JP2004013462A - Memory rewriting device, memory rewriting method, information processing device, information processing system, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a memory rewriting device, a memory rewriting method, an information processing device, an information processing system, and a storage medium for receiving new data according to a communication program designated by a communication interruption vector, rewriting the communication interruption vector itself by the new data, and performing normal communication even if rewriting is carried out during communication. <P>SOLUTION: When the new data received from a communication destination is written by using a memory storing the communication interruption vector, which is referred to in a communication program starting time, as a rewriting objective memory, a copy vector as a copy of the communication interruption vector is stored in a work memory, and a rewriting mode of the rewriting objective memory is set. Then, memory access is switched so that the access to the communication interruption vector when the rewiring mode is not set and the access to the copy vector when the rewriting mode is set are made to the same address. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a memory rewriting device, a memory rewriting method, an information processing device, an information processing system, and a storage medium that receive new data from a communication destination according to a communication program started in response to a communication interrupt and rewrite a memory with the new data. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, information processing devices such as personal computers and word processors, including small tape printers and seal making devices, require an interrupt processing program that is started in response to various interrupts, An interrupt vector (such as a vector table) referred to when an interrupt occurs is stored and prepared in a non-rewritable ROM (such as a mask ROM) or an externally rewritable ROM (such as a flash ROM). . Here, the latter rewritable ROM tends to be used frequently because it is easy to cope with specification changes, countermeasures against logical defects (bugs), customization for each model, etc., and there is a recent trend toward lower prices. Further, in an apparatus having a communication function, communication is performed in accordance with a communication program started in response to a communication request interruption (communication interruption), and the apparatus can be rewritten by new data received using this communication function. It is desired.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the communication interrupt vector (communication interrupt vector) itself or the communication program itself is to be loaded (received) from a communication destination and rewritten, if rewritten during communication, a plurality of times are required during the communication. When a communication interrupt is required, the contents (designated address) of the communication interrupt vector are different, so that the communication program cannot be started normally, or the processing flow of the communication program is interrupted in the middle and malfunctions occur. there is a possibility.
[0004]
In this case, if the rewrite mode for rewriting the communication interrupt vector and the communication program is set and the reading of the communication interrupt vector and the like is simply prohibited in the rewrite mode in order to prevent unauthorized operation, the communication interrupt in the rewrite mode Cannot start the communication program, so that rewriting by communication cannot be performed. In general, an address for accessing an interrupt vector or the like is fixed in an address space. Therefore, simply copying a communication interrupt vector or the like into a work memory cannot be used. In addition, securing a work area for temporarily storing received new data requires an extra area, such as an area for the new data, and an area for a program for transferring it to the original area after the end of communication. A memory capacity is required and extra processing time for transfer is required.
[0005]
The present invention provides a memory rewriting device, a memory rewriting method and a memory rewriting device capable of rewriting a communication interrupt vector itself with new data received in accordance with a communication program specified by the communication interrupt vector, and capable of normally communicating even if rewritten during communication. It is an object to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, and a storage medium.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a memory rewriting device for receiving, from a communication destination, a content of a rewriting target memory storing a communication interrupt vector referred to for starting a communication program in response to a communication interrupt in accordance with the communication program. A memory rewriting device rewritable by the new data, comprising a memory other than the memory to be rewritten, a work memory for storing a copy vector which is a copy of the communication interrupt vector, and a memory for rewriting the memory to be rewritten. Rewriting mode setting means for setting a rewriting mode, access to the communication interrupt vector when the rewriting mode is not set, and access to the copy vector when the rewriting mode is set, are mutually different in an address space. Memory access switching means for switching memory access so as to access the same address. And wherein the door.
[0007]
A memory rewriting method according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention provides a memory rewriting method, wherein a memory storing a communication interrupt vector referred to for starting a communication program when a communication interrupt occurs is set as a memory to be rewritten from a communication destination according to the communication program. A memory rewriting method capable of rewriting the content of the rewriting target memory by writing the received new data, wherein a copy vector that is a copy of the communication interrupt vector is stored in a work memory other than the rewriting target memory. A rewrite mode for rewriting the memory to be rewritten, the access to the communication interrupt vector when not set and the access to the copy vector when set are the same in the address space. It is necessary to switch memory access according to the presence or absence of the rewrite mode so that the address is accessed. And butterflies.
