JP2006231775A - Electronic device, information processing method, storage medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid the updating of the information of a storage medium by information which is not normal, or to avoid the reading of information which is not normal when the information is updated through an RFID communication function, or information written in the storage medium is read through the RFID communication function in an electronic device which is motion-controlled based on the information written in the storage medium. <P>SOLUTION: This electronic device (100) is motion-controlled based on the information written in the storage medium. The electronic device (100) is equipped with an RFID tag which stores information, a reading means (202) which reads the information stored in the RFID tag after the power source of the electronic device is turned on, and an updating means (303). In this case, the updating means (303) updates the information written in the storage medium (304) by the read information when the read information does not agree with information which has already been written in the storage medium (304), and also, the read information is normal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of handling an RFID tag, an information processing method, a storage medium, and a program.

  Generally, a printing apparatus is equipped with a microcomputer and is electronically controlled by a control program. Conventionally, a dedicated device is required to rewrite the control program. However, as the complexity and sophistication of printing devices has increased, functions have been added and modified, so current printing devices are configured so that control programs can be rewritten without using dedicated devices. .

  Specifically, by storing the control program in an electrically erasable / rewritable storage medium, it can be erased / rewritten from the host computer connected to the printing device, which makes it easier for service personnel at customers. In addition, the control program can be rewritten.

  However, if the product is not connected to the host computer and is in a packed state, such as those in a factory or warehouse that are waiting for shipment, unpack and reconnect the host computer to erase / rewrite the control program. It will be necessary. For this reason, in such a situation, it takes much time and effort to erase / rewrite the control program.

  On the other hand, with the development of semiconductor technology and electronic communication technology, an automatic recognition system (RFID system) called RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) capable of transmitting and receiving information without contact has been developed.

  In general, an RFID system is equipped with an electronic circuit, and includes an RFID tag that holds information and an RFID reader / writer that controls the RFID tag. The RFID system has a feature that new information can be written and appended, and simultaneous communication with a plurality of RFID tags is possible, and a voltage generated from radio frequency received power transmitted from the RFID reader / writer. Therefore, there is no need to supply power to the device itself on which the RFID tag is mounted, and because it is wireless communication, it is less susceptible to obstacles.

  Therefore, in order to easily rewrite / read various information such as a control program stored in a storage medium in the printing apparatus using this technique, data read when the control program is executed, or machine information, etc. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  According to such a printing apparatus, for example, even when the printing apparatus is in a packaged state or in a power-off state, printing is performed from the outside using an RFID communication handy terminal that functions as an RFID reader / writer. Various information stored in the RFID tag inside the apparatus can be rewritten. Since the various information of the rewritten RFID tag is reflected in a storage medium (for example, EEPROM) inside the printing apparatus when the printing apparatus is activated, it is possible to operate the printing apparatus with the various information updated thereafter. Become.

Further, when the printing apparatus is in the power-on state, various information of the printing apparatus stored in the storage medium (EEPROM) is stored in the RFID tag inside the printing apparatus. Even when the power of the printing apparatus is turned off, the various information stored in the RFID tag inside the printing apparatus is externally stored using the RFID communication handy terminal or the like (that is, the printing apparatus Various information stored in the storage medium can be read out indirectly).
JP 2003-216450 A

  However, various information written to the RFID tag may become abnormal due to some influence, or the memory area of the RFID tag itself may be defective, and various information may not be normally written to the RFID tag. In such a case, if various information stored in the storage medium inside the printing apparatus is updated based on various kinds of abnormal information, in the worst case, the printing apparatus may not start. In such a case, accurate information cannot be obtained even if various kinds of information stored in the RFID tag are read using the RFID communication handy terminal in the power-off state.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an electronic device whose operation is controlled based on information written to a storage medium, the information is updated or written to the storage medium via an RFID communication function. It is an object of the present invention to avoid that information on a storage medium is updated with information that is not normal or information that is not normal is read when the information is read via the RFID communication function.

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
An electronic device whose operation is controlled based on information written in a storage medium,
An RFID tag for storing information received via a communication antenna for RFID;
Read means for reading information stored in the RFID tag after the electronic device is powered on;
First determination means for determining whether or not the transmission information read by the reading means matches information already written in the storage medium;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the transmission information read by the reading means is normal when it is determined by the first determination means that they do not match,
When it is determined that the second determination means is normal, the information already written in the storage medium is updated to the information read by the reading means.

  Further, if the determination result by the second determination means is not normal, the information already stored in the storage medium is written into the RFID.

  According to the present invention, in an electronic device whose operation is controlled based on information written to a storage medium, the information is updated via the RFID communication function, or information written to the storage medium is updated via the RFID communication function. Therefore, it is possible to avoid that information in the storage medium is updated with information that is not normal or information that is not normal is read.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Overall system configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a label recording apparatus with an RFID tag communication function (hereinafter also referred to as a label printer) according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an RFID communication handy terminal for communicating with the label printer.

  The label printer (100) and the RFID communication handy terminal (101) can perform wireless communication, and the RFID communication handy terminal (101) stores the internal information stored in the label printer (100). For example, a control program can be transmitted to and stored in the RFID tag for use, and various information stored in the RFID tag for storing internal information can be read out by wireless communication.

  The built-in RFID tag can be operated using a small amount of received power of radio waves received from the RFID communication handy terminal (101) even if the label printer (100) is not turned on.

