JPH08335173A - Numerical controller and memory card - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve a numerical controller and memory card with which the decrease of reliability is eliminated by unnecessitating labor for updating an integrated software. CONSTITUTION: This numerical controller is provided with a central processing unit(CPU) 1, first storage means 2, second storage means 3, memory card interface 7 for reading information recorded in a third storage means 61 inside a memory card 6 and address allocating means 4 with which an address to be accessed by the CPU 1 is allocated to an area previously decided on the third storage means 61 and started from an update start address corresponding to whether an update signal inputted from the outside is turned on or off when that signal is turned on at the canceling the reset of the CPU 1 but the address to be accessed by the CPU 1 is allocated to an area previously decided on the first storage means 2 and developing from a start address when that update signal is turned off, and an access signal is transmitted to the storage means to which the address is allocated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a numerical controller and a memory card. In particular, the present invention relates to an improvement that eliminates the trouble of updating the system start-up program or the initial program loader stored in an eraseable programmable ROM (hereinafter referred to as EPROM) in the related art and can prevent deterioration of reliability.

[0002]

[Prior art]

See FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a numerical control device according to the related art, and also shows a memory card. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU), and 2 is writable and read-only even when mounted on a printed circuit board such as a flash ROM (hereinafter referred to as FROM). A first storage means composed of a non-volatile storage means, 3 is a second storage means composed of a RAM such as DRAM, and 8 is an eraseable programmable ROM (hereinafter referred to as an EPROM). It is a fourth storage means. Both the first storage means 2 and the fourth storage means 8 are
It is a read-only non-volatile storage device capable of rewriting information, and has a function of holding the stored information even when the power is turned off. The first storage unit 2, the second storage unit 3, and the fourth storage unit 8 exchange information with the CPU 1 via the data bus 11.

Reference numeral 4 is an address allocating means for allocating an address to each of the first, second, third (described later) and fourth memory means. When an address is received from the CPU 1 via the address bus 12, an access signal is issued to the storage means to which the address is assigned. The storage means that has received this access signal either puts the information recorded at that address on the data bus or writes the information on the data bus at that address. When power is applied to the numerical controller, the start address, which is the address that the CPU 1 first accesses, is assigned to a predetermined address on the fourth storage means 8.

An update signal generator 5 is provided to the update signal generator 5 when an operator of the numerical control device needs to update the system software stored in the first storage means 2. It has a function of issuing an update signal to the address allocating means 4 by pressing a push button or the like. Reference numeral 6 is a memory card having a third storage means 61 constituted by a semiconductor storage device. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory card interface into which the memory card 6 is inserted and which reads the information recorded in the third storage means 61. Information is exchanged with the CPU 1 via the data bus 11.

Three types of software are roughly used for the numerical control device. The first is software called a system boot program and the second is software called an initial program loader. Both the system start-up program and the initial program loader are recorded in the EPROM when the numerical control device is manufactured, and are installed in the fourth storage means 8. In particular,
The system start-up program is recorded in the area starting from the start address of the fourth storage means 8. The third is software called system software that is executed when the numerical controller drives a machine tool or the like, and is stored in the first storage means 2.

When power is applied to the numerical controller, the CPU
1 first accesses the starting address. Then, the system boot program at the start address is executed, and the system software stored in the first storage means 2 is expanded in the second storage means 3. Then, the system software on the second storage means 3 enters a standby state, and the system software on the second storage means 3 runs according to the instruction of the operator.

When it becomes necessary to update the system software, the updated system software is recorded in the third storage means 61 of the memory card 6, and the memory card 6 in which the updated system software is recorded is stored in the memory. Insert into the card interface 7. And
With the power applied to the numerical controller, the update signal generator 5 is used to turn on the update signal. CPU1
Detects the update signal via the address allocating means 4 and activates the initial program loader. CPU1
The initial program loader is executed, the software in the area starting from the address specified in the initial program loader is read, and the software is loaded into the area starting from the address specified in the initial program loader. The former address is an address on the third storage means 61, and the updated system software is recorded at this address. The latter address is an address on the first storage means 2, and the system start program is the first storage means 2.
When the system software is loaded into the second storage means 3, the address is the same as the address to be accessed. Since this is done, when the initial program loader is executed, the updated system software recorded in the memory card 6 is overwritten on the system software before the update on the first storage means 2, The updated system software is ready for use.

