JP2005276058A - Firmware updating system, firmware updating method and communication terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that an operational burden required for updating firmware is great. <P>SOLUTION: There are included an I-FAX device 2 with firmware that can be updated, packaged therein and an FTP server 4 for storing and managing an update file of the firmware, the I-FAX device includes a log-in ID creation section 24 for creating a log-in ID and a password based on a machine type code and a version, and the FTP server includes an update file storage section 13 in which the update file is stored in a directory for each classification information, and an update file transmission section 11B for transmitting, to the I-FAX device, the update file stored in the directory of classification information corresponding to the log-in ID if the log-in ID and the password are authenticated. When the update file is downloaded, the I-FAX device updates the packaged firmware based on the update file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  According to the present invention, a communication terminal device, such as an Internet facsimile machine (hereinafter referred to as an I-FAX device) or an IP telephone, equipped with updatable firmware accesses an FTP server such as a download center, and the communication terminal device. The present invention relates to a firmware update system and firmware update method for updating firmware installed therein to the latest version, and a communication terminal device used in the firmware update system.

  FIG. 6 is a system explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional firmware update system.

  The firmware update system 200 shown in FIG. 6 includes, for example, a communication terminal device 201 such as a FAX device installed with updateable firmware arranged for each user, a public line network 202 connected to these communication terminal devices 201, an operator The download center 203 updates the firmware installed in the communication terminal device 201 to the latest version.

  When the operator tries to update the firmware of the communication terminal device 201, the operator calls the user of the communication terminal device 201 for approval, and then the operator operates the personal computer of the download center to operate the user's communication terminal device 201. To get the model and version. Next, the firmware update file corresponding to the model and version is selected by the operator, and the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal device 201. In this way, the firmware installed in the communication terminal device 201 can be updated to the latest version.

  In addition, as a firmware update system that updates the firmware installed in the communication terminal device to the latest version without using an operator, the user of the communication terminal device obtains the latest version upgrade information from the download center without using the operator. Since it is determined whether or not its own communication terminal device is the latest version based on the latest version upgrade information, and the update file of the latest version is downloaded to the communication terminal device according to the user judgment, the communication terminal device Can update the installed firmware to the latest version (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Moreover, although it is not a firmware update system, as a general method for downloading a desired file to a communication terminal device using the Internet, a file transfer protocol (hereinafter simply referred to as FTP) server that manages the desired file is used. A method of logging in from a communication terminal device via the Internet and downloading a desired file from the FTP server to the communication terminal device is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

In order for the communication terminal device to log in to the FTP server, basic setting information such as a login ID and a password needs to be registered in advance between the communication terminal device and the FTP server.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-222068 (see FIG. 1 and abstract) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-232184 (see FIG. 1 and abstract)

  However, according to the conventional firmware update system 200, the operator selects a firmware update file corresponding to the communication terminal apparatus 201 based on the model and firmware version of the communication terminal apparatus 201, and communicates the selected update file. Although the terminal device 201 is downloaded, the communication terminal device 201 cannot download the latest update file due to an operator's operation error, and as a result, the firmware cannot be updated. Therefore, the burden on the operator becomes very large.

  Further, according to the firmware update system of Patent Document 1, when the communication terminal device side checks whether or not its own firmware version is the latest version and downloads the latest version update file, the communication terminal device side Since the update file of the latest version cannot be downloaded due to a user's operation mistake, and as a result, the firmware cannot be updated, the user burden on the communication terminal device increases.

  In addition, according to the firmware update system of Patent Document 1, since a special procedure is used for communication between the communication terminal device and the download center, it is necessary to provide a special device on the download center side. The cost is significant.

  According to Patent Document 2, in order for a communication terminal device to log in to an FTP server using the Internet, it is necessary to register basic setting information such as a login ID and a password. A troublesome operation such as a registration operation or an input operation at the time of login is required, which increases the user burden on the communication terminal device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the object of the present invention is to greatly reduce the burden on the center side and the communication terminal device side without providing special equipment, and the communication terminal. An object of the present invention is to provide a firmware update system, a firmware update method, and a communication terminal device that can update firmware installed in the device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a firmware update system of the present invention has a communication terminal device equipped with updateable firmware, and a management server that stores and manages a firmware update file of the communication terminal device. When authenticating the login ID from the communication terminal device, the update file corresponding to the communication terminal device is transmitted to the communication terminal device, and when the communication terminal device receives the update file from the management server, based on the received update file, A firmware update system for updating firmware that is being installed, wherein the management server includes information storage means for storing model information for identifying the model of the communication terminal apparatus and version information for identifying the version of the firmware installed in the communication terminal apparatus; Model information and version stored in the information storage means An update file storage unit that forms a directory for each classification information based on the information and stores an update file for each directory, and the communication terminal device includes a self-information storage unit that stores its model information and the version information A login ID creating means for creating a login ID based on the model information and version information stored in the self-information storage means, and the management server corresponds to the login ID when the login ID from the communication terminal device is authenticated. The update file transmission means for reading the update file stored in the classified information directory and transmitting the update file to the communication terminal device whose login ID is authenticated is provided.

