JP2004235902A - Communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate installation work, to attain automatization of maintenance to be performed afterwards, and to provide a high-reliability communication device which always holds a program and data of the latest version. <P>SOLUTION: The communication device makes a transmission request to a center server for information of the latest version at a fixed interval stored in an inquiry spacing storage section 10, compares the latest version information from the center server with the version information of its own device, and updates its program and data based on that comparison result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication device, and more particularly to a communication device that updates a program and data in the communication device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a device having a program or data therein sometimes updates the program or data in accordance with the convenience of the manufacturer or a change in the infrastructure environment. In particular, when starting to use equipment that has been stored in a warehouse for a long period of time, its update work is essential.
[0003]
When updating a program or data in a device, a service technician visits a customer holding a device that requires the above update and performs an update operation. In addition, in order to reduce work time, labor, and cost, connect a communication line to the device that needs to be updated, and use the connected communication line to download programs and data to the device and update it There were cases.
[0004]
As described above, as a conventional technique for updating a program or data in a device, there is a device and method for upgrading an electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Literature 1, two electronic devices are connected so that data can be transmitted, and a program for upgrading is transmitted from one electronic device to the other electronic device, and the program of the other electronic device is rewritten.
[0005]
Further, in the information processing device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the information processing device detects the firmware version of another information processing device of the same model as the own device, and determines that the firmware version of the own device is higher. When it was determined, the information to prompt the firmware update was transferred.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-188679 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-342103
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, when updating a program or data in a device, it is common to access a customer's device from a service center side (device manufacturer) due to a burden of communication charges. In such a case, it is difficult for the service center to accurately transmit the update program and data to the device, and it has been desired that the device can make a call to the service center.
[0008]
In addition, especially in the case of facsimile, it is often necessary to update data according to changes in the communication environment, and it is also necessary to be able to perform maintenance such as installation, program and data update even if it is not a specialized service technician. there were.
[0009]
Further, in the conventional technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, electronic devices are not connected to each other via the Internet (telephone line), and the service center side of the devices is used when downloading programs and data to the devices. Was not expected. Patent Document 1 does not include a configuration in which the electronic device on the program rewriting side periodically checks the necessity of updating the program and data and updates the program and data.
[0010]
Further, the prior art disclosed in Patent Literature 2 exchanges firmware between devices, and does not describe a configuration in which a device downloads a firmware from a service center that newly creates the firmware.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a highly reliable communication device that realizes easy installation work and automatic maintenance thereafter, and always holds the latest version of programs and data. The purpose is to do.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a communication device connected to a server device that distributes programs and data via a network and operated by the programs and data stored in the own device. The server and the server are periodically inquired as to whether the versions of the programs and data are the latest. Is rewritten.
[0013]
Further, the present invention is a communication device connected to a server device for distributing programs and data via a network and operated by the programs and data stored in its own device, wherein the information storage device stores the programs and data. Means, own device version storing means for storing own device version information indicating versions of stored programs and data, and a request for transmitting latest version information indicating the latest versions of programs and data stored in the server device. A latest version transmission requesting means for periodically transmitting to the server device, and receiving the latest version information from the server device and storing the version indicated in the received latest version information from the version indicated in the own device version information. If it is also newer, the latest version An update information transmission requesting unit for transmitting a transmission request for the program and data indicated in the information to the server device, an information receiving unit for receiving the transmission-requested program and data, and receiving the stored program and data. And information updating means for rewriting the program and data.
[0014]
Further, according to the present invention, it is characterized by having version display means for displaying the latest version information.
[0015]
Further, according to the present invention, the version display means displays whether or not the stored programs and data have been updated to the programs and data indicated by the latest version information, respectively.
Further, according to the invention, there is provided a version printing means for printing out the latest version information.
[0016]
Further, according to the present invention, the version printing means prints whether or not the stored program and data have been updated to the program and data indicated by the latest version information, respectively.
[0017]
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an inquiry interval setting means for setting an interval of time for transmitting the latest version transmission request to the server device.
