JP5458749B2 - Information processing apparatus, program, and memory power control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that turns off a part of a power source of a storage area of a main storage device when shifting to a power saving state.

  Portable portable terminals such as mobile phone terminals, notebook personal computers, portable game machines, and portable music players shift to a power saving state when they are not used for a certain period of time, for example, in order to reduce power consumption. In the power saving state, power consumption is suppressed by turning off the power of each device mounted on these portable terminals or by putting each device in a standby state. When the mobile terminal shifts to the power saving state, a main storage device (also referred to as a memory) mounted on the mobile terminal also shifts to the power saving state. When the main storage device shifts to the power saving state, the unused area of the main storage device is turned off.

  When the main storage device shifts to the power saving state, an organization process called defragmentation is performed in which the main storage device areas used in pieces are rearranged from the top. Hereinafter, defragmentation is omitted and referred to as “defragmentation”.

  The storage area of the main storage device on which the defragmentation has been executed is divided into a used area used by the activated task and an unused area other than the used area. Even if the data held in the unused area is lost, the activated task is not affected, so that the power of the unused area can be turned off.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-333997

  In the main storage device, power on / off is managed for each block in which the area is equally divided into a half, a quarter, and the like. Hereinafter, a block in which power on / off is managed is referred to as a power region.

  Therefore, after the defragmentation process, the power supply area including only the unused area can be cut off, but the power supply area including even a small use area affects the activated task and cannot be turned off. In the power saving state, since the use area is slightly included, there is a possibility that there is a power supply area where the power supply cannot be cut off. For example, assuming that the area of the main storage device has a power supply area 1 and a power supply area 2 that are bisected, the used area is slightly inserted into the power supply area 1 and the power supply area 2 after the defragmentation process. When it is applied, the power source of the power source region 2 cannot be cut off. In such a case, the power supplied to the power supply area 1 and the power supply area 2 of the main storage device cannot be cut off even when the power saving state is entered, and the power consumption of the main storage device is reduced. I can't.

  An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that reduces power consumption.

One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus. This information processing device
A first storage unit that is partially divided into partial areas that can be turned on and off, and in which data stored by turning off the power is lost;
A second storage unit for holding stored data even when the power is turned off;
Relocation unit for relocating fragmented use data stored in the first storage unit, which is use data related to a task being activated;
As a result of the rearrangement, the use data is stored in a part of the partial area, and the same data as the use data stored in a part of the partial area is stored in the second storage unit. A processing unit for cutting off the power of the partial area,
Is provided.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a memory power control method executed by the information processing apparatus described above. Further, another aspect of the present invention can include a program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute a memory power supply control method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  According to the disclosed information processing apparatus, power consumption can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of a portable terminal. It is a figure which shows the usage example of the memory area of a main memory. It is a figure which shows the example of a memory management table. It is a figure explaining the example of the defragmentation process of a main memory. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a restoration process of a released copy area in the main storage device in the example shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of an entry addition process of a memory management table when an execution code at the time of task activation is copied from an external storage device to a main storage device when a new task X is activated. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of an entry addition process of a memory management table when data held in an external storage device is read and copied to a main storage device while a task X is activated. It is a figure which shows the example of the flow of a process which a portable terminal transfers to a power saving state. It is a figure which shows the example of the flow of a process in which a portable terminal returns from a power saving state.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the following embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, a portable terminal will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus that performs power control of a memory.

<< Configuration example of mobile terminal >>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a mobile terminal. The portable terminal 1 includes a processor 2, an external storage device 3, a main storage device 4, an input device 5, an output device 6, and an antenna 7. The processor 2, the external storage device 3, the main storage device 4, the input device 5, the output device 6, and the antenna 7 are connected to each other by a bus 8.

The external storage device 3 holds an operating system (hereinafter “OS”), drivers for each device, various application programs, data files such as music data and image data, and the like. The external storage device 3 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, for example, and is realized by a NOR type or NAND type memory.

  The main storage device 4 holds program codes loaded from the external storage device 3, data used by the programs (music data, image data, etc.), calculation result data of the running program, and the like. The main storage device 4 is, for example, a volatile memory such as SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory).

  Storage areas for storing information in the main storage device 4 are classified into used areas used by activated processes and tasks, and other unused areas.

  In the first embodiment, the use area is further classified into a resident task area, a processing area, and a copy area.

  In the resident task area, an area for storing data read from the external storage device 3 related to the resident task is classified. The resident task is a process and task that are at least necessary for the mobile terminal 1 to be usable, and includes, for example, an OS and a device driver. The resident task may include an application program that is set to be activated when the mobile terminal 1 is activated (when the OS is activated). The resident task area includes an area for holding an execution code of the resident task copied from the external storage device 3, data read from the external storage device 3 during execution of the resident task, and the like.

  The processing area is classified into areas for storing data being processed by activated tasks (including resident tasks). The processing area includes, for example, an area for holding data being processed in the task before being saved in the external storage device 3, such as the text of the electronic mail being edited and the contents registered in the telephone call being edited. Further, even in an area for holding data (music data, image data, address book, etc.) copied from the external storage device 3 during execution of a task, it is edited by a button operation from the user and held in the external storage device 3. If the copy source data is changed, the corresponding area is included in the processing area. That is, the area classified as the processing area is an area that holds data that cannot be restored once the data is lost due to the power source of the main storage device 4 being turned off.

  The copy area is classified as an area for storing data having a copy in the external storage device 3 regarding tasks other than the resident task. The copy area includes an area for holding an execution code of a task other than the resident task, data (music data, image data, address book, etc.) read from the external storage device 3 during the task execution, and the like. Even if an area is included in the processing area, if the data being edited stored in the area is saved in the external storage device 3 by the user's button operation or the like, a copy of the data is stored in the external storage. Since it is stored in the apparatus, the area is classified as a copy area. Thereafter, when the data is changed by the user's button operation, the area in which the changed data is stored is classified as a processing area until the changed data is stored in the external storage device 3.

