JP2005151055A - Apparatus-specific data transmission / reception system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus unique data transmission / reception system capable of easily writing / reading apparatus-specific data, regardless of the ON / OFF state of the power supply for an apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A nonvolatile memory 38 on a control board 30, attachable and detachable to/from a copying apparatus body 22, is a memory for storing the apparatus-specific data. A wired/ wireless shared memory 40, connected to the nonvolatile memory 38 and is connected to an antenna 42 is provided with an auxiliary memory for receiving the apparatus unique data from the nonvolatile memory 38 and storing the data, a wireless interface, and a transmission / reception changeover means. The transmission / reception changeover means makes the nonvolatile memory 38, and an external data read / write system 100 transmit / receive the apparatus unique data with each other at the application of a power supply 28 to a copying apparatus 20, and makes the auxiliary memory and the external data read / write system 100 transmit / receive the apparatus-specific data with each other at the interruption of the power supply. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a device-specific data transmission / reception system, and more particularly to a device-specific data transmission / reception system that is attached to a device and transmits / receives device-specific data related to the use conditions or use status of the device to / from an external wireless transmission / reception device.

  In some cases, it is desired to read or change device-specific data of a control device such as an image processing apparatus or a control board incorporated in the device. For example, after assembling the device, when you want to check or change the usage conditions of the device according to the user specifications, how much the device was used under what usage conditions when performing maintenance on the device, etc. If you can read or change the device-specific data related to the usage conditions or usage status of the device, such as when you want to check the usage status of the device, or when you want to know the history of the device placed in the warehouse, etc. Convenient.

  Conventionally, in preparation for such a case, a nonvolatile memory for storing device-specific data is provided in the device. Then, the use conditions are set or changed using the keys or the like of the operation unit of the device, and the result and the use status data of the device are written in the nonvolatile memory. Since the written data is non-volatile, it is retained without being lost even when the power of the device is turned off. In addition, device-specific data held in the nonvolatile memory can be output to the outside from, for example, a data output terminal and read by a key operation on the operation unit of the device. It would be convenient if the same could be done for the control board or the like instead of the equipment.

  In order to make it easier to input / output device-specific data, Patent Document 1 discloses that an image forming apparatus operating condition is input from an external device to a non-volatile memory using an infrared communication unit in the image forming apparatus. A technique is disclosed in which an operation condition stored in a memory is read and transmitted to an external device.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-179457

  In the prior art, writing / reading of device-specific data is performed when the device itself is operating, that is, when the device is powered on. This also applies to an example of an image processing apparatus that uses infrared communication means.

  Therefore, after the assembly of the device is completed, even if it is attempted to change the setting of the device specific data in accordance with the user specifications, it is inconvenient that the device must be turned on one by one. Also, when a serviceman tries to collect device-specific data stored in the device for device maintenance or the like, it is inconvenient that the device must be turned on one by one.

  In particular, when the device is packed and managed in a warehouse or the like, if it is attempted to write / read the device-specific data, it is inconvenient because it is necessary to unpack and operate the device. The same applies to the case where the control board is assembled independently of the equipment and is packaged and managed in a warehouse or the like.

  Furthermore, if the control board inside the device is broken, the device-specific data cannot be read as it is, so the non-volatile memory part is replaced by using a special socket, or the part is made a separate board in advance. Consideration is necessary.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a device-specific data transmission / reception system capable of solving the problems of the prior art and easily writing / reading device-specific data regardless of whether the power of the device is turned on / off.

  In order to achieve the above object, a device-specific data transmission / reception system according to the present invention is installed in a device and transmits / receives device-specific data related to the use condition or use status of the device to / from an external wireless transmission / reception device. A system that reads / writes device-specific data when the device power is on, and stores device-specific data when the device power is off, and device-specific data stored in the non-volatile memory. Auxiliary memory that receives and retains at least some essential data, wireless transmission / reception means having an antenna and a wireless transmission / reception interface, and transmission / reception between the nonvolatile memory and an external wireless transmission / reception device when the device is powered on Switching means for switching to transmission / reception between the auxiliary memory and an external wireless transmission / reception device when the power of the device is OFF , Characterized in that it comprises a.

