JP2009258876A - Data copying device and data copying method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce costs, and to surely and properly determine addresses of nonvolatile memories of both new and old substrates, and to efficiently replace the substrate by notifying a data copying state when a connection error or the like occurs. <P>SOLUTION: A data copying machine 1 for copying data from a copy source nonvolatile memory to a copy destination nonvolatile memory comprises: a copy source substrate 4a with a nonvolatile memory installed thereon; a copy destination substrate 4z with a nonvolatile memory installed thereon; and a repair tool 8 connected to the copy destination substrate 4z and the copy source substrate 4a, and equipped with a state notification part 81 for notifying the data copying state. A control part for controlling the copying of data is arranged on the substrate. An address setting part for setting the address of the nonvolatile memory as a copy source or a copy destination is included in both the copy source substrate and the copy destination substrate. The control part copies the data from the copy source nonvolatile memory to the copy destination nonvolatile memory, and causes a state notification part 81 to display the state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data copying apparatus and a data copying method for copying data in a nonvolatile memory arranged on a substrate to a nonvolatile memory arranged on another substrate.

  Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as copiers, multifunction machines, printers, facsimiles, and various electric and electronic devices such as mobile phones store data unique to each device (specific information), various data, programs, etc., and are therefore non-volatile. A memory (eg, EEPROM) is provided. Taking the image forming apparatus as an example, for example, the unique information includes a product serial number, the total number of printed sheets, a MAC address (necessary when connected to a network), user setting data, and the like. In addition, an image forming apparatus having a facsimile transmission / reception function and a mail transmission / reception function may store the other party's telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address, etc. as unique information.

  Here, a failure of the control board or the like may occur due to various causes such as a solder failure or a component failure, and the control board or the like may be replaced. When replacing the board, simply replacing the board does not carry over the unique information, and the user or service person (maintenance worker) may need to input data. growing. Therefore, conventionally, for example, a DIP-type nonvolatile memory is mounted on a substrate via a socket, and when replacing the substrate, the nonvolatile memory is removed from the old substrate and remounted on the new substrate.

Patent Document 1 discloses an invention related to remounting such a nonvolatile memory to a new substrate. Specifically, Patent Document 1 includes an information storage circuit having a non-volatile memory mounted thereon, the information storage circuit is placed on a substrate that is separated and independent from the control board, and the board can be attached to and detached from the control board. The hot water heater that has been described is described. With this configuration, the invention of Patent Document 1 makes it possible to attach and detach an information storage circuit on which an EEPROM is mounted, and attempt to inherit maintenance information by replacing only the control board (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, Paragraph [0013]. ] Etc.).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-303770

  However, in recent years, it is desirable that the non-volatile memory has a large capacity due to the advancement of functions of devices and the increase in data processing amount. However, the number of pins in the DIP shape is limited, and the mainstream of non-volatile memory has shifted to the surface-mount type due to advantages such as reducing the board manufacturing cost and reducing the size of the board by surface mounting the non-volatile memory. In fact, large-capacity nonvolatile memories are now almost surface-mounted. Here, the surface-mounting type nonvolatile memory has a problem that it cannot be removed from the old board and reattached to the new board when the board is replaced. In the invention of Patent Document 1, the information storage circuit is provided on a separate substrate, but this configuration cannot cope with the increase in capacity of the non-volatile memory but also has problems such as an increase in manufacturing cost of the substrate and difficulty in downsizing. Exists.

  Therefore, there are cases where the old board and the new board are connected by a cable or the like, and data such as unique information is copied to the new board. In this case, it is necessary for the controllers such as the CPUs of both the boards and the non-volatile memory to reliably recognize whether the self-board is the copy source or the copy destination. Therefore, in order to set the addresses of the non-volatile memories on both the old and new boards, a switch may be provided on the board, and the wiring of the connection cable between the old board and the new board may be devised.

  First, when performing address setting with a switch, an operator such as a serviceman or a repair engineer switches the switches of both the old and new boards in a predetermined direction to set a copy source and a copy destination. However, if the switch is mounted on the board, the board manufacturing cost increases. Moreover, the address setting switch is used only at the time of replacing the board, but the board failure does not occur frequently. Therefore, considering the balance between cost reduction and board failure rate, switch mounting should be avoided. In addition, the address setting switch is generally small, especially when the old board is not removed from the device, the visibility is poor, and the copy destination and the copy source are set in reverse. For example, there is a problem that an erroneous setting of the switch may occur.

  In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need to install a switch in the configuration that addresses the addresses of the non-volatile memory at the copy source and copy destination by devising the wiring of the cable that connects the old and new boards, but the old and new boards are connected to the cable in the opposite direction. There is also a case (incorrect connection direction). In this case, there is a problem that the contents of the nonvolatile memory on the new substrate may be written to the nonvolatile memory on the old substrate. In particular, when the old board is removed from the apparatus and the old board and the new board are arranged side by side and data is copied, the old board and the new board are basically the same type, so that erroneous cable connection is likely to occur.

  Furthermore, in the past, data exchange for board replacement is not only because of incorrect switch settings or reverse connection of old and new boards to the cable. For example, data duplication is triggered by the start of data copying, completion of data copying, or board damage. There is also a problem that the operator cannot recognize the data copying status such as being unable to perform data copying, and is difficult to proceed with the data copying work efficiently.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, achieves cost reduction, and reduces connection errors between the copy source substrate and the copy destination substrate, thereby reliably and appropriately securing the old substrate and the new substrate. The purpose of this is to determine the address of the non-volatile memory, and to notify the data copy status in the case of incorrect setting or incorrect connection, etc., so that the board can be exchanged accurately and efficiently. .

