JP2006039939A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To download a control program to electronic equipment in a packed state. <P>SOLUTION: Electronic equipment is provided with: a determination means for determining on the basis of a power feeding flag stored in a storage means whether or not the first power is turned on after shipped from a factory; an input means for inputting a command via a interface part when the determination means determines that the first power is turned on; and a overwriting means, when the determination means determines that the command is a command to download a control program of the electronic equipment, for rewriting the control program by a program sent via the interface part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device and relates to a control program change process.

  Conventionally, the firmware of electronic devices (device control program, control program) has been mainly ROM type that is not rewritable, but recently it has been replaced by rewritable type (flash ROM) and after being shipped from the factory. Even users can easily update the program.

  For example, when the electronic device is in a power-on state, data is rewritten by shifting to a rewrite mode in response to an instruction from the electronic device itself or a device connected to the electronic device.

These electronic devices are assembled at a factory, and then packed with a packing material or shipped in a packing box in order to protect the electronic devices from vibration and shock during transportation. (Patent Document 1)
JP-A-6-100030

  However, conventionally, the above-described rewriting of the program data can be executed only after the electronic device is taken out of the packaging box, the protective tape during transportation, the vibration absorbing cushion, etc. are removed and the electronic device is turned on.

  For example, when it is necessary to rewrite the program for some reason after packaging after assembly of the electronic device at the factory, the electronic device is taken out of the packaged state once, and the program is rewritten. It took a lot of time and effort.

An electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device including an interface unit for inputting data from the outside and a storage unit storing a power-on flag. When power is supplied from an AC input unit, First determination means for determining whether or not the first power-on after factory shipment is made based on the stored power-on flag;
An input means for inputting a command via the interface unit, a determination means for determining the command input by the input means, when the first determination means determines that the power is on for the first time; If the determination means determines that the command is a command for downloading the control program for the electronic device, the rewrite means for rewriting the control program for the electronic device with a program sent via the interface unit, and rewriting by the rewrite means A second determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined switch has been operated after the processing is completed; and a mechanism unit of the electronic device when the second determination unit determines that the predetermined switch has been operated. The operation is performed.

  As described above, even when the electronic device is in the packaged state during shipment, the electronic device main body is not taken out of the packing box, and the taping for transportation and the vibration absorbing cushion are not unpacked. The control program can be rewritten quickly. Further, it is not necessary to prepare a new packing material or packing box without impairing the packing appearance.

Example 1
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an electronic device (for example, a printer) in this embodiment. An AC plug 101 is connected to an AC power source. Reference numeral 102 denotes a system power supply. A CPU 104 controls the electronic device (system). Reference numeral 106 denotes a rewritable ROM (for example, a flash ROM) in which firmware of the CPU 104 is written.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes an operation unit provided with a switch including a power switch for turning on / off the power. A control line 108 connects the CPU 104 and the operation unit 107. Reference numeral 109 denotes a display unit for displaying a status display of the device. A display data line 110 connects the CPU 104 and the display unit 109.

  Reference numeral 111 denotes an interface (external I / F) connected to the host device. A data line 112 connects the external I / F and the CPU 104. A mechanical control block 113 includes a driving circuit for driving the mechanical part. Reference numeral 114 denotes a mechanical drive unit such as a motor.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes a rewritable RAM that contains initial values of the system, and is a non-volatile memory. A power-on flag indicating that the power is not turned on immediately before shipment of the electronic device at the factory is set at a predetermined address in the RAM 115.

  When the power is turned on thereafter, the CPU 104 refers to the power-on flag of the RAM 115. If it is set, the CPU 104 recognizes that the power is turned on for the first time after shipment from the factory, and does not perform normal initialization processing.

  On the other hand, if the power-on flag is not set, the electronic device is initialized. For example, if the electronic device is a printer, the initial process is executed by rotating the motor in order to perform the initial setting of the mechanical unit. For example, in the case of an ink jet printer that performs recording by reciprocating a carriage having a recording head as a printer, the carriage is moved to the home position as an initial process.

  However, when the printer is turned on in a packaged state, taping or the like is performed on the movable portion of the printer, and the mechanical member cannot move. For this reason, control is performed so that no mechanical drive is performed by using the power-on flag.

