JP2000089859A - Storage means initialization device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] When no operation input is made by a user for a predetermined time or more, the device is put into a power saving mode and the RAM is initialized so that the RAM can be used effectively in an appropriate state at any time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage device initialization device that enables the storage device to be initialized. SOLUTION: An input means 6 for inputting an instruction operation or information of a device, and a processing means 1 for performing processing in accordance with the input
A storage unit 3 for storing information necessary for performing the processing, a time measurement unit 7 for measuring time, and a storage unit 3 when there is no input from the input unit 6 for a predetermined time or more.
Is realized by providing an initializing means 1 for initializing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a RAM (Random A)
The present invention relates to the initialization of the RAM in an electronic device having a ccess memory, for example, a general-purpose / personal computer, a word processor, a portable electronic device, a communication terminal device, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electronic device having a RAM,
When a control device (CPU: central processing unit) executes a predetermined process, a predetermined amount of memory area may be reserved in a RAM and used as a buffer memory.

[0003] When a predetermined process is completed, the control device releases the secured memory area. If it is necessary to execute another process before that, the control apparatus further secures a memory area for the purpose. A plurality of memory areas are secured in the RAM at the same time.

Further, since the order in which the processing is completed is not fixed, the RAM is fragmented, causing a problem that the capacity of a continuous memory area is reduced and the processing speed is reduced.

As a method for solving the above problem, a process called garbage collection is performed. Garbage collection means that when the control device attempts to secure a predetermined amount of memory area and there is no continuous free space in the RAM equal to or more than the predetermined amount, the fragmented R
This is a method in which AMs (distributed memory areas) are collected at one location and a continuous free space is generated.

As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-40549, the fragmented RAM can also be initialized by restarting the apparatus at regular intervals or at regular intervals.

[0007]

However, each of the techniques described above still has the following problems.

1) In the method using garbage collection, other processing, such as rewriting the display screen and inputting a user's instruction operation, cannot be performed during the garbage collection processing. It may appear to have stopped and may be considered a malfunction. In addition, there is a problem that a natural operation of the user is hindered.

In addition, if a memory area that should have been released is left unreleased for some reason (such as a defect in a computer program),
There is a problem that garbage collection cannot solve the problem and the available memory capacity decreases.

2) The technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-40549 has a problem that the system may be restarted while the user is using the apparatus.

There is also a problem that it takes a long time for the system to be restarted to some extent, during which time the user must wait.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object the storage means (R
In the electronic device provided with AM), when there is no instruction operation or information input from the user for a predetermined time or more, the storage means (RAM) is initialized, so that the RAM can be used effectively at any time. It is to provide.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit initializing apparatus, comprising: an input unit for inputting information; a processing unit for performing a process in accordance with the input; Storage means for storing necessary information, time measurement means for measuring time, and initialization means for initializing the storage means when there is no input from the input means for a predetermined time or more. I do.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the storage unit initializing apparatus, the storage unit includes a plurality of storage areas including a storage area used as a main memory. A first storage unit, wherein the initialization unit initializes only a storage unit used as a main memory of the first storage unit when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more. I do.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the storage unit initializing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the initializing unit is configured such that when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more, When the processing according to the input from the input unit is completed, the storage unit is initialized.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the storage device initialization apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the storage means includes a storage area used as auxiliary storage. And an initialization unit that initializes the first storage unit after saving the information stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit. I do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit initializing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the processing unit stores information in the second storage unit. First, after storing in the first storage means, it is stored in the second storage means at an arbitrary timing or a timing of initialization.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit initializing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the initializing unit has not received an input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more. In this case, if the free space of the first storage unit is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the storage unit is initialized.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the storage unit initializing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the initializing unit has not received an input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more. In this case, if the continuous free space of the first storage means is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the storage means is initialized.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the storage unit initializing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the initializing unit has not received an input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more. In this case, the display screen is erased and the first storage unit is initialized.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the storage means initializing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the initializing means has not received an input from the input means for a predetermined time or more. In this case, or when an end instruction operation is performed by the user, the display screen is erased and the first storage unit is initialized.

