JP5625896B2 - Program rewriting device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program rewrite equipment rewriting the program after packaging of the electronic device.

  As a means for rewriting firmware (an example of a program, also referred to as F / W) of an electronic device (for example, a printer), a PC (Personal Computer) is connected to the electronic device using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. And a means for connecting a storage medium such as an SD (Secure Digital) card storing firmware to an electronic device are already known. In addition, it is already known that before a product of an electronic device is shipped, when a firmware malfunction is detected, the product stored in a warehouse or the like may be unpacked and the firmware may be rewritten.

  However, in the case of firmware rewriting means using a USB cable or an SD card as described above, it is necessary to unpack the firmware when rewriting the firmware before the shipment. For this reason, there are problems that it takes time to unpack the product and that a mark of unpacking remains in the product. Further, since unpacking is performed one by one, there is a problem that a plurality of firmware cannot be rewritten simultaneously. Further, for example, Patent Document 1 presents a means for rewriting firmware without unpacking, but there is a problem in that it does not take into consideration that firmware is rewritten accidentally after shipment.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, can rewrite a program without the need to unpack it, can rewrite programs of a plurality of electronic devices at the same time, and is erroneous after shipping. rewriting the program Te and to provide a program rewrite equipment that can so as not.

  In order to achieve such an object, the program rewriting device of the present invention is a program rewriting device that rewrites a program of the electronic device by performing wireless communication with the electronic device in the packing member, and is packed from the outside of the packing member. By wirelessly supplying power to the wireless power supply means provided on the member, the power is supplied to the electronic device from the wireless power supply means and the power is turned on, and also to the wireless power supply means of another packing member adjacent to the wireless power supply means. When wireless power is supplied and the electronic device is turned on, and when machine information about each electronic device is received from the plurality of powered-on electronic devices, the rewriting program is wirelessly transmitted to the plurality of electronic devices, It is characterized by rewriting the program.

  According to the present invention, programs of a plurality of electronic devices can be rewritten at the same time without unpacking, and the program is not rewritten accidentally after shipment.

It is a figure explaining the functional block of the printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for rewriting printer firmware in a packaged state when the printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the packaged state. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of firmware rewriting operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the electric power feeding range of the printer at the time of wired electric power feeding which is common conventionally. It is a figure explaining the electric power feeding range of a printer at the time of wireless electric power feeding concerning one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow for rewriting firmware only when a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is wirelessly powered. It is a figure explaining the structure of the means to determine whether the printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is wireless electric power feeding or wire feeding. It is a figure explaining the flow which rewrites firmware by using the preset information, when the packaging box containing the printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is not put adjacently.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment has the following characteristics when rewriting an electronic device program before shipment. In short, (1) by using wireless communication and wireless power feeding, the electronic device program can be rewritten without unpacking the electronic device, and (2) multiple units can be sent by sending power to adjacent packing boxes. It is characterized in that the program of the electronic device can be rewritten at the same time, and (3) the program is rewritten only when the packing box is placed adjacently. These features will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings. In the embodiments described below, an example of an electronic device is described as a printer, and an example of a program is described as firmware. However, the present invention is not limited to these.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a printer (ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention) according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, firmware for controlling the hardware of the printer and drive waveform data of the recording head are stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory). When a CPU (Central Processing Unit) receives a print job (image data) from a host PC via a host I / F (interface), the CPU stores the image data in a RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores it in a main scanning control unit. The drive of the main scanning motor is controlled. By this drive control, the carriage on which the plurality of recording heads 1 to 4 are mounted is moved to an arbitrary position on a recording medium (such as a sheet on which image data is recorded). The print head controller transfers image data stored in the RAM, print head drive waveforms and control signals stored in the ROM to each print head drive in conjunction with carriage position information obtained from the main scanning encoder. To do. Each recording head drive unit drives the corresponding recording head based on the data transferred from the recording head control unit, and ejects ink droplets.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the firmware of the printer is rewritten in the packaged state when the printer of the present embodiment is in the packaged state.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the printers shown in FIG. 1 are packed in separate packing boxes (an example of packing members). In this embodiment, an F / W writing device is used to simultaneously rewrite (update) the firmware of all four printers in this packaged state. Each packing box is provided with a plurality of wireless power feeding devices (an example of wireless power feeding means). The wireless power feeder is provided on each surface of the packaging box. The wireless power supply device is also provided in the printer.

