JP2001043088A - Device function change service system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a device function change service system that enables a function change of a device without adding hardware in a form according to a user's occasional request. A device function change service system changes a function of a device including a reconfigurable chip. The device function change service system includes a means for receiving a request for changing the function of the device, a means for specifying the change content of the reconfigurable chip based on the content of the request, and a means for specifying the change content of the specified reconfigurable chip. Means for performing a change of the reconfigurable chip based on the information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a function change service system for a device equipped with a reconfigurable chip suitable for performing a function change (function expansion) of the device and repairing a failure after the device is sold. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, PC (personal computer)
The functions of hardware of an electronic device such as the electronic device are fixed at the time of sale of the electronic device. PC is
Generally, a high-performance CPU is built in. Therefore, by using various application software, various processes (for example, word processing,
E-mail, Internet search, video playback processing, etc.)
Can be realized. Network computers are also sold as simple and inexpensive PCs without a hard disk.

[0003] When a user purchases a PC, the user selects a model that suits his / her preference from a number of models in consideration of the motivation to purchase the PC, and purchases the PC of the selected model. Was.

[0004]

If the user is a computer novice and the only motivation to purchase a PC is to simply use a word processor, high-performance hardware (for example, The high performance chip) is unnecessary at least at the time of purchasing the PC. Moreover, such high-performance hardware is forever unnecessary if the user is known to use only word processors in the future. But,
Even in such a situation, since the user has to purchase a PC equipped with high-performance hardware, there is an irrationality that the price of the PC is relatively high for a novice computer user. Such irrationalities are:
It is based on the fact that the functions of the hardware of the PC are fixed at the point of sale of the PC.

Conversely, when a network computer is purchased as an inexpensive PC, it may be difficult to realize a process involving a large amount of calculation using the PC after purchasing the PC. is there. Cheap PC
This is because the performance of the hardware is kept low.
In such a case, the user is forced to purchase a new PC for replacement of a PC or expansion of functions.

[0006] The above problem is that the business on the equipment sales side is based on the premise of after-sales service, but it is necessary to add hardware in order to extend functions.
This is because the business encourages replacement of equipment.
This type of business leads to shorter equipment life,
It is hard to say that it is a business that considers the global environment these days.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device function change service system which enables a function change of a device without adding hardware in a form according to a user's occasional demand. is there.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a function changing service system for a device, which changes a function of a device including a reconfigurable chip. Receiving means, means for specifying the change content of the reconfigurable chip based on the content of the request, and changing the reconfigurable chip based on the change content of the specified reconfigurable chip. Means, whereby the above object is achieved.

[0009] The content of the request may be to repair a failure of the device.

[0010] The content of the request may be to add or extend the function of the device.

[0011] The change of the reconfigurable chip may be performed via a network.

[0012] The reconfigurable chip may have a plurality of circuit blocks for realizing different functions.

[0013] The reconfigurable chip may have a reconfigurable logic circuit for realizing a predetermined function according to circuit information.

[0014] The reconfigurable chip may further include a plurality of circuit blocks for realizing the same function.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a device function change service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The equipment service center 1 is connected to a home 2 and an office 3 via a network 4. Home 2
Includes a television (TV) 6, a personal computer (PC) 7, a refrigerator 8, a DVD (Digital V)
video Disc; Digital Versati
Le Disc) devices (information home appliances) such as a recording / reproducing device 9 (hereinafter abbreviated as DVD 9) are placed, and these devices are connected to the home 2 via the home LAN 5.

The equipment service center 1 receives a request for changing the function of the equipment in the home 2. The equipment service center 1 changes the function of the equipment in the home 2 according to the content of the request so as to satisfy the content of the request. Such a device function change is performed remotely from the device service center 1 via the network 4.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the DVD 9 in the home 2 includes a network communication unit 11, a reconfigurable chip 10a, and a reconfigurable chip 10b as a chip configuration of the DVD 9. The DVD 9 further includes members necessary for recording and reproduction (for example, a spindle motor for rotating the disk and a pickup for reproducing data recorded on the disk by irradiating the disk with light). The illustration is omitted. Each of the reconfigurable chips 10a and 10b is a chip that can reconfigure its own configuration based on information output from the network communication unit 11. DVD
The function change 9 is achieved by changing the configuration of the reconfigurable chip 10a or the reconfigurable chip 10b based on information transmitted from the device service center 1.

Similarly, various devices in the home 2 include at least one reconfigurable chip.