[0008]
In the memory rewriting device and the memory rewriting method, a communication interrupt vector referred to for starting a communication program when a communication interrupt occurs is stored in a write target memory, and new data received according to the communication program is written. As a result, the contents of the rewriting target memory can be rewritten, so that the communication interrupt vector itself can be rewritten. However, the copy vector (copy of the communication interrupt vector) is stored in the work memory, and the access to the communication interrupt vector when the rewrite mode is not set and the access to the copy vector when the rewrite mode is set. The memory access is switched according to the setting of the rewrite mode so that the same address is accessed in the address space. For this reason, when a communication interrupt occurs when the rewrite mode is set, the copy vector stored in the work memory is referenced (accessed) instead of the communication interrupt vector stored in the memory to be rewritten. As a result, normal communication can be performed even if the communication interrupt vector itself is rewritten during communication. In this case, since there is no need for a work area or the like for temporarily storing the received new data, an area or the like for temporary storage can be secured, or the newly stored once can be stored in an area such as the original communication interrupt vector. No extra memory capacity or extra processing time is required to transfer to.
[0009]
Further, in the memory rewriting device according to claim 1, it is preferable that the rewriting target memory is a flash ROM.
[0010]
In this memory rewriting device, since the rewriting target memory is a flash ROM, it is more suitable for storing an interrupt processing program, an interrupt vector, and the like than a RAM. Can be rewritten.
[0011]
3. The memory rewriting device according to claim 1, further comprising a vector copy unit that, when the rewrite mode is set, copies the communication interrupt vector and stores the communication interrupt vector in the work memory as the copy vector. Is preferred.
[0012]
In this memory rewriting device, when the rewriting mode is set, the communication interrupt vector is copied and stored in the work memory as a copy vector. Therefore, by setting the rewriting mode, the copy vector is prepared in the work memory. be able to.
[0013]
Further, in the memory rewriting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the communication program is stored in the rewriting target memory, and the communication program is copied as a copy program when the rewriting mode is set. It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a program copy unit for storing the program in the work memory.
[0014]
In this memory rewriting device, the communication program is stored in the memory to be rewritten, and when the rewriting mode is set, the communication program is copied and stored in the work memory as a copy program. Therefore, even if the communication program in the rewrite target memory is rewritten by communication, the contents of the original communication program can be secured. That is, when the rewrite mode is set, when a communication interrupt occurs, the copy vector which is a copy thereof is referred to instead of the communication interrupt vector. If the copy program in the work memory is activated instead of the communication program, the communication program itself can be rewritten with new data, and normal communication can be performed even if rewritten during communication.
[0015]
5. The memory rewriting device according to claim 4, wherein said communication interrupt vector is based on a relative address, and said program copy means stores said communication interrupt vector at a relative address of said communication program with respect to said communication interrupt vector and said copy with respect to said copy vector. Preferably, the copy program is stored so that the relative addresses of the programs match.
[0016]
In this memory rewriting device, the communication interrupt vector is based on the relative address, and the copy program is stored such that the relative address of the copy program with respect to the copy vector matches the relative address of the communication program with respect to the communication interrupt vector. There is no need to adjust the address specified by the copy vector to match the storage address of the copy program.
[0017]
It is preferable that the memory rewriting device of the fourth aspect further includes a copy vector adjusting unit that adjusts an address specified by the copy vector so as to match a storage address of the copy program.
[0018]
In this memory rewriting device, the address specified by the copy vector is adjusted to match the storage address of the copy program, so that the storage address of the copy program can be set arbitrarily.
[0019]
7. The memory rewriting device according to claim 1, wherein a relative relationship between a start address of said work memory and an address of said copy vector is determined by comparing a start address of said rewrite target memory and an address of said communication interrupt vector. Preferably, the memory access switching means includes a memory switching means for switching between the rewrite target memory and the work memory.
[0020]
In this memory rewriting device, the relative relationship between the start address of the work memory and the address of the copy vector matches the relative relationship between the start address of the rewrite target memory and the address of the communication interrupt vector. If memory access for referring to the communication interrupt vector is performed after the memory is switched, the memory access for referring to the copy vector in the work memory is performed. That is, by simply performing memory switching according to the setting of the rewrite mode, access to the communication interrupt vector when the rewrite mode is not set and access to the copy vector when the rewrite mode is set are not performed in the address space. The memory access can be switched so that accesses to the same address are made mutually.
[0021]
Further, in the memory rewriting device according to claim 7, it is preferable that each of the rewriting target memory and the work memory is formed of one chip, and the memory switching means is means for switching each chip by chip select.