  In the firmware update system of the present invention, the update file is not stored in the directory of the classification information based on the latest version information and model information.

  When the management server authenticates the login ID from the communication terminal device, the firmware update system of the present invention determines whether an update file is stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID. And the update file transmission means determines that the update file is determined to be stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID by the update file presence / absence determination means. Transmitted to terminal device.

  In the firmware update system of the present invention, the update file transmission unit includes a compression transmission unit that compresses and transmits the update file to the communication terminal device, and the communication terminal device receives the update file compressed and transmitted by the compression transmission unit. The update file decompressing means for sequentially decompressing the update file from the beginning, and the firmware update means for sequentially overwriting and updating the installed firmware with the update file sequentially decompressed by the update file decompressing means.

  In the firmware update system of the present invention, when the communication terminal device detects a predetermined timing, the login ID is transmitted to the management server.

  In order to achieve the above object, the firmware update method of the present invention includes a management server that stores a firmware update file corresponding to a communication terminal device when a login ID from the communication terminal device loaded with updateable firmware is authenticated. A firmware update method for transmitting a firmware update file to a communication terminal device, and the communication terminal device receives the update file and updates the installed firmware based on the update file. Model information for identifying the model of the device and version information for identifying the version of the firmware installed in the communication terminal device are stored, a directory is formed for each classification information based on the model information and version information, and an update file is created for each directory. And storing the communication terminal device Stores its own model information and version information, creates a login ID based on the stored model information and version information, and transmits the created login ID to the management server. When the login ID is authenticated, the update file stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID is read, and the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal device whose login ID is authenticated.

  In the firmware update method of the present invention, the update file is not stored in the directory of the classification information based on the latest version information and model information.

  When the management server authenticates the login ID from the communication terminal device, the firmware update method of the present invention determines whether or not the update file is stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID, and corresponds to the login ID. When it is determined that the update file is stored in the classified information directory, the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal device whose login ID is authenticated.

  In the firmware update method of the present invention, the management server compresses and transmits the update file to the communication terminal device. When the communication terminal device receives the update file compressed and transmitted, the management server sequentially decompresses the update file from the beginning, Updated to overwrite firmware sequentially.

  According to the firmware update method of the present invention, when the communication terminal apparatus detects a predetermined timing, the login ID is transmitted to the management server.

  In order to achieve the above object, the communication terminal device of the present invention receives the firmware update file from the management server when the firmware storage means for mounting the updateable firmware and the login ID to the management server are authenticated, A communication terminal device having firmware update means for updating the installed firmware based on the received update file, the device storing model information for identifying its own model and version information for identifying its own firmware version Information storage means, login ID creation means for creating a login ID based on the model information and version information stored in the self-information storage means, and a login for transmitting the login ID created by the login ID creation means to the management server ID transmission means, firmware update means When the login ID to the management server is authenticated, the update file stored in the management server directory corresponding to the login ID is received, and the firmware installed in the firmware storage means is updated based on the received update file. did.

  The communication terminal device according to the present invention has update file decompression means for sequentially decompressing an update file from the beginning when the firmware update means receives the update file in a compressed transmission format, and the update sequentially decompressed by the update file decompression means The file is updated by overwriting the firmware currently installed in the firmware storage means in order.

  The communication terminal device of the present invention transmits the login ID to the management server when the predetermined timing is detected.

  According to the firmware update system of the present invention configured as described above, the management server side creates a directory for each classification information based on the model information and version information of the communication terminal device, and stores an update file for each directory. In addition, the communication terminal device creates a login ID based on its own model information and version information, and when the management server authenticates the login ID, the update file stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID is read and this update is performed. Since the file is transmitted to the communication terminal device, the burden on the management server side and the communication terminal device side can be greatly reduced and the firmware of the communication terminal device can be updated without special equipment. Can do.

  That is, since the login ID is automatically created based on the model information and version information on the communication terminal device side, troublesome operations such as login ID registration operation and input operation by the user on the communication terminal device side are required. Instead, the firmware of the communication terminal device can be updated.

  On the management server side, the update file of the communication terminal device is managed with the classification information corresponding to the login ID, and when the login ID of the communication terminal device is authenticated, it is automatically stored in the directory of the classification information. Since the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal device, no special device is provided on the management server side, and no manual operation by the operator is required. The firmware of the communication terminal device can be updated without requiring a file selection operation.

  According to the firmware update system of the present invention, since the update file is not stored in the directory of the classification information based on the latest version information and model information, it is assumed that the latest version of the communication terminal device has logged into the latest version directory. However, since no update file is stored in the directory, that is, there is no latest version file to be downloaded, useless download can be prevented.

