JP2006277006A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus capable of preventing improper use. <P>SOLUTION: An interface board 15 is provided with a printer port 152, and a LAN (Local Area Network) port 153. But in the interface board 15, of the ports, a port which can be actually used is different in accordance with a built-in program. In a printed circuit board 151, apart from the printer port 152 and the LAN port 153, various electronic parts are mounted such that the interface board 15 functions as an electronic apparatus having a predetermined function. An MPU 154a determines whether or not to allow operation of the interface board 15 on the basis of electrical continuity states of detected jumper parts JP1 and JP2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device whose function is changed by an embedded program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for giving different functions to the same hardware by using different programs to be embedded in electronic devices has been used. For example, while the hardware of the upper model and the lower model is made common, the functions that can be used in the lower model are limited by making the programs to be embedded different between the upper model and the lower model.

  When this technology is adopted, there is a possibility that a user who recognizes that the same hardware is used in electronic devices having different functions may replace a program incorporated in the electronic device. This kind of program replacement may not only correspond to unauthorized use that violates the program's license, but it may also cause problems that are not anticipated by electronic device manufacturers. It is desirable to take

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining whether or not to permit the operation of an electronic device based on a correspondence relationship between open / closed states of jumper pins and dip switches and built-in programs.

JP 2002-238786 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the user recognizes that it is determined whether or not to permit the operation of the electronic device based on the open / closed state of the jumper pin or the dip switch, and the electronic device is inappropriate. In some cases, it could not be prevented.

  The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device that can prevent inappropriate use.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is an electronic device whose function is changed by an embedded program, wherein a board, an electronic component mounted on the board, and an electrical part of a predetermined part of the board And a control unit that determines whether or not to permit the operation of the electronic device based on a state of electrical conduction, and the predetermined portion is arranged so that the electronic component exists between each of the predetermined portions. ing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first aspect, the predetermined portion is disposed substantially symmetrically with the control unit interposed therebetween.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the electronic apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the predetermined portion is disposed on both the front surface and the back surface of the substrate.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the predetermined portion is arranged so that the electronic component exists between each of the predetermined portions and the control unit. Be placed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the wiring formed on the substrate for electrically connecting each of the predetermined portions and the control unit is provided. , And passes under the electronic component.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wiring formed on the substrate for electrically connecting each of the predetermined portions and the control unit is provided. , Passing through the inner layer of the substrate.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit is based on a correspondence relationship between an electrical conduction state of the predetermined portion and an embedded program. Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the electronic device is permitted.

  According to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, it becomes difficult to find a base part for determining whether or not to permit the operation of the electronic device, so that inappropriate use of the electronic device can be prevented. It becomes.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the electronic device cannot be operated only by changing the program, unauthorized use of the program can be prevented.

<1 configuration>
<1.1 Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 in which an interface board 15 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed as an option. The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction machine having a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a copy function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an MPU 11 (microprocessor; MicroProcessor Unit), a ROM 12 and a RAM 13. A computer realized by the MPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 executes various programs of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing a program stored in the ROM 12 to realize various functions of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes an image memory 14 used for storing image data.

  The interface board 15 of the image forming apparatus 1 provides an interface for communicably connecting the image forming apparatus 1 and an external device.

  An NCU (Network Control Unit) 16 and a MODEM (Modem DEModulator) 17 are used for transmission and reception of image data via a general public telephone network. The NCU 16 controls connection to the general public telephone network. The NCU 16 has a function of sending a dial signal corresponding to a telephone number of a communication destination and a function of detecting an incoming call. MODEM 17 is based on a facsimile transmission control procedure according to ITU (International Telecommunication Union) -T recommendation T.30. 17, V. 27ter, V.L. The transmission data is modulated and the received data is demodulated in accordance with 29 or the like. Alternatively, MODEM 17 can be used in addition to V.V. 37, modulation of transmission data and demodulation of reception data are performed. The transmission data modulated by the MODEM 17 is sent to the general public telephone network via the NCU 16. The reception data that the MODEM 17 demodulates is given from the general public telephone network via the NCU 16.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 18 and an image recording unit 19. The image reading unit 18 reads an image with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or the like, and generates image data related to the image. The image recording unit 19 forms an image related to the image data on a recording medium by electrophotography.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 20 and a display unit 21 as a user interface. The operation unit 20 includes a member such as a mechanical switch that can detect the operation of the operator, and the display unit 21 includes a display member such as a liquid crystal display.

