DE102004047369A1 - Data processing device e.g. smart-phone, has tree manager to execute booting operation by transferring data segments from hard disk into read only memory based on shortest path - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a tree manager (4) to control the storage operation of data segments (2) for booting operation of a hard disk (5) into a read only memory (1). The manager detects a shortest path for achievement of predetermined conditions in a dependence tree (3) during booting operation. The manager executes the operation by transferring the segments from the disk into the memory based on the shortest path. The read only memory (1) and the hard disk (5) store the data segments (2) regarding the system condition in switched on and off conditions of the device. An independent claim is also included for a method of booting a data processing system.

Description

The The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus with a fleeting Memory device for storing data modules relating to a System state in the switched-on state of the data processing device, a non-volatile one Memory device for storing data modules, relating to a System state in the switched-off state of the data processing device and a managing institution for controlling a storage operation of the data modules for a Boot process from the non-volatile Storage device in the volatile Storage means. About that In addition, the present invention relates to a corresponding method for booting a data processing device.

each System that includes a microprocessor, memory and peripherals, must be booted or initialized. Initialized during the boot process a basic software all the peripherals that charge the operating system necessary is. This includes initializing the processor and loading device drivers for the display device, the keyboard, the flash memory or a hard disk and the file system driver (FAT). The operating system is then loaded. This is typically an image of the kernel is decompressed into memory and stored on a predetermined memory address started. Once the operating system is started, it will load all device drivers and start. These initialize the peripherals for which they are responsible, including, where appropriate, those who Boot process has been initialized. Once the charging process, at least the most important part, completed, starts the operating system the main application, e.g. the GUI (Graphical User Interface), the Window manager and / or the login with which the user interacts can.

This Boot process usually takes a lot long and is on average usually 40 seconds to 5 minutes for so-called Smart phones, PDAs and desktops. Basically, therefore, there is a need the time needed for to shorten the booting and loading of the operating system, allowing the user to do so quickly as possible a device response gets.

to solution To solve this problem, a method has been proposed that has a shortest Path in a dependency tree works (shortest path principle). Thereby the boot process including the Loading the operating system by prioritizing the loading processes, allowing the user to communicate with the system as soon as possible can. This principle is exploited, for example, by Windows XP, where everything is loaded to the user as soon as possible use to enable. The remaining Device drivers after the first possibility uploaded for use. The technique is based on one Device driver dependency tree. A similar technique was from IBM for the Linux kernel loading process proposed. The advantage of loading according to the shortest path principle is that the user already within about 45 seconds can interact with the PC, for example, to perform the login. adversely On this principle, however, is that the user, as soon as he logged is to wait another 40 to 60 seconds for all the services and other user-specific software components are loaded.

A another known possibility to the "acceleration the boot process " to put the system in idle or sleep mode and to bypass the boot process. If the user decides to be Switch off the device, presses he the "OFF" button, which is the system in sleep mode. This sleep mode is essentially a hardware state in which all the peripherals except the memory and some power management chips are turned off. The memory receives a bit of energy, thereby reducing the current state of applications of the Upkeep operating system. The other chips only get a minimum of energy to respond to a wake-up trigger can, who usually triggered by a push of a button. The advantage of the sleep mode is that he uses very little energy. The disadvantage, however, is that this mode still consumes energy and a few seconds needed to wake up. About that have to go out some I / O modules are reinitialized.

As another way to speed up the boot process, some devices support the so-called save-on-disk option, which allows all the RAM to be transferred to a hard disk or flash memory. For example, if a 256MB of RAM is inserted into the system and you press the "OFF" button, the hardware will copy all of the RAM to the hard drive as a total 256MB block. At first, some hardware is reinitialized and then the entire 256 MB data block is loaded into the memory. The processor is then reinitialized and begins its operation at the stored position. The advantage of this save-on-disk option is that it uses no energy. The disadvantage, however, is that the entire data block must be loaded into the memory before the system can start. This process can take up to 60 seconds before an Ar working with the system is possible.

The The object of the present invention is therefore the boot process continue to accelerate.

According to the invention this Task solved by a data processing device having a volatile memory device for storing data modules relating to a system state when turned on State of the data processing device, a non-volatile Memory device for storing data modules relating to a system state in the off state of the data processing device and a managing device for controlling a storage process of Data modules for a boot process from the nonvolatile storage device in the fleeting Memory device, wherein the managing device is a dependency tree can be generated by the data modules concerning the system state and a shortest Path to the possible rapidly reaching a given state, in particular one Logon state in the boot process in the dependency tree is found and with the managing facility the boot process by transferring the Data modules concerning the system state of the non-volatile Storage device in the volatile Storage device based on the shortest Paths feasible is.

