JP2002358209A - Information processing method and device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote efficiency of rewriting work by simplifying the work relating to version up of a firmware, and also to reduce a production cost by reducing the number of parts for the rewriting work. SOLUTION: Confirmation is made whether the check is finished with respect to an existing version of the firmware for use in output control of an information apparatus that is currently used. If the confirmation is not finished, the existing version is read from the information apparatus to compare whether the existing version is matched with the latest version. When not matched by the comparison, the firmware for use in output control of the latest version is transferred to the information apparatus and determined whether the transferred latest version is correctly rewrited in place of the existing version. Either of the latest version or existing version is selected depending on the decision result to execute a predetermined output processing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing method and apparatus capable of performing printing by, for example, providing a driver software of a host computer with a firmware version upgrade function of an ink jet printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A printer will be described as an example of a conventional information device. For example, in the case of an ink-jet printer, devices conforming to each host interface standard are connected by a cable. Then, the inkjet printer receives the image data transferred from the host device via a cable connected to the interface connector, and forms a desired image on a print medium loaded inside the device.

[0003] This image formation is controlled by controlling mechanical components by an MPU, ROM, RAM, dedicated logic circuit, and motor driver provided in the printer.
It is running.

[0004]

[0005] With the recent advance in technology, miniaturization and price reduction of equipment have been progressing, and the speed is surprising. At the same time, the output control software (hereinafter referred to as firmware (Fi)
rmWare)), which are faster than parts and mechanisms. And the change usually improves little by little.

However, conventionally, in the so-called firmware, the update is performed by rewriting the contents of the ROM, which is stored in the ROM. This is done by replacing existing ROMs with new updated ROMs at factories and service stations.

As a result, in view of an increase in production cost due to the use of parts of the rewritable ROM and the complexity of replacing the update ROM, it is often necessary to give up the update operation from the current state. There is a problem that means for utilizing technology are being narrowed naturally.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to simplify the rewriting operation for upgrading the firmware,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing method and an apparatus thereof capable of improving work efficiency, reducing the number of components used for rewriting work, and reducing production cost.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an information processing method for upgrading an information device connected to a host device, wherein the host device has an output control firmware of the information device currently used. A confirmation process for confirming whether or not an existing version of has been checked,
If the confirmation has not been completed, the comparison step of reading the existing version from the information device and comparing whether or not the existing version matches the latest version. A transfer step of transferring the output control firmware of the version to the information device; a determination step of determining whether the transferred latest version has been correctly rewritten in place of the existing version; and And a control step of selecting one of the latest version or the existing version and executing a predetermined output process, thereby providing an information processing method.

The present invention is an information processing system for upgrading an information device connected to a host device, wherein the host device checks an existing version of the output control firmware of the information device currently used. Confirmation means for confirming whether or not the verification has been completed, and comparison means for reading the existing version from the information device if the confirmation has not been completed, and comparing whether or not the existing version matches the latest version. Transfer means for transferring the latest version of the output control firmware to the information device if they do not match by the comparison, and determining whether or not the transferred latest version has been correctly rewritten instead of the existing version. Determining means for determining, and according to the determination result, the latest version or the existing version. Select one of John, by comprising a control means for executing a predetermined output processing, an information processing system.

The present invention relates to a host-side device for upgrading an information device, and a confirmation means for confirming whether or not the existing version of the output control firmware of the information device currently used is already checked. And if the confirmation has not been completed, a comparison unit that reads the existing version from the information device and compares whether the existing version matches the latest version,
If they do not match, the transfer means for transferring the latest version of the output control firmware to the information device, and whether or not the transferred latest version has been correctly rewritten in place of the existing version is determined. An information processing apparatus is configured by including a determination unit and a control unit that selects either the latest version or the existing version according to the determination result and executes a predetermined output process.

