JPH11353229A - Memory control device, memory control method, and storage medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a memory processing environment in which a flash memory storing a read-only program can be used as a readable or writable memory at the time of data processing. SOLUTION: When a power-on is instructed, a BIOS is copied from a BIOS flash memory 4 to a DRAM 2, and a flash I / F switching means 3 switches the flash memory 4 as a readable / writable memory area. The read-only program copied to the system memory is written in the flash memory 4, and the flash I / F switching means 3 switches the flash memory 4 as a read-only memory area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a memory control device, a memory control method, and a computer for controlling access to a readable / writable memory medium storing a basic input / output system (BIOS) for executing predetermined data processing. Is related to a storage medium storing a readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a portable terminal such as a handy terminal and a notebook personal computer, a BIOS in which a system program is stored has a program part used as a system memory when the system is started up.
By copying the program to the AM and reading the program from the DRAM after the startup, the program can be read at a higher speed than the flash memory containing the BIOS.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional example, if data is copied to the system memory, the flash memory storing the BIOS is not accessed thereafter. However, there is a problem that the memory resources cannot be used effectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to copy a read-only program from a flash memory to a system memory at a power-on instruction, and then read and write the flash memory. The flash memory that stores the read-only program is switched by switching to a possible memory area, writing the read-only program copied to the system memory to the flash memory when power-off is instructed, and switching the flash memory as the read-only memory area. By providing a memory control device and a memory control method that can freely prepare a memory processing environment that can be used as a readable or writable memory during data processing, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. That.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a memory control device for copying a read-only program stored in a flash memory to a system memory in response to a power-on instruction. Receiving means for storing the read-only program copied to the system memory in the flash memory, and receiving the power-on instruction and copying the read-only program to the system memory; Switching control means for switching to a readable and writable memory resource, and receiving the power-off instruction, storing the read-only program in the flash memory by the storage means, and then switching the flash memory to a read-only memory resource. Have

A second invention according to the present invention is that the read-only program is a basic input / output system program.

A third invention according to the present invention is a memory control method for copying a read-only program stored in a flash memory to a system memory in response to a power-on instruction. A storage step of storing the read-only program copied to the system memory in the flash memory; and receiving the power-on instruction, copying the read-only program to the system memory, and then storing the flash memory in a readable / writable memory resource. A first switching step of switching, and a second step of switching the flash memory to a read-only memory resource after storing the read-only program in the flash memory in the storing step in response to a power-off instruction.
And a switching step.

In a fourth aspect according to the present invention, the read-only program is a basic input / output system program.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in response to a power-on instruction, a computer that controls a data processing apparatus that performs data processing by copying a read-only program stored in a flash memory to a system memory is readable. Receiving a power-off instruction and storing the read-only program copied to the system memory in the flash memory; and receiving the power-on instruction and receiving the read-only program. A first switching step of switching the flash memory to a readable and writable memory resource after copying the program to the system memory, and storing the read-only program in the flash memory by the storing step in response to a power-off instruction Read-only memory resources for the flash memory Switch and has a second switching step.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the read-only program is a basic input / output system program.

[0011]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a data processing device to which a memory control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU, which includes a memory controller such as a DRAM controller for controlling an interface of a DRAM 2 used as a main memory (system memory).

Reference numeral 3 denotes flash I / F switching means,
Whether the BIOS flash memory 4 in which the OS is stored is used as a normal BIOS or a work area for a program or the like is switched as described later. Reference numeral 10 denotes a power on / off signal, which is turned on and off when a power on / off switch provided in a data processing device (not shown) is pressed.
This is a signal transmitted to Ul.

In the memory control device configured as described above, when the power is turned on, a power on / off signal 10 is transmitted to the CPU 1, and the power on reset causes the CPU 1 to read the program in the BIOS flash memory 4. Going to activate the system.

Next, the data of the BIOS is transferred to a DRA which is a system memory by a memory controller in the CPU 1.
Copy (shadow processing) to a predetermined area of M2. This is to transfer the contents of the BIOS to the DRAM 2 to speed up the reading of the program and improve the performance of the system.

When the BIOS copy to the DRAM 2 is completed in this way, the CPU 1 notifies the flash I / F switching means 3 of the end of the copy, and the flash I / F switching means 3 transfers the I / F to the BIOS flash memory 4. On the other hand, switch to a state where data read / write access is possible.

Note that this switching is performed by C
From the perspective of the PU 1, this is equivalent to changing the mapping in the memory space of the BIOS flash memory 4 from the BIOS area to a general-purpose memory area that does not need to hold data when the power is turned off.

After the switching, the CPU 1 sends the BI
The OS flash memory 4 is not accessed as a BIOS, but is regarded as a memory area that does not need to hold data in a power-off state, such as a work area, by releasing a flash memory area in which the BIOS is stored. Access is performed.