  Data held in an area classified as a use area is also referred to as “use data”. In other words, the usage data is data related to the activated task or process. When used as “use data of a certain task”, “use data of a certain task” refers to data relating to the task, and includes an execution code of the task, data being processed, and the like.

  The unused area includes an empty area in which no data is held and an area in which already-executed execution code and data remain.

  The storage area of the main storage device 4 is used for each predetermined block, and when all the blocks are used and filled, they are acquired for the next new data in order from the released block area. Therefore, in the main storage device 4, the used area and the unused area exist in pieces.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of the storage area of the main storage device 4. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the storage area of the main storage device 4 is used in a state of being divided into block A to block F. The used areas are block A, block C, and block E. Among them, the resident task area is block A. The processing area is block E. The copy area is block C. The unused areas are block B, block D, and block F. As in the example shown in FIG. 2, the storage area in the main storage device 4 is fragmented with the used area and the unused area fragmented.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the power supply area of the main storage device 4 is a block of an area divided in two. That is, the main storage device 4 has a power supply area 1 and a power supply area 2.

  The input device 5 is, for example, an operation button provided in the mobile terminal 1. The output device 6 is, for example, a display provided in the mobile terminal 1. The input device 5 includes a voice input device such as a microphone. The output device 6 includes an audio output device such as a speaker.

  The processor 2 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. The processor 2 operates as the operating system unit 21 and the device driver unit 22 by loading (copying) a program from the external storage device 3 to the main storage device 4 and executing the program.

  The operating system unit 21 is realized by the processor 2 executing the OS. The operating system unit 21 includes a task control unit 211, a demand paging control unit 212, a memory management unit 213, a file system unit 214, and a power saving control unit 215.

  The task control unit 211 accesses the main storage device 4 via the demand paging control unit 212 and the memory management unit 213, and reads the execution code of the task. The task control unit 211 sequentially reads and executes the execution code copied to the main storage device 4 to control the task. When the task is activated, the task control unit 211 outputs an acquisition request for the area of the main storage device 4 for storing the execution code of the activated task to the memory management unit 213 via the demand paging control unit 212. When the task control unit 211 acquires the area of the main storage device 4, the task control unit 211 outputs an acquisition code acquisition request for the task to be started to the file system unit 214. When the task control unit 211 acquires the execution code of the task to be activated from the file system unit 214, the task control unit 211 passes the execution code of the task to be activated to the acquired area of the main storage device 4 via the demand paging control unit 212. Request a copy. While the task is activated, access to the task and each processing unit in the operating system unit 21 is relayed by the task control unit 211. Upon completion of the task, the task control unit 211 outputs a request to release the area of the main storage device 4 holding the execution code of the task to the memory management unit 213 via the demand paging control unit 212.

The demand paging control unit 212 controls demand paging for each task. In demand paging, not all execution codes are copied from the external storage device 3 to the main storage device 4 when a certain program is started, but only a part of the execution code is copied from the external storage device 3 to the main storage device 4 when necessary. It is a method. The demand paging control unit 212 is interposed between the task control unit 211 and the memory management unit 213 when the task control unit 211 accesses the main storage device 4. When the demand paging control unit 212 responds to the request for reading the execution code from the task control unit 211, there is a response that the execution code requested from the memory management unit 213 is not stored in the main storage device 4. Then, perform demand paging. In this case, the demand paging control unit 212 outputs a memory acquisition request to the memory management unit 213 in the same manner as the processing of the task management unit 211 at the time of task activation, and acquires an area for storing an execution code. When the demand paging control unit 212 acquires the area of the main storage device 4, the demand paging control unit 212 outputs an execution code acquisition request to the file system 214 and acquires the execution code. The demand paging control unit 212 copies the acquired execution code to the area of the main storage device 4 acquired via the memory management unit 213. The demand paging control unit 212 receives the execution code requested to be read from the task control unit 211 from the memory management unit 213 and passes it to the task control unit 211.

  The file system unit 214 performs management of files held in the external storage device 3, control of access to files held in the external storage device 3, and the like. The file system unit 214 manages file information including the file name of the file held in the external storage device 3, external storage device storage area information indicating the location where the file is stored, and access rights. When file information held in the external storage device 3 is input from each task via the task control unit 211, the demand paging control unit 212, and the task control unit 211, the file system unit 214 is an external storage device driver. The corresponding file is read through 221. The file system unit 214 outputs the file read through the external storage device driver 221 to the file information transmission source.

  The power saving control unit 215 monitors each task and the state of the OS, and performs determination and control for shifting to the power saving state. For example, the power saving control unit 215 switches the portable terminal 1 when a condition for shifting to a power saving state such as no key input of an operation button, incoming call, no e-mail reception, or the like is satisfied for a predetermined time. Transition to the power saving state. The power saving control unit 215 transmits a power saving shift request to the device driver unit 22 in order to shift each device mounted on the mobile terminal 1 to the power saving state. When the power saving control unit 215 shifts to the power saving state, the power saving control unit 215 transmits a defragmentation processing request to the memory management unit 213 and requests defragmentation processing of the storage area in the main storage device 4.

  In the first embodiment, the power saving state means that the working state is stored in the main storage device 4 and the power consumption of the portable terminal 1 such as the external storage device 3, the input device 5, and the output device 6 is minimized. It is to suppress.