<Configuration of label printer>
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the label printer (100). The label printer (100) mainly performs printing on continuous label paper. The continuous label paper with the label pieces temporarily attached to the mount is mounted on the roll unit (205) and supplied to the transport section of the printer main body. The transport unit mainly includes a transport motor (206) and a transport belt (207), and transports the continuous label paper in the direction of the arrow (“paper transport direction”) during printing.

  Here, the roll unit (205) side on the transport path is the transport inlet, and the opposite side is the transport outlet. The label printer (100) has, for example, a black (K) head (203K), a cyan (C) head (203C), a magenta (M) head (203M), and a yellow (Y) head (203Y) as inkjet printing heads. ) Is installed. These print heads are, for example, full-line type ink jet print heads having a nozzle row having a length corresponding to the label width, and inks of K, C, M, and Y are respectively supplied from the nozzle rows of these four print heads. By selectively discharging the ink, color printing can be performed.

  The ink to be ejected includes a black (K) ink cartridge (204K), a cyan (C) ink cartridge (204C), a magenta (M) ink cartridge (204M), and a yellow (Y) ink cartridge (204Y), a pump (not shown), It is supplied to each print head by a tube or the like.

  The roll unit (205) includes a roll drive shaft (208) for loading continuous level paper (210), a roll sensor lever (209) used as a sensor for giving the roll paper a certain slack, and a roll drive shaft (208). And a continuous label sheet (210) is fed to the transport section of the label printer main body.

  Further, there is an RFID communication unit (200) for storing information in the RFID tag (211) in the vicinity of the transfer outlet, and the RFID communication unit (200) controls communication between the RFID communication antenna (201) and the RFID. An RFID reader / writer (202) to perform, an RFID tag (211) for storing various information such as a control program, etc., communicates between the RFID tag (211) and an internal information storage EEPROM (304) to be described later. Rewriting various information in (304), and writing various information read from the EEPROM (304) to the RFID tag (211).

<Functional block>
FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of the label printer (100). The label printer (100) includes an internal information storage RFID tag (211), an RFID reader / writer (202) for communicating with the RFID tag (211), an RFID communication antenna (201), and a label printer (100). And a rewritable EEPROM (304) in which a control program for controlling the label printer (100) is stored, and a startup ROM (303) in which a program for starting and communicating with the RFID tag (211) is stored. A RAM (305) for storing print data transferred from the host computer and executing a control program, a paper feed unit (309) for feeding continuous label paper (210), and a continuous label paper A transport unit (310) for transporting, a head mechanism control unit (30 for performing movement and recovery operations of the print head) ), The head control unit for ejecting ink from the print head (306), the print head that performs printing by ejecting ink (203K), composed of such (203C), (203M), (203Y).

  The label printer (100) further includes an LCD display section for displaying the printer status and an operation panel (313) with an operation switch, an external interface (312) for communicating with an external device such as a host computer, and the entire label printer. It is comprised from CPU (311) which performs control of.

  As already described, the internal information storage RFID tag (211) employs a passive system that does not require a power source, and communication with the RFID reader / writer (315) operates using received power of radio waves. Updating various information of the label printer (100) or reading various information from the label printer (100) is performed using an external device capable of communicating with the RFID tag (211), such as an RFID communication handy terminal (101). . Even when communication is performed from the outside, the RFID tag (211) operates using the received power of the radio wave, so the RFID tag (211) itself is not supplied with power to the label printer (100). However, communication with external devices is possible.

  The RFID handy terminal (101) includes an RFID communication antenna (314) and an RFID reader / writer (315) for communicating with the RFID tag (211), and a ROM (316 for storing a program for controlling the RFID handy terminal. ), A RAM (317) for storing transmission / reception data with the RFID tag (211), and a CPU (318) for controlling the entire RFID handy terminal (101).

<Data format stored in RFID tag (211)>
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a data format stored in an internal information storage RFID tag (211) built in the label printer (100).

  The internal information (400) includes an identification code (401) for identifying various types of information, a data length (402) indicating the amount of information of various types of information, and a data section (403) for storing various types of information.

  In addition to the control program and version information (404) of the label printer (100), the internal information includes unique print characteristic data (for example, ink discharge amount of each nozzle) possessed by each print head (203K, 203C, 203M, 203Y). Print density data for each nozzle (405) for the purpose of improving the printing unevenness caused by the variation of the image) (405), the hardware serial number (406) which is the identification number of the machine body, and each print head (203K, 203C, 203M, 203Y) ) Cumulative ink ejection (printing) number (407), print position adjustment value (408) for correcting the print position misalignment between the print heads due to print head mounting errors, etc. In the second embodiment, these are collectively referred to as “various information”).

  The data portion of the control program storage format (404) stores version information of the control program and the control program.

  The data portion of the print characteristic data storage format (405) stores a head serial number and print characteristic data for determining which print head is the print characteristic data.

  The data portion of the hardware serial number storage format (406) stores the serial number of the machine body and the serial number of each print head used in the label printer (100).

  The data portion of the cumulative ink discharge (printing) number storage format (407) is composed of the sum of the cumulative ink discharge (printing) number of each print head and the cumulative ink discharge number of all the print heads.

  The data portion of the print position adjustment value storage format (408) is composed of adjustment values in the vertical direction (paper transport direction) and adjustment values in the horizontal direction (nozzle row direction of the print head) of each print head.

  FIG. 4 (2) is a diagram showing an internal information storage RFID tag memory map built in the label printer (100). Each internal information is continuously stored in the RFID tag (211) in the storage format (400) as shown in the internal information storage RFID tag memory map (410). The order of storing the internal information is not particularly specified, and the internal information is identified by the identification code (401).

