Automatic adjustment of magnetic disk protection apparatus and method according to environment
First Claim
1. A portable information processing apparatus comprising:
- a magnetic disk device switchable between a first shock-resistant state in which data access to a magnetic disk by a head is enabled and a second shock-resistant state in which data access to the magnetic disk by the head is disabled where said second shock-resistant state provides increased shock resistance as compared to said first shock-resistant state;
at least one first sensor for detecting a first shock-predictive physical quantity, said first shock-predictive physical quantity being a basis for issuing a first prediction that a shock to said magnetic disk device is likely;
at least one second sensor for detecting a second shock-predictive physical quantity, said second shock-predictive physical quantity being a basis for issuing a second prediction that a shock to said magnetic disk device is not likely;
first prediction means for issuing the first prediction in response to an output from said first sensor;
first magnetic disk device switching means for switching said magnetic disk device from the first shock-resistant state to the second shock-resistant state in response to the first prediction;
second prediction means for issuing the second prediction in response to an output from said second sensor after said first magnetic disk device switching means switches said magnetic disk device from the first shock-resistant state to the second shock-resistant state;
second magnetic disk device switching means for switching said magnetic disk device from the second shock-resistant state to the first shock-resistant state in response to the second prediction; and
condition relaxing means for relaxing a condition for issuing the second prediction in response to a delay of a predetermined process in said information processing apparatus caused by the disabled data access due to the second shock-resistant state of said magnetic disk device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A portable information processing apparatus in provided with a magnetic disk device switchable to a state providing increased resistance to physical shock upon prediction that such a shock is likely. Under predetermined conditions, a second prediction may be issued that such a shock is no longer likely, allowing the magnetic disk device to switch to a normal state of operations. The shock-resistant state of the magnetic disk device can prevent data access and thus inhibit the progress of important process(es). Upon recognition that an important process is being delayed, the condition for issuing the second prediction may be relaxed to more quickly return the magnetic disk device to a normal operating state.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A portable information processing apparatus comprising:
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a magnetic disk device switchable between a first shock-resistant state in which data access to a magnetic disk by a head is enabled and a second shock-resistant state in which data access to the magnetic disk by the head is disabled where said second shock-resistant state provides increased shock resistance as compared to said first shock-resistant state;
at least one first sensor for detecting a first shock-predictive physical quantity, said first shock-predictive physical quantity being a basis for issuing a first prediction that a shock to said magnetic disk device is likely;
at least one second sensor for detecting a second shock-predictive physical quantity, said second shock-predictive physical quantity being a basis for issuing a second prediction that a shock to said magnetic disk device is not likely;
first prediction means for issuing the first prediction in response to an output from said first sensor;
first magnetic disk device switching means for switching said magnetic disk device from the first shock-resistant state to the second shock-resistant state in response to the first prediction;
second prediction means for issuing the second prediction in response to an output from said second sensor after said first magnetic disk device switching means switches said magnetic disk device from the first shock-resistant state to the second shock-resistant state;
second magnetic disk device switching means for switching said magnetic disk device from the second shock-resistant state to the first shock-resistant state in response to the second prediction; and
condition relaxing means for relaxing a condition for issuing the second prediction in response to a delay of a predetermined process in said information processing apparatus caused by the disabled data access due to the second shock-resistant state of said magnetic disk device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for controlling a portable information processing apparatus comprising:
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issuing a first prediction that a shock is likely to a magnetic disk device of the portable information processing apparatus in response to a first output from a first sensor, where said first sensor issues said first output in response to detecting a first shock predictive physical quantity;
in response to said first prediction, switching said magnetic disk device from a first shock-resistant state in which data access to a magnetic disk by a head is enabled to a second shock-resistant state in which data access to the magnetic disk by the head is disabled, where said second shock-resistant state provides increased shock resistance as compared to said first shock-resistant state;
issuing a second prediction that a shock is not likely to occur to said magnetic disk device after said magnetic disk device is switched from the first shock-resistant state to the second shock-resistant state and in response to a second output from a second sensor, where said second sensor issues said second output in response to detecting a second shock predictive physical quantity;
switching said magnetic disk device from the second shock-resistant state to the first shock-resistant state in response to the second prediction; and
relaxing a condition for issuing the second prediction in response to a delay of a predetermined process in said information processing apparatus caused by the disabled data access due to the second shock-resistant state of said magnetic disk device. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A computer-readable medium having embodied thereon computer-readable instructions effective when executing on a portable information processing apparatus to:
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issue a first prediction that a shock is likely to a magnetic disk device of the portable information processing apparatus in response to a first output from a first sensor, where said first sensor issues said first output in response to detecting a first shock predictive physical quantity;
in response to said first prediction, switch said magnetic disk device from a first shock-resistant state in which data access to a magnetic disk by a head is enabled to a second shock-resistant state in which data access to the magnetic disk by the head is disabled, where said second shock-resistant state provides increased shock resistance as compared to said first shock-resistant state;
issue a second prediction that a shock is not likely to occur to said magnetic disk device after said magnetic disk device is switched from the first shock-resistant state to the second shock-resistant state and in response to a second output from a second sensor, where said second sensor issues said second output in response to detecting a second shock predictive physical quantity;
switch said magnetic disk device from the second shock-resistant state to the first shock-resistant state in response to the second prediction; and
relax a condition for issuing the second prediction in response to a delay of a predetermined process in said information processing apparatus caused by the disabled data access due to the second shock-resistant state of said magnetic disk device. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification