JP2004078377A - Peripheral device and initialization method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select a user's desired operating environment from either a state in which the simultaneous control of a plurality of devices of same kind is necessary or the state in which the connection of a device optionally selected from a plurality of the devices can be regarded as the same device, by means of operations on the peripheral device side, without additional cost. <P>SOLUTION: A dummy serial number different from a serial number peculiar to the peripheral equipment is held, and information showing the result of selecting a serial number to be returned to a host computer from either the serial number or the dummy serial number, is held. On the basis of the information held in accordance with a request for the acquisition of the serial number from the host computer, either the serial number or the dummy serial number is switched over to return to the host computer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a peripheral device capable of communicating with a host computer via predetermined communication means, and an initialization method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a peripheral device capable of communicating with a host computer (information processing device) via a communication unit, a preset device name and serial number are returned in response to a device name or serial number acquisition request from the host computer. Processing is in progress.
[0003]
At this time, even if the same device is used as a serial number using a manufacturing number or a manufacturing date and time, when the peripheral device is connected to the host computer, the device name of the peripheral device, the serial number, etc. are acquired by a program on the host computer. In a system that establishes a communication port with peripheral devices, even if multiple identical devices are connected to a single host computer, their serial numbers are different, so they are recognized as different peripheral devices, and multiple peripheral devices are simultaneously connected and controlled. It is configured to be possible.
[0004]
However, a storage means such as an EEPROM for enabling the serial number to be set at the time of shipment for changing and holding the serial number is required. There is also a method of fixing the serial number by omitting the storage means such as the EEPROM, but in this case, it is impossible to control a plurality of peripheral devices at the same time.
[0005]
In addition, a communication program on the host computer side can be created so as to be regarded as the same device even if the serial number is different. However, as long as this communication program is adopted, an environment in which a plurality of devices are simultaneously connected cannot be obtained. In this way, whether or not a plurality of devices can be connected is determined based on how the serial numbers are handled.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a system in which a communication port is defined for each combination of a device name and a serial number as described above, if the serial number differs for each device, a plurality of devices are connected to the same device, and an output destination is specified for each device. On the other hand, if a user with a laptop computer uses the same peripheral device, such as a printer, at home and in the office, the serial number will be different. Are created separately, and there is a point that it is pointed out that the usability is poor in that an operation of switching a communication port according to a printer actually connected is required.
[0007]
Similarly, in the case of a business mode in which multiple identical devices are prepared, the user selects any one as needed, and connects and uses the device with their own host computer, the same serial number is always used Is not always selected, so a new communication port is created each time a device with a new serial number is connected to each host computer.Therefore, many unnecessary communication ports are created. There is also an operational disadvantage that the user is burdened with having to find the communication port for the current device from inside, and time is wasted.
[0008]
On the other hand, when the serial number is fixed, the cost can be reduced without using an EEPROM or the like. However, since the serial number is the same, the system is not recognized as another device, so that there is a disadvantage that a plurality of devices cannot be used at the same time. .
[0009]
As described above, the method of returning each serial number in the peripheral device has the opposite merits and demerits, and it is usually left to the manufacturer to decide which type of serial number return method to use. However, there is a problem that it cannot be used properly according to the use environment of the user.
[0010]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to hold a dummy serial number different from a serial number unique to a peripheral device, and furthermore, a real number and a dummy serial number. The information indicating the selection result of which of the above is to be returned to the host computer, and the unique serial number or the dummy serial number based on the held information according to the serial number acquisition request from the host computer By switching any one of the above and returning it to the host computer, the device is managed using a virtual serial number other than the device-specific serial number, and the user's desired Operating environment that requires simultaneous control of multiple identical devices or multiple devices To provide a peripheral device and the initialization processing method whether to allow regarded as the same device can be switched by the peripheral side operation be connected arbitrary one from within.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first invention according to the present invention is a peripheral device capable of communicating with a host computer via a predetermined communication device, wherein the holding device holds a dummy serial number different from a serial number unique to the peripheral device (see FIG. 1 and a return number selecting means for selecting which of a serial number and a dummy serial number is to be returned to the host computer (for processing performed by the CPU 2007 shown in FIG. And a selection state holding unit (corresponding to the EEPROM 2010 shown in FIG. 1) for holding information indicating a selection result selected by the return number selection unit, and a serial number acquisition request from the host computer. Based on the information held in the selection information holding means, the unique serial Selection number returning means (CPU 2007 shown in FIG. 1 is equivalent to a configuration for transmitting via the external interface unit 2001) for switching either the serial number or the dummy serial number and returning it to the host computer. I do.
[0012]
A second invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the return number selecting means can select the unique serial number or the dummy serial number based on an arbitrary key operation provided on an operation unit.