  The stored information amount is confirmed by searching the identification code (401) in order from the top. Since the position (stored address) of the next internal information identification code can be calculated from the calculation formula (411), the stored information amount can be confirmed by performing a search until the end code (409) is detected.

  From the above, it is not always necessary to store all information in the RFID tag (211), and it is also possible to store only information that needs to be updated. For this reason, it can be effectively used in consideration of the storage capacity of the RFID tag (211) built in the label printer (100).

<Processing by RFID handy terminal>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of data transmission / reception between the RFID tag (211) mounted on the label printer (100) and the RFID communication handy terminal (101).

  The RFID communication handy terminal (101) is in a state of waiting for a command from the user (step S501). When a command is received, the received command is analyzed (step S502).

  In step S503, it is determined whether the command is a data clear command. If the command is a clear command, the data in the RFID tag (211) built in the label printer (100) is cleared (erased) (step S504) and the command is waited again. Return to the state (step S501).

  If it is not a data clear command, it is determined whether it is a data write command (step S505). If it is a data write command, the label printer stored in the RAM (317) of the RFID communication handy terminal (101) is determined. Various information such as the control program of (100) or print characteristic data is written to the RFID tag (211) (step S506), and the command reception state is again returned (step S501).

  If it is not a data write command, it is determined whether it is a data read command (step S507). If it is a data read command, various information stored in the RFID tag (211) is read, and the RFID communication handy terminal. The data is stored in the RAM (317) of (101) (step S508), and the command reception state is again returned (step S501).

<Processing in label printer (update of control program)>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the control program is updated among various pieces of information of the label printer (100). When the label printer (100) is turned on (step S601), the RFID communication program stored in the activation ROM (303) is executed, and the RFID reader / writer (202) is operated by the RFID communication antenna (201). Then, communication with the built-in RFID tag (211) is enabled (step S602).

  Subsequently, in order to check whether the control program is stored in the RFID tag (211), the identification code (401) stored in the RFID tag (211) is acquired (step S603), and it is determined whether there is a control program. (Step S604).

  If there is a control program, the control program (404) is acquired from the RFID tag (211) by the data length (402) (step S605), and stored in the internal information storage EEPROM (304) from the acquired data. The version of the existing control program is compared (step S606), and if it is the same, the control program update process is terminated without updating the control program.

  If it is a different version, it is determined whether or not the control program read from the RFID tag (211) is normal (step S609), and is updated only when it is normal (step S611). By performing such processing, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the control program of the EEPROM (304) is updated by an abnormal control program and the label printer (100) is not activated.

  On the other hand, if there is an abnormality, the control program is not updated, an error is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel (313) (step S610), and the control program update process is terminated. Thus, the user can recognize that the internal information storage EEPROM (304) has not been rewritten by the control program written to the RFID tag (211).

  If there is an abnormality, the control program stored in the internal information storage EEPROM (304) is written to the RFID tag (211) (step S615). Thus, when there is an abnormality, the control program stored in the internal information storage EEPROM (304) is written to the RFID tag (211) even when the power of the label printer (100) is OFF. This is because the user can confirm the control program of the label printer (100). That is, if the control program stored in the RFID tag (211) is left in an abnormal state, the control program of the label printer (100) is confirmed using the RFID communication handy terminal (101) when the power is turned off. This is because even if it is attempted, it cannot be confirmed and the convenience is poor.

  After the update is completed, in step S612, it is determined whether the control program has been rewritten normally. If the rewrite has been completed normally, the control program update process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when a writing error occurs, a writing error is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel (313) (step S613), and the operation of the label printer (100) is stopped (step S614).

  If it is not a control program in step S604, it is checked whether the acquired identification code is an end code (step S607). If it is an end code, it is stored in the internal information storage EEPROM (304). The control program being written is written to the RFID tag (step S615), and the control program update process is terminated. In step S604, if the control program is not a control program, the control program stored in the internal information storage EEPROM (304) is written to the RFID tag even when the label printer (100) is turned off. This is because the user can confirm the control program of the label printer (100).

  On the other hand, if it is not the end code in step S607, the process moves to the next identification code (step S608) and executes step S603.

<Processing in label printer (updating print characteristics data)>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when printing characteristic data is updated among various types of information of the label printer (100). When the power of the label printer (100) is turned on (step S701), the RFID communication program stored in the activation ROM (303) is executed, and communication with the internal information storage RFID tag (211) is enabled. (Step S702).

  The identification code (401) stored in the RFID tag (211) is acquired (step S703), and it is determined whether there is print characteristic data (step S704). If there is print characteristic data, the print characteristic data (403) is acquired from the RFID tag (211) for the data length (402) (step S705), and the acquired print characteristic data and each print head (203K to 203Y) are acquired. The stored head serial number is compared (step S706). If the serial numbers match, the acquired print characteristic data is checked (step S709). If the data is normal, the print characteristic data of each print head is rewritten (step S711). On the other hand, if there is an abnormality in the print characteristic data, rewriting is not performed, an error is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel (313), and the current print characteristic data is stored in the RFID tag (211) (step S710). .

  In step S712, it is determined whether the rewriting has been completed normally. If the rewriting has been completed normally, the printing characteristic data update process is terminated. If a write error has occurred, a write error is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel (313) (step S713), and the print characteristic data update process is terminated.