[0022]
In this memory rewriting device, the rewriting target memory and the work memory are each configured by one chip, so that the memory can be switched by switching each chip by chip select.
[0023]
Further, in the memory rewriting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, it is preferable that the communication by the communication program conforms to the standard of RS-232C, USB, IEEE1394, or Centronics.
[0024]
In this memory rewriting device, the communication by the communication program conforms to the standard of RS-232C, USB, IEEE1394 or Centronics. Therefore, the memory to be rewritten can be rewritten by new data received by communication according to the standard.
[0025]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: each of the means according to any one of the first to ninth aspects; and a program processing means for performing a process in accordance with a program stored in the memory to be rewritten. It is characterized by.
[0026]
This information processing apparatus includes the above-described memory rewriting device (each means thereof), and performs processing in accordance with the program stored in the memory to be rewritten. Since the data can be received and stored as new data, the information processing apparatus can be easily updated.
[0027]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a printing unit that prints on a predetermined print target, wherein the plurality of interrupt programs include a program that causes the printing unit to perform the printing. preferable.
[0028]
The information processing apparatus further includes a printing unit that prints on a predetermined print target, and the plurality of interrupt programs include a program that causes the printing unit to perform printing, and thus can be applied to the printing apparatus.
[0029]
In the information processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, it is preferable that the print target is a tape.
[0030]
This information processing apparatus can be applied to a tape printing apparatus because the print target is a tape.
[0031]
An information processing system according to a thirteenth aspect includes the information processing device according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, and a supply device that transmits the new data as the communication destination.
[0032]
Since this information processing system includes the information processing device according to any one of 10 to 12 and a supply device that transmits new data as a communication destination, new data to be stored in the supply device is changed or added. Thus, new data to be transmitted to the information processing apparatus can be variously changed.
[0033]
14. The information processing system according to claim 13, wherein the supply device includes: a mounting unit capable of mounting a storage medium storing the new data and a program for transmitting the new data; and a storage unit stored in the mounted storage medium. Program transmitting means for transmitting the new data according to the program.
[0034]
In this information processing system, the supply device can attach a storage medium storing new data and a program for transmitting the new data, and can transmit new data in accordance with the program stored in the storage medium. The new data can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus by executing the program, and the update can be performed simply by mounting the storage medium of the type storing the new data.
[0035]
Further, in the information processing system according to claim 13 or 14, it is preferable that the supply device is connected to another device via a predetermined network, and has a higher-level communication unit that receives the new data from the other device. .
[0036]
In this information processing system, the supply device is connected to another device via a predetermined network and can receive new data from the other device. Therefore, the supply device receives various new data and transmits it to the information processing device side. Thereby, the information processing apparatus can be variously updated.
[0037]
A storage medium according to a seventeenth aspect stores a program capable of executing the function of each unit of the memory rewriting device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.
[0038]
Further, a storage medium according to claim 18 stores a program capable of executing the memory rewriting method according to claim 16.
[0039]
By reading and executing the programs stored in these storage media, new data received from the communication destination can be written according to the communication program, and the contents of the memory to be rewritten can be rewritten.
[0040]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 1, first, a tape printing apparatus (information processing apparatus) 1 of the present embodiment is connected to a data server DS via an interface IF, and configures a printing system (information processing system) PSYS as a whole. I have. The data server DS supplies the tape printer 1 with new data (download data) for memory rewriting. FIG. 1 shows an example of a simple configuration (see FIG. 10 described later). A stand-alone personal computer PC is used as a data server DS, and the personal computer PC and the tape printer 1 are simply connected by an interface IF such as a USB. Constitutes the printing system PSYS.
[0042]
Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the tape printing apparatus 1 has an outer shell formed by an apparatus case 2, and has a keyboard 3 including various input keys on a front upper surface of the apparatus case 2. An opening / closing lid 21 is mounted on the left side of the rear upper surface, a display 4 is disposed on the right side, and an AC adapter connection port 24 (adapter omitted) for connecting to an internal power supply (not shown) is provided on the side. In addition, a USB connector 25 to which an interface IF (via a USB cable) is connected is arranged.
