Information Processing Apparatus Abrupt Power-Off Start-Up Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing apparatuses face long start-up times due to data loss when power is turned off, and existing hibernation technologies require saving and reloading data from external storage, which is inefficient when using nonvolatile MRAM as main memory.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a control unit that determines whether to read and develop a program from a first storage unit to a second nonvolatile storage unit based on the power-OFF state, allowing for proper start-up without normal power turn-OFF processes, utilizing a third storage unit to store information about the power-OFF state and manage program execution accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If MRAM is used as main memory to eliminate data loss, then data persistence is improved, but program integrity is worsened when power is cut off abruptly
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary detection of the power-OFF state before the actual power-off occurs. By detecting whether the power-OFF state is abnormal (abrupt shutdown) or normal (proper shutdown) in advance, the system can prepare appropriate startup procedures accordingly, ensuring program integrity while maintaining data persistence benefits of MRAM
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from the power-OFF state detection to determine the startup procedure. By continuously monitoring the power state and comparing it against expected patterns, the system receives feedback about whether the shutdown was normal or abnormal, and adjusts the startup process accordingly to ensure proper program execution
2Loss of information
If hibernation technology is used to save data, then data persistence is improved, but start-up time is worsened due to reading and developing program from external storage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of data persistence from the hibernation process by using MRAM's inherent non-volatile nature. Instead of saving data to external storage and reading it back, the system leverages MRAM's ability to retain data without power, eliminating the time-consuming read/develop process while maintaining data persistence
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the hibernation copying process (saving to external storage and reading back) with direct MRAM data retention. The MRAM memory contents are copied to the execution unit without requiring external storage intervention, significantly reducing startup time while maintaining data persistence
3Reliability
If normal power turn-OFF process is performed, then program execution is ensured, but data loss occurs in volatile memory when power is cut off
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes the volatile DRAM memory system with a non-volatile MRAM memory system. This replacement eliminates the fundamental limitation of volatile memory that causes data loss on power-off, while maintaining the ability to execute programs reliably through the control unit's state detection and appropriate startup procedures
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus that can execute a start-up process properly, even when electric power is cut off without performing a normal power turn-OFF process. A first storage unit stores a program. A second storage unit continues holding information even when a power supply stops. A third storage unit stores information showing a power-OFF-timing state of the information processing apparatus. A control unit determines whether the information showing the power-OFF-timing state obtained from the third storage unit needs read-out of a program at a power ON timing of the information processing apparatus, performs a start-up process after reading and developing the program from the first storage unit to the second storage unit when the read-out of the program is needed, and performs the start-up process without reading and developing the program from the first storage unit to the second storage unit when the read-out of the program is not needed.