  In step S704, if there is no print characteristic data, it is confirmed whether the acquired identification code is an end code (step S707). If it is an end code, the print characteristic data is stored in the RFID tag (211). After the writing (step S714), the print characteristic data update process is terminated. If it is not an end code, the process moves to the next identification code (step S708) and executes step S703.

<Processing in label printer (update of machine information)>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when machine information (hardware serial number, cumulative ink ejection number, head position adjustment value) among various information in the label printer (100) is updated. When the power of the label printer (100) is turned on (step S801), the RFID communication program stored in the activation ROM (303) is executed, and communication with the RFID tag (211) is enabled (step S802). ).

  In step S805, it is confirmed whether the hardware serial number is stored in the RFID tag (211). If it is stored, the data is checked. If the data is normal, it is stored in the RFID tag (211). The hardware serial number stored in the EEPROM (304) is overwritten with the hardware serial number stored (step S804), and the data stored in the RFID tag (211) is not normal, or the RFID tag (211) is stored. If no data is stored, the hardware serial number stored in the EEPROM (304) is newly written into the RFID tag (211) (step S805).

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the cumulative ink ejection (printing) number is stored in the RFID tag (211), and if stored, the data is checked (step S806). If the data is normal, the RFID tag ( 211), the cumulative ink discharge number stored in the EEPROM (304) is overwritten by the cumulative ink discharge (recording) number stored in the 211 (step S807), and the data stored in the RFID tag (211) is not normal. If the data is not stored in the RFID tag (211), the cumulative ink ejection (printing) number of the EEPROM (304) is newly written in the RFID tag (211) (step S808).

  Subsequently, it is checked whether the print position adjustment value information is stored in the RFID tag (211) (step S809). If stored, the data is checked. If the data is normal, the RFID tag (211) is checked. The print position adjustment value information stored in the EEPROM (304) is overwritten with the print position adjustment value information stored in (Step S810), and the data stored in the RFID tag (211) is not normal, or If no data is stored in the RFID tag (211), the print position adjustment value information in the EEPROM (304) is newly written into the RFID tag (211) (step S811).

  As is clear from the above description, according to the label printer according to the present embodiment, the RFID printer function is installed so that the label printer is not turned on as in the packaged state, or is not connected to the host computer. Even when the printer is not connected, various information stored in the RFID tag such as a label printer control program, data read when the control program is executed, or label printer machine information can be rewritten. In the label printer according to the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, the internal information storage EEPROM can be updated with the rewritten various information to reflect the rewritten various information. When updating the EEPROM for use, it is possible to prevent the internal information storage EEPROM from being updated with information that is not normal by checking whether the various types of information are normal.

  In addition, when various information stored in the RFID tag is not normal, the various information stored in the RFID tag is rewritten with the various information stored in the internal information storage EEPROM. Accordingly, even when the power of the label printer is turned off, the user can read various normal information held by the label printer via the RFID tag using the RFID communication handy terminal (that is, the abnormal information is read). Is avoided).

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the process for updating the internal information storage EEPROM using the information written in the RFID tag is automatically started when the label printer is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only when the user inputs a predetermined instruction, processing for updating the internal information storage EEPROM using the information written in the RFID tag is started. You may comprise. Details of processing in the label printer 100 will be described below.

<Processing in label printer (update of control program)>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the control program of the label printer (100) is updated.

  When the label printer (100) is turned on in step S901 and the initialization operation is completed, a command reception standby state in which the command input from the operation panel (313) input by the user is waited is entered (step S902). Is received, it is analyzed to determine whether it is a control program update command (step S903). If it is not a control program update instruction, the processing program corresponding to the command is executed (step S909), and the command reception standby state is again returned (step S901).

  On the other hand, in the case of a control program update command, the RFID communication program stored in the activation ROM (303) is executed, and communication with the RFID tag (211) is enabled (step S904).

  Subsequently, in order to check whether the control program is stored in the RFID tag (211), the identification code (401) stored in the RFID tag (211) is acquired (step S905), and it is determined whether there is a control program. (Step S906). If there is a control program, data (403) is acquired from the RFID tag (211) by the data length (402) (step S907), and stored in the internal information storage EEPROM (304) from the acquired data. The version of the control program is compared (step S908). If the version is the same, the control program update process is terminated without updating the control program.

  On the other hand, if the version is different, it is determined whether or not the control program read from the RFID tag (211) is normal (step S912), and is updated only when it is normal (step S913). If there is an abnormality, an error is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel (313) without updating the control program (step S917), the control program update process is terminated, and the RFID tag (211) is displayed. The control program stored in the internal information storage EEPROM 304 is written (step S918).

  On the other hand, if the control program has been updated in step S913, it is determined whether the control program has been rewritten normally after completion of the update (step S914). If the control program has been successfully completed, the control program update process is terminated. .

  On the other hand, when a writing error occurs, a writing error is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel (313) (step S915), and the operation of the label printer (100) is stopped (step S916).

  If it is determined in step S906 that it is not a control program, it is checked whether the acquired identification code is an end code (step S910). If it is an end code, it is stored in the EEPROM (304). Is written to the RFID tag (211) (step S917). On the other hand, if it is not the end code, the process moves to the next identification code (step S911) and executes step S905.

<Processing in label printer (updating print characteristics data)>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of printing characteristic data update of the label printer (100). When the label printer (100) is turned on in step S1001 and the initialization operation is completed, a command reception standby state is entered (step S1002). When a command is received, analysis processing is performed to determine whether it is a print characteristic data rewrite command. (Step S1003).

