JP2002094755A - Communication unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a wrong firmware from being sent to a communication unit, such as a facsimile machine, when the communication unit acquires the firmware of the communication unit from a center machine. SOLUTION: The communication unit (client machine) desiring the firmware makes a call to the center machine for storing firmware information. The center machine declares the client machine, that the center machine is capable of transmitting the firmware to the client machine. The client machine confirms the capability of the center machine, makes a transmission request to the center machine to transmit the firmware and makes a session inversion instruction. The center machine receiving them transmits the firmware to the client machine. The client machine writes the received firmware information to a flash ROM. Then the center machine interrupts a channel. The transmission request of the firmware information, and an instruction of device model may be conducted by utilizing signals such as NSC, DTMF and SEP.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device such as a facsimile device, and more particularly to rewriting firmware.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a firmware of a communication device such as a facsimile machine has a problem, it is necessary to rewrite the firmware and upgrade the firmware. As a method, a service person brings a corrected firmware. Go to the site and update to the machine. The center machine transmits firmware to the machine by RDS to update the firmware. The method is being performed.

[0003]

The above method is costly because the serviceman goes to the site, but the method is not costly because the serviceman does not need to go to the site. It can be said to be a version upgrade method. However, this method has the danger that the center machine will update the wrong machine, and if you do this, the machine will stop, or even run away. In particular, when the firmware of another model is overwritten or the like, such a case may occur.

As a conventional technique relating to firmware rewriting, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-074871 discloses
Although the description of rewriting the program can be seen from a remote place, this is a technique for activating the function from the center machine side, and has the same problem as described above.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and has as its object to prevent such erroneous updates by making a version upgrade request from a machine to be upgraded.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, in a communication device according to the present invention, a requesting means for requesting a center machine to transmit firmware, and a firmware transmitted from the center machine in response to a request are provided. There are provided receiving means for receiving, and storage means for storing the received firmware.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a facsimile apparatus as a communication apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. In FIG. 12, 1 is a document sensor for detecting the presence of a document, 2 is a scanner for reading a document, 3 is a paper sensor for detecting the presence or absence of paper, 4 is a plotter for printing on paper, 5 is a key, LED, LCD, etc. An operation display unit for a user to perform an input operation; 6, an image memory for storing image information; 7, a paper sensor for detecting a paper size and the like; 8, a parameter memory for storing parameters corresponding to the paper size; A communication control unit for controlling communication, 10 a modem, 11 a network control unit, 12 an encoding / decoding unit for encoding / decoding image information, 13 a CPU for controlling the whole,
14 is a ROM, 15 is a RAM, and 16 is a receiving box for image information. The ROM 14 includes a flash ROM for storing a firmware program.

[0008] The facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, as will be described in more detail later, starts from the machine side where firmware is to be rewritten, thereby preventing erroneous rewriting from the center machine. Features. Further, the facsimile machine can acquire firmware according to the model of the facsimile machine by using NSC signal, SEP signal and the like.

Next, first to eleventh embodiments of the present invention will be described. The first to eleventh embodiments correspond to the first to eleventh aspects, respectively. In each embodiment, the client machine is
It is a communication device such as a facsimile machine that requests transmission of firmware, and the center machine is a device that transmits firmware information provided in a service center. Further, each embodiment shows a procedure in which a client machine requests transmission of firmware, and the center machine receiving the request transmits firmware.

First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1A, firmware information is stored in the center machine in advance. A communication device (client machine) wishing to upgrade the version calls the center machine. The center machine declares to the client machine that it is capable of transmitting firmware information. After confirming that the client machine has the capability (* 1), the client machine issues a firmware transmission request and inverts the session.

The center machine receives this and transmits the firmware to the client machine. When the client machine receives all the firmware information, the client machine overwrites the firmware in its own flash ROM. Next, the center machine disconnects the line (* 2).

If it is not possible to confirm the capability at the time of * 1, the client machine disconnects the line.
After re-inverting the session, the line may be disconnected from the client machine side (for example, in the case of the G4 protocol).

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1B, a request for firmware transmission may be made after a call is made without confirming that the center machine has the capability (eg, instructing using a DTMF signal). Case). In FIG. 1B, *
Check if the request can be accepted in step 1. If not, ※
2. Disconnect the line.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The client machine in the present embodiment is a G3 non-standard communication device. In FIG. 2, firmware information is stored in the center machine in advance. The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. The center machine is NSF
The signal declares the firmware information transmission capability. The client machine checks the NSF signal to confirm that it has the capability (* 1), and then instructs the transmission of the firmware information and the reversal of the session by the NSC signal.

