JP2000163323A - Electronic device, control method therefor, memory medium and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely execute the reload of information recorded in a non-volatile memory concerning electronic device having the non-volatile memory. SOLUTION: This equipment is provided with a flash memory 27 with which information can be reloaded, battery voltage detecting circuit 23 for detecting the output voltage of a battery power source 21 and CPU 24 for detecting the remaining power of the battery power source 21 from the output voltage of the power source 21 and only when the remaining power of the battery power source 21 is sufficient, the reload of an operating program 272 in the flash memory 271 is permitted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus, a control method therefor, a memory medium, and a printer.
The present invention relates to an electronic device having a function of receiving power supply from a battery power source, a control method thereof, a memory medium for performing the control method, and a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is an electronic device which is equipped with a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory as a memory for holding an operation program and data and can rewrite the operation program and data.

In such an electronic device, when erasing or writing of data recorded in a nonvolatile memory takes a long time, for example, a power supply voltage becomes insufficient during rewriting of an operation program or data and rewriting fails. there's a possibility that. In this case, since an indispensable operation program and data are not prepared in the non-volatile memory, a situation in which the electronic device cannot be started may occur.

Conventionally, as a method for avoiding such a situation, there is provided a method of providing a secondary power supply for backup,
There is a method in which a spare nonvolatile memory is provided, and when rewriting fails, a normal state is restored by using an operation program or data before rewriting.

[0005]

However, a method of separately providing a power source for backup and a nonvolatile memory is as follows.
The disadvantages are large because the cost is increased and the size of the electronic device is increased.

In an electronic device that operates on both an external power supply and a battery power supply, it is possible to use the battery power supply for backup.
If the remaining amount of the battery power is insufficient, the battery may not function as a backup power supply.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background. For example, in an electronic device having a nonvolatile memory, it is possible to reliably execute rewriting of information recorded in the nonvolatile memory. The purpose is to do.

[0008]

An electronic apparatus according to the present invention is an electronic apparatus having a function of receiving power supply from a battery power supply, comprising a nonvolatile memory capable of rewriting information, and a remaining power of the battery power supply. And a permission unit for permitting rewriting of information recorded in the non-volatile memory only when the remaining amount of the battery power is sufficient, and only when the permission unit permits the rewriting. And rewriting information recorded in the non-volatile memory as necessary by using a power supply supplied from the battery power supply.

In the above electronic apparatus, it is preferable that the detecting means detects the remaining amount of the battery power, for example, by detecting an output voltage of the battery power.

In the above electronic apparatus, it is preferable that the electronic apparatus further includes an input unit for inputting a request for rewriting information recorded in the nonvolatile memory.

In the above electronic apparatus, it is preferable that the electronic apparatus further includes a communication unit for acquiring information for rewriting information recorded in the nonvolatile memory from an external device.

In the above electronic apparatus, it is preferable that, for example, the permission means further include an output means for allowing a user to recognize information on whether or not rewriting of information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is permitted. .

In the above electronic apparatus, for example, a function for receiving power supply from an external power supply during normal operation;
It is preferable that the power supply further includes switching means for switching a power supply source from the external power supply to the battery power supply in response to a request for rewriting information recorded in the nonvolatile memory.

An electronic device control method according to the present invention is a method for controlling an electronic device having a function of receiving power supply from a battery power supply and a nonvolatile memory capable of rewriting information, wherein the remaining power of the battery power supply is provided. And a permission step of permitting rewriting of information recorded in the non-volatile memory only when the remaining amount of the battery power is sufficient, and is permitted by the permission step. Only if
The information recorded in the non-volatile memory is rewritten as needed using a power supplied from the battery power.

A memory medium according to the present invention is a memory medium storing a program for controlling an electronic device having a function of receiving power supply from a battery power supply and a nonvolatile memory capable of rewriting information, The electronic device,
A detecting step of detecting a remaining amount of the battery power, and a permission step of permitting rewriting of information recorded in the nonvolatile memory only when the remaining amount of the battery power is sufficient, Only when permitted, it operates as an electronic device that rewrites information recorded in the non-volatile memory as needed by using power supplied from the battery power supply. .

A printer according to the present invention is a printer having a function of receiving power supply from a battery power supply, comprising a nonvolatile memory capable of rewriting information, a detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery power supply, Permission means for permitting rewriting of information recorded in the non-volatile memory only when the remaining amount of the battery power is sufficient, and the power is supplied from the battery power only when permitted by the permission means. The information recorded in the non-volatile memory is rewritten as needed using a power supply.