  The memory management unit 213 manages the storage area of the main storage device 4, reads data, and writes data. The memory management unit 213 manages the storage area of the main storage device 4 using physical addresses and logical addresses. The physical address is an actual address of the storage area of the main storage device 4. The logical address is an address of the storage area of the main storage device 4 that the task control unit 211 and each task recognize to handle data stored in the main storage device 4.

  The memory management unit 213 intervenes together with the demand paging control unit 212 in accessing the main storage device 4 of the tasks A to N via the task control unit 211 and the task control unit 211.

When receiving a data read request from the task control unit 211 via the demand paging control unit 212, the memory management unit 213 converts the accessed logical address into a physical address. The memory management unit 213 reads data from the converted physical address area, and transmits the read data to the task control unit 211 via the demand paging control unit 212. If the physical address is not associated with the accessed logical address, the requested data is not held in the main storage device 4, and the memory management unit 213 notifies that the data is not held. Output. When the demand paging control unit 212 that relays this notification to the task control unit 211 receives the demand paging control unit 212, the demand paging control unit 212 executes demand paging to read data from the external storage device 3.

  When the memory management unit 213 receives a data write request from the task control unit 211 to the main storage device 4 via the demand paging control unit 213, the memory management unit 213 converts the accessed logical address into a physical address. The memory management unit 213 writes data in the converted physical address area, and outputs a write completion notification to the task control unit 211 via the demand paging control unit 212.

  The memory management unit 213 manages the use area of the main storage device 4 related to tasks other than the resident task, that is, the processing area and the copy area, using the memory management table.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory management table. The memory management unit 213 updates the memory management table when there is an acquisition request or a release request for the area of the main storage device 4 from the task control unit 211 and each task. The memory management table holds entries each associated with a logical address, a physical address, a copy area flag, and external storage device storage area information.

  The copy area flag is a flag indicating whether or not the corresponding area of the main storage device 4 is an area for holding data that is copied to the external storage device 3. Since the memory management table stores an entry of an area classified as either a processing area or a copy area, the copy area flag indicates whether the area is a processing area or a copy area. It is information which shows.

  When the copy area flag is “1”, it is indicated that the corresponding area of the main storage device 4 is an area for holding data that is copied to the external storage device 3, that is, a copy area. When the copy area flag is “0”, it is indicated that the corresponding area of the main storage device 4 is not an area for storing data having a copy in the external storage device 3, that is, a processing area.

  The external storage device storage area information is information indicating the position of the copy of the data in the external storage device 3 when the data stored in the storage region of the corresponding entry is data that is copied to the external storage device 3. is there. The external storage device storage area information is data in a different format depending on the type of the external storage device 3. For example, when the external storage device 3 is a NOR type memory, the external storage device storage area information is a physical address. For example, when the external storage device 3 is a NAND memory, the external storage device storage information is a physical sector number.

  When the storage area of the main storage device 4 is acquired, the memory management unit 213 adds an entry in which a logical address, a physical address, a copy area flag, and external storage device storage area information are associated with each other to the memory management table. When receiving a memory release request for the acquired area, the memory management unit 213 deletes the corresponding entry from the memory management table. Details of the memory management table update process will be described later. The memory management unit 213 updates the memory management table when there is a change in an entry such as defragmentation of the main storage device 4 or copying of data being processed by a task to the external storage device 3.

The memory management unit 213 includes an area acquisition / release unit 213a and a defrag control unit 213b. When the area acquisition / release unit 213a receives a memory acquisition request from each of the tasks A to N via the task control unit 211, the demand paging control unit 212, and the task control unit 211, the area acquisition / release unit 213a Acquire. When the area acquisition / release unit 213a finishes acquiring the area of the main storage device 4, the area acquisition / release unit 213a outputs a response notifying the task control unit 211 of the completion of the area acquisition.

  The defragmentation control unit 213b executes the defragmentation of the main storage device 4 when a defragmentation processing request is input from the power saving control unit 215 when the mobile terminal 1 shifts to the power saving state. The defragmentation control unit 213b rearranges the areas so that the areas of the main storage device 4 are grouped into areas that are used areas and areas that are unused areas. The defragmentation control unit 213b sequentially arranges the use areas from the top. The defragmentation controller 213b further arranges the use areas in the order of the resident task area, the processing area, and the copy area. For example, the defragmentation control unit 213b refers to presence / absence of an entry in the memory management table, a copy area flag, and the like to arrange the use areas in the order of the resident task area, the processing area, and the copy area. When the defragmentation process of the main storage device 4 is completed, the defragmentation control unit 213b outputs a defragmentation process completion response to the power saving control unit 215.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the defragmentation process of the main storage device 4. The example shown in FIG. 4 shows a state after the storage area of the main storage device 4 shown in FIG. 2 is rearranged by the defragmentation process.

  The defragmentation control unit 213b sequentially arranges blocks that are used areas sequentially from the top, and after completing the arrangement of blocks in the use area, arranges blocks that are unused areas in order and performs defragmentation processing. The defragmentation control unit 213b further arranges the used areas in the order of the resident task area, the processing area, and the copy area.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the total of blocks A, E, and C, which are used areas, slightly exceeds the power supply area 1 and reaches the power supply area 2. In other words, the total of the block B, the block D, and the block F that are unused areas is slightly insufficient in the power supply area 2. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, even when shifting to the power saving state, the unused area is slightly insufficient, so the power supply area 2 of the main storage device 4 cannot be turned off, and the main memory The power supply of the entire apparatus 4 is kept on.

  When the defragmentation processing of the main storage device 4 is performed, the physical address of each area changes due to the block arrangement change in the storage area of the main storage device 4, and therefore the memory management unit 213 changes the physical address of the entry in the memory management table. Update. Since the logical address is not changed in the defragmentation process, the defragmentation process does not affect the task control unit 211 and each task process.

