JP2645194B2 - Electronic weighing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic balance device,
In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic weighing apparatus that includes a floppy disk device and stores work reservation data and total data on a floppy disk.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, CPUs (central processing units) and ROMs have been developed.
2. Description of the Related Art There is provided an electronic weighing apparatus which incorporates a (read only memory) and the like and is operated by a microcomputer system. This type of electronic weighing apparatus is also called an electronic toll weighing apparatus or an electronic counting weighing apparatus depending on the application and function. The CPU executes a control program (firmware) stored in a ROM to control a predetermined microcomputer. I do.

On the other hand, in addition to the above microcomputer control function, an electronic weighing apparatus which includes a floppy disk device (FDD) and stores preset data, work reservation data, total data (actual data) and the like on the floppy disk (FD) has also been developed. (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-67938).

In any of the above electronic weighing devices, a writable PROM is used as the built-in ROM.
(Programmable ROM) is used. In each of the above devices, if it becomes necessary to change the storage contents (control program) of the PROM due to a bug or version upgrade (specification change) of the control program, the PROM
The problem is solved by replacing the ROM.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, the following inconvenience has been pointed out when a program is changed by replacing a PROM. (1) The inside of the apparatus must be opened, the substrate must be taken out, and the work must be performed, and a special knowledge and technique regarding the circuit are required at the time of the replacement work.

(2) When the ROM is replaced, the CPU terminal may be short-circuited to damage the CPU, or when the ROM is inserted into the socket, the terminal may be bent and the ROM may be damaged.

(3) After a program is written in a PROM at a factory or the like, the program must be brought to the user and exchanged, and the storage, management, transportation, and the like of the PROM are troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a microcomputer-controlled electronic weighing apparatus capable of efficiently changing a control program with a simple operation .

[0009]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a central processing unit for controlling each unit of a device, and a ROM for storing a control program and data executed by the central processing unit. And a floppy disk device that stores various data such as work data, actual data, and weighing data on a floppy disk. In an electronic weighing device that is operated by a small computer system, the ROM has on-board storage contents. And a control program or data to be newly written and a flash memory IC chip to which the control program or data is to be written are written from among the plurality of flash memory IC chips. The identification code to select A floppy disk for the program rewriting of憶, from the program rewriting floppy disk, the via floppy disk device, reading means for to read out <br/> the new control program or data and the identification code, the plurality of flash Memory IC
Selecting means for selecting the flash memory IC chip corresponding to the read identification code from the chips, and erasing the storage contents of the selected flash memory IC chip
Erasing means for erasing stored contents by the erasing means.
And a writing means for writing the new control program or data in the flash memory IC chip .

[0010] The invention according to claim 2 is the electric power supply according to claim 1.
In the child weighing apparatus, the reading means, the selecting means, and the erasing means
And writing means are stored at least in the ROM,
Further, it is characterized by having a program that cannot be erased.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic device according to the second aspect.
In the child weighing apparatus, the reading means, the selecting means, and the erasing means
And the program included in the writing means is stored in the flash memory IC chip in which the control program or data is stored.

[0012] The invention according to claim 4 is the same as that of claim 2.
In the child weighing apparatus, the reading means, the selecting means, and the erasing means
And the program included in the writing means is stored in a ROM chip different from the flash memory IC chip in which the control program or data is stored.

The invention according to claim 5 is the same as the invention according to claim 1.
The reading means, the selecting means, and the
The leaving means and the writing means operate only when a predetermined password is inputted.

[0014]

In the configuration of the present invention, when it is necessary to change the control program stored in the ROM (flash memory), the reading means sets the program rewriting floppy disk.
From the disk, through the floppy disk unit,
Read control program or data and identification code
And selecting means for selecting a plurality of flash memory IC chips.
Flash memory corresponding to the read identification code
The memory IC chip is selected, and the erasing means selects the selected flash memory chip.
Means for erasing and writing contents stored in a flash memory IC chip
Is a flash memory whose contents have been erased by the erasing means.
New control program or
Write data.

Therefore, the control program can be rewritten by the electronic weighing device itself without replacing the ROM chip and using another rewriting device. Therefore, the inconvenience caused by replacing the ROM chip, that is, the complexity of the replacement operation, the CPU and R
All the inconveniences such as the risk of damage to the OM and the trouble of storing, managing, and transporting the ROM can be eliminated.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Mechanical Structure Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an electronic scale device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the electronic weighing device includes a main body 1 and an attachment 2. The main body 1 has an upper section 1a and a lower section 1b, and the upper section 1a has a first scale 3 and a second scale 4 constituting a measuring section.
However, the lower section 1b is provided with an operation section 5 and a dot display 6 constituting a display section. Attached part 2
Is provided with a third scale 7 constituting a measuring section. The first scale 3 is up to 500 g, the second scale 4 is up to 3,000 g, and the third scale 7
Is configured to be able to weigh up to 5,000 g each. The operation unit 5 includes a touch panel 8, a first operation unit 9, and a second operation unit 10. The dot display 6 displays data such as weight and unit weight, and displays various states such as tare weight cancellation. Touch panel 8
Are arranged on the dot display 6, and when an operator touches a key top notation displayed on the display screen, an item of the portion is input.