  Now, after the power is turned on, the firmware ROM of the flash ROM 106 is entered. Upon receiving a download command from the external I / F 111, the firmware updating process is executed. This rewriting is performed, for example, for changing the specifications of the electronic device (changing the operation parameters of the device, changing the operation sequence, changing the data such as the language used in the display unit), correcting or improving the program.

  In addition, about this rewriting process, it returns to a normal process with the power key provided for normal users. As a result, a general user can start using the electronic device without any discomfort.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the above-described processing flow. Reference numeral 201 denotes a process entry after the first power-on of the firmware. Here, consider a case where the AC plug is connected to a commercial power line (outlet). When the AC plug is connected to a commercial power line (outlet), the electronic device is activated without operating the power switch. Reference numeral 202 denotes a system activation process. Reference numeral 203 denotes an electric part initialization process for performing self-check and initialization of the electric part (electric circuit).

  Reference numeral 204 denotes an electrical error check process for checking whether the electrical unit initialization process 203 has been completed successfully. Reference numeral 205 denotes power-on flag loading processing for loading RAM data in which a power-on flag is stored. Reference numeral 206 denotes initial power-on determination processing for determining whether or not power is first turned on. In 206, if the power is first turned on, the process proceeds to 207, and if not, the process proceeds to 213.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes a download command check for checking whether or not a download command is input in the first process after branching when the first input is determined in the initial input determination process 206. Reference numeral 208 denotes command reception determination processing for determining whether a download command has been received. If a download command is received, the process proceeds to 209. If not received, the process proceeds to 211.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes download data reception processing for receiving rewrite data. A flash ROM rewrite process 210 writes the received flash ROM rewrite data into the actual flash ROM. After this processing, the power supply initial input flag is reset (cleared).

  Reference numeral 211 denotes power key scan processing for checking whether or not a power switch has been input. Reference numeral 212 denotes power key discrimination processing for discriminating whether or not a power key has been input.

  Reference numeral 213 denotes power-on first power flag determination processing, which is power key scanning processing for scanning a power key when it is determined in 206 that power is not first turned on. Reference numeral 214 denotes power key determination processing for determining whether or not a power key is input.

  Reference numeral 215 denotes a mechanical process for performing a normal sequence (for example, a carriage initialization operation). Reference numeral 216 denotes a mecha error determination process for determining whether an error has occurred in the mechanical process. Reference numeral 217 denotes a jump process for jumping to an original function waiting for printing (waiting for recording operation start).

  A jump process 218 jumps to the error process when an error occurs in the initial process.

  In FIG. 2, since the power is turned on for the first time after shipment from the factory, it always shifts to firmware download. However, since the mode is shifted to the normal mode when the power key is pressed, the general user is unaware that any special processing has been executed.

  In addition, when the power is turned on for the second time and thereafter, the power supply initial turn-on flag is not set, so that the firmware rewriting mode is not entered.

  FIG. 3 shows that an opening is provided in the packaging box itself so that the firmware of the electronic device can be easily rewritten even in the factory-shipped state. Even if the packing box is not opened, the firmware rewriting process can be easily performed on the electronic device by using the opening.

  Reference numeral 301 denotes a packaged electronic device (product). Reference numeral 302 denotes a packing box. Reference numeral 303 denotes an opening that allows easy access to locations necessary for rewriting firmware without taking the product 301 out of the box.

  304 is a side view of the packaging box 302 as seen from the side. Reference numeral 305 denotes an opening that has been perforated in advance so that it can be easily opened. The opening 305 indicates a state where it is not opened.

  306 is a side view of the packaging box when the small window is opened, and 307 indicates that the opening is opened to become a small window. Reference numeral 308 denotes an external interface connector (external I / F connector) visible from a small window. 309 is also an AC cable inlet. Reference numeral 310 denotes a USB interface cable that transmits and receives a download command and data. Reference numeral 311 denotes an AC cable for supplying AC power to the product 301. A computer 312 sends data to the main body 301 from the external I / F connector 308.

  Conventionally, in order to access the electronic device 301 even in a packed state, it must be unpacked. However, as in this embodiment, the product can be easily accessed in advance like the small window 303 of the packing box 302. In this way, if the small window is opened, the packaging box 306 can be easily accessed. Note that after the opening of the small window, if the processing such as taping is performed again to close the opening, the electronic device can be transported after the operation.