  The device driver unit 22 is realized by the processor 2 executing a device driver. The device driver unit 22 controls mutual access between the operating system unit 21 and each device such as the external storage device 3, the input device 5, and the output device 6 mounted on the mobile terminal 1. The device driver 22 includes an external storage device driver 221 and a power saving state processing unit 222. The external storage device driver 221 controls access of the operating system unit 21 to the external storage device 3.

  When the power saving state processing unit 222 receives a request for power saving transition from the power saving control unit 215 of the operating system unit 21, the power saving state processing unit 222 performs processing for shifting the device mounted on the mobile terminal 1 to the power saving state.

The power saving state processing unit 222 cuts off the power of the power supply area including only the unused area in the main storage device 4 after the defragmentation processing as the power saving state transition processing of the main storage device 4. When there is a power supply area that includes a slightly used area, the power saving state processing unit 222 refers to the memory management table and sets an area in which the copy area flag is “1” as a used area in the power supply area. Release it until it is no longer included, and turn off the power in the power supply area. The area whose copy area flag is “1” is an area classified as a copy area. The data stored in the power supply area where the power is cut off, that is, the data stored in the unused area is lost. Therefore, the copy area flag in the memory management table is information indicating permission or non-permission of data loss at the time of shifting to the power saving state for each area storing data in the main storage device 4.

  When the area is released, the power saving state processing unit 222 records information on the released area, for example, by holding an entry in the memory management table of the released area in the main storage device 4. This is because when returning from the power saving state, the main storage device 4 is returned to the state before entering the power saving state, that is, the data in the released area is read from the external storage device 3 again. Note that the area in which the memory management table is stored and the area in which the information of the area where the power saving state processing unit 222 is released are recorded as processing areas, and thus the main storage device even in the power saving state 4 is held.

  When the storage area of the main storage device 4 is in the state shown in FIG. 4, since the block C is slightly approaching the power supply area 2, the power saving state processing unit 222 sets the block C, which is a copy area, to the block C. release. In the example shown in FIG. 4, since the total of the blocks in the unused area becomes larger than the power supply area 2 by releasing the block C, the power supply of the power supply area 2 can be cut off. The power saving state processing unit 222 turns off the power supply of the power supply area 2 and ends the power saving state transition processing of the main storage device 4. Since the main storage device 4 is a volatile memory, the data stored in the power supply area 2 is lost when the power is turned off.

  When the power saving state processing unit 222 detects an input of a signal that causes a return such as key input of an operation button, incoming call, or reception of an e-mail in the power saving state, for example, the power saving state processing unit 222 executes a return process for each device. . The power saving state processing unit 222 restores the main storage device 4 to the state before the power saving state transition processing as the return processing from the power saving state of the main storage device 4. Specifically, when there is a power supply area that is turned off when the power saving state transitions, the power saving state processing unit 222 turns on the power of that area. When there is a copy area released at the time of transition to the power saving state, the power saving state processing unit 222 refers to information such as an entry in the memory management table recorded when the area is released, and releases the released copy. The same data as the data released to the area is again read from the external storage device 3 and copied.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the restoration process of the released copy area of the main storage device 4 in the example shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the power saving state processing unit 222 turns on the power of the power supply region 2 that has been turned off when the power saving state transitions. Next, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the power saving state processing unit 222 releases the data stored in the block C again to the external storage device 3 because the block C as the copy area is released at the time of shifting to the power saving state. Copy from. At this time, the power saving state processing unit 222 refers to the memory management table, reads the same data from the storage area of the same external storage device 3 as before the transition to the power saving state, and stores the same data in the main storage device 4 before the transition to the power saving state. Copy to area.

  The main storage device 4 corresponds to the first storage unit in the aspect. The external storage device 3 corresponds to the second storage unit in the aspect. The defragmentation control unit 213b corresponds to the rearrangement unit in the aspect. The power saving state control unit 222 corresponds to the processing unit in the aspect.

<< Memory management table entry addition process >>
FIG. 6 shows an entry addition process in the memory management table when the execution code of task X is copied from the external storage device 3 to the main storage device 4 when the new task X is started after the start processing of the portable terminal 1 is completed. It is a figure which shows the example of this flow. Although the demand paging control unit 212 is interposed in the access between the task control unit 211 and the memory management unit 213, the demand paging control unit 212 is omitted in FIG. 6 for simplification.

  When the task X activation instruction is input from the input device 5 by a button operation or the like, the task control unit 211 executes a process of acquiring an area of the main storage device 4 for storing the execution code of the task X. The task control unit 211 transmits a memory acquisition request for requesting acquisition of an area of the main storage device 4 to the memory management unit 213 (OP1).

  When the memory management unit 213 receives a memory acquisition request from the task control unit 211 via the demand paging control unit 212, the memory management unit 213 acquires (reserves) an area of the main storage device 4 for storing the execution code of the task X ( OP2). The memory management unit 213 transmits a memory acquisition completion notification that notifies the task control unit 211 that the execution code of the task X has been acquired via the demand paging control unit 212.

  The memory management unit 213 writes the logical address and physical address of the memory acquired for storing the execution code of the task X in the memory management table (OP3).

  The task control unit 211 receives a memory acquisition completion from the memory management unit 213 via the demand paging control unit 212 (OP4). Next, in order to acquire the execution code of task X from the external storage device 3, the task control unit 211 transmits the file name in which the execution code of task X is stored to the file system unit 214 (OP5).

  When the file system unit 214 receives the file name storing the execution code of the task X from the task control unit 211, the file system unit 214 extracts the external storage device storage area information from the file information corresponding to the received file name (OP6). The file system unit 214 notifies the external storage device driver 221 of the extracted external storage device storage area information, and requests reading of the file storing the execution code of the task X from the external storage device 3. (OP7).