  Further, in the device-specific data transmission / reception system according to the present invention, a soft switch means for detecting a signal for instructing power-off of the device and delaying the detected off-command signal to turn off the power, and a power-off command signal And downloading means for transferring essential data from the nonvolatile memory to the auxiliary memory before the power is turned off.

  In the device-specific data transmission / reception system according to the present invention, the ON command detection means for detecting a signal for commanding the power ON of the device and the external device while the power of the device is OFF based on the detected power ON command signal. It is preferable to include upload means for transferring data stored in the auxiliary memory by transmission / reception to / from the wireless transmission / reception apparatus from the auxiliary memory to the nonvolatile memory.

  In addition, the device-specific data transmission / reception system according to the present invention is a device-specific data that is mounted on a detachable part of the device body and transmits / receives device-specific data related to the use conditions or use status of the device to / from an external wireless transmitting / receiving device A transmission / reception system that reads and writes device-specific data when power is supplied to the component from the device body, and stores device-specific data when power is not supplied to the component from the device body, and non-volatile Auxiliary memory that receives and holds at least part of the device-specific data held by the memory, wireless transmission / reception means having an antenna and a wireless transmission / reception interface, and non-volatile when power is supplied to the component from the device body When the power is not supplied to the parts from the main unit Characterized by comprising a switching means for switching the transmission and reception of the auxiliary memory and the external radio transceiver device.

  According to at least one of the above configurations, a nonvolatile memory, an auxiliary memory, a wireless transmission / reception means having an antenna and a wireless interface are provided, and transmission / reception is performed between the nonvolatile memory and an external wireless transmission / reception device when the device is turned on. When the power of the device is OFF, switching to transmission / reception between the auxiliary memory and the external wireless transmission / reception device is performed. Therefore, it is possible to easily write and read device-specific data regardless of whether the device power is on or off.

  In addition, at least one of the above-described configurations includes a soft switch unit that detects a power OFF command signal of the device and delays the power OFF to turn off the power, and between the detection of the power OFF command signal and the delay time, Download device specific data from non-volatile memory to auxiliary memory. Accordingly, the latest device-specific data immediately before the device is turned off is downloaded to the auxiliary memory, which is convenient for data collection during maintenance, for example.

  In addition, when at least one of the above-described configurations detects a device ON command signal, the data stored in the auxiliary memory by transmission / reception to / from an external transmission / reception device during the power-off period of the device is non-volatile. Upload to memory. Therefore, the device-specific data changes made with the external wireless transmission / reception device while the device is turned off are uploaded to the non-volatile memory as they are, and the latest device-specific data can always be retained. it can. That is, even when the power of the device is turned off, the latest device specific data can be updated.

  In addition, with at least one of the above-described configurations, the device-specific data transmission / reception system is mounted on a component that can be attached to and detached from the device body, such as a control board or a consumable component of the device. Therefore, device-specific data can be transmitted and received between a component that can be attached to and detached from the device body and an external wireless transmission / reception device. For example, when control boards, consumable parts, etc. are managed in a warehouse, etc., independently from the device, the external wireless transmission / reception device independently reads / writes the device-specific data regardless of whether the device is turned on / off And can be done between.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the control device to which the device-specific data transmission / reception system according to the present invention is applied is a copying machine, and more specifically, the case where the device-specific data transmission / reception system is mounted on the control board of the copying machine will be described. An image processing apparatus other than a copying machine, such as a printer or a facsimile machine, may be used. In addition to the image processing apparatus, a control device having a nonvolatile memory for storing device-specific data may be used. In addition to the device control board, the device-specific data transmission / reception system may be mounted on consumable parts such as a toner cartridge, an ink jet cartridge, and a ribbon cartridge.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which device-specific data is transmitted / received between a copying machine 20 in which the device-specific data transmission / reception system 10 is mounted and an external data read / write system 100. Here, the copying machine 20 includes a copying machine body 22 and a control board 30 that can be attached to and detached from the copying machine body 22. The device specific data transmission / reception system 10 is provided on the control board 30. The casing of the copying machine main body 22 is preferably subjected to electromagnetic wave shielding treatment, but a radio wave opening 21 from which the electromagnetic wave shield is removed is provided in a part of the case so as to be suitable for wireless transmission and reception. Each element for the copying function is mounted on the copying machine main body 22, but illustration thereof is omitted in FIG.

