WO2008062487A1 - Dispositif d'interface pour des produits électroniques et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci - Google Patents

Dispositif d'interface pour des produits électroniques et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008062487A1
WO2008062487A1 PCT/IT2006/000823 IT2006000823W WO2008062487A1 WO 2008062487 A1 WO2008062487 A1 WO 2008062487A1 IT 2006000823 W IT2006000823 W IT 2006000823W WO 2008062487 A1 WO2008062487 A1 WO 2008062487A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
commands
electronic product
data
processing circuit
microcontroller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2006/000823
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gianfranco D'aleo
Original Assignee
Oberon Service Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Oberon Service Srl filed Critical Oberon Service Srl
Priority to PCT/IT2006/000823 priority Critical patent/WO2008062487A1/fr
Publication of WO2008062487A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008062487A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
    • G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
    • G06F13/382—Information transfer, e.g. on bus using universal interface adapter
    • G06F13/385—Information transfer, e.g. on bus using universal interface adapter for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates, in general, to an 5 interface device for electronic products, for instance consumer products or peripherals, as handheld phones, cellular phones, handheld computers (handheld units) , printers etc.
  • the present invention relates to a device0 to be used associated to consumer products that comprise, preferably, an operating system rigidly embedded into such products.
  • the present invention relates to a memory device or memory card of "Secure Digital” type (Secure Digital memory card or SD) to be used associated to a printer.
  • Such consumer products comprise, typically, at least one main computer and at least one operating system embedded in the main computer and arranged to manage, by means of suitable program modules, the several functions provided for the consumer product.
  • printers of common use comprise an operating system and program modules configured for managing functions such as printing functions and the setting of printing parameters.
  • a common problem of several known electronic consumer products and, in particular, of printers is that it is extremely complex if not impossible to connect such products to external devices, as security devices, external access devices, etc.
  • external devices as security devices, external access devices, etc.
  • Such an operation being the operating system of type rigidly embedded in the printer, can be nearly impossible or can require, for instance, the complete update of the operating system by a skilled staff.
  • Object of the present invention is therefore a device that solves the problems outlined above of the background art in simple and effective way.
  • the present invention relates also to an ⁇ operation method as well as to a computer program product loadable in the memory of at least one computer and including software code portions for performing the steps of the method of the invention when the product is run on at least one computer.
  • a computer program product is meant as equivalent to the reference to computer readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system so as to co-ordinate execution of the method according to the invention. Claims are an integral part of the teaching of the present invention.
  • the interface device for electronic products comprises first circuit elements configured so as to be “seen” as a memory card by an electronic product having, preferably, an embedded operating system, and second circuit elements configured for exchanging data and/or commands with an external device and, through the first circuit elements, with 5 the electronic product.
  • the second circuit elements comprise components connectable to the external device and configurable on the basis of commands sent by the electronic product.
  • the interface device comprises program modules configured for encrypting data and/or commands to be exchanged between the external device and the electronic product.
  • Fig. 1 shows an exemplary application of the device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of the Fig. 2 device
  • Fig. 4 shows a flow chart regarding program modules installed in a first component of the Fig. 2 device
  • FIG. 5 shows a flow chart regarding program modules installed in a second component of the Fig. 2 device; and Fig. 6 shows an overall flow chart of the Fig. 2 device. Best mode for Carrying Out the Invention
  • a device 10 is illustrated according to the invention applied to a consumer product 5, for instance a printer, for allowing to control the use of the consumer product (printer) 5, by means of a control device 7 and suitable codes inserted through the control device 7.
  • Printer 5 of known type, comprises, in the preferred embodiment, at least one slot 50, of known type, for the ' insertion of device 10, that, in the preferred embodiment, has, as it will be disclosed later on in detail, the shape and the behaviour of a memory card of SD type (Secure Digital type) as standardised by the SD Card Association.
  • Printer 5 further comprises at least one application program, stored for instance in the printer through a network connection and arranged for transmitting at least one command, for instance a query command, to the device (SD device) 10.
  • Control device 7 comprises, in the preferred embodiment, a port 70, for instance a serial port of RS232 type, and a keyboard 71 for data and commands insertion.