[0013]
A third invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the selected state holding means holds the unique serial number in an initial state.
[0014]
A fourth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the peripheral device includes a printer device, a scanner device, a portable terminal device, and a composite image processing device.
[0015]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an initialization method for a peripheral device that includes a holding unit for a dummy serial number different from a serial number unique to the peripheral device and is capable of communicating with a host computer via a predetermined communication unit. A return number selection step (steps S2 to S4 shown in FIG. 2) for selecting which of a serial number and a dummy serial number is to be returned to the host computer, and a selection selected by the return number selection step A selection state holding step (steps S5 and S6 shown in FIG. 2) for holding the information indicating the result in the selection information holding means, and the selection information holding means holding the serial number acquisition request from the host computer. Switching between the unique serial number or the dummy serial number based on the And having a selected number return step of returning against preparative computer (step S11~S13 shown in FIG. 3).
[0016]
A sixth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that in the return number selecting step, the unique serial number or the dummy serial number can be selected based on an arbitrary key operation provided on an operation unit.
[0017]
A seventh invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the selection information holding means holds the unique serial number in an initial state.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a peripheral device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to, for example, a printing system example in which a printer is used as the peripheral device.
[0019]
In the printing system according to the present embodiment, a host computer 1000 that generates print data (including control commands; the same applies hereinafter) and sets a UI for the generation, and a printer 2000 that forms an image based on the print data. It is composed of
[0020]
In FIG. 1, a host computer 1000 includes a CPU 1001, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1003, a system bus 1004, an I / O controller (CRTC / HDC / FDC / etc ...) 1005, an external interface 1006, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a flexible disk drive (FDD). ) 1007, a CRT 1008, a keyboard / mouse 1009, and the like.
[0021]
The CPU 1001 operates based on an application program, a communication program, a printer driver, an OS, and the like read from the HDD / FDD 1007 or the like into the RAM 1003. After that, the application program and the like function similarly as a system by being loaded.
[0022]
The external I / F 1006 sequentially transmits the print data spooled in the RAM 1003 and the HDD 1007 to the printer 2000. The KeyBoard / Mouse 1009 takes in instruction data from the user into the host computer through the I / O 1005.
[0023]
A CRT 1008 is a display device, and is controlled by a CRTC in the I / O 1005. These blocks CRT 1008 and KeyBoard / Mouse 1009 constitute a user interface.
[0024]
On the other hand, the printer 2000 includes an external I / F unit 2001, an operation unit 2002, a control unit 2003, a printing unit I / F unit 2004, a printing unit 2005, a CPU 2007, a ROM 2008, a RAM 2009, a system bus 2006, and the like.
[0025]
An external I / F unit 2001 for receiving print data from the host computer 1000 and notifying the host computer 1000 of various status information, a device name, a serial number, and the like, a key for giving a user an instruction to the printer, and the like. The control unit 2002 mainly includes a control unit 2003 that interprets the received print data and generates data for printing by the printing unit 2005, receives data output from the printing unit I / F unit 2004, and A print unit 2005 serving as a print engine for forming an image, a CPU 2007 for controlling the entire printer, a ROM 2008 for storing a control program for the printer, a RAM 2009 as a work area such as a buffer area for reception used by the external I / F unit 2001, and Serial number and printer settings Consisting of EEPROM2010 to hold the state.
[0026]
When connected to an AC power supply, the printer 2000 performs a normal initialization process when the hard power is turned on, and performs a detection process such as a key press state on the operation unit 2002. In this state, when a power key (not shown) on the operation unit 2002 is pressed, an initialization process for shifting to a normal power-on state is performed and the printer operates as an external I / F. The unit 2001 and the like become functional.
[0027]
In the above configuration, when the printer 2000 is connected to the host computer 1000, at the first stage, it is necessary to install a communication program corresponding to the printer 2000 and a printer driver for generating print data and store them in the HDD 1007. There is.
[0028]
When the printer 2000 is connected in this way, the device name and the serial number are obtained from the printer 2000, a communication port depending on the device name and the serial number is created, and the printer driver prints using the communication port. Send data.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, the serial number held at the time of shipment is held in the EEPROM 2010, and the dummy serial number is separately set in the ROM 2008 or the EEPROM 2010 in advance. For example, if the serial number is made up of six arbitrary alphanumeric characters and a serial number is used, the serial number is stored in the EEPROM 2010 at the time of shipment while incrementing the number starting from "000001" by one in the order of manufacture.