[0043]
In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the configuration is such that data stored in the personal computer PC is downloaded as new data to be written to the memory. Of course, in these cases, the new data can be supplied from the outside by a compact disk (CD, CD-ROM) 501 or the like. The interface IF may be serial data communication (RS-232C, USB, IEEE1394, etc.) or parallel data communication (Centronics, etc.). These are standards for wired communication, but wireless communication can also be used.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 3, the tape printer 1 has a CPU 10 serving as a center of various controls and a USB driver managing communication between the data server DS and the CPU 10 via a USB connector 25 from an interface IF, as shown in FIG. USB interface driver (USB driver) IFD composed of an IC for use, a rewritable flash ROM (16 MB is assumed in this embodiment: hereinafter simply referred to as “ROM”) 20, and a static RAM (SRAM: hereinafter simply referred to as “ROM”). RAM ") 30 and a memory access switching circuit 40 for switching the role (memory access) between the ROM 20 and the RAM 30.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the memory access switching circuit 40 is configured as a logic circuit, includes a memory switching information storage circuit 401, and each of the logic gates U1 to U8, and is a so-called selection circuit (selector). It is configured as The memory switching information storage circuit 401 is a circuit for storing whether or not the rewrite mode is for rewriting the ROM 30. More specifically, the memory switching information storage circuit 401 can be configured by a 1-bit flip-flop or a 1-bit in a register. Be composed.
[0046]
Hereinafter, this is simply referred to as “rewrite mode flag”, and when (the output of) the rewrite mode flag CF = 1, “rewrite mode” is set, and when it is 0, “normal mode” is set. The rewrite mode flag is assigned an address in the same manner as an I / O map or the like on an address map described later in FIG. 6, and writes (sets), for example, “1” or writes “0” to the rewrite mode flag CF. The write (reset) is treated as writing “1” or “0” to the specified address on the operating system (OS). The chip select signal CSS shown in FIG. 3 is a signal that is enabled (enabled) at the time of writing or the like.
[0047]
In this case, the memory access switching circuit 40 shown in FIG. 3 includes four AND gates U1 to U4, two OR gates U5 to U6, and two NOT gates U7 to U8. As shown in FIG. 5, in the normal mode in which the rewrite mode flag CF = 0, the chip select signal CS0 from the CPU 10 becomes CSA (CS0 → CSA) and the chip select signal CS1 becomes CSB (CS1 → CSB). The chip select signal (that is, memory access) is switched, and in the rewrite mode with the rewrite mode flag CF = 1, switching is performed such that CS0 → CSB and CS1 → CSA.
[0048]
FIG. 4B shows another configuration example for realizing the same logic. Similar memory switching information storage circuit 401 (rewrite mode flag CF), NAND (NAND) gates U1s to U7s, and AND gates U8s. Here, the AND gate U8s can be logically omitted, and instead of the NAND gate U7s and the AND gate U8s, an AND gate U9s of a combination of these may be used.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 3, the memory of the tape printer 1 is constituted by a ROM 20 + RAM 30, and as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, a control memory for storing programs and control data on an address space (address map). An area 201 and a work memory area 301 for work are used separately.
[0050]
The chip select signal CS0 from the CPU 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 is a signal that is enabled at the time of memory access to the control memory area 201, and the chip select signal CS1 is enabled at the time of memory access to the work memory area 301. Signal. The chip select signal CSA output from the memory access switching circuit 40 is a signal for enabling memory access to the ROM 20, and the chip select signal CSB is a signal for enabling memory access to the RAM 30.
[0051]
In the normal mode, since CS0 → CSA and CS1 → CSB as described above (see FIG. 5), the ROM 20 takes charge of the control memory area 201 and the RAM 30 takes charge of the work memory area 301.
[0052]
Of these, the target area to be written by communication is the work memory area 301 which is in charge of the RAM 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer PC (that is, the data DS) is, for example, a CD storing new data for rewriting. -Install (insert) the ROM 501, drive the download dedicated application 502, and download new data (download data) to the download data area specified by the specified address in the work memory area 301 of the tape printer 1. .
[0053]
By the way, in the tape printer 1, as shown in FIG. 7, when the processing is started by pressing a power key (power on) or the like, first, each of the evacuation is performed in order to return to the state at the time of the previous power off. Initial settings such as restoring the control flag are performed (S1), and the previous display screen is displayed as an initial screen (S2).
[0054]
The subsequent processes of FIG. 7, that is, the branch for determining whether or not a key input is made (S3) and the various interrupt processes (S4) are conceptual processes. Actually, in the tape printer 1, when the initial screen display (S2) ends, the key input interrupt is permitted, and the state is maintained until the key input interrupt occurs (S3: No). When any key input interrupt occurs (S3: Yes), the process shifts to each interrupt process (S4), and when the interrupt process ends, the state is maintained again (S3: No).
