JP2010198314A - Information management device - Google Patents

Abstract

In a system including at least two parts each having a storage device, the unique information is managed automatically and appropriately when the unique information unique to the system is stored in both of the storage devices of the two parts. .
Information storage memories 104 and 122 respectively provided in a main board 101 and a panel 120, which are components of a server system 100, store unique information unique to the server system 100. The service processor 127 writes time information in the information storage memories 104 and 122 regularly or irregularly. The service processor 127 refers to the time information written in the information storage memories 104 and 122 when the server system 100 is turned on, and the unique information in the information storage memory that stores the new time information. Is copied and written to the information storage memory storing the old time information.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to management of information in a system when the components are exchanged in a system including a plurality of components.

  For example, a system such as a server system has a plurality of FRUs (Field Replaceable Units). When a failure occurs, an operator may be able to recover from the failure by replacing the FRU.

  By the way, FRU exchange may involve management of various types of information. However, in the past, since the work for managing various information was entrusted to the manual work of the worker when replacing the FRU, the accuracy and certainty of the information management depended on the skill level of the worker, etc. There was a case.

  As a method for eliminating the dependence on the skill level of the worker, for example, a failure information management method for managing failure information on replaceable parts included in an electronic device is disclosed for management of information on failures. According to the failure information management method, failure information can be notified and managed accurately and reliably without depending on the skill level of the worker.

  Specifically, according to the failure information management method, an error log is generated. The error log includes identification information of recommended replacement parts recommended for replacement by failure analysis processing of the parts, a representative log information section including the type of the failure, and device environment information of recommended replacement parts when a failure occurs And a detailed log information part. The error log is stored in a nonvolatile memory included in the replacement recommended component itself.

  Further, according to the failure information management method, the first generation information is recorded in the representative log information portion and the detailed log information portion so as not to be overwritten for the first failure of the recommended replacement part. For the second and subsequent failures, the second generation information is recorded in the representative log information portion and the detailed log information portion so as to be overwritten.

  However, information managed at the time of FRU replacement is not limited to information directly related to a failure. For example, various types of information unique to the system (hereinafter referred to as “unique information”) such as ID (identification) and network address may be managed at the time of FRU exchange.

  For example, some FRUs include an NVRAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory) that stores unique information. When the current FRU having the NVRAM storing the unique information is replaced with a spare FRU for maintenance, not only the FRU is replaced but also the unique information stored in the NVRAM may be managed.

  For example, the worker removes the active FRU from the system, and removes the NVRAM in which the unique information is stored from the removed active FRU. Then, the worker mounts the removed NVRAM on the spare FRU, and then attaches the spare FRU to the system. An operator may perform a series of procedures as described above for managing unique information.

  However, when a failure occurs, an operator may replace the current part with a spare part on a trial and error basis to isolate the cause of the failure. For example, a working part suspected of causing a failure may be replaced with a spare part and a test may be performed. As a result of the test, it may be determined that the suspected working part was not the cause of the failure. In this case, the replacement of the spare part and the working part is generally performed again, and the working part is generally returned to the system.

  When spare parts are temporarily incorporated into the system as described above, the current parts and spare parts are replaced twice. Therefore, when an operator manually manages information, the information management The effort is also doubled.

International Publication No. WO2007 / 088606

  As described above, conventionally, labor has been required for information management when replacing parts. In addition, there is a system in which two parts store a copy of the same unique information for the purpose of backup, but in such a system, when one of the two parts is replaced with a spare part, it does not depend on a worker. In addition, it is preferable to ensure consistency of the unique information between the two parts.

  Therefore, the present invention provides automatic and appropriate unique information when the unique information unique to the system is stored in both of the two component storage means in a system including at least two parts each having storage means. It is an object to provide an information management device that can be managed.

  A first information management device provided by the disclosed technology is a system including a first component including a first storage unit and a second component including a second storage unit. And an information management apparatus for managing information including unique information unique to the system, which is stored in the second storage means. The first information management apparatus includes time information writing means and management means as follows.

The time information writing means writes time information to the first storage means and the second storage means at a predetermined timing.
The management means performs the following when the system is powered on.

  That is, the management unit refers to the time information written in the first storage unit and the second storage unit, respectively. If the time information in the first storage means is older than the time information in the second storage means, the management means stores the unique information in the second storage means. Write to the first storage means. On the other hand, if the time information in the second storage means is older than the time information in the first storage means, the management means may identify the specific information in the first storage means. Is written in the second storage means.

  A second information management device provided by the disclosed technology includes a first component including a first storage unit, a second component including a second storage unit, and a third storage unit. The information management apparatus manages information including unique information unique to the system stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit. The second management device includes time information writing means and management means as follows.

The time information writing unit writes the time information to the first storage unit, the second storage unit, and the third storage unit when the system is powered off.
The management means refers to the time information written respectively in the first storage means and the second storage means when the system is powered on, and the time information in the first storage means If the time information in the second storage means is not equal, the following is performed.

  That is, if the time information in the first storage means is equal to the time information in the third storage means, the management means stores the unique information in the first storage means in the second storage. Write to the means. Alternatively, if the time information in the second storage means is equal to the time information in the third storage means, the management means stores the unique information in the second storage means in the first storage. Write to the means.

  According to the first information management apparatus, when one of the first part and the second part is replaced, newer time information is written in the storage means of the part that has not been replaced. Accordingly, the original unique information stored in the storage means of the part that has not been replaced is automatically and appropriately copied to the storage means of the replaced part.

  Further, according to the second information management device, when one of the first part and the second part is replaced, the storage means of the part that has not been replaced is stored in the third storage means. Time information equal to the time information is written. Accordingly, the original unique information stored in the storage means of the part that has not been replaced is automatically and appropriately copied to the storage means of the replaced part.

It is a block diagram of the server system in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining apparatus information. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of starting in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of normal use in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of power-off in 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart when components which are neither a main board nor a panel in 1st Embodiment are replaced | exchanged. It is a timing chart when the main board is replaced in the first embodiment. It is a timing chart when the panel is replaced in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the transition of the apparatus information in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of starting in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of power-off in 2nd Embodiment. It is a timing chart when a service processor is replaced in the second embodiment. It is a timing chart when the main board is replaced in the second embodiment. It is a timing chart when the panel is replaced in the second embodiment.

Below, 1st Embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 1-9, and 2nd Embodiment is described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a server system in the first embodiment.

The server system 100 in FIG. 1 includes a main board 101. The main board 101 is a board called a motherboard or a system board.
The main board 101 includes a plurality of CPUs (Central Processing Units) 102a to 102b, a plurality of main memories 103a to 103c, an information storage memory 104, and an input / output control unit 105.

  The number of CPUs and the number of main memories are not limited to two and three illustrated in FIG. 1, but are arbitrary. The main memories 103a to 103c are, for example, DRAMs (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

  The information storage memory 104 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. The information storage memory 104 stores unique information that is unique to the server system 100 and that is referred to when the server system 100 operates, and time information. A specific example of the unique information will be described later. Hereinafter, information stored in the information storage memory 104 is referred to as “main information”, and time information included in the main information (that is, time information stored in the information storage memory 104) is referred to as “main information time”. In the present specification, the term “time” includes the date.

  Further, the main information and subordinate information described later include common unique information. In the first embodiment, the unique information referred to for the server system 100 to operate is unique information in the main information. The sub information is intended to back up the main information, and the unique information in the sub information is not directly referred to for the operation of the server system 100. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the names “main information” and “subordinate information” are used.

The main board 101 further includes a graphic card 106, an input / output (I / O) controller 107, and a disk controller 108.
In the main board 101, the CPUs 102 a to 102 b, the main memories 103 a to 103 c, and the input / output control unit 105 are connected by a bus 109. The information storage memory 104, the input / output control unit 105, the graphic card 106, the I / O controller 107, and the disk controller 108 are connected by a bus 110. The input / output control unit 105 connected to both the bus 109 and the bus 110 mediates data input / output between the CPUs 102a to 102b and the main memories 103a to 103c on the bus 109 side and other units on the bus 110 side. ,Control.

Further, the main board 101 includes I / F (interface) connectors 111 to 116 that provide connection interfaces with various devices outside the main board 101.
The server system 100 includes a display 117, an input device 118 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a plurality of HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) 119a to 119a connected to the outside of the main board 101 via I / F connectors 111 to 113, respectively. 119c.

  Specifically, the I / F connector 111 provides an interface between the graphic card 106 and the display 117, and the I / F connector 112 provides an interface between the I / O controller 107 and the input device 118. To do. An I / F connector 113 provides an interface between the disk controller 108 and the HDDs 119a to 119c.

  The server system 100 also includes a panel 120 on the front surface of a housing (not shown) that houses the main board 101, for example. The panel 120 includes an I / F connector 121, an information storage memory 122, a switch group 123, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 124, and an LCD / switch controller 125.

  The I / F connector 114 connected to the bus 110 in the main board 101 and the I / F connector 121 in the panel 120 are connected to each other, and provide an interface between the main board 101 and the panel 120.

