JPS60249454A - Communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To change easily software of a communication device at a remote place by sending control software and constants from an originating side to a terminating side, and storing them in an erasable and rewritable ROM. CONSTITUTION:Communication control software and constants sent from the originating side of the other party are stored in a RAM5. Control software and constants before change are transferred from an erasable and rewritable EEP- ROM9 to the RAM5, and new control software and constants are transferred from the RAM5 to the EEP-ROM9. A CPU1 controls individual parts on the basis of software stored in the EEP-ROM9.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a communication device, and particularly to a communication device having a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from a counterpart party via a communication line.

[Prior art]

Conventionally, facsimile IJ devices, word processors with communication functions, and the like are known as devices of this type.

In such devices, a microprocessor controls the overall operation based on control software stored in memory.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a conventional facsimile machine.

In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 indicates a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which controls the operation of the entire apparatus based on control software stored in the ROM 4.

The following components are connected to the CPU 1 by a data bus and an address bus or control lines.

The image reading section 2 scans a document using a CCD sensor or the like and reads image information. The recording section consists of a thermal printer or the like and is used to record received image information. The RAM 5 is a memory for storing image data and variables necessary for control.

Communication operations are performed using a known modem (modulator/demodulator) 6 and NCU (
network control device) 7. The modem 6 modulates the transmitted data so that it can be transferred onto the line N, and demodulates the received data so that it can be processed by a subsequent processing device.

The NCU 7 performs operations such as maintaining a loop or switching lines with attached telephones. Data input/output to the modem 6 is performed via a PIO (programmable input/output port) 8.

The control software for this type of equipment will need to be changed in response to customer requests for specification changes, debugging, or deterioration of the frequency characteristics of the communication line. Generally, in such a Hiko device, the software is stored in a ROM (read-only memory, or UV-EFROM: ROM that can be erased by ultraviolet light) 4, so software changes can be made by replacing the ROM chip.

However, since the ROM chip is normally installed in a difficult location within the device housing for general users to replace, service personnel have to go to the device installation site to replace the elements in order to change the software. There was a problem that I had to deal with. Particularly when the installation location is remote, the time and cost required for maintenance will increase.

[Purpose] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its tenth purpose is to provide a communication device whose software can be easily and inexpensively changed, and which requires less maintenance time and cost.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the drawings. However, in the following, an embodiment related to a facsimile machine will be shown, and in FIG. 2, which is the same as or corresponds to FIG. 1, the difference from the conventional example in FIG. 1 is that the EEP- ROM (
Electrical Erasa-blc, Prog
The point is that ram'ble ROM) 9 is used.

The EEP-ROM 9 is a ROM whose stored contents can be erased or rewritten by electrically applying a predetermined signal.

Next, the software change operation in the above configuration will be explained in detail. In other words, CC is used as a facsimile method.
The 03 mode of the ITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Advisory Committee) standard shall be used.

FIG. 3(4) and FIG. 3(B) show the structure of signals used in the G6 mode.

In Fig. 3 (4), the number indicated by the symbol 14 is N.
This is a 5F (non-standard command) signal. This NSF signal 14 is used to identify specific users outside the scope of CC1 and TT recommendations. C concatenated after NSF signal 14
The 3l (called station identification) signal is an optional signal and is a digital signal used to identify the called station by the number assigned to the called station or the telephone number. C8
A DIS (digital identification) signal 16 concatenated after the I signal 15 indicates that the called device has standard CCITT functionality.

On the other hand, what is indicated by the reference numeral 17 in FIG. 3(B) is an NSS (non-standard command) signal, which is a digital command signal that responds to information contained in the NSF or NSC signal. A TSI (transmitting station identification) signal 18 is connected behind this signal. This signal, like the CHI signal described above, is used to identify the transmitting station. After the TSI signal 18, a DC8 (digital command) signal 19 is connected and transmitted. The DC8 signal 19 is the D
A digital configuration command for the function identified by IS signal 16.

In the present invention, a bit identifying the software transmission/reception function of the present invention is set in a predetermined field, such as an extension field, of the FIF (Facsimile Information Field) of the NSF signal 14 of the called side. Also, the N of the calling party
Similarly, the SS signal is provided with a bit for identifying this software change mode, and furthermore, the change data length and the cheater field for setting the change data are predetermined. And, between devices adopting the present invention, NSF and NSS
If it is confirmed by the signal that the other party has the function of transmitting and receiving software, the modified software and constants are placed in the extended field of the NSS signal, and the calling party sends the changed software or constants to the called party. Send.

Here, FIG. 3 (0) shows the above signal sequence. The left side of FIG.
The right side of C) shows the procedure signal sent by the called device.

First, in the G6 mode, a call is set up using the call signal CI from the calling side, as in a normal telephone.

On the called side, in response to the calling signal CI at time T1, the NCH 3 switches the telephone line N from the attached telephone set to the facsimile machine side. The called device then sends the CE
D (called station identification) signal 20 is sent to the line. on the other hand,
The operator on the calling side hears this via the JD double signal telephone and presses the sister button to switch the line from the telephone to the facsimile machine.