[0022]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an apparatus for initializing storage means according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a communication terminal device according to an embodiment for realizing the present invention.

The storage device initialization device according to the present invention is not limited to the communication terminal device shown in FIG. 1, but can be applied to any electronic device.

Reference numeral 101 denotes a telephone handset, 102 denotes a dial button, 103 denotes a transparent tablet and a transmissive LCD.
(Liquid crystal display) Integrated display and input device, 104 is a part of the above transparent tablet with key button image printed below, 105 is a tablet input pen, 106 is a pen storage groove, 107 is a power lamp, and 108 is an absence message The presence / absence lamp 109 is an infrared transceiver.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the hardware of the communication terminal device shown in FIG.

1 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit)
And controls each device of the communication terminal device according to a computer program (hereinafter simply referred to as a program) and data stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a memory map of various storage devices of the communication terminal device.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the ROM 2 stores an initialization program storage area 2-1 for storing a program for initializing each device of the communication terminal device, a basic process and a hardware control program (BIOS). : Basic Input Ou
BIOS storage area 2- in which the tput system is stored.
2. Start / switch each application program
An OS storage area 2-3 in which an OS (Operating System) for controlling termination and the like is stored, and various application programs (a telephone transmission / reception program, a FAX transmission / reception program, a telephone directory program, an Internet browsing program, etc.) are stored. It is divided into an application program storage area 2-4, a character font data storage area 2-5 storing character font data for display and printing, and a data storage area 2-6 storing other data. .

Reference numeral 3 denotes a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is positioned as first storage means.

As shown in FIG. 3 (2), the RAM 3
A main memory area 3-1 used as a main memory when the U1 operates, a VRAM area 3 storing display data 3-
2. It is divided into a RAM disk area 3-3 for storing various data (history dial data: recently dialed telephone number data, best dial data: top ten frequently dialed telephone number data, etc.) of the communication terminal device. . Further, a part of the main memory area 3-1 is used as a cache memory 3-1-1 of the auxiliary storage device 4 described later.

Reference numeral 4 denotes an auxiliary storage device, such as a built-in storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory, or an external storage device such as a magneto-optical disk, DVD, or MD, which has a lower access speed than a normal RAM. However, it is a large-capacity storage device. That is, the auxiliary storage device 4 is positioned as a second storage unit.

As shown in FIG. 3 (3), the line type flag area in which the type of the communication line to which the communication terminal device is connected (for example, dial line or push-phone line) is stored in the auxiliary storage device 4. 4-1. Phone book data storage area 4 for storing phone book data uniquely input by the user
-2, an answering machine data storage area 4- in which sampling data of a voice response / work message of an answering machine is stored;
3. FAX data storage area 4-4 for storing FAX transmission / reception image data, mail data storage area 4-5 for storing e-mail documents, and other data storage area 4-6 for storing other data Have been.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a display device (corresponding to the reference numeral 103 in FIG. 1) such as a transmissive (backlight type) LCD.
The data (such as various messages and button images for tablet input) stored in the AM area 3-2 is displayed.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a touch panel (corresponding to reference numerals 103 and 104 in FIG. 1) for detecting a position (XY coordinates) pressed by the pen 105 or a finger.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a timing device, which is used for the current date and time,
It measures time, for example, a timer.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a communication device, which is a facsimile modem for performing telephone communication, facsimile communication, and personal computer communication (internet communication) using an analog telephone line. In addition, a unit for performing infrared communication with another device using the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 109 is also provided. The corresponding line of the communication device 8 is not limited to the analog line, but may be a digital line.

FIG. 4 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the communication terminal device.

This flowchart is based on the assumption that the CPU 1
Is realized by operating based on the OS 2-3 stored in the.

When the power of the communication terminal device is turned on, this flowchart is started.

In step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1, the flag F is set to 0, and then in S2, the system initialization routine is called. Here, the flag F is a predetermined bit of a predetermined register of the CPU 1, for example. The reason why the flag F is set to 0 is to notify the initialization routine that immediately after the power is turned on.

