JP2009053859A - Device and bootloading program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and a bootloading program that reduce downloading efforts. <P>SOLUTION: A download program included in the bootloading program is executed so that the same check codes attached to an application program are stored in both the head 11_1a and the end 11_1b of an application program area 11_1 where the application program is stored. When power is on after download is complete, the values of the check codes are compared; if the values of the check codes are different, the download is determined to have failed and the download program included in the bootloading program is started so as to download the application program again. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and a bootload program.

  Conventionally, a document reading unit that reads a document and acquires image data, an image processing unit that inputs image data acquired by the document reading unit and performs image processing, and image data image-processed by the image processing unit 2. Description of the Related Art An image control apparatus including a printer unit that records an image based on a sheet is known. Such an image control apparatus stores a control program for controlling the image control apparatus. Here, the control program is updated (upgraded) for reasons such as enhancing the function of the image control apparatus.

For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for downloading a control program for a printer device from a host computer using a communication unit, downloading the control program onto a RAM, and writing the developed control program into a flash memory. Has been.
JP 7-314798 A

  Here, if downloading fails for some reason (for example, the connection cable is disconnected or the power is cut off) while downloading an application program such as a control program, the power is turned on after the downloading is completed. There is a case where the device does not start up at the time. There is a problem that the operator recognizes the download failure for the first time because the apparatus does not start up, and the operator must execute the download again. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time to download.

  In view of the circumstances described above, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a bootload program that can reduce the download effort.

The apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object
A software storage unit that stores an application program in the first storage area and stores a bootload program including a download program for storing the application program in the first storage area in the second storage area;
A software execution unit for executing the boot load program and the application program stored in the software storage unit;
In the software execution unit, by executing the download program stored in the software storage unit, an application storage unit that inputs an application program from the outside and stores it in the first storage area;
A controlled unit that receives control by executing the application program stored in the first storage area in the software execution unit,
When the download program is executed in the software execution unit, a check code unique to the application program stored in the first storage area is stored in the application storage unit in the first storage area. The application program is stored in both the head and the tail, and the application program is stored in an area sandwiched between the two check codes at the head and the tail.

  Here, the download program has the same program code as the program code of the application program stored in the first storage area in the application storage unit by execution of the download program in the software execution unit. Even when the application program is re-stored, it is preferable to store a unique check code for the current storage at the beginning and end of the first storage area.

  If the boot load program compares the two check codes at the beginning and end of the first storage area by executing the boot load program in the software execution unit and corresponds to each other, the first It is also a preferred aspect that the application program stored in the storage area is started and the download program is started and the software execution unit is executed when the download program is not supported.

  Furthermore, it is also preferable that the controlled unit controls the flow of image data.

In addition, the bootload program of the present invention that achieves the above object is as follows.
A software storage unit that stores an application program in the first storage area and stores a bootload program including a download program for storing the application program in the first storage area in the second storage area;
A software execution unit for executing the boot load program and the application program stored in the software storage unit;
In the software execution unit, by executing the download program stored in the software storage unit, an application storage unit that inputs an application program from the outside and stores it in the first storage area;
A bootload program stored in the second storage area of a device including a controlled unit that is controlled by executing an application program stored in the first storage area in the software execution unit. There,
By executing the download program in the software execution unit, a check code unique to the application program stored in the first storage area is added to the application storage unit between the top and the end of the first storage area. The application program is stored in the both, and the application program is stored in an area sandwiched between two check codes at the head and the tail.

  Here, execution of the download program in the software execution unit causes the application storage unit to re-store an application program having the same program code as the program code of the application program stored in the first storage area. Even in this case, it is preferable to store a unique check code for the current storage at the beginning and end of the first storage area.

  In addition, when the boot execution program is executed in the software execution unit, the two check codes at the beginning and end of the first storage area are compared, and if they correspond to each other, they are stored in the first storage area. It is also a preferred aspect that when the application program is started and the download program is started, the download program is started and the software execution unit is executed.

  According to the apparatus of the first aspect, by executing the download program included in the boot load program, the application program is unique both at the beginning and the end of the first storage area in which the application program is stored. Stores the check code. Therefore, when the power is turned on after the download is completed, the check code values are compared, and if the check code values do not correspond to each other, it is determined that the download has failed, and the bootload program is set. The application program can be downloaded again by starting the included download program. By doing in this way, the trouble of an operator's download can be reduced.

  According to the apparatus of claim 2, even when an error occurs when downloading an application program having the same program code as the application program, the application program having the same program code is automatically downloaded again. Can be done.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the application program can be activated when the download is successful, and the application program can be downloaded again when the download fails.

  According to the apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is possible to preferably realize an image control apparatus including a scanner and a printer.

  According to the boot load program described in claim 5, it is possible to reduce the trouble of downloading the operator by the same function as the boot load program stored in the apparatus described in claim 1.