[0055]
That is, in the tape printer 1, the main processing is performed by the interrupt processing. For example, if the user is ready to create a print image or the like, the user presses the print key at any time, a print process interrupt occurs, the print process is started, and the print image is created based on the print image data. Can print.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 6, an interrupt processing program started in response to the occurrence of these various interrupts, and an interrupt vector (vector table or the like) V20 referred to at the time of the occurrence of the interrupt for activating them, and the like. Are stored in the control memory area 201 which the ROM 20 handles in the normal mode.
[0057]
For example, a communication request from the dedicated application for download described above in FIG. 2 is input to the terminal INT of the CPU 10 as a communication interrupt via the USB driver IFD described above in FIG. ), The start address of the corresponding communication program P20 is detected by referring to the interrupt vector V20 and activated.
[0058]
In the case of downloading large data, the tape printer 1 transmits / receives data by dividing the data in units of, for example, about 64 Kbytes. Therefore, a plurality of communication interruptions occur even during one (one piece of data) communication. Then, the communication program P20 is started.
[0059]
By the way, in the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the ROM 20 can be rewritten by the above-described download which is usually used for the RAM 30, and therefore, this point will be described below.
[0060]
The keyboard 3 of the tape printer 1 has a rewrite mode key for setting (setting) a rewrite mode for rewriting the ROM 20, and when the rewrite mode key is pressed, a rewrite mode setting interrupt occurs, and As shown in FIG. 8, the rewrite mode setting process (S10) is started, and first, the interrupt vector V20 is copied (S11). That is, in the normal mode shown in FIG. 6, the interrupt vector V20 in the control memory area 201 is copied to a corresponding address in the work memory area 301 to make a copy vector V30 (S11).
[0061]
When the copying of the interrupt vector V20 (S10) is completed, the necessary program is copied (S12). Here, in the normal mode shown in FIG. 6, a program which is in the control memory area 201 and needs to be started during communication, for example, a program such as the communication program P20 described above is copied to a corresponding address in the work memory area 301. Then, a copy program P30 is set (S12). Here, for convenience of explanation, only the communication program P20 is simply copied to form a copy program P30.
[0062]
When the copying of the necessary program (S12) is completed, the rewriting mode is set (S13), and the rewriting mode setting process (S10) is completed (S14). Specifically, "1" is written into the rewrite mode flag CF set at a predetermined address in the address space (rewrite mode flag CF ← 1) (S13), and the process (S10) ends (S10). S14).
[0063]
When the rewrite mode is set, that is, in the rewrite mode, as described above, CS0 → CSB and CS1 → CSA (see FIG. 5), so that the RAM 30 stores the control memory area 201 in the ROM 20 as shown in FIG. Is in charge of the work memory area 301.
[0064]
Of these, the target area written by communication is the work memory area 301 side, that is, the side in charge of the ROM 20, and the download described above in FIG. 2 is designated by the designated address in the work memory area 301 of the tape printer 1. The new data is downloaded to the downloaded download data area.
[0065]
In this case, the communication program started on the tape printing apparatus 1 side is a copy program P30 in the control memory area in the rewrite mode in FIG. 6 and having the same contents as the communication program P20. Similarly, the copy vector V30 is in the control memory area in the rewrite mode in FIG. 6 and has the same contents as the interrupt vector V20.
[0066]
In other words, in the rewrite mode, the address assigned as the work memory area 301 is designated, and the data is downloaded to the ROM 20 and the new data is downloaded. Can be rewritten. Even if these are rewritten during communication, the communication is in the rewrite mode and the communication is performed according to the copy vector V30 and the copy program P30, so that normal communication can be performed.
[0067]
As described above, in the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the rewriting mode for rewriting the ROM 20 can be set (set) by pressing the rewriting mode key, and the memory access to the ROM 20 and the RAM 30 can be switched between each other. Using a writing program on the database DS side such as a dedicated application for downloading an area (work memory area) of the RAM 30 as a target area, and a communication program P20 on the tape printing apparatus 1 performing communication in response thereto. , ROM 20 can be written.
[0068]
Further, in this case, the communication program P20 responding to the communication from the data server DS and the interrupt vector V20 including the communication interrupt vector for activating the communication program P20 are used for the communication interrupt (and the activation of the communication program) when the rewrite mode is set. In the communication in the rewrite mode, the copy side (copy program P30, copy vector V30) in the RAM 30 is referred to by the exchange of the memory access before the communication in the rewrite mode. Even if the communication program P20 or the interrupt vector V20 is rewritten, normal communication can be performed.