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a data copying apparatus for copying data from a copy source nonvolatile memory to a copy destination nonvolatile memory, wherein the copy source nonvolatile memory includes A copy source board provided with a copy source side connector for transmitting and receiving data, and a copy destination board provided with a copy destination side connector provided with the non-volatile memory of the copy destination and provided with data And a status notification unit for displaying a data copy status, and a jig having two jig side connectors for connecting one to the copy source side connector and the other to the copy destination side connector. By connecting the jig side connector for the copy source board and the copy source board side connector, the non-volatile memory of the copy source is automatically set as the copy source, and the copy destination An address setting unit configured to automatically set the copy destination non-volatile memory as a copy source by connecting the jig side connector for the plate and the copy destination substrate side connector; One or both of the copy destination board and the copy destination board are provided with a control unit for controlling data copying, and the control unit is configured to control the non-volatile of the copy source based on the address set by the address setting unit. Data is copied from the non-volatile memory to the non-volatile memory at the copy destination, and the data copy status is displayed on the status notification unit.

  According to this configuration, there is no need to physically replace the non-volatile memory of the copy source board to the copy destination board, and the copy from the copy source board to the copy destination board does not depend on the non-volatile memory mounting method. Data can be copied to a non-volatile memory. The address setting unit sets the address of both the copy source and copy destination non-volatile memories depending on which of the two jig side connectors provided on the jig is connected to the board. Compared to the above, it is possible to set the address of the copy source and the copy destination reliably and easily, and it becomes unnecessary to mount an address setting switch on the substrate, and the manufacturing cost of the substrate can be reduced.

  In addition, since the copy source board and the copy destination board are connected using a jig instead of simply connecting the copy source board and the copy destination board with a cable, the state notification unit can be provided in the jig. That is, it is not necessary to provide the state notification unit in the control board or the device to which the board is mounted, and the manufacturing cost of the control board or the device main body can be reduced. Further, since the status notification unit notifies the operator of the data copying status, the operator can accurately grasp the data copying status, and the operator can proceed the board replacement work accurately and efficiently. .

  Further, in the invention according to claim 2, in the invention according to claim 1, the control unit confirms the data content in the nonvolatile memory addressed as the copy source, and the predetermined data to be copied is normal. If not, the data copy is interrupted and the status notification unit is notified to that effect.

  Since the copy source board and the copy destination board are the same type, when performing data copying work by removing the board from the equipment, it is not possible to know whether the copy source board or the copy destination board. It can happen that the connections are misplaced. However, according to this configuration, the content of data in the non-volatile memory of the copy source is confirmed, and if the predetermined data to be copied is not normal, the status notification unit notifies that and does not copy the data Therefore, even when the board is incorrectly connected, it is possible to prevent the data in the non-volatile memory on the copy destination board from being written to the non-volatile memory on the copy source board. Also, the operator can recognize the board connection error setting.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is provided on both the copy source substrate and the copy destination substrate, and a power line, a ground line, A data line for data transmission and an identification signal line for identifying which one belongs to the copy source board and which belongs to the copy destination are wired, and the jig includes the copy source board, By connecting to the copy destination substrate, the power line, the data line, and the ground line of both substrates are connected, and the jig connects the identification signal line from one substrate to the power line, and the other substrate. The identification signal line from the base is connected to a ground line, the identification signal line is connected to the control units of both substrates, and each of the control units is based on the state of the identification signal line. Belongs to the plate, it is determined whether belonging to the copy destination substrate, the control unit of the copy destination substrate, it was decided to perform the control of data copying.

  According to this configuration, the control unit can automatically recognize which substrate belongs to the copy destination and the copy source simply by connecting each substrate to the jig, and the configuration for that is simple. In addition, since the control unit of the copy destination board controls data copying, communication collision can be avoided even when there are control units on both boards. Furthermore, data can be copied by the control unit of a new substrate (copy destination substrate) with a very low possibility of failure. Therefore, data can be reliably copied.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the third aspect, each of the address setting sections of the copy source board and the copy destination board includes an AND circuit having two input terminals, and the AND circuit One input terminal of the circuit is connected to the power supply line, and the other input terminal is connected to the identification signal line. This configuration shows a preferred example of the address setting unit, and the address setting unit can be realized with a simple configuration, and the board manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, no special operation such as switch operation is required, and address setting can be performed automatically.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the jig has a power source for operating both substrates. According to this configuration, since the jig has a power source for operating the copy source substrate and the copy destination substrate, it is not necessary to separately prepare a power source for driving both substrates. In particular, it is highly effective when the copy source board is removed from the equipment due to work necessity and the power source of the equipment on which the board is mounted cannot be used. Further, even if a power failure occurs during data copying, there is no effect, and data copying can be completed reliably.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the status notification unit includes a data copying operation notification, a data copying normal end notification, and a jig for indicating that the data copying operation is being performed. One or a plurality of notifications are displayed among a substrate connection error notification and an error notification indicating that the substrates are connected in reverse. This configuration describes a preferred example of the notification performed by the status notification unit. With respect to data copying, if these indications are displayed, the operator can proceed with the data copying work accurately and efficiently.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the invention, the status notification unit notifies the data copying status by one or a plurality of LEDs. According to this configuration, since the LED is used for the status notification unit, the status notification unit can be configured at a low cost, and the data copy status can be sufficiently transmitted.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first to seventh aspects of the invention, the copy source substrate is a control substrate that is being or has been mounted on the image forming apparatus, and the copy destination substrate is the image forming apparatus. The control board for replacement was used. According to this configuration, the manufacturing cost of the control board of the image forming apparatus can be reduced. In addition, since data can be reliably and quickly copied from the old substrate to the new substrate, the image forming apparatus can be smoothly restored from the control substrate failure.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a data copying method for copying data from a copy source nonvolatile memory to a copy destination nonvolatile memory, wherein the copy source nonvolatile memory is provided. Connecting the original substrate, the copy destination substrate provided with the non-volatile memory of the copy destination, and a jig provided with a status notification unit for notifying the data copy status; By connecting the tool side connector and the copy source board side connector, the non-volatile memory of the copy source is set as the copy source, and copying is performed by connecting the jig side connector for the copy destination board and the copy destination board side connector. A step of setting an address using the previous nonvolatile memory as a copy source and one or both of the copy source substrate and the copy destination substrate; Performing a step of copying data from the copy source non-volatile memory to the copy destination non-volatile memory, and a step of notifying the status notification unit of the jig of the data copy status. did. According to this method, as in the first aspect of the invention, data can be copied from the copy source substrate to the copy destination substrate quickly, accurately, and efficiently.