Further is provided according to the invention A method of booting a data processing device by storing of data modules relating to a system state in a volatile memory device in an on state of the data processing device, Saving data modules relating to a system state in one nonvolatile Memory device in a switched-off state of the data processing device and transferring the data modules for a boot process from the nonvolatile storage device in the fleeting Storage device, and generating a dependency tree from the data modules concerning the system state, and creating the shortest one Path to the possible rapidly reaching a given state, in particular one Logon state in the boot process in the dependency tree, so that the transfer of the Data modules based on the shortest Paths performed becomes.

The inventive system to boot can be called "Tree based state booting " because in him the shortest path principle combined with the save-on-disk principle. This allows the Disadvantages of the individual principles are overcome. specially is no longer like the save-on-disk principle of the entire RAM without distinction between important and unimportant (from the point of view of the user) sections stored on the hard disk.

of course is Also the disadvantage of standard booting is that the software overcomes very many clock cycles for used the initialization of the program itself instead of itself only on the initialization of the platform or the system and the Focus peripherals.

Preferably includes the volatile Memory means a RAM memory and the non-volatile memory means a hard disk. Thus, the boot method according to the invention in particular also for Standard PCs, but also for Embedded devices are used.

at a likewise preferred embodiment can with the managing establishment of the dependency tree in the volatile and non-volatile Memory device to be stored. This makes it possible, always a current dependency tree provide.

According to one Further development is envisaged that with the managing institution a current system state with one in the non-volatile Memory device stored system state can be compared can, so that when switching off the data processing device only those data modules or parts of data modules on the volatile Storage device to be stored, not yet saved are. By doing so leaves accelerate the saving of data before a reboot, because only the changed data sections on the hard disk must be secured.

Further it is advantageous if for the boot process first the dependency tree and / or the shortest Path in the fleeting Transfer memory device before transmitting the data modules concerning the system state become.

In order to can be ensured that those data modules transmitted with the highest priority be that for one possible early interaction of the user with the system are necessary.

The The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in show:

1 a schematic block diagram of a boot system according to the invention;

2 a dependency tree with the shortest path; and

3 loading the RAM according to the invention for booting.

The below described embodiment represents a preferred embodiment of present invention.

The inventive technology named "Tree based state booting " on the idea, in data segments (e.g., alocated memory pages) every application in a dependency tree assign a node. In this way, for example, device drivers, the operating system, executable Programs and shared libraries one or more nodes assigned. A similar one dependency tree becomes common already used and managed by an operating system. The dependency tree with corresponding data segments is stored on the hard disk. When rebooting the hardware the dependency tree and / or the associated shortest Load path (shortest path) into the RAM, so that possible rapid user interaction possible is. Subsequently The less important data segments or memory pages are loaded.

Based on 1 to 3 This principle of tree-based state booting will now be explained in more detail.

In 1 For this purpose, a hardware and software structure is indicated in principle. During the operation of the system (PC, Smart Phone, etc.) are in the RAM 1 System state and configuration data 2 stored. Likewise, in the RAM 1 a dependency tree 3 deposited by a tree manager 4 from the status data 2 generated. This dependency tree 3 (see. 2 ) contains the dependency of the software modules that are necessary for booting.

The dependency tree 3 and the associated data segments 2 during operation or when the system is shut down via the tree manager 4 that has save-on-disk functionality on a hard disk 5 saved. If the system is now switched off, then the last operating state including the initializations on the non-volatile hard disk 5 stored. Thus, the state data of the last operating state for a new boot process according to the save-on-disk principle for loading into the RAM 1 to disposal.

Corresponding 2 is in the dependency tree 3 also a shortest path 31 defined or by the tree manager 4 generated. This shortest path 31 contains those data modules 311 . 312 and 313 that with the highest priority from the disk 5 in the RAM 1 stored during the boot process in order to ensure user interaction as quickly as possible. By the shortest path 31 Thus, a hierarchy is specified with which the tree manager 4 the data 2 in the RAM 1 when booting to load. The less important data modules or segments 21 to 26 will be in the RAM at a later date 1 loaded when the user can already work with the system.

