POS Device Storage Merging Log and RAS Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
POS devices typically require separate nonvolatile memory for storing log and RAS information, which is not efficient and limits their design.
Innovation Solution
Storing log and RAS information in a storage device that also holds the operating system and application programs, specifically utilizing the rearmost area to prevent data loss during system updates or upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate nonvolatile memory is added to store log and RAS information, then the reliability and data retention capability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage of log information and RAS information with the existing storage device that holds the operating system and application programs. Instead of adding a separate nonvolatile memory component, the invention utilizes the rearmost area of the existing storage device's storage area, thereby merging multiple storage functions into a single storage system and avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is designed to serve multiple functions: storing the operating system, application programs, log information, and RAS information. By making the storage device universal and capable of handling diverse data types, the invention eliminates the need for dedicated separate memory components for each function, thus improving reliability without increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate nonvolatile memory is added to store log and RAS information, then the data security against system updates is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the storage of protected data (log and RAS information) with the existing storage device, specifically utilizing the rearmost area which is not overwritten during system updates. This approach ensures data security without requiring additional separate memory components, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage area is预先 divided into different regions, with the rearmost area designated for storing log and RAS information that should be protected during system updates. This preliminary arrangement ensures that critical data is automatically preserved when the operating system or application programs are updated, providing data security without additional hardware or cost.
3Productivity
If the storage area is fully utilized for operating system and applications, then the productivity is improved, but the capability to store log and RAS information is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage area is segmented into different functional regions: the front portion stores the operating system and application programs, while the rearmost area is reserved for log and RAS information. This segmentation allows the storage device to maintain high productivity by efficiently storing system files while simultaneously ensuring reliability by preserving critical operational data in a dedicated protected region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the storage area are assigned different qualities or functions: the main storage area optimizes for system file storage to improve productivity, while the rearmost area is specifically designed with protection characteristics to ensure information retention capability. This local differentiation of storage qualities allows both productivity and reliability requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a POS system according to the present invention stores log information and RAS information into a storage device (11) which stores an operating system, an application program and the like without being equipped with any non-volatile memories for storing the log information and the RAS information, wherein the log information is a record of a process, an operation and the like; and the RAS information is information pertaining to a hardware life-time. The POS device does not need to be equipped with a nonvolatile memory which is different from a storage device to store an operating system (OS), an application program and the like. Nevertheless the POS device is able to retain log information, RAS information and the like.