  When receiving the external storage device storage information from the file system unit 214, the external storage device driver 221 reads the execution code of the task X from the storage area of the external storage device 3 specified by the external storage device storage information (OP8). The external storage device driver 221 transmits the execution code of the task X read from the external storage device 3 and the external storage device storage area information to the file system unit 214.

  Upon receiving the read execution code of the task X and the external storage device storage area information from the external storage device driver 221, the file system unit 214 transmits them to the task control unit 211 and completes the execution code reading. (OP9).

  When the task control unit 211 receives the read execution code of the task X and the external storage device storage area information from the file system unit 214, the task control unit 211 stores a part of the read execution code of the task X in the main storage device 4. Copy (OP10). The contents of processing in OP10 are as follows. The task control unit 211 transmits an execution code write request to the area acquired by the memory management unit 213 via the demand paging control unit 212. The memory management unit 213 writes the execution code in the acquired area in the main storage device 4. When the writing to the main storage device 4 is completed, the memory management unit 213 outputs a write completion notification to the task control unit 211 via the demand paging control unit 212.

  Since the simple copy operation from the external storage device 3 to the main storage device 4 has been performed, the task control unit 211 sets the copy area flag of the entry of the area storing a part of the execution code of the task X to “1”. The memory management unit 213 is requested to set (OP11). At this time, the task control unit 211 also transmits the external storage device storage area information to the memory management unit 213. Since the execution code of task X is stored in the external storage device 3, even if the execution code of task X is deleted from the main storage device 4 at the time of transition to the power saving state, it can be reproduced when returning from the power saving state. The copy area flag of the entry in the memory management table is set to “1”.

  Upon receiving the copy area flag setting request and the external storage device storage area information, the memory management unit 213 adds the copy area flag, the external storage device storage area information, and the entry including the logical address and physical address written in OP3. Is written (OP12).

  Thereafter, the task control unit 211 reads the execution code of the task X copied to the main storage device 4 and activates the task X. When the task control unit 211 accesses the main storage device 4 to read out the execution code of the task X, if the execution code of the task X is not in the main storage device 4, the memory management unit 213 selects the main storage device 4. A response indicating that the requested execution code is not held is output. When the demand paging control unit 212 that relays to the task control unit 211 receives this response, the demand paging control unit 212 executes demand paging.

  The demand paging control unit 212 executes an area acquisition process of the main storage device 4 for storing the execution code of the task X. The demand paging control unit 212 performs processing similar to the processing of the task control unit 211 in the example shown in FIG. 6, acquires the area of the main storage device 4 that stores the execution code of task X, and stores it in the memory management table. Add an entry.

  As described above, when a new task X is started and when demand paging is executed, an entry addition process of the area of the main storage device 4 for storing a part of the execution code of the task X in the memory management table is performed. Is called. At the end of task X and at the end of demand paging, the task control unit 211 transmits a request to release the area of the main storage device 4 that stores the execution code of task X to the memory management unit 213. The memory management unit 213 deletes the entry of the area for storing the execution code of the task X in the memory management table.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of entry addition processing of the memory management table when data held in the external storage device 3 is read and copied to the main storage device 4 while the task X is activated. . For example, the task X is a music reproduction program, and is an entry addition process of the memory management table when the task X reads out music data held in the external storage device 3. Hereinafter, the task X is a music playback program, and a case where music data instructed to be played back by a user's button operation or the like is read from the external storage device 3 will be described. Note that the demand control unit 212 is interposed in the access between the task control unit 211 and the memory management unit 213, but is omitted in FIG. 7 for simplification.

  When an input such as a button operation for reproducing music data is received from the input device 5, the task X executes a process of acquiring an area of the main storage device 4 for storing the music data. The task X transmits a memory acquisition request for requesting acquisition of the area of the main storage device 4 to the memory management unit 213 via the task control unit 211 and the demand paging control unit 212 (OP21).

When the memory management unit 213 receives a memory acquisition request from the task X via the task control unit 211 and the demand paging control unit 212, the memory management unit 213 acquires an area of the main storage device 4 for storing music data (OP22). The memory management unit 213 transmits a memory acquisition completion for notifying the task X that an area for storing music data has been acquired via the task control unit 211 and the demand paging control unit 212.

  The memory management unit 213 writes the logical address and physical address of the memory acquired to store the music data in the memory management table (OP23).

  The task X receives the memory acquisition completion from the memory management unit 213 via the task control unit 211 and the demand paging control unit 212 (OP24). Next, the task X transmits the file name in which the music data is stored to the file system unit 214 via the task control unit 211 in order to acquire the music data instructed to be reproduced from the external storage device 3 ( OP25).

  When the file system unit 214 receives a file name in which the music data instructed to be played is stored from the task X via the task control unit 211, the file system unit 214 obtains external storage device storage area information from the file information corresponding to the received file name. Is taken out (OP26). The file system unit 214 notifies the external storage device driver 221 of the extracted external storage device storage area information, and requests reading from the external storage device 3 of the file storing the music data requested to be played back. (OP27).

  When receiving the external storage device storage information from the file system unit 214, the external storage device driver 221 reads music data from the area of the external storage device 3 specified by the external storage device storage information (OP28). The external storage device driver 221 transmits the music data read from the external storage device 3 and the external storage device storage area information to the file system unit 214.

  Upon receiving the read music data and external storage device storage area information from the external storage device driver 221, the file system unit 214 transmits them to the task X via the task control unit 211 and reads the music data. Is completed (OP29).