Further, two floppy disk drives for driving the floppy disks 11a and 11b are provided at the lower front part of the main body 1. Although these floppy disk devices are in the directions of arrows A and B indicating the inserting direction of the floppy disks 11a and 11b, they are hidden by the operation unit 5 and the like in FIG. The floppy disk 11a, 1
1b is a replacement control program or preset data,
It is used for storing work reservation data, total data (actual data), and the like. In this embodiment, the former is particularly important for storing the former.

Next, the electrical configuration of the electronic weighing device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Referring to FIG.
According to the control program stored in the OM 13, the RAM
The (random access memory) 14 is used as a work area for processing to control each unit of the apparatus.

The ROM 13 includes a control program area for controlling a weighing process, a printing process, a display process, a data writing process, and the like, and a table area for storing character patterns and the like. In the control program area, a rewrite processing program for rewriting the storage contents of the ROM 13 itself is also stored. The configuration of the ROM 13 is particularly important in the present invention, and will be described later.

The RAM 14 has a working area in which various flags and registers are secured, a preset data file for storing preset data, a total data file for storing total data, and a storage for reservation data. And a reservation data file.

The weighing section 15 is composed of a first scale 3, a second scale 4, a third scale 7, and a weighing section interface (not shown). (Measurement value) is sent to the CPU 12.

The display unit 16 comprises the dot display 6 and a display interface (not shown).
Various displays are performed based on the control signal received from the PC.

The above-described operation unit 5 inputs various data and commands by key operation or touch operation by an operator.

The printer interface 17 has a CPU
In order to enable communication between the printer 12 and the printer (external device) 18, it is interposed between them. The printer 18
When the print key is depressed, information relating to entry or exit from the RAM 14 is transmitted to the printer interface 1.
7 and print a receipt slip or a delivery slip.

The rotating rack interface 19 has a CP
It is interposed between the U12 and the carousel 20 to enable communication between them. The rotating rack 20 as an external device receives the shelf number data via the rotating rack interface 19 and controls the rotation of the shelf based on the shelf number data (see Japanese Patent Application No. 1-225548).

The floppy disk devices 21a and 21b are
By mounting the floppy disks 11a and 11b, the C is connected via the floppy disk interface 22.
Data is exchanged with the PU 12. As the floppy disk devices 21a and 21b of this example, those capable of switching between 2M / 1.6M modes by a control signal are used (for example, DFR783F manufactured by Alps Electric Co., Ltd.).

Area Configuration of Memory Map FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the area configuration of the memory map in this example. In this example, since an 8086 CPU manufactured by Intel Corporation is used as the CPU 12, an address space of 1 Mbyte is set as shown in FIG. , And the ROM 13 is assigned an address space from "60000" to "FFFFF".

The ROM 14 has one boot block.
Each of the flash memory ICs (# 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, #) is composed of a flash memory IC (# 1) and four flash memory ICs (# 2, # 3, # 4, # 5). 5)
Each has a storage capacity of 1 Mbit (128 bytes × 8). Here, the flash memory (# 1, # 2, #
3, # 4, # 5) are non-volatile memories that can rewrite data in chip units on-board, and have the same basic structure as EEPROM (electrically erasable and writable read-only memory). It is.

Therefore, in this example, the C
The PU 12 itself stores the contents stored in the ROM 13 in chip units (flash memory ICs (# 1, # 2, # 3, #
4, # 5) can be directly (on-board) rewritten.

The flash memory ICs (# 1, # 2, #
3, # 4, # 5), in particular, the boot block flash memory # 1 has a memory area of one lock block of 8 Kbytes and two parameter blocks of 4 Kbytes as shown in FIG. And one main code block of 112 Kbytes, and erasing and writing can be performed for each block.

In this embodiment, of these blocks, the above-mentioned lockable block is configured to be "erasable" in terms of hardware, and a flash memory rewrite processing program (erase / write processing program) described later is provided in this area. ) Is stored in advance.

This rewriting processing program is executed when a predetermined key, in this embodiment, a "zero-" key (a zero reset key of the scale) is depressed when the power supply of the electronic balance is turned on. It has become so.