[0017]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, an ink jet printer will be described as a preferred application example of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of an inkjet printer (IJRA) according to a preferred application example of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a carriage HC is driven by a driving force transmitting gear 50 in conjunction with forward and reverse rotation of a driving motor 5013.
Lead screw 50 rotating through 09-5011
05 has a pin (not shown) that engages with the spiral groove 5004. The carriage HC is supported by a guide rail 5003, and reciprocates in the directions of arrows a and b with the rotation of the lead screw 5005. In the carriage HC,
An integrated ink-jet cartridge IJC containing a print head IJH and an ink tank IT is mounted.

Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper holding plate, which applies a platen 5000 to the recording paper P in the moving direction of the carriage HC.
Press against Photocouplers 5007 and 5008 are home position detectors for checking the arrival of the lever 5006 of the carriage HC and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013 and the like. 5016 is
Cap member 5 for capping the front surface of recording head IJH
Reference numeral 5015 denotes a member for supporting the inside of the cap 5015. The suction unit 5015 sucks the inside of the cap, and recovers the suction of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap.

Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade.
Reference numeral 019 denotes a member which enables the blade to move in the front-rear direction, and these members are supported by the main body support plate 5018. As the blade, other well-known cleaning blades besides this form can be adopted.

Reference numeral 5021 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery from suction, and a cam 50 which engages with the carriage HC.
It moves with the movement of 20, and the movement of the driving force from the drive motor 5013 is controlled by a known transmission mechanism such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured such that when the carriage HC reaches the area on the home position side, desired processing can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005. If a desired operation is performed at a predetermined timing, another configuration can be adopted.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a control section of the ink jet printer (electronic device) shown in FIG. The inkjet printer 100 includes a control unit 2 and a battery 21. Battery 21
For example, a lithium ion battery or the like is suitable.

In this embodiment, the ink jet printer 100 receives power from only the battery 21.
When the remaining amount of the battery 21 is insufficient, the battery 21 needs to be charged by a charger (not shown). The battery 21 and the control unit 2 are detachably connected via a connector 22.

The battery voltage Vpp input from the battery 21 to the control unit 2 is adapted to each unit in the ink jet printer 100 by using, for example, a DC-DC converter (not shown) or the like (not shown) in the control unit 2. Voltage (eg, Vcc)
Is converted to

The battery voltage Vpp is calculated by the battery voltage detection circuit 23.
Is input to The battery voltage detection circuit 23 has a load circuit 231, a switch 232, and a voltage converter 233.

The CPU 24 has an AD converter 241 as an input port, and the voltage converter 2 of the battery voltage detection circuit 23
The voltage supplied from 33 is digitized by the AD converter 241 and taken in. Then, the CPU 24
The remaining amount of the battery 21 is recognized based on the value of the voltage taken in through the converter 241, and it is determined whether or not the battery 21 has a sufficient remaining amount for rewriting the flash memory (non-volatile memory) 27.

The CPU 24 has an output port 242, and the battery voltage detection circuit 2 is connected through the output port 242.
3 switch 232 is controlled. That is, the CPU 24
When detecting the remaining amount of the battery 21, the switch 232 is closed to enable the load 231. When not detecting the remaining amount of the battery 21, the switch 232 is opened to disable the load 231.

The interface 25 is an interface circuit for connecting to the information processing device 10 such as a personal computer. Usually, the interface 25
Is used for exchanging print data, control information, and the like between the information processing apparatus 10 and the inkjet printer 100. On the other hand, when rewriting the operation program or data (hereinafter, operation program etc.) 272 recorded in the flash memory 27, the interface 2
Reference numeral 5 is used to receive rewrite data from the information processing device 10.

The flash memory 27 stores an operation program 272 to be rewritten and a rewrite program 271 for controlling the rewrite operation. The RAM 26 is used, for example, as a reception buffer during printing, an image memory, a work area, and the like.

The switch 28 is a switch for the user to instruct the inkjet printer 100 to turn on or off the power. Switch 2 with power off
8 is closed, the CPU 24 turns on the power to be supplied to each unit in the apparatus, and turns on the switch 2 when the power is on.
When the shutter 8 is closed, the CPU 24 turns off the power supplied to each unit of the apparatus.