To use the updated system software, turn off the power and then turn it on again.
As mentioned above, the system startup program is executed,
The updated system software stored in the first storage means 2 is expanded in the second storage means 3, and thereafter, the updated system software runs on the second storage means 3.

[0009]

By the way, the system boot program and the initial program loader are not the software that needs updating as much as the system software, but since the system is set up, the updating may be necessary. is there. In this case, regardless of the type of the semiconductor memory device in which the system boot program and the initial program loader are recorded, the semiconductor memory device is always taken out from the numerical controller, and the updated system boot program and updated initial program are taken. It is necessary to record the loader and to incorporate it into the numerical control device again, and it is not necessary for the system software loaded in the DRAM to update the FROM2 while it is mounted in the numerical control device like the system software recorded in the FROM2. , FROM can be rewritten, which is dangerous. This is because even if the memory card 6 in which the updated system boot program and the updated initial program loader are recorded can be manufactured, the power of the numerical controller is turned off while the memory card 6 is being loaded into the FROM. , The program before update recorded in the FROM is partially updated to the program after update, and a program in which the pre-update and the post-update are mixed does not work.

Therefore, when updating the system start-up program and the initial program loader, the cover of the housing of the numerical control device is opened, the printed circuit board on which the EPROM 8 is mounted is pulled out, and the EPROM 8 mounted on the printed circuit board. It is necessary to remove it, insert it into a writing device dedicated to EPROM, write the updated software, and re-mount and re-assemble by the reverse procedure. In this way, it takes time and effort for updating. Also, EPRO
There is concern that the reliability of the M8 alone may decrease due to work such as removal, transfer, and remounting.

An object of the present invention is to eliminate these drawbacks, and when updating the system boot program or the initial program loader, it can be updated without time and effort, and the reliability is lowered. It is to provide a numerical control device and a memory card which can be prevented.

[0012]

Among the above-mentioned objects, a numerical controller is connected to a central processing unit (1) and the central processing unit (1) via a data bus, and a flash ROM or the like. Via the first storage means (2), which is writable and read-only non-volatile storage means mounted on the printed circuit board, the central processing unit (1), and the data bus. Connected by RA, DRAM, etc.
The second storage means (3) composed of M is connected to the central processing unit (1) described above via a data bus, and is recorded in the third storage means (61) in the memory card (6). The memory card interface (7) for reading the stored information is connected to the central processing unit (1) via the address bus, power is applied, and the central processing unit (1) is reset. When released,
Depending on whether the update signal input from the outside is on or off, when the update signal is on, the address accessed by the central processing unit (1) is the third storage means ( 61) Allocation to an area starting from a predetermined update start address above, and when the update signal is off, the address accessed by the central processing unit (1) is the first storage means (2). This is achieved by a numerical control device having address allocation means (4) for allocating to an area starting from a predetermined start address and issuing an access signal to the allocated storage means.

Among the above objects, the memory card is used by being inserted into the memory card interface (7) of the numerical controller described above, and the third memory means (61) having a semiconductor memory device is used. ), The software recorded in the area starting from the predetermined load address on the third storage means (61) is stored in the predetermined storage area on the first storage means (2). The initial program loader for loading in the area starting from the load destination address is the third storage means (61).
This is achieved by the memory card stored in the area starting from the above update start address.

[0014]

The numerical control device according to the present invention includes a CPU 1 and a FR which is a writable and read-only nonvolatile memory.
A first storage means 2 composed of an OM, a second storage means 3 composed of a DRAM, a memory card interface 7 into which a memory card 6 is inserted, and a first storage means 2
And an address assigning means 4 which assigns addresses to the second storing means 3 and the third storing means 61 of the memory card 6.
And have.

When power is applied to the CPU 1, the CPU 1 is reset once, and after resetting the voltage of each circuit, the reset is released and the work is started. The address assigning means 4 is a CPU
Depending on whether the update signal input from the outside is already turned on or remains off when the reset of 1 is released, the address accessed by the CPU 1 at the time of release of the reset from the update start address and the start address I try to access it separately from the starting area. Then, the update start address is assigned to a predetermined address on the memory card 6, and the start address is assigned to a predetermined address on the first storage means 2.