At S2, the initialization routine is called to initialize each means (RAM, communication device, and the like) of the communication terminal device. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a state of the main memory area 3-1 of the RAM 3 after completion of the initialization. It is shown that the entire area is a free area (block A5-1-1) (information such as the size of the block A, a used / free discrimination flag, and a pointer to the next block is included in the header A). Is stored). The details of the system initialization processing in S2 are shown in a flowchart showing the operation in FIG. 9, and the description will be given later.

In S3, a telephone application program is started. The telephone application program displays a screen as shown in FIG. 6 on the display screen 103 (specifically, stores the display screen data in the VRAM 3-2),
The process returns to the OS (migrate to S4).

FIG. 6 shows one display example of the display input device 103 in the external view of FIG. 103 is LC
On the D display screen, reference numeral 104 denotes an area where an application switching button drawing is printed. The transparent touch panel 6 is superimposed on the front surface of the area where the LCD display screen 103 and the application switching button drawing 104 are printed. The application switching button drawing 104 includes a message display area 103-1 for displaying the number of recorded messages, facsimile and mail, a dial button area 103-2 for giving an instruction by touching by a user, and various functions. Button area 1
03-3, a function button area 103-4, an application switching button area 104, and the like. At the time of S3, the backlight (not shown) of the LCD is not turned on yet, so that the display screen is actually black and nothing can be seen.

In S4, the backlight of the LCD is turned on. Thus, the display screen shown in FIG. 6 can be viewed.

In the present communication terminal device, each functional program requests the OS to secure a memory of a size necessary for executing the processing. The OS allocates a free block capable of securing a memory of the requested size in the main memory area 3
The search is started from -1 to give the use permission to the requesting function program. FIG. 5B shows a state in which the block A5-2-1 is assigned to the telephone application program. Note that each functional program requests the OS to release the memory when the memory becomes unnecessary (for example, when the processing is completed). The OS releases the corresponding memory block in response to the request.

In S5, the timer means (realized by the timer 7) is initialized and started.

In S6, it is determined whether or not an input has been made on the touch panel 6, and if there is an input, the flow shifts to S7. If there is no input, it is determined in S9 whether the timer has exceeded a predetermined value. If not, the process returns to S6 and waits for an input on the touch panel. The communication terminal device switches to the power saving mode when there is no input from the touch panel for a predetermined time for power saving and protection of the display device. The timer (time measuring device 7) is for measuring the time.

Here, a plurality of the predetermined times may be prepared in advance in the program, and a configuration may be provided in which the user can select the predetermined time. Also, the user actually inputs an appropriate time using the input means,
The configuration may be such that it can be set as a predetermined time and further change this. These means are the CPU 1, the ROM 2, the touch panel 6 in FIG.
It can be realized by using functions such as.

When there is an interruption (such as an incoming call of a telephone or a FAX reception request) from the communication device 8 or the like, an interruption process corresponding to the interruption is performed at any time. Since the interrupt processing itself is not directly related to the gist of the present invention, the description is omitted, but the processing program also requests the OS to secure a necessary memory area. FIG. 5C shows an example in which block B5-3-2 is assigned to a telephone call interruption processing program.

In S7, it is determined whether or not the coordinate input in S6 is the "display on / off" button (area) 104-6 (the button at the bottom of the application switching button drawing 104 in FIG. 6). If so, proceed to S10, otherwise proceed to S8.

In step S8, a process is performed when a button (area) other than the "display on / off" button (area) 104-6 in the application switching button drawing 104 (shown in FIG. 6) 104-6 is pressed, and thereafter, the flow returns to step S5. Return. The details of the other button processes are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the description will be given later.

On the other hand, in S10, it is determined whether or not the handset 101 is off-hook (in a state where the handset is picked up).
Move to 11.

In S11, the backlight of the LCD is turned off.
Change to F. Thereby, the power consumption of the communication terminal device can be reduced. This state is called a power saving mode.