  As described above, according to the present invention, data can be copied without mounting an address setting switch on the substrate, and the manufacturing cost of the substrate can be reduced. In addition, the address setting of the nonvolatile memory can be performed automatically and reliably. In addition, since the data copy status is notified to the operator by the jig provided with the status notification unit, the data copy status can be easily recognized and appropriate actions can be taken. Therefore, the worker can efficiently proceed with the substrate replacement work.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present invention, which is a data copying apparatus 1 for copying data from a non-volatile memory at a copy source to a non-volatile memory at a copy destination, can be applied to various electric and electronic devices equipped with a non-volatile memory, and is particularly used. Although there is no limitation on the board to be used, in the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the data copying apparatus 1 is used for copying and replacing the nonvolatile memory of the control board 4 of the printer 2 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus).

(Outline of printer)
First, an outline of the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional left side view of a printer 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The right side of FIG. 1 is the front side of the printer 2 and the left side is the back side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a paper cassette 21 capable of stacking and storing a plurality of various recording media such as printer paper of various sizes and OHP sheets is disposed below the inside of the main body of the printer 2. A paper feeding device 22 is disposed on the upstream side of the paper cassette 21 in the paper conveyance direction. The paper feeding device 22 feeds paper or the like toward the upper right of the paper cassette 21 in FIG.

  A paper transport path 23, a registration roller 24, and an image forming unit 25 are disposed downstream of the paper cassette 21 in the paper transport direction. The sheet sent out from the sheet cassette 21 reaches the registration roller 24 through the sheet conveyance path 23. The registration roller 24 corrects the skew of the paper and the like, measures the timing with the toner image formed by the image forming unit 25, and sends the paper and the like to the image forming unit 25.

  In the image forming unit 25, a photosensitive drum 26 as an image carrier, an exposure device 27, a charging device 28, a developing device 29, a transfer device 30 and the like are arranged. The printer 2 receives image data signals such as characters, graphics, and patterns from the external computer 100 (see FIG. 2), and laser light controlled by the exposure device 27 above the image forming unit 25 based on the image data. 1 (shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1) is applied to the photosensitive drum 26 charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 28. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 26. The developing device 29 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image. The toner image is transferred to a sheet or the like sent synchronously by the registration roller 24 at a transfer nip portion 31 formed by press contact between the photosensitive drum 26 and a roller-shaped transfer device 30.

  A fixing device 32, a paper transport path 33, and a discharge tray 34 are disposed downstream of the image forming unit 25 in the paper transport direction. The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is sent to the fixing device 32 and enters the nip between the heating roller 35 and the pressure roller 36 to fix the toner image. The paper discharged from the fixing device 32 is sent upward through the paper transport path 33 and is discharged from the paper discharge port 37 to a discharge tray 34 provided at the top of the main body.

(Printer control board and hardware configuration)
Next, the control board 4 and hardware configuration of the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration including the control board 4 of the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the printer 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control board 4 appropriately arranged in the printer 2 in order to control the operation of the printer 2. Connected to the control board 4 are a paper cassette 21, paper feeding device 22, paper transport paths 23 and 33, registration rollers 24, an image forming unit 25, a fixing device 32, and the like. Take control.

  The control board 4 includes, for example, a CPU 5 (corresponding to a central processing unit, a control unit), a RAM 6 (random access memory), an EEPROM 7 (corresponding to an erasable and programmable read only memory, nonvolatile memory), and an I / F unit 50 (interface). Part) etc. are provided. Further, a storage device such as an HDD 61 (Hard Disk Drive) may be provided as necessary.

  The CPU 5 performs various calculations, processes, and controls necessary for the operation of the printer 2. The RAM 6 is a volatile memory that develops programs and data for controlling the operation of the printer 2 and temporarily stores image data for use by the CPU 5.

  The EEPROM 7 (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) is a non-volatile memory capable of writing, reading and erasing data to be stored, and is surface-mounted on the control board 4. The EEPROM 7 can store, for example, a control program, operation timing information of each unit, and the like. The CPU 5 reads these control programs and the like into the RAM 6 and controls each unit, for example, at the start-up process when the power is turned on or at the time of image formation.

  Further, the EEPROM 7 can store and hold unique information of the printer 2 (unique unique data for each printer). For example, the unique information includes the product serial number, the total number of prints used for checking the member replacement timing during maintenance, the MAC address, the operation setting of the printer 2 by the user, and the operation correction for optimal image formation. Data etc. can be mentioned. Note that in a multi-function device or the like equipped with e-mail transmission / reception and a FAX function, a telephone number, a FAX number, a mail address, and the like may be stored as unique information.

  In this embodiment, the EEPROM 7 is used as a non-volatile memory for storing a control program, control data, unique information, and the like, but it is only necessary to be able to read, write, erase, and the like. For example, a flash memory may be used instead of the EEPROM 7.

  The I / F unit 50 is an interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the outside, and is provided with various connectors and sockets. For example, the I / F unit 50 can be used to connect the external computer 100 (for example, a PC) and the printer 2 directly via a cable or via a network. The printer 2 is capable of image formation (printing) upon receiving transmission of image data and print setting data to be printed from the external computer 100 or the like.