  The information storage memory 122 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores unique information and time information unique to the server system 100. Hereinafter, information stored in the information storage memory 122 is referred to as “subordinate information”, and time information included in the subordinate information (that is, time information stored in the information storage memory 122) is referred to as “subordinate information time”.

  The switch group 123 includes a power switch, a reset switch, and the like, and may include other switches for generating an interrupt. The LCD 124 is a console for notifying the status of the server system 100 and the like, and is an example of a display. An LED (light-emitting diode) lamp or the like can be used instead of the LCD 124 or together with the LCD 124.

  The LCD / switch controller 125 controls the LCD 124 and sends a signal corresponding to an input from the switch group 123 (that is, switch operation) to the main board 101 via the I / F connector 121. The content displayed on the LCD 124 may be instructed from the CPU 102a or 102b in the main board 101 via the I / F connector 121 as necessary. Also, the content displayed on the LCD 124 by the LCD / switch controller 125 alone may be determined. The LCD / switch controller 125 changes the display content of the LCD 124 by controlling the LCD 124.

  Further, the server system 100 includes a clock device 126 and a service processor 127 in addition to the main board 101. The I / F connector 115 connected to the bus 110 in the main board 101 provides an interface between the main board 101 and the clock device 126. Similarly, the I / F connector 116 connected to the bus 110 in the main board 101 provides an interface between the main board 101 and the service processor 127.

  The timepiece device 126 is driven using a battery (not shown) and keeps ticking while the power supply to the entire server system 100 is cut off. The clock device 126 may be in the main board 101. The server system 100 may further include a clock device other than the clock device 126 shown in FIG.

  The service processor 127 is a processor independent of the CPUs 102a to 102b on the main board 101. The service processor 127 includes a processor core (not shown), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for a work area, and a nonvolatile memory (for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory) that stores firmware and the like.

  The service processor 127 operates according to the firmware that is a kind of program. Specifically, for example, the service processor 127 monitors and controls a power supply circuit and a cooling fan (not shown) of the server system 100. In the present embodiment, the firmware includes a program that causes the service processor 127 to perform the processes of FIGS.

  The service processor 127 has a power-off time storage area 128. The power-off time storage area 128 may be a part of the nonvolatile memory in which firmware or the like is stored, or may be an area in another nonvolatile memory. The power-off time storage area 128 is an area for storing time information indicating the power-off time when power supply to the entire server system 100 is cut off, and is realized by a rewritable nonvolatile memory.

  The service processor 127 can read time information from the clock device 126 via the I / F connector 116, the bus 110, and the I / F connector 115 in accordance with a firmware read command.

  The service processor 127 can read information from the information storage memory 104 on the main board 101 and write information to the information storage memory 104 by a firmware read command and write command. As shown in FIG. 1, reading / writing of information related to the information storage memory 104 is performed via the I / F connector 116 and the bus 110.

  Further, the service processor 127 can read information from the information storage memory 122 on the panel 120 or write information to the information storage memory 122 by a firmware read command and write command. As shown in FIG. 1, reading and writing of information regarding the information storage memory 122 is performed via the I / F connector 116, the bus 110, the I / F connector 114, and the I / F connector 121.

  The server system 100 may further include a network I / F (not shown), and may be connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) via the network I / F. A MAC (Media Access Control) address assigned to the network I / F is used as the MAC address of the server system 100.

  In the server system 100 of FIG. 1, the main board 101, the panel 120, and the service processor 127 are FRUs. More specifically, the main board 101, the panel 120, and the service processor 127 are non-hot swappable, but are FRUs that can be replaced once the server system 100 is powered off.

  As a general trend, hot-swappable parts can be attached to and removed from the device relatively easily by an unspecified user. On the other hand, the unique information may include important information. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of leakage of unique information, unique information is preferably stored in a non-hot swap compatible part. Therefore, in the first embodiment, unique information is stored in the main board 101 and the panel 120 that are not hot swappable.

  In the first embodiment, the display 117, the input device 118, and the HDDs 119a to 119c are also FRUs. The display 117, the input device 118, and the HDDs 119a to 119c may be hot-swappable.

  The configuration of the server system 100 has been described above. Next, the role of unique information in the system in which both the main information and the sub information include the same unique information as described above will be described. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, the format of the main information and the sub information is the same, and the contents are the same during normal use. Sometimes used.

  The unique information includes, for example, parameter information when the server system 100 is activated. Here, the parameter information may be identification information for identifying the server system 100 such as a host ID of the server system 100 or a MAC address of the server system 100, for example. Alternatively, the parameter information may include option designation when starting the server system 100. Further, the unique information may include information related to authentication such as a product ID and a license key of software installed in the server system 100. In addition, the unique information may include any kind of information.

  The unique information as described above is stored as at least part of the main information in the information storage memory 104 which is a storage device on the first component (specifically, the main board 101) of the server system 100. The same unique information is also stored in the information storage memory 122 which is a storage device on the second component (specifically, the panel 120) of the server system 100 as at least a part of the sub information. That is, the unique information in the main information is backed up in the sub information.

  The CPUs 102a to 102b of the server system 100 read the unique information in the main information when the server system 100 is started up (specifically, after the service processor 127 finishes the processing of FIG. 3 described later), and the read unique information Therefore, processing is performed.

  For example, when the specific information includes specification of an OS (Operating System) start option, the CPUs 102a to 102b may start the OS according to the specific information. When the unique information includes network information such as a MAC address, the CPUs 102a to 102b may establish a network connection according to the unique information via a network I / F (not shown).

  By the way, when a failure such as a failure occurs in the main board 101 including the information storage memory 104 in which main information is stored, or when it is estimated that a failure has occurred in the main board 101, the current main board 101 is regarded as a maintenance part. May be exchanged. At this time, if the unique information in the main information before the replacement is properly restored in the information storage memory 104 on the new replaced main board 101, the same unique information as before is also obtained after the replacement of the main board 101. The server system 100 can be activated. As described above, since the unique information is backed up as a part of the sub information, the sub information can be restored.

  Further, the panel 120 including the information storage memory 122 in which the sub information is stored may be defective, or the panel 120 may be replaced on the assumption that a defect has occurred. At this time, if the unique information in the sub information before the replacement is properly restored in the information storage memory 122 on the new replaced panel 120, the state that “the sub information backs up the main information” is displayed. It is possible to cope with the case where the main board 101 is exchanged next. Such restoration is possible using the main information.

  Here, there are several methods including the methods shown in the first and second embodiments for appropriately and automatically realizing the restoration using the sub information or the main information. In any method, in order to perform an appropriate restoration, “change between a component with a memory that stores the main information and a component with a memory that stores the sub information while the device is powered off. Whether or not both have been exchanged is determined. That is, it is determined whether “the main board 101 or the panel 120 was replaced while the server system 100 was powered off, or neither was replaced”. The difference between the methods for realizing restoration is the difference in the determination method.

  Hereinafter, in order to help understanding of the advantages of the first and second embodiments, first, a comparative example will be described. In the comparative example, a special code is recorded in advance in the information storage memory on the maintenance part.

  For example, a special code is recorded in advance in the information storage memory 104 for the maintenance parts of the main board 101, and a special code is recorded in the information storage memory 122 in advance for the maintenance parts of the panel 120. The special code is recorded at the factory when the maintenance part is manufactured at the factory, for example.

  The “special code” is data of a value that has been found not to be used as unique information. For example, for certain specific information represented by N bytes, when it is predetermined that all octets are not used as a value that becomes “FF” (hexadecimal notation), all octets are filled with “FF”. A value of N bytes can be used as the above “special code”.

By using a special code, appropriate information can be restored as follows.
That is, at the time of starting the server system 100, the service processor 127 reads the main information from the information storage memory 104 of the main board 101, and is a special code stored in the storage area for the unique information on the information storage memory 104? Judge whether or not. If a special code is stored in the area, the service processor 127 indicates that the main board 101 has been replaced with a maintenance part and that this activation is the first time after the main board 101 has been replaced with a maintenance part. Recognize that

  Similarly, the service processor 127 reads the sub information from the information storage memory 122 of the panel 120 and determines whether or not a special code is stored in the storage area for the specific information on the information storage memory 122. If a special code is stored in the area, the service processor 127 indicates that the panel 120 has been replaced with a maintenance part, and that this activation is the first activation after the panel 120 has been replaced with a maintenance part. Recognize that.

  Based on the above recognition, when only the main board 101 is replaced, the service processor 127 restores the main information by copying the information according to the information storage memory 104 of the replaced main board 101. Can do. Alternatively, when only the panel 120 is replaced, the service processor 127 can restore the slave information by copying the main information to the information storage memory 122 of the replaced panel 120. Alternatively, when both the main board 101 and the panel 120 are replaced, the service processor 127 may display a warning on the LCD 124 via the LCD / switch controller 125.

  As described above, in the comparative example, by using a special code, it is possible to identify the replaced part and restore appropriate information. On the other hand, the first and second embodiments of the present invention do not depend on special codes. Instead, in the first and second embodiments, time information is used to determine the replaced part.