The present invention is a program for controlling an upgrade of an information device connected to a host device. The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and is currently used. For the existing version of the output control firmware of the information device, a step of checking whether or not the check has been completed, and, if the check has not been completed, reading the existing version from the information device, the existing version and the latest version A step of comparing whether or not they match, and a step of transferring the latest version of the output control firmware to the information device if they do not match by the comparison,
A step of judging whether or not the transferred latest version has been correctly rewritten in place of the existing version, and according to the judgment result, selecting either the latest version or the existing version, and And a step of executing an output process, thereby providing an information processing control program.

[0012] The present invention is a medium in which a program for controlling a version upgrade of an information device connected to a host device by a computer is recorded, and the control program stores the program of the information device currently used in the computer. A check is made as to whether the existing version of the output control firmware has been checked. If the check has not been completed, the existing version is read from the information device, and the existing version is compared with the latest version. Whether or not they match, and if they do not match, the latest version of the output control firmware is transferred to the information device, and the transferred latest version is correctly rewritten instead of the existing version. Whether or not the latest John or the by selecting one of the existing version, by executing the predetermined output processing, provides a medium recording an information processing control program.

Here, when the latest version is correctly transferred, predetermined output processing is executed using the latest version, and when the latest version is not correctly transferred, rewriting processing of the latest version is performed. It may be executed again, or a predetermined output process may be executed using an existing version currently used.

In the information equipment, the existing version of the output control firmware is stored in the ROM as the first storage medium, and the latest version of the output control firmware used for rewriting is stored in the RAM as the second storage medium. The version data may be stored and the process of expanding and selecting the version data may be executed on the second storage medium.

The reading of the existing version of the output control firmware from the information device may be executed by a DMA cycle.

The information equipment includes a CPU, an RA, and the like on the same control board that controls information processing related to version upgrade.
M, ROM, logic circuit, and motor driver may be provided.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Overview] First, an overview of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining information processing of the host device when upgrading the version of an information device connected to the host device.

In step S1, it is checked whether or not the existing version of the output control firmware of the information device currently used has been checked.

In step S2, if the confirmation has not been completed, the existing version is read from the information device and a comparison is made to determine whether the existing version matches the latest version.

In step S3, if they do not match, the latest version of the output control firmware is transferred to the information device.

In step S4, it is determined whether or not the transferred latest version has been correctly rewritten in place of the existing version. If it has been correctly rewritten, the process proceeds to step S8, and if it has not been rewritten, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, it is determined whether or not the latest version is to be transferred again. When the transfer is performed, the process proceeds to step S6. When the transfer is not performed, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S6, the latest version is transferred again. On the other hand, in step S7, an existing predetermined version is selected.

In step S8, a predetermined output process is executed based on either the latest version or the existing version.

Hereinafter, a specific example will be described.

[Specific Example] In this example, a print processing system in which a host computer is used as a host device and an ink jet printer having a host interface connector as an information device is used will be described as an example.

<System Configuration> FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a print processing system. This system includes an inkjet printer 1 and a host computer 100.

(Inkjet Printer) First, the inkjet printer 1 will be described.

The ink jet printer 1 is roughly divided into a control circuit board 10 and a print head 50. The control circuit board 10 includes a CPU 11, a logic circuit 12, a ROM 13,
A DRAM 14, a driver circuit 15, an interface connector 16, and the like are mounted.

The CPU 11 controls the whole printer as a whole. The logic circuit 12 is a dedicated logic circuit (ASIC) for controlling the CPU 11 and driving the printer body.
It is. The ROM 13 is a read-only memory (mask ROM) for transmitting a processing procedure to the CPU 11. D
The RAM 14 is a read / write memory that is driven by the logic circuit 12 (ASIC) and temporarily stores processing data and procedures. The driver circuit 15 includes the logic circuit 12
(ASIC) and is a circuit for driving the print head 50 and the like. Interface connector 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a connector which is connected to the host computer 100 via a dedicated interface cable 60 and receives data from the host computer 100.