  • the SD device 10 (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) has shape and dimensions of a SD memory card, as provided in Rev. 1.01 of SD standard, in particular as regards width and thickness, and comprises first circuit elements having a first connector 20 configured in the shape of a 9 PIN SD connector and a first microprocessor processing circuit (microcontroller) 21.
  • the SD device 10 comprises, in the preferred embodiment, second circuit elements having a second connector 30, for instance opposed to the first connector and shaped as a Molex Company male connector of type 53398-0890, and a second microprocessor processing circuit (microcontroller) 31.
  • the second connector 30 comprises, for instance, 8 connection elements or PINs, of which at least 3 PINs (30a) intended for transmission, reception and ground are of the
  • the second microprocessor processing circuit (microcontroller) 31, for instance a microcontroller model C8051F331 of the Cygnal Company is connected, for instance, to the second connector 30 and, through a BUS 33 of known type, for instance a SPI BUS (Serial Peripheral an Interface BUS), to the microcontroller 21.
  • SPI BUS Serial Peripheral an Interface BUS
  • the first microcontroller (SD microcontroller) 21 comprises stored therein first program modules 21a, configured so that SD device 10 is "seen” as a SD memory card, and second ⁇ program modules 21b, developed during the design phase of the SD device 10, configured for managing commands transmitted by the application program stored in the printer 5 to the SD device 10 and for sending them, for instance, to the microcontroller (microcontroller RS232) 31 through the SPI BUS 33, as it will be disclosed later on in detail with reference to the operation of SD device 10.
  • first program modules 21a configured so that SD device 10 is "seen” as a SD memory card
  • second ⁇ program modules 21b developed during the design phase of the SD device 10, configured for managing commands transmitted by the application program stored in the printer 5 to the SD device 10 and for sending them, for instance, to the microcontroller (microcontroller RS232) 31 through the SPI BUS 33, as it will be disclosed later on in detail with reference to the operation of SD device 10.
  • the second program modules 21b are managed as virtual sectors of the memory 24 so as to ensure for the SD device 10 a behaviour from and to the printer 5 substantially equivalent to that of known SD devices.
  • the program modules, 21a and 21b respectively are stored in SD microcontroller 21 by using, in a known way, the SD connector 20.
  • the second microcontroller In the preferred embodiment, the second microcontroller
  • RS232 microcontroller 31 comprises stored therein program modules 31a, developed during the design phase of the SD device 10, and configured for allowing to control, as it will be disclosed later on in detail with reference to the operation of SD device 10, the operation of the consumer 0 product, for instance the printer 5.
  • the program modules 31a are stored in RS232 0 microcontroller 31 by using free PINs (30b) of the second connector 30, for instance PIN 4 and 5, and connecting them, in a known way, to the microcontroller RS232 31.
  • PINs of the second connector 30 for instance PIN 1 (3Od) and
  • PIN 1 (3Od) is used for powering external devices having low ) power absorption and that PINs 2 and 3 (30c) are used as input/output (I/O) PINs for controlling, for instance, the activation of external devices on the basis, for instance of query commands generated by the printer 5 or of data exchanged with the control device 7.
  • the SD device 10, as disclosed, is configured, in the preferred embodiment, so as to be "seen", when inserted in the slot (SD slot) 50, as a SD memory card even if operating, as it will be disclosed later on in detail, both as a SD memory card and as an interface card to the control device 7.
  • the SD device 10 being “seen” by the printer 5 as a SD memory card, does not require the installation in the printer of an operating system upgraded with new drivers.
  • SD memory cards as known to a technician of the field, are “seen” in native way by the operating system.
  • Printer 5 or, in general the consumer product, requires only the presence of an application program arranged for transmitting to the SD device 10 suitable query commands apt to be intercepted by the SD microcontroller 21 and managed by the RS232 microcontroller 31.