[0030]
On the other hand, for the dummy serial number, a range that does not match these serial numbers is determined in advance, and six characters such as “DUMMY0” can be adopted. The return number selecting means in this embodiment selects whether to return a normal serial number or a dummy serial number by performing a specific operation on a key provided in the operation unit 2002 when the printer 2000 is turned on. Then, the selection result is stored in a specific area of the EEPROM 2010, and one of the serial numbers is returned in response to the serial number acquisition request according to the result.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention, and corresponds to an initialization processing procedure including a return number selection process and a selection information holding process. Note that S1 to S9 indicate each step, and a program corresponding to each step is stored in the ROM 2008, loaded into the RAM 2009, and executed by the CPU 2007.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, any two keys in the operation unit 2002 of the printer 2000 are defined as key1 and key2, and the user selects which serial number to return by operating the following two keys. .
[0033]
[Example of operation method]
Any two keys in the operation unit 2002 of the printer 2000 are defined as key1 and key2, and the AC power is turned on in a state where both the keys key1 and key2 are pressed. Then, when selecting a dummy serial number, the key key1 is released earlier than the key key2. On the other hand, when a normal serial number is selected, key key2 is released earlier than key key1.
[0034]
As an operation timing, an example is shown in which the printer is turned on when the AC power supply is turned on, enters a hard power-on state, and the state of the operation unit can be checked.
[0035]
First, in step S1, the AC power of the printer 2000 is turned on and the hard power is turned on. As a result, the CPU 2007 starts processing according to the program from the ROM 2008 and performs the necessary minimum initialization processing of the operation unit 2002 and the like.
[0036]
Next, in step S2, it is checked whether both keys key1 and key2 are pressed by the operation unit 2002. If both keys are pressed, it is determined that the serial number change operation is started, and step S3 is performed. Proceed to.
[0037]
On the other hand, if both are not pressed, the process proceeds to the normal initialization process in step S8, and the hard power-on process when the AC power is turned on ends in step S9.
[0038]
When the serial number change operation is started, the process loops through step S3 until any key is released in step S3, and waits.
[0039]
If any key has been released, the process proceeds to step S4, where it is checked whether key key1 has been released. If the key key1 has been released, the process proceeds to step S5, and the EEPROM 2010 serves as selection information holding means. The variable SerialNoChangeFlag provided above is set to “1” to indicate that the dummy serial number has been selected.
[0040]
On the other hand, if the key 2 has been released in step S4, the process proceeds to step S6, in which the selection information holding variable SerialNoChangeFlag is set to "0", and it is set that a normal serial number has been selected.
[0041]
Here, since SerialNoChangeFlag may already be set to “1”, SerialNoChangeFlag must be set to “0” and a state in which a normal serial number is selected must be set.
[0042]
In any case, in step S7, the process loops in step S7 until both the keys key1 and key2 are released, and when both keys are released, the normal initialization process from step S8 is executed and the AC power is turned on. Is completed.
[0043]
The SerialNoChangeFlag as the selection information holding means is initialized to "0" assuming that the serial number has been selected at the time of shipment.
[0044]
Accordingly, when the serial number change operation is not started in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 (when the process proceeds from step S2 to step S8), the value of SerialNoChangeFlag is not changed from “0”, so that this operation is not performed at all. When the power is turned on, the state where the serial number is selected is maintained.
[0045]
The user performs the operation shown in this flowchart and selects a dummy serial number only when setting the maintenance-oriented type.
[0046]
Next, the operation at the time of return when the serial number acquisition request is instructed from the host computer 1000 is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0047]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention, and corresponds to a serial number acquisition request response processing procedure. Note that S10 to S14 indicate each step.
[0048]
First, when a SerialNo acquisition request is generated in step S10, the value of the variable SerialNoChangeFlag for the selection information holding unit is checked in step S11, and it is determined whether or not the value is "0". Is determined, the serial number stored in the EEPROM 2010 is read out and returned in step S12 in order to return the original serial number (for example, a manufacturing number such as "000001").
[0049]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that SerialNoChangeFlag is "1", the flow advances to step S13 to read out and return the dummy serial number stored in the ROM 2009 or the EEPROM 2010. In any case, the process proceeds to step S14. To end.
[0050]
[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the type of the serial number to be returned is switched by performing a key operation on the return number selection means. However, only the key operation can be used to determine the actual setting. It is difficult. When the operation unit 2002 includes an LED, a buzzer, a liquid crystal panel, and the like, when the serial number change operation is started in step S2 of FIG. 2, the LED flashes or the buzzer sounds once, and then, When the SerialNoChangeFlag is set to “0” or “1” in step S5 or step S6 to which a transition is made when any key is released, the LED blinks a specific number of times or the buzzer is specified according to each setting. , Or display on the liquid crystal panel whether any setting has been made. As a result, the user's operation process and results can be transmitted to the user, and usability can be considered.
[0051]
It goes without saying that not only the printer but also other devices have some operation unit, and if a specific key operation is defined, the operation can be similarly performed.