[0018]
Further, according to the present invention, when the time required for receiving one program or data exceeds a prescribed time, the information receiving means suspends reception of the subsequent program or data, and after a predetermined time, Data reception is restarted.
[0019]
Further, according to the invention, it is characterized in that it has a maximum reception time setting means for setting a specified time.
[0020]
Further, according to the present invention, the information storage means divides and stores a program in units of modules, and enables rewriting in units of modules, and stores and divides data in units of data to enable rewriting in units of divided data. It is characterized by the following.
[0021]
According to the invention, the information receiving means receives the program and the data from the server device by e-mail.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
The communication device is, for example, a communication device such as a facsimile device. The communication device operates based on programs and data stored in the communication device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the communication device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication device includes a scanner 1, a plotter 2, an encoding / decoding unit 3, a communication control unit 4, a modem 5, a network control unit 6, and a LAN control unit 7. , A system control unit 8, an operation display unit 9, and an inquiry interval storage unit 10.
[0024]
The scanner 1 is a part that reads an image. The plotter 2 prints images and characters. In this embodiment, the plotter 2 prints a “version information” report for a service technician. The encoding / decoding unit 3 compresses and expands image information.
[0025]
The communication control unit 4 controls predetermined facsimile communication and program / data communication. The modem 5 modulates and demodulates communication data when performing communication by G3. The network control unit 6 is connected to a communication line such as a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), and performs outgoing and incoming calls.
[0026]
The LAN control unit 7 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) and controls programs and data communication via the LAN.
[0027]
The system control unit 8 controls a predetermined facsimile operation by the communication device. Further, the system control unit 8 performs control for rewriting a program and data.
[0028]
The operation display unit 9 is a part that becomes an interface when an operator (customer) handles the communication device. The operation instructing unit 9 may be an information input unit including a key switch such as a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse. The operation display unit 9 is provided with a display such as a CRT (Cathode-ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or an organic EL (Electroluminescence), and displays various kinds of information.
[0029]
The inquiry interval storage unit 10 stores an inquiry interval.
[0030]
In addition, a center server is connected via a network control unit 6 (PSTN). The center server is an information processing device capable of performing data communication with the communication device, and stores various programs and data. The center server stores information indicating the version of the stored program and data.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a work flow at the time of delivery of the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, a description will be given of an operation performed when the communication center sells the communication device to the customer in the present embodiment.
[0032]
First, a person (employee) belonging to the service center visits the customer, delivers the requested communication device to the customer, and starts installation (step S101).
[0033]
Next, the operation display unit 9 inputs various setting information of the communication device by an operation of the service center staff or the customer, and registers the setting information in a memory (not shown) in the communication device (step S102).
[0034]
The operation display unit 9 inputs “service center address information” as setting information and registers the setting. The address information of the service center may be, for example, a telephone number of the service center, a URL (Uniform Resource Locators) of a Web site of the service center, or the like.
[0035]
In addition, the operation display unit 9 also displays “customer name”, “customer address information (telephone number, etc.)” and “communication destination address information (destination telephone number)” as setting information. Enter and register the settings in the memory. Further, the operation display unit 9 may perform a special setting of the communication device other than the above.
[0036]
Next, using the address information of the service center set and registered in step S102, the communication device downloads the latest version of the program and data when the communication device is installed from the server of the service center (hereinafter, a center server), and updates the program. Work is performed (step S103).
[0037]
For example, when a communication device updates a program and data using a protocol such as G3 or G4, when address information (telephone number) of the service center is registered, a call is made to the service center (center server). , G3 / G4, etc., to communicate with a service center (center server). The communication device obtains the latest information of the program and the data, compares it with the version of its own device, and downloads and rewrites it.
[0038]
Next, the service center staff or customer checks whether the communication device operates normally. The staff of the service center explains the operation of the communication device to the customer (step S104).
[0039]
Thus, the installation work of the communication device is completed (step S105).
[0040]
Also, after installation, the communication device can inquire the center server of the current latest version of the program and data of the communication device at regular intervals, and provide a newer version of the program and data than the version of its own device. If so, do the update.