  According to the firmware update system of the present invention, when the login ID from the communication terminal device is authenticated, it is determined whether or not the update file is stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID, and the classification corresponding to the login ID is determined. If it is determined that the update file is stored in the information directory, the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal device whose login ID is authenticated. Therefore, the communication terminal device logs in to the directory in the management server. Even if the update file is not stored in the directory, that is, there is no update file to be downloaded, useless download can be prevented.

  According to the firmware update system of the present invention, when an update file is compressed and transmitted from the management server to the communication terminal device and the update file compressed and transmitted is received, the update file is sequentially decompressed from the beginning, and the decompressed update file is Since the firmware installed in the communication terminal device is overwritten and updated sequentially, the download time for the update file between the management server and the communication terminal device can be greatly shortened, and the communication terminal device side Thus, the memory capacity of the work area for decompressing the update file can be greatly reduced.

  According to the firmware update system of the present invention, when the communication terminal apparatus detects a predetermined timing, the login ID is transmitted to the management server. For example, the login ID is periodically transmitted to the management server. Even if the user of the terminal device is not conscious, the firmware of the communication terminal device can be periodically updated by logging into the management server periodically.

  According to the firmware update method of the present invention configured as described above, the management server side creates a directory for each classification information based on the model information and version information of the communication terminal device, and stores an update file for each directory. In addition, the communication terminal device creates a login ID based on its own model information and version information, and when the management server authenticates the login ID, the update file stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID is read and this update is performed. Since the file is transmitted to the communication terminal device, the burden on the management server side and the communication terminal device side can be greatly reduced and the firmware of the communication terminal device can be updated without special equipment. Can do.

  That is, since the login ID is automatically created based on the model information and the version information on the communication terminal device side, troublesome operations such as a login ID registration operation and an input operation by the user on the communication terminal device side are not necessary. Therefore, the firmware of the communication terminal device can be updated.

  On the management server side, the update file of the communication terminal device is managed with the classification information corresponding to the login ID, and when the login ID of the communication terminal device is authenticated, it is automatically stored in the directory of the classification information. Since the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal device, no special device is provided on the management server side, and no manual operation by the operator is required. The firmware of the communication terminal device can be updated without requiring a file selection operation.

  According to the firmware update method of the present invention, the update file is not stored in the directory of the classification information based on the latest version information and model information, so that the latest version of the communication terminal device logs into the latest version directory. However, since no update file is stored in the directory, that is, there is no latest version file to be downloaded, useless download can be prevented.

  According to the firmware update method of the present invention, when the login ID from the communication terminal device is authenticated, it is determined whether or not the update file is stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID, and the classification corresponding to the login ID is determined. When it is determined that the update file is stored in the information directory, the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal device whose login ID is authenticated, so the user logs in to the directory in the management server from the communication terminal device. However, since no update file is stored in the directory, that is, there is no update file to be downloaded, useless download can be prevented.

  According to the firmware update method of the present invention, when the update file is compressed and transmitted from the management server to the communication terminal device, and when the compressed and transmitted update file is received, the update file is sequentially decompressed from the beginning, and the decompressed update file is Since the firmware installed in the communication terminal device is overwritten and updated sequentially, the download time for the update file between the management server and the communication terminal device can be greatly shortened, and the communication terminal device side Thus, the memory capacity of the work area for decompressing the update file can be greatly reduced.

  According to the firmware update method of the present invention, when the communication terminal apparatus detects a predetermined timing, the login ID is transmitted to the management server. For example, the login ID is periodically transmitted to the management server. Even if the user of the terminal device is not conscious, the firmware of the communication terminal device can be periodically updated by logging into the management server periodically.

  According to the communication terminal device of the present invention configured as described above, a login ID is created on the communication terminal device side based on its own model information and version information, and when the login ID to the management server is authenticated, the login is performed. The update file stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the ID is received, and the installed firmware is updated based on this update file. Therefore, the login ID registration operation and input operation by the user on the communication terminal device side The firmware of the communication terminal device can be updated without requiring a troublesome operation such as the above.

  According to the communication terminal device of the present invention, when the update file is received from the management server in the compressed transmission format, the update file is decompressed sequentially from the beginning, and the decompressed update file is sequentially applied to the firmware installed in the firmware storage unit. Since the update is performed by overwriting, the download time related to the update file between the management server and the communication terminal device can be greatly shortened, and the work area for decompressing the update file on the communication terminal device side The memory capacity can be greatly reduced.

  According to the communication terminal device of the present invention, when the communication terminal device detects a predetermined timing, the login ID is transmitted to the management server. For example, the login ID is periodically transmitted to the management server. Even if the user of the terminal device is not conscious, the firmware of the communication terminal device can be periodically updated by logging into the management server periodically.

  Hereinafter, a firmware update system showing embodiments of a firmware update system, a firmware update method, and a communication terminal device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the firmware update system according to the present embodiment.