  If it is not a print characteristic data rewrite command, the processing program corresponding to the command is executed (step S1009), and the process returns to the command reception standby state (step S1002). On the other hand, in the case of the print characteristic data rewrite command, the RFID communication program stored in the activation ROM (303) is executed, and communication with the internal information storage RFID tag (211) is enabled (step S1004).

  Subsequently, the identification code (401) stored in the RFID tag (211) is acquired (step S1005), and it is determined whether there is print characteristic data (step S1006). If there is print characteristic data, the data (403) is acquired from the RFID tag (211) by the data length (402) (step S1007) and stored in the head serial number and EEPROM (304) included in the acquired data. A comparison is made with the head serial numbers of the print heads (204K to 204Y) (step S1008).

  If it matches with the head serial number of each print head stored in the EEPROM (304) in step S1008, the process proceeds to step S1012 to check the print characteristic data. If the print characteristic data is normal, the print characteristic data stored in the EEPROM (304) is rewritten (step S1013). On the other hand, if there is an abnormality in the print characteristic data, an error is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel (313), and the print characteristic data of each print head stored in the EEPROM (304) in the RFID tag (211). Is written (step S1015).

  In step S1014, it is determined whether the rewriting has been completed normally. If the rewriting has been completed normally, the printing characteristic data update process is terminated. If a write error has occurred, a write error is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel (313) (step S1016), and the print characteristic data update process is terminated.

  If there is no print characteristic data in step S1006, it is confirmed whether the acquired identification code is an end code (step S1010). If it is an end code, the print characteristic data is stored in the RFID tag (211). After that (step S1017), the print characteristic data update process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not the end code, the process moves to the next identification code (step S1011) and executes step S1005.

<Processing in label printer (update of machine information)>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of updating the machine information in the label printer (100).

  When the label printer (100) is turned on in step S1101 and the initialization operation is completed, a command reception standby state is entered (step S1102), a command analysis process is performed, and it is determined whether it is a machine information write command (step S1102). If it is not a machine information write command, the processing program corresponding to the command is executed (step S1114), and the command reception standby state is again returned (step S1102).

  On the other hand, in the case of the body information write command, the RFID communication program stored in the startup ROM (303) is executed, and the internal information storage RFID tag (211) becomes communicable (step S1104). It is confirmed whether the head serial number is stored in (211) (step S1105), and if it is stored, the data is checked. If the data is normal, the head serial number stored in the EEPROM (304) is overwritten with the head serial number stored in the RFID tag (211) (step S1106). If the data is not normal or not stored. In this case, the head serial number stored in the EEPROM (304) is newly written to the RFID tag (211) (step S1107).

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the cumulative ink discharge (printing) number is stored in the RFID tag (211) (step S1108). If it is stored, the data is checked. If the data is normal, the EEPROM ( 304) is overwritten with the cumulative ink discharge number stored in the RFID tag (211) (step S1109). If not normal or not stored, the EEPROM ( 304) is newly written in the RFID tag (211) (step S1110).

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether the print position adjustment value information is stored in the RFID tag (211) (step S1111). If it is stored, the data is checked. If the data is normal, the EEPROM (304) is checked. Is overwritten with the cumulative number of ink discharges stored in the RFID tag (211) (step S1112). If not normal or not stored, the EEPROM (304) Print position adjustment value information is newly written to the RFID tag (211) (step S1113).

  As is clear from the above description, according to the present embodiment, various information written in the RFID tag (data read when executing a control program or control program, machine information) triggered by the reception of a command from the operation panel Thus, by adopting a configuration for updating the contents of the EEPROM, the user can select whether or not to update, and the convenience for the user is improved.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the update of various information in the label printer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the update of various information in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer is also possible. Applicable. This will be described in detail below.

<Overall system configuration>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a personal computer with an RFID tag communication function (hereinafter also referred to as a personal computer) according to a third embodiment of the present invention and an RFID communication handy terminal for communicating with the personal computer.

  The RFID communication handy terminal (1201) rewrites various information of the RFID tag for storing internal information mounted on the personal computer (1200) by wireless communication.

  FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of the personal computer (1200). The personal computer (1200) includes an internal information storage RFID tag (1300), an RFID reader / writer (1302) and an RFID communication antenna (1301) for communicating with the RFID tag (1300), and a personal computer (1200). ) And an activation ROM (1303) in which a program for communicating with the RFID tag (1300) is stored.

  Further, an internal information storage EEPROM (1304) in which a program for controlling the personal computer is stored, a RAM (1305) for executing the program, a CD-ROM drive (1306) for reading data in the CD-ROM, a program Alternatively, an HDD (1307) for storing data and an FDD (1308) for reading data on a floppy (registered trademark) disk are included.

  The personal computer (1200) is also provided with a keyboard (1309) for inputting data, a video controller (1310) for processing output image information and converting it into a video signal, and a display for displaying a video signal received from the video controller (1310) ( 1311) and a main controller (1313) including a CPU (1312) for controlling the entire personal computer in addition to processing the program stored in the RAM (1305).

  The RFID tag (1300) for storing internal information employs a passive method that does not require a power source, and communication with the RFID reader / writer (1302) is performed using the received power of radio waves. Various information of the personal computer (1200) is updated using an external device capable of communicating with the RFID tag (211), such as an RFID communication handy terminal (1201).

  Note that even when communication is performed from an external device, the RFID tag (1300) operates using the reception power of the radio wave, so that the RFID tag (1300) itself is not supplied with power to the personal computer (1200). Even so, communication with an external device is possible.