  In addition, not only a connector part may be provided in the opening part of a packaging box but you may provide LED, a small-sized liquid crystal display part, etc. which show the state of an electronic device.

  In addition, a member that guides the power cable or the interface cable so as to be easily connected to the electronic device main body may be provided between the packaging box of the opening and the electronic device.

(Example 2)
FIG. 4 illustrates the case where the packaging box is unpacked, and the firmware is rewritten in the same manner as in the first embodiment while the product is wrapped in vinyl or the like. Since Example 1 is the same as that of the electronic apparatus, description thereof is omitted.

  401 is a packing box. Reference numeral 402 denotes a packaging box in a transparent state. Reference numeral 403 denotes a product wrapped with a packing material. Reference numeral 404 denotes a packing material that wraps the product. Reference numeral 405 denotes a small window in which the packing material 404 has been processed to be easily opened in advance. A packing material 406 has a small window 405 opened. Reference numeral 407 denotes a small window opened. Reference numeral 408 denotes an external I / F connector that can be seen from the opened small window. Similarly, reference numeral 409 denotes an AC inlet that supplies an AC power source that can be seen from the opening. Reference numeral 410 denotes an AC cable for supplying AC power to the product. Reference numeral 411 denotes a USB interface cable that transmits and receives a download command and data. Reference numeral 412 denotes a computer for sending data.

  In FIG. 4, even if the product is wrapped in the packing material before being put in the packing box, the firmware can be easily rewritten from the small window 407 provided in the packing material as in the first embodiment.

(Other examples)
In the embodiment described above, the printer is used as the electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to the printer, and can be applied to a device that downloads a control program, control data, and the like such as a copying machine, a scanner, a portable device, and a portable phone.

  In the embodiment described above, the shape of the opening is a square, but the shape is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a circle. Although the number of openings is one, a plurality of openings may be provided.

  For example, a dedicated opening for connecting an AC cable and a dedicated opening for connecting a USB interface cable may be provided. The communication between the electronic device and the external device may be a wireless or infrared method. Even in this case, a small opening may be provided.

Block diagram of electronic device in this embodiment Flowchart when powering on an electronic device in the embodiment Explanatory drawing of rewriting work of packing box and firmware of embodiment 1 Explanatory drawing of packing material of Example 2 and firmware rewriting work

Explanation of symbols

101 AC plug 102 Power supply 104 CPU
106 Flash ROM
107 Operation unit 109 Display unit 111 External I / F
113 Mechanical drive block 114 Mechanical drive unit 115 RAM
301 Packaging Electronic Equipment 302 Packing Box 303 Opening 304 Packing Box Before Small Window Opening 305 Opening with Perforation 306 Packing Box When Small Window is Opened 307 Small Window 401 Packing Box 402 Transparent Packing box 403 Electronic device wrapped with packing material 404 Packing material 405 Small window 406 Packing material 407 Small window opened

Claims (4)

An electronic device comprising an interface unit for inputting data from outside and a storage means storing a power-on flag,
First determination means for determining whether or not the first power-on after factory shipment is made based on a power-on flag stored in the storage means when power is supplied from an AC input unit;
An input means for inputting a command via the interface unit when the first determination means determines that the power is on for the first time;
Determination means for determining the command input by the input means;
When it is determined that the determination unit is a command for downloading the control program for the electronic device, a rewrite unit for rewriting the control program for the electronic device with a program sent via the interface unit;
Second determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined switch is operated after the rewriting process by the rewriting means is completed;
An electronic apparatus characterized in that when the second determination means determines that the predetermined switch has been operated, an operation of a mechanical part of the electronic apparatus is performed.   A packing box for packing the electronic device includes an opening, and the opening is positioned so that a user can connect an interface cable to the interface unit in a state where the electronic device is packed in the packing box. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   A packing box for packing the electronic device includes an opening, and the opening is positioned so that a user can connect an AC power cable to the AC input unit in a state where the electronic device is packed in the packing box. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus is an electronic device. A member for assisting connection of the interface cable is provided between the electronic device and the packaging box in a state where the electronic device is packaged in the packaging box.

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