It should be noted that the equipment service center 1 may be installed individually for each product distributor, or may be installed for each industry that handles products.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the reconfigurable chip 10a included in the DVD 9.

The reconfigurable chip 10a has a function level L
(Low) circuit block # 1 (70a), functional level L (low) circuit block # 2 (70b), and functional level H (high) circuit block # 3 (70c).
Function level L (low) circuit blocks 70a, 70b
Is a circuit block for performing, for example, triple speed special reproduction. The circuit block 70c having the function level H (high) is a circuit block for performing, for example, 10 × speed special reproduction.

As described above, the reconfigurable chip includes a plurality of circuit blocks having the same function level and a circuit block having a higher function level than the plurality of circuit blocks. At least one of the plurality of circuit blocks having the same function level can be replaced with another one.
Therefore, at least one of the plurality of circuit blocks having the same function level can be used as a spare circuit block. A circuit block with a high function level can be used as a circuit block for version upgrade.

The reconfigurable chip 10a includes a network communication unit 72 for receiving information for reconfiguring the reconfigurable chip 10a from the equipment service center 1 via the network 4, a circuit block 70a to 70c, and an external pin P. further comprising a switching means 71 for switching a connection relationship between _{1, 0} to P k, ₀ and P _1,1 ~P _{k, 1.}

The switching means 71 includes a circuit block 70a
To 70c is connected to an external pin P _1,0~ P_{k, 0}Connect to
Switch SW_1,0~ SW_{k, 0}And the circuit blocks 70a-
One of the external pins P_1,1~ P_{k, 1}Connect to
Switch SW_1,1~ SW_{k, 1}And non-volatile shift register
Data SR. Switch SW_1,0~ SW_{k, 0}And sui
Switch_1,1~ SW_{k, 1}Is stored in the shift register SR.
Is controlled by the information

For example, when the information held in the shift register SR is 3-bit data (0, 1, 0), the circuit block 70b connects the external pins P _{1,0 to} P _{k, 0} and P _{1, 1 to} P _{k, 1} . This is the circuit block 70
a means that the circuit block 70b is selectively used from among a to 70c. Similarly, shift register SR
Is 3-bit data (1, 0, 0), the circuit block 70c sets the external pins P _1,0 to
P _{k, 0} and P _{1,1 to} P _{k, 1} . This allows
The circuit block 70c is used. Also, the information held in the shift register SR is 3-bit data (0, 0,
In the case of 1), the circuit block 70a is connected to the external pin P
_{1,0 to} P _{k, 0} and P _{1,1 to} P _{k, 1} . As a result, the circuit block 70a is used.

From the equipment service center 1 to the network 4, the home LAN 5, and the network communication means 11
The change of the 3-bit data held in the shift register SR can be instructed via the (network communication means 72). This allows the equipment service center 1 to move from home 2
The function of the reconfigurable chip 10a of the DVD 9 can be changed remotely.

Note that the reconfigurable chip 10a may be configured to include circuit blocks of three or more different functional levels. For example, the reconfigurable chip 10a has a function block L (low) for performing 5 × speed special reproduction and a function level M (middle) for performing 10 × speed special reproduction.
And a circuit block of function level H (high) for performing 20 × speed special reproduction.

All other reconfigurable chips included in DVD 9 (eg, reconfigurable chip 10b)
It has a configuration similar to the configuration shown in FIG.

Communication between the equipment service center 1 and the home 2 is performed, for example, by transferring packets. The packet includes a header portion indicating a transfer destination and a data portion including information to be transferred. The header section includes both a device identification number assigned to each device in the home 2 and a chip identification number assigned to each reconfigurable chip in each device. By configuring the header portion of the packet in this way, it becomes possible to transfer the packet from the device service center 1 to a specific reconfigurable chip in a specific device in the home 2.

The network communication means may be provided for each device in the home 2 like the network communication means 11 shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided like the network communication means 72 shown in FIG. One may be provided for each reconfigurable chip included in the device.

Hereinafter, a method of providing a function changing service of a device will be described with reference to FIG. Requests to change the function of a device from a user are roughly classified into a request to add or extend the function of the device and a request to repair a failure of the device.

(A) When the request from the user is a request to “add or expand the function of the device” The request from the user is “
9 is requested to be upgraded from the current 3 × speed to the 10 × speed ”.

Step S1: The function of the device is initialized according to the user's request. The user purchases a device having the initially set functions.

For example, a user A has a product number "DV
Assume that it is desired to purchase the DVD 9 of “D- # n1”.