On the other hand, the initial program loader is recorded in the area starting from the update start address in the third storage means 61 constituted by the semiconductor storage device of the memory card 6 according to the present invention. Then, it is said to be inserted into the memory card interface 7 of the numerical control device described above.

Therefore, if power is applied to the numerical controller with the update signal turned on, the CPU 1 will access the update start address. Since the initial program loader is stored in the update start address, the CPU 1 executes the initial program loader, accesses the load address, and stores the software in the area starting from the load address as the first storage means 2.
To load.

Therefore, when updating the system start-up program, the updated initial program loader is recorded in the area starting from the update start address of the third storage means 61 of the memory card 6, and the area starting from the loading address is recorded. Record the updated system boot program. At this time, the initial program loader specifies the start address as the load destination address. When power is applied to the numerical controller with the update signal turned on, the updated initial program loader is executed, and the updated system boot program is loaded into the area starting from the start area of the first storage means 2. It will be different. The memory card 6 can be easily attached and detached, and the loading from the memory card 6 to the first storage means 2 can be achieved by simply turning on the power to the numerical controller with the update signal still on.
It takes neither time nor effort to update. Further, since the numerical control device does not require any disassembling / assembling work, the reliability cannot be deteriorated.

If the power of the numerical controller is once shut off and then the power is reapplied with the update signal turned off,
The CPU 1 accesses the start address and executes the system boot program just loaded at the start address. The system start-up program transfers the information stored in the first storage means 2 to the second storage means 3, and the numerical control device operates as before.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A numerical controller and a memory card according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a numerical controller according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a memory card at the same time. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a CPU, 2 is a first storage means composed of a read-only nonvolatile storage means capable of writing even when mounted on a printed circuit board such as a flash ROM, and 3 Is a second storage means composed of RAM such as DRAM. Reference numeral 6 denotes a memory card, which has a third storage means 61 configured by a semiconductor storage device such as FROM. Reference numeral 7 is a memory card interface for reading the software recorded in the third storage means 61 of the inserted memory card 6. The first storage unit 2, the second storage unit 3, and the memory card interface 7 exchange data with the CPU 1 via the data bus 11.

An update signal generator 5 has a function of issuing an update signal. (A separate switch is sufficient and does not require a separate power source.) And the update signal generator 5 is
Unlike the conventional method, it is used not only for updating system software but also for updating the system startup program.

Reference numeral 4 is an address allocating means for allocating an address to each of the first storage means 2, the second storage means 3 and the third storage means 61. When it receives an address from the CPU 1 via the address bus 12, it issues an access signal to the storage means to which the address is assigned. The storage means that has received this access signal transfers the information recorded at that address via the data bus,
It is read by the CPU 1 or the information on the data bus is written to the address. When power is applied to the numerical controller, the start address, which is the address that the CPU 1 first accesses, is assigned to the predetermined start address on the first storage means 2.

By the way, when an update signal is issued from the update signal generator 5 to the address allocating means 4 before power is applied to the numerical control device, the address allocating means 4 applies power to the numerical control device. After that, at the timing when the reset of the CPU 1 is released and the first address command is received from the CPU 1 via the address bus, it is determined that the update processing is performed, and a signal is issued to an address at update different from the address designated by the CPU 1. The address assigning means 4 is C when updating
The update start address, which is the address that PU1 first accesses, is assigned to a predetermined address on the third storage means 61. The operation of issuing an access signal to an update address different from the address designated by the CPU 1 continues until the power supply to the numerical control device is cut off, and the third storage means 61 causes the update address access signal. Each time the address is received, the information of the update address is read by the CPU 1 via the memory card interface 7 and the data bus.

Among the software used in the numerical control device, the software executed when the numerical control device called system software drives the machine tool, and the system software is expanded in the second storage means 3, and the numerical value is set. Software called a system start-up program used when starting the control device is stored in the first storage means 2. In particular, the system start-up program is stored in the area starting from the start address of the first storage means 2, and may be executed first by the CPU 1 when power is applied to the numerical controller with the update signal off. It is made possible.

The initial program loader used to load the system start-up program and / or system software into the first storage means 2 is stored in the third storage means 61. The initial program loader loads the software in the area starting from the predetermined loading address on the third storage means 61 into the area starting from the above-mentioned start address which is the predetermined load destination address, and the third storage The software in the area starting from the predetermined second loading address on the means 61 is loaded onto the area starting from the predetermined second loading destination address on the first storage means 2.
The second load destination address is an address accessed when the system boot program is executed.