As the boot block flash memory, there is, for example, "28F001BX flash memory" manufactured by Intel Corporation.

[0034] The principle explanation of flash memory will be described operation of the flash memory. As described above, in the electronic weighing apparatus of this example, the flash memory IC (#
1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5) can be directly rewritten (writing after erasure is performed).

In this example, at the time of erasing / writing, in addition to the voltage Vcc (= 5 V) at the time of reading, the high voltage Vpp
(= 12 V). For example, in a flash memory manufactured by Intel Corporation, when 12 V is applied to the Vpp terminal,
Specify a predetermined address of the ROM and execute the erase command
Writing once erases the data at that address. In the designated memory cell at the time of the erasing process, the gate is grounded and the drain is opened, and the source is applied with the high voltage Vpp (= 12 V). Thus, the electrons accumulated in the floating gate are extracted to the source, and erasing is achieved.

The writing of new program data is performed by erasing the program data, specifying a predetermined address, writing a program command once, and then writing the program data. In the designated memory cell at the time of the write process, a high voltage Vpp (= 12 V) is applied to the gate, and 5 V to 6 V, for example, is applied to the drain. Thus, the hot electrons generated near the drain are injected into the floating gate, and the writing is achieved.

At the time of erasing and writing, a verifying process is performed to confirm whether the erasing operation and the writing operation have been performed normally, respectively.
In the above-mentioned erasing, "00H" is written to all addresses before erasing in order to equalize the charges of all the memory cells and perform uniform and reliable erasing (flash). In the memory, when each bit data is erased, it is "1" and when it is written, it is "0".)

On the other hand, when the voltage of the Vpp terminal is Vcc + 2V (7
If V) or less, it operates as a read-only memory. Reading is performed by applying a low voltage (Vcc + 2 V or less) to the gate and detecting ON / OFF of the drain voltage according to the level of the threshold voltage by an amplifier.

The electrical configuration diagram 4 near ROM is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the peripheral ROM. In the figure, when an address is designated by a CPU 12, a decoder 23 receives a designated flash memory IC.
A chip select signal for selecting (# 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5) is generated. The chip select signal, each CE
Terminal to connect each flash memory IC (# 1, # 2, # 3, #
4, # 5). The WE (write enable) signal generation circuit 24
Write enable signal WE for enabling
Occurs. The write enable signal WE, each WE
Terminal to connect each flash memory IC (# 1, # 2, # 3, #
4, # 5). The Vpp generation circuit 25 generates an erase and write voltage Vpp.

[0040] In this example configuration of a floppy disk, a floppy disk 11a, a flash memory storing program files to 11b (#
1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5), but from the configuration of the memory map shown in FIG.
Rewriting on a chip basis is possible. For this reason, from the name of the program file stored in the floppy disks 11a and 11b,
It is possible to identify whether to rewrite the chip.

For example, the program file name is DC #
N. It is written as CON. Where N =
1,2,3,4,5. For example, as a program file name, DC # 3. When CON is written, it indicates that it is a program file for rewriting the storage content of the flash memory IC (# 3).

Next, the operation will be described. Flash Memory Rewrite Processing Procedure The flash memory rewrite (erase / write) processing procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. When the power is turned on, the CPU first proceeds to step S
At A1, an initialization process is executed. As a result, predetermined storage contents of the RAM 14 are cleared. In step SA2, it is determined whether the “zero” key of the operation unit 5 is in the ON state. The result of this determination is "N
When "O", that is, when the "zero" key is in the OFF state, a normal processing routine is executed.

On the other hand, in step SA2, "YE
When the determination result of "S" is obtained, that is, when the "zero" key is in the ON state, the routine from step SA3 is executed, and the program file name is read from the floppy disk in step SA3.

In the routine of step SA4, it is determined from the read program file name of the floppy disk which ROM chip (memory block) is to be rewritten. For example, in step SA3, DC # 2. When the CON is read, the CPU 12 recognizes that "the rewriting destination ROM chip is the flash memory IC of the number # 2".

Next, at step SA5, the CPU 1
No. 2 writes "00H" to all bytes of the flash memory IC (memory block) of the rewrite destination number # 2 as preprocessing of program / data erasure. This processing is for equalizing the charges of all the memory cells and performing uniform and reliable erasing, as described above.

In step SA6, an erase / verify process is executed for each byte. This processing is for confirming whether the erasing has been normally achieved.

Next, the process proceeds to step SA7, where the program data stored in the floppy disk is transferred byte by byte to the flash memory IC of number # 2, written, written, and then subjected to a verify process to write. Confirm whether the target was successfully achieved (details will be described later).