(Configuration of data copying device)
Next, the replacement of the control board 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of connections at the time of replacement of the control board 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, replacement of the control board 4 will be described. The control board 4 of the printer 2 may fail due to some reason such as defective soldering, impact after installation (for example, drop), etc., and may not operate normally (for example, does not operate even when the power is turned on, starts up) Will stop later). In this case, if the control board 4 is replaced, the printer 2 can be used normally again.

  However, simply exchanging the control board 4 of the printer 2 does not take over the unique information in the EEPROM 7. For example, inconvenience in maintenance due to loss of the total number of printed sheets, inability to use the network due to loss of the MAC address, Inconvenience such as input occurs. Therefore, in the control board replacement of the printer 2 of the present embodiment, the data stored in the EEPROM 7 of the board before the replacement such as the unique information is copied to the new control board 4 after the replacement.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, an old control board 4 (hereinafter referred to as “copy source board 4 a”) having an EEPROM serving as a copy source and having a faulty part being attached to or attached to the printer 2. Then, the replacement new control board 4 (hereinafter referred to as “copy destination board 4z”) provided with the copy destination EEPROM 7 is connected through the jig 8 and data is copied. Here, in FIG. 3, the left substrate is the copy source substrate 4a, and the right substrate is the copy destination substrate 4z.

  First, since the copy destination substrate 4z is a replacement substrate, it has the same function as the copy source substrate 4a. In addition, since a board | substrate and a mounting component may be improved, it is not necessary to be the completely same board | substrate, but a fundamental structure and a function are the same. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the copy source board 4a and the copy destination board 4z are mounted with a CPU 5 that can function as a control unit for controlling data copying and an EEPROM 7 as a nonvolatile memory, respectively. The CPU 5 exists on both the copy source board 4a and the copy destination board 4z, but for data copy control, only one CPU 5 is required, and the CPU 5 may exist only on one of the boards. Here, in order to distinguish the configurations of both substrates, the CPU is designated as the CPU 5a for the copy source substrate 4a and the CPU 5z for the copy destination substrate 4z. In addition, as for the EEPROM, the thing of the copy origin board | substrate 4a is set to EEPROM7a, and the thing of the copy destination board | substrate 4z attaches | subjects a code | symbol to EEPROM7z.

  A connector 4C is provided on each of the copy source board 4a and the copy destination board 4z. For the following description, the copy source board 4a is designated as a connector 4Ca, and the copy destination board 4z is designated as a connector 4Cz. As described above, in the present invention, the copy source board 4a including the EEPROM 7a serving as the copy source is provided with the copy source side connector 4Ca for transmitting and receiving data. The copy destination board 4z provided with the EEPROM 7z serving as a copy destination is provided with a copy destination side connector 4Cz for transmitting and receiving data. Both connectors 4C may be provided in the I / F unit 50 of the control board 4 or may be provided separately from the I / F unit 50, for example. In this embodiment, five lines (signal lines) wired on each substrate are connected to the connector 4Ca and the connector 4Cz.

  The five lines in each board are, for example, a power line Vdd, a clock line SCL, a data line SDA, a master / slave line MS (corresponding to an identification signal line), and a ground line GND in order from the top of the connector 4C. be able to. Here, the power supply line Vdd and the ground line GND are power supply lines. The clock line SCL is a line for transmitting a clock signal in data transmission. The data line SDA is a line for transmitting data by serial communication from a transmission source to a transmission destination in accordance with a clock signal. The communication between the devices of the present embodiment is a serial method, but another line method or a parallel method may be adopted by adding a line. The master / slave line MS is a signal line for each CPU 5 to identify which one belongs to the copy source substrate 4a and which belongs to the copy destination.

  The CPU 5a, CPU 5z, EEPROM 7a, and EEPROM 7z are connected to the power supply line Vdd and driven by receiving power supply. The clock line SCL, the data line SDA, and the master / slave line MS branched in each substrate are connected to the terminals of the CPU 5a and CPU 5z. The terminals of the EEPROM 7a and the EEPROM 7z are connected to a clock line SCL and a data line SDA branched in each board, and to an AND circuit 41 (corresponding to an address setting unit). The AND circuit 41 has two input terminals. One input terminal is connected to the power supply line Vdd, and the other input terminal is connected to the master / slave line MS. In both the boards, the clock line SCL and the data line SDA are connected to the power supply line Vdd across the resistor R, so that these two lines are in the “High” state in the no-communication state.

  Next, the jig 8 will be described. The jig 8 includes a status notification unit 81 (details will be described later) for notifying the operator of the data copying status, a jig-side connector 82a for connecting to the connector 4Ca, and a jig for connecting to the connector 4Cz. A tool-side connector 82z is provided. Each connector 4C and each jig side connector 82 may be connected directly to each other or may be connected using a member such as a cable.

  Also, in the jig 8, a total of five lines (signal lines) including a power supply line Vdd, a clock line SCL, a data line SDA, a master / slave line MS, and a ground line GND are provided in order from the top of FIG. Each line is connected to a jig side connector 82a and a jig side connector 82z.

  Four lines other than the master / slave line MS in the jig 8 are wired so as to connect both the jig-side connectors 82. The four lines other than the master / slave line MS in the jig 8 are connected to the same type of line when the copy source board 4a, the copy destination board 4z, and the jig 8 are connected by respective connectors. The two jig-side connectors 82 are connected. Thus, by connecting the copy source substrate 4a, the copy destination substrate 4z, and the jig 8, the power supply line Vdd, the clock line SCL, the data line SDA, and the ground line GND of both the substrates are connected and electrically connected, and the clock A bus is formed by the line SCL and the data line SDA, and communication is possible between each CPU 5 and each device such as each EEPROM 7.