<1.2 Interface board configuration>
The interface board 15 includes a printer port 152 and a LAN (Local Area Network) port 153 as ports that connect the image forming apparatus 1 and an external device so as to communicate with each other. The printer port 152 is a port for connecting the image forming apparatus 1 and a personal computer and causing the image forming apparatus 1 to function as a printer. The printer port 152 connects the image forming apparatus 1 and a personal computer by, for example, a parallel interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. On the other hand, the LAN port 153 is a port for connecting the image forming apparatus 1 to the LAN and causing the image forming apparatus 1 to function as a network printer. The LAN port 153 connects the image forming apparatus 1 and the LAN by, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark).

  However, in the interface board 15 of the present embodiment, among these ports, the ports that can actually be used differ depending on the installed program. That is, the interface board 15 is an example of an electronic device whose function is changed by an incorporated program.

  Below, the said interface board 15 is demonstrated, referring FIG. 2 which is a figure when the interface board 15 is seen from the surface. Note that FIG. 2 is intended to schematically illustrate the main part of the interface board 15 and is not intended to strictly illustrate details of the interface board 15.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a printer port 152 and a LAN port 153 are mounted on the printed circuit board 151 (PCB) of the interface board 15. This printed circuit board 151 is a multilayer board in which wiring layers and insulating layers are alternately laminated, and in addition to the front and back wiring layers (outer layers) visible from the outside, the internal wiring layers not visible from the outside. (Inner layer).

  In addition to the printer port 152 and the LAN port 153, the printed circuit board 151 includes various electronic components such as inductors, capacitors, resistors, discrete semiconductor elements, integrated circuits, crystal oscillators, switches, connectors, pins, and batteries. The interface board 15 is mounted so as to operate as an electronic device having a predetermined function. The electronic component is mounted on the printed circuit board 151 by soldering the electronic component to the lands on the front surface and the back surface of the printed circuit board 151 by a known method.

  The electronic components mounted on the printed board 151 include an MPU 154a, a ROM 154b, and a RAM 154c. In FIG. 2, an example in which the MPU 154a, the ROM 154b, and the RAM 154c are mounted as separate electronic components is shown. However, using an electronic component that aggregates two or more of the MPU 154a, the ROM 154b, and the RAM 154c, In particular, the use of a one-chip microcomputer in which all of the MPU 154a, the ROM 154b, and the RAM 154c are integrated is not prevented. In the interface board 15, the computer realized by the MPU 154a, the ROM 154b, and the RAM 154c executes a program (firmware) stored in the ROM 154b and controls each part of the interface board 15 to control various functions of the interface board 15. Is realized.

  In the interface board 15, the ROM 154b is a nonvolatile memory capable of rewriting stored data, such as an RPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory. Therefore, the program stored in the ROM 154b can be rewritten by a predetermined method for the purpose of correcting a defect or improving the function.

  Further, the printed circuit board 151 is provided with jumpers JP1 and JP2 for setting functions of the interface board 15, that is, usable ports. The jumpers JP1 and JP2 are land pairs on which surface mount type resistors can be mounted. The land pairs are mounted with a resistance of 0Ω (hereinafter also referred to as “0Ω resistor”) as a jumper. Thus, an electrical short circuit is possible. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 which is a circuit diagram showing an electrical connection between the MPU 154a and the jumpers JP1 and JP2, one land of the land pair of the jumpers JP1 and JP2 is pulled up by resistors R1 and R2. The other land is connected to the I / O pins P1 and P2 of the MPU 154a. Therefore, in the interface board 15, when the jumper portions JP1 and JP2 are short-circuited, the signal level of the corresponding I / O pins P1 and P2 becomes L, and when the jumper portions JP1 and JP2 are opened, the corresponding I Since the signal level of the / O pins P1 and P2 becomes H, the MPU 154a can detect the electrical conduction state (short circuit or open) of the jumpers JP1 and JP2. Then, the MPU 154a determines whether or not to permit the operation of the interface board 15 (expression of the function of the interface board 15) based on the detected electrical continuity state of the jumpers JP1 and JP2.