Table 1 defines the relationship between the function of "DVD- # n1" and the price. (Table 1) also shows “DVD
A relationship between the function of “# n1” and the setting of a reconfigurable chip for realizing the function is defined. (Table 1) is stored in the function table 1c of the device service center 1.

When purchasing “DVD- # n1”, Mr. A is presented with a correspondence table between “DVD- # n1” functions and prices as shown in (Table 1).

[0039]

[Table 1]

The price of Function 1 (3x speed) is
(Double speed) (ie, X yen <Y
Circle). According to the function desired by Mr. A, "DVD- # n
The price at the time of purchase of “1” is determined.

If Mr. A wants function 1 (3 × speed), the reconfigurable chip A of “DVD- # n1”
The reconfigurable chip A1 is initialized so that one circuit block # 1 (L) is used. If Mr. A wishes for function 2 (10 × speed), “DVD- # n
Circuit block # 3 (H) of reconfigurable chip A1 of "1"
The reconfigurable chip A1 is initialized so that is used. Such an initial setting is performed at the store or the equipment service center 1 of “DVD- # n1”. The function 1 (triple speed) may be set in advance as a default of the initial setting.

It is assumed that Mr. A has requested function 1 (3 × speed) as the initial setting of “DVD- # n1”. In this case, the reconfigurable chip A1 of “DVD- # n1” is initialized so as to use the circuit block # 1 (L). The initial setting information of “DVD- # n1” is stored in the device management information table 1a of the device service center 1.

After the "DVD- # n1" is purchased, the setting of the reconfigurable chip A1 is changed to the circuit block # 1.
The following description will be made assuming that (L) has been changed to circuit block # 2 (L).

Further, customer information indicating that Mr. A has purchased "DVD- # n1" is stored in the customer list 1b of the equipment service center 1. Device management information table 1a
The customer list 1b is referred to when a request for changing the function of the device is received from the user.

Step S2: The user requests the device service center 1 to change the function of the device. For example, "DV
I want the special playback function of the D9 to be upgraded from 3x speed to 10x speed. " This request may be made via the network 4 or may be made by telephone or FAX.

Step S3: Based on the content of the request from the user, the content of the change of the reconfigurable chip of the device is specified.

The part number of the equipment used by the customer is specified from the customer list 1b stored in the equipment service center 1.

Table 2 shows a part of the customer list 1b. By referring to (Table 2), the product number of the DVD 9 used by Mr. A is specified as “DVD- # n1”.

[0049]

[Table 2]

Referring to (Table 1), “DVD
In order to satisfy the request of "Upgrading the special playback function of No. 9 from 3x speed to 10x speed", "DV
It can be seen that the setting of the reconfigurable chip A1 of “D- # n1” should be changed. (Table 1) is “DVD- # n1”
This is because the relationship between the function and the setting of the reconfigurable chip for realizing the function is defined.

Table 3 shows a part of the device management information table 1a. (Table 3) defines reconfigurable chips included in “DVD- # n1”, circuit blocks included in each reconfigurable chip, and history information of use of each circuit block.

[0052]

[Table 3]

To satisfy the request from the user by referring to (Table 3), "DVD- # n1"
It can be seen that the circuit block # 2 (L) currently used in the reconfigurable chip A1 of this example can be changed to the circuit block # 3 (H).

Thus, the equipment service center 1
Refers to the customer list 1b, the function table 1c, and the device management information table 1a to specify the change content of the reconfigurable chip of the device.

Step S4: The reconfigurable chip is changed based on the specified reconfigurable chip change content.

For example, when the reconfigurable chip A1 of “DVD- # n1” has the same configuration as the configuration of the reconfigurable chip 10a shown in FIG. 2, the equipment service center 1 4 through “DVD- # n
3 ”is stored in the reconfigurable chip A1 of“ 1 ”.
(0,0). The 3-bit data (1, 0,
0) is held in the shift register SR of the reconfigurable chip A1 of “DVD- # n1”. Thereby, “DV
The circuit block used in the reconfigurable chip A1 of “D- # n1” can be switched from the circuit block # 2 (L) to the circuit block # 3 (H).

After the reconfigurable chip A1 is changed, the history information in (Table 3) is updated. That is, the history information of the circuit block # 2 of the reconfigurable chip A1 is changed from “in use” to “before use”, and the history information of the circuit block # 3 of the reconfigurable chip A1 is changed from “before use” to “use before”. Medium ”. Note that the reconfigurable chip A1
The reason why the history information of the circuit block # 2 is changed from “used” to “before use” is to enable the circuit block # 2 of the reconfigurable chip A1 to be reused.