  The firmware update system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of I-FAX devices 2 and an FTP server 4 that provides the latest update file to the I-FAX devices 2 via the Internet 3. When the login ID and password from the I-FAX device 2 are authenticated, the model code and version code of the I-FAX device 2 are supported in order to update the firmware installed in the I-FAX device 2 to the latest version. The update file is provided to the I-FAX apparatus 2 in the FTP format.

  The model code corresponds to information for identifying the model of the I-FAX apparatus 2, and the version code corresponds to information for identifying the firmware version in the I-FAX apparatus 2. For example, if there are three types of I-FAX apparatuses 2, if the model codes are code X700, X701 and X702 (see FIG. 2), there are one or more versions for each model code. Assume that X700 has three versions, for example, V001-01, V001-02, and V002-00. In the case of the model code X700, the version code is V001-01, V001-02, V002-00 in order from the oldest, and the latest version is V002-00.

  The FTP server 4 stores a server-side communication unit 11 that controls a communication interface with the Internet 3 and model codes and version codes related to all I-FAX apparatuses 2 and also stores classification information based on these model codes and version codes. The classification information memory 12, the update file storage unit 13 that stores and manages the update file related to the firmware of the I-FAX apparatus 2 for each classification information, and the server side that performs memory control of the classification information memory 12 and the update file storage unit 13 A memory control unit 14, an encoder unit 15 that compresses data of the update file when transmitting the update file to the I-FAX apparatus 2 described later, and a server-side control unit 16 that controls the entire FTP server 4 are provided. doing.

  The classification information is created based on the model code and the version code, and identifies the version for each model, such as the version V001-01 of the model code X700. Although the classification information is created based on the model code and the version code, since the login ID described later is also created based on the model code and the version code, the classification information and the login ID may have the same contents. good.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the directory hierarchical structure of the update file storage unit 13.

  The update file storage unit 13 forms a directory for each classification information and stores and manages the update file for each directory in order to store and manage the update file for updating the firmware of the I-FAX apparatus 2. When expressed, a directory hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 2 is obtained. For example, the V001-01 update file of the model code X700 is stored in the V001-01 directory of the model code X700, and the V001-02 update file of the model code X700 is stored in the V001-02 directory of the model code X700. Assume that it is stored.

  The server-side communication unit 11 includes a login ID authentication unit 11A that authenticates a login ID and password for determining whether or not to permit login from the I-FAX device 2, and a model code and version of the I-FAX device 2. And an update file transmission unit 11B that transmits an update file corresponding to the code.

  The server-side control unit 16 includes an update file presence / absence determination unit 16A that determines whether there is an update file corresponding to the model code and version code of the I-FAX device 2 in the directory of the update file storage unit 13. ing.

  The server-side memory control unit 14 reads an update file from a directory corresponding to the model code and version code of the I-FAX apparatus 2 in the update file storage unit 13.

  The encoder unit 15 compresses the update file read by the server-side memory control unit 14.

  Each I-FAX device 2 includes a normal FAX function unit 21 that controls a normal FAX function, a terminal-side communication unit 22 that controls a communication interface with the Internet 3, and a model code and a version code of its own I-FAX device 2. A login ID creation unit 24 for creating a login ID and a password based on the RAM; a RAM 25 for temporarily storing a compressed update file from the FTP server 4; a decoder unit 26 for sequentially decompressing the compressed update file stored in the RAM 25 from the beginning; F-ROM 27 equipped with, F-ROM 27 firmware update control unit 28 for updating the firmware, an operation unit 29 for inputting various commands, a display unit 30 for displaying various information, and this I -It has the terminal side control part 31 which controls the FAX apparatus 2 whole.

  The F-ROM 27 has a firmware management area 27A for storing and managing the model code and version code of its own I-FAX apparatus 2, and a firmware storage area 27B for storing firmware.

  The login ID creation unit 24 creates a login ID based on its own model code and version code stored in the firmware management area 27A of the F-ROM 27, and creates a password by adding a predetermined algorithm to the login ID. Is.

  The terminal-side communication unit 22 downloads the login ID transmission unit 22A that transmits the login ID and password created by the login ID creation unit 24 to the FTP server 4 via the Internet 3 and the compressed update file from the FTP server 4 Part 22B.

  When the terminal-side control unit 31 detects a firmware update operation through the operation unit 29, the login-side ID creation unit 24 creates a login ID and a password for requesting permission to access the FTP server 4, and the Internet 3 through the login ID transmission unit 22A. The login ID and password are transmitted to the FTP server 4 via the Internet.

  When the server-side control unit 16 of the FTP server 4 authenticates the login ID and password from the I-FAX apparatus 2 through the login ID authentication unit 11A, the directory of classification information in the update file storage unit 13 corresponding to the login ID is displayed. Search.

  The update file presence / absence determination unit 16A of the server-side control unit 16 determines whether there is an update file in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID based on the search result.