When the write / verify processing of step SA7 is completed for all bytes, the CPU 12
Proceeding to step SA8, a message that "the rewriting process has been completed" is displayed on the dot display 6.

At this time, the dot display 6 displays "the rewriting process is completed" and displays an operation for shifting to a normal process, for example, a guide message instructing to press the "*" key. I do.

Then, when the operator presses the "*" key, the normal processing program (steps SA1 to SA1) is executed.
The processing program rewritten by the processing of step SA8) is executed. During the erasing / writing process of the flash memory, the fact is displayed on the display unit and a buzzer sounds.

Details of Write Processing Procedure Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The data write processing procedure (routine of step SA7 in FIG. 5) will be described in further detail. The CPU 12 shown in FIG.
First, the Vpp generation circuit 25 is turned “ON” to set the flash memory IC (#
2) Apply a voltage to the Vpp terminal (FIG. 4) (Step S)
B1).

Next, the head address (step SB) of the flash memory IC (# 2) to be written
2) and set write data (step SB)
3). Here, the write data is temporarily transferred from the floppy disk to the RAM 14, and is read out from the RAM 14 for each byte and set.

When the above set is completed, the CPU 12
A write command is sent to the flash memory IC (# 2) (step SB4), and then program data is written (step SB5).

When the writing of the program data is completed, a verify command is issued to the flash memory IC (#
2) (step SB6) and then the program
Data is read (step SB7).

When the CPU 12 reads the program data, the read program data is stored in the step S
It is determined whether or not it matches the program data written in B1 (step SB8).

If the result of the determination in step SB8 is "Y
If "ES", that is, both data match, it is determined whether rewriting has been completed for all addresses (step SB9). If the result of determination in step SB9 is "YES", that is, if rewriting has been completed for all addresses, the Vpp generation circuit 25 is turned "OFF".
Then, the writing process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the process of displaying “the rewriting process is completed” in step SA8 (FIG. 5).

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step SB9 is "NO", that is, if there is still an address for which rewriting has not been completed, the address set in step SB2 is updated (step SB10). Thereafter, the corresponding write data is set (step SB).
3) Then, the above processing (step SB4 to step SB4)
Repeat step 9) again.

In this manner, until the result of the determination in step SB9 becomes "YES", that is, until the rewriting is completed for all the addresses, step S9 is executed.
B10, the processing of steps SB4 to SB9 is repeated.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step SB8 is "NO", that is, if the read program data and the written program data do not match,
The write command is sent to the flash memory IC (# 1) again (step SB4), and the above-described write / verify processing (step SB5 to step SB8) is repeated.

In this manner, the processing of steps SB4 to SB8 is repeated until the result of the determination at step SB8 becomes "YES", that is, until the read program data matches the written program data.

According to the above configuration, the control program can be changed by the electronic weighing device itself without replacing the ROM chip and without using another rewriting device. Note that what is usually stored in the ROM is a so-called control program and fixed data used in the control program, for example, character pattern data, postage data of a postage scale, and the like. be able to. In short, all storage contents of the ROM can be changed.

The electronic weighing apparatus of this example does not execute the control program by uploading it from the floppy disk to the RAM every time the startup process is performed. The control program is non-volatile and has a normal STORE of the CPU. (Writing by command is not possible.) Since it is stored in the ROM, the floppy disk device is not restricted except when the control program is changed. Therefore, the floppy disk device does not store the preset data and work data except when writing the ROM. It can be used as storage means for reservation data, total data and the like.

In the above embodiment, the case where one memory is accessed for one address has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a plurality of memories (banks) are prepared at the same address. Then, a necessary bank may be accessed and used by bank switching. Alternatively, two ROM chips may be used in parallel, one of which may be used as the upper byte of 16-bit data and the other as the lower byte.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the memory contents are rewritten in units of 128 Kbytes by using a flash memory IC chip of 1 M bits (128 Kbytes × 8). Without
Rewriting of the stored content may be performed in units of 64 Kbytes using a memory IC of 512 Kbits or less.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the rewrite processing program of the flash memory is fixedly stored in a lockable block of the flash memory has been described. You may make it memorize | store in a chip | tip.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the rewrite processing program for the flash memory itself cannot be rewritten. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and all the storage contents of the flash memory (including the rewrite processing program ) It may be rewritten. When performing all the rewriting, the rewriting processing program of the flash memory is first loaded from the flash memory into the RAM, and the rewriting processing program loaded into the RAM is executed. All can be rewritten.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the rewriting process of the flash memory is performed according to the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The erase control circuit is configured in the IC chip as follows.
Erasing may be performed only by applying a voltage to the VPP terminal and supplying a control signal.

