JP6181009B2 - Printer and firmware update control program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present embodiment relates to a printer and its firmware update control program.

  In recent years, electronic devices such as printers have built-in firmware in order to control various devices and components built therein. When the electronic device is connected to the host computer, the version number of the firmware held by the host computer is larger than the version number of the firmware installed in the electronic device. Update processing is performed.

JP 2010-50779 A

  Since electronic devices such as printers often continue to use older models, the version number of firmware held by the host computer for older models increases with the number of upgrades. When a new model electronic device is connected to a host computer that supports only the old model, the version number of the firmware installed in the new model electronic device is relatively small. If only the numbers are compared, the firmware may be rewritten by the firmware corresponding to the old model, which may cause a problem. In such a case, it is possible to prevent erroneous updates by including not only the version number but also the model ID in the firmware update determination condition, but this is notified to the host computer when a new model electronic device is connected. Since the firmware version number remains small, the inquiry time between the electronic device and the host computer becomes long, and the system startup becomes slow.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a printer that can be disguised as if the latest firmware is installed even if the latest firmware held by the host computer is not compatible with its own machine, and its firmware update control program The purpose is to do.

  A printer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a download unit that downloads the latest firmware from a host computer, and whether or not the latest firmware downloaded in the download unit corresponds to the model ID of the own device. An update availability determination unit that determines whether update is possible, an update processing unit that updates the current firmware with the latest firmware when the result of the determination is that the current firmware can be updated, and a determination result in the update availability determination unit When the current firmware cannot be updated, the version number of the latest firmware downloaded by the download unit is extracted and stored in a backup area, and the current firmware is updated by the latest firmware. There if it is not updated, and an update camouflage portion for notifying the version number the stored in the backup area as the version number of the current firmware to the host computer.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a system to which a printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is connected. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the printer shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of firmware update control processing in the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure explaining operation | movement at the time of connecting the printer of new model ID with respect to the host computer which does not respond | correspond to new model ID. It is a figure explaining operation | movement at the time of connecting the printer of new model ID with respect to the host computer corresponding to both model ID of new model and old model. It is a functional block diagram of the control system of the printer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of firmware update control processing in the printer shown in FIG. 7.

  Hereinafter, the printer according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system to which a printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected. The system shown in FIG. 1 is configured by connecting N printers 1 to a host computer 2 via a network 3, and the host computer 2 is more than the firmware currently installed in the printer 1. If you have new firmware, you can download and update it.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the printer 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the control unit 50 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer that performs various controls of cooperation with the host computer 2 and paper conveyance, printing, paper cutting, and paper discharge. A device (MPU) 51, a ROM 53, a RAM 54, and a FROM 60 are provided.

  A ROM 53 and a RAM 54 are installed as main storage means for storing a control program executed by the MPU 51, control or calculation data, and the like. The ROM 53 is a read-only memory having a control program, a table, and the like. The RAM 54 is a memory for writing that stores data in the middle of calculation as needed. A FROM (FlashROM) 60 is a memory used as an area for storing firmware. When the latest compatible firmware is downloaded from the host computer 2, the stored contents of the FROM 60 are updated.

  Further, the control unit 50 is provided with an input / output unit (I / O) 55 that takes in various input data from the host computer 2 and takes out the control output of the control unit 50 to the host computer 2. .

  Also, the I / O 55 is connected with first to fifth drivers 52, 56, 57, 58, 59 as means for taking out the control output. The first driver 52 controls the communication unit 20 that communicates with the host computer 2 via a network (not shown). The second driver 56 controls driving of the thermal head 9 and the platen roller 6. The third driver 57 controls driving of the cutter 15. The fourth driver 58 controls driving of the feed roller 16. The fifth driver 59 performs display control in the display unit 19.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the control system of the printer 1 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the control unit 50 includes a printer information storage unit 50a, a printer information notification unit 50b, a host information acquisition unit 50c, a download unit 50d, an update availability determination unit 50e, an update processing unit 50f, and a firmware storage unit 50g. , A version number extraction unit 50h, a backup area 50i, and an update disguise unit 50j.

