Data processing apparatus including stored value access control to shared storage.

摘要

A volatile memory 10 is shared by a plurality of using Units 11 in a loosely-coupled manner. A token area of the memory stores a predetermined bit pattern (17) signifying initialization of the memory, including creation of an appropriate directory (16). Absence of the predetermined bit pattern signifies no initialization. The using units independently and asynchronously access the token area to verify initialization. The first using unit detecting no initialization. The first using unit detecting no initialization creates a directory in the memory for normal operation but, when a using unit, itself, is being powered up, a poll bit is set in order that initialization of the memory (10) can be delayed.