  In such a configuration, first, the F / W writing device (one embodiment of the program rewriting device of the present invention) sends power to a predetermined wireless power supply device in a predetermined packing box by wireless power supply. The sent power flows as shown by the solid arrows in FIG. 2, and power is automatically sent between adjacently placed packing boxes, and is distributed to each wireless power feeder of each packing box. become. In this way, the power of each printer is turned on. Next, the F / W writing device sends firmware data (an example of a program for rewriting) by wireless communication to each printer that is powered on while being packaged, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. Thereby, the firmware is rewritten in each printer.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a detailed firmware rewrite flow in the configuration shown in FIG.

  First, as described above, when the F / W writing device sends power to a predetermined packing box, the power is sent to each wireless power feeding device of each packing box, and the power of each printer is turned on (S1). Note that transmission of power from the F / W writing device (wireless power feeding) is continued until firmware rewriting is completed.

  Each printer transmits, to the F / W writing device, machine information (machine number, model, current firmware version, etc.) stored in the apparatus in advance by wireless communication (S2).

  Here, the F / W writing apparatus waits for a predetermined time (preset time) (S3), and determines whether or not the machine information is received from a plurality of printers (S4).

  If the machine information is not received from a plurality of printers even after a predetermined time has passed (S4 / No), the F / W writing device determines that the printers (packaging boxes) are not placed adjacent to each other, The firmware rewriting is stopped, and an error display (for example, a screen display indicating that the printer is not located adjacently or the firmware rewriting is stopped) is performed on the own apparatus (S5).

  When the machine information is received from a plurality of printers after a predetermined time has elapsed (S4 / Yes), the F / W writing device determines the model included in the received machine information and the model corresponding to the firmware data to be rewritten. (S6).

  If the models do not match (S6 / No), the F / W writing device stops rewriting the firmware and displays an error display on its own device (for example, a printer in which firmware data to be rewritten from now on is supported. And a screen display indicating that firmware rewriting has been stopped) (S7).

  If the models match (S6 / Yes), the F / W writing device determines whether the firmware version included in the received machine information matches the firmware version of the firmware data to be rewritten (S8). ).

  If the firmware versions match (S8 / No), the F / W writing device stops rewriting the firmware and displays an error display on its own device (for example, the version of the firmware data to be rewritten and the printer packaged in the future). A screen display indicating that the firmware version is the same or that firmware rewriting has been stopped is performed (S9).

  If the firmware versions do not match (S8 / Yes), the F / W writing device transmits the firmware data to be rewritten to each printer by wireless communication, and each printer rewrites the received firmware data (S10).

  The F / W writing device stops the transmission of power when a predetermined time (a predetermined time, for example, a time necessary for the printer to rewrite the firmware) has elapsed after the transmission of the firmware data (S11). As a result, power transmission to each wireless power feeding device in each packing box is stopped, and the power of each printer is turned off.

  4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the power supply range in the printer. FIG. 4 shows a case of conventional general wired power feeding, and FIG. 5 shows a case of wireless power feeding in the present embodiment. 4 and 5 are the same as those shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the case of a conventional wired power supply using a power cable or the like, power is supplied to the entire printer. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, power is supplied only to portions necessary for firmware rewriting (for example, a wireless communication receiving unit, a CPU, and a ROM) by wireless power feeding. Thereby, useless power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the conventional wired power feeding.

  Hereinafter, modifications of the present embodiment will be described.

[Modification 1]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow for rewriting firmware only when the printer is powered from the wireless power feeding apparatus. In FIG. 6, the same steps as those in FIG. 3 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here. 6 is different from FIG. 3 in that S21 and S22 are present between S1 and S2.

  When power is supplied to the printer by either wired or wireless and the power is turned on (S1), the printer determines whether it is wireless power supply (S21).

  In the case of wireless power feeding (S21 / Yes), the printer transmits machine information to the F / W writing device (S2). At this time, the printer may be controlled to limit the power supply range as shown in FIG.

  If it is not wireless power feeding (S21 / No), the printer performs normal activation (S22). In the case of normal startup, machine information is not transmitted from the printer. Therefore, the normally activated printer does not perform communication with the F / W writing device, so that the firmware is not rewritten. Note that the power supply range shown in FIG.

  As a means for determining whether or not power is supplied from the wireless power supply apparatus in S21, a circuit shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the power supply state monitoring unit monitors point A. If the potential at point A is + VDD, wired power supply is performed, and if the potential at point A is 0 V, wireless power supply is performed.

[Modification 2]
FIG. 8 illustrates a flow for rewriting firmware by using preset information such as a password when there is no adjacent packing box (for example, when there is only one packing box). It is a figure to do. In FIG. 8, the same steps as those in FIG. 3 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here. 8 differs from FIG. 3 in that the process proceeds to S31 to S35 in the case of S4 / No.

