Power Controller Synchronizes CPU Reboot for System Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for Multi-Function Peripherals (MFPs) fail to recover the entire system to its normal operational state after a CPU hang, as synchronization among multiple CPUs cannot be achieved even after rebooting the affected CPU.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a power controller that detects anomalies and coordinates a simultaneous reboot of all processing devices by turning off and then turning on the power supply, ensuring synchronization among CPUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a CPU is rebooted individually when a hang occurs, then the CPU can recover from the anomaly, but synchronization with other CPUs cannot be achieved and the entire system cannot be recovered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reboot operations of multiple CPUs into a single coordinated action. When a hang is detected in any CPU, the system initiates a simultaneous reboot of all CPUs together, ensuring they all restart at the same time and maintain synchronization. This combines individual CPU recovery needs with system-wide synchronization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control mechanism that acts as an intermediary to coordinate the reboot process. This control unit receives hang detection signals from any CPU and manages the simultaneous power control of all CPUs, ensuring they reboot together. The intermediary coordinates the timing and execution of the reboot across all processing devices.
2Reliability
If all processing devices are rebooted simultaneously, then CPU synchronization is achieved and system recovery is enabled, but the complexity of power control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power control mechanism that can manage multiple CPUs simultaneously. The control system is designed to handle power supply control for any number of processing devices through a single coordinated interface, reducing the need for separate control logic for each CPU while achieving simultaneous reboot of all devices.
3Ease of operation
If individual CPU reboot is implemented, then the anomaly detection and restart function works, but the system cannot return to normal service condition
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting hangs in any CPU and initiating a coordinated reboot of all CPUs without external intervention. The watchdog function continuously monitors CPU status and automatically triggers the simultaneous reboot sequence, enabling the system to self-correct and return to normal service condition after an anomaly.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a plurality of processing devices, and a power controller. The power controller is configured to control power supply fed to each of the processing devices. Each of the processing devices includes a detector configured to detect occurrence of an anomaly and a notifier configured to send a notification of the occurrence of the anomaly. Upon receiving the notification from the notifier, the power controller restarts the electronic apparatus by turning off and thereafter turning on the power supply of the plurality of processing devices.