  According to the boot load program described in claim 6, the application program having the same program code can be automatically downloaded again by the same function as the boot load program stored in the apparatus described in claim 2.

  According to the boot load program of claim 7, when the download is successful, the application program is started, and when the download is unsuccessful, the application program can be downloaded again.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image control apparatus which is an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of each program on the flash ROM shown in FIG.

  The image control apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a flash ROM 11 that is an example of a software storage unit according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the flash ROM 11 includes an application program area 11_1 (corresponding to the first storage area referred to in the present invention) and a boot load program area 11_2 (corresponding to the second storage area referred to in the present invention). Have

  Application programs are stored in the application program area 11_1. This application program includes a download program for downloading the application program. In addition, a check code uniquely assigned to the application program is stored in the head 11_1a (head of the flash ROM 11) of the application program area 11_1. Further, as will be described in detail later, the end 11_1b of the application program area 11_1 stores a check code having the same value as the top check code when the application program download is normally completed. Further, the application program is stored in an area portion sandwiched between two check codes of the head 11_1a and the tail 11_1b of the application program area 11_1.

  On the other hand, the boot load program area 11_2 stores a boot load program which is an example of the boot load program of the present invention. The boot load program includes a download program for storing the application program in the application program area 11_1. Returning to FIG. 1 again, the description will be continued.

  The image control apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a CPU 12 (corresponding to a software execution unit in the present invention) and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device 13.

  The CPU 12 executes a boot load program and an application program stored in the flash ROM 11. As will be described in detail later, the USB device 13 inputs an application program from an external personal computer (abbreviated as PC) 100 by executing a download program stored in the flash ROM 11. It memorize | stores in area | region 11_1.

  In addition, the image control apparatus 10 includes a scanner 14 and a printer 15 (corresponding to a controlled unit referred to in the present invention) that are controlled by the CPU 12 executing an application program stored in the application program area 11_1. .

  Further, the image control apparatus 10 includes an SDRAM 16 (corresponding to an application storage unit referred to in the present invention) used as a work area.

  Here, the download program included in the boot load program shown in FIG. 2 is identical to each other for both the head 11_1a and the tail 11_1b of the application program area 11_1 in the SDRAM 16 by executing the download program in the CPU 12. In addition, the check code uniquely assigned to the application program stored in the application program area 11_1 is stored in both the head 11_1a and the tail 11_1b, and the area between the two check codes of the head 11_1a and the tail 11_1b To store application programs.

  In addition, the download program is executed even when the CPU 12 causes the SDRAM 16 to re-store the application program having the same program code as the program code of the application program stored in the application program area 11_1 by executing the download program. In the application program area 11_1, a unique check code for the current storage is stored in the beginning 11_1a and the end 11_1b.

  The boot load program compares the two check codes of the beginning 11_1a and the end 11_1b of the application program area 11_1 by executing this boot loading program in the CPU 12, and if they match, the application stored in the application program area 11_1 The program is started, and when there is a mismatch, the download program is started and the download program is executed by the CPU 12.

  The scanner 14 and printer 15 control the flow of image data. Specifically, the scanner 14 obtains image data representing an image of the original by scanning an image of the original sent from the original feeding unit placed on the scanner 14 or the scanner 14. Image data is obtained by reading an image of a document placed on a platen glass fitted in the upper part of the platen. The printer 15 records an image based on the image data obtained by the scanner 14 on a sheet.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the programs.

  The boot load program compares the two check codes of the head 11_1a and the tail 11_1b of the application program area 11_1 of the flash ROM 11. As a result of the comparison, if they match (in the case of OK), the application program is activated. Thereafter, upon receiving a download instruction from the external PC 100, a download program included in the application program is activated, and communicates with the external PC 100 via the USB device 13 to receive download data (application program data). Then, the data is written in the application program area 11_1 of the flash ROM 11.

  On the other hand, as a result of comparing the two check codes of the head 11_1a and the tail 11_1b of the application program area 11_1 of the flash ROM 11, if the two check codes do not match, the download program included in the boot load program is activated and is connected via the USB device 13. Communication with an external PC 100 is performed to receive download data (application program data), and it is written in the application program area 11_1 of the flash ROM 11.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the bootload program.

  When the power of the image control apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is turned on, processing of a boot load program is started. First, in step S1, various registers are initialized (minimum necessary ones are initialized). Next, in step S2, the external device and the power source are initialized. In step S3, the head and tail check codes are read from the flash ROM 11, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, it is determined whether the head and tail check codes are the same. If it is determined that the head and tail check codes are the same, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the application program code is expanded in the SDRAM 16. Furthermore, it progresses to step S6 and execution of an application program is started. On the other hand, if it is determined that the head and tail check codes are different, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the download program code is expanded in the SDRAM 16. In step S8, the download program starts to be executed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating functions of a download program included in the boot load program.