In S12, it is determined whether or not to reinitialize the communication terminal device. If it is determined to be performed, the process proceeds to S13.
If it is determined not to perform the process, the process proceeds to S15. It is determined that re-initialization is performed when the free space of the main memory 3-1 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. In other words, unless there is an instruction to save the data in the auxiliary storage unit 4 and data such as a mail document is being input in a state in which the user has not yet given an instruction, the continuous free space (a plurality of free space in the main memory 3-1) is set. This is a case where the free area block is present and the maximum block size is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount.

In S13, 1 is set to the flag F for initialization, and the initialization routine is called again in S14. The details of the system initialization process in S14 are shown in a flowchart of FIG. 9, and the description will be given later.

On the other hand, in S15, it is determined whether or not the touch panel 6 has been pressed, and if so, the process proceeds to S16.
The communication terminal device operates the touch panel 6 in the power saving mode.
Press to return to the normal state.

In step S16, it is determined whether or not the telephone application program has been activated. If the telephone application program has been activated, the process returns to step S4. If the telephone application program has not been activated, that is, if another application program (such as a FAX application or an e-mail application) has been activated. ) Is activated, the application program is terminated in S17, the telephone application is activated in S18,
Then, the process returns to S4. After returning to S4, the LCD backlight is turned on as described above, and the state returns to a state where an instruction operation and data input from the user can be accepted.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the details of the processing of S8 (input processing of buttons excluding the "display on / off" button (area) 104-6 at the bottom of the application switching button drawing 104 of FIG. 6). 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 1 operating based on the OS 2-3 stored in the ROM 2.

In S21, it is determined whether or not the coordinate input in S6 is the "telephone" button (area) 104-1 (the top button of 104 in FIG. 6).
The process proceeds to S2, otherwise to S24.

In S22, it is determined whether or not the telephone application program has already been started. If the telephone application program has been started, this processing ends (return to S5 in FIG. 4). Activate and end this process.

After the telephone application program is started, the screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and thereafter, the process returns to the OS (return to S5 in FIG. 4).

In S24, the coordinates input in S6 are "F
It is determined whether or not the button is an “AX” button (area) 104-2 (the second button from the top of 104 in FIG. 6). If so, the process proceeds to S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to S27.

Similarly, in steps S25 to S26, if the FAX application program has not been started, a process for starting it is performed.

After the FAX application program is started, the input screen of the FAX transmission message and the received FAX
After the message list is displayed, the process returns to the OS (return to S5 in FIG. 4).

In steps S27 to S29, the e-mail application program is similarly activated (the input coordinates are the "mail" button (area) 104-3 (FIG. 6).
Is determined to be the third button from the top of (104), and the corresponding process is performed).

After the e-mail application program starts, after displaying an e-mail document creation screen and a list of received e-mail documents, the process returns to the OS (return to S5 in FIG. 4).

In steps S30 to S32, the Internet application program (web browser) is similarly started (when the input coordinates are "Internet").
The button (area) 104-4 (the fourth button from the top of 104 in FIG. 6 is determined, and the corresponding process is performed).

After starting the web browser, the web browser performs a process of displaying a home page of a predetermined web site, and then returns the process to the OS (return to S5 in FIG. 4).

In steps S33 to S35, similarly, the activation processing of the various setting application programs is performed (the input coordinates are the "various setting" button (area) 104-5 (FIG. 6).
(The second button from the bottom of step 104)), and performs the corresponding process).

After the various setting application programs are started, various setting screens (such as communication settings) are displayed, and then the process returns to the OS (return to S5 in FIG. 4).

In S36, the coordinate value input in S6 is
Deliver to the currently running application program. The application program performs various processes based on the passed coordinate values.

For example, when the screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed and the telephone application program is activated, the following is performed.