  The terminal-side control unit 31 of the I-FAX apparatus 2 stores the compressed update file from the FTP server 4 in the RAM 25 through the download unit 22B, and sequentially decompresses the compressed update file stored in the RAM 25 through the decoder unit 26 from the beginning. Is.

  Further, the terminal-side control unit 31 updates the update file sequentially expanded by the decoder unit 26 over the firmware stored in the firmware storage area 27B of the F-ROM 27 through the firmware update control unit 28.

  The communication terminal apparatus described in the claims is the I-FAX apparatus 2, the management server is the FTP server 4, the information storage means is the classification information memory 12, the update file storage means is the update file storage 13, and the self-information storage means is individual information. The memory 23, the login ID creation means is the login ID creation section 24, the update file transmission means is the update file transmission section 11B, the update file existence judgment means is the update file existence judgment section 16A, the compression transmission means is the encoder section 15 and the update file transmission section. 11B, the update file decompression unit corresponds to the download unit 22B and the decoder unit 26, and the firmware update unit corresponds to the firmware update control unit 28.

  Next, the operation of the firmware update system 1 showing this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the entire system 1 related to the whole firmware update processing according to the present embodiment.

  The whole firmware update process shown in FIG. 4 is a process for updating the firmware of the I-FAX apparatus 2 in response to an update operation from the I-FAX apparatus 2.

  In FIG. 4, when the terminal-side control unit 31 of the I-FAX apparatus 2 detects an update operation through the operation unit 29 (step S11), the terminal-side control unit 31 transmits its model from the firmware management area 27A in the F-ROM 27 through the firmware update control unit 28. A code is acquired (step S12).

  The terminal-side control unit 31 acquires a version code from the firmware management area 27A of the F-ROM 27 through the firmware update control unit 28 (step S13).

  The terminal-side control unit 31 creates a login ID through the login ID creation unit 24 based on the acquired model code and version code (step S14).

  The terminal-side control unit 31 creates a password by adding a predetermined algorithm to the created login ID through the login ID creation unit 24 (step S15).

  The terminal-side control unit 31 requests login permission from the FTP server 4 via the Internet 3 based on the login ID and password through the login ID transmission unit 22A.

  The server-side control unit 16 of the FTP server 4 receives the login from the I-FAX apparatus 2 after authenticating the login ID and password through the login ID authentication unit 11A (step S16).

  The update file presence / absence determination unit 16A of the server-side control unit 16 determines whether there is an update file in the classification information directory corresponding to the login ID (step S17).

  When it is determined that there is an update file in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID, the server side control unit 16 reads the update file in the directory of the update file storage unit 13 through the server side memory control unit 14, This update file is transmitted to the encoder unit 15.

  The encoder unit 15 compresses the update file and transmits the compressed update file to the update file transmission unit 11B.

  The update file transmission unit 11B transmits the transmitted compressed update file to the logged-in I-FAX apparatus 2 via the Internet 3.

  When downloading the compressed update file from the FTP server 4 via the Internet 3, the download unit 22B of the I-FAX apparatus 2 stores the compressed update file in the RAM 25 (step S18).

  The terminal-side control unit 31 sequentially reads out the compressed update file stored in the RAM 25 through the decoder unit 26 from the beginning, and decompresses the compressed update file, so that the decompressed update file is transferred to the F-ROM 27 through the update firmware control unit 28. The process proceeds to the firmware update process of FIG. 5 in which the firmware in the firmware storage area 27B is overwritten and updated (step S19). The server-side control unit 16 of the FTP server 4 executes log-off processing for turning off the log with the I-FAX device 2 when transmission of the update file to the logged-in I-FAX device 2 is completed. .

  When the firmware update process ends in step S19, the terminal-side control unit 31 determines that the firmware installed in the firmware storage area 27B of the F-ROM 27 has been updated to the latest version, and has been updated to the latest version. In order to notify the user of the completion of version update indicating the above, a version update completion message is displayed on the display unit 30 (step S20), and this processing operation is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S17 that there is no update file in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID, the server-side control unit 16 has already been stored in the firmware storage area 27B of the F-ROM 27 of the I-FAX device 2. After determining that the firmware is the latest version, a firmware update update unnecessary message is notified to the I-FAX apparatus 2 side (step S21), and after executing logoff processing for turning off the log with the I-FAX apparatus 2, This processing operation ends.

  According to the entire firmware update process shown in FIG. 4, a login ID and password are created on the I-FAX apparatus 2 side based on the model code and version of the I-FAX apparatus 2, and the login is performed on the FTP server 4 side. When the ID and password are authenticated, the I-FAX apparatus 2 directly accesses the classification information directory corresponding to the login ID. Therefore, the update file in the directory can be downloaded and the update file can be downloaded based on the update file. Since the firmware already installed in the F-ROM 27 is updated, the user of the I-FAX device 2 supports the registration operation and input operation such as login ID and password, and the model and version of the I-FAX device 2. I-F without needing troublesome operations such as selecting the latest update file It is possible to update the firmware of the X device 2.