  The jumpers JP1 and JP2 are arranged apart so as not to be easily found by the user. That is, the jumpers JP1 and JP2 are arranged so that there are electronic components (electronic components E11 and E21 in FIG. 2) mounted on the printed circuit board 151 between them, and they are adjacent to each other. There has been no such thing. It is desirable that the number of electronic components present between each of the jumper portions JP1 and JP2 is larger, and it is desirable that the distance between each of the jumper portions JP1 and JP2 is longer. Further, the jumpers JP1, JP2 can be easily found by the user by arranging the jumpers JP1, JP2 substantially symmetrically with the MPU 154a interposed therebetween, or by arranging the jumpers JP1, JP2 on both the front and back surfaces of the printed circuit board 151. Risk can be further reduced.

  In addition, the jumpers JP1, JP2 are arranged so that the electronic components (electronic components E11, E21 in FIG. 2) mounted on the printed circuit board 151 exist between the jumpers JP1, JP2 and the MPU 154a. By doing so, it is possible to more effectively prevent the jumpers JP1 and JP2 from being discovered by the user. Also in this case, it is desirable that the number of electronic components existing between each of the jumper portions JP1 and JP2 and the MPU 154a is larger, and it is desirable that the distance between each of the jumper portions JP1 and JP2 and the MPU 154a is longer.

  In the interface board 15, wirings (patterns) H1 and H2 for electrically connecting each of the jumpers JP1 and JP2 and the MPU 154a are electronic components mounted on the printed board 151 (in FIG. It is formed so as to pass under the components E11 and E21) (between the electronic component and the substrate). As a result, it becomes difficult for the user to follow the wiring, and the risk that the jumpers JP1 and JP2 are easily found by the user can be further reduced. The wirings H1 and H2 are preferably formed so as to pass under large electronic components such as integrated circuit elements. It is also desirable to form the wirings H1 and H2 under the surface-mounting electronic component so that the state underneath is not known unless it is removed from the printed board 151.

  In addition, if at least part of the wirings H1 and H2 pass through the inner layer of the substrate (for example, the dotted line portion in FIG. 2), it becomes difficult for the user to follow the wiring, and the jumpers JP1 and JP2 The risk of being easily discovered by the user can be further reduced.

<1.3 Interface board functions>
Hereinafter, a change in the function of the interface board 15 due to the incorporated program will be described.
In the interface board 15, when a printer port driver, which is a program for driving the printer port 152, is incorporated in the ROM 154b, the printer port 152 becomes usable while the LAN port 153 remains unusable. Further, in the interface board 15, when a LAN port driver which is a program for driving the LAN port 153 is incorporated in the ROM 154b, the LAN port 153 can be used, while the printer port 152 remains unusable. Further, the interface board 15 can use both the LAN port 153 and the printer port 152 when a composite driver which is a program for driving both the printer port 152 and the LAN port 153 is incorporated in the ROM 154b.

  As a result, manufacturing companies can manufacture products with different functions from the same hardware and market them, so they can enjoy the cost reduction effect by increasing the procurement amount of the same parts and reducing the number of production lines. it can.

  The interface board 15 is allowed to operate only when the electrical continuity of the jumpers JP1 and JP2 corresponds to the program incorporated in the ROM 154b. More specifically, as shown in the list of FIG. 4, in the MPU 154a, when the program incorporated in the ROM 154b is “printer port driver”, the jumper portion JP1 is open and the jumper portion JP2 is short-circuited. Only in such a case, an operation that allows the printer port 152 to be used is permitted. The MPU 154a operates so that the LAN port 153 can be used only when the jumper unit JP1 is short-circuited and the jumper unit JP2 is open when the program incorporated in the ROM 154b is a “LAN port driver”. Allow. Furthermore, the MPU 154a can use both the printer port 152 and the LAN port 153 only when the jumper part JP1 is short-circuited and the jumper part JP2 is short-circuited when the program incorporated in the ROM 154b is a “composite driver”. The operation that becomes is permitted.