  On the other hand, the master / slave line MS guided from the copy source substrate 4a to the jig 8 through the connector 4Ca and the jig side connector 82a is connected to the ground line GND in the jig 8. On the other hand, the master / slave line MS guided from the copy destination substrate 4z to the jig 8 through the connector 4Cz and the jig side connector 82z is connected to the power supply line Vdd in the jig 8. That is, the jig 8 connects the master / slave line MS from one substrate to the power supply line Vdd, and connects the master / slave line MS from the other substrate to the ground line GND. Accordingly, the master / slave line MS of the copy source substrate 4a maintains the “Low” state, and the master / slave line MS of the copy destination substrate 4z maintains the “High” state.

  Then, “Low” is input to the master / slave line MS terminal of the CPU 5a. On the other hand, “High” is input to the master / slave line MS terminal of the CPU 5z. In this way, based on the state of the master / slave line MS, each CPU 5 on each board recognizes whether it corresponds to the CPU 5a or the CPU 5z. That is, the copy source and the copy destination are automatically determined only by which of the jig side connector 82a and the jig side connector 82z is connected to the substrate.

  The jig 8 is provided with a power supply 83 (for example, a primary battery, a battery, etc.) connected to the power supply line Vdd and the ground line GND. Since the jig 8 includes the power source 83, the connection of the jig 8, the copy source substrate 4a, and the copy destination substrate 4z allows the copy destination to be performed without separately supplying power to the printer 2 body or power for driving each substrate. The substrate 4z and the copy source substrate 4a can be operated and driven. That is, the CPU 5 and the EEPROM 7 of each board operate only by connecting the jig 8 and the board.

  When power is supplied to both the copy source board 4a and the copy destination board 4z, the outputs of the AND circuits 41 of the both boards are different. Specifically, each AND circuit 41 of the copy source board 4a and the copy destination board 4z has two input terminals, one input terminal is connected to the master / slave line MS, and the other input terminal. Are connected to the power supply line Vdd. Then, the output of the AND circuit 41 of the copy source substrate 4a becomes “Low (0)”. On the other hand, the output of the AND circuit 41 of the copy destination substrate 4z is “High (1)”. This AND circuit is an address setting unit for setting the address of each EEPROM 7.

  Thus, depending on which of the two jig-side connectors 82a and 82z is connected, the output of the AND circuit 41 is different. If the input terminal from the AND circuit 41 to the EEPROM 7 is A, the input of the EEPROM 7a is A = 0, and the input to the EEPROM 7z is A = 1. Thereby, each EEPROM 7 can recognize whether it is a copy source or a copy destination. That is, by connecting the jig side connector 82a for the copy destination board 4a and the connector 4Ca, the EEPROM 7a is automatically addressed as a copy source nonvolatile memory, and the jig side connector 82z for the copy destination board 4z. And the connector 4Cz are connected, the address of the EEPROM 7z is automatically set using the copy destination non-volatile memory. As described above, the address setting unit is realized by the AND circuit 41 provided on the copy source substrate 4 a and the copy destination substrate 4 z and the wiring in the jig 8. Even if the master / slave line MS is directly connected to the input terminal A of the EEPROM 7 without providing the AND circuit 41, the addresses of both the EEPROMs 7 can be set similarly.

  The jig 8 is provided with a state notification unit 81. The status notification unit 81 receives power supply from the power supply 83 in the jig 8 and notifies the data copy status from the EEPROM 7a to the EEPROM 7z. Details of the status notification unit 81 will be described later.

Here, a communication method and mechanism between the two connected substrates and the jig 8 will be described. Note that communication can be performed between the substrate and the jig of the present embodiment based on, for example, the I ² C communication standard (I ² C serial bus). However, the present invention can be applied to a unique communication standard and other communication standards, and is not limited to the I ² C communication standard.

  First, in the inter-board communication according to this embodiment, a device corresponding to a controller (hereinafter referred to as “master”) that performs data transmission control is the CPU 5. Although there are two CPUs 5, in this embodiment, the CPU 5z performs copy control of data including unique information from the EEPROM 7a to the EEPROM 7z. That is, each CPU 5 automatically determines whether it belongs to the copy source board 4a or the copy destination board 4z based on the state of the input terminal of the master / slave line MS, and the CPU 5z of the copy destination board 4z controls the data copy. I do. That is, the CPU 5z functions as a master that performs copy control of data such as unique information. As a result, it is possible to control data copying of specific information and the like by the CPU 5z having a very low failure probability on the new substrate. It is not impossible for the CPU 5a to control data copying.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the clock line SCL and the data line SDA are in a high state in a non-communication state. Therefore, each device connected to the clock line SCL and the data line SDA lowers the impedance of the terminal to which the clock line SCL and the data line SDA are connected (changes the line state to Low) and transmits a signal. I do. The clock signal may be generated by the CPU 5z. If the CPU 5a does not participate in data copying at all, the CPU 5a keeps the impedance of the terminal to which the clock line SCL and the data line SDA are connected high and opens the bus.

  At the time of data copying, the CPU 5z as a master confirms the existence of each device connected to the bus using the clock line SCL and the data line SDA. That is, the CPU 5z can communicate with the EEPROMs 7a and 7z, the state notification unit 81, and the like to confirm the presence. Thereafter, the CPU 5z controls each device to copy data such as unique information from the EEPROM 7a to the EEPROM 7z, and instructs the display operation to be performed by the status notification unit 81 according to the data copying status.