Next, the difference between the comparative example and the first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the specific example of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining device information. FIG. 2 shows an example of apparatus information according to both the comparative example and the first embodiment.

  As shown in the format example 201, the device information in the comparative example includes unique information but does not include time information. In the following, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that four types of unique information are stored at address 0, address 100, address 200, and address 300 of a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, respectively.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the host ID of the server system 100 is stored at address 0, and the MAC address of the server system 100 is stored at address 100. Also, one of the other unique information is stored at address 200, and one of the other unique information is stored at address 300.

  As shown in the data example 202 during normal use, the host ID of the server system 100 is represented by a number “123456789”, for example. The MAC address of the server system 100 is 48 bits. In FIG. 2, the octet (8 bits) is delimited by a colon and expressed in hexadecimal as “00: 15: 44: AA: BB: CC”. is there.

  The unique information stored at addresses 300 and 400 is represented as “Specific-1” and “Specific-2” in FIG. 2, but may be a numerical value or a character string depending on the embodiment.

  In the data example 203 on the maintenance part, “99999999999” stored in the address 0 and “FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF” stored in the address 100 and the address “99: 9999” are stored as examples of the “special code”. It is shown. That is, since it is known in advance that “99999999999” is not used as a valid host ID, “99999999999” can be used as a special code. Similarly, “FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF FF "can be used as a special code.

  Note that “XXXXXXXXXXXXX” written at addresses 200 and 300 means that the value of the unique information stored at addresses 200 and 300 in the maintenance part is arbitrary. In the data example 203 on the maintenance part, a special code is used for two items of the host ID and the MAC address in the unique information. However, if a special code is stored for at least one item, the maintenance part data It is enough for discrimination.

In the comparative example, information can be restored by using a special code as described above, but the comparative example has the following drawbacks.
For example, when there are a plurality of devices including the same common parts (specifically, for example, a plurality of server systems including the same main board 101 as the main board 101 in FIG. 1), the first device fails. Suppose a common part is suspected of causing a failure. In this case, for example, the system administrator temporarily removes the common component from the normally operating second device and isolates the common component of the first device as the removed common component in order to isolate the cause of the failure. You may try to verify that the first device is operating normally.

  However, when the common component is a component (for example, the main board 101) having a memory for storing main information (that is, information including unique information for reference rather than for backup), in the comparative example, verification by the above method is performed. Can not. This is because the main information stored in the common component originally mounted on the second device includes unique information unique to the second device, and has different content from the unique information unique to the first device. This is because it does not include special codes.

  Depending on the type of processing performed by the device using the main information, if the above verification is attempted in the comparative example, the device may not start or the device may not function normally due to a difference in unique information. There are things to do.

  For example, when the host ID is included in the unique information, the host ID of the second device is not a special code and is read as it is into the first device. However, the host ID of the second device is different from the original host ID of the first device. Therefore, when the host ID is used for license authentication, as a result, the software license is not correctly recognized by the first device.

  When the MAC address is included in the unique information, the MAC address of the second device is not a special code and is read as it is by the first device. However, since the MAC address of the second device is different from the original MAC address of the first device, as a result, the first device may not be correctly connected to the network.

  Alternatively, the specific information may include a start option specification. The first device and the second device share some parts, but other parts may be different. Alternatively, installed software may be different between the first device and the second device.

  Since the activation option of the second device is not a special code, it is read into the first device as it is in the comparative example. However, as a result, the first device may not be able to start up normally due to a difference in hardware configuration or software configuration.

  Therefore, in the comparative example in which whether or not a certain part is a maintenance part is determined based on whether or not a special code is stored, the current part of another device cannot be used as a temporary maintenance part. That is, in the comparative example, when a part that stores main information or sub information is suspected of causing a failure, it is necessary to obtain an initial maintenance part in which a special code is stored from a warehouse of a maintenance service provider. . For this reason, it takes time from the occurrence of a defect to the recovery.

Furthermore, there is room for improvement in the comparative example in terms of service quality and profitability of the maintenance service provider.
For example, in the server system 100 of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the main board 101 that is a component having the information storage memory 104 that stores main information is suspected of causing the malfunction of the server system 100. At this time, the maintenance parts of the main board 101 are ordered from the warehouse, and the main board 101 is replaced. In the comparative example, since the special code is stored in the information storage memory 104 of the maintenance part, the slave information is copied to the information storage memory 104 when the server system 100 is started for the first time after replacement.

  However, if the problem is not corrected even if the main board 101 is replaced, it may be understood that the main board 101 is not the cause of the problem. In such a case, it is common to remove the maintenance component from the server system 100 and attach the original main board 101 to the server system 100 again.

  However, as described above, the special code in the information storage memory 104 of the maintenance component of the main board 101 is a special code because the maintenance component of the main board 101 is once attached to the server system 100 and the server system 100 is started. It has been rewritten to data that is not. Therefore, the maintenance parts of the main board 101 cannot be reused for the maintenance of another device if they are removed from the server system 100.

  Therefore, in the comparative example, maintenance parts that are no longer necessary after being once attached to the apparatus are temporarily returned to the factory for later reuse. A special code is again recorded in the memory of the returned maintenance part at the factory. Maintenance parts can be reused by re-recording special codes.

  However, such a return to the factory takes days and expenses for the transportation of maintenance parts. In addition, since a special code re-recording step occurs, maintenance parts inventory management becomes complicated. In particular, when the site where the malfunctioning device is located is far away such as overseas, the influence of the transportation days and transportation costs is large. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the comparative example that relies on a special code.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, time information is used instead of a special code.
In FIG. 2, the format example 204 of the device information in the first embodiment is almost the same as the format example 201 in the comparative example, but differs in that time information is stored at address 400.

  As shown in the data example 205 at the time of normal use, the time information expressed in, for example, “YYYY.MM.DD.hh.mm.ss” format is stored at address 400. Of course, the time information may be in a data format that can represent a time difference of less than one second.

  In the data example 206 on the maintenance part, as shown in the first embodiment, any item of the unique information stored in the addresses 0 to 300 is “XXXXXXXXXXXXX”. In the first embodiment, the unique information data stored in the maintenance part There are no restrictions. That is, in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to record a special code as unique information even for a maintenance part.

  Instead, in the first embodiment, as exemplified by “1900.01.01.11.11.11” at address 400 of the data example 206 on the maintenance part, a time that is clearly past is stored. The

  However, as is clear from the description of FIGS. 3 to 8, unlike the comparative example, in the first embodiment, when the maintenance part is once attached to the apparatus and is no longer needed and removed, the time information There is no need to re-record at the factory. That is, even if special time information such as “1900.01.01.11.11.11” is not re-recorded, it can be reused as a maintenance part.

  In addition, even if it is not an extremely past time such as “1900” in FIG. 2, the time can be guaranteed to be before the time when the power of the device to which the maintenance part is attached is turned off. For example, it can be used as time information in the device information of maintenance parts.

The process using the time information in the apparatus information described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the startup process in the first embodiment. When the server system 100 is turned on in accordance with a “power on” instruction given via the switch group 123 of the panel 120, the service processor 127 performs the process of FIG. 3 according to the firmware.

  In step S101, the service processor 127 determines whether or not the main information time is older than the sub information time. If the main information time is older than the sub information time, the process proceeds to step S104. If the sub information time is older than the main information time, or if the main information time and the sub information time are equal, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the service processor 127 determines whether or not the sub information time is older than the main information time. If the sub information time is older than the main information time, the process proceeds to step S105; otherwise (ie, if the main information time and the sub information time are equal), the process proceeds to step S103.

  If the main information time and the sub information time are equal, step S103 is executed immediately after step S102. In this case, although the reason will be described later, the main board 101 on which the information storage memory 104 for storing the main information time is mounted and the panel 120 on which the information storage memory 122 for storing the sub information time is mounted are also replaced. It can be regarded as not. Accordingly, the service processor 127 simply performs initial diagnosis of the device in step S103.

  The initial diagnosis performed in step S103 is a diagnostic process at the time of starting the server system 100, which is performed by the service processor 127 to the extent that the service processor 127 can be involved. For example, in step S103, the service processor 127 may make a diagnosis such as whether the power supply circuit is operating correctly and whether the cooling fan has started operating normally.

  After execution of step S103, the startup process in FIG. 3 ends. After the processing in FIG. 3 is completed, an initial diagnosis is performed on the main board 101 using a basic input / output system (BIOS), and then the OS is started.

  Step S104 is executed when the main information time is older than the sub information time. In this case, although the reason will be described later, it can be considered that the main board 101 on which the information storage memory 104 for storing the main information time is mounted has been replaced.

  Accordingly, the service processor 127 determines that the component storing the main information (that is, the main board 101) has been replaced, and copies the data of the sub information to the main information. That is, the service processor 127 copies the data of the unique information in the sub information stored in the information storage memory 122 on the panel 120 and writes it in the information storage memory 104 on the main board 101. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, data stored at addresses 0 to 300 of the information storage memory 122 is copied. And after execution of step S104, a process transfers to step S103.