[0041]
In FIG. 2, the staff of the service center visits the customer to perform the work of delivering the communication device. However, the customer may perform various setting work and update work of the communication device.
[0042]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of a program and data update process by the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the update process of the program and data by the communication device will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and along FIG.
[0043]
First, when recognizing the input of a program and data update command (step S201), the system control unit 8 determines whether or not the address information of the service center (center server) is stored in the memory of the communication device (step S201). Step S202).
[0044]
A timer (not shown) is provided in the communication device, and a program and data update instruction is input to the system control unit 8 at each inquiry interval stored in the inquiry interval storage unit 10. Good. Further, the operation display unit 9 may be configured to input a command for updating a program and data by an operation of a customer or the like.
[0045]
When the system control unit 8 determines that the address information of the service center (center server) is not stored in the memory (step S202 / No), the communication device ends the operation without updating the program and the data. . At this time, the operation display unit 9 may display information prompting input of address information of the service center (center server).
[0046]
If the system control unit 8 determines that the address information of the service center (center server) is stored in the memory (step S202 / Yes), the system control unit 8 accesses the service center (center server) and requests a program and data update ( A version information transmission request is transmitted (step S203). At this time, the communication device may communicate with the center server using a protocol such as G3 / G4.
[0047]
Upon receiving the program and data update request from the communication device, the center server receives information indicating the contents of the latest version of the program and data corresponding to the communication device from among the programs and data stored in the server (hereinafter, the latest information). Version information) to the communication device.
[0048]
When the communication device receives the latest version information from the center server (step S204), the system control unit 8 stores the oldest version of the program and data indicated in the latest version information in a recording site (not shown) in the communication device. It is determined whether or not the version program and data are stored (step S205).
[0049]
When it is determined that the program and data of the old version are not stored (step S205 / No), that is, the version indicated in the latest version information is compared with the version in the communication device, and the version in the communication device is compared. If the version is newer, the communication device ends the operation.
[0050]
If it is determined that the program and data of the old version are stored (step S205 / Yes), that is, the version indicated in the latest version information is compared with the version in the communication device, and the version in the latest version information is compared. If the version is newer, a request for downloading the program and data indicated in the latest version information is transmitted to the center server. Upon receiving the download request from the communication device, the center server transmits the corresponding program and data to the communication device. The communication device downloads the program and data requested from the center server (step S206).
[0051]
The system control unit 8 rewrites the program and data of the recording part in the communication device with the program and data received from the center server (step S207). Thus, the communication device ends the program and data update processing.
[0052]
Thereafter, the communication device repeats the operations of steps S201 to S207 for each inquiry interval stored in the inquiry interval storage unit 10. Further, the customer or the staff can freely set the inquiry interval using the operation display unit 9.
[0053]
FIG. 4 is a table showing own device version information stored in a predetermined storage area of a recording part in the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the own device version information table shows information on the current version of various programs and data such as the scanner 1, the plotter 2, the network, the modem 5, and the charge data in the communication device. ing. The communication device fetches the latest version of various programs of the communication device into a memory, and executes downloading based on the fetched version.
[0054]
When the communication device receives the version information from the center server, the operation display unit 9 may display the received version information, or the plotter 2 prints out the received version information. You may do so.
[0055]
When transmitting the program and the data update request to the center server, the communication device may transmit the current version information of the communication device. At this time, the version information received by the communication device may indicate “updated” or “not updated” for each program and data indicated in the version information.
[0056]
When the communication device receives the latest version information from the center server, the communication device compares the latest version information with the current version information of its own device, and when displaying or printing, displays “updated” for each program and data indicated in the version information. Or "not updated".
[0057]
The communication device may display or print out version information indicating the current version of the program and data of the communication device.
[0058]
After confirming the version information displayed or printed by the communication device, the customer may determine whether or not to update the program and the data. In this case, the communication device determines update execution based on the determination information input by the operation display unit 9 by a customer operation.
