Method for changing storage density of computer system

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of computer memory.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

The requirements for volatile storage devices for computer systems vary from user to user. For example, a user with a personal computer for home use may be using software that does not require a large amount of RAM, such as a word processor or web browser. However, users may install software that requires more RAM than originally purchased, such as graphics-intensive video games or photo editors. Currently, in order to increase the amount of RAM that a computer system has, even larger RAM must be physically added to the computer system.

【0003】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, there are many issues associated with the introduction of additional RAM. First, you have to buy additional RAM. Purchase RAM from memory modules such as DIMMs (Dual Inline Memory Modules) for desktop computers and SODIMMs (Small Outline DIMMs) used for laptop computers. DIMMs and SODIMMs have a large number of chip configurations that make all capacities the same. At times, computer systems can be sensitive to their configuration. The process of choosing the right memory module is very confusing to the average computer user and can require a lot of reading and research.

【0004】

In addition, new memory modules must be manually inserted into the computer system. This can be particularly daunting for computer users. If the user wants the memory module to be inserted by a professional technician, the user can incur significant costs. Also, as with the installation of any computer component, an inexperienced installer may imperfectly perform such an installation, resulting in additional damage or compensation to the user.

【0005】

[Means for solving problems]

A method for changing the storage density of a computer system is presented. The storage device determines if it is scalable to provide a first storage density and a second storage density. Receives information authorizing changes in storage density. This firmware is updated to indicate a change in storage density.

【0006】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention, of which examples are shown in the accompanying drawings, will be referred to in detail. Although the present invention is described with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that these preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to this embodiment. Contrary to this, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In addition, a number of specific details will be described in the following detailed description of the invention in order to fully understand the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without the use of these particular details. In other cases, known methods, procedures, components, structures, devices are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the invention.

【0007】

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 100 with a scalable volatile storage device 102 capable of implementing embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 100 illustrates a component of a computer system according to an embodiment of the invention that provides an execution platform for performing certain software-based functions of the invention. In one embodiment, some processes and steps of the present invention are in a computer readable storage device of a computer system and a set of instructions (s) executed by a processing device (s) of system 100. For example, it is recognized as a software program). When these instructions are executed, the process of changing the storage density of the computer system according to one embodiment of the present invention (for example, the process 200 of FIG. 2 or the process 300 of FIG. 3) is carried out by the computer system 100. To carry out.

【0008】

The computer system 100 includes an address / data bus 110 for exchanging information, one or more central processing units 101 coupled to the bus 110 for processing information and instructions, and a central processing unit (one). Computer-readable volatile storage 102 (eg, random access memory, static RAM, dynamic RAM, etc.) coupled to bus 110 to store information and instructions for (or more) 101, and central processing. Computer-readable non-volatile storage 103 (eg, read-only memory, programmable ROM, etc.) coupled to bus 110 to store static information and instructions for processing unit (s) 101. It consists of flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.).

【0009】

In one embodiment, the firmware that manages the configuration of the computer system 100 is stored on the non-volatile storage device 103. This firmware contains instructions that limit the addressable space of the volatile storage device 102. By limiting the addressable space, the storage density of the volatile storage device 102 can be controlled. For example, the volatile storage device 102 is a 512MB SDRAM memory module (eg, having a storage density of 512MB). This firmware can reduce the storage density of the volatile storage device 102 to, for example, 256 MB by limiting the addressable space of the volatile storage device 102. In this embodiment, the central processing unit 101 can only access the addressable space as instructed by this firmware. In one embodiment, the volatile storage device 102 is scalable to provide multiple storage densities. The plurality of memory densities include a first memory density and a second memory density. In one embodiment, the first memory density is less than the second memory density.

【0010】

In one embodiment, a system command is executed to upgrade the storage density of the volatile storage device 102 from the first storage density to the second storage density. In one embodiment, the volatile storage device 102 is a scalable storage device initially programmed to operate at a first storage density.

【0011】

In one embodiment, the computer system 100 also includes a computer-readable data storage device 104 such as a magnetic disk and a magnetic disk drive or an optical disk and an optical disk drive coupled to a bus 110 to store information and instructions. Optionally, the system 100 transmits information and command selection to the central processing unit (s) 101, a display device 105 coupled to bus 110 to display information to the computer user. , Alphabet input device 106 including alphanumeric keys and function keys coupled to bus 110, bus 110 to transmit user input information and command selection to the central processing unit (s) 101. A cursor control device 107 coupled to the bus 110 and a signal generator 108 coupled to the bus 110 to transmit command selection to the central processing unit (s) 101 can be included.

【0012】

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of the scalable volatile storage device 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the volatile storage 102 is a computer-readable non-volatile storage 120 (eg, read-only memory, programmable ROM, flash memory, etc.) that stores static information about the properties of the volatile storage 102. EPROM, EEPROM, etc.) are included. In one embodiment, this information includes a label (eg, capable of supporting multiple storage densities) indicating that the volatile storage device 102 is scalable. In other embodiments, this information includes a part number for the volatile storage device 102.

【0013】

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing steps in the process of changing the storage density of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, process 200 is performed on a processing device and electrical components under the control of computer-readable and computer-executable instructions. In one embodiment, process 200 is performed on computer system 100 of FIG. 1A. Although specific steps are disclosed in Process 200, such steps are exemplary. That is, embodiments of the present invention are well suited to carry out various other steps, or modifications of the steps listed in FIG.