  The RFID handy terminal (1201) includes an RFID communication antenna (1314) and an RFID reader / writer (1315) for communicating with the RFID tag (1300), and a ROM (1316) for storing a program for controlling the RFID handy terminal. ), A RAM (1317) for storing transmission / reception data with the RFID tag (1300), and a CPU (1318) for controlling the RFID handy terminal (1201).

  FIG. 14 (1) is a diagram showing a data format stored in the internal information storage RFID tag (1300) built in the personal computer (1200).

  The internal information (1400) includes an identification code (1401) for identifying various types of information, a data length (1402) for storing the information amount of the program and hardware information, and a data section (1403) for storing the program and hardware information. Composed.

  The internal information includes a control program for controlling the personal computer (1200), and hardware information that is information on the model number and serial number of the constituent hardware such as the used HDD, CD-ROM drive, and VIDEO controller. (In the third and fourth embodiments, these are collectively referred to as “various information”).

  The data portion of the control program storage format (1404) stores the version information of the control program and the control program.

  The data part of the hardware information storage format (1405) stores the model number and serial number of the personal computer (1200) or each hardware component.

  FIG. 14 (2) is a diagram showing an internal information storage RFID tag memory map built in the personal computer (1200). The internal information is stored in the RFID tag (1300) in a continuous state as shown in the internal information storage RFID memory map (1407) in the format shown in 1400 of various types of information. The order of storing the internal information is not particularly specified, and various types of information are determined based on the identification code.

  The stored information amount is confirmed by searching the identification code in order from the top. Since the position of the next internal information identification code can be calculated from the equation (1408), the stored information amount can be confirmed by performing a search until the end code (1406) is detected.

<Processing by RFID handy terminal>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of data transmission / reception between the RFID tag (1300) built in the personal computer (1200) and the RFID handy terminal (1201) which is an external device.

  The RFID communication handy terminal (1201) is in a state of waiting for a command from the user (step S1501). When a command is received from the user, the received command is analyzed (step S1502).

  It is determined whether the command is a data clear command (step S1503). If the command is a data clear command, the RFID tag data is cleared (erased) (step S1504), and the command wait state is resumed (step S1501).

  If it is not a data clear command, it is determined whether it is a data write command (step S1505). If it is a write command, various information such as a control program stored in the RAM (1317) of the RFID communication handy terminal is obtained. Writing to the RFID tag (1300) (step S1506) returns to the command reception state again (step S1501).

  If it is not a data write command, it is determined whether it is a data read command (step S1507). If it is a read command, various information stored in the RFID tag (1300) is read and the RFID handy terminal RAM is read. (1317) (step S1508) and return to the command reception state again (step S1501).

<Processing in a personal computer (control program update)>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of control program update of the personal computer (1200).

  When the personal computer (1200) is turned on (step S1601), the RFID communication program stored in the startup ROM (1303) is executed, and the internal information storage RFID tag (1300) is in a communicable state. (Step S1602).

  Subsequently, in order to confirm whether the control program is stored in the RFID tag (1300), the identification code (1401) stored in the RFID tag (1300) is acquired (step S1603), and it is determined whether there is a control program. (Step S1604).

  When there is a control program, data (1403) is read from the RFID tag (1300) by the data length (1402) (step S1605), and the version is compared with the control program stored in the EEPROM (1304) (step S1605). S1606), if they are the same, the control program update process is terminated without updating the control program.

  On the other hand, if the version is different, the data is checked (step S1609). If the data is normal, the control program in the EEPROM (1304) is updated by the control program read from the RFID tag (1300) ( Step S1610). If there is an abnormality in the data, an error is displayed without updating the control program (step S1615), and the control program of the EEPROM (1304) is written to the RFID tag (1300) (step S1614).

  After the update is completed, it is determined whether or not the control program has been normally rewritten (step S1611).

  On the other hand, if a write error occurs, a write error is displayed on the display (1311) (step S1611), and the operation of the personal computer (1200) is stopped (step S1613).

  If there is no control program in step S1604, it is checked whether the acquired identification code is an end code (step S1607). If it is an end code, the control stored in the EEPROM (1304) is checked. The program is written to the RFID tag (1300) (step S1614). On the other hand, if it is not the end code, the process moves to the next recognition code (step S1608) and executes step S1603.

<Processing in Personal Computer (Rewriting RFID Tag Hardware Information)>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of rewriting processing of RFID tag hardware information in the personal computer (1200). In the personal computer (1200) according to the present embodiment, the power supply of the personal computer (1200) can be read out by using the RFID communication handy terminal even when the power is OFF, so that the hardware information of the personal computer (1200) can be read. The hardware information recognized by the personal computer (1200) is written in the RFID tag (1300) when turned on.

  Specifically, when the personal computer (1200) is powered on (step S1701), the RFID communication program stored in the startup ROM (1303) is executed, and the internal information storage RFID tag (1300). Is in a communicable state (step S1702).

  In step S1704, the hardware information stored in the RFID tag (1300) is deleted, and the hardware information of the personal computer (1200) is stored in the RFID tag (1300) (step S1704).

  As is clear from the above description, according to the personal computer according to the present embodiment, even if the personal computer is not turned on as in the packaged state by mounting the RFID communication function, the RFID tag It is possible to update the control program and read the control program and hardware information. The personal computer according to the present embodiment is configured to reflect the control program by updating the internal information storage EEPROM when the power is turned on using the control program written in the RFID tag. By checking whether or not the various information is normal when updating the storage EEPROM, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the internal information storage EEPROM is updated with information that is not normal.