The center machine receives this, declares the communication mode by the NSS signal, and after the training, transmits the firmware information to the client machine. After the communication operation is completed, the client machine writes the firmware in its own flash ROM. If it is not possible to confirm the capability at the time of * 1, the client machine disconnects the line by the DCN signal.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, firmware information for a plurality of models is stored in the center machine in advance. The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. The center machine declares the firmware information transmission capability and the model name of the stored firmware by the NSF signal. The client machine checks the NSF signal and confirms that it has the capability and the desired model (* 1), and then uses the NSC signal to instruct the firmware transmission request, the requested model name, and the session reversal.

The center machine receives this, declares the communication mode by the NSS signal, and after training, transmits the firmware of the designated model to the client machine. After the communication operation is completed, the client machine writes the firmware into its own flash ROM. If it is not possible to confirm at the time of * 1 that the machine has the capability or that the desired model name is stored, the client machine disconnects the line by the DCN signal.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The client machine in the present embodiment is a G3 non-standard communication device. In FIG. 4, firmware information is stored in the center machine in advance. The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. After the line is connected,
The client machine is predefined on the center machine
By informing the DTMF signal sequence, a firmware transmission request is instructed (* 1).

The center machine receiving the notification declares the communication mode by the NSS signal, and after the training, transmits the firmware information to the client machine. After the communication operation is completed, the client machine writes the firmware into its own flash ROM. If the request is not accepted at * 1, the center machine is DCN
The line is disconnected by a signal.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, firmware information for a plurality of models is stored in the center machine in advance. The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. After the line is connected, the client machine indicates a predetermined DTMF signal sequence to the center machine, thereby instructing a firmware transmission request and a desired model name (* 1).

The center machine receiving the instruction declares the communication mode by the NSS signal, and after the training, transmits the specified firmware to the client machine. After the communication operation is completed, the client machine writes the firmware into its own flash ROM. If the request is not accepted at the time of * 1 or if there is no model desired by the client, the center machine disconnects the line by the DCN signal.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The client machine in the present embodiment is a G3 standard communication device. In FIG. 6, firmware information is stored in the center machine in advance.
The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. The client machine issues a firmware transmission request using the SEP signal (* 1).

When the center machine receives this, the SID (or
SUB) signal declares the communication mode, and after training, sends firmware information to the client machine. After the communication operation is completed, the client machine writes the firmware into its own flash ROM. If * 1
If the request is not accepted at the point of, the center machine disconnects the line at DCN.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, firmware information for a plurality of models is stored in the center machine in advance. The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. The client machine indicates a firmware transmission request and the desired model name using the SEP signal (* 1).

The center machine receiving the request receives the SID (or
(SUB) signal to declare the communication mode, and after training,
Transmits the instructed firmware information to the client machine. After the communication operation is completed, the client machine writes the firmware into its own flash ROM. If the request is not accepted at the time of * 1 or if there is no model desired by the client, the center machine disconnects the line by the DCN signal.

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The client machine in the present embodiment is a G3 standard communication device. In FIG. 8, firmware information is stored in the center machine in advance.
The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. After the line is connected, the client machine instructs the center machine to transmit a predetermined DTMF signal sequence, thereby instructing a firmware transmission request (* 1).

The center machine receiving this declares the communication mode by the SID (or SUB) signal, and after the training, transmits the firmware information to the client machine. After the communication operation is completed, the client machine writes the firmware into its own flash ROM. If the request is not accepted at * 1, the center machine disconnects the line by the DCN signal.

Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, firmware information for a plurality of models is stored in the center machine in advance. The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. After the line is connected, the client machine sends a predetermined DTMF signal sequence to the center machine, thereby instructing a firmware transmission request and a desired model name (* 1).

When the center machine receives this, the SID (or
(SUB) signal to declare the communication mode, and after training,
Send the firmware information to the client machine.
After the communication operation is completed, the client machine writes the firmware into its own flash ROM. if,
* If the request is not accepted at the time of 1 or if there is no model desired by the client, the center machine is DCN
The line is disconnected by a signal.

Next, a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The client machine in the present embodiment is a G4 standard communication device. In FIG. 10, firmware information is stored in the center machine in advance. The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. After reversing the session by the CSCC signal, the center machine declares the firmware information transmission capability by the CDCL signal. Client machine
After checking the CDCL signal and confirming that it is capable (*
In 1), a firmware transmission request is indicated by the RDCLP signal.

The center machine receives this and transmits the firmware information to the client machine by the CDUI.
After the end of the communication operation, the client machine writes the firmware information into its own flash ROM. If you cannot confirm your ability at the time of * 1,
The client machine disconnects the line according to the CSA signal.

Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, firmware information for a plurality of models is stored in the center machine in advance.
The client machine desiring to upgrade the version calls the center machine. After reversing the session by the CSCC signal, the center machine declares the firmware information transmission capability and the model name of the stored firmware by the CDCL signal. The client machine checks the CDCL signal and confirms that it has the capability and the desired model (* 1), and then specifies the firmware transmission request and the model name to be requested by the RDCLP signal.

The center machine receives this and transmits the firmware information to the client machine by the CDUI.
After the communication operation is completed, the client machine writes the firmware into its own flash ROM. if,
* If it is not possible to confirm that the machine has the capability or that the desired model name is stored at the time of 1, the client machine disconnects the line by the CSA signal.

[0034]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the communication device that wants to upgrade the firmware requests the version upgrade, erroneous update can be prevented, and the firmware update can be prevented. Version upgrades and bug fixes can be performed reliably. Also, there is no need for a serviceman to bring the corrected firmware to the site.

According to the invention of claim 2, according to claim 1,
Can be realized by a G3 non-standard communication protocol. In this case, when accessing a center machine that does not have the firmware transmission function, the above function is not activated, which further prevents errors.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, it is possible to select and acquire the firmware information corresponding to the model of the own apparatus from the center machine in which the firmware information of a plurality of models is stored. .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect of the present invention can be realized by a G3 non-standard communication protocol. In addition, when accessing a center machine that does not have a firmware transmission function, the above function is not activated, thereby further preventing errors.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, it is possible to select and acquire the firmware information corresponding to the model of the own apparatus from the center machine in which the firmware information of a plurality of models is stored. .

According to the invention of claim 6, the invention of claim 1 can be realized by the G3 standard communication protocol. In addition, when accessing a center machine that does not have a firmware transmission function, the above function is not activated, thereby further preventing errors.

According to the invention of claim 7, in claim 6, it is possible to select and acquire the firmware information corresponding to the model of the own apparatus from the center machine in which the firmware information of a plurality of models is stored. .

According to the invention of claim 8, the invention of claim 1 can be realized by the G3 standard communication protocol. In addition, when accessing a center machine that does not have a firmware transmission function, the above function is not activated, thereby further preventing errors.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, it is possible to select and acquire the firmware information corresponding to the model of the own apparatus from the center machine in which the firmware information of a plurality of models is stored. .

According to the tenth aspect, the first aspect can be realized by the G4 standard communication protocol. In addition, when accessing a center machine that does not have a firmware transmission function, the function is not activated, thereby further preventing errors.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, it is possible to select and acquire the firmware information corresponding to the model of the own apparatus from the center machine in which the firmware information of a plurality of models is stored. .

According to the twelfth aspect, the firmware can be upgraded by overwriting the received firmware information in the flash ROM.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting / transmitting firmware according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting / transmitting firmware according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting / transmitting firmware according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting / transmitting firmware according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting and transmitting firmware according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting and transmitting firmware according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting / transmitting firmware according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting and transmitting firmware according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting and transmitting firmware according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting and transmitting firmware according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing a procedure for requesting / transmitting firmware according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile apparatus as a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 5 Operation display unit 9 Communication control unit 10 Modem 11 Network control unit 13 CPU 14 ROM 15 RAM

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A requesting means for requesting the center machine to transmit firmware, receiving means for receiving firmware transmitted from the center machine in response to the request, and storage means for storing the received firmware. A communication device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said requesting means uses a G3 non-standard communication protocol for making a transmission request of firmware by an NSC signal. 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein said request means indicates the type of firmware requested by an NSC signal. 4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein said requesting unit uses a G3 non-standard communication protocol for making a transmission request of firmware by a DTMF signal. 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said requesting means indicates the type of firmware requested by a DTMF signal. 6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein said requesting unit uses a G3 standard communication protocol for requesting a transmission of firmware by using an SEP signal. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein said requesting means indicates the type of firmware requested by a SEP signal. 8. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said requesting unit uses a G3 standard communication protocol for making a transmission request of firmware by a DTMF signal. 9. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said request means indicates a type of a requested firmware by a DTMF signal. 10. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein said requesting unit uses a G4 standard communication protocol for making a transmission request of firmware by an RDCLP signal. 11. The request means indicates the type of firmware requested by an RDCLP signal.
The communication device as described. 12. The storage means is a flash ROM, and the received firmware is a flash ROM.
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein M is overwritten.