Step S5: A fee is charged to Mr. A for changing the function of the device. This charge is determined based on changing the circuit blocks used in the reconfigurable chip A1 from the circuit block # 2 of the function level L to the circuit block # 3 of the function level H.

As described above, according to the above-described device function changing service, the function of the device can be changed by changing the setting of the reconfigurable chip. Thereby, even after purchasing the device, the function of the device can be added or expanded without purchasing additional hardware.

(B) In the case where the request from the user is a request to "repair the equipment failure" It is assumed that the request from the user is a request to "repair the failure of the DVD 9".

Step S1: The function of the device is initialized according to the user's request. The user purchases a device having the initially set functions.

For example, the user B has a product number of “DV
It is assumed that the user wishes to purchase the DVD 9 of “D- # m1”. Mr. B purchased “DVD- # m1”
A correspondence table between the function of "DVD- # m1" and the price is presented. Here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the correspondence table is the same as that shown in (Table 1).

Assume that Mr. B desires function 1 (3 × speed) as the initial setting of “DVD- # m1”. In this case, the reconfigurable chip A1 of “DVD- # m1” is initialized so as to use the circuit block # 1 (L). The initial setting information of “DVD- # m1” is stored in the device management information table 1a of the device service center 1.

Further, customer information indicating that Mr. B has purchased “DVD- # m1” is stored in the customer list 1 b of the equipment service center 1. Device management information table 1a
The customer list 1b is referred to when a request for changing the function of the device is received from the user.

Step S2: The user requests the equipment service center 1 to change the function of the equipment. For example, "DV
I want you to fix the malfunction of D9. " This request may be made via the network 4 or may be made by telephone or FAX.

Step S3: Based on the content of the request from the user, the content of the change of the reconfigurable chip of the device is specified.

The product number of the device used by the customer is specified from the customer list 1b stored in the device service center 1.

By referring to (Table 2), the part number of the DVD 9 used by Mr. B is specified as “DVD- # m1”.

Table 4 shows part of the device management information table 1a. Table 4 defines reconfigurable chips included in “DVD- # m1”, circuit blocks included in each reconfigurable chip, and history information of use of each circuit block.

[0070]

[Table 4]

The user confirms the symptom of the failure of the DVD 9. Based on the confirmation result, the LS inside the DVD 9
It is determined whether or not the failure is I. LSI inside DVD9
(Table 4) is referred to when the failure is considered to be.
Referring to (Table 4), the circuit block currently used in the reconfigurable chip A1 of “DVD- # m1” is the circuit block # 1 (L), and “DVD- # m1”
It can be seen that the circuit block currently used in the reconfigurable chip A2 of # m1 is the circuit block # 1 (L).

The equipment service center 1 performs a remote test on these currently used circuit blocks via the network 4. Specifically, the equipment service center 1
A desired test pattern is transmitted to the circuit block currently used in the reconfigurable chip, and the result is verified to determine whether the circuit block currently used is out of order. By such a test, a faulty circuit block is specified.

For example, it is assumed that the faulty circuit block is identified as the circuit block # 1 (L) in the reconfigurable chip A2. In this case, referring to (Table 4), in order to satisfy the content of the request from the user, the reconfigurable chip A2 of “DVD- # m1” is required.
It can be seen that the circuit block # 1 (L) currently used may be changed to the circuit block # 2 (L).

Thus, the equipment service center 1
Refers to the customer list 1b and the device management information table 1a to specify the change content of the reconfigurable chip of the device.

Step S4: The reconfigurable chip is changed based on the specified contents of the change of the reconfigurable chip.

For example, if the reconfigurable chip A2 of “DVD- # m1” has the same configuration as the configuration of the reconfigurable chip 10a shown in FIG. 2, the equipment service center 1 4 through “DVD- # m
The 3-bit data (0, 0, 1) is stored in the reconfigurable chip A2 of "1".
1, 0). The 3-bit data (0, 1,
0) is held in the shift register SR of the reconfigurable chip A2 of “DVD- # m1”. Thereby, “DV
The circuit block used in the reconfigurable chip A2 of “D- # m1” can be switched from the circuit block # 1 (L) to the circuit block # 2 (L).

After the reconfigurable chip A2 is changed, the history information in (Table 4) is updated. That is, the history information of the circuit block # 1 of the reconfigurable chip A2 is changed from “in use” to “used”, and the history information of the circuit block # 2 of the reconfigurable chip A2 is changed from “before use” to “used”. Medium ”. Note that the reconfigurable chip A
The reason for changing the history information of the second circuit block # 1 to “used” instead of “before use” is to prevent the circuit block # 1 of the faulty reconfigurable chip A2 from being reused.