When the passed coordinate value is entered on the dial button 103-
In the case of two areas, the communication device 8 generates the dial sound of the numeral. When the function button 103-3 is pressed, the corresponding function is executed. For example, in the case of the answering button 103-31, ON / OFF of the answering machine
And the last dialed number is displayed again in the case of the history dial button 103-33, and a list of ten recently dialed numbers is displayed in the case of the history dial button 103-33.
In the case of 34, a list is displayed of the top 10 persons who dial the most. The telephone directory button 103-35 displays telephone directory data input by the user. When the dial button 103-32 is pressed, the telephone number is stored as a redial data in a predetermined location of the main memory 3-1. When the answering button 103-31 is pressed, the ON / OFF switching state of the answering machine is stored in a predetermined location of the main memory 3-1.

Each of the above function programs requests the OS to secure a memory.

FIG. 5D shows a state where a block C5-4-3, which is a memory area for the telephone directory data display program, is secured. Block A as described above
5-4-1 is assigned to a telephone application program, and block B5-4-2 is assigned to a telephone call interruption processing program. That is, the main memory 3 in FIG.
State 1 is a state in which a telephone call is received (call is started) during execution of the telephone application program (when the screen in FIG. 6 is displayed), and then the telephone directory is displayed according to a user's instruction or the like. Is shown. If the call is terminated here, the block B5-4-2 becomes unnecessary, and the telephone call interruption processing program requests the OS to release the block B5-4-2. OS accordingly
Releases the block B5-4-2 and becomes free, resulting in fragmentation of the main memory 3-1 as shown in FIG. 5 (5). When memory is fragmented in this way, when another function program requests memory reservation next time, the required capacity cannot be secured and processing cannot be executed, or the processing speed may be reduced by securing discontinuous areas. Problems, such as a decrease in the image quality. Therefore, it is necessary to initialize the RAM 3 in order to eliminate the fragmentation.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the processing of S2 and S14 (system initialization routine).

This flowchart shows that the CPU 1
Is realized by operating based on the initialization program 2-1 stored in the.

As described with reference to FIG. 4, the flag F is set to 0 or 1 before the present system initialization routine is called.

In S41, the VRAM 3-2 is cleared (all 0s are stored). Thereafter, a message indicating that initialization is currently being performed is displayed (stored in the VRAM 3-2). However, the display is not visible because the backlight is off.

In S42, it is determined whether or not the flag F is 0. If it is 0, the process proceeds to S43, and if not, the process proceeds to S46.

If the flag F is 0, that is, immediately after the power of the communication terminal device is turned on, the main memory 3-1 (including the cache memory 3-1-1) is cleared in S43 (FIG. 5). (Return to the initial state as shown in (1)), S
At 44, the RAM disk 3-2 is cleared. That is, at this point, all the areas of the RAM 3 have been cleared.

In S45, it is determined whether the line connected to the communication device 8 is a push line or a dial line, and the result of the determination is stored in the line type flag 4-1 of the auxiliary storage device 4. Note that a known method is used as the determination method.

On the other hand, when the flag F is not 0, that is, at the time of re-initialization, the contents of the cache memory 3-1-1 in the main memory 3 are stored in a predetermined area of the auxiliary storage device 4 where the original storage is to be performed in S46. At S47, the various storage data (for example, the answering machine ON / OFF setting state, redial telephone number data, etc.) stored in the main memory 3-1 are temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 4 or the RAM.
The program is saved to the disk 3-3, and all application programs currently running are terminated in S48.

Thereafter, the main memory 3-1 (including the cache memory 3-1-1) is cleared in S49, and in S50, various storage data of the device saved in S47 is called and reset.

That is, this means that only the storage unit used as the main memory of the first storage means is initialized, or the information stored in the first storage means is saved in the second storage means. Later, it means that the first storage means is initialized.

As described above, when this initialization routine is called immediately after the power of the communication terminal device is turned on, RA
All areas of M3 are cleared, but if this initialization routine is called at the time of reinitialization, some areas of RAM3 (RAM disk area 3-3) are not cleared. In the former case, the line type determination process is performed, but not in the latter case. Therefore, the latter initialization process is completed in a shorter time than the former initialization process.

When it is detected that an input has been made on the touch panel during the initialization processing, the backlight may be turned on. That is, since a message indicating that initialization is currently being performed is stored in the VRAM in S41, this is actually displayed.