[0059]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication device requests the center server to transmit the latest version information at regular intervals, and compares the latest version information from the center server with the version information of the own device. The program and data are updated based on the comparison result. Therefore, when starting to use the communication device, it can be confirmed that the device is started using the latest data, so that the reliability can be improved. Further, the subsequent maintenance (update of the program and data) can be automatically performed.
[0060]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the communication device displays or prints out its own version update status. Therefore, a customer or a service technician (service center staff) or the like can easily confirm the updated state of the program and data of the communication device.
[0061]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the communication device makes a request for transmission of the latest version to the center server for each inquiry interval stored in the inquiry interval storage unit 10. The inquiry interval can be set freely using the operation display unit 9. Therefore, the program and data in the communication device can be updated at intervals desired by the customer, and services can be provided according to the contract between the customer and the service center.
[0062]
(Second embodiment)
The configuration and operation in the present embodiment will be described below assuming that they are the same as those in the first embodiment of the present invention unless otherwise specified.
[0063]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the communication device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0064]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the communication device includes a scanner 1, a plotter 2, an encoding / decoding unit 3, a communication control unit 4, a modem 5, a network control unit 6, , A LAN control unit 7, a system control unit 8, an operation display unit 9, an inquiry interval storage unit 10, and a maximum communication time storage unit 11. The communication device according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a maximum communication time storage unit 11 is added to the communication device according to the first embodiment.
[0065]
The maximum communication time storage unit 11 stores communication time limit information for limiting a program and data download communication time per time.
[0066]
In the present embodiment, the center server divides and stores each program in module units, and transmits the divided programs to the communication device. The center server divides and stores each data, and transmits the divided data to the communication device.
[0067]
In the present embodiment, the communication device divides and stores each program in a recording portion of the communication device in units of a module, and updates the program in units of the module. In addition, the communication device divides and stores each data, and updates each divided data.
[0068]
FIG. 6 is a table showing own device version information stored in a predetermined storage area of a recording part in a communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the communication device stores a program and data of one application by function in a recording part in the communication device so that the program and data can be downloaded separately. It has a memory structure that can manage download by assigning a version number to each.
[0069]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the download time of the program and data from the center server exceeds the communication time limit information stored in the maximum communication time storage unit 11, the system control unit 8 executes the next program and data Pause or stop downloading.
[0070]
When the system control unit 8 is downloading one module or one divided data, and the download time exceeds the value of the communication time limit information (for example, 5 minutes per download), Do not download any more modules or split data, restart the download after a certain interval.
[0071]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the center server transmits programs and data in divided units, and the communication device downloads programs and data in divided units from the center server. Also, at the time of downloading, if the download time exceeds the value of the communication time limit information, the communication device restarts the download after a certain interval. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when updating the program or data of the communication device, the time occupying the communication line can be dispersed, and the operability of the communication device can be improved.
[0072]
(Third embodiment)
The configuration and operation in the present embodiment will be described below assuming that they are the same as those in the first embodiment of the present invention unless otherwise specified.
[0073]
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the communication device is connected to the center server via the network control unit 6 and the PSTN, and performs communication with the center server using a communication protocol such as G3 or G4. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the communication device is further connected to the center server via the LAN control unit 7 and the LAN (Internet), and can perform data communication with the center server via the Internet or the like. .
[0074]
The communication device in the present embodiment may be an Internet FAX device capable of sending and receiving mail via the Internet.
[0075]
In the present embodiment, the communication device and the center server can transmit and receive e-mail. The communication device and the center server transmit and receive a program and data for updating and version information by using an e-mail.
[0076]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication device can simultaneously receive a plurality of other e-mails, so that the occupation time of the line can be dispersed and the reduction in operability can be suppressed. It becomes possible.
[0077]
(Summary of Embodiment)
The communication device includes a program and data transmission / reception process, a program and data storage process, a version information storage process, a version information display process, a version information printing image forming process, a version comparison process, An information input process and a process of setting a data communication time are performed. The above processing is executed by a computer program included in the communication device. The above program is recorded on a recording medium such as an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor. It may be loaded, or may be loaded from an external device connected via a predetermined network.