Next, another configuration will be described.

An ASIC bus 17 is provided between the CPU 11 and the logic circuit 12 for exchanging data between the elements. Reference numeral 18 denotes an interface bus between the logic circuit 12 and the interface connector 16 for receiving information from the host computer 100. Reference numeral 19 denotes a CPU bus between the CPU 11 and the ROM 13 for transmitting data in the ROM 13 to the CPU 11. 20 is the logic circuit 12
A motor driver control bus for transmitting a drive signal required for control to a driver circuit 15 driven by the logic circuit 12 to drive mechanical components of the printer main body. 21 is located between the logic circuit 12 and the DRAM 14, and
A DRAM bus for temporarily storing and reading information processed by the CPU 11.

(Host Computer) Next, the host computer 100 will be described.

The host computer 100 includes, as components according to the present invention, a version confirmation unit 110, a version comparison unit 111, a transfer unit 112, and a determination unit 113.
And an output selection unit 114. 150 is
This is an internal bus that connects each part. In addition, CP
U101, ROM storing various programs such as a control program related to the printer driver processing according to the present invention
102 and a RAM 103 used for various arithmetic processing.

Here, the function of each section will be described.

The version checking section 110 has a function of checking whether or not the currently used version (existing version) of the printer firmware (Firmware) for output control of the inkjet printer 1 has been checked.

If the confirmation has not been completed, the version comparing section 111 has a function of reading an existing version from the ink jet printer 1 and comparing whether the existing version matches the latest version.

The transfer unit 112 has a function of transferring the latest version of the output control firmware to the inkjet printer 1 when the versions do not match.

The judging section 113 has a function of judging whether or not the transferred latest version has been correctly rewritten in place of the existing version.

The output selection unit 114 has a function of selecting either the latest version or the existing version of firmware according to the result of the rewriting process, and causing the inkjet printer 1 to execute a predetermined printing process.

In the output selection section 114,
If the latest version is correctly transcribed, a function to execute print processing using the latest version,
If the latest version has not been correctly transferred, a function may be provided to execute the rewriting process of the latest version again, or to execute a predetermined print process using the existing version currently used.

<System Operation> Next, the operation of the present system will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a printer driver process on the host computer 100 side.

In step S20, the user starts printing. In step S21, when the user activates the driver software or selects printing from an application in order to print, the printer driver software starts preparations for transmitting desired print data to the inkjet printer 1. .

In step S22, it is confirmed whether the version of the printer firmware (Firmware) of the ink jet printer 1 currently used by the user has been checked. If the confirmation has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S23. If the confirmation has been completed, the process proceeds to step S30.
Proceed to.

In step S23, since the confirmation has not been completed, the printer driver
3 to transmit the version content of the printer firmware contained therein to the host computer 100 side.

In step S24, the version information of the printer firmware transmitted to the host computer 100 is sent to the printer driver, and the content is checked.

In step S25, the transmitted version information of the currently used printer firmware and
A comparison is made to determine whether the contents match the latest version specified by the printer driver. When the versions do not match, the process proceeds to step S26, and when the versions match, the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S26, since the version of the ROM 13 of the ink jet printer 1 is older than the latest version specified by the driver software,
The latest version of the printer firmware for the inkjet printer 1 included in the driver software is downloaded to the inkjet printer 1 via the interface cable 60, and the latest version data is stored in a predetermined position of the DRAM 14 of the inkjet printer 1.

In step S27, the content of the latest version of the printer firmware downloaded to the DRAM 14 is compared with the version of the printer firmware included in the driver software, and it is determined whether or not the comparison is correctly transferred. If the transfer has not been performed correctly, the process proceeds to step S28. If the transfer has been performed correctly, the process proceeds to step S31.