  The task control unit 211 receives music data and external storage device storage area information read prior to the task X from the file system unit 214. The task control unit 211 copies the read music data to the main storage device 4 (OP30). The process of OP30 is the same as the process of OP10 in FIG.

  Since the task control unit 211 has performed a simple copy operation from the external storage device 3 to the main storage device 4, the task control unit 211 sets the copy area flag of the entry in the area of the main storage device 4 storing the music data to “1”. The memory management unit 213 is requested (OP31). At this time, the task control unit 211 also transmits the external storage device storage area information of the music data to the memory management unit 213. Even if the music data copied to the main storage device 4 is deleted from the main storage device 4, the original file exists in the external storage device 3. Therefore, even if the music data is deleted from the main storage device 4 at the time of transition to the power saving state, it is read again from the external storage device 3 at the time of return from the power saving state. Set to “1”. However, when the music data is not only reproduced but also edited such as when the file name is changed, an area for storing the music data until the changed music data is stored in the external storage device 3 The copy area flag is set to “0”. If the music data that has been changed before being stored in the external storage device 3 is deleted from the main storage device 4 at the time of shifting to the power saving state, the music data cannot be reproduced when returning from the power saving state. It is because it ends. When such a change in the copy area flag occurs, the task control unit 211 that relays the access from the task X to the memory management unit 213 transmits a setting request for the copy area flag to the memory management unit 213.

  Upon receiving the copy area flag setting request and the external storage device storage area information, the memory management unit 213 sets the copy area flag and the external storage device storage area information in the entry including the logical address and physical address written in OP23. Write (OP32).

  Thereafter, the task X sequentially reads and reproduces the music data via the task control unit 211.

  As described above, when the task X reads data from the external storage device 3, an entry addition process of the memory management table is performed. When the use of the data read from the external storage device 3 is finished, such as when the music data has been played back, the task X sends a music data storage area release request to the memory management unit 213 via the task control unit 211. To do. Thereafter, the memory management unit 213 deletes the entry of the music data storage area from the memory management table.

  When the task X acquires a work area (for example, a buffer or the like) for temporarily storing a calculation result or the like in the storage area of the main storage device 4 during the activation of the task X, from OP25 in FIG. There is no processing for reading data from the external storage device 3 as in OP30. In this case, the area acquisition processing of the main storage device 4 such as OP21 to OP23, OP31, and OP32 in FIG. 7 is performed between the task X, the task control unit 211, and the memory management 213, and the memory management table. An entry for the acquired area is added. Since the data in the temporary work area is not data that is copied to the external storage device 3 and cannot be restored once deleted from the main storage device 4, the data in the temporary work area memory management table The copy area flag of the entry is set to “0”.

<< Flow of mobile terminal power saving state transition >>
FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow when the mobile terminal 1 shifts to the power saving state. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow when the mobile terminal 1 returns from the power saving state.

  The power saving control unit 215 of the operating system unit 21 monitors the states of the tasks A to N and the OS, and starts the transition to the power saving state when the conditions for shifting to the power saving state are met (OP41). The power saving control unit 215 transmits a defragmentation processing request for the main storage device 4 to the memory management unit 213 (OP42).

  When the memory management unit 213 receives the request for defragmentation processing of the main storage device 4, the defragmentation control unit 213b of the memory management unit 213 executes the defragmentation processing of the main storage device 4 (OP43). At this time, for example, the defragmentation control unit 213b refers to the memory management table and arranges the areas in the order of the used area and the unused area from the top of the area. In the use area, defragmentation is further performed so that the resident task area, the processing area, and the copy area are arranged in this order. When the defragmentation process is completed, the memory management unit 213 transmits a notification of the completion of the defragmentation process to the power saving control unit 215.

  When receiving the notification of the completion of the defragmentation process (OP44), the power saving control unit 215 then transmits a request for shifting to the power saving state to the power saving state processing unit 222 (OP45). Thereafter, the program higher than the OS shifts to the power saving state and stops operating until returning from the power saving state.

When receiving the request for shifting to the power saving state from the power saving control unit 215, the power saving state processing unit 222 determines whether there is a power source region including a used region and an unused region (OP46). When there is no power supply area including the used area and the unused area (OP46: No), the power saving state processing unit 222 advances the process to OP49.

  If there is a power supply area including a used area and an unused area (OP46: Yes), the power supply to that power supply area cannot be turned off. The power saving state processing unit 222 determines whether or not it is necessary to release the copy area so that the power supply area including the used area and the unused area can be turned off (OP47). When the used area in the power supply area including the used area and the unused area is small, a part of the copy area is released and the power supply to the power supply area is turned off to reduce the power consumption of the main storage device. Thus, the power saving state processing unit 222 determines that a part of the copy area needs to be released. When the used area in the power supply area, including the used area and unused area, occupies most, power is consumed for rereading the data in the released copy area after returning from the power saving state. Therefore, the power saving state processing unit 222 determines that it is not necessary to release a part of the copy area. For example, the power saving state processing unit 222 uses the threshold value of the use area included in the power supply area, and when the use area in the power supply area including the use area and the unused area is less than a predetermined threshold, The status processing unit 222 determines that the copy area needs to be released. For example, when the used area in the power supply area including the used area and the unused area is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the power saving state processing unit 222 determines that the copy area need not be released.

  If it is determined that it is not necessary to release the copy area (OP47: No), the power saving state processing unit 222 advances the process to OP50. When it is determined that the copy area needs to be released (OP47: Yes), the power saving state processing unit 222 refers to the memory management table and copies the area whose copy area flag is “1” (that is, the copy area). At least one of the areas is released (OP48). The power saving state processing unit 222 releases the copy area until the power supply area including the used area and the unused area becomes only the unused area. At this time, the power saving state processing unit 222 stores information on the released copy area, for example, an entry in the memory management table, in the main storage device 4. Since the area in which the released copy area is stored is classified as a processing area, it is held in the main storage device 4 even after shifting to the power saving state. The power saving state processing unit 222 cuts off the power of the power supply area including only the unused area (OP49). The data stored in the power supply area where the power is cut off is lost.