  In addition, when the control program stored in the RFID tag is not normal, the user can be configured to write various information stored in the internal information storage EEPROM to the RFID tag, so that the user can turn on even when the personal computer is turned off. Makes it possible to easily read out the control program of the personal computer and avoid reading out abnormal information.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the process for updating the internal information storage EEPROM by the control program written in the RFID tag is automatically started when the personal computer is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only when the user inputs a predetermined instruction, the process for updating the internal information storage EEPROM is started using the control program written in the RFID tag. You may comprise. Details of processing in the personal computer (1200) will be described below.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of control program update of the personal computer (1200).

  When the personal computer 1200 is turned on in step S1801 and the initialization operation is completed, a command reception standby state is entered (step S1802). After receiving the command, an analysis process is performed to determine whether it is a control program update command (step S1802). S1803).

  If it is not a control program update command, the processing program corresponding to the command is executed (step S1809), and the command reception standby state is again returned (step S1802).

  On the other hand, in the case of a control program update command, the RFID communication program stored in the startup ROM (1303) is executed, and communication with the internal information storage RFID tag (1300) is enabled (step S1804).

  Subsequently, the identification code (1401) stored in the RFID tag (1300) is acquired to confirm whether the control program is stored in the RFID tag (1300) (step S1805), and it is determined whether there is a control program. (Step S1806).

  If there is a control program, data is read from the RFID tag (1300) (step S1807), and the version is compared with the control program stored in the internal information storage EEPROM (1304) (step S1808). If the control program is updated, the control program update process is terminated without updating the control program.

  On the other hand, if the version is different, the data is checked for abnormality (step S1812). If the version is normal, the control program in the EEPROM (1304) is updated to the control program read from the RFID tag (1300). (Step S1813). If there is an abnormality in the data, an error is displayed (step S1817), and then the control program of the EEPROM (1304) is written to the RFID tag (1300) (step S1818).

  In step S1814, it is determined whether the control program has been rewritten normally after the update is completed. If the control program has been normally completed, the control program update process is terminated. On the other hand, if a write error has occurred, a write error is displayed on the display (1311) (step S1815), and the operation of the personal computer is stopped (step S1816).

  If there is no control program in step S1806, it is checked whether the acquired identification code is an end code (step S1810). If it is an end code, the control program stored in the EEPROM (1304) is checked. Write to the RFID tag (1300) (step S1818). If it is not the end code, the process moves to the next identification code (step S1811), and step S1805 is executed.

<Processing in Personal Computer (Rewriting RFID Tag Hardware Information)>
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow of rewriting processing of RFID tag hardware information in the personal computer (1200).

  When the personal computer is turned on in step S1901 and the initialization operation is completed, a command reception standby state is entered (step S1902). After receiving the command, an analysis process is performed to determine whether it is a hardware information write command (step S1903). If it is not a hardware information write command, the processing program corresponding to the command is executed (step S1908), and the command reception standby state is again returned (step S1902).

  On the other hand, in the case of a hardware information write command, the RFID communication program stored in the startup ROM (1303) is executed, and communication with the internal information storage RFID tag (1300) is enabled (step S1904). The hardware information stored in the RFID tag (1300) is deleted (step S1905), and the hardware information of the personal computer (1200) is stored in the RFID tag (1300) (step S1906).

[Other embodiments]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer), and a device (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile device) including a single device. You may apply to.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for implementing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, 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 (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. be able to.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  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, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is the figure which showed the label recording device (label printer) with an RFID tag communication function concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the RFID communication handy terminal which communicates with the said label printer. It is a schematic block diagram of a label printer. It is a simple block diagram of a label printer. It is the figure which showed the data format memorize | stored in the internal information storage RFID tag incorporated in a label printer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the data transmission / reception between the RFID tag and RFID handy terminal mounted in a label printer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the control program update in a label printer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the printing characteristic data update in a label printer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the body information update in a label printer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the control program update in a label printer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the printing characteristic data update in a label printer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the body information update in a label printer. It is the figure which showed the personal computer with a RFID tag communication function (personal computer) concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and the RFID communication handy terminal which communicates with the said personal computer. It is a simple block diagram of a personal computer. It is the figure which showed the data format memorize | stored in the internal information storage RFID tag incorporated in a personal computer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the data transmission / reception between the RFID tag incorporated in a personal computer, and the RFID handy terminal which is an external device. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the control program update in a personal computer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the hardware information rewriting of the RFID tag in a personal computer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the control program update in a personal computer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the hardware information rewriting of the RFID tag in a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

100 Inkjet Label Printer with RFID Communication Function 101 Handy Terminal for RFID Communication 200 RFID Communication Unit 201 RFID Communication Antenna 202 RFID Reader / Writer 211 Internal Information Storage RFID Tag 303 Startup ROM
304 EEPROM for internal information storage
400 Internal information storage RFID tag storage format 409 End code 410 Internal information storage RFID tag memory map 1200 Personal computer 1201 with RFID communication function RFID communication handy terminal 1300 Internal information storage RFID tag 1301 RFID communication antenna 1302 RFID reader / Writer 1303 Startup ROM
1304 EEPROM for internal information storage
1400 RFID tag data storage format for internal information storage 1406 End code 1407 RFID tag memory map for internal information storage

Claims (39)