On the other hand, when the power-off switch is pressed and the power-on / off signal 10 is notified, the CPU
Performs a BIOS copy process on the BIOS flash memory 4 before the power is turned off as follows. That is,
The contents shadowed in the DRAM 2 are copied to the BIOS flash memory 4 again, and the flash I / F switching means 3 switches the I / F to the default BIOS side, and thereafter the power is turned off. When the power is turned on next time, the system is started again from the BIOS flash memory 4 as described above.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the flash I / F switching means 3 shown in FIG. 1. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 5 denotes a decode BIOS area, which decodes an address for the BIOS flash memory 4 and selects the BIOS flash memory 4.
An IOS area selection signal 5A is output.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a decode work area (decode area) which outputs a work area selection signal 6A for decoding a memory area for using the BIOS flash memory 4 as a work area of a program.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a two-input one-output selector which selects and outputs one of two output signals 5A and 6A from the decode area 6 or the decode BIOS area 5 based on a flash switching signal 8 serving as a selection signal. I do.
Reference numeral 9 denotes a chip select signal which permits reading and writing of the BIOS flash memory 4.

The flash I / F configured as described above
When the switching means 3 uses the BIOS flash memory 4 as the BIOS when the power is turned on or the like, the CP
Ul outputs to the two-input / one-output selector 7 a flash switching signal 8 made valid by the BIOS area selection signal 5A from the decode BIOS area 5.

In response to this, a decoded BIOS area is output to the BIOS flash memory 4 as the chip select signal 9, and is output to the BIOS flash memory 4.
Is used as the BIOS.

After the BIOS is shadowed, in order to switch the BIOS flash memory 4 so that the BIOS flash memory 4 can be used as a work decoding area, a signal of the opposite logic, that is, a flash switching signal 8 is output from the CPU 1 and two inputs. The one-output selector 7 selects the decode area 6 and becomes effective. As a result, the chip select signal 9 of the BIOS flash memory 4 is output so as to be selected when the decode area 6 becomes valid.

Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

A memory control device for copying the read-only program stored in the BIOS flash memory 4 to the system memory (DRAM 2) in response to the power-on instruction configured as described above. Storage means for storing the read-only program copied to the system memory in the BIOS flash memory 4 (the CPU 1 executes a control program read from a ROM or an external memory (not shown) to perform storage processing); Received, the read-only program is copied to the system memory, and then the BI
After switching the OS flash memory 4 to a readable and writable memory resource and receiving a power-off instruction, the storage means stores the read-only program in the BIOS flash memory 4, and then switches the flash memory to a read-only memory resource. Switching control means (flash I / F switching means 3), the read memory area in which a read-only program can be stored can be used as a temporarily readable and writable memory area, and an extended memory is added. The system memory area can be expanded and used for data processing without using memory resources, and memory resources can be used effectively. When the power is turned on again, the read-only program can be reliably read from the readable flash memory. Copy above and normal data The memory environment that enables the management can be secured.

Since the read-only program is a basic input / output system program (BIOS), a read memory area capable of storing the basic input / output system program can be used as a temporarily readable / writable memory area. The system memory area can be expanded by a memory capacity corresponding to the basic input / output system program size and used for data processing without adding an extended memory, and the memory resources can be effectively used.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure of the memory control device according to the present invention.
(1) to (8) show each step. It is assumed that the procedure shown in this step is executed based on a control program loaded on the DRAM 2 from a ROM (not shown) or an external device (not shown).

First, when the power is turned on in step (1) by operating the power on / off switch, a power-on reset of the system is performed. When the reset is released, the CPU 1 flashes the BIOS flash in step (2). The BIOS is read from the memory 4, and in step (3),
The contents of the BIOS flash memory 4 are copied to the DRAM 2 (BIOS shadow processing).

When the BIOS shadow ends,
In step (4), the flash memory cutting means 3 is notified of the switching of the memory use, and in step (5), the BIO
The memory map of the S flash memory 4 is mapped from the BIOS area to a general-purpose memory area that does not need to hold data when the power is turned off.
Can be used as a work area for software programs.

Next, some data processing is executed, and in step (6), when the power on / off switch is instructed to be turned off, in step (7), the contents of the BIOS shadowed in the DRAM 2 are again stored in the BIOS flash memory. The data is copied to the memory 4, and in step (8), the flash I / F switching means 3 switches to the default BIOS side and ends the processing.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

A memory control method for copying the read-only program stored in the BIOS flash memory 4 to the system memory in response to the power-on instruction configured as described above, or in response to the power-on instruction,
A storage medium storing a program readable by a computer for controlling a data processing device for performing a data processing by copying a read-only program stored in the OS flash memory 4 to a system memory; A storage step of storing the read-only program copied to the system memory in the flash memory (step (7) in FIG. 3); and receiving the power-on instruction and copying the read-only program to the system memory. A first switching step (step (4) in FIG. 3) for switching the flash memory to a readable / writable memory resource, and receiving the power-off instruction, storing the read-only program in the flash memory in the storing step. Later, the flash memory is turned into a read-only memory resource. Since it has a second switching step (step (8) in FIG. 3) for switching, a read memory area in which a read-only program can be stored can be used as a temporarily readable and writable memory area, and an extended memory can be used. The system memory area can be expanded and used for data processing without expansion, and memory resources can be effectively used.When the power is turned on again, the read-only program can be reliably read from the readable flash memory. A memory environment where normal data processing can be performed can be secured by copying the data to the system memory.