The called device then sends the preamble P followed by the NS
The F signal 14, the C8I signal 15 and the DIS signal 16 are transmitted. If the predetermined bit of the NSF signal 14 contains a signal identifying the software transmission/reception function, the calling side device uses the NSS signal 17 to transmit the software to be changed.

The NSS signal is transmitted following the preamble P, after which the aforementioned TSI signal 18 and DC8 signal 19 are transmitted.

If the called device successfully receives this signal, the preamble P is followed by C which is used as a CFR (acknowledge signal).
Transmit FR signal 21 3. When the calling device receives this CFR signal, it transmits preamble P followed by DCN (disconnect command) signal 22, and at time T2 switches the line from facsimile to telephone and disconnects the line. disconnect. Subsequently, the called device writes the transmitted software and constants into the EEF ROM 9 as indicated by the prefix X.

Next, the above communication procedure will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. Figure 3 (D), (E)
70 shows an example of the processing procedure of CPU 1 in FIG.
It is a chart diagram.

An operator on the calling side who wishes to send the modified software or constants first dials the telephone number of the other party in step T1 of FIG. 3(D). As a result, a calling signal is transmitted to the called device as shown in step R1 of FIG.

In response to the calling signal, the called device performs C in step R2.
Send HD signal. This CED signal transmission process may be performed manually or automatically.

The operator on the calling side traces the oscillation sound of the CED signal to the receiver and confirms it (step T 2 ).After reaching L, the operator presses the start button to command the start of communication. As a result, the procedure on the transmitting side moves to step T3vc, and the above-mentioned NSF, C8'
, I, towards receiving the DIS signal.

On the other hand, the called device sends NSF, C8I in step R6.
.

After transmitting the DI8 signal, the calling device determines in step T4 whether a predetermined bit indicating the presence or absence of the constant change mode of the received NSF signal is set. If the called device does not have this mote, step T1
At step T11, the DCN signal is transmitted, and at step T11, the line is released, and the process ends.

If the predetermined bit of the NSF signal is set, the process moves to step T5, and the NSS signal in which the constant change mode and change data are set as described above is generated. Then, in step T6, the NSS signal, TSI signal and D
The C8 signals are concatenated and transmitted.

These series of signals are received at the called party in steps 1-4. Following reception of the signal, the called device performs step R.
5, it is determined whether the constant change mode identification bit in the NS8 signal is set. If this bit is not set, the process moves to step R10K and a known facsimile procedure such as image communication is performed.On the other hand, if the constant change mode identification bit is set, the called device goes to step R6 and performs a known facsimile procedure such as image communication. R signal is transmitted.When the calling side device receives this CFR signal in step 1'7, it transmits a DCN signal in steps T8 and T9 to open the line and terminate communication (step R7 on the called side).
).

After the communication is completed, the called device writes the change data set in the NSS signal into the EEPROM 9K in step R8, and after the process is completed, the device returns to the waiting state in step R9.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, the software and constant changing operations performed on the called side in step R8 will be described.

The modified software sent from the calling side is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 5 as shown by diagonal lines.

The CPU 1 transfers the communication software 10 and the EEPROM reception write software 11 stored in a predetermined area of the EEFROM 90 to a predetermined area of the RAM 5. This transfer operation is indicated by arrows N and B. Next, CPU 1 switches the execution software to the software in RAM 5, and transfers the changed software 12 to code 13.
Write to the location in the software that should be changed as indicated by . Since BEPROM 9 can be written or processed electrically, it does not require a dedicated writing or erasing device like UV-EFROM, and software can be rewritten and constants can be rewritten in a short time using software. can be done.

Therefore, a service person can control the receiving device from a remote location via communication, and all changed software can be transferred via the line without having to go to the site, thereby significantly reducing maintenance costs and time.

In the above embodiment, the software to be changed is written to change parts other than communication software or gEPROM writing software, and depending on the method of transfer, control is performed to rewrite all data in the EEPROM. Also good.

〔effect〕

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which software or constants are transmitted and received using a communication function, and a part of the control software and constants are changed on the receiving side based on the transmitted data. Therefore, it is possible to provide an excellent communication device in which the control software and constants of the device can be changed from a remote location through simple operations, and maintenance costs and time can be significantly reduced.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a facsimile machine as an example of a conventional communication device, Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a facsimile machine adopting the present invention, and Fig. 3 (/X
) is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure signal transmitted by the called party in 03 mode, FIG. 3 (03) is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure signal transmitted by the calling party in G6 mode, and FIG. A) An explanatory diagram showing the signal sequence of (B),
FIGS. 3(D) and 3(E) are flowcharts showing the control procedure of FIG. 3(C) in detail, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure for changing software on the called side. 1...CPU 2...Image reading section 6...Recording section 5...RAM 6...Modem 7...NCU 3...PIO' 9...EEP-ROM14...
NSF Signal 17...NSS Signal Patent Applicant Canon Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney Takashi Kato Figure 1

Claims (1)

[Claims] A communication device for transmitting and receiving data via a predetermined communication line, characterized in that a rewritable storage means is provided, and control software or control parameters in the storage means can be rewritten with transmitted and received data.