  Step S105 is executed when the sub information time is older than the main information time. In this case, although the reason will be described later, it can be considered that the panel 120 on which the information storage memory 122 for storing the sub information time is mounted has been replaced.

  Therefore, the service processor 127 determines that the part storing the sub information (that is, the panel 120) has been replaced, and copies the data of the main information to the sub information. That is, the service processor 127 copies the unique information data in the main information stored in the information storage memory 104 on the main board 101 and writes it in the information storage memory 122 on the panel 120. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, data stored at addresses 0 to 300 of the information storage memory 104 is copied. And after execution of step S105, a process transfers to step S103.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of normal use processing in the first embodiment. After the process of FIG. 3 is completed, the service processor 127 performs the process of FIG. 4 according to the firmware while the server system 100 is powered on.

  The service processor 127 stands by in step S201 until a predetermined time elapses. The length of the predetermined time is arbitrary, but may be about 1 minute or shorter, for example.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S202, and the service processor 127 reads the current time from the clock device 126. The service processor 127 stores the read current time in, for example, a register in the processor core.

  In step S203, the service processor 127 updates the main information time to the time stored in step S202. That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the service processor 127 rewrites the value at address 400 in the information storage memory 104.

  In step S204, the service processor 127 updates the sub information time to the time stored in step S202. That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the service processor 127 rewrites the value at address 400 in the information storage memory 122.

After execution of step S204, the process returns to step S201.
Note that the execution order of steps S203 and S204 may be reversed.
Further, the service processor 127 can perform various processes during the operation of the server system 100 in addition to the processes of FIG. For example, the service processor 127 may monitor the power supply state and the rotation state of the cooling fan, and generate a monitoring result log. Further, the service processor 127 can appropriately perform processing according to a forced interrupt instructed via the switch group 123.

  For example, the switch group 123 includes switches for instructing “reset” or “power-off”, so that the service processor 127 performs a reset or a response in response to an interrupt request signal output from the LCD / switch controller 125 in response to a switch operation. Performs processing related to power-off. Among these, the processing at the time of power-off is directly related to the present embodiment, and will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of power-off processing in the first embodiment. When a power interruption interrupt request signal is output, the service processor 127 executes the process of FIG. 5 according to the firmware.

In step S301, the service processor 127 reads the current time from the clock device 126, and stores the read current time in, for example, a register in the processor core.
In step S302, the service processor 127 updates the main information time to the time stored in step S301. That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the service processor 127 rewrites the value at address 400 in the information storage memory 104.

  In step S303, the service processor 127 updates the sub information time to the time stored in step S301. That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the service processor 127 rewrites the value at address 400 in the information storage memory 122.

Note that the execution order of steps S302 and S303 may be reversed.
In step S304, the service processor 127 performs a known process for cutting off the power supply to the server system 100. When the power is turned off by executing step S304, the processing in FIG. 5 is completed and the server system 100 stops.

Subsequently, the reason described as “described later” in the description of FIG. 3 will be described in relation to the processing of FIGS. 4 and 5 described above.
In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the main board 101 and the panel 120 are not replaced at the same time. Therefore, the case where neither the main board 101 nor the panel 120 is exchanged, the case where the main board 101 is exchanged, and the case where the panel 120 is exchanged are mutually exclusive.

  If neither the main board 101 nor the panel 120 is exchanged, the main information time and the sub information time are the same even after the power is turned on again from the processing of FIGS. When the main board 101 is replaced, the main information time after the power is turned on is older than the sub information time. Conversely, when the panel 120 is replaced, the sub information time after the power is turned on again is older than the main information time.

  For example, when the main board 101 is replaced with a maintenance part having an information storage memory 104 for storing time information in an initial state as shown in the data example 206 on the maintenance part in FIG. After the power is turned on again, the main information time is older than the sub information time.

  In some cases, the main board 101 is removed after being attached to another apparatus in the past and is replaced with a part that is reused as a maintenance part. In this case, the main information time after the power is turned back on is the time when the power of the other device is turned off immediately before the maintenance part is removed from the other device. That is, the information storage memory 104 of the main board 101 that is reused as a maintenance component stores the time stored by the processing of FIG. 5 performed by the other device. Further, the sub information time after the power is turned on again is the time when the power of the apparatus (that is, the server system 100 in FIG. 1) that is the object of the current maintenance is turned off.

  It can be considered that it is practically impossible for two different devices to be accidentally disconnected at the same time. Also, for example, if the maintenance service is performed according to the operation rules such as “Turn off the power of the device after ordering the maintenance parts”, the main information time must be older than the sub information time theoretically. become. Similarly, when an operational rule such as "Ordering for the purchase of maintenance parts that have been returned to the warehouse for reuse and securing the maintenance parts before turning off the power to the equipment" is adopted. However, it is guaranteed that the main information time after power-on is always older than the sub information time.

Therefore, when the main board 101 is replaced, in any case, the main information time after power-on is older than the sub information time.
For the same reason, when the panel 120 is replaced, the sub information time after the power is turned back on is older than the main information time.

  From the above, in the first embodiment, “the main board 101 and the panel 120 are not replaced” and “the main information time and the sub information time coincide with each other when the power is turned on” are equivalent. Also, “the main board 101 has been replaced” and “the main information time is older than the sub information time when the power is turned on” are equivalent. Furthermore, “the panel 120 has been replaced” and “the follow-up information time is older than the main information time when the power is turned on” are equivalent.

  Therefore, in the process of FIG. 3, if the main information time and the sub information time match, the service processor 127 determines in step S102 that “the main board 101 and the panel 120 have not been replaced”, and immediately after step S102. Step S103 is executed.

  If the main information time is older than the sub information time, the service processor 127 determines that the main board 101 has been replaced in step S104, and restores the specific information in the main information from the specific information in the sub information. To do. On the contrary, if the subordinate information time is older than the main information time, the service processor 127 determines that “panel 120 has been replaced” in step S105, and restores the unique information in the subordinate information from the unique information in the main information. .

Then, after the processing in FIG. 3 is completed, the server system 100 operates using the original unique information in the main information or the restored unique information in the main information.
Subsequently, three cases will be described with reference to timing charts in FIGS. 6 to 8 in order to help understanding of the processes in FIGS. 6 to 8, for convenience of explanation, the “predetermined time” in step S201 in FIG. 4 is 3 minutes. For convenience of illustration, a time shorter than 1 minute is omitted and “YYYY / MM The time information is shown in the format “/ DD hh: mm” or “hh: mm”.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart when a component that is neither the main board 101 nor the panel 120 is replaced in the first embodiment.
If the normal use of the server system 100 continues, for example, at 10:00 on January 8, 2009, the main information time and the sub information time are changed to “2009/01/08 10:00” by steps S203 and S204 in FIG. Updated. Then, at 10: 3 after a predetermined time (that is, after 3 minutes), the main information time and the sub information time are updated to “2009/01/08 10:03”.

  After that, when the power-off operation is performed at 10: 4, the main information time and the sub information time are updated to “2009/01/08 10:04” through steps S302 and S303 in FIG. Assume that after power is turned off, a component that is neither the main board 101 nor the panel 120 (for example, the service processor 127 or the HDD 119a) may be replaced, and the power is turned on at 10:15.

  Then, the process of FIG. 3 is executed at 10:15. In the processing of FIG. 3, the main information time and the sub information time shown in a frame in FIG. 6 are compared, and both are equal to “2009/01/08 10:04”. Therefore, the process of FIG. 3 is executed in the order of steps S101, S102, and S103.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart when the main board 101 is replaced in the first embodiment.
If the normal use of the server system 100 continues, for example, at 10:00 on January 8, 2009, the main information time and the sub information time are changed to “2009/01/08 10:00” by steps S203 and S204 in FIG. Updated. Then, at 10: 3 after a predetermined time (that is, after 3 minutes), the main information time and the sub information time are updated to “2009/01/08 10:03”. Further, three minutes later, the main information time and the sub information time are updated to “2009/01/08 10:06”.

  After that, when the power-off operation is performed at 10:07, the main information time and the sub information time are updated to “2009/01/08 10:07” through steps S302 and S303 in FIG.

  Assume that after the power is turned off, the current components of the main board 101 including the information storage memory 104 that stores the main information time are removed and the maintenance components of the main board 101 are attached. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the information storage memory 104 on the newly installed main board 101 stores the time of the previous day as “2009/01/07 18:05” as the main information time. To do.

  For example, the example of FIG. 7 shows the following situation. For maintenance of the server system of the customer company A on January 7, the maintenance parts of the main board 101 are temporarily attached to the server system of the customer company A by trial and error. Then, since the maintenance part was found to be unrelated to the failure, it was removed at 18: 5 and returned to the warehouse. Thereafter, the maintenance parts returned to the warehouse are used for maintenance of the server system of another customer company B on January 8. FIG. 7 shows a timing chart at the customer company B when the maintenance parts are reused in this way.

  If the power is turned on at 10:15 after the replacement of the main board 101, the processing of FIG. 3 is executed at 10:15. In the processing of FIG. 3, the main information time and the sub information time shown in a frame in FIG. 7 are compared. That is, the main information time “2009/01/07 18:05” and the sub information time “2009/01/08 10:07” are compared.

