Boot Image Storage Segmentation for Subsystem Activation Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-function peripherals (MFPs) face responsiveness issues when transitioning from a power saving state to a normal power state, as the activation of the sub system often takes longer than the required time limit, leading to degraded performance due to negotiation delays between the main and sub systems.
Innovation Solution
The MFP employs a boot image transmission mechanism where the main system saves and restores the boot image in a different storage area, allowing the sub system to activate quickly without relying on negotiation with the main system, thereby reducing activation time and improving responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the MFP is returned to the normal power state from the power saving state, then the MFP needs to ensure responsiveness by rapidly activating the sub system, but the activation time exceeds the required time limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by saving the boot image in a second area of the storage unit before transitioning to the power saving state. When the MFP returns to the normal power state, the sub system can directly load and execute the pre-saved boot image without requiring negotiation with the main system, enabling rapid activation within the required time limit.
2Loss of time
If the MFP uses the boot image held in the DRAM to rapidly activate the sub system, then the activation time is reduced, but the negotiation delay between main system and sub system still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the boot image from the first area of the storage unit and saves it in a second area, separating the boot image storage from the main system's storage management. This allows the sub system to independently access and execute the boot image without requiring negotiation with the main system, eliminating the negotiation delay while maintaining rapid activation.
3Device complexity
If the MFP holds the boot image in the first area of the storage unit, then the storage structure is simple, but the sub system activation requires negotiation with the main system causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage unit into at least two areas: a first area for normal storage operations and a second area specifically for saving the boot image. This segmentation allows the sub system to access the boot image independently from the second area without negotiating with the main system, reducing activation time while maintaining a relatively simple storage structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus of the invention includes a main system and a sub system, and executes activation processing on the basis of a boot image. The information processing apparatus includes: a saving unit configured to save the boot image which is developed in a first area of a storage unit in the sub system, in a second area which is different from the first area in the storage unit, in the activation processing of the sub system, in a case where the information processing apparatus is activated from a power off state; a restoration unit configured to restore the boot image which is saved in the second area to the first area in a case where the information processing apparatus is transitioned to a power saving state from a normal power state; and a holding unit configured to hold the restored boot image.