  As a result, the interface board 15 cannot be operated only by changing the program incorporated in the ROM 12, but the jumpers JP1 and JP2 that need to be appropriately set in the electrical continuity state for operation are required. Since it is difficult to find, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the program, that is, incorporating a program different from the program incorporated at the time of sale.

<2 operation>
Hereinafter, a procedure for determining whether or not to permit the operation of the interface board 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the power is turned on to the image forming apparatus 1 and the interface board 15 is activated, first, the MPU 154a reads the signal level of the I / O port and specifies the electrical conduction state of the jumpers JP1 and JP2 (step S101). ).

  Subsequently, the MPU 154a determines whether or not the electrical continuity state of the jumpers JP1 and JP2 corresponds to the built-in program (matches unique information held in the program). (Step S102) If they match, an operation that allows the port to be used by the program incorporated in the ROM 154b is permitted (Step S103). If they do not match, the operation is prohibited (Step S104).

<3 Modification>
In the above-described embodiment, the electrical conduction state of the jumpers JP1 and JP2 is changed depending on whether or not the 0Ω resistor is mounted on the land pair. However, the electrical conduction state may be changed by other methods. . For example, jumper sockets JP1 and JP2 are provided with jumper sockets, and the electrical continuity may be changed depending on whether or not the jumper pins are attached to the jumper sockets, or whether or not the land pair is short-circuited by solder or jumper wires. Thus, the electrical conduction state may be changed. Or you may change an electrical continuity state with the presence or absence of the cut of the jumper parts JP1 and JP2 which are conducting.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the usable port is changed by a program incorporated in the interface board 15 has been described. However, the electronic apparatus targeted by the present invention is not limited to this, and the function by the incorporated program The specific mode of the change is not limited. For example, although the same image memory 14 is mounted on the hardware of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 as an object, the usable area of the image memory 14 is set as an upper model and a lower model by a program to be incorporated. It is not impeded that you can change the settings in the above, or disable some of the functions of the upper model in the lower model.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 in which an interface board 15 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed as an option. It is a figure at the time of seeing the interface board 15 from the surface. It is a circuit diagram which shows the electrical connection of MPU11 and jumper part JP1, JP2. It is a figure which shows the correspondence relationship of the electrical continuity state of jumper part JP1 and JP2 and the program incorporated as a list in which the operation of the interface board 15 is permitted. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for determining whether or not to permit operation of the interface board 15;

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 15 Interface board 151 Printed circuit board 152 Printer port 153 LAN port 154 aMPU
154b ROM
154c RAM
JP1, JP2 Jumper

Claims (7)

An electronic device whose function is changed by an embedded program,
A substrate,
An electronic component mounted on the substrate;
A control unit that determines whether or not to permit the operation of the electronic device based on an electrical conduction state of a predetermined portion of the substrate;
With
The electronic device, wherein the predetermined part is arranged so that the electronic component is present between each of the predetermined parts. The electronic device according to claim 1,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined portion is disposed substantially symmetrically with the control unit interposed therebetween. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined portion is disposed on both the front surface and the back surface of the substrate. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The electronic device, wherein the predetermined part is arranged so that the electronic component is present between each of the predetermined parts and the control unit. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An electronic device, wherein a wiring formed on the substrate for electrically connecting each of the predetermined portions and the control unit passes under the electronic component. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An electronic apparatus, wherein wiring formed on the substrate for electrically connecting each of the predetermined portions and the control unit passes through an inner layer of the substrate. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to permit the operation of the electronic device based on a correspondence relationship between an electrical conduction state of the predetermined portion and an embedded program.

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