When updating the current software in the first storage means 2, the memory card 6 is used. For the update, the initial program loader is recorded in the area starting from the start address at the time of update, the updated system startup program is recorded in the area starting from the loading address specified by this initial program loader, and the updated system software is recorded. The memory card 6 recorded in the area starting from the second loading address designated by the initial program loader is manufactured. Then, insert this memory card 6 into the memory card interface 7,
After the update signal is turned on by the update signal generator 5, the power supply voltage is applied to the numerical controller.

When receiving the first address designation after reset release from the CPU 1, the address allocating means 4 detects the update signal and accesses the initial program loader at the update start address. The CPU 1 executes the initial program loader, loads the updated system boot program into the area starting from the start address,
Overwrite the system startup program before update. Then, the updated system software is loaded into the area starting from the second load destination address, and the system software before the update is overwritten. Thus, the updated system start-up program and the updated system software are available.

To use the updated system start-up program and the updated system software, once the power is turned off, the update signal is turned off, and the power is applied to the numerical controller again, the updated system start-up is started. The program is executed, the updated system software in the first storage means 2 is expanded in the second storage means 3, and thereafter the DRAM 3
The updated system software runs on the second storage means composed of.

If the update is only the system boot program, the memory card 6 in which the initial program loader and the updated system boot program are recorded in predetermined areas is inserted into the memory card interface 7, and the update signal is sent. After turning on, the power supply voltage may be applied to the numerical controller. If only the system software is updated, insert the memory card 6 in which the initial program loader and the updated system software are recorded in predetermined areas into the memory card interface 7, turn on the update signal, and then set the numerical value. A power supply voltage may be applied to the control device.

When it is necessary to update the initial program loader when updating the system start-up program and / or system software, the initial program loader may be updated at that time.

[0032]

As described above, according to the numerical controller and the memory card of the present invention, whether the update signal is on or off when the address allocating means releases the reset of the CPU. Correspondingly, an address for update assigned by the CPU to the third storage means of the memory card, or a second address composed of FROM or the like.
It is divided into the addresses assigned to the storage means.
The initial program loader is recorded at the update start address of the third storage means. Therefore, if the power supply is applied to the numerical controller after turning on the update signal, the CPU accesses the initial program loader, executes it, and executes the software recorded in the area starting from the load address to the first program loader. The data is loaded into an area starting from a predetermined load destination address on the storage means. That is, the update is completed by producing a memory card in which the updated software is recorded, inserting the memory card into the memory card interface, turning on the update signal, and applying the power. The time and effort required for renewal are greatly reduced. Further, since no attachment / detachment work is required, the reliability is not deteriorated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a numerical control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a numerical control device according to a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 1st storage means 3 2nd storage means 4 Address allocation means 5 Update signal generator 6 Memory card 7 Memory card interface 8 4th storage means 11 Data bus 12 Address bus 61 3rd storage means

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A central processing unit (1), which is connected to the central processing unit (1) via a data bus and is writable and readable while mounted on a printed circuit board such as a flash ROM. A first storage means (2) composed of a dedicated non-volatile storage means, and a second storage means (RAM) such as a DRAM connected to the central processing unit (1) via a data bus ( 3) and the central processing unit (1) via a data bus, and third storage means (61) in the memory card (6).
A memory card interface (7) for reading information recorded in the central processing unit (1) is connected to the central processing unit (1) via an address bus, power is applied, and the central processing unit (1) is reset. When the update signal is turned on, the address to be accessed by the central processing unit (1) corresponds to the third address depending on whether the update signal input from the outside is on or off. Is allocated to an area on the storage means (61) starting from a predetermined update start address, and when the update signal is off, the address accessed by the central processing unit (1) is assigned to the first storage means (61). 2) Address allocation means (4) for allocating to an area starting from a predetermined start address above and issuing an access signal to the allocated storage means. Numerical control device. 2. The numerical storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: a third storage means (61) which is used by being inserted into the memory card interface (7) and which comprises a semiconductor storage device, The software recorded in the area starting from a predetermined load address on the third storage means (61) is stored in the area starting from a predetermined load destination address on the first storage means (2). A memory card, wherein an initial program loader to be loaded is stored in an area of the third storage means (61) starting from the update start address.