  An operation related to the firmware update process of the I-FAX apparatus 2 in step S19 in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation related to the firmware update process of the I-FAX apparatus 2.

  The firmware update process shown in FIG. 5 is a process in which the compressed update file downloaded from the FTP server 4 is sequentially expanded from the beginning, and the expanded update file is sequentially overwritten and updated on the firmware installed in the firmware storage area 27B. is there.

  In FIG. 5, the terminal-side control unit 31 stores the compressed update file downloaded through the download unit 22B in the RAM 25. When the storage operation of the compressed update file in the RAM 25 is completed, the terminal-side control unit 31 executes CRC calculation based on the compressed update file. (Step S31).

  Based on the calculation result, the terminal-side control unit 31 determines whether or not the download of the compressed update file has been normally completed (step S32).

  If it is determined in step S32 that the download of the compressed update file has been normally completed, the terminal-side control unit 31 acquires the model code in the compressed update file (step S33).

  Based on the acquired model code, the terminal-side control unit 31 determines whether or not the compressed update file is a compressed update file corresponding to the model of the I-FAX apparatus 2 (step S34). The process of step S34 determines whether or not the model code acquired from the compressed update file is the same as the model code stored in the firmware storage area 27A. If the model code is the same, the downloaded compression is performed. The update file is determined to be a compressed update file that can be applied to the model of the I-FAX apparatus 2, and if the model code is not the same, the downloaded compressed update file is applied to the model of the I-FAX apparatus 2 It is determined that the file cannot be compressed and updated.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the compressed update file is applicable to the firmware of the I-FAX apparatus 2, the terminal-side control unit 31 acquires a version code from the compressed update file (step S35).

  The terminal-side control unit 31 determines whether or not the compressed update file is an update file corresponding to the current version of the I-FAX apparatus 2 based on the acquired version code (step S36). The process of step S36 determines whether or not the version code acquired from the compressed update file is the same as the version code stored in the firmware management area 27A. If the version code is the same, the downloaded compression is performed. It is determined that the update file is a compressed update file that can be applied to the current version, and if the version code is not the same, the downloaded compressed update file is determined to be a compressed update file that cannot be applied to the current version. .

  If it is determined in step S36 that the compressed update file is a compressed update file applicable to the current version, the terminal-side control unit 31 sequentially decompresses the compressed update file stored in the RAM 25 through the decoder unit 26 from the beginning. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the decompressed update file is updated by overwriting the firmware corresponding part in the firmware storage area 27B (step S38).

  The terminal-side control unit 31 determines whether or not all the firmware overwrite updates to the firmware storage area 27B of the update file sequentially expanded by the decoder unit 26 have been completed (step S39).

  If all overwriting updates to the firmware storage area 27B have been completed, the terminal-side control unit 31 determines that all overwriting updates to the firmware storage area 27B have been completed, and the version code stored in the firmware management area 27A Is updated to the new version (step S40), and this processing operation is terminated.

  If all overwriting updates to the firmware storage area 27B are not completed in step S39, the terminal-side control unit 31 proceeds to step 37 to decompress the next compressed update file.

  Based on the CRC calculation result at step S32, the terminal-side control unit 31 determines that the download of the compressed update file has not been completed normally, or the compressed update file is a compressed update file corresponding to the model at step S34. If not, or if the compressed update file is not a compressed update file corresponding to the version in step S36, the firmware update operation by the downloaded compressed update file is stopped, and the processing operation related to this update processing is terminated. Needless to say, when the firmware update operation using the downloaded compressed update file is stopped, the message in step S20 of FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 30 to the effect that the firmware update operation has been stopped.

  According to the firmware update process shown in FIG. 5, when an update file is downloaded from the FTP server 4 to the I-FAX apparatus 2, the update file is downloaded in a compressed format, the compressed update file is stored in the RAM 25, and the RAM 25 The compressed update file stored in the file is sequentially decompressed from the beginning, and the decompressed update file is overwritten and updated over the firmware currently stored in the firmware storage area 27B of the F-ROM 27. Even if the amount reaches several megabytes, since the update file is downloaded in a compressed state, the download time can be greatly shortened, and further, the memory capacity of the RAM 25 as a data expansion work area can be reduced. can do.

  According to the present embodiment, on the FTP server 4 side, a directory is created for each classification information based on the model code and version code of the I-FAX apparatus 2, an update file is stored for each directory, and the I-FAX apparatus The second side creates a login ID and password based on its own model code and version code. When the FTP server 4 authenticates the login ID and password, the update file stored in the directory of classification information corresponding to the login ID is read. By transmitting the update file to the I-FAX apparatus 2, the firmware of the I-FAX apparatus 2 is updated based on the update file. -The burden on the FAX machine 2 side is greatly reduced and the I-FAX machine 2 It is possible to update the Muwea.

