, and sub-side power supply circuit 47 of the subunit 14 via the recovery communication cable 20.

[0067] Furthermore, when the main unit 12 receives a system standby command from the external device 101 during normal operation of the information processing system 10, a command to transition the subunit 14 from the normal operation state to the standby state may be transmitted via the recovery communication cable 20. This allows the subunit 14 to quickly transition to the hibernation state in response to the system standby command, regardless of the status of communication via the USB cable 16 during normal operation of the information processing system 10.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing system 10 has been described as having one subunit 14. However, the aspects described in the above embodiment can be similarly applied, with some modifications, to a system having multiple subunits 14.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing system 10 constructed in the in-vehicle network IVN has been described. However, the configuration of the information processing system 10 described in the above embodiment can be applied to various uses other than the in-vehicle network IVN with some appropriate modifications.

[0070] In addition, the matters described in the specification etc. of the present application as originally filed include an information processing program that causes a computer (main unit 12, sub-unit 14, or other computer) to execute communication between a first information processing device (main unit 12) and a second information processing device (sub-unit 14) that executes distributed processing to realize desired functions, and to execute startup processing to transition the sub-unit 14 from a standby state to normal operation.

[0071] During normal operation of the subunit 14, this information processing program executes a command to a predetermined communication controller 18 to perform communication between the main unit 12 and the subunit 14 via the first communication cable (USB cable 16). On the other hand, during the sleep state of the subunit 14, this information processing program executes power supply to the main memory device (sub-side RAM 43) of the subunit 14, and reads and stores startup processing data (restart processing program) that defines the startup processing (restart processing) from the sub-side auxiliary memory device 44 of the subunit 14 to the sub-side RAM 43.

[0072] Furthermore, the information processing program causes the main unit 12 to generate a startup command (restore command) for the subunit 14 upon detection of a predetermined system startup request signal, and causes the main unit 12 to transmit the restore command to the subunit 14 via a second communication cable (restore communication cable 20) provided separately from the USB cable 16. Then, when the restore command is received by the subunit 14, the information processing program causes the subunit 14 to execute the restore command.

[0073] This allows a specific process to be performed by a computer to further reduce the system startup time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Information processing device, 10 Information processing system, 12 Main unit, 14 Subunit, 15 Communication device, 16 USB cable, 18 Communication controller, 20 Startup communication cable, 32 Main processor, 39 CAN communication unit, 42 Subprocessor, 43 Sub-side RAM, 44 Sub-side auxiliary storage device, 47 Sub-side power supply circuit, 48 Standby processor, 51 Power supply cable

Claims

1. An information processing system including a first information processing device and a second information processing device that execute a process for realizing a desired function in a distributed manner, and a communication device that performs wired communication between the first information processing device and the second information processing device, The communication device a first communication cable, a communication controller that controls communication via the first communication cable, and a second communication cable that is provided separately from the first communication cable; the second information processing device has an auxiliary storage device that stores startup processing data that defines a startup processing for transitioning from a hibernation state to a normal operation, and a main storage device that holds the startup processing data read from the auxiliary storage device; The first information processing device when a predetermined system startup request signal is detected in the sleep state of the second information processing device, a startup command for the second information processing device is generated and transmitted via the second communication cable; the second information processing device further includes a sleep time control unit that executes control during a sleep state; The pause control unit is reading the boot process data from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device and storing it; monitoring communication of the startup command through the second communication cable; when detecting the communication of the startup command, causing a main control unit of the second information processing device to execute the startup process based on the startup process data read from the auxiliary storage device and stored in the main storage device; the first communication cable is configured to function as a power supply path from the first information processing device to the second information processing device; the second information processing device further includes a power supply circuit that supplies power to the pause control unit and the main storage device; The power supply circuit includes: When the second information processing device is in a sleep state, power is supplied to the sleep-time control unit and the main storage device using power supplied via the first communication cable. Information processing system.

2. An information processing system comprising a first information processing device and a second information processing device that execute processing in a distributed manner to realize a desired function, and a communication device that performs wired communication between the first information processing device and the second information processing device, The communication device a first communication cable, a communication controller that controls communication via the first communication cable, and a second communication cable that is provided separately from the first communication cable; the second information processing device has an auxiliary storage device that stores startup processing data that defines a startup processing for transitioning from a hibernation state to a normal operation, and a main storage device that holds the startup processing data read from the auxiliary storage device; The first information processing device when a predetermined system startup request signal is detected in the sleep state of the second information processing device, a startup command for the second information processing device is generated and transmitted via the second communication cable; the second information processing device further includes a sleep time control unit that executes control during a sleep state; The pause control unit is reading the boot process data from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device and storing it; monitoring communication of the startup command through the second communication cable; when detecting the communication of the startup command, causing a main control unit of the second information processing device to execute the startup process based on the startup process data read from the auxiliary storage device and stored in the main storage device; the first communication cable is configured to function as a first power supply path from the first information processing device to the second information processing device; the second information processing device further includes a power supply circuit that supplies power to the pause control unit and the main storage device; a second power supply path provided separately from the first communication cable is connected to the power supply circuit; The power supply circuit includes: When the second information processing device is in a sleep state, power is supplied to the sleep-time control unit and the main storage device using power supplied via the second power supply path. Information processing system.

3. On the computer, An information processing program that executes communication between a first information processing device and a second information processing device that executes processing for realizing a desired function in a distributed manner, and executes startup processing for transitioning the second information processing device from a sleep state to a normal operation, In the normal operation, Execute a command to a predetermined communication controller to perform communication between the first information processing device and the second information processing device via a first communication cable; In the resting state, supplying power to a main storage device of the second information processing device; reading out boot process data defining the boot process from an auxiliary storage device of the second information processing device to the main storage device and storing the read out data; causing the first information processing device to generate a startup command for the second information processing device upon detection of a predetermined system startup request signal; transmitting the startup command from the first information processing device to the second information processing device via a second communication cable provided separately from the first communication cable; monitoring the communication of the start-up command through the second communication cable; when detecting the communication of the startup command, making the second information processing device execute the startup process based on the startup process data read from the auxiliary storage device and stored in the main storage device; the first communication cable is configured to function as a power supply path from the first information processing device to the second information processing device; the second information processing device further includes a sleep state control unit that executes control during the sleep state, and a power supply circuit that supplies power to the sleep state control unit and the main storage device, The power supply circuit includes: In the sleep state, power is supplied to the sleep-time control unit and the main storage device using power supplied via the first communication cable. Information processing program.

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