  When the boot load program is started, execution of the download program is started. First, in step S11, the USB communication function is executed. This USB communication function initializes the USB device 13 and performs a power-on sequence (configuration / address arbitration, etc.) with the PC 100, and then receives a download instruction from the PC 100 to download to the flash ROM 11 Receive data.

  Next, in step S12, a check code generation function is executed. This check code generation function compares the check code included in the download data received from the PC 100 via the USB device 13 with the check code currently written in the flash ROM 11, and generates appropriate data to download data. Append.

In step S13, a flash ROM writing function is executed. This flash ROM writing function writes the download data with the check code added to the flash ROM 11. The order of writing is as follows.
1) Write a check code at the top of the flash ROM 11.
2) Write the application program code in the following area.
3) Write a check code at the end of the application program area.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing functions of a download program included in the application program.

  In this download program, communication with the PC 100 is performed by an application program. Therefore, this download program does not include the USB communication function described with reference to FIG.

  The application program is activated and communication with the PC 100 is performed via the USB device 13. Thereafter, upon receiving a download instruction from the PC 100, execution of the download program is started, and download data is received.

  First, in step S21, a check code generation function is executed. The check code generation function compares the check code included in the received download data with the check code currently written in the flash ROM 11, generates appropriate data, and adds it to the download data.

  Next, in step S22, a flash ROM writing function is executed. This flash ROM writing function writes the download data with the check code added to the flash ROM 11. The order of writing is the same as the order of writing described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a check code format.

  The format of the check code is defined by a major version, a minor version, a revision, and a D / L (download) count, each represented by 8 bits.

  In the major version area, a value indicating a large change in the application program is stored. In the minor version area, a value indicating a small change in the application program is stored. Further, a value indicating a smaller change of the application program is stored in the revision area. The D / L (download) count area stores a value counted up when the same version of the application program is downloaded, and stores a value of 0 when another version of the application program is downloaded. As a result, even if an error occurs when the application program of the same version is downloaded, the counted up value is not stored in the D / L count area, so the error will occur when the power is turned on next time. Can be determined to have occurred.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the arrangement of check codes on the flash ROM.

  As shown in FIG. 8, check codes are arranged at the beginning 11_1a of page 0 of the application program area 11_1 of the flash ROM 11 and at the end 11_1b of the last page of the application program area 11_1.

Here, the check code generation process in the check code generation function described above is as follows.
1) Read the first page of the flash ROM 11 and extract the current check code.
2) A new check code is extracted from the top of the data received from the upper module (PC 100).
3) Compare the first three bytes (major version, minor version, revision shown in FIG. 7) of the current check code and the new check code. If they are the same, the check code to be written is a value obtained by adding 1 to the D / L count of the current check code. If they are different, the check code to be written is the new check code (D / L count = 0).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the entire software in the image control apparatus shown in FIG.

  When the power is turned on, the boot load program on the flash ROM 11 is activated. First, in step S31, the head and tail check codes of the flash ROM 11 are read. Next, in step S32, it is determined whether the head and tail check codes are the same. If it is determined that the head and tail check codes are the same, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, an application program is activated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the head and tail check codes are different, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the download program code is expanded in the SDRAM 16 and execution is started.

  Next, in step S35, communication with the PC 100 is established. In step S36, the download data is received via the USB device 13. Next, in step S37, the current version is compared with the version of the download data, and the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, it is determined whether or not the current version and the download data version are the same. If it is determined that the current version is different from the version of the download data, the process proceeds to step S39. In step S39, the check code to be written is set to the new version number (D / L count = 0), and the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current version and the version of the download data are the same, the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, the check code to be written is set to the same version number (D / L count = current value + 1), and the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, writing to the flash ROM 11 is performed. Specifically, a check code is written at the top of the flash ROM 11. In addition, the application program code is written in the flash ROM 11. Further, a check code is written at the end of the flash ROM 11. Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing processing when the check code at the head and the tail of the flash ROM are the same when the boot load program is started.

  As shown in FIG. 10, if the check code at the beginning and the end of the flash ROM 11 is the same value “a” when the boot load program is started, the application program is started, and then a download instruction is received from the PC 100. Download starts. First, in step S51, it is determined whether or not the current version and the download data version are the same. If it is determined that the current version is different from the download data version, the process proceeds to step S52. If the download is successful in step S52, both the head and tail check codes of the flash ROM 11 have the same value b. On the other hand, if the download fails because the connection cable is disconnected or the power is turned off, the first check code of the flash ROM 11 is the value b, and the last check code is the value a.