  3 is executed in the order of steps S101 and S104, and it is correctly determined that the main board 101 has been replaced. That is, the unique information in the sub information stored in the information storage memory 122 on the panel 120 that has not been replaced is copied to the information storage memory 104 on the new main board 101. Accordingly, the server system 100 can perform processing after replacement of the main board 101 using the same specific information as before replacement.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart when the panel 120 is replaced in the first embodiment.
Since the process until 10:07 on January 8, 2009 is the same as in FIG. 7, the description is omitted. It is assumed that after the power is turned off, the working parts of the panel 120 including the information storage memory 122 for storing the sub information time are removed and the maintenance parts of the panel 120 are attached. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the information storage memory 122 on the newly attached panel 120 stores the time of the previous day “2009/01/07 18:05” as the sub information time. .

  If the power is turned on at 10:15 after the replacement of the panel 120, the process of FIG. 3 is executed at 10:15. In the process of FIG. 3, the main information time and the sub information time shown in a frame in FIG. 8 are compared. That is, the main information time “2009/01/08 10:07” and the sub information time “2009/01/07 18:05” are compared.

  Therefore, the process of FIG. 3 is executed in the order of steps S101, S102, and S105, and it is correctly determined that the panel 120 has been replaced. That is, the unique information in the main information stored in the information storage memory 104 on the main board 101 that has not been replaced is copied to the information storage memory 122 on the new panel 120. That is, the unique information in the main information is appropriately backed up in the compliance information. Therefore, even if the main board 101 is further replaced in the future, the server system 100 can appropriately restore the unique information in the main information.

Subsequently, a specific example of the transition of device information along the flow described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transition of the device information in the first embodiment. The format of the device information in FIG. 9 is the same as the format example 204 in FIG. The left column of FIG. 9 shows device information on the main board 101, that is, main information, and the right column shows device information on the panel 120, that is, sub information.

When the server system 100 is operating normally, the main information and the sub information match as shown in FIG.
For example, the information storage memories 104 and 122 both store a host ID “123123123” at address 0 and a MAC address “00: 15: 44: AA: BB: CC” at address 100. Furthermore, both the information storage memories 104 and 122 store a license number “654321” at address 200 and a product ID “FF334455A” at address 300.

  Further, time information that is periodically updated by the processing of FIG. 4 is stored at address 400 of the information storage memories 104 and 122. Since the same time information read in step S202 in FIG. 4 is written in the information storage memories 104 and 122 in steps S203 and S204, respectively, the time information in the information storage memories 104 and 122 is always equal during normal operation. FIG. 9 shows time information “2008. 12.2.12.10.39.15” as an example.

  Here, it is assumed that the power supply of the server system 100 is disconnected at 22:15:59 on December 13, 2008 in order to replace the main board 101. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, in the main information and the sub information, the unique information from address 0 to address 300 is not particularly changed, and the time when the power is turned off is written at address 400 by the processing of FIG. Since the same time information read in step S301 in FIG. 5 is written in the information storage memories 104 and 122 in steps S302 and S303, respectively, the time information in the information storage memories 104 and 122 is equal to each other when disconnected.

Thereafter, it is assumed that the main board 101 is replaced.
For example, when the main board 101 that has been once attached to another apparatus is reused, the information storage memory 104 of the reused main board 101 has addresses 0 to 300 in the other apparatus. Unique information is stored. In addition, at time 400, the time when the power of the other device is turned off is stored.

  In the example of FIG. 9, in the other device, the host ID is “155155155”, the MAC address is “00: 15: 44: EE: FF: 99”, the license number is “942111”, and the product The ID is “9941165B”. In addition, the time when the power was turned off in the other device was 11:48:44 on August 8, 2007.

  Therefore, after the main board 101 is replaced and before the server system 100 is powered on, the unique information in the main information and the unique information in the sub information are different from each other. In FIG. 9, this difference is represented by a symbol “NE” (Not Equal). At this time, the time information in the main information is older than the time information in the sub information.

  Alternatively, the main board 101 to be replaced may be a maintenance component in an initial state that has not been attached to any device since it was manufactured at the factory. In this case, arbitrary data may be stored in addresses 0 to 300 of the maintenance parts of the main board 101 as in the data example 206 on the maintenance parts in FIG. In addition, at time No. 400, time information that is surely earlier than the time of December 13, 2008, 22:15:59, which is January 1, 1900, 11:11:11 is stored. Has been.

  Here, it is said that the time information in the main information is older than the time information in the sub information even when the reused main board 101 is attached or when the maintenance parts of the main board 101 in the initial state are attached. The point is the same. Therefore, when the power of the server system 100 is turned on, the service processor 127 performs processing in the order of steps S101, S104, and S103 in FIG. As a result, the unique information in the sub information stored in the information storage memory 122 is copied to the information storage memory 104, and the unique information in the main information is restored appropriately. Since the processing of FIG. 4 is performed after the server system 100 starts operating, both the time information in the main information and the time information in the sub information are periodically updated and become equal. FIG. 9 illustrates the same time information of 8:32:40 on December 14, 2008 at a point after a while from the start of operation of the server system 100.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the replaced part is automatically determined by a simple process of comparing the main information time and the sub information time, and the unique information in the main information and the sub information in the sub information are The consistency of unique information can be maintained appropriately.

If the “predetermined time” in step S201 in FIG. 4 is an appropriate length, an embodiment in which the process in FIG. 5 is omitted is also possible. The reason is as follows.
For example, assume that the “predetermined time” is 1 minute. Further, as described above, it is assumed that an operation rule such as “turn off the power supply of the apparatus after the maintenance parts can be secured” is adopted. If the transport time from when a maintenance part once attached to a certain device is removed from the device until it is returned to the warehouse for reuse is always longer than 1 minute, the processing of FIG. 5 is omitted. Even if it is done, there will be no trouble in the processing of FIG.

Note that “1 minute” in the above description is merely an example, and the length of the “predetermined time” in step S201 can be set to an arbitrary value as appropriate according to the embodiment.
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Regarding the first embodiment, the configuration of the server system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the example of the device information shown in FIG. 2, and the normal use processing shown in FIG. 4 are common to the second embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of start-up processing in the second embodiment. When the server system 100 is turned on in accordance with the “power on” instruction given through the switch group 123 of the panel 120, the service processor 127 performs the process of FIG. 10 according to the firmware.

  In step S 401, the service processor 127 determines whether or not the main information time in the information storage memory 104 and the sub information time in the information storage memory 122 are equal. If the main information time and the sub information time are equal, the process proceeds to step S402. If the main information time and the sub information time are not equal, the process proceeds to step S405.

  Step S402 is executed when the main information time and the sub information time are equal. In step S <b> 402, the service processor 127 determines whether or not the main information time in the information storage memory 104 is equal to the power-off time in the power-off time storage area 128. If the main information time is equal to the power-off time, the process proceeds to step S403. If the main information time is not equal to the power-off time, the process proceeds to step S404.

  If the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are equal, step S403 is executed immediately after step S402. In this case, although the reason will be described later, the main board 101 on which the information storage memory 104 for storing the main information time is mounted and the panel 120 on which the information storage memory 122 for storing the sub information time is mounted are also replaced. It can be regarded as not. Accordingly, the service processor 127 simply performs initial diagnosis of the device in step S403.

The details of step S403 are the same as step S103 of FIG. After execution of step S403, the process of FIG.
Step S404 is executed when the main information time and the sub information time are equal, but the main information time and the power-off time are not equal. In this case, although the reason will be described later, it can be considered that the component storing the power-off time (that is, the service processor 127) has been replaced.

  Therefore, the service processor 127 determines that the service processor 127 itself has been replaced. Depending on the embodiment, the service processor 127 performs processing if necessary when the service processor 127 is replaced, but does not need to do anything if there is no particular processing. After step S404, the process proceeds to step S403.

  Step S405 is executed when the main information time and the sub information time are not equal. In step S405, the service processor 127 determines whether the main information time is equal to the power-off time. If the main information time is equal to the power-off time, the process proceeds to step S406. If the main information time is not equal to the power-off time, the process proceeds to step S407.

  Step S406 is executed when the main information time and the sub information time are not equal and the main information time and the power-off time are equal. In this case, although the reason will be described later, it can be considered that the panel 120 on which the information storage memory 122 for storing the sub information time is mounted has been replaced.

  Accordingly, the service processor 127 determines that the part storing the sub information (that is, the panel 120) has been replaced, and copies the data of the main information to the sub information. That is, the service processor 127 copies the unique information data in the main information stored in the information storage memory 104 on the main board 101 and writes it in the information storage memory 122 on the panel 120. Note that after execution of step S406, the process proceeds to step S403.

  Step S407 is executed when the main information time is not equal to the sub information time or the power-off time. In step S407, the service processor 127 determines whether the sub information time is equal to the power-off time. If the slave information time is equal to the power-off time, the process proceeds to step S408. If the slave information time is not equal to the power-off time, the process proceeds to step S409.