[0069]
Further, in this case, since the writing is performed in the address range of the work area 301 which was set as the target area in the communication program P20, the communication program P20 can be used without expanding the range of addresses that can be designated for writing. Also, in this case, there is no need for a work area or the like for temporarily storing received new data, so that an area for temporary storage or the like can be secured, or the newly stored data can be stored in an area such as the original communication interrupt vector. There is no need for extra memory capacity and extra processing time for the transfer.
[0070]
Note that the rewriting mode may be reset (rewriting mode flag CF ← 0) or the rewriting mode may be reset when the above download is completed, that is, when the copy program P30 which is a copy of the communication program P20 detects the end of communication. For example, a rewrite mode release key may be provided in addition to the key, and the rewrite mode may be reset by pressing the key. Further, for example, each time the same rewriting mode key is pressed, the rewriting mode and the normal mode may be alternately switched, that is, each time the same rewriting mode key is pressed, the setting and resetting of the rewriting mode flag may be alternately repeated.
[0071]
In this case, every time the rewrite mode key is pressed, for example, a rewrite mode switching interrupt is generated, and, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the rewrite mode switching process (S20) is started. It is determined whether or not the rewrite mode flag CF = 1) (S21). If the mode is the normal mode (S21: No), a rewrite mode setting process similar to the rewrite mode setting process (S10) described above with reference to FIG. (S22), the process (S20) ends (S23). However, in this case, since the main process (S20: main interrupt processing program) is started even during communication, the main program is included in the copy program in the rewrite mode setting process (S22).
[0072]
Then, when the rewrite mode key is pressed next to cause a rewrite mode switching interrupt and the rewrite mode switching process (S20) is started, the rewrite mode is reset at this time (S21: Yes), and the rewrite mode is reset (rewrite). The mode flag CF ← 0) (S24), and the process (S20) ends (S23). Thus, every time the same rewrite mode key is pressed, the rewrite mode and the normal mode can be alternately switched.
[0073]
In the above-described embodiment, after the rewrite mode key is pressed and before the rewrite mode is set, the interrupt vector V20 and the communication program P20 are copied from the control memory area 201 to the corresponding address in the work memory area 301. Then, since the copy vector V30 and the copy program P30 are used, the relative relationship between the copy vector V30 and the copy program P30 matches the relative relationship between the interrupt vector V20 and the communication program P20 (see FIG. 6). For this reason, by setting the address of the communication program P20 referenced by the interrupt vector V20 as a relative address, the designated (reference) address (relative address) by the copy vector V30 matches the storage address of the copy program P30 after copying. There is no need to adjust.
[0074]
However, conversely, the address specified by the copy vector V30 is adjusted after copying so as to match the storage address of the copy program P30, and the storage address of the copy program P30, that is, the address at which the communication program P20 is copied, is changed. Can be any. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, after compactly adjacently copied, the designated address by the copy vector V30 can be adjusted according to the storage address of the copy program P30.
[0075]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, a ROM 25 is prepared as a memory other than the ROM 20 and the RAM 30 to store the communication program P25, and the designated address for designating the communication program P25 by the interrupt vector V20 is changed to a general address. It can also be an absolute address. In this case, even if the interrupt vector V20 is copied to an arbitrary address, it is not necessary to adjust the specified address. Further, since it is not a write target, a copy of the communication program P25 is not required for communication.
[0076]
As shown in FIG. 12, the copy vector V30 and the copy program P30 may be copied to separate RAMs 30 and 35, and the address specified by the copy vector V30 may be adjusted. Further, in this case, since the size of the copy vector V30 can be determined in advance, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a copy communication program P20s for copying and using the copy program may be prepared in advance, the copy program P30s may be copied, and the designated address by the copy vector V30 may be adjusted. . The copy destination in this case may be the RAM 30 together with the copy vector V30 as in FIGS. 6 and 10, or another RAM 35 as in FIG. 12, and the ROM 30 in this case may be the dedicated IC 50.
[0077]
In the above-described embodiment, the relative relationship between the start address in the RAM 30 and the copy vector V30 matches the relative relationship between the start address in the ROM 20 and the interrupt vector V20.