  If the machine information is not received from a plurality of printers even after a predetermined time has passed (S4 / No), the F / W writing device determines that the printers (packaging boxes) are not placed adjacent to each other, The process proceeds to the information input standby state (S31).

  Here, a person who uses the F / W writing apparatus (for example, a serviceman or a designer) inputs information (for example, a password or a command) preset in the printer to the F / W writing apparatus. Hereinafter, a password (input information) is taken as an example.

  The F / W writing device transmits the input password to the printer by wireless communication, and the printer receives the password (S32).

  The printer determines whether or not the received password matches the password set in advance in the device (S33).

  When the passwords match (S33 / Yes), the printer notifies the F / W writing device to that effect, and upon receiving the notification, the F / W writing device restarts the firmware rewriting operation from S6 (S6).

  If the passwords do not match (S33 / No), the F / W writing device displays an error (for example, a screen display indicating that the passwords do not match) (S34).

  Then, the F / W writing device inquires of the password input person whether or not to stop the rewriting of the firmware by the screen display (S35). That is, it is possible to select whether or not to input the password again.

  When the firmware rewriting cancellation is selected (S35 / Yes), the F / W writing device ends the wireless power feeding (S11). On the other hand, if renewal of firmware is selected (S35 / No), the F / W writing device returns to the information input standby state (S31).

  By such an operation, firmware can be rewritten without unpacking even in a situation where there is only one packing box.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the power supply and F / W rewriting data are sent to the packed printer using wireless communication and wireless power feeding, the printer firmware can be rewritten without unpacking. Can do. Further, according to the present embodiment, power is sent to other packing boxes placed adjacent to each side of the packing box, so that firmware of a plurality of printers can be rewritten simultaneously. Further, according to the present embodiment, the firmware is rewritten only when the packaging box is placed adjacent to the firmware, so that the firmware is not erroneously rewritten after shipment (when the printer user normally uses).

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when power is supplied from the wireless power supply apparatus to the printer, power is supplied only at a location necessary for firmware rewriting, so that power required for firmware rewriting can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the firmware is rewritten by wireless communication only when power is supplied to the printer from the wireless power supply apparatus. Therefore, when the printer user normally uses (power is supplied to the printer from the power cable), an error occurs. Firmware rewriting does not occur.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when a plurality of packing boxes are not placed adjacent to each other, if preset information (password, command input, etc.) is transmitted to the printer and matching is performed, Firmware can be rewritten. Therefore, even if it is desired to rewrite the firmware without unpacking in a situation where there are no plural packaging boxes, the firmware can be rewritten. Also, only a person who can obtain preset information (serviceman, designer, etc.) can rewrite the firmware, and the printer user does not rewrite the firmware by mistake.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention and its modification were demonstrated, it is not limited to the said description, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  For example, the operation in the above-described embodiment can be executed by hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both.

  When executing processing by software, a program in which a processing sequence is recorded may be installed and executed in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Or you may install and run a program in the general purpose computer which can perform various processes.

  For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program is stored on a removable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto Optical) disc, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a magnetic disc, and a semiconductor memory. It is possible to store (record) temporarily or permanently. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software.

  The program may be wirelessly transferred from the download site to the computer in addition to being installed on the computer from the removable recording medium as described above. Or you may wire-transfer to a computer via networks, such as LAN (Local Area Network) and the internet. The computer can receive the transferred program and install it on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

  In addition to being executed in time series in accordance with the processing operations described in the above embodiment, the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the processing, or a configuration to execute in parallel or individually as necessary Is also possible.

JP 2008-71063 A

Claims (2)

A program rewriting device that rewrites a program of the electronic device by performing wireless communication with the electronic device in the packaging member,
By supplying wireless power to the wireless power supply means provided on the packing member from the outside of the packing member, the wireless power supply means supplies power to the electronic device and turns on the power, and is adjacent to the wireless power supply means. Turn on the electronic device by wirelessly feeding the wireless power supply means of another packing member,
When machine information about each electronic device is received from a plurality of electronic devices that are turned on, a rewriting program is wirelessly transmitted to the plurality of electronic devices, and rewriting to the program is executed. Program rewriting device. If the aircraft information has not been received from a plurality of electronic devices that have been powered on, when preset information is input to the electronic device, the input information is wirelessly transmitted to the electronic device,
When receiving a notification from the electronic device that the input information matches information preset in the electronic device, the rewriting program is wirelessly transmitted to the electronic device, and rewriting to the program is performed. The program rewriting device according to claim 1, wherein the program rewriting device is executed.

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