Step S5: Bill B is charged for a change in the function of the device (repair of the device). This charge is determined based on changing the circuit block used in the reconfigurable chip A2 from the circuit block # 1 of the function level L to the circuit block # 2 of the function level L.

As described above, according to the above-described device function changing service, it is possible to change the function of the device by changing the setting of the reconfigurable chip. As a result, even if a failure occurs in a device, the failure in the device can be repaired without replacing the failed chip.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can select the function of the device when purchasing the device and purchase the device, so that the initial investment when purchasing the device can be suppressed. In addition, by mounting a reconfigurable chip inside the device, the configuration of the reconfigurable chip can be changed without adding new hardware in response to various requests such as device failure repair or function change (extension). You can respond by doing. This substantially leads to a longer life of hardware such as a reconfigurable chip, and a lower rate of discarding the chip or a board on which the chip is mounted as compared with the conventional business mode. Therefore, it can be said that such a business form is a new business form that is friendly to the global environment.

Further, by reconfiguring the reconfigurable chip via the network, a function changing service of the device can be promptly provided to the user of the device.

Further, after selling the device, a service for reconfiguring the reconfigurable chip inside the device even after the function of the device is changed after the device is sold can expand business opportunities.

Further, since the chip maker can manufacture reconfigurable chips in a large number and a small variety, a scale advantage (mass production effect) is obtained. Of course, the added value of the chip can be increased, and the life of the chip can be significantly increased, so that the chip is environmentally friendly.

As the reconfigurable chip, various types of reconfigurable chips other than the type shown in FIG. 2 can be used.

FIGS. 4 to 7 show variations of the configuration of the reconfigurable chip.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the reconfigurable chip 40. Reconfigurable chip 40 is of the same type as reconfigurable chip 10a shown in FIG.

The reconfigurable chip 40 includes N circuit blocks # 1 (41-1) to #N (41-N).
A network communication unit 42 for receiving information for reconfiguring the reconfigurable chip 40; and a circuit block 41-1 to 41-N and an external pin P ₁ according to the information received by the network communication unit 42. _{, 0 to} P _{N, 0} and P
Switching means 43 for switching the connection relationship with _{1,1 to} P _{N, 1}
And

The circuit blocks 41-1 to 41-N include a plurality of circuit blocks having the same function level and a circuit block having a function level higher than the function levels of the plurality of circuit blocks. At least one of the plurality of circuit blocks having the same function level can be replaced with another one. Therefore, at least one of the plurality of circuit blocks having the same function level can be used as a spare circuit block. A circuit block with a high function level can be used as a circuit block for version upgrade.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the reconfigurable chip 50. The reconfigurable chip 50 uses an FPGA (Field Pro) instead of the circuit block 41-1 shown in FIG.
This is a type including a reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1 such as a grammable gate array.

The reconfigurable chip 50 includes a reconfigurable logic.
Circuit 51-1 and (N-1) circuit blocks # 2 (5
1-2)-Reconfigurable with circuit block #N (51-N)
Network for receiving information for reconfiguring the functional chip 50
Work communication means 52 and network communication means 52
Logic circuit 51 according to the information received
-1 and circuit blocks 51-2 to 51-N and external pins
P_1,0~ P_{N, 0}And P _1,1~ P_{N, 1}Switch connection relationship with
Switching means 53 for storing the circuit connection information a.
Storage means 54a and storage means 5 for storing circuit connection information b
4b and received by the network communication means 52
In accordance with the information, the circuit connection stored in the storage unit 54a is
Connection information a and the circuit connection stored in the storage means 54b.
Select one of the connection information b to the reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1.
And a selector 55 that supplies the data to the selector 55.

The reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1 is a circuit that realizes a predetermined function according to the provided circuit connection information. The reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1 is, for example, a DVD 9
It is assumed that the reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1 is initially used in the reconfigurable chip 50 in which the function level L is set to enable the reproduction at 3 × speed. The reconfigurable chip 50 includes a spare circuit block of the function level L. When the reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1 fails, the reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1 is replaced by a spare circuit block of the function level L. Such replacement is performed by a switching operation by the switching unit 53.