As described above, one example of the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
The following features can be obtained by the contents described in FIGS.

(1) According to the storage device initialization device, when a user's instruction operation or information such as characters is input from the input device, the processing device stores necessary information or the like in accordance with the input. The processing is performed while storing / calling the data, and when the time measuring means measures that there is no instruction operation from the user for a predetermined time or more, the initializing means initializes the storing means.

Thus, when there is no instruction operation or information input from the user for a predetermined time or more, the storage means (RAM) is initialized, so that the RAM can be used effectively at any time. Thus, the capacity of the RAM mounted on the electronic device can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. Further, it is possible to eliminate a problem that a desired function cannot be used due to a memory shortage error. Further, a reduction in the processing speed of the electronic device can be prevented.

(2) According to the storage means initialization device, when a user's instruction operation or information such as characters is input from the input means, the processing means stores necessary information or the like in accordance with the input. The processing is performed while storing / recalling in a partial area of the memory. When the time measuring means measures that there is no instruction operation from the user for a predetermined time or more, the initializing means stores only a partial area of the memory means. initialize.

Thus, when re-initialization is performed, RA
To clear only some areas of M (areas where memory fragmentation and forgetting to release are likely to occur: main memory), store data that you do not want to be erased in other areas and keep them. Can be. Thus, the processing time of the re-initialization processing can be reduced.

(3) According to the storage means initializing device, when the time measuring means determines that there is no instruction operation from the user for a predetermined time or more, and when the processing corresponding to the input is completed, In this case, the initialization means initializes the storage means.

Thus, if the data input by the user has not been saved yet, re-initialization is not performed, so that the data being input is not erased.

(4) According to the storage means initialization apparatus, the initialization means saves the information stored in the storage means (first storage means) to another storage means (second storage means). After that, the first storage unit is initialized.

Thus, the RAM in the area to be reinitialized
Since part of the data stored in the RAM is re-initialized after being saved in another storage means (for example, the second storage means), the necessary data is not erased. .

(5) According to the storage means initializing apparatus, the processing means, when storing information in the second storage means, first stores the information in the first storage means, and then stores the information in an arbitrary timing or the initial state. At the timing of the conversion to the second storage means.

Thus, the low-speed storage means (second
When storing data in, for example, an auxiliary storage device, the data is first stored in a high-speed storage device (first storage device), and then the original low-speed data is stored at an arbitrary timing or at a re-initialization timing. Since the data is stored in the storage unit (second storage unit), the processing speed for the user's instruction operation can be improved without data loss.

(6) According to the storage means initializing device, when the time measuring means determines that there is no instruction operation from the user for a predetermined time or more, and the free space of the first storage means is equal to the predetermined value. If the value is equal to or less than the predetermined value, or if it is measured that there is no instruction operation from the user for a predetermined time or more, and if the continuous free space in the first storage means is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the initialization means sets the first Is initialized.

As a result, the free space (continuous free space) in the RAM is checked before the re-initialization, and the re-initialization is performed only when it is determined that the re-initialization is necessary, so that unnecessary processing is performed. Nothing.

(7) According to the storage means initializing apparatus, when the time measuring means determines that there is no instruction operation from the user for a predetermined time or more, the initializing means erases the display screen, and 1 is initialized.

Thus, when there is no instruction operation or information input from the user for a predetermined time or more, the display screen is turned off, and then re-initialization is performed. Therefore, the user pays attention to the operation of re-initialization of the apparatus. Without this, the state of the device is always kept normal.

(8) According to the storage means initializing device, when the time measuring means measures that there is no instruction operation from the user for a predetermined time or more, or when the user performs an end instruction operation, the initializing operation is started. The initialization means erases the display screen and initializes the first storage means.

As a result, the display screen is erased and re-initialized in response to the end instruction of the user, so that the apparatus can be re-initialized while the user is not using the apparatus.

The contents of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the contents described above unless the gist of the present invention is changed.