[0078]
Therefore, only by switching the memory between the ROM 20 and the RAM 30 in accordance with the setting of the rewrite mode, the access to the interrupt vector V20 when the rewrite mode is not set and the copy vector V30 when the rewrite mode is set are performed. Memory access can be switched such that accesses to the same address are accesses to the same address in the address space. Further, since the ROM 20 and the RAM 30 are each one chip, by switching each chip by chip select, memory switching, that is, memory access switching can be performed. In this case, not only the pure chip select signal described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 but also a part of the address allocated to the ROM 20 or the RAM 30 is subjected to address conversion depending on whether the mode is the rewrite mode. And those that result in chip selection.
[0079]
In the above-described embodiment, as described above, the memory access to the ROM 20 and the RAM 30 is switched (exchanged) in chip units (by chip select) by setting the rewrite mode, but the interrupt vector V20 and the communication A memory relating to the main body of the communication core information and its copy, depending on whether or not a rewrite mode is set, for only information (communication core information) which is necessary for communication and may be rewritten by communication, such as the program P20. Only the access may be switched and replaced.
[0080]
In the above-described embodiment, an example of a flash ROM has been described as the rewritable ROM 20. However, as a rewritable memory capable of statically storing a program or the like, an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a nonvolatile RAM, An FRAM (ferric RAM) or the like may be used.
[0081]
In the above-described embodiment, as a simpler configuration, the data server DS is a stand-alone type device (PC). However, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, as shown in FIG. A plurality of workstations WS (personal computers PC, etc.) 1-3 and terminal adapters (including routers, repeaters, hubs, etc.) TA are connected, and tapes are sent from any of these terminals via an interface IF. The printing device 1 may be connected. That is, in the configuration of FIG. 3, new data stored in each device (WS1 to 3, TA, etc.) in the data server DS is downloaded.
[0082]
In this case, the network NW conforms to a communication protocol conforming to the IEEE standard LAN, for example, the so-called Internet or various local area networks (LAN: Ethernet (registered trademark), 10/100 base (Base), etc.). Can be adopted. Note that these are standards for wired communication, but wireless communication can also be used.
[0083]
In the above-described embodiment, the CD-ROM 501 storing the new data is inserted into the personal computer PC (data server DS) shown in FIG. 1 and the exclusive application 502 for downloading is driven. Alternatively, the application program itself may be prepared in the personal computer PC, or the application program itself may be stored in the CD-ROM 501 together with the new data, and the program may be started. In the former case, various new data can be changed only by replacing the CD-ROM. In the latter case, if the application is executable by a general operation system (OS), it is only necessary to mount such a CD-ROM storing various new data on a personal computer or the like having the OS. , The new data can be transmitted by downloading the program, and the tape printer 1 can be variously updated.
[0084]
In the above-described embodiment, a CD-ROM is described as an example, but other storage media such as an FD, an MO, and a DVD may be used. When a network is used as shown in FIG. 10 instead of the configuration shown in FIG. 1, various types of devices connected to the network are connected via a host machine (PC1 or TA in the illustrated example) of the tape printer 1. Since new data can be received from another device (such as WS2 or WS3 in the illustrated example), the tape printer 1 can be updated by downloading various new data, changing the contents of the ROM 20 in various ways.
[0085]
In the above-described embodiment, an example of the tape printing apparatus has been described. However, as long as new data is received using a communication function and the rewritable ROM is rewritten, another type of printing object other than a tape is used. Of the present invention, and can be applied to information processing apparatuses other than the printing apparatus. In addition, if a program for executing the above-described download of new data and the like is stored in a storage medium such as a CD, the program can be mounted (mounted) on any printing apparatus or information processing apparatus capable of executing the program. By reading and executing the stored program, the rewritable ROM can be easily rewritten with the received new data. Of course, other various forms can be adopted, and appropriate changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the memory rewriting device, the memory rewriting method, the information processing device, the information processing system, and the storage medium of the present invention, new data is received according to a communication program specified by a communication interrupt vector, and the new data is received. Thus, the communication interrupt vector itself can be rewritten, and even if rewritten during communication, communication can be performed normally.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system including a tape printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention as a component.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map image of a tape printer and a download image from a personal computer in the printing system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration related to a memory of the tape printing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1;
4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of a memory access switching circuit in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a switching image in each mode of the memory access switching circuit of FIG. 3;
6 is an explanatory diagram of an address space, a memory in charge, and storage contents in each mode, corresponding to FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic process of overall control of the tape printing apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a rewrite mode setting process.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a rewriting mode switching process in an example in which the rewriting mode is repeatedly set and reset every time the same rewriting mode key is pressed.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the storage image of the interrupt vector, the communication program, the copy vector, and the copy program different from FIG. 6;