【0014】

In step 210 of process 200, the storage device of the computer system determines whether it is scalable to provide a first storage density and a second storage device. In one embodiment, the storage device is a volatile storage device (eg, volatile storage device 102 in FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the firmware of this computer system includes information stating whether the storage device is scalable. In another embodiment, the storage device includes a non-volatile storage device (eg, non-volatile storage device 120 in FIG. 1B) that contains information stating whether the storage device is scalable. This firmware includes instructions to access the non-volatile storage device to determine if it is scalable.

【0015】

It will be understood that scalable storage devices can provide multiple different storage densities. The storage density indicates how much memory the storage device can store at any time. The storage device contains a defined amount of addressable space. By limiting the addressable space, the storage density of the storage device can be limited. For example, a 512MB RAM storage device has 512MB of addressable space. By limiting the addressable space, for example, by instructing the firmware that the storage device has only 256 MB of addressable space, the storage density can be reduced.

【0016】

In one embodiment, the storage device is a scalable storage device initially programmed to operate at a first storage density. The non-volatile storage device of this storage device contains information of its initial program. The firmware of this computer system is instructed to access its non-volatile storage device to determine the storage density.

【0017】

Information is received that authorizes the change in storage density, provided that the storage device is scalable, as shown in step 220. In one embodiment, the change in memory density is a change from a first memory density to a second memory density. In one embodiment, the first storage density is smaller than the second storage density so that the change from the first storage density to the second storage density further increases the storage density of the storage device. ing. For example, manufacture a scalable storage device with 1GB (eg, 1024MB) addressable space. The storage device is initially programmed in the firmware of this computer system or in the non-volatile storage device of the storage device, assuming that it has 256 MB of addressable space. Information is received to authorize the change in storage density to 512MB.

【0018】

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing steps in the process 300 of receiving information authorizing a change in storage density according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step 310, you receive your license key. In one embodiment, the license key is obtained by contacting the manufacturer of the computer system and purchasing the license key.

【0019】

In step 320, this license key is verified. In one embodiment, it is determined whether the license key and the encrypted data match based on the serial number and part number of the storage device. This encrypted data is based on an encryption algorithm generated by its manufacturer. At step 330, it is determined whether this license key is verified as authentic.

【0020】

If this license key is verified to be genuine, as shown in step 340, it is authorized to change the storage density of the storage device to a second storage density, and process 200 in Figure 2 Proceed to step 230. Alternatively, as shown in step 350, if this license key is not verified to be genuine, changing the storage density of the storage device to a second storage density is rejected and the process of Figure 2 200 ends.

【0021】

Referring to FIG. 2, in step 230, the firmware is updated to indicate its storage density change. In one embodiment, this change is a change from a first memory density to a second memory density. In one embodiment, the first memory density is less than the second memory density. As mentioned above, the storage density described in this firmware limits the addressable space of the storage device. Therefore, by adjusting this firmware, the addressable space of this storage device can be controlled. Changes made to this firmware will be understood to be saved (eg, stored in non-volatile storage) during the system boot of the computer.

【0022】

At step 240, the computer system is booted. In one embodiment, booting a computer system makes changes to the firmware. You may need to reboot your computer system to change the addressable space in the contents stored in the firmware.

【0023】

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing steps in an alternative process 400 of altering the storage density of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 410, the storage density of this storage device is programmed to be written to the first storage density. In one embodiment, the task of programming the first storage density is performed when the storage device is introduced into a computer system. In one embodiment, this storage density is programmed into the firmware of the computer system. In another embodiment, this storage density is programmed into the non-volatile storage device of the scalable storage device, which is accessed by the firmware of the computer system.

【0024】

At step 420, approval is obtained to change this storage density from the first storage density to the second storage density. In one embodiment, the change in memory density is a change from a first memory density to a second memory density. In one embodiment, the first storage density is smaller than the second storage density so that the change from the first storage density to the second storage density further increases the storage density of the storage device. ing. In one embodiment, a process of receiving information that authorizes the change in storage density (eg, process 300 in FIG. 3) is performed to determine if the authorization to change the storage density is acceptable.

【0025】

In step 430, this memory density is programmed into a second memory density. In one embodiment, the firmware is programmed to change to a second storage density. As mentioned above, the storage density described in this firmware limits the addressable space of this storage device. Therefore, by adjusting this firmware, the addressable space of this storage device can be controlled. Changes made to this firmware will be understood to be saved (eg, stored in non-volatile storage) during the system boot of the computer.

【0026】

It will be understood that process 200 in FIG. 2 and process 400 in FIG. 4 may be executed multiple times on the same storage device. For example, a 1GB storage device (eg, 1024MB) is initialized with a storage density of 256MB. The user then obtains a license key to upgrade this storage density to 512MB. At a later date, the user may purchase a license key to upgrade this storage density to a full capacity of 1GB.

【0027】

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of increasing the storage density of a computer system without physically adding or modifying storage devices. In addition, the memory density can be increased without the service of a local field support engineer or professional technician. Therefore, by changing this storage density, computer system downtime (eg, powering down, adding / changing storage, and powering up again) is shorter and less expensive than before. Become. Further, an embodiment of the present invention, i.e., a method of changing the storage density of a computer system, is thus described. Although the present invention has been described in a particular embodiment, the invention should not be construed as being limited by such embodiments, and more appropriately, by the claims. It will be understood that it should be understood as a thing.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and form a portion of the present application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, along with this description, serve to illustrate the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system having a scalable volatile storage device capable of implementing embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a scalable volatile storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing steps in the process of changing the storage density of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing steps in the process of receiving information authorizing a change in storage density according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing steps in an alternative process of changing the storage density of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.