Since the read-only program is a basic input / output system program (BIOS), a read memory area capable of storing the basic input / output system program can be used as a temporarily readable / writable memory area. The system memory area can be expanded by a memory capacity corresponding to the basic input / output system program size and used for data processing without adding an extended memory, and the memory resources can be effectively used.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a data processing device to which the memory control device according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by a data processing device to which the memory control device according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and a creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 3 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0047]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided a memory control device for copying a read-only program stored in a flash memory to a system memory in response to a power-on instruction, wherein the read-out program copied to the system memory in response to a power-off instruction Storage means for storing a dedicated program in the flash memory; receiving the power-on instruction; copying the read-only program to the system memory; switching the flash memory to a readable / writable memory resource; Receiving the read-only program in the flash memory by the storage means, and switching control means for switching the flash memory to a read-only memory resource. Is temporarily readable and writable It can be used as a memory area, the system memory area can be expanded and used for data processing without expanding the extended memory, and the memory resources can be used effectively. The read-only program is reliably copied from the readable flash memory onto the system memory, and a memory environment for normal data processing can be secured.

According to the second aspect, the read-only program is a basic input / output system program.
The read memory area that can store the basic input / output system program can be used as a temporary readable / writable memory area, and the system memory is equivalent to the basic input / output system program size without increasing the extension memory. The area can be expanded and used for data processing, and memory resources can be used effectively.

According to the third and fifth aspects, there is provided a memory control method for copying a read-only program stored in a flash memory to a system memory upon receiving a power-on instruction, or receiving a power-on instruction. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls a data processing device that performs data processing by copying a read-only program stored in a flash memory to a system memory; A storage step of storing the read-only program copied to the system memory in the flash memory; and receiving the power-on instruction, copying the read-only program to the system memory, and then storing the flash memory in a readable / writable memory resource. A first switching step of switching,
After receiving the power-off instruction and storing the read-only program in the flash memory in the storing step,
A second switching step of switching the flash memory to a read-only memory resource, so that a read memory area capable of storing a read-only program can be used as a temporarily readable / writable memory area;
The system memory area can be expanded and used for data processing without expanding the expansion memory, and memory resources can be effectively used. Can be reliably copied onto the system memory to secure a memory environment in which normal data processing can be performed.

According to the fourth and sixth aspects, since the read-only program is a basic input / output system program, a read memory area in which the basic input / output system program can be stored can be temporarily read / written. The system memory area can be expanded by the memory capacity equivalent to the basic input / output system program size and used for data processing without expanding the expansion memory, and the memory resources can be used effectively. be able to.

Therefore, there is an effect that a memory processing environment in which the flash memory storing the read-only program can be used as a readable or writable memory at the time of data processing can be freely prepared.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data processing device to which a memory control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a flash I / F switching unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the memory control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a data processing device to which a memory control device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 DRAM 3 Flash I / F switching means 4 BIOS flash memory 5 Decode BIOS area 5A BIOS area selection signal 6 Decode area 6A Work area selection signal 7 2 input 1 output selector 8 Flash switching signal 9 Flash chip select 10 Power on / off OFF signal

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A memory control device for copying a read-only program stored in a flash memory to a system memory in response to a power-on instruction, wherein the read-only program copied to the system memory in response to a power-off instruction Storing means for storing a program in the flash memory; receiving the power-on instruction, copying the read-only program to the system memory, switching the flash memory to a readable / writable memory resource, and issuing a power-off instruction. And a switching control unit for receiving the read-only program in the flash memory by the storage unit and then switching the flash memory to a read-only memory resource. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the read-only program is a basic input / output system program.
A memory control device as described. 3. A memory control method for copying a read-only program stored in a flash memory to a system memory in response to a power-on instruction, wherein said read-only program copied to said system memory in response to a power-off instruction A storage step of storing a program in the flash memory; a first switching step of receiving the power-on instruction, copying the read-only program to a system memory, and then switching the flash memory to a readable / writable memory resource; After receiving the power-off instruction and storing the read-only program in the flash memory in the storing step,
A second switching step of switching the flash memory to a read-only memory resource. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the read-only program is a basic input / output system program.
The memory control method described in the above. 5. A storage medium storing a program which can be read by a computer which controls a data processing device which performs a data processing by copying a read-only program stored in a flash memory to a system memory in response to a power-on instruction. Receiving a power-off instruction and storing the read-only program copied to the system memory in the flash memory; and receiving the power-on instruction and copying the read-only program to the system memory. A first switching step of switching the flash memory to a readable and writable memory resource, and after receiving a power-off instruction, storing the read-only program in the flash memory by the storing step.
A second switching step of switching the flash memory to a read-only memory resource, a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the read-only program is a basic input / output system program.
A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to the above.