The switch 29 is a switch for the user to instruct rewriting of the operation program and the like 272 in the flash memory 27. In this embodiment, it is assumed that when the switch 28 is operated and the power is turned on while the switch 29 is closed, the flash memory 27 enters the rewrite mode.

The switches 28 and 29 are arranged, for example, in an operation panel (not shown).

The display unit 30 is provided with the ink jet printer 1
It is used to display an operation state, an operation mode, and the like of 00.

In FIG. 2, elements, circuits and the like for controlling the printing operation are omitted.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the ink jet printer 100 shown in FIG.
First, in step S31, when the switch 28 is operated to instruct power-on of the inkjet printer 100, in step S32, the CPU 24 determines whether or not the switch 29 is closed, that is, instructs execution of the rewrite mode. Check whether it is. In this embodiment, since step S32 is executed immediately after step S31, as a result, when power-on is instructed with the switch 29 closed, the rewrite mode is executed.

When execution of the rewrite mode is instructed, the process proceeds to step S33, and when execution of the rewrite mode is not instructed, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the inkjet printer 100 performs a normal operation, that is, receives print data, performs printing, and the like.

In step S33, the CPU 24 closes the switch 232 of the battery voltage detector 23, and takes in the voltage value supplied from the voltage converter 233 in this state.
Then, the CPU 24 determines the battery 2 based on the voltage value.
Check the remaining amount of 1. In step S34, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of the battery 21 is sufficient. If it is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S35, and if not, the process proceeds to step S42.

As a specific example, a case where a lithium ion battery is used as the battery 21 will be considered. In the case of a lithium ion battery, there is a one-to-one relationship between the output voltage and the remaining battery level.
Therefore, the relationship between the battery voltage and the remaining amount is experimentally obtained in advance, and the voltage A corresponding to the remaining battery amount necessary for rewriting the operation program 272 of the flash memory 27 is recorded in, for example, the rewriting program 271. deep. Then, in the rewrite mode, the voltage B of the battery 21 is adjusted to AD
By reading into the CPU 24 via the converter 241 and comparing the voltage A with the voltage B, the remaining amount of the battery 21 can be confirmed. Specifically, when the voltage B> the voltage A, the remaining amount of the battery 21 is sufficient, and the operation program and the like 272 of the flash memory 27 can be rewritten.

In step S35, the fact that the operation program 272 in the flash memory 27 can be rewritten is displayed on the display unit 30 to inform the user. On the other hand, in step S42, the operation program or the like in the flash memory 27 is notified to the user.
In order to inform that 72 cannot be rewritten, the fact is displayed on the display unit 30.

In step S36, the operation program 2
A final confirmation is made as to whether or not to rewrite 72. Specifically, in this embodiment, for example, when the switch 29 is closed within a predetermined time, the CPU 2
4 starts rewriting of the operation program 272 or the like, and does not execute rewriting if the switch 29 is not closed within a predetermined time.

In step S37, rewrite data supplied from the information processing apparatus 10 via the interface 25 is received, and the operation program 272 and the like are rewritten based on the rewrite data. In this embodiment, a step S37 copies the rewriting program 271 in the flash memory 27 to a predetermined area in the RAM 26,
It is executed based on the copy.

In step S38, a message that the rewriting has been successful is displayed on the display unit 30. Step S3
9, the CPU 24 operates the inkjet printer 100
Turn off the power supply to each part of

After the operation program 272 of the flash memory 27 is rewritten, subsequent operations (for example, step S41) are controlled based on the rewritten operation program 272.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
The rewriting of the contents of the flash memory is enabled only when the remaining amount of the battery is sufficient, so that the rewriting operation can be prevented from being interrupted halfway.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the control section of the ink jet printer (electronic device) shown in FIG. This embodiment is obtained by adding a function for using the external power supply 41 to the first embodiment.

The control unit 2 of the ink jet printer 100 according to this embodiment includes a connector 42 for connecting to an external power supply 41 and a selector 43 for selecting the output of the external power supply 41 or the battery 21 and taking in the output as the power supply voltage Vpp. And Further, the CPU 24 according to this embodiment has an output port 421 for controlling the selector 43.
As the external power supply 41, for example, a power adapter that converts commercial AC power into DC power is suitable. The other components are the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the ink jet printer 100 shown in FIG.
This flowchart is obtained by adding steps S51 to S53 to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, if it is determined in step S32 that execution of the rewrite mode has been instructed, the flow proceeds to step S51. In step S51, the CPU 24 closes the switch 232, and takes in the value of the voltage supplied from the voltage converter 233 in this state. Then, the CPU 24 determines whether or not the battery 21 is connected based on the value of the voltage. If the battery 21 is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S53. If the battery 21 is mounted, the process proceeds to step S52. move on.