  The power saving state processing unit 222 performs a power saving state transition process for devices mounted on the mobile terminal 1 other than the main storage device 4 (OP50). When the power saving state transition processing for devices mounted on the portable terminal 1 other than the main storage device 4 is completed (OP51), the portable terminal 1 is completely shifted to the power saving state.

  After that, when an input signal due to the occurrence of a return factor from the power saving state such as an operation button being pressed or a call being received is detected, the power saving state processing unit 222 performs a return process from the power saving state. Start (OP61).

  The power saving state processing unit 222 turns on the power supply area of the main storage device 4 that is turned off (OP62). The power saving state processing unit 222 determines whether there is a released copy area at the time of shifting to the power saving state (OP63). When the copy area is not released at the time of shifting to the power saving state (OP63: No), the power saving state processing unit 222 advances the process to OP68.

  When there is a copy area released at the time of shifting to the power saving state (OP63: Yes), the power saving state processing unit 222 performs a restoration process of the data held in the released copy area. The power saving state processing unit 222 refers to the memory management table, notifies the external storage device driver 221 of the external storage device storage area information of the released copy area, and requests data read (OP64).

  When the external storage device driver 221 receives the external storage device storage area information from the power saving state processing unit 222, the external storage device driver 221 reads data stored in the corresponding area and transmits the data to the power saving state processing unit 222 (OP65).

  The power saving state processing unit 222 refers to the memory management table to copy the data received from the external storage device driver 221 to the same area of the main storage device 4 as before the power saving state shift (OP66). When the copying is completed, the copy area restoration process is completed (OP67).

  Next, the power saving state processing unit 222 performs a return process from the power saving state of devices other than the main storage device 4 (OP68). When the return processing from the power saving state of all devices is completed, the return processing from the power saving state of the mobile terminal 1 is completed (OP69). The power saving state processing unit 222 notifies the power saving control unit 215 of the completion of the return process. When the power saving control unit 215 receives the notification of completion of the return processing from the power saving state processing unit 222, the power saving control unit 215 ends the return processing from the power saving state of the mobile terminal 1 (OP70).

<< Effects of First Embodiment >>
In the first embodiment, when the mobile terminal 1 shifts to the power saving state, if the used area in the power supply area including the used area and the unused area of the main storage device 4 is small, The copy area holding the data that is copied to the external storage device 3 is released. As a result, when the power saving state is shifted, the power supply in the power supply area that includes the used area of the main storage device 4 that could not be cut off in the past can be cut off. Can be reduced. By reducing the power consumption of the main storage device 4, the power consumption of the mobile terminal 1 can be reduced, and the battery duration of the mobile terminal 1 can be increased.

  Since the data included in the released area is copied and backed up in the external storage device 3, even if it is lost from the main storage device 4 when returning from the power saving state, the external storage device 3 It can be read again. When the portable terminal 1 returns from the power saving state, the data in the released area is read from the external storage device 3 and stored in the main storage device 4, so that the main storage device 4 before shifting to the power saving state is stored. It can be restored to the state.

<< Modification >>
In the first embodiment, the external storage device driver 221 is operable before the operating system unit 21 returns from the power saving state. If the external storage device driver 221 is not operable before the operating system unit 21 returns from the power saving state, the power saving state processing unit 222 simply reads data from the external storage device storage area information. A simple access function to the simple external storage device 3 may be provided.

  In the first embodiment, as the copy area, an area for storing data with a copy in the external storage device 3 related to a task other than the resident task is classified, and the copy area is set as a release target. However, an area in which the OS execution code or data read from the external storage device 3 by the OS, which is classified as a resident task area, may also be classified as a copy area. In this case, the OS holding code and the area holding the data read from the external storage device 3 by the OS are also entered in the memory management table with the copy area flag “1”.

This is because even an OS execution code or the like is stored in a copy in the external storage device 3 and can be restored by reading it from the external storage device 3 again. However, even if the data can be restored by reading it again from the external storage device 3, the task of turning on the power of the main storage device and the task of reading the data from the external storage device 3 when returning from the power saving state The area for storing the execution code is classified as a resident task area. For example, in the first embodiment, the area for storing the execution codes of the power saving state processing unit 222 and the external storage device driver 211 is not classified as a copy area but as a resident task area. This is an area for storing data necessary for the return processing from the power saving state, and if it is released at the time of shifting to the power saving state, the return processing from the power saving state is not executed. .

  In the first embodiment, an example in which the mobile terminal executes power control of the main storage device has been described. The power control of the main storage device described in the first embodiment cuts off the power of a part of the main storage device during power saving, such as a general-purpose computer or a computer dedicated to a specific process, in addition to the portable terminal. It can be applied to a device having a function.

<Others>
Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional notes are disclosed.

(Appendix 1)
A first storage unit that is partially divided into partial areas that can be turned on and off, and in which data stored by turning off the power is lost;
A second storage unit for holding stored data even when the power is turned off;
A rearrangement unit that rearranges the fragmented usage data stored in the first storage unit, which is usage data related to the activated task;
As a result of the rearrangement, the use data is stored in a part of the partial area, and the same data as the use data stored in a part of the partial area is stored in the second storage unit. A processing unit for cutting off the power of the partial area,
An information processing apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 2)
When power is turned on to the partial area that has been turned off, the second storage unit stores the same data as used data stored in a part of the partial area that has been lost due to the power being turned off. The information processing apparatus according to appendix 1, further comprising: a reading unit that reads the data from the first storage unit and stores it in a part of the partial area in the first storage unit.