In 3 the charging process according to the invention is shown according to the shortest path in a slightly different representation. Also there are those for the boot process by the tree manager 4 highest priority data segment 311 to 314 provided with jump addresses according to the dependency tree. This illustration makes it clear that not like the simple save-on-disk principle, the entire boot data 2 from the hard disk 5 in the RAM 1 regardless of any priority stored or loaded, but that the data through the shortest path 31 have received a load order with which the boot process can be accelerated.

Now changes through a process 6 or a driver 7 about the operating system 8th the state of the system, so the tree manager generates 4 a corresponding new dependency tree and a matching new shortest path (cf. 1 ). As a result, for example, the data segment comes in the shortest path 315 Add this as in 3 is shown. It is now not necessary that the entire dependency tree including the associated data should be saved again on the hard disk. Rather, it is sufficient if the corresponding Δ information, ie the difference, in the dependency tree 3 and in the corresponding data segments on the hard disk 5 is stored. If, for example, by an additionally installed driver, the further state information 315 according to 3 is stored in RAM, it is sufficient, this additional information 315 on the hard disk 5 store. The remaining status information remains unchanged. This can significantly shorten the save-on-disk process.

The "shortest path" always depends on the destination of the device, for example, for a PDA, a smart phone, or a desktop, it is desirable to determine the shortest path that determines the priority when loading the boot modules However, in the case of radio-controlled devices, such as a printer with an IR interface, the shortest path should allow a wireless connection to be established as quickly as possible The shortest path can be determined by the one implementing the system so that optimization can be achieved for each system.

1

R.A.M.

2

state data

21 - 26

data modules

3

dependency tree

31

shortest path

311 - 315

data modules

4

Tree Manager

5

hard disk

6

process

7

driver

8th

operating system

Claims (10)

Data processing device with - a volatile memory device ( 1 ) for storing data modules ( 2 ) relating to a system state in the switched-on state of the data processing device, - a non-volatile memory device ( 5 ) for storing data modules relating to a system state in the switched-off state of the data processing device, and - a managing device ( 4 ) for controlling a storage operation of the data modules ( 2 ) for a boot process from the non-volatile storage device ( 5 ) into the volatile memory device ( 1 ), characterized in that - with the managing institution ( 4 ) a dependency tree ( 3 ) from the data modules ( 2 ) can be generated with regard to the system state and a shortest path ( 31 ) for achieving a given state as quickly as possible during the boot process in the dependency tree ( 3 ) and - with the managing body ( 4 ) the boot process by transferring the data modules ( 2 ) concerning the system state of the nonvolatile memory device ( 5 ) into the volatile memory device ( 1 ) based on the shortest path ( 31 ) is feasible. Data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said volatile memory means ( 1 ) comprises a RAM memory. A data processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nonvolatile memory device ( 5 ) includes a hard disk and / or a flash memory. Data processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein with the managing device ( 4 ) the dependency tree ( 3 ) is stored in the volatile and non-volatile memory device. Data processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein with the managing device ( 4 ) a current system state with one in the non-volatile memory device ( 5 ) is comparable, so that when switching off the data processing device only those data modules ( 2 ) or parts of data modules on the nonvolatile memory device ( 5 ) that are not yet saved. Data processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein with the managing device ( 4 ) for the boot process first the dependency tree ( 3 ) and / or the shortest path ( 31 ) into the volatile memory device ( 1 ) is loadable before the data modules ( 2 ) concerning the system state. Method for booting a data processing device by - storing data modules ( 2 ) concerning a system state in a volatile memory device ( 1 in a switched-on state of the data processing device, storing data modules relating to a system state in a non-volatile memory device ( 5 ) in a switched-off state of the data processing device and - transmitting the data modules ( 2 ) for a boot process from the non-volatile storage device ( 5 ) into the volatile memory device ( 1 ), characterized by - generation of a dependency tree ( 3 ) from the data modules ( 2 ) concerning the system state, and - creating a shortest path ( 31 ) for achieving a given state as quickly as possible during the boot process in the dependency tree ( 3 ), so that the transfer of the data modules ( 2 ) based on the shortest path ( 31 ) is carried out. The method of claim 7, wherein the dependency tree ( 3 ) is stored in the volatile and the non-volatile memory device. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein a current system state with a in the non-volatile memory device ( 5 ) is compared, so that when switching off the data processing device only those data modules ( 2 ) or parts of data modules on the nonvolatile memory device ( 5 ) that are not yet saved. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein for the boot process, first the dependency tree ( 3 ) and / or the shortest path ( 31 ) into the volatile memory device ( 1 ) is loaded before the data modules ( 2 ) concerning the system state getting charged.