In step S53, a message indicating that the battery 21 is not installed is displayed on the display unit 30 to urge the user to install the battery 21. Step S
Steps 51 and S53 are repeatedly executed until the battery 21 is mounted.

In step S52, the CPU 24 controls the selector 43 via the output port 421 to switch the power supply from the external power supply 41 to the battery 21, and proceeds to step S33. Subsequent operations are the same as in the first embodiment.

According to this embodiment, when execution of the rewrite mode is instructed, the power supply source is changed to external power supply 4
By switching from 1 to the battery 21, when the power supply from the external power supply 41 is cut off during the execution of the rewrite mode, it is possible to prevent the rewrite operation from being interrupted halfway.

According to this embodiment, when the execution of the rewrite mode is instructed, the power supply source is switched from the external power supply 41 to the battery 21, and only when the remaining amount of the battery 21 is sufficient, By executing the rewrite mode, the power supply from the external power supply 41 is cut off during the execution of the rewrite mode, and the battery 2 for backup is used.
When the remaining amount of 1 is insufficient, it is possible to prevent the rewriting operation from being interrupted halfway.

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, and the like), the present invention includes one device. The present invention may be applied to an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.).

An object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0062]

According to the present invention, the information recorded in the nonvolatile memory can be reliably rewritten.

[Brief description of figures]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating an outline of a configuration of an ink jet printer according to a preferred application example of the invention.

[0063]

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a control unit of the ink jet printer shown in FIG.

[0064]

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the ink jet printer shown in FIG. 2;

[0065]

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the control unit of the ink jet printer shown in FIG.

[0066]

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the ink jet printer shown in FIG.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An electronic device having a function of receiving power supply from a battery power supply, comprising: a nonvolatile memory capable of rewriting information; a detecting unit for detecting a remaining amount of the battery power supply; Permission means for permitting rewriting of information recorded in the non-volatile memory only when the amount is sufficient, and using power supplied from the battery power supply only when permission is given by the permission means. An electronic device that rewrites information recorded in the nonvolatile memory as needed. 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the remaining amount of the battery power by detecting an output voltage of the battery power. 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit configured to input a request for rewriting information recorded in the nonvolatile memory. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit configured to acquire information for rewriting information recorded in the nonvolatile memory from an external device. Electronic device as described. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said permission means further comprises an output means for allowing a user to recognize information on whether or not rewriting of information recorded in said nonvolatile memory is permitted. The electronic device according to claim 4. 6. A function for receiving power supply from an external power supply during normal operation, and a power supply source is switched from the external power supply to the battery power supply in response to a request for rewriting information recorded in the nonvolatile memory. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: switching means for switching. 7. A method for controlling an electronic device having a function of receiving power supply from a battery power supply and a nonvolatile memory capable of rewriting information, comprising: a detecting step of detecting a remaining amount of the battery power; A permission step of permitting rewriting of information recorded in the non-volatile memory only when the remaining amount of battery power is sufficient, and supplying the power from the battery power only when permitted by the permission step. A method for controlling an electronic device, wherein information stored in the non-volatile memory is rewritten as necessary using a power supply to be used. 8. A memory medium storing a program for controlling an electronic device having a function of receiving a power supply from a battery power supply and a nonvolatile memory capable of rewriting information, wherein the electronic device comprises: A detection step of detecting the remaining amount of battery power, and a permission step of permitting rewriting of information recorded in the nonvolatile memory only when the remaining amount of battery power is sufficient, Only when permitted, it operates as an electronic device that rewrites information recorded in the non-volatile memory as needed by using power supplied from the battery power supply. Memory medium. 9. A printer having a function of receiving power supply from a battery power supply, a non-volatile memory capable of rewriting information, detection means for detecting the remaining power of the battery power, and a remaining power of the battery power. Permission means for permitting rewriting of information recorded in the non-volatile memory only when is sufficient, and using a power supplied from the battery power supply only when permitted by the permission means. And rewriting information recorded in the non-volatile memory as needed.