  That is, since the login ID and password are automatically created on the I-FAX apparatus 2 side based on the own model code and version code, the login ID and password registration operations by the user on the I-FAX apparatus 2 side The firmware of the I-FAX apparatus 2 can be updated without requiring a troublesome operation such as an input operation.

  On the FTP server 4 side, the update information corresponding to the version code and model code of the I-FAX apparatus 2 is managed by the classification information corresponding to the login ID, and the login ID and password of the I-FAX apparatus 2 are authenticated. Then, since the update file stored in the directory of the same classification information is automatically transmitted to the I-FAX apparatus 2, the FTP server 4 does not require any manual operation by the operator. The I-FAX apparatus 2 can also update the firmware of the I-FAX apparatus 2 without requiring the user to select an update file.

  According to the present embodiment, since the update file is not stored in the directory of the classification information based on the latest version code and model code, it is assumed that the user logs in to the latest version directory from the latest version I-FAX apparatus 2. However, since no update file is stored in the directory, that is, there is no update file of the latest version to be downloaded, useless download can be prevented.

  According to the present embodiment, when the login ID from the I-FAX apparatus 2 is authenticated, it is determined whether or not an update file is stored in the classification information directory corresponding to the login ID, and the classification corresponding to the login ID is determined. If it is determined that the update file is stored in the information directory, the update file is transmitted to the I-FAX apparatus 2 whose login ID is authenticated. However, since no update file is stored in the directory, that is, there is no file to download, useless download can be prevented.

  According to the present embodiment, when the update file is compressed and transmitted from the FTP server 4 to the I-FAX apparatus 2 and the compressed and transmitted update file is downloaded to the I-FAX apparatus 2, the compressed update file is sequentially decompressed from the beginning. Since the decompressed update file is updated by sequentially overwriting the firmware currently installed in the I-FAX apparatus 2, the download time related to the update file between the FTP server 4 and the I-FAX apparatus 2 is greatly increased. While shortening, the capacity | capacitance of RAM25 which is a work area for decompressing an update file in the communication terminal device side can be made small.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the latest update file is downloaded by logging in to the FTP server 4 according to the update operation from the I-FAX apparatus 2 has been described as an example. Needless to say, for example, a timer is provided in the I-FAX apparatus 2 or the FTP server 4, and the latest update file is automatically acquired by logging in to the FTP server 4 from the I-FAX apparatus 2 at regular intervals, that is, periodically. It goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even if it is configured to download automatically, in this case, by periodically logging in to the FTP server 4 without the user of the I-FAX apparatus 2 being conscious, The latest firmware can be updated regularly.

  In the above embodiment, the server-side memory control unit 14 in the FTP server 4 reads the update file from the directory in the update file storage unit 13 and the encoder unit 15 compresses the read update file. Each time the update file is read from the directory in the update file storage unit 13, data compression of the update file is performed. However, the update file is stored in advance in the compressed file storage unit 13 in a compressed state. You may do it.

  In the above embodiment, the I-FAX apparatus 2 is described as an example of the communication terminal apparatus. However, the communication terminal apparatus is not limited to the I-FAX apparatus 2 as long as the communication terminal apparatus is equipped with updateable firmware. Needless to say, the same effect can be obtained, for example, as an IP telephone, a normal telephone, a normal FAX apparatus, an Internet home appliance, or the like.

  According to the firmware update system of the present invention, a directory is created for each classification information based on the model information and version information of the communication terminal device on the management server side, an update file is stored for each directory, and the communication terminal device side Creates a login ID based on its model information and version information, and when the management server authenticates the login ID, reads the update file stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID and transmits this update file to the communication terminal device Since the load on the management server side and the communication terminal apparatus side can be greatly reduced and the firmware of the communication terminal apparatus can be updated without providing special equipment, the update is possible. Communication terminal devices with firmware, such as IP phones and Internet homes Firmware etc. useful in systems, such as version up.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure inside the firmware update system which shows embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing which shows the directory hierarchy structure of the update file storage part in the FTP server in connection with this Embodiment in an image Explanatory drawing which shows the write-in operation to the F-ROM of the update file currently memorize | stored in RAM at the side of the I-FAX apparatus in connection with this Embodiment The flowchart which shows the processing operation of the whole system of the whole firmware update process in connection with this embodiment Flow chart briefly showing the processing operation of the I-FAX apparatus for firmware update processing according to the present embodiment System explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a conventional firmware update system

Explanation of symbols

1 Firmware update system 2 I-FAX equipment (communication terminal equipment)
4 FTP server (management server)
11B Update file transmission unit (update file transmission means, compression transmission means)
12 Classification information memory (information storage means)
13 Update file storage (update file storage means)
15 Encoder unit (compression transmission means)
16A Update file existence determination unit (update file existence determination means)
22B download part (update file decompression means)
23 Individual information memory (self-information storage means)
24 Login ID creation part (Login ID creation means)
26 Decoder unit (update file decompression means)
28 Firmware update control unit (firmware update means)