  • the program modules 21b developed during the design phase of the SD device 10 comprise:
  • step 110 - the SD microcontroller 21 receives through the SD connector 20 a data buffer from the printer 5;
  • step 120 - the SD microcontroller 21 checks if the data buffer contains a query command transmitted by the application in the printer 5; in negative case (absence of query command) , there is executed: - step 160 - the data buffer is managed according to SD standard for accessing memory 24; in affirmative case (presence of query command) , there are executed:
  • step 130 - the SD microcontroller , 21 checks if the query command is a safety control command; in affirmative case (presence of safety control command) , there are executed:
  • step 140 - the SD microcontroller 21 compares the0 password contained in the data buffer with a predefined password stored in program modules 21b; preferably such a password can be predefined by program modules designers or, for example, by the buyers of the device; if the comparison has had a positive outcome (the5 password corresponds to that stored) , there is executed
  • step 180 - the SD microcontroller 21 sends to the SD connector 20 and to the printer 5 an answer arranged to allow prosecution of the data buffer exchange between the printer 5 and the microcontroller SD 21; if the comparison has had a negative outcome (the password does not correspond to that stored) , there is ⁇ executed
  • step 190 - the SD microcontroller 21 sends, for instance, to the SD connector 20 and to the printer 5 a null data buffer; in negative case (absence of a safety control command) , there are executed:
  • step 170 - the SD microcontroller 21 checks if the query command corresponds to one of the query commands provided for ) the RS232 microcontroller 31; in negative case (query command not provided) , there is executed:
  • step 210 - the SD microcontroller 21 transmits the data buffer received from printer 5 to the RS232 microcontroller 31 through the BUS 33 and, if the query command provides for a data buffer in reply, remains in a state of waiting for possible data requested by the provided query command, so as to transmit them as reply buffer to the SD connector 20 and to the printer 5.
  • the program modules 31a developed during the design phase of the SD device 10 comprise:
  • step 310 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 receives through BUS 33 the data buffer transmitted by the printer 5; - step 320 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 checks if the data buffer includes a parameters configuration command of the
  • RS232 microcontroller 31 in affirmative case (presence of a configuration command) , there is executed - step 330 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 executes the configuration command; such a command can comprise, for instance, a command of: a) Baud-rate configuration of the RS232 PINs; b) I/O PINs configuration of the second connector 30; c) cryptography functionality enabling/disabling in transmission/reception through the RS232 PINs; in negative case (absence of a configuration command) , there are executed:
  • step 370 the RS232 microcontroller 31 analyses the received command
  • step 380 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 checks if the received command is a control or status command regarding the I/O PINs; in affirmative case (I/O PINs control or status command) there are executed
  • step 410 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 executes the control commands on the I/O PINs; in negative case (I/O PINs status command), there isO executed
  • step 415 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 reads the status of the I/O PINs and sends a data buffer including the I/O PIN status to the BUS 33 for transmitting it to the printer 5; in negative case (command different from I/O PINs control or status command) , there are executed
  • step 420 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 checks if the data buffer includes a RS232 transmission or RS232 reception command; in case the received command is a transmission command, there are executed
  • step 430 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 checks if the cryptography functionality has been enabled (step 330); in affirmative case (cryptography enabled) , there is j executed
  • step 450 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 encrypts the data buffer on the basis of the stored program module of
  • step 460 the not encrypted data buffer is transmitted through the RS232 PINs; if the received command is a RS232 reception command, there are executed
  • step 440 the RS232 microcontroller reads the data from the RS232 PINs and stores them in a data buffer; - step 470 - the RS232 microcontroller checks if the cryptography functionality has been enabled (step 330) ; in affirmative case (cryptography enabled) there is executed:
  • step 480 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 encrypts the data buffer on the basis of the stored program module of cryptography and transmits the encrypted data buffer to the BUS 33; in negative case (cryptography disabled) , there is executed:
  • step 490 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 transmits the not encrypted data buffer to the BUS 33.