  Step S408 is executed when the main information time is not equal to the slave information time and the power-off time, and the slave information time is equal to the power-off time. In this case, although the reason will be described later, it can be considered that the main board 101 on which the information storage memory 104 for storing the main information time is mounted has been replaced.

  Accordingly, the service processor 127 determines that the part storing the main information (that is, the main board 101) has been replaced, and copies the data of the sub information to the main information. That is, the service processor 127 copies the data of the unique information in the sub information stored in the information storage memory 122 on the panel 120 and writes it in the information storage memory 104 on the main board 101. Note that after execution of step S408, the process proceeds to step S403.

  Step S409 is executed when the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are different from each other. In this case, although the reason will be described later, it can be considered that two or more parts of the three parts storing the main information, the sub information, and the power-off time are exchanged at the same time. That is, it can be considered that two or more of the main board 101, the panel 120, and the service processor 127 are replaced at the same time.

In this case, the service processor 127 cannot identify the replaced part based on the time information, and there is a possibility that the unique information unique to the server system 100 has been lost.
Therefore, the service processor 127 determines that two or more of the three components have been replaced at the same time, and performs error processing. In the second embodiment, the error processing specifically corresponds to steps S409 and S410.

  In step S409, the service processor 127 performs a process for displaying a warning that legitimate unique information cannot be determined. For example, the service processor 127 may display a warning message on the LCD 124 via the I / F connector 116, the bus 110, the I / F connector 114, the I / F connector 121, and the LCD / switch controller 125.

  Following step S409, in step S410, the service processor 127 performs a process for displaying a warning that the replaced part cannot be specified. For example, the service processor 127 may display a warning message on the LCD 124 as in step S409.

By executing step S410, the startup process of the server system 100 is interrupted. After the start-up processing is interrupted, processing according to the embodiment is possible.
For example, the service processor 127 may perform processing for causing the LCD 124 to display a message for requesting the user to perform an input indicating the replaced part via the switch group 123. Then, according to the input from the switch group 123, the service processor 127 can recognize which of the main board 101, the panel 120, and the service processor 127 has been replaced. The service processor 127 may resume the process from step S408 or S406 according to the recognition result.

  Note that the service processor 127 performs the process of FIG. 4 according to the firmware in the same manner as in the first embodiment while the server system 100 is powered on after the process of FIG. 10. Similar to the first embodiment, the service processor 127 can perform various processes in response to an interrupt request signal in addition to the processes in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of power-off processing in the second embodiment. When the interrupt request signal for power interruption is output, the service processor 127 performs the process of FIG. 11 according to the firmware.

In step S501, the service processor 127 reads the current time from the clock device 126, and stores the read current time in, for example, a register in the processor core.
In step S502, the service processor 127 updates the main information time to the time stored in step S501. That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the service processor 127 rewrites the value at address 400 in the information storage memory 104.

  In step S503, the service processor 127 updates the sub information time to the time stored in step S501. That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the service processor 127 rewrites the value at address 400 in the information storage memory 122.

  In step S504, the service processor 127 updates the power-off time to the time stored in step S501. That is, the service processor 127 writes the time information read in step S501 in the power-off time storage area 128. Note that the execution order of steps S502 to S504 may be arbitrarily changed according to the embodiment.

  Finally, in step S505, the service processor 127 performs a known process for cutting off the power supply to the server system 100. When the power is turned off by executing step S505, the processing in FIG. 11 is completed and the server system 100 stops.

Subsequently, the reason described as “described later” in the description of FIG. 10 will be described in relation to the processing of FIGS. 4 and 11.
In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, it is assumed that both the main board 101 and the panel 120 are simultaneously replaced. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the following mutually exclusive cases (1) to (5) are assumed.

(1) When none of the main board 101, the panel 120, and the service processor 127 is replaced.
(2) When the main board 101 is replaced and the panel 120 and the service processor 127 are not replaced.
(3) When the panel 120 is replaced and the main board 101 and the service processor 127 are not replaced.
(4) When the service processor 127 is replaced and the main board 101 and the panel 120 are not replaced.
(5) When two or more of the main board 101, the panel 120, and the service processor 127 are replaced at the same time.

  In the case of (1) above, the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are equal after the power is turned on again because of the processing of FIG.

In the case of (2) above, after the power is turned on again, the sub information time and the power off time are equal, but the main information time is not equal to both of them.
The reason why the sub information time is equal to the power-off time is that the process of FIG. 11 is performed. Further, when the main board 101 is replaced with a maintenance part having an information storage memory 104 for storing time information in an initial state as shown in the data example 206 on the maintenance part in FIG. The information time is different from the sub information time. Alternatively, when the main board 101 is removed after being attached to another device in the past and replaced with one that has been reused as a maintenance part, the main information time is different from the sub information time.

  This is because the main information time after power-on is the time when the power of the other device is turned off immediately before the maintenance part is removed from the other device, and the time when the power is turned off in two different devices. It is because it can be considered that it is not actually happening to be the same. For example, if the accuracy of the time information obtained from the clock device 126 and the accuracy of the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time (that is, the number of bits of data representing each time information) are practically 2 It is unlikely that the time when two different devices are turned off will coincide. Therefore, in the case of (2) above, after the power is turned on again, the sub information time and the power off time are equal, but the main information time is not equal to both.

In the case of (3) above, after the power is turned on again, the main information time is the same as the power-off time, but the sub information time is not equal to both. The reason is the same as in the case (2) above.
In the case of the above (4), after the power is turned on again, the main information time and the sub information time are equal, but the power-off time is not equal to both. The reason is the same as in the case (2) above.

  In the case of (5) above, if two or more replaced parts are maintenance parts that have been reused, the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time will be switched off at three different devices. Corresponds to the time of day. Therefore, as described in (2) above, if each time information is expressed with appropriate accuracy, the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are actually different from each other. In addition, in the second embodiment, implicitly, “after removing the two parts B and C from the apparatus A after the same single apparatus A is powered off, the two parts B and C are reused as maintenance parts. It is not attached to the same one device D ".

In consideration of the case of (5) above, in the second embodiment, time information that differs for each part is recorded in the maintenance part in the initial state.
For example, when manufacturing the maintenance component of the main board 101, time information “1900.01.01.11.11.11” is written in the information storage memory 104 as in FIG. On the other hand, the time information “1900.02.02.22.22.22” is written in the information storage memory 122 when the maintenance component of the panel 120 is manufactured. Further, when manufacturing the service component of the service processor 127, time information “1900.03.03.333.33” is written in the power-off time storage area 128.

  Thus, if different time information for each part is recorded in the maintenance part in the initial state, in the case of (5) above, even if two or more replaced parts are maintenance parts in the initial state, The main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time do not match.

  In the case of the above (5), there is a case where there are one or more parts replaced with reused maintenance parts and one or more parts replaced with maintenance parts in the initial state. Yes. Also in this case, it is clear from the above description that the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are inconsistent.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, “the main board 101, the panel 120, and the service processor 127 are not replaced” and “after the power is turned on again, the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are “Equal” is equivalent.

  Further, “the main board 101 is replaced and the panel 120 and the service processor 127 are not replaced” and “the sub information time is the same as the power-off time, but the main information time is not equal to both” are the same value. . Similarly, “the panel 120 is replaced and the main board 101 and the service processor 127 are not replaced” and “the main information time and the power-off time are equal, but the sub information time is not equal to both” are the same value. is there. "The service processor 127 is replaced and the main board 101 and the panel 120 are not replaced" is equivalent to "the main information time and the sub information time are equal, but the power-off time is not equal to both". .

  Also, “two or more of the main board 101, the panel 120, and the service processor 127 are replaced at the same time” and “the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are different from each other” are equivalent.

  Therefore, in the processing of FIG. 10, if the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time coincide, the service processor 127 indicates that “the main board 101, the panel 120, and the service processor 127 are not replaced”. to decide. That is, the service processor 127 executes step S403 immediately after step S402.

  If only the main information time is different among the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time, the service processor 127 determines that “the main board 101 has been replaced” as in step S408. Alternatively, if only the sub information time is different among the three, the service processor 127 determines that “the panel 120 has been replaced” as in step S406. Similarly, when only the power-off time is different among the three, the service processor 127 determines that “the service processor 127 has been replaced” as in step S404.

The service processor 127 issues a warning such as steps S409 and S410 if the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are different from each other.
Subsequently, three cases will be described with reference to timing charts in FIGS. 12 to 14 in order to help understanding of the processes in FIGS. 10 and 11. 6 to 8, in the examples of FIGS. 12 to 14, for convenience of explanation, the “predetermined time” in step S <b> 201 of FIG. 4 is 3 minutes, which is shorter than 1 minute for convenience of illustration. The time is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart when the service processor 127 is replaced in the second embodiment.
If the normal use of the server system 100 continues, for example, at 10:00 on January 8, 2009, the main information time and the sub information time are changed to “2009/01/08 10:00” by steps S203 and S204 in FIG. Updated. Then, at 10: 3 after a predetermined time (that is, after 3 minutes), the main information time and the sub information time are updated to “2009/01/08 10:03”.