(Configuration of jig)
Next, based on FIG. 4, the jig | tool 8 and the state notification part 81 which concern on embodiment of this invention are demonstrated. FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating an example of the jig 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a circuit of the state notification unit 81.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, a jig-side connector 82 for connecting the control board 4 is provided on the side surface of the jig 8 (only one is visible in FIG. 4A). An LED 84 is provided in parallel on one surface of the jig 8. Each LED 84 notifies the display of the data copy status such as unique information from the copy source EEPROM 7a to the EEPROM 7z of the copy destination substrate 4z. In addition, a word indicating the content of notification when each LED 84 is lit, such as “copy completed”, may be written on the side of each LED 84 (not shown in FIG. 4A). In addition, for example, a liquid crystal display screen or a speaker may be provided to transmit a data copy status such as unique information by characters or sounds (not shown).

  In FIG. 4A, for example, the first LED 84a from the top lights up to notify that data transmission is in progress (notification during data copying operation). For example, the second LED 84b from the top is lit to notify that data copying has been completed normally (data copying normal end notification). Further, for example, the third LED 84c from the top lights up to notify that the copy source substrate 4a and the copy destination substrate 4z are connected to the jig 8 (substrate connection error notification). Further, for example, the fourth LED 84d from the top lights up when an error occurs in data copying, such as data copying is impossible, normal termination is impossible, or data destruction is confirmed (error notification). As a result, the operator can instantly recognize the data copy status.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the state notification unit 81 can be configured by an LED lighting circuit 85 and a state notification control circuit 86. Each LED lighting circuit 85 is provided in total, and includes, for example, each LED 84, a transistor 87, and a current limiting resistor 88. The base of each transistor 87 is connected to the state notification control circuit 86, the collector is connected to a power supply (for example, power supply line Vdd), and the emitter is connected in series with the current limiting resistor 88 and the LEDs 84a to 84d.

  On the other hand, the power supply line Vdd, the ground line GND, the clock line SCL, and the data line SDA are connected to the state notification control circuit 86, and the lighting instruction signal of each LED 84 corresponding to the data copying status from the CPU 5z is supplied with power. Is entered. That is, the CPU 5z gives an instruction to turn on the LED 84 to the state notification circuit. In response to this lighting instruction, the state notification control circuit 86 turns on the transistor 87 to which the LED 84 to be lit is connected, and turns on the LED 84. As a result, the LED 84 is turned on / off according to the data copy status.

  In the present embodiment, the jig 8 having four LEDs 84 is shown, but one LED 84 is not necessarily required for one type of notification. For example, the blinking interval and the number of blinks of the LED 84 may be changed according to the type of notification, and as a matter of course, the above notification can be performed even with only one LED lighting circuit 85. That is, the status notification unit 81 can have, for example, one or a plurality of LEDs 84 to notify the data copy status. In the present embodiment, more types of display and notification can be performed by blinking the four LEDs 84.

(Data copy control / method)
Next, an example of data copy control according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of data copy control according to the embodiment of the present invention. The data copy control program may be stored in each CPU 5, for example.

  First, at the time of starting, in order to copy data such as unique information to the EEPROM 7 of the new board, the connector 4Ca is connected to the jig side connector 82a, and the connector 4Cz is connected to the jig side connector 82z. At this time, since both substrates can use the power supply 83 of the jig 8, the copy source substrate 4a can be removed from the printer 2 and the two substrates can be arranged to perform data copying in a highly workable state. it can.

  Then, when both substrates are connected to the jig 8, power is supplied and driving is started. Then, a data copy control program such as unique information is activated on both substrates (step # 1). Next, each CPU 5 confirms the state of the input terminal of the master / slave line MS, and confirms whether or not it is in the High state (or in the Low state) (step # 2). If the input terminal of the master / slave line MS is in the low state (No in step # 2), the CPU 5 determines that it is the CPU 5a on the copy source substrate 4a side, and the clock line SCL and data line SDA The input terminal is set to high impedance and the bus is opened (step # 3).

  Next, the CPU 5 in which the input terminal of the master / slave line MS is in the high state behaves as the CPU 5z of the copy destination substrate 4z and generates a clock signal, and among the devices connected to the data line SDA, It is confirmed whether there is an EEPROM 7 in the A = Low (“0”) state (step # 4). Here, the EEPROM 7 in the input terminal A = Low (“0”) state recognizes that it is the EEPROM 7a on the copy source substrate 4a side. For example, the CPU 5z outputs a signal (bit) indicating a predetermined address of the EEPROM 7a on the copy source substrate 4a side to the data line SDA, and the corresponding device sends back an acknowledge signal for confirmation. .

  If the EEPROM 7 with the input terminal A = Low is not found (No in Step # 4), the CPU 5z checks whether or not the state notification unit 81 exists on the data line SDA (Step # 5). For example, the address of the state notification unit 81 can also be determined in advance, and the CPU 5z can output the address of the state notification unit 81 to the data line SDA and check whether the state notification unit 81 has an acknowledge signal.

  If the status notification unit 81 is not found (No in step # 5), the CPU 5z determines that the substrate and the jig 8 are not connected, and performs a normal startup operation (step # 6). This is because the CPU 5 of each board cannot determine whether the power is supplied from a power source (not shown) in the printer 2 or the jig 8, and the EEPROM 7 a is also in the state notification unit 81. This is because if the setting is made to stop the operation when it is not found, the operation is stopped even in the normal start-up operation when the power is turned on.

  On the other hand, if the status notification unit 81 is found but the copy-source EEPROM 7a cannot be found (Yes in step # 5), communication is not possible even if the jig 8 and the copy-source board 4a are not connected or connected. Since it can be determined that the substrate and the EEPROM 7a are damaged as much as possible, the CPU 5z issues a lighting instruction to the LED 84d for displaying an error to the state notification unit 81 (step # 7).

  If the EEPROM 7a with the input terminal A = Low is found (Yes in Step # 4), first, the CPU 5z issues an instruction to turn on the LED 84a to display that the data copying operation is being performed (Step # 8). Thereby, during lighting of LED84a, an operator can recognize that the board | substrate must not be removed from the jig | tool 8 in order to prevent data corruption.