In step S 28, since the downloaded data is inconvenient in the latest version of the printer firmware, the user can read the data including the download again via the host computer 100 or store the data in the current ROM 13. The user is asked to select whether to control the ink jet printer 1 using the version contents set. If the data is to be read again, the process proceeds to step S29; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S29, when the printer firmware included in the printer driver is used, the printer firmware is checked via a predetermined error processing routine, and the process returns to step S24 to read and send data again. Perform processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the printer firmware has already been checked by the version check routine (for example, a repetitive printing operation), the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S30, a printing process is performed in the ink jet printer 1 using the latest version of the printer firmware. After that, it is in a state of waiting for the next print command.

If it is determined in step S25 that the version information of the printer firmware matches the latest version specified by the printer driver, the process proceeds to step S30 to perform a printing process, and a standby operation is performed.

If it is determined in step S27 that the driver software has been correctly downloaded from the driver software to the DRAM 14 of the inkjet printer 1, the process proceeds to step S3.
Proceed to 1.

In step S31, R
The process shifts from reading data such as printer firmware from the OM 13 to control of the DMA controller in the logic circuit 12. Under the control of the DMA controller, the printer firmware stored in the DRAM 14 is read in advance, and the control is switched so that the operation of the inkjet printer 1 is performed. Then, the inkjet printer 1 performs printing using the printer firmware in the DRAM 14. After that, it is in a state of waiting for the next print command.

In step S28, if there is any trouble as a result of the verification work after the download, if the user uses the ROM 13 of the ink jet printer 1 or corrects the error, the user downloads the data again. It is possible to select whether or not to perform the operation. If the use of the ROM 13 is selected, step S3
Proceed to 2.

In step S32, the ink jet printer 1 performs printing using the printer firmware in the ROM 13 without switching the memory control by the CPU 11. After that, it is in a state of waiting for the next print command.

In the above-described printer driver processing, the printer firmware can be updated while reflecting the recent circumstances, without increasing the number of parts as in the related art, and minimizing the increase in the production cost.
You can always set the printer function to the latest version.

In this embodiment, a host computer is used as the host device and an ink jet printer is used as the information device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other devices may be applied.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.).
The present invention may be applied to an apparatus including one device (for example, a small image processing device such as a PDA (personal information management) device, a copying machine, and a facsimile device).

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. Then, a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or M) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
PU) can read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium, so that the effects of the present invention can be enjoyed.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, 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 disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card (IC memory card), ROM (mask ROM, flash EEP)
ROM etc.) can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention,
At the time of information processing to upgrade the information device connected to the host device, it is necessary to confirm whether the existing version of the output control firmware of the information device currently used is checked or not, and the confirmation must be completed. For example, read the existing version from the information device, compare whether the existing version matches the latest version, and if not, transfer the latest version of the output control firmware to the information device. ,
Since it is determined whether or not the latest version transferred is correctly rewritten in place of the existing version, and either the latest version or the existing version is selected according to the determination result, a predetermined output process is executed. In addition to simplifying the task of rewriting firmware related to version upgrades, the work efficiency can be improved, and production management, disposal of inventory, or announcement every time a mask ROM in an information device is upgraded as in the past.・ Release ・
It is possible to eliminate an increase in the total cost of the product such as an excessive distribution time, and to fully utilize the function intended by the user at a low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a version upgrade process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print processing system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating printer driver processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 inkjet printer 10 control circuit board 11 CPU 12 logic circuit (ASIC) 13 mask ROM 14 DRAM 15 driver circuit (IC) 16 interface connector 17 ASIC bus 18 interface bus 19 CPU bus 20 motor driver control bus 21 DRAM bus 50 print head 60 Interface cable 100 Host computer 110 Version confirmation unit 111 Version comparison unit 112 Transfer unit 113 Judgment unit 114 Output selection unit 150 Internal bus

Claims (12)