  After that, when a power-off operation is performed at 10:05, the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are updated to “2009/01/08 10:05” by steps S502 to S504 in FIG. Is done. Assume that after power is turned off, the current part of the service processor 127 is removed and the maintenance part of the service processor 127 is attached. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the power-off time storage area 128 on the newly installed service processor 127 stores a past time of “2009/01/08 10:01” as the power-off time. Suppose that it was done.

Such a situation where the maintenance parts of the service processor 127 in which the past time is stored as the power-off time may be used in the following cases, for example.
A certain redundant system or load balancing system may include a plurality of server systems having the same hardware configuration, and more specifically, for example, include two or more server systems 100 of FIG. There is a case. In this case, it is assumed that a problem has occurred in the first server system 100 and that the service processor 127 in the first server system 100 is likely to have a cause.

  Then, the system administrator tries to verify whether the first server system 100 operates normally by using the service processor 127 of the second server system 100 as a temporary maintenance component in order to determine the cause of the malfunction. It may be.

  In this case, the system administrator performs an operation of turning off the power of the second server system 100 that is operating normally, for example, at 10:01 on January 8, 2009. After power-off, the system administrator removes the service processor 127 from the second server system 100.

  Further, the system administrator performs an operation to turn off the power of the first server system 100 in which a problem has occurred at 10:05 on January 8, 2009. After power-off, the system administrator removes the service processor 127 from the first server system 100.

  Then, the system administrator attaches the service processor 127 removed from the second server system 100 to the first server system 100 as a temporary maintenance component, for example, at 10:15 on January 8, 2009. The server system 100 is turned on.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram applicable to the first server system 100 in the above case, for example. In the first server system 100, when the power is turned on at 10:15 on January 8, 2009, the process of FIG. 10 is executed by the replaced service processor 127. What is compared in step S401 in FIG. 10 is the main information time and the sub information time shown in a frame in FIG. The two times are both “2009/01/08 10:05” and are equal.

  Accordingly, the processing in FIG. 10 proceeds from step S401 to step S402. In step S402, the main power time is referred to by referring to the power-off time stored in the power-off time storage area 128 of the service processor 127 that has been replaced (that is, originally installed in the second server system 100). To be compared. In the example of FIG. 12, since the main information time and the power-off time are not equal, the process proceeds to step S404, where it is correctly determined that “the service processor 127 has been replaced”, and then step S403 is executed.

  Even if the power-off time stored in the power-off time storage area 128 of the replaced service processor 127 is a time after the main information time, the steps are executed in the same order as described above. It is correctly determined that the service processor 127 has been replaced.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart when the main board 101 is replaced in the second embodiment.
The process until 10:05 on January 8, 2009 is the same as in FIG. Assume that after the power is turned off, the current components of the main board 101 including the information storage memory 104 that stores the main information time are removed and the maintenance components of the main board 101 are attached. The maintenance part of the main board 101 may be, for example, a part shipped from a warehouse for maintenance (initial part or reused part), or temporarily as another server as described with reference to FIG. It may be a part that has been removed from the system 100.

  For example, in the latter case, the information storage memory 104 on the newly installed main board 101 stores a time “2009/01/08 10:07” as the main information time, as shown in FIG. Sometimes. Here, if the power is turned on at 10:15 after the replacement of the main board 101, the process of FIG. 10 is executed at 10:15.

  Then, what is compared in step S401 in FIG. 10 is the main information time and the sub information time shown in a frame in FIG. Since the two times are not equal, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405 and thereafter, the power-off time stored in the power-off time storage area 128 of the service processor 127 is referred to, and it is either the main information time or the sub-information time that is equal to the power-off time (or both are power Whether it is not equal to the cutoff time).

  In the example of FIG. 13, since it is determined in step S405 that the main information time is not equal to the power-off time, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, it is determined that the slave information time is the same as the power-off time. Therefore, in step S408, it is correctly determined that “the main board 101 has been replaced”.

  Therefore, the unique information in the slave information stored in the information storage memory 122 on the panel 120 that has not been replaced is copied to the information storage memory 104 on the main board 101. That is, the unique information in the main information is properly restored. Accordingly, the server system 100 can perform processing after replacement of the main board 101 using the same specific information as before replacement. After execution of step S408, step S403 is executed.

  In the example of FIG. 13, the main information time “2009/01/08 10:07” stored in the information storage memory 104 of the replaced main board 101 is “2009/01/08 10” of the server system 100. : 05 ”later than the power-off time. However, even if the main information time stored in the information storage memory 104 of the replaced main board 101 is before the power-off time of the server system 100, the steps are executed in the same order as described above. It is correctly determined that “the main board 101 has been replaced”.

  For example, in the information storage memory 104 of the main board 101 in the initial state shipped as a maintenance part from the factory, as described with respect to the first embodiment, “1900/01/01 11:11:11” or the like is not stored. Realistic old time is memorized. Also in this case, the respective steps are executed in the same order as in the example of FIG. 13, it is correctly determined that “the main board 101 has been replaced”, and the main information is appropriately restored from the sub information.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart when the panel 120 is replaced in the second embodiment.
Since the process until 10:05 on January 8, 2009 is the same as FIG. 12 and FIG. Assume that after the power is turned off, the working parts of the panel 120 including the information storage memory 122 for storing the slave information are removed and the maintenance parts of the panel 120 are attached. The maintenance part of the panel 120 may be, for example, a part (initial part or reused part) shipped for maintenance from a warehouse, or temporarily as another server system as described with reference to FIG. In some cases, the part has been removed from 100.

  For example, in the latter case, the information storage memory 122 on the newly attached panel 120 stores the time “2009/01/08 10:07” as the sub information time as shown in FIG. There is. Here, if the power is turned on at 10:15 after the replacement of the panel 120, the process of FIG. 10 is executed at 10:15.

  Then, what is compared in step S401 in FIG. 10 is the main information time and the sub information time shown in a frame in FIG. Since the two times are not equal, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405 and thereafter, the power-off time stored in the power-off time storage area 128 of the service processor 127 is referred to, and it is either the main information time or the sub-information time that is equal to the power-off time (or both are power Whether it is not equal to the cutoff time).

  In the example of FIG. 14, since it is determined in step S405 that the main information time is the same as the power-off time, the process proceeds to step S406, and it is correctly determined that “panel 120 has been replaced” in step S406.

  Therefore, the unique information in the main information stored in the information storage memory 104 on the main board 101 that has not been replaced is copied to the information storage memory 122 on the panel 120. That is, the unique information in the main information is appropriately backed up in the compliance information. Therefore, even if the main board 101 is further replaced in the future, the server system 100 can appropriately restore the unique information in the main information. After step S406 is executed, step S403 is executed.

  In the example of FIG. 14, the sub information time “2009/01/08 10:07” stored in the information storage memory 122 of the replaced panel 120 is “2009/01/08 10: It is after the power-off time of “05”. However, even if the sub information time stored in the information storage memory 122 of the replaced panel 120 is before the power-off time of the server system 100, the steps are executed in the same order as described above. It is correctly determined that the panel 120 has been replaced.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, there is a possibility that a part used in another device may be diverted as a temporary maintenance part, so that arbitrary time information can be stored in the maintenance part. Even in such an environment, the consistency between the main information and the sub information can be appropriately maintained. In other words, the second embodiment can also be applied to a case where a component that was mounted on a device that was turned off at a later time than the device that caused the trouble is used as a maintenance component. In other words, the second embodiment can also be applied to an environment where it is not guaranteed that the time information stored in the maintenance part is older than the time information stored in the current part that is not replaced.

  In the second embodiment, the main information time, the sub information time, and the power-off time are compared. Therefore, if the processing in FIG. 11 is performed at the time of power-off, the processing in FIG. Absent. Therefore, the process of FIG. 4 may be omitted. However, in the second embodiment, the service processor 127 performs the process of FIG. 4 in order to further increase the reliability of the determination in the process of FIG. The reason why the reliability of judgment is increased by the processing of FIG. 4 is as follows.

  Depending on the type of malfunction that occurs in the server system 100, the power may not be cut off normally. In that case, the process of FIG. 11 may not be performed. Even if the process of FIG. 11 is not performed, if the process of FIG. 4 is performed, “the main board 101 and the panel 120 are not replaced” and “the main information time and the sub information time when the power is turned on again”. Are equal to each other.

  Therefore, even if the process of FIG. 11 is not performed due to a malfunction, if the process of FIG. 4 is performed at the time of operation, when neither the main board 101 nor the panel 120 is exchanged, the steps S401, S402, The processes are executed in the order of S404 and S403. That is, the service processor 127 correctly determines that neither the restoration of the unique information in the main information nor the restoration of the unique information in the sub information is necessary.