  Next, the CPU 5z transmits data such as unique information from the EEPROM 7a to the CPU 5z (step # 9). That is, the EEPROM 7a functions as a transmitter and the CPU 5z functions as a receiver. Note that the CPU 5z may transmit all stored data in the EEPROM 7a. The CPU 5z stores the data transmitted to the memory in the CPU 5z. At this time, the CPU 5z may store the received data in the RAM 6 (see FIG. 2).

  Then, the CPU 5z confirms whether or not all data at the memory address where the data to be received such as the unique information is stored has been received from the EEPROM 7a (step # 10). Note that the memory address of the EEPROM 7a in which data to be received by the CPU 5z is stored may be determined in advance and can be set as appropriate. If there is a partial failure in the EEPROM 7a or data is damaged, data transmission from the EEPROM 7a may be interrupted. At this time, all or part of the data copy cannot be performed from the copy source board 4a, or error data may be transmitted. If step # 10 is No, the CPU 5z sets the LED 84a to the status notification unit 81. The light is turned off, and an instruction to turn on the error display LED 84d is issued (step # 7).

  On the other hand, if step # 10 is Yes, then the CPU 5z confirms the transmission data from the EEPROM 7a and confirms whether normal predetermined data including unique information has been received or whether the predetermined data is appropriate (step # 11). ). This is for detecting a misconnection (connection direction error) between the copy source substrate 4a and the copy destination substrate 4z to the jig 8. For example, the copy destination board 4z does not store data corresponding to the unique information in the initial state, and all the bits of the transmitted data such as unique information are 0 (or 1), or a bit string that is impossible. If the CPU 5z detects that this is the case, it is possible to confirm a board connection error. The predetermined data includes specific information data. However, the predetermined data may include not only the specific information data but also other data (such as a control program) stored in the EEPROM 7a, and can be set as appropriate. .

  If the predetermined data is abnormal (No in step # 11), the CPU 5z interrupts / stops the data copying operation, turns off the LED 84a in the state notification unit 81, and turns on the LED 84c that displays a board mounting error. An instruction is issued (step # 12). That is, the CPU 5z confirms the data content in the EEPROM 7a whose address is set as the copy source. If the predetermined data to be copied is not normal, the CPU 5z interrupts the data copy and causes the status notification unit 81 to notify the fact. On the other hand, when the predetermined data is normal and appropriate (Yes in step # 11), the CPU 5z transmits data such as unique information to the EEPROM 7z to be written (stored) (step # 13). Then, after completion of writing to the EEPROM 7z, the CPU 5z turns off the LED 84a and gives an instruction to turn on the LED 84b for displaying the completion of data copying to the state notification unit 81 (step # 14). Thereby, the operator can recognize that the substrate and the jig 8 may be removed.

  As described above, the CPU 5z copies the data from the copy source EEPROM 7a to the copy destination EEPROM 7z based on the address set by the address setting unit (AND circuit 41, etc.), and informs the status notification unit 81 of the data copy status. Display.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the present invention can be understood as both a data copying apparatus 1 and a data copying method.

  In this way, according to the present invention, there is no need to physically replace the EEPROM 7 (nonvolatile memory) of the copy source board 4a to the copy destination board 4z, and the nonvolatile memory mounting method is used. First, data can be copied from the copy source board 4a to the nonvolatile memory of the copy destination board 4z. The address setting unit automatically sets the addresses of both the copy source and copy destination non-volatile memories depending on which of the two jig side connectors 82 of the jig 8 is connected. Compared to the above, address setting can be performed easily and reliably, and it is not necessary to mount an address setting switch on the substrate, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the substrate.

  Further, since the copy source substrate 4a and the copy destination substrate 4z are simply connected to the copy source substrate 4a and the copy destination substrate 4z by using the jig 8 instead of the cable, the state notification unit 81 is provided in the jig 8. Can do. That is, since the state notification unit 81 is not provided in the control board 4 or a device to which the board is mounted, but is provided in the jig 8, the manufacturing cost of the control board 4 or the device main body can be reduced. Further, since the status notification unit 81 notifies the operator of the data copying status, the operator can accurately grasp the data copying status, and the operator can proceed the board replacement work accurately and efficiently. Can do.

  In principle, since the copy source board 4a and the copy destination board 4z are the same, when the data copy operation is performed with the board removed from the apparatus, it is not known which is the copy source and which is the copy destination board. It may occur that the copy source substrate 4a and the copy destination substrate 4z are inserted into the tool 8 and connected to each other. However, according to this configuration, the data content in the non-volatile memory of the copy source is confirmed, and when the predetermined data to be copied is not normal, the status notification unit 81 notifies that and performs the data copy. Therefore, even when the board is incorrectly connected, it is possible to prevent the data in the nonvolatile memory of the copy destination board 4z from being written to the nonvolatile memory of the copy source board 4a. Also, the operator can recognize the board connection error setting. In addition, since the CPU 5z (control unit) of the copy destination board 4z controls the data copy, a communication collision can be avoided even when there are control units on both boards. Furthermore, data can be copied using a control unit of a new board with a very low possibility of failure. Therefore, data can be reliably copied.

  In addition, the address setting unit (the AND circuit 41 and the wiring in the jig 8) can be realized with a simple configuration, and the board manufacturing cost can be reduced. Also, address setting does not require any special operation such as switch operation, and address setting can be performed automatically. Further, since the jig 8 has the power source 83 for operating the copy source substrate 4a and the copy destination substrate 4z, it is not necessary to separately prepare power sources for both substrates. In particular, it is highly effective when the copy source board 4a is removed from the equipment due to operational necessity and the power source of the equipment on which the old board is mounted cannot be used. Further, even if a power failure occurs during data copying, there is no effect, and data copying can be completed reliably.