  The copying machine main body 22 is provided with a power supply circuit 24 for the entire copying machine 20. The power supply circuit 24 includes a soft switch circuit 26 and a power supply 28. The soft switch circuit 26 is a circuit having a function of turning off the power supply 28 after an appropriate delay time has elapsed, instead of turning off the power supply 28 as it is when a power supply OFF command signal is received, for example. The power ON / OFF command signal 25 can be given manually by the operator or can be given from the control board 30 side. The output of the power supply 28 that is ON / OFF controlled by the soft switch circuit 26 is supplied to the control board 30.

  The data read / write system 100 exchanges device-specific data with the device-specific data transmission / reception system 10 and corresponds to an external wireless transmission / reception device when viewed from the copying machine 20 or the control board 30. The data read / write system 100 is connected to an antenna 102 and an analog / digital converter (A / D) 104 that is connected to the antenna 102 and converts between an analog signal and a digital signal. Data processing device 106 is included. The data read / write system 100 can use, for example, a dedicated system that makes it easy to collect, set, and change device-specific data for maintenance, and a general transmission / reception circuit and A / D conversion. A combination of a circuit and a personal computer can be used.

  The control board 30 has a function of controlling the operation of the entire copying machine 20 and is a circuit board on which the device-specific data transmission / reception system 10 is mounted. The control board 30 stores a CPU 32, a read-only memory (ROM) 34 for storing a control program, a random access memory (RAM) 36 for temporarily storing data, and device-specific data. A non-volatile memory (NVM) 38 and a wired / wireless shared memory 40 are included, and these are connected to each other by an internal bus 44. An antenna 42 is connected to the wired / wireless shared memory 40. The antenna 42 is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the radio wave opening 21.

  Here, the nonvolatile memory 38, the wired / wireless shared memory 40, the internal bus 44 for connecting the nonvolatile memory 38, and the antenna 42 constitute the device-specific data transmission / reception system 10.

  The non-volatile memory 38 is a memory for storing device-specific data. Data can be read and written when the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20 is turned on, and the written data is lost (volatilized) even when the power supply 28 is turned off. It is a memory that can be held without any problems. As the non-volatile memory 38, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) can be used.

  The wired / wireless shared memory 40 is a memory that holds at least a part of essential data of the device-specific data held by the nonvolatile memory 38, and communicates with the nonvolatile memory 38 via the internal bus 44 in a wired manner. It is a memory that can communicate with the external data read / write system 100 via the antenna 42 wirelessly. FIG. 2 shows a more detailed block diagram of the wired / wireless shared memory 40. In the following description, the reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 are used.

  In FIG. 2, the digital wired interface 50 is an interface having a function of connecting the internal bus 44 and the wired / wireless shared memory 40 in a wired manner. Specifically, in addition to inputting / outputting digital signals between the nonvolatile memory 38 and the wired / wireless shared memory 40, the power ON / OFF command signal 25 is supplied to the wired / wireless shared memory 40 side. The power from the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20 is supplied to the wired / wireless shared memory 40 by a power interface different from the power supply interface. The power supply interface and the digital wired interface may be integrated.