[0078]
The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention. Becomes possible.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the communication device requests the server device to transmit the latest version information at regular intervals, compares the latest version information from the server device with its own version information, The program and data are updated based on the comparison result. Therefore, when starting to use the communication device, it can be confirmed that the device is started using the latest data, so that the reliability can be improved. Further, the subsequent maintenance (update of the program and data) can be automatically performed.
[0080]
Further, according to the present invention, the communication device displays or prints out its version update status. Therefore, a customer or service technician (service center staff) or the like can easily check the updated state of the program and data of the communication device.
[0081]
Further, according to the present invention, the communication device requests the server device to transmit the latest version at each inquiry interval stored in the communication device. The inquiry interval can be set freely. Therefore, the program and data in the communication device can be updated at intervals desired by the customer, and services can be provided according to the contract between the customer and the service center.
[0082]
Further, according to the present invention, the server device transmits a program and data in divided units, and the communication device downloads the program and data in divided units from the server device. Also, at the time of downloading, if the download time exceeds the value of the communication time limit information, the communication device restarts the download after a certain interval. Therefore, according to the present invention, when updating a program or data of a communication device, the time occupying the communication line can be dispersed, and the operability of the communication device can be improved.
[0083]
Further, according to the present invention, since the communication device can receive a plurality of other e-mails at the same time, the occupation time of the line can be dispersed and the operability can be prevented from lowering.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of work at the time of delivery of the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a program and data update process by the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a table showing own device version information stored in a predetermined storage area of a recording part in the communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a table showing own device version information stored in a predetermined storage area of a recording part in a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Scanner
2 plotter
3 Encoding / decoding unit
4 Communication control unit
5 Modem
6 Network control unit
7 LAN control unit
8 System control unit
9 Operation display section
10 Inquiry interval storage
11 Maximum communication time storage

Claims (11)

A communication device that is connected to a server device that distributes programs and data via a network, and operates by the programs and data stored in the own device,
The server device periodically inquires whether the version of the program and data of the own device is the latest or not, and when the program and data of the own device are not the latest, receives the program and data from the server device. A communication device for rewriting a program and data in the own device. A communication device that is connected to a server device that distributes programs and data via a network, and operates by the programs and data stored in the own device,
Information storage means for storing the program and data;
Own device version storage means for storing own device version information indicating the version of the stored program and data,
A latest version transmission requesting unit for periodically transmitting a request for transmitting latest version information indicating the latest version of the program and data stored in the server device to the server device;
Receiving the latest version information from the server device, if the version indicated in the received latest version information is newer than the version indicated in the stored own device version information, the program indicated in the latest version information; Update information transmission request means for transmitting a data transmission request to the server device;
Information receiving means for receiving the transmission-requested program and data,
Information updating means for rewriting the stored program and data to the received program and data,
A communication device comprising: 3. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising version display means for displaying the latest version information. The version display means includes:
4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein whether or not the stored program and data have been updated to the program and data indicated in the latest version information, respectively, is displayed. The communication device according to claim 2, further comprising a version printing unit that prints out the latest version information. The version printing means includes:
6. The communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein whether the stored program and data are updated to the program and data indicated in the latest version information is printed. The communication device according to claim 2, further comprising: an inquiry interval setting unit configured to set an interval of a time when the latest version transmission request is transmitted to the server device. The information receiving means,
If the time required for receiving one of the programs or the data exceeds a prescribed time, suspending the reception of the subsequent program or the data and restarting the reception of the program or the data after a predetermined time The communication device according to claim 2, wherein: 9. The communication device according to claim 8, further comprising a maximum reception time setting means for setting the specified time. The information storage means,
3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the program is divided and stored in units of a module, and is rewritable in units of the module. The data is divided and stored, and is rewritable in units of the divided data. 10. The communication device according to any one of items 9. The information receiving means,
The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the program and the data are received from the server device by electronic mail.

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