  When the printer is connected to the host computer 2, the printer information notification unit 50 b acquires printer information including the model ID of its own machine and the version number of the installed current firmware from the printer information storage unit 50 a and notifies the host computer 2. .

  The host information acquisition unit 50c acquires various types of host information transmitted from the host computer 2 side. Specific examples of the host information include a restart command for the printer 1 after firmware update and a firmware download command.

  When the host computer 2 determines that the latest firmware version number is larger than the current firmware version number included in the printer information and is a new version, the download unit 50d is based on a command from the host computer 2. Download the latest firmware.

  The update availability determination unit 50e determines whether the current firmware can be updated based on whether or not the latest firmware downloaded by the download unit 50d corresponds to the model ID of the own device. In the present embodiment, since the model ID corresponding to the firmware is included in the attribute information (for example, firmware ID) of the firmware, it is determined whether the update is possible or not by comparing the corresponding model ID with the model ID of the own device. Shall. Note that both the version number and the corresponding model ID can be included in the firmware ID. The design method of the corresponding model ID can be arbitrarily changed.

  The update processing unit 50f updates (upgrades) the current firmware with the latest firmware when the result of determination by the update availability determination unit 50e is that the current firmware can be updated. The firmware storage unit 50g is a storage device that stores current firmware that controls the components of the printer 1, and corresponds to the FROM 60 described above.

  The version number extraction unit 50h extracts the version number of the latest firmware downloaded by the download unit 50d and stores it in the backup area 50i when the result of determination by the update availability determination unit 50e is that the current firmware cannot be updated.

  When the current firmware is not updated with the latest firmware, the update disguise unit 50j causes the printer information notification unit 50b to notify the host computer 2 of the version number stored in the backup area instead of the version number of the current firmware. That is, it is disguised as if the firmware was updated with a version number different from the firmware that is actually installed.

Hereinafter, the operation of the printer 1 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a specific example of firmware update control processing in the printer 1 shown in FIG.
First, when the printer 1 is connected to the host computer 2 (Act 101), the host computer 2 sends a printer information notification request to the printer 1 (Act 102).

  Next, when the printer information notification unit 50b of the printer 1 acquires the printer information in the printer information storage unit 50a and notifies the host computer 2 side (Act 103), the host computer 2 acquires the printer information (Act 104).

  Next, the host computer 2 determines whether there is newer firmware than the current firmware of the printer 1 (Act 105). If it is determined that there is firmware that is newer than the current firmware (Act 105: YES), the download unit 50d downloads the latest firmware based on a command from the host computer 2 (Act 106), and proceeds to Act 107. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no firmware that is newer than the current firmware of the printer 1 in the host computer 2 (Act 105: NO), the process ends.

In Act 107, the update availability determination unit 50e of the printer 1 analyzes the attribute information of the latest firmware that has been downloaded and acquires the corresponding model ID.
Next, the update availability determination unit 50e determines whether the current firmware in the firmware storage unit 50g can be updated by the latest firmware based on the comparison result between the corresponding model ID and the model ID of the own device (Act 108). If it is determined that the firmware can be updated (Act 108: YES), the update processing unit 50f executes the update process (Act 109), resets the backup area 50i (Act 110), and goes to Act 113. move on. On the other hand, if it is determined that the firmware cannot be updated (Act 108: NO), the version number extraction unit 50h extracts only the version number from the latest downloaded firmware (Act 111), and stores this in the backup area 50i. (Act112), the process proceeds to Act113.