An electronic device whose operation is controlled based on information written in a storage medium,
An RFID tag for storing information received via a communication antenna for RFID;
Read means for reading information stored in the RFID tag after the electronic device is powered on;
First determination means for determining whether or not the information read by the reading means matches information stored in the storage medium;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the information read by the reading means is normal when it is determined by the first determination means that they do not match;
And an update unit that updates information stored in the storage medium to information read by the reading unit when it is determined normal by the second determination unit. machine. 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying that when the second determination means determines that the information read by the reading means is not normal. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage medium is a control program executed in the electronic device. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a writing unit that writes the control program stored in the storage medium to the RFID tag when the information read by the reading unit does not include the control program. The electronic device as described in. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage medium is data read at the time of execution by a control program executed in the electronic device. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a writing unit that writes data stored in the storage medium to the RFID tag when the data read by the reading unit does not include the data. Electronic equipment. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage medium is body information of the electronic device. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a writing unit that writes the body information stored in the storage medium to the RFID tag when the information read by the reading unit does not include the body information. The electronic device as described in. When the second determination means determines that the information read by the reading means is not normal, it further comprises a writing means for writing information stored in the storage medium to the RFID tag. The electronic device according to claim 1. A reception unit for receiving an instruction from the user;
The reading unit reads the transmission information stored in the RFID tag when an instruction is received by the receiving unit after the electronic device is powered on. Electronic equipment. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit automatically reads information stored in the RFID tag after the power of the electronic device is turned on. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a printing apparatus. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an information processing apparatus. An information processing method in an electronic device having an RFID tag that stores information received via a communication antenna,
A process of reading information stored in the RFID tag after the electronic device is turned on;
A first determination step of determining whether the information read by the reading step matches information stored in the storage medium;
A second determination step for determining whether or not the information read by the reading step is normal when it is determined by the first determination step that they do not match;
An update step for updating the information stored in the storage medium to the information read by the reading step when it is determined normal by the second determination step;
A control step of controlling the operation based on the information updated by the updating step. The information processing according to claim 14, further comprising a notification step of notifying the fact when the second determination step determines that the information read by the reading step is not normal. Method. The information processing method according to claim 14, wherein the information stored in the storage medium is a control program executed in the electronic device. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a writing step of writing a control program stored in the storage medium to the RFID tag when the information read in the reading step does not include the control program. Information processing method described in 1. 15. The information processing method according to claim 14, wherein the information stored in the storage medium is data read at the time of execution by a control program executed in the electronic device. 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising a writing step of writing data stored in the storage medium to the RFID tag when the information read by the reading step does not include the data. Information processing method. The information processing method according to claim 14, wherein the information stored in the storage medium is body information of the electronic device. The information read by the reading step further includes a writing step of writing the device information stored in the storage medium to the RFID tag when the device information of the electronic device is not included. The information processing method according to claim 20. When the second determination step determines that the transmission information read by the reading step is not normal, the method further comprises a writing step of writing information stored in the storage medium to the RFID tag. The information processing method according to claim 14. A reception step of receiving an instruction from the user;
15. The information according to claim 14, wherein the reading step reads information stored in the RFID tag when an instruction is received in the receiving step after the electronic device is powered on. Processing method. The information processing method according to claim 14, wherein the reading unit automatically reads information stored in the RFID tag after the electronic device is powered on. A storage medium storing a control program for realizing the information processing method according to any one of claims 14 to 24 by a computer. A control program for realizing the information processing method according to any one of claims 14 to 24 by a computer. An electronic device whose operation is controlled based on information written in a first storage medium,
A second storage medium for storing information received via the wireless communication element;
Reading means for reading information stored in the second storage medium after the electronic device is powered on;
First determination means for determining whether information read by the reading means matches information already written in the first storage medium;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the information read by the reading means is normal when it is determined by the first determination means that they do not match;
Update means for updating information already written in the first storage medium to information read by the reading means when it is determined that the second determination means is normal. Features electronic equipment. 28. The electronic device according to claim 27, further comprising notification means for notifying that when the second determination means determines that the information read by the reading means is not normal. 28. The electronic device according to claim 27, wherein the information already written in the first storage medium is a control program executed in the electronic device. If the information read by the reading means does not include a control program executed in the electronic device, the control program already written in the first storage medium is written in the second storage medium. 30. The electronic apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising a writing unit. 28. The electronic device according to claim 27, wherein the information already written in the first storage medium is data read at the time of execution by a control program executed in the electronic device. The information read by the reading means further comprises writing means for writing data already written in the first storage medium to the second storage medium when the data is not included. The electronic device according to claim 31. 28. The electronic device according to claim 27, wherein the information already written in the first storage medium is machine information of the electronic device. Write means for writing the machine information already written in the first storage medium to the second storage medium when the machine information of the electronic device is not included in the information read by the reading means. The electronic device according to claim 33, further comprising: When the second determination means determines that the transmission information read by the reading means is not normal, the information already written to the first storage medium is written to the second storage medium 28. The electronic apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a writing unit. A reception unit for receiving an instruction from the user;
The reading means reads information stored in the second storage medium when an instruction is received by the receiving means after the electronic device is turned on. The electronic device described. 28. The electronic apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the reading unit automatically reads information stored in the second storage medium after the electronic apparatus is powered on. 38. The electronic device according to claim 27, wherein the electronic device is a printing apparatus. 38. The reading means and the writing means read from the second storage medium and write to the second storage medium through a communication antenna. Electronic equipment.

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