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a storage image of an interrupt vector, a communication program, and a copy vector when a copy program is unnecessary.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 10, showing another example of storing a copy vector and a copy program in separate memories.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a dedicated IC in which a memory access switching circuit is integrated with a RAM into one chip.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 10, showing another example in which a copy communication program for copying is prepared in addition to the communication program.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 1, showing an example of another configuration.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... tape printing device
10 ... CPU
20 ROM (rewritable ROM, flash ROM)
30 …… RAM (static RAM)
40 memory access switching circuit
201 ...... Control memory area
301… Work memory area
501 CD-ROM
CF ...... Rewrite mode flag
CS0, CS1, CSA, CSB, CSS ... Chip select signal
DS …… Data server
IF ...... Interface
IFD ...... USB driver
NW ...... Network
P20 Communication program (communication core information)
P30 Copy program (copy core information)
PC ...... PC
PSYS …… Printing system
TA ...... Terminal adapter
V20 ...... Interrupt vector (communication core information)
V30 ...... Copy vector (copy core information)
WS1 to WS3 ...... Workstation

Claims (18)

A memory rewriting device capable of rewriting the contents of a rewriting target memory for storing a communication interrupt vector referred to for starting a communication program in response to a communication interrupt with new data received from a communication destination according to the communication program. hand,
A work memory comprising a memory other than the rewriting target memory and storing a copy vector which is a copy of the communication interrupt vector;
Rewriting mode setting means for setting a rewriting mode for rewriting the memory to be rewritten,
The memory so that access to the communication interrupt vector when the rewrite mode is not set and access to the copy vector when the rewrite mode is set are accesses to the same address in an address space. Memory access switching means for switching access;
A memory rewriting device comprising: The memory rewriting device according to claim 1, wherein the rewriting target memory is a flash ROM. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a vector copy unit configured to copy the communication interrupt vector and store the communication interrupt vector in the work memory when the rewrite mode is set. Memory rewriting device. The communication program is stored in the rewrite target memory,
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a program copy unit that copies the communication program and stores the communication program in the work memory as a copy program when the rewrite mode is set. Memory rewriting device. The communication interrupt vector is based on a relative address,
5. The program copy unit according to claim 4, wherein the copy program is stored such that a relative address of the communication program with respect to the communication interrupt vector matches a relative address of the copy program with respect to the copy vector. 3. The memory rewriting device according to claim 1. 5. The memory rewriting apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a copy vector adjusting unit that adjusts an address specified by the copy vector so as to match a storage address of the copy program. The relative relationship between the start address of the work memory and the address of the copy vector matches the relative relationship between the start address of the rewrite target memory and the address of the communication interrupt vector,
7. The memory rewriting device according to claim 1, wherein said memory access switching means has a memory switching means for switching between said rewriting target memory and said work memory. The rewrite target memory and the work memory are each configured by one chip,
8. The memory rewriting device according to claim 7, wherein said memory switching means is means for switching each chip by a chip select. 9. The memory rewriting device according to claim 1, wherein the communication by the communication program conforms to a standard of RS-232C, USB, IEEE1394 or Centronics. Each means according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Program processing means for performing processing according to a program stored in the rewrite target memory;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Further comprising a printing means for printing on a predetermined print target,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of interrupt programs include a program for causing the printing unit to perform the printing. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the print target is a tape. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
A supply device for transmitting the new data as the communication destination,
An information processing system comprising: The supply device,
Mounting means capable of mounting a storage medium storing the new data and a program for transmitting the new data,
Program execution means for transmitting the new data according to the program stored in the mounted storage medium,
The information processing system according to claim 13, comprising: 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the supply device is connected to another device via a predetermined network, and has a higher-level communication unit that receives the new data from the other device. system. The rewriting is performed by writing new data received from a communication destination in accordance with the communication program, with a memory storing a communication interrupt vector referred to for starting a communication program when a communication interrupt occurs as a rewriting target memory. A memory rewriting method capable of rewriting the contents of a target memory,
A copy vector that is a copy of the communication interrupt vector is stored in a work memory other than the memory to be rewritten, a rewrite mode for rewriting the memory to be rewritten is set, and a communication interrupt vector when not set is set. A memory access is switched according to whether or not a rewrite mode is set so that access to a copy vector and access to a copy vector when set are access to the same address in an address space. Rewriting method. A storage medium storing a program capable of executing the function of each means of the memory rewriting device according to claim 1. A storage medium storing a program capable of executing the memory rewriting method according to claim 16.

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