Further, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, in order to prevent an erroneous operation, only when a pre-registered code (code) is input (step S
C3 to step SC4), a configuration may be such that a rewriting process for the ROM chip is executed.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention, a ROM is constituted by a plurality of on-board rewritable flash memory IC chips,
If the control program stored in the (flash memory) needs to be changed, a new control program or data
Reading means for reading the identification code and the identification code;
Select the flash memory IC chip corresponding to the code
Selecting means, and the selected flash memory IC chip
Erasing means for erasing the stored contents of
The flash memory IC chip whose stored contents have been erased,
Writing method for writing new control programs or data
Because they are provided with a stage, without replacing the ROM chips, also possible without the use of other rewriting device, it is possible to change the control program in the electronic scale device itself.

Therefore, inconveniences caused by replacing the ROM chip are as follows: (1) the complexity of the work of opening the inside of the device, taking out the substrate, and replacing it; Requires knowledge and time. (3) At the time of ROM replacement, CPU or ROM may be damaged.
And (4) all inconveniences such as troublesome storage, management, and transportation of the PROM in which the control program is written can be solved. Further, according to the present invention, the floppy disk for the program rewriting, from among the plurality of flash memory IC chip, the identification code is stored for selecting the flash memory IC chip in which to write, read The means is a floppy disk for program rewriting.
New control from disk via floppy disk drive
Read the program or data and identification code,
The selecting means determines whether a plurality of flash memory IC chips
Flash memory corresponding to the read identification code
The IC chip is selected, and the erasing means selects the selected flash.
Erasing the storage contents of the memory IC chip,
The flash memory whose stored contents have been erased by the erasing means.
A new control program or data is stored in the memory IC chip.
Because writing data, the following effects are obtained. (5) When the changed part of the control program is a part of the entire control program, based on the identification code,
By selecting and rewriting only the flash memory IC chip that requires rewriting, the rewriting of the control program can be completed in a shorter time than in the case where the entire control program is rewritten. (6) The rewriting operator does not need to be conscious of which flash memory IC chip is to be selected from the plurality of flash memory IC chips, and requires a special operation for selecting the flash memory IC chip. It will not be done. (7) Even if a floppy disk in which the control program is not stored is erroneously inserted into the floppy disk device and the rewriting process of the control program is executed, the floppy disk does not store the identification code. No rewriting process is performed, thereby preventing erroneous rewriting. (8) Even if a write error occurs during the rewriting operation, it is only necessary to perform the write process again only on the flash memory IC chip in which the write error has occurred.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an electronic balance device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electronic weighing device.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an area configuration of a memory map in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration around a ROM in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flash memory rewrite processing procedure according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a writing procedure to the flash memory.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a modification of the procedure for writing to the flash memory.

[Explanation of symbols]

12 CPU (Central Processing Unit, Rewriting Means) 13 ROM 11a, 11b Floppy Disk (Program Rewriting Floppy Disk) 21a, 21b Floppy Disk Device # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5 Flash Memory IC
Chips

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A central processing unit for controlling each part of the apparatus, a ROM for storing control programs and data executed by the central processing unit, and various data such as work data, performance data, and weighing data are stored on a floppy disk. In an electronic weighing apparatus having a floppy disk device and operated by a small computer system, the ROM is composed of a plurality of flash memory IC chips each of which can rewrite stored contents on-board, and a control to be newly written. A program rewriting floppy disk for storing in advance a program or data and an identification code for selecting a flash memory IC chip to which the control program or data is to be written from among the plurality of flash memory IC chips; program From a floppy disk for recombination can, via the floppy disk device, the new control program or data and reading means for to read out the identification code
And the flash memory IC corresponding to the identification code read from the plurality of flash memory IC chips.
Selecting means for selecting a chip, and erasing the storage contents of the selected flash memory IC chip.
Erasing means for erasing, and a flash memory whose stored contents have been erased by the erasing means.
An electronic weighing device comprising a memory IC chip and a writing means for writing the new control program or data. 2. The reading means, the selecting means, the erasing means and
2. An electronic weighing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said writing means comprises at least a program which is stored in said ROM and cannot be erased. 3. The reading means, the selecting means, the erasing means and
3. The electronic weighing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the program provided in the writing means is stored in the flash memory IC chip in which the control program or data is stored. 4. The reading means, selecting means, erasing means and
3. The electronic weighing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the program provided in the writing means is stored in a ROM chip different from the flash memory IC chip in which the control program or data is stored. 5. The reading means, the selecting means, the erasing means and
2. The electronic weighing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the writing means operates only when a predetermined password is input.