[0052]
According to the above embodiment, as the usage environment desired by the user, it is necessary to control a plurality of identical devices at the same time, or even if any one of the plurality of devices is connected, it is regarded as the same device. Existing keys and the like are diverted so that switching can be performed by operation of the peripheral device side, and the same device is selectively used according to the device connection environment used by the user without adding new cost. It has an unprecedented superior effect of being able to do so.
[0053]
By being able to use the devices properly, a plurality of identical devices can be prepared, and the user can select any one as needed and connect to their own host computers for use. Even if a failure occurs, the same device can be purchased separately, and the serial number can be fixed using the operation panel, providing an environment that can be easily replaced with a printer that has been used in the past. Since there is no need to change the settings, the effect of greatly reducing the time required for maintenance and the support cost can be obtained.
[0054]
Also, since the original serial number information is not directly rewritten but is retained as it is at the time of shipment, by performing the same operation, it is possible to return to the serial number unique to the device, and to return to the environment where multiple units are used At the same time, it is possible to obtain the information on the production of the original serial number at any time, so if a failure occurs, the information at the time of shipment is also retained, so it is attached to the main unit. Since the information at the time of shipment can be read out without looking at the seal of the serial number or the like, there is also an effect in performing the maintenance service.
[0055]
Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a printing system to which the peripheral device according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.
[0056]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the peripheral device according to the present invention can be applied.
[0057]
Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons and the like may also be stored.
[0058]
Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0059]
The functions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.
[0060]
As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code thus obtained.
[0061]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0062]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, or the like may be used. it can.
[0063]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0064]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the 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.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, a dummy serial number different from a serial number unique to a peripheral device is held. Holding information indicating a selection result of whether to return to the host computer, and, based on the held information according to a serial number acquisition request from the host computer, any of the unique serial number or the dummy serial number To return to the host computer, the device is managed using a virtual serial number in addition to the device-specific serial number, and a user-desired use environment is added without incurring new costs. It is necessary to control multiple identical devices at the same time, or Whether to allow regarded as the same equipment be connected to one can be switched by the peripheral device operations.
[0066]
Also, in the information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the peripheral device via the communication unit, the device acquires the device name of the peripheral device and the serial information notified according to the selection on the peripheral device via the communication unit, and acquires the serial information. By establishing a communication port with the peripheral device according to the information and device name, the device is recognized using a virtual serial number in addition to the device-specific serial number according to the device name and serial information notified from the peripheral device Then, it is necessary to control a plurality of the same devices at the same time, or a device connection environment in which a communication port can be established as the same device even if any one of the plurality of devices is connected can be freely constructed. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a peripheral device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the peripheral device according to the present invention can be applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
1000 Host computer 1001 CPU
1002 ROM
1003 RAM
1004 System bus 1005 Various I / O controllers 1006 External interface 1007 HDD / FDD
1008 CRT
1009 Keyboard / mouse 1010 Interface cable 2000 Printer 2001 External I / F unit 2002 Operation unit 2003 Control unit 2004 Printing unit I / F unit 2005 Printing unit 2006 System bus (printer)
2007 CPU (Printer)
2008 ROM (Printer)
2009 RAM (Printer)
2010 EEPROM (Printer)

Claims (7)

A peripheral device capable of communicating with a host computer via predetermined communication means,
Holding means for holding a dummy serial number different from the serial number unique to the peripheral device;
Return number selection means for selecting which of a serial number and a dummy serial number to return to the host computer,
Selection information holding means for holding information indicating a selection result selected by the return number selection means,
In response to a serial number acquisition request from the host computer, based on information held in the selection information holding means, switches either the unique serial number or the dummy serial number and returns it to the host computer Selection number return means to
A peripheral device comprising: 2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the return number selection unit can select the unique serial number or the dummy serial number based on an arbitrary key operation provided on an operation unit. 3. 2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the selected state holding unit holds the unique serial number in an initial state. The peripheral device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the peripheral device includes a printer device, a scanner device, a portable terminal device, and a composite image processing device. An initialization method in a peripheral device that includes a holding unit that holds a dummy serial number different from a serial number unique to the peripheral device and can communicate with a host computer via predetermined communication means,
A return number selection step of selecting which of a serial number and a dummy serial number is to be returned to the host computer,
A selection state holding step of holding information indicating a selection result selected by the return number selection step in a selection state holding unit,
In response to a serial number acquisition request from the host computer, based on information held in the selection information holding means, switches either the unique serial number or the dummy serial number and returns it to the host computer Selection number return step to do,
An initialization method comprising: 6. The initialization method according to claim 5, wherein in the return number selection step, the unique serial number or the dummy serial number can be selected based on an arbitrary key operation provided on an operation unit. 6. The initialization method according to claim 5, wherein the selection state holding unit holds the unique serial number in an initial state.

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