  • step 510 the SD microcontroller 21 receives through the SD connector 20 data buffers from the printer 5; - step 520 - the SD microcontroller 21 checks if the data buffer contains a query command transmitted by the application in the printer 5; in negative case (absence of query command) , there is executed: - step 530 - the data buffer is managed according to SD standard for accessing memory 24; in affirmative case (presence of query command) , there are executed:
  • step 540 the SD microcontroller 21 checks if the query command is a safety control command; in affirmative case (presence of safety control command) , there are executed: - step 570 - the SD microcontroller 21 compares the password contained in the data buffer with a predefined password stored in program modules 21b; if the comparison has had a positive outcome (the password corresponds to that stored) , there is executed
  • step 580 the SD microcontroller 21 sends to the SD connector 20 and to the printer 5 a reply apt to allow the continuation of data buffer exchange between teh printer 5 and microcontroller SD 21; if the comparison has had a negative outcome (the password does not correspond to that stored) , there is executed
  • step 590 - the SD microcontroller 21 sends, for instance, to the SD connector 20 and to the printer 5 a null data buffer; in negative case (absence of a safety control command), there ' are executed:
  • step 550 - the SD microcontroller 21 checks if the query command corresponds to one of the query commands provided for the RS232 microcontroller 31; in negative case (query command not provided) , there is executed:
  • step 560 the SD microcontroller 21 ignores the command; in affirmative case (query command provided) , there are executed
  • the SD microcontroller 21 transmits the data buffer received from the printer 5 to the RS232 microcontroller 31 through the BUS 33; - ' step 620 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 analyses the received command and, alternatively: a) if the received command is a RS232 transmission command, there is executed - step 630 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 transmits the data buffer through the RS 232 PINs; b) if the received command is a RS232 reception command, there are executed - step 650 and 660 - the RS232 microcontroller transmits the data buffer previously stored as a result of reading the RS232 PINs to the SD microcontroller 21 through the BUS 33 for transmitting it to the printer 5; c) if the received command is RS232 parameters configuration or I/O ports control command, there is executed
  • step 640 - the RS232 microcontroller 31 configures the PINs of the second connector 30 or reads status thereof.
  • the invention as disclosed allows, in general, to connect an external device to a consumer product having, preferably, an embedded operating system without the necessity to modify or upgrade the operating system of the consumer product .
  • the device in the described configuration allows, moreover, to guaranty the access to the printer in a sure way, because it comprises a program for encrypting data.
  • Such functionality obviously, is particularly appreciable by banks or credit institutions.
  • the device by preferably comprising I/O PINs, may be used, as easily comprehensible by a technician in the field, for signalling, by means of devices connected to such PINs, for instance, printing operations, parameters setting, alarms signalling, etc. depending on the type of step executed by the programs developed during the design phase and stored in the two microcontrollers.
  • I/O PINs I/O PINs
  • devices connected to such PINs for instance, printing operations, parameters setting, alarms signalling, etc. depending on the type of step executed by the programs developed during the design phase and stored in the two microcontrollers.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention porte sur un dispositif d'interface (10) pour des produits électroniques (5) comprenant des premiers éléments de circuit (20, 21, 24) configurés pour être connectés, en utilisation, au produit électronique (5) en tant que carte mémoire du produit électronique (5). Le dispositif comprend au moins des seconds éléments de circuit (30, 31) configurés pour avoir une interface avec des dispositifs externes (7) afin d'échanger des données et/ou instructions entre lesdits dispositifs externes (7) et ledit produit électronique (5). L'invention porte également sur un produit électronique (5), par exemple, une imprimante, qui comprend le dispositif d'interface (10) et sur le procédé de fonctionnement du dispositif.
PCT/IT2006/000823 2006-11-21 2006-11-21 Dispositif d'interface pour des produits électroniques et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci WO2008062487A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2006/000823 WO2008062487A1 (fr) 2006-11-21 2006-11-21 Dispositif d'interface pour des produits électroniques et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2006/000823 WO2008062487A1 (fr) 2006-11-21 2006-11-21 Dispositif d'interface pour des produits électroniques et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci

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WO2008062487A1 true WO2008062487A1 (fr) 2008-05-29

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PCT/IT2006/000823 WO2008062487A1 (fr) 2006-11-21 2006-11-21 Dispositif d'interface pour des produits électroniques et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1241553A1 (fr) * 2001-03-17 2002-09-18 eSecurium SA Module de sécurité amovible
US20040205268A1 (en) * 2003-01-21 2004-10-14 C-Guys, Inc. SDIO controller

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1241553A1 (fr) * 2001-03-17 2002-09-18 eSecurium SA Module de sécurité amovible
US20040205268A1 (en) * 2003-01-21 2004-10-14 C-Guys, Inc. SDIO controller

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
RAGHURAMAN ET AL.: "ARASAN HDK Hardware Specification - User Guide Version 1.2", 27 March 2005, ARASAN CHIP SYSTEMS INC., XP002437527 *

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