  The A / D conversion circuit 52 is a circuit that performs conversion between a digital signal and an analog signal. Specifically, it receives a digital signal, converts it into an analog signal and outputs it to the antenna 42 side, and converts the analog signal received from the antenna 42 side into a digital signal and outputs it to the digital wired interface 50 side, for example. It has a function.

  The analog wireless interface 54 is based on the analog signal received from the A / D conversion circuit 52 and transmits a wireless signal to the outside via the antenna 42. Based on the wireless signal received from the antenna 42, the analog wireless interface 54 This is a wireless transmission / reception circuit including a reception circuit that outputs an analog signal to the D conversion circuit 52. The analog wireless interface 54 also includes a power generation circuit that generates operating power based on a wireless signal received from the antenna 42. The generated operating power is used for operating the wired / wireless shared memory 40 when power is not supplied from the power source 28 to the wired / wireless shared memory 40, for example, when the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20 is OFF.

  The memory interface 56 is an interface circuit provided for data input / output of the auxiliary memory 58. The auxiliary memory 58 is a memory that holds device-specific data. Specifically, device-specific data held in the nonvolatile memory 38 is downloaded and held via the digital wired interface 50, and on the other hand, the external data read / write system 100 is sent via the antenna 42 and the analog wireless interface 54. A function of holding update data of device-specific data received from the device. The term “auxiliary” in the auxiliary memory 58 is originally used corresponding to the nonvolatile memory 38 that reads and writes device-specific data, and the stored content does not mean auxiliary. In other words, the content held in the auxiliary memory may be exactly the same as the content held in the nonvolatile memory 38, and at least if it contains essential data for maintenance or the like, the content held in the nonvolatile memory 38 is less than the content held in the nonvolatile memory 38. Also good.

  The switching unit 60 has a function of switching a main body that communicates device-specific data with the outside via the antenna 42 based on ON / OFF of the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20, and specifically, switches 62 and 64. And a switch control circuit 66 and an arbitration circuit 68.

  A terminal 70 of the switch 62 is connected to the digital wired interface 50, and two selection terminals 72 and 74 are provided correspondingly. One of the selection terminals 72 is connected to one selection terminal 82 of the switch 62, and the other selection terminal 74 is connected to the auxiliary memory 58 side.

  A terminal 80 of the switch 64 is connected to the analog wireless interface 54 via the A / D conversion circuit 52, and two selection terminals 82 and 84 are provided correspondingly. One of the selection terminals 82 is connected to one selection terminal 72 of the switch 62 as described above, and the other selection terminal 84 is connected to the auxiliary memory 58 side.

  The arbitration circuit 68 is a selection circuit having a function of determining the priority when there is a collision between signals such as a signal from the switch 62 side and a signal from the switch 64 side being supplied to the auxiliary memory 58 side. . For example, when one of the signals is supplied first, a priority determination rule such as waiting for the supply of another signal until the supply of the signal is completed can be set to avoid signal collision.