Claims (13)

A communication terminal device equipped with updateable firmware, and a management server that stores and manages a firmware update file of the communication terminal device, and the management server authenticates a login ID from the communication terminal device; An update file corresponding to the communication terminal device is transmitted to the communication terminal device, and when the communication terminal device receives the update file from the management server, it updates the installed firmware based on the received update file. A firmware update system that
The management server
Information storage means for storing model information for identifying the model of the communication terminal device and version information for identifying the version of firmware installed in the communication terminal device;
Forming a directory for each classification information based on the model information and the version information stored in the information storage means, and having an update file storage means for storing the update file for each directory,
The communication terminal device
Self information storage means for storing the model information and version information of the device;
Login ID creation means for creating the login ID based on the model information and version information stored in the self-information storage means;
The management server
When the login ID from the communication terminal apparatus is authenticated, the update file stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID is read, and the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal apparatus whose login ID is authenticated. A firmware update system comprising update file transmission means for performing The firmware update system according to claim 1, wherein the update file is not stored in a directory of the classification information based on the latest version information and the model information. The management server
When authenticating the login ID from the communication terminal device, there is an update file existence determination means for determining whether or not the update file is stored in a directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID,
The update file transmission means includes
If it is determined by the update file existence determination means that the update file is stored in the directory of the classification information corresponding to the login ID, the update file is transferred to the communication terminal device whose login ID is authenticated. The firmware update system according to claim 1, wherein the firmware update system is transmitted. The update file transmission means includes
Compression transmission means for compressing and transmitting the update file to the communication terminal device;
The communication terminal device
When receiving the update file compressed and transmitted by the compression transmission means, update file decompression means for decompressing the update file sequentially from the beginning;
4. The firmware update system according to claim 1, further comprising firmware update means for sequentially overwriting and updating the installed firmware with the update files sequentially expanded by the update file expansion means. The communication terminal device
The firmware update system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein when the predetermined timing is detected, the login ID is transmitted to the management server. When the login ID from the communication terminal device loaded with the updatable firmware is authenticated, the update file of the firmware is stored in the communication terminal device from the management server storing the firmware update file corresponding to the communication terminal device. The communication terminal device is a firmware update method for updating the installed firmware based on the update file when the communication terminal device receives the update file,
The management server
Stores model information for identifying the model of the communication terminal apparatus and version information for identifying the version of firmware installed in the communication terminal apparatus, and forms a directory for each classification information based on the model information and the version information. In addition to storing the update file for each directory,
The communication terminal device
Store the model information and version information of itself, create the login ID based on the stored model information and version information, and transmit the created login ID to the management server,
The management server
When the login ID from the communication terminal apparatus is authenticated, the update file stored in the classification information directory corresponding to the login ID is read, and the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal apparatus whose login ID is authenticated. A firmware update method characterized by: 7. The firmware update method according to claim 6, wherein the update file is not stored in a directory of the classification information based on the latest version information and the model information. The management server
When the login ID from the communication terminal device is authenticated, it is determined whether or not the update file is stored in the classification information directory corresponding to the login ID, and the classification information directory corresponding to the login ID is determined. The firmware update method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein if it is determined that the update file is stored in the communication terminal device, the update file is transmitted to the communication terminal device whose login ID is authenticated. The management server
The update file is compressed and transmitted to the communication terminal device,
The communication terminal device
9. The firmware update method according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein when the compressed and transmitted update file is received, the update file is sequentially decompressed from the beginning and sequentially overwritten on the installed firmware. . The communication terminal device
The firmware update method according to claim 6, wherein the login ID is transmitted to the management server when a predetermined timing is detected. When the firmware storage means for installing the updateable firmware and the login ID to the management server are authenticated, the firmware update file is received from the management server, and the firmware being installed is based on the received update file A communication terminal device having firmware updating means for updating
Self-information storage means for storing model information for identifying the own model and version information for identifying the version of the own firmware;
Login ID creation means for creating the login ID based on the model information and version information stored in the self-information storage means;
Login ID transmission means for transmitting the login ID created by the login ID creation means to the management server;
The firmware update means includes
When the login ID to the management server is authenticated, the update file stored in the directory of the management server corresponding to the login ID is received and installed in the firmware storage unit based on the received update file The firmware is updated in the communication terminal device. The firmware update means includes
When the update file is received in a compressed transmission format, update file decompression means for decompressing the update file sequentially from the beginning,
12. The communication terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the update file sequentially expanded by the update file expansion means is overwritten and updated sequentially on the firmware installed in the firmware storage means. 13. The communication terminal device according to claim 11, wherein when the predetermined timing is detected, the login ID is transmitted to the management server.

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