When the restart of the printer 1 is automatically performed in Act 113, the printer 1 is reconnected to the host computer 2 (Act 114).
Next, the update disguise unit 50j of the printer 1 determines whether or not a version number is stored in the backup area 50i (Act 115). If it is determined that the version number is stored in the backup area 50i (Act 115: YES), the update disguise unit 50j determines that the current firmware actually installed in the printer information notification unit 50b. Instead of the version number, the host computer 2 is notified of the version number in the backup area 50i (Act 116), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the version number is not stored in the backup area 50i (Act 115: NO), that is, when the firmware is actually updated, the printer information notification unit 50b installs. The version number of the current firmware being used is notified to the host computer 2 side (Act 117), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation when the printer 1 with the new model ID is connected to the host computer 2 that does not support the new model ID. In this example, the corresponding model ID in the host computer 2 is model_A, the latest firmware version number is Ver_6.00, the model ID related to the printer 1 is model_B, and the current firmware version number is Ver_1.00. In the case of this example, the host computer 2 side does not support the new model ID (model_B), and it is considered that if the update is executed, the printer 1 will malfunction. Therefore, the current firmware of the printer 1 is not updated by the firmware downloaded from the host computer 2 side, but only the version number (Ver_6.00) is extracted and stored in the backup area 50i. When the printer 1 is reconnected with the restart of the printer 1, the version number (Ver_6.00) stored in the backup area 50i is used as the host instead of the current firmware version number (Ver_1.00). This is notified to the computer 2 side. For this reason, on the host computer 2 side, the comparison result with the version number is the same, and processing is performed as if the firmware was updated.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation when the printer 1 of the new model ID is connected to the host computer 2 corresponding to both the new model ID and the old model ID. Here, the host computer 2 can provide the firmware with the compatible model ID model_A and the latest firmware version number Ver_6.00, and the compatible model ID model_B and the latest firmware version number Ver_1.10. Yes. In the case of this example, since the host computer 2 side also supports the new model ID (model_B), the printer 1 will not malfunction even if the update is executed. For this reason, the current firmware of the printer 1 is updated with the firmware downloaded from the host computer 2 side. When the printer 1 is reconnected with the restart of the printer 1, the current firmware version number (Ver_1.10) is notified to the host computer 2 side.

  As described above, according to the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the latest firmware held by the host computer 2 is not compatible with the own machine, it can be disguised as if the latest firmware was installed. The occurrence of defects can be avoided. Further, since only the version number notified to the host computer 2 side can be changed without actually updating the firmware, the inquiry time between the printer 1 and the host computer 2 can be shortened, and the start-up of the system can be accelerated. it can.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the control system of the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, since the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same object, portions different from those in the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

  In the present embodiment, the host information acquisition unit 50c acquires host information including supported model information related to a supported model ID and the latest version number of each firmware as response information to the printer information. As in the case of the first embodiment, various command information such as a restart command for the printer 1 is also acquired as host information.

  In the first embodiment, if the host computer 2 determines that firmware that is newer than the current firmware of the printer 1 exists, the download unit 50d causes the printer 1 to download and requires a download request from the printer 1. However, when the download unit 50d of this embodiment determines that firmware newer than the current firmware exists on the host computer 2 side based on the analysis result of the host information, the download unit 50d specifies the firmware ID. A download request shall be made.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the update availability determination unit 50e is configured to acquire the model ID supported by the latest firmware by analyzing the attribute information (firmware ID or the like) of the latest firmware. The update availability determination unit 50e compares the corresponding model information included in the host information acquired by the host information acquisition unit 50c with the model ID of the own device, and determines whether the update is possible based on the comparison result. .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of firmware update control processing in the printer 1 shown in FIG.
First, when the printer 1 is connected to the host computer 2 (Act 301), the host computer 2 sends a printer information notification request to the printer 1 (Act 302).

  Next, when the printer information notifying unit 50b of the printer 1 acquires the printer information in the printer information storage unit 50a and notifies the host computer 2 side (Act 303), the host computer 2 receives the printer 1 from the printer 1 side (Act 304). Host information including the corresponding model information and the latest version number of each firmware is created as response information to the information (Act 305) and transmitted to the printer 1 (Act 306).

  Next, when host information is acquired by the host information acquisition unit 50c of the printer 1 (Act 307), it is determined whether or not there is newer firmware than the current firmware of the own machine on the host computer 2 side (Act 308). If it is determined that the host computer 2 has firmware that is newer than the current firmware (Act 308: YES), the download unit 50d requests the host computer 2 to download the latest firmware (Act 309). ), Download (Act 310), and proceed to Act 311. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no firmware newer than the current firmware of the host computer 2 on the host computer 2 side (Act 308: NO), the process is terminated.