  In addition, since various types of display are performed for data copying, the operator can proceed with the data copying work accurately and efficiently. If the LED 84 is used for the status notification unit 81, the status notification unit 81 can be configured at low cost, and the data copy status can be sufficiently transmitted. Further, as described above, the manufacturing cost of the control board 4 of the image forming apparatus can be reduced. In addition, since data can be reliably and quickly copied from the old substrate to the new substrate, the image forming apparatus can be smoothly restored from the failure of the control substrate 4. When the present invention is regarded as a method, according to the method of the present invention, data can be copied from the copy source substrate 4a to the copy destination substrate 4z quickly, accurately, and efficiently.

  Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described. In the above description of the embodiment, the data copying apparatus 1 and the data copying method according to the present invention have been described for the printer 2. However, the present invention is not limited to the printer 2, and other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine, a printer 2, a facsimile machine, Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a device that holds information unique to each individual (unique information) in a non-volatile memory such as a personal computer, a cellular phone, or a portable information terminal.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to a data copying apparatus and a data copying method capable of exchanging substrates provided with a non-volatile memory and capable of copying data between the substrates.

It is a model vertical section left side view of a printer concerning this embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration including a control board of the printer according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the connection at the time of replacement | exchange of the control board which concerns on this embodiment. (A) is a perspective view which shows an example of the jig | tool which concerns on this embodiment, (b) is a circuit diagram which shows an example of the circuit of a state notification part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the data copy control which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Data copying device 2 Printer (image forming device)
4 Control board 41 AND circuit (part of address setting unit) 4a Copy source board 4z Copy destination board 4C Connector 4Ca Connector (Copy source) 4Cz Connector (Copy destination)
5 CPU (control unit) 5a CPU (copy source)
5z CPU (copy destination)
7 EEPROM (nonvolatile memory) 7a EEPROM (copy source)
7z EEPROM (copy destination)
8 Jig (part of address setting section) 81 Status notification section 82 Jig side connector 82a Jig side connector (copy source side)
82z Jig side connector (copy destination side) 83 Power supply 84 LED
84a LED (for notification during data copying operation)
84b LED (for data copy normal end notification)
84c LED (for board connection error notification) 84d LED (for error notification)
Vdd Power supply line GND Ground line SDA Data line SCL Clock line MS Master / slave line (identification signal line)

Claims (9)

A data copying device for copying data from a copy source nonvolatile memory to a copy destination nonvolatile memory,
A non-volatile memory of the copy source, a copy source board provided with a copy source side connector for transmitting and receiving data; and
A non-volatile memory of the copy destination, a copy destination board provided with a copy destination side connector for transmitting and receiving data; and
A jig having a status notification unit for displaying data copying status, and having two jig side connectors for connecting one to the copy source side connector and the other to the copy destination side connector; ,
By connecting the jig side connector for the copy source board and the copy source board side connector, the non-volatile memory of the copy source is automatically set as the copy source, and the jig side connector for the copy destination board is set. And an address setting unit that automatically sets an address as the copy source nonvolatile memory by connecting the copy destination board side connector,
A control unit for controlling data copying is provided on one or both of the copy source substrate and the copy destination substrate,
The controller copies data from the copy source nonvolatile memory to the copy destination nonvolatile memory based on the address set by the address setting unit, and displays the data copy status on the status notification unit. A data copying apparatus characterized in that the data copying apparatus is characterized.   The control unit confirms the data contents in the nonvolatile memory addressed as the copy source, and when the predetermined data to be copied is not normal, the data copy is interrupted and the status notification unit is notified accordingly. 2. The data copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is provided on both the copy source board and the copy destination board, and a power line, a ground line, and a data line for data transmission belong to the copy source board and which is a copy destination. An identification signal line for identifying whether the control unit belongs to is wired,
The jig connects the power line, the data line, and the ground line of both substrates by connecting the copy source substrate and the copy destination substrate,
In addition, the jig connects the identification signal line from one substrate to a power line, connects the identification signal line from the other substrate to a ground line,
The identification signal line is connected to the control units of both substrates,
Each of the control units determines whether it belongs to the copy source substrate or the copy destination substrate based on the state of the identification signal line, and the control unit of the copy destination substrate controls the data copy. The data copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data copying apparatus is performed.   Each of the address setting sections of the copy source board and the copy destination board has an AND circuit having two input terminals, one input terminal of the AND circuit is connected to a power supply line, and the other input terminal is 4. The data copying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the data copying apparatus is connected to the identification signal line.   The data copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jig has a power source for operating both substrates.   The status notification unit displays a data copying operation notification indicating that the data copying operation is in progress, a data copying normal completion notification, a substrate connection error notification indicating that the substrate is connected to the jig reversely, and an error notification. 6. The data copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one or a plurality of notifications are displayed.   The data copying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the status notification unit notifies the data copying status by one or a plurality of LEDs.   8. The copy source board is a control board that is being or has been attached to the image forming apparatus, and the copy destination board is a replacement control board for the image forming apparatus. A data copying apparatus according to claim 1. A data copying method for copying data from a copy source nonvolatile memory to a copy destination nonvolatile memory,
A copy source board provided with the non-volatile memory of the copy source, a copy destination board provided with the non-volatile memory of the copy destination, and a jig provided with a status notification unit for notifying the data copy status Each connecting step,
By connecting the jig side connector for the copy source board and the connector on the copy source board side, the non-volatile memory of the copy source is set as the copy source, and the jig side connector and the copy destination board side connector for the copy destination board are connected. By connecting, a step of setting an address as a copy source non-volatile memory,
From the non-volatile memory of the copy source to the non-volatile memory of the copy destination by a control unit provided for controlling the copying of data on one or both of the copy source substrate and the copy destination substrate. A step of copying the data;
Notifying the status notification part of the jig of the data copy status;
A data copying method characterized in that

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