(Appendix 3)
A management unit for managing whether or not to allow the loss of usage data from the first storage unit;
The information processing apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit disconnects power of the partial area when use data stored in a part of the partial area is permitted to disappear.

(Appendix 4)
The management unit is configured to store the usage data in the first storage when the usage data is data in which the same data is stored in the second storage unit and is not usage data related to the reading unit. The information processing apparatus according to appendix 3 that permits disappearance from the section.

(Appendix 5)
When the power of the partial area is turned off, the processing unit stores the address of the first storage unit in which usage data included in a part of the partial area is stored and the same data as the usage data An address of the second storage unit to be
When the power of the partial area is turned on, the reading unit stores the same data as the use data stored in a part of the partial area that has been lost due to power-off, in the address of the second storage unit The information processing apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the information is read from the first storage unit and stored in the address of the first storage unit.

(Appendix 6)
In the processing unit, use data stored in a part of the partial area is data in which the same data is stored in the second storage unit, and is not use data related to the reading unit. The information processing apparatus according to appendix 2, wherein the partial area power supply is turned off.

(Appendix 7)
The rearrangement unit preferentially releases usage data that is the same data stored in the second storage unit and is not used data related to the reading unit among the usage data. 7. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 2 to 6, wherein the information processing device is rearranged.

(Appendix 8)
A first storage unit that is partially divided into partial areas that can be turned on and off, and in which data stored by turning off the power is lost;
A computer having a second storage unit that retains stored data even when the power is turned off;
Relocating fragmented usage data stored in the first storage unit that is usage data relating to a task being activated;
As a result of the rearrangement, the use data is stored in a part of the partial area, and the same data as the use data stored in a part of the partial area is stored in the second storage unit. If so, the step of turning off the power of the partial area;
A program for running

(Appendix 9)
A first storage unit that is partially divided into partial areas that can be turned on and off, and in which data stored by turning off the power is lost;
And a second storage unit that retains stored data even when the power is turned off.
Relocating fragmented usage data stored in the first storage unit that is usage data relating to a task being activated;
As a result of the rearrangement, the use data is stored in a part of the partial area, and the same data as the use data stored in a part of the partial area is stored in the second storage unit. If so, the step of turning off the power of the partial area;
Memory power control method to execute.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Portable terminal 2 Processor 3 External storage device 4 Main storage device 5 Input device 6 Output device 7 Antenna 8 Bus 21 Operating system part 22 Device driver part 211 Task control part 212 Demand paging control part 213 Memory management part 213a Area acquisition / release part 213b Defragmentation control unit 214 File system unit 215 Power saving control unit 221 External storage device driver 222 Power saving state processing unit

Claims (7)

A first storage unit that is partially divided into partial areas that can be turned on and off, and in which data stored by turning off the power is lost;
A second storage unit for holding stored data even when the power is turned off;
A rearrangement unit that rearranges the fragmented usage data stored in the first storage unit, which is usage data related to the activated task;
As a result of the rearrangement, the use data is stored in a part of the partial area, and the same data as the use data stored in a part of the partial area is stored in the second storage unit. If it is, depending on the percentage of the partial region of the portion of the partial region, to determine the execution of the cutting of the power of the part of the release and the partial region of the partial region, in the determination Therefore, a processing unit for releasing the part of the partial area and turning off the power of the partial area ;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   When power is turned on to the partial area that has been turned off, the second storage unit stores the same data as used data stored in a part of the partial area that has been lost due to the power being turned off. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a reading unit that reads from the first storage unit and stores the data in a part of the partial area in the first storage unit. When the power of the partial area is turned off, the processing unit stores the address of the first storage unit in which usage data included in a part of the partial area is stored and the same data as the usage data An address of the second storage unit to be
When the power of the partial area is turned on, the reading unit stores the same data as the use data stored in a part of the partial area that has been lost due to power-off, in the address of the second storage unit The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the information processing device is read from the first storage unit and stored in an address of the first storage unit. In the processing unit, usage data stored in a part of the partial area is data in which the same data is stored in the second storage unit, and the execution code of the task of the reading unit If not, the information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the partial area power supply is cut off. The relocation unit preferentially releases use data that is the same data stored in the second storage unit and is not an execution code of the task of the read unit among the use data. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the information processing apparatus is rearranged as described above. A first storage unit that is partially divided into partial areas that can be turned on and off, and in which data stored by turning off the power is lost;
A computer having a second storage unit that retains stored data even when the power is turned off;
Relocating fragmented usage data stored in the first storage unit that is usage data relating to a task being activated;
As a result of the rearrangement, the use data is stored in a part of the partial area, and the same data as the use data stored in a part of the partial area is stored in the second storage unit. If it is, depending on the percentage of the partial region of the portion of the partial region, to determine the execution of the cutting of the power of the part of the release and the partial region of the partial region, in the determination Therefore, releasing the part of the partial area and turning off the power of the partial area ;
A program for running A first storage unit that is partially divided into partial areas that can be turned on and off, and in which data stored by turning off the power is lost;
And a second storage unit that retains stored data even when the power is turned off.
Relocating fragmented usage data stored in the first storage unit that is usage data relating to a task being activated;
As a result of the rearrangement, the use data is stored in a part of the partial area, and the same data as the use data stored in a part of the partial area is stored in the second storage unit. If it is, depending on the percentage of the partial region of the portion of the partial region, to determine the execution of the cutting of the power of the part of the release and the partial region of the partial region, in the determination Therefore, releasing the part of the partial area and turning off the power of the partial area ;
Memory power control method to execute.

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