  In Act 311, the update availability determination unit 50 e of the printer 1 refers to the corresponding model information included in the host information acquired in Act 307 and determines whether or not the current firmware in the firmware storage unit 50 g can be updated with the latest downloaded firmware. Determine. If it is determined that the firmware can be updated (Act 311: YES), the update processing unit 50 f executes the update process (Act 312), resets the backup area 50 i (Act 313), and goes to Act 316. move on. On the other hand, if it is determined that the firmware cannot be updated (Act 311: NO), the version number extraction unit 50 h extracts only the version number from the attribute information of the latest firmware that has been downloaded (Act 314). The data is stored in the backup area 50i (Act 315), and the process proceeds to Act 316.

If the restart of the printer 1 is automatically performed in Act 316, the printer 1 reconnects to the host computer 2 (Act 317).
Next, the update disguise unit 50j of the printer 1 determines whether or not a version number is stored in the backup area 50i (Act 318). Here, when it is determined that the version number is stored in the backup area 50i (Act 318: YES), the update disguise unit 50j determines the current firmware actually installed in the printer information notification unit 50b. Instead of the version number, the host computer 2 is notified of the version number in the backup area 50i (Act 319), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the version number is not stored in the backup area 50i (Act 318: NO), that is, when the firmware is actually updated, the printer information notification unit 50b installs. The version number of the current firmware being used is notified to the host computer 2 side (Act 320), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the information on the corresponding model ID is not included in the downloaded attribute information of the latest firmware, as in the case of the first embodiment, the current It is possible to determine whether the firmware can be updated and to control subsequent update processing.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1 ... Printer,
2 ... Host computer,
3 ... Network,
50 ... control unit,
50a ... Printer information storage unit,
50b: Printer information notification unit,
50c ... Host information acquisition unit,
50d ... Download section,
50e ... Update availability determination unit,
50f ... Update processing unit,
50g ... firmware storage unit,
50h ... version number extraction unit,
50i ... backup area,
50j: Update disguise part.

Claims (5)

A download section that downloads the latest firmware from the host computer;
An update availability determination unit that determines whether the current firmware can be updated based on whether or not the latest firmware downloaded in the download unit corresponds to the model ID of the own machine;
When the result of the determination is that the current firmware can be updated, an update processing unit that updates the current firmware with the latest firmware;
A version number extraction unit that extracts a version number of the latest firmware downloaded in the download unit and stores it in a backup area when the result of determination in the update availability determination unit is not updateable of the current firmware;
An update disguise unit for notifying the host computer of the version number stored in the backup area as the version number of the current firmware when the current firmware is not updated by the latest firmware;
Printer with.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the update availability determination unit determines that updating is not possible when the corresponding model ID extracted from the latest firmware does not include the model ID of the own device. A host information acquisition unit that acquires, as host information, compatible model information including the corresponding model ID from the host computer;
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the update availability determination unit determines the update availability by comparing the corresponding model information acquired by the host information acquisition unit with a model ID of the own device. A firmware update control program installed in a computer built in a printer connected to a host computer via a network,
A download step of downloading the latest firmware from the host computer;
An update availability determination step for determining whether or not the current firmware can be updated depending on whether or not the latest firmware downloaded in the download step corresponds to the model ID of the own machine;
An update processing step of updating the current firmware with the latest firmware when the result of the determination is that the current firmware can be updated;
A version number extracting step of extracting the version number of the latest firmware downloaded in the download step and storing it in a backup area when the result of determination in the update possibility determination step is that the current firmware cannot be updated;
An update disguise step for notifying the host computer of the version number stored in the backup area as the version number of the current firmware when the current firmware has not been updated by the latest firmware;
A firmware update control program for a printer that causes the computer to execute.   5. The firmware update control program for a printer according to claim 4, wherein, in the update availability determination step, if the corresponding model ID extracted from the latest firmware does not include the model ID of the own device, the firmware update control program for the printer is determined to be non-updatable. .

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