[0107]

According to the storage means initializing device of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained in each claim.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when there is no instruction operation input from the user for a predetermined time or more, the storage means (RAM) is initialized, so that the RAM can be used effectively at any time. Thus, the capacity of the RAM mounted on the electronic device can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to eliminate a problem that a desired function cannot be used due to a memory shortage error. Further, a reduction in the processing speed of the electronic device can be prevented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above effects, when reinitialization is performed, only a part of the RAM (an area in which fragmentation of the memory or forgetting to release the memory is likely to occur: main memory) is performed. In order to clear the data, the data that should not be erased can be left by storing it in another area. Thus, the processing time of the re-initialization processing can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, if the data input by the user has not been saved yet, re-initialization is not performed, so that the data being input is erased. There is no effect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above effects, a part of the data stored in the RAM in the area to be reinitialized is saved in another storage means (storage area) and then re-initialized. Since the initialization is performed, there is an effect that necessary data is not erased.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, when data is stored in a low-speed storage unit, the data is first stored in a high-speed storage unit, and thereafter, an arbitrary timing or a timing of re-initialization. Therefore, since the data is stored in the storage unit having the original low speed, the processing speed for the user's instruction operation can be improved without data loss.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, before re-initialization, the free space (continuous free space) of the RAM is checked to determine that re-initialization is necessary. Since the re-initialization is performed only when the processing is performed, there is an effect that unnecessary processing is not performed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, when there is no input from the user for a predetermined time or more, the display screen is turned off and then re-initialized. There is an effect that the state of the device can be kept normal at any time without regard to the operation of the device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above effects, the display screen is erased in response to a user's termination instruction,
Since the re-initialization is performed, the device can be re-initialized while the user is not using the device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a communication terminal device which is an embodiment of a storage device initialization device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of hardware according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a memory (RAM / ROM) according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a (/ auxiliary storage device).

FIG. 4 is a main flowchart showing the flow of processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state transition of a main memory according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen display example according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a first half of input processing of other buttons according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the input processing of the other buttons according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a system initialization process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 4 Auxiliary storage device 5 Display device 6 Touch panel 7 Clock device 8 Communication device

Claims (9)

[Claims] An input unit for inputting information; a processing unit for performing a process in accordance with the input; a storage unit for storing information necessary for performing the process; a time measuring unit for measuring time; A storage unit initialization device, comprising: an initialization unit that initializes the storage unit when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more. 2. The storage device initialization device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device has a first storage device including a plurality of storage regions including a storage region used as a main memory, A storage unit initializing unit that initializes only a storage unit used as a main memory of the first storage unit when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more. 3. The storage device initialization device according to claim 1, wherein the initialization device completes a process according to the input from the input device when there is no input from the input device for a predetermined time or more. A storage unit initializing device for initializing a storage unit in a state. 4. The storage device initialization device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device has a second storage device including a storage area used as auxiliary storage, and the initialization device includes: A storage unit initializing device, wherein after the information stored in the first storage unit is saved in the second storage unit, the first storage unit is initialized. 5. The storage unit initializing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit stores information in the second storage unit.
A storage device initializing device, wherein the storage device first stores the data in the first storage device and then stores the data in the second storage device at an arbitrary timing or a timing of initialization. 6. The storage unit initializing device according to claim 1, wherein the initializing unit is configured to execute the operation when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more, and when the free space of the first storage unit is a predetermined amount. A storage unit initialization device, wherein the storage unit is initialized when the value is equal to or less than the value. 7. The storage unit initializing device according to claim 1, wherein the initializing unit is configured such that when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more, and when there is no continuous free space in the first storage unit. A memory means for initializing the storage means when is less than or equal to a predetermined value. 8. The storage device initialization device according to claim 1, wherein the initialization device erases the display screen when there is no input from the input device for a predetermined time or more. And a storage unit initialization device. 9. The storage unit initializing device according to claim 1, wherein the initializing unit is configured to execute the operation when there is no input from the input unit for a predetermined time or more, or when an end instruction operation is performed by a user. A storage unit initializing device for erasing a display screen and initializing a first storage unit.