[Claims] An information processing method for upgrading an information device connected to a host device, wherein the host device checks whether an existing version of an output control firmware of the information device currently used is checked. A confirmation step of confirming whether or not, if the confirmation has not been completed, read the existing version from the information device, a comparison step of comparing whether the existing version matches the latest version, If they do not match, a transfer step of transferring the latest version of the output control firmware to the information device; and determining whether the transferred latest version has been correctly rewritten in place of the existing version. Judging step, according to the judgment result, the latest version or the existing version A control step of selecting one of them and executing a predetermined output process. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controlling step includes: when the latest version is correctly transferred, executing a predetermined output process using the latest version; and when the latest version is not correctly transferred,
Re-execute the rewriting process of the latest version,
2. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising: executing a predetermined output process using an existing version currently used. 3. The information device, wherein the existing version of the output control firmware is stored in a ROM that is a first storage medium, and the latest version of the output control firmware used for rewriting is a second storage medium. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the data is stored in a RAM, and processing for expanding and selecting version data is executed on the second storage medium. 4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein reading of the existing version of the output control firmware from the information device is performed by a DMA cycle. 5. An information processing system for upgrading an information device connected to a host device, wherein the host device checks whether an existing version of the output control firmware of the information device currently used is already checked. Confirmation means for confirming whether or not, if the confirmation is not completed, the existing version is read from the information device, and comparison means for comparing whether the existing version matches the latest version, If the comparison does not result in a match, a transfer unit that transfers the latest version of the output control firmware to the information device; and determines whether the transferred latest version has been correctly rewritten instead of the existing version. Judging means, the latest version or the existing version according to the judgment result. An information processing system comprising: a control unit that selects one of the options and executes a predetermined output process. 6. The control unit includes: a unit configured to execute a predetermined output process using the latest version when the latest version is correctly transferred; and to perform a predetermined output process when the latest version is not correctly transferred.
Re-execute the rewriting process of the latest version,
6. The information processing system according to claim 5, further comprising means for executing a predetermined output process using an existing version currently used. 7. The information device, wherein the existing version of the output control firmware is stored in a ROM that is a first storage medium, and the latest version of the output control firmware used for rewriting is a second storage medium. 7. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the data is stored in a RAM, and the processing of expanding and selecting version data is executed on the second storage medium. 8. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the reading of the output control firmware of the existing version from the information device is executed by a DMA cycle. 9. The information device includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a logic circuit, and a motor driver on the same control board that controls information processing related to a version upgrade.
An information processing system according to any one of the above. 10. A host-side device for upgrading the version of an information device, comprising: confirmation means for confirming whether or not an existing version of the output control firmware of the information device currently being used has been checked; If the confirmation has not been completed, a comparison unit that reads the existing version from the information device and compares whether or not the existing version matches the latest version. Transfer means for transferring the version output control firmware to the information device; determining means for determining whether the transferred latest version has been correctly rewritten in place of the existing version; and , Selecting either the latest version or the existing version and performing a predetermined output process. The information processing apparatus being characterized in that and control means for the line. 11. A program for controlling a version upgrade of an information device connected to a host device, comprising:
The program is recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer, and a step of confirming whether or not an existing version of the output control firmware of the information device currently used is checked or not; If not, a step of reading the existing version from the information device and comparing whether the existing version matches the latest version, and if not, the output control firmware of the latest version Transferring to the information device, the step of determining whether the transferred latest version is correctly rewritten in place of the existing version, according to the determination result, the latest version or the existing version To execute the specified output process The information processing control program is characterized in that comprises and. 12. A medium recording a program for controlling a version upgrade of an information device connected to a host device by a computer, wherein the control program causes the computer to control output of an information device currently used. For the existing version of the firmware for firmware, a check is made as to whether it has been checked.If the check has not been completed, the existing version is read from the information device, and the existing version matches the latest version. Whether the latest version of the output control firmware is transferred to the information device, and whether the transferred latest version is correctly rewritten instead of the existing version. The latest barge according to the result of the determination. A medium storing an information processing control program for causing a user to select one of the existing version and the existing version and to execute a predetermined output process.