  Even if the processing of FIG. 11 is not performed due to a malfunction, if at least one of the main board 101 and the panel 120 is replaced as long as the processing of FIG. The warning of S410 will be issued. That is, the service processor 127 correctly determines that at least one of the unique information in the main information or the unique information in the sub information needs to be restored.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, even if the processing of FIG. 11 is not performed due to a malfunction, the service processor 127 can make some appropriate determination after the power is turned on again. Process 4 is performed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified.
For example, the embodiment can be applied not only to the configuration of the server system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 but also to an information processing system having various configurations. Further, the above embodiment can be applied not to a general-purpose information processing system such as the server system 100 but also to an embedded system including a plurality of FRUs.

  In addition, the information storage memory on which component the main information and the sub information are stored may be arbitrarily determined according to the embodiment. The storage location of the power-off time is not limited to the power-off time storage area 128 in the service processor 127.

  However, since the unique information is originally information for the CPU to refer to, the information storage memory 104 on the same main board 101 as the CPUs 102a to 102b is used for storing the main information as in the first and second embodiments. It is preferable. In addition, since the unique information in the sub information is intended to be backed up, it is preferably stored in a component that is not prone to failure. In the server system 100 of FIG. 1, the panel 120 is a simple component as compared with other components, and is less likely to fail. Therefore, it is preferable that the information storage memory 122 in the panel 120 is used for storing sub information.

  In the first and second embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the service processor 127 periodically writes time information to the information storage memory 104 and the information storage memory 122 to update the main information time and the sub information time. ing. However, the update of the main information time and the sub information time may be irregular. For example, the service processor 127 may update the main information time and the sub information time irregularly with a specific signal transmitted on the bus 110 as a trigger.

  The service processor 127 is a specific example of the information management device, and functions as the time information writing means when executing the processing of FIG. 4, 5, or 11, and executes the processing of FIG. 3 or FIG. Sometimes it functions as the management means. The service processor 127 operates according to the firmware in the first and second embodiments. However, a part or all of the processes in FIGS. 3 to 5, 10, or 11 may be executed by a hardware circuit. It is natural to be good.

Finally, the following additional notes are disclosed.
(Appendix 1)
In a system comprising a first component comprising a first storage means and a second component comprising a second storage means, the system stored in the first storage means and the second storage means An information management device for managing information including unique information unique to
Time information writing means for writing time information to the first storage means and the second storage means at a predetermined timing;
When powering on the system,
Refer to the time information written in each of the first storage means and the second storage means,
If the time information in the first storage means is older than the time information in the second storage means, the unique information in the second storage means is stored in the first storage means. writing,
If the time information in the second storage means is older than the time information in the first storage means, the unique information in the first storage means is stored in the second storage means. Writing management means,
An information management device comprising:
(Appendix 2)
The information management apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the time information writing unit writes the time information to the first storage unit and the second storage unit even when the system is powered off.
(Appendix 3)
The information management apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein one of the first component and the second component is a component including a CPU of the system.
(Appendix 4)
The information management apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the system performs processing using the unique information written in the first storage unit.
(Appendix 5)
The information management apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the unique information includes identification information for identifying the system.
(Appendix 6)
In a system including a first component including a first storage unit, a second component including a second storage unit, and a third component including a third storage unit, the first storage unit and An information management apparatus for managing information including unique information unique to the system, stored in the second storage means,
Time information writing means for writing time information to the first storage means, the second storage means, and the third storage means when the system is powered off;
When the power to the system is turned on, the time information written in the first storage unit and the second storage unit is referred to, and the time information in the first storage unit and the second storage unit are referred to. If the time information in the storage means is not equal,
If the time information in the first storage means and the time information in the third storage means are equal, the unique information in the first storage means is written to the second storage means,
If the time information in the second storage means and the time information in the third storage means are equal, a management means for writing the unique information in the second storage means to the first storage means;
An information management device comprising:
(Appendix 7)
The management means, when the time information in the first storage means and the time information in the second storage means are not equal, the time information in the first storage means and the second information The information management apparatus according to appendix 6, wherein error processing is performed if none of the time information in the storage means is equal to the time information in the third storage means.
(Appendix 8)
The information management apparatus according to appendix 6 or 7, wherein the management means further writes time information to the first storage means and the second storage means at a predetermined timing.
(Appendix 9)
The information management device according to any one of appendices 6 to 8, wherein the information management device is the third component.
(Appendix 10)
The information management apparatus according to any one of appendices 6 to 9, wherein one of the first component and the second component is a component including a CPU of the system.
(Appendix 11)
In a system comprising a first component comprising a first storage means and a second component comprising a second storage means, the system stored in the first storage means and the second storage means To a processor that manages information including specific information specific to
A time information writing step of writing time information to the first storage means and the second storage means at a predetermined timing;
A step of referring to the time information written in each of the first storage means and the second storage means when the system is powered on;
As a result of the reference step, when it is found that the time information in the first storage means is older than the time information in the second storage means, the unique information in the second storage means A first copying step of writing information to the first storage means;
As a result of the reference step, when it is found that the time information in the second storage means is older than the time information in the first storage means, the unique information in the first storage means A second copying step for writing information to the second storage means;
An information management program for executing
(Appendix 12)
In a system including a first component including a first storage unit, a second component including a second storage unit, and a third component including a third storage unit, the first storage unit and A processor for managing information stored in the second storage means and including unique information unique to the system;
A time information writing step of writing time information to the first storage means, the second storage means, and the third storage means when the system is powered off;
A step of referring to the time information written in each of the first storage means and the second storage means when the system is powered on;
And execute
When it is determined as a result of the reference step that the time information in the first storage means and the time information in the second storage means are not equal,
If the time information in the first storage means and the time information in the third storage means are equal, a first copy for writing the unique information in the first storage means to the second storage means Steps,
If the time information in the second storage means is equal to the time information in the third storage means, a second copy for writing the unique information in the second storage means to the first storage means Steps,
An information management program for executing

100 server system 101 main board 102a, 102b CPU
103a to 103c Main memory 104, 122 Information storage memory 105 Input / output control unit 106 Graphic card 107 I / O controller 108 Disk controller 109, 110 Bus 111-116, 121 I / F connector 117 Display 118 Input device 119a-119c HDD
120 Panel 123 Switch group 124 LCD
125 LCD / switch controller 126 Clock device 127 Service processor 128 Power-off time storage area 201, 204 Format example 202, 205 Data example in normal use 203, 206 Data example on maintenance parts

Claims (8)

In a system comprising a first component comprising a first storage means and a second component comprising a second storage means, the system stored in the first storage means and the second storage means An information management device for managing information including unique information unique to
Time information writing means for writing time information to the first storage means and the second storage means at a predetermined timing;
When powering on the system,
Refer to the time information written in each of the first storage means and the second storage means,
If the time information in the first storage means is older than the time information in the second storage means, the unique information in the second storage means is stored in the first storage means. writing,
If the time information in the second storage means is older than the time information in the first storage means, the unique information in the first storage means is stored in the second storage means. Writing management means,
An information management device comprising:   The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time information writing unit writes the time information to the first storage unit and the second storage unit even when the system is powered off.   The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first component and the second component is a component including a CPU of the system.   4. The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the system performs processing using the unique information written in the first storage unit. 5.   The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unique information includes identification information for identifying the system. In a system including a first component including a first storage unit, a second component including a second storage unit, and a third component including a third storage unit, the first storage unit and An information management apparatus for managing information including unique information unique to the system, stored in the second storage means,
Time information writing means for writing time information to the first storage means, the second storage means, and the third storage means when the system is powered off;
When the power to the system is turned on, the time information written in the first storage unit and the second storage unit is referred to, and the time information in the first storage unit and the second storage unit are referred to. If the time information in the storage means is not equal,
If the time information in the first storage means and the time information in the third storage means are equal, the unique information in the first storage means is written to the second storage means,
If the time information in the second storage means and the time information in the third storage means are equal, a management means for writing the unique information in the second storage means to the first storage means;
An information management device comprising: In a system comprising a first component comprising a first storage means and a second component comprising a second storage means, the system stored in the first storage means and the second storage means To a processor that manages information including specific information specific to
A time information writing step of writing time information to the first storage means and the second storage means at a predetermined timing;
A step of referring to the time information written in each of the first storage means and the second storage means when the system is powered on;
As a result of the reference step, when it is found that the time information in the first storage means is older than the time information in the second storage means, the unique information in the second storage means A first copying step of writing information to the first storage means;
As a result of the reference step, when it is found that the time information in the second storage means is older than the time information in the first storage means, the unique information in the first storage means A second copying step for writing information to the second storage means;
An information management program for executing In a system including a first component including a first storage unit, a second component including a second storage unit, and a third component including a third storage unit, the first storage unit and A processor for managing information stored in the second storage means and including unique information unique to the system;
A time information writing step of writing time information to the first storage means, the second storage means, and the third storage means when the system is powered off;
A step of referring to the time information written in each of the first storage means and the second storage means when the system is powered on;
And execute
When it is determined as a result of the reference step that the time information in the first storage means and the time information in the second storage means are not equal,
If the time information in the first storage means and the time information in the third storage means are equal, a first copy for writing the unique information in the first storage means to the second storage means Steps,
If the time information in the second storage means is equal to the time information in the third storage means, a second copy for writing the unique information in the second storage means to the first storage means Steps,
An information management program for executing