  The switch control circuit 66 is a control circuit that switches the connection of the switches 62 and 64 based on the power ON / OFF command signal 25 for the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20. The operation of the switch control circuit 66 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how device-specific data is transmitted and received when the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20 is ON. In this case, the switch control circuit 66 connects the digital wired interface 50 and the selection terminal 72 of the switch 62, and connects the analog wireless interface 54 via the A / D conversion circuit 52 and the selection terminal 82 of the switch 64. The Therefore, the nonvolatile memory 38 -the internal bus 44 -the digital wired interface 50 -the selection terminal 72 of the switch 62 -the selection terminal 82 of the switch 64 -the A / D conversion circuit 52 -the analog wireless interface 54 -the antenna 42 -the external data read / Device-specific data is exchanged between the nonvolatile memory 38 and the external data read / write system 100 via the path of the write system 100. At this time, the auxiliary memory 58 does not perform operations such as reading and writing.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of device-specific data when a power OFF command signal is issued to the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20. Since the power supply 28 is ON before this, all the device-specific data is updated in the nonvolatile memory 38. Therefore, the latest device-specific data is downloaded to the auxiliary memory 58 before the power supply 28 is turned off. That is, when the switch control circuit 66 receives the power OFF command signal, the switch 62 is controlled to connect the digital wired interface 50 and the selection terminal 74. Therefore, the latest information held in the nonvolatile memory 38 along the path of the nonvolatile memory 38 -the internal bus 44 -the digital wired interface 50 -the selection terminal 74 of the switch 62 -the arbitration circuit 68 -the memory interface 56 -the auxiliary memory 58. Device specific data is downloaded to the auxiliary memory 58. Since the time required for downloading is sufficiently shorter than the delay time set in the soft switch circuit 26, necessary device specific data is downloaded to the auxiliary memory 58 before the power supply 28 is turned off. The download control is performed by a data control circuit (not shown) of the wired / wireless shared memory 40.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how device-specific data is transmitted and received when the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20 is OFF. In this case, the switch control circuit 66 opens the connection between the digital wired interface 50 and the auxiliary memory 58, and the analog wireless interface 54 via the A / D conversion circuit 52 and the selection terminal 84 of the switch 64. Is connected. Accordingly, the auxiliary memory 58 and the memory interface 56-the arbitration circuit 68-the selection terminal 84 of the switch 64-the analog wireless interface 54-the antenna 42-the external data read / write system 100, and then the auxiliary memory 58 and the external data read. / Device-specific data is exchanged with the light system 100. At this time, data in the nonvolatile memory 38 is not supplied to the antenna 42.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of device-specific data when a power-on command signal is issued to the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20. Since the power supply 28 is OFF before this, all the device-specific data is updated to the auxiliary memory 58. Therefore, as soon as the power supply 28 is turned on, the latest device-specific data held in the auxiliary memory 58 is uploaded to the nonvolatile memory 38. That is, when the switch control circuit 66 receives the power ON command signal, the switch 62 is controlled to connect the digital wired interface 50 and the selection terminal 74. Therefore, in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 4, the auxiliary memory 58, the memory interface 56, the arbitration circuit 68, the selection terminal 74 of the switch 62, the digital wired interface 50, the internal bus 44, and the non-volatile memory 38. The latest device specific data stored in the memory 58 is uploaded to the nonvolatile memory 38. When uploading is completed, the state returns to the state shown in FIG. The upload control is performed by a data control circuit (not shown) of the wired / wireless shared memory 40.

  In this way, when the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20 is ON, the latest device-specific data is transmitted and received between the nonvolatile memory 38 and the external data read / write system 100, and when the power supply 28 is OFF. Can transmit and receive the latest device-specific data between the auxiliary memory 58 and the external data read / write system 100.

  Accordingly, even when it is difficult to turn on the power supply 28 of the copying machine 20 such that the copying machine 20 or the control board 30 is stored in a warehouse by packing or the like, it is possible to communicate with the auxiliary memory 58. The latest device-specific data can be collected in the external data read / write system 100, which is convenient for maintenance.

  Also, it is convenient that the auxiliary memory 58 can be accessed from the external data read / write system 100 and the device-specific data of the copying machine 20 and the control board 30 can be easily updated according to the user specifications.

  In addition, since the auxiliary memory 58 can be accessed from the external data read / write system 100 without supplying power during the inspection process of the control board 30 or at the time of shipment, the device-specific data can be read and written, thereby reducing the inspection and shipping man-hours. It becomes possible to do. When the device-specific data transmission / reception system 10 is mounted on a component such as a consumable that can be detached from the device, the auxiliary memory 58 is accessed to determine whether the component is compatible with the target device. Can be easily determined by reading out.