  If it is determined in step S51 that the current version is the same as the download data version, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, a new check code is generated by adding +1 to the first check code. Next, if the download is successful in step S54, the check code at the beginning and the end of the flash ROM 11 both have the same value c. On the other hand, if the download fails because the connection cable is disconnected or the power is turned off, the first check code of the flash ROM 11 is the value c, and the last check code is the value a.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing processing when the check code at the beginning and end of the flash ROM are different when the boot load program is started.

  As shown in FIG. 11, if the check code at the beginning and the end of the flash ROM 11 is the value a and the value b when the boot load program is started, the download is started by the boot load program. First, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the current version is the same as the download data version. If it is determined that the current version and the version of the download data are different, the process proceeds to step S62. If the download is successful in step S62, the check code at the beginning and the end of the flash ROM 11 both have the same value c. On the other hand, if the download fails because the connection cable is disconnected or the power is turned off, the check code at the top of the flash ROM 11 is the value c, and the check code at the end is the value b.

  If it is determined in step S61 that the current version is the same as the download data version, the process proceeds to step S63. In step S63, a new check code is generated by adding +1 to the first check code. Next, in step S64, if the download is successful, the check code at the beginning and the end of the flash ROM 11 both have the same value d. On the other hand, if the download fails because the connection cable is disconnected or the power is turned off, the check code at the top of the flash ROM 11 has the value d, and the check code at the end has the value b.

  Here, an example in which the same check code is stored at the beginning and end of the application program area has been described, but for example, a code indicating that it is the first check code is added to the check code stored at the beginning, and the end If the check code stored in is compatible with each other, such as a code indicating that it is the last check code, and if it is determined whether or not they correspond to each other, a different check code is placed at the top And may be stored at the end.

It is a schematic block diagram of the image control apparatus which is one Embodiment of the apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of each program on the flash ROM shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship of each program. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the program for bootloads. It is a figure which shows the function of the program for download contained in the program for bootloading. It is a figure which shows the function of the program for download contained in an application program. It is a figure which shows the format of a check code. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the check code on flash ROM. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the whole software in the image control apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a process when the check code of the head and the end of flash ROM is the same at the time of starting of the program for boot load. It is a figure which shows a process in case the check code of the head of a flash ROM differs from the last at the time of starting of the program for boot load.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image control device 11 Flash ROM
11_1 Application program area 11_1a Top of application program area 11_1b End of application program area 11_2 Program area for boot load 12 CPU
13 USB device 14 Scanner 15 Printer 16 SDRAM
100 PC

Claims (7)

A software storage unit that stores an application program in the first storage area and a boot load program including a download program for storing the application program in the first storage area;
A software execution unit for executing a boot load program and an application program stored in the software storage unit;
In the software execution unit, by executing a download program stored in the software storage unit, an application storage unit that inputs an application program from the outside and stores it in the first storage area;
A controlled unit that receives control by executing an application program stored in the first storage area in the software execution unit;
When the download program executes the download program in the software execution unit, a check code unique to the application program stored in the first storage area is stored in the application storage unit in the first storage area. An apparatus characterized in that an application program is stored in both a head and a tail, and an application program is stored in an area sandwiched between the two check codes at the head and the tail.   The download program is an application program having the same program code as the program code of the application program stored in the first storage area in the application storage unit by executing the download program in the software execution unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a unique check code for the current storage is stored at the beginning and the end of the first storage area even when the data is stored again.   When the boot load program compares the two check codes at the beginning and end of the first storage area by executing the boot load program in the software execution unit and corresponds to each other, the first storage 2. The application program stored in the area is started, and when it is not supported, the download program is started and the download program is executed by the software execution unit. Equipment.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controlled unit controls the flow of image data. A software storage unit that stores an application program in the first storage area and a boot load program including a download program for storing the application program in the first storage area;
A software execution unit for executing a boot load program and an application program stored in the software storage unit;
In the software execution unit, by executing a download program stored in the software storage unit, an application storage unit that inputs an application program from the outside and stores it in the first storage area;
A bootload program stored in the second storage area of an apparatus comprising: a controlled section that is controlled by executing an application program stored in the first storage area in the software execution section; There,
By executing the download program in the software execution unit, a check code unique to the application program stored in the first storage area is added to the application storage unit between the beginning and end of the first storage area. A bootload program characterized by storing an application program in an area sandwiched between the two check codes at the head and the tail while being stored in both.   Even when the application program having the same program code as the program code of the application program stored in the first storage area is re-stored in the application storage unit by executing the download program in the software execution unit. 6. The bootloading program according to claim 5, wherein a unique check code for the current storage is stored at the beginning and end of the first storage area.   The application stored in the first storage area when the boot load program is executed in the software execution unit and the two check codes at the beginning and end of the first storage area are compared and correspond to each other. 7. The bootloading program according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that when the program is started and the download program is not supported, the software execution unit executes the download program. .

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