  Even when the copying machine 20 is in operation, the non-volatile memory 38 can be accessed from the external data read / write system 100 to easily read out the device-specific data, thereby improving the maintainability.

  Even if part of the control board 30 is destroyed, if the wired / wireless shared memory 40 is alive, the device-specific data can be read from the external data read / write system 100, which is convenient. is there.

It is a figure which shows a mode that apparatus specific data is transmitted / received between the copier equipped with the apparatus specific data transmission / reception system in embodiment which concerns on this invention, and an external data read / write system. It is a detailed block diagram of the wired / wireless shared memory in the embodiment according to the present invention. In embodiment which concerns on this invention, it is a figure explaining the effect | action of a switch control circuit when a power supply is ON. In embodiment which concerns on this invention, it is a figure explaining the effect | action of a switch control circuit when the power supply OFF command signal is output. In embodiment which concerns on this invention, it is a figure explaining the effect | action of a switch control circuit when a power supply is OFF. In embodiment which concerns on this invention, it is a figure explaining the effect | action of a switch control circuit when the power ON command signal is output.

Explanation of symbols

  10 device-specific data transmission / reception system, 20 copier, 21 radio wave opening, 22 copier body, 24 power supply circuit, 25 power ON / OFF command signal, 26 soft switch circuit, 28 power supply, 30 control board, 38 non-volatile memory, 40 wired / wireless shared memory, 42, 102 antenna, 44 internal bus, 50 digital wired interface, 52, 104 A / D conversion circuit, 54 analog wireless interface, 56 memory interface, 58 auxiliary memory, 60 switching means, 62, 64 Switch, 66 switch control circuit, 68 arbitration circuit, 100 data read / write system, 106 data processing device.

Claims (4)

A device-specific data transmission / reception system that is mounted on a device and transmits / receives device-specific data related to the use conditions or usage status of the device to / from an external wireless transmission / reception device
A non-volatile memory that reads and writes device-specific data when the device is turned on and holds device-specific data when the device is turned off;
Auxiliary memory that receives and holds at least part of essential data of the device-specific data held by the nonvolatile memory,
Wireless transmission / reception means having an antenna and a wireless transmission / reception interface;
A switching means for performing transmission / reception between the non-volatile memory and the external wireless transmission / reception device when the power of the device is ON, and switching to transmission / reception between the auxiliary memory and the external wireless transmission / reception device when the power of the device is OFF;
A device-specific data transmission / reception system comprising: In the device specific data transmission / reception system according to claim 1,
A soft switch means for detecting a signal for instructing to turn off the power of the device and delaying the detected OFF command signal to turn off the power;
Download means for transferring essential data from the non-volatile memory to the auxiliary memory before the power is turned off based on the power-off command signal;
A device-specific data transmission / reception system comprising: In the device specific data transmission / reception system according to claim 1,
ON command detection means for detecting a signal for commanding the power ON of the device;
Based on the detected power ON command signal, upload means for transferring data stored in the auxiliary memory by transmission / reception to / from an external wireless transmission / reception device while the power of the device is OFF, from the auxiliary memory to the nonvolatile memory,
A device-specific data transmission / reception system comprising: A device-specific data transmission / reception system that is mounted on a detachable part of the device body and transmits / receives device-specific data regarding the use conditions or use status of the device to / from an external wireless transmission / reception device,
Non-volatile memory that reads and writes device-specific data when power is supplied to the component from the device body, and retains device-specific data when power is not supplied to the component from the device body;
Auxiliary memory that receives and holds at least part of essential data of the device-specific data held by the nonvolatile memory,
Wireless transmission / reception means having an antenna and a wireless transmission / reception interface;
When power is supplied to the part from the device main body, transmission / reception is performed between the non-volatile memory and the external wireless transmission / reception device. When power is not supplied to the component from the device main body, the auxiliary memory and the external wireless transmission / reception device Switching means for switching between transmission and reception;
A device-specific data transmission / reception system comprising:

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