The circuit connection information a stored in the storage means 54a is, for example, information enabling reproduction of the DVD 9 at 4 × speed. The circuit connection information b stored in the storage unit 54b is, for example, information that enables the DVD 9 to be reproduced at 8 × speed. When the circuit connection information a is provided to the reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1, the reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1
Operates as a circuit block capable of reproducing a DVD 9 at 4 × speed. When the circuit connection information b is provided to the reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1, the reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1
Operates as a circuit block that enables reproduction of DVD 9 at 8 × speed.

When the device service center 1 receives a request to change the function of a device from the user (for example, a request to "make it possible to reproduce at 8 × speed"), the device service center 1 stores the device management information table 1a and With reference to the customer list 1b, circuit connection information b enabling reproduction at 8 × speed
Is remotely controlled so that is supplied to the reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1.

In this way, it is possible to respond to a request from a user to change the function of a device. One of the circuit connection information a and the circuit connection information b is reconfigurable logic circuit 51-1
, The version of the function of the reconfigurable chip 50 can be upgraded. In this case, the switching operation by the switching means 53 is unnecessary.

The reconfigurable chip 50 has a spare circuit block like the reconfigurable chip 40 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the reconfigurable chip 60.

The reconfigurable chip 60 includes a reconfigurable logic circuit 61, network communication means 62 for receiving information for reconfiguring the reconfigurable chip 60, and storage means 63a for storing circuit connection information a. Storage means 63b for storing circuit connection information b, and network communication means 62
A selector for selectively supplying one of the circuit connection information a stored in the storage unit 63a and the circuit connection information b stored in the storage unit 63b to the reconfigurable logic circuit 61 in accordance with the information received by the 64.

The reconfigurable chip 60 differs from the reconfigurable chip 50 shown in FIG. 5 in that it does not have a spare circuit block.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the reconfigurable chip 80.

The reconfigurable chip 80 includes a reconfigurable logic circuit 81, a network communication unit 82 for receiving circuit connection information, and a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing circuit connection information output from the network communication unit 82. 83. The circuit connection information temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 83 is provided to the reconfigurable logic circuit 81.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 7, circuit connection information for realizing a predetermined function of the reconfigurable logic circuit 81 is provided from outside the reconfigurable chip 80.

Note that the reconfigurable chip 80 does not have a spare circuit block unlike the reconfigurable chip 50 shown in FIG.

A reconfigurable chip of the type shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 is effective when a function of a device which will be required in the future is predicted. A reconfigurable chip of the type shown in FIG. 7 is useful when it is difficult to predict the functions of the equipment that will be required in the future. For example, when a standard for a device (for example, various types of digital television) has not been formulated yet, it is difficult to predict the function of the device in advance. Accordingly, such a device preferably includes a reconfigurable chip of the type shown in FIG.

Further, the reconfigurable chip of the type shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 has a spare circuit block as compared with the reconfigurable chip of the type shown in FIGS. Excellent resistance.

In the present embodiment, the function block for backing up the function of the whole chip is used, but a method of changing a part of the function of the whole chip may be used.

Further, in this embodiment, high-speed playback on a DVD has been described as an example of a function change.
For example, a reconfigurable chip that can be changed to a plurality of types of IEEE 1394 transfer rates is mounted on a device, and in response to a user's request for a function change, the device service center satisfies the user's request. Can be reconfigured, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to other general functions of information home appliances.

[0107]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by reconfiguring a reconfigurable chip without adding new hardware, it is possible to respond to a request from a user to change a function of a device. . This substantially increases the life of hardware such as reconfigurable chips,
This leads to a lower rate of discarding the chip or the board on which the chip is mounted as compared with the conventional business form. Therefore, it can be said that such a business form is a new business form that is friendly to the global environment.

The content of the request from the user may be to repair a malfunction of the device, or to add or expand the function of the device.

According to the fourth aspect, the change of the reconfigurable chip is performed via the network. This makes it possible to promptly provide a device function change service to a device user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a device function change service system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reconfigurable chip mounted on a device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a device function change service performed by a device service center.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reconfigurable chip mounted on a device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reconfigurable chip mounted on a device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reconfigurable chip mounted on a device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reconfigurable chip mounted on a device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 equipment service center 2 home 3 office 4 network 5 home LAN 6 TV 7 PC 8 refrigerator 9 DVD 10a, 10b reconfigurable chip 11 network communication means

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A device function change service system for changing a function of a device including a reconfigurable chip, comprising: means for receiving a request for a function change of the device; and reconfiguration based on the content of the request. A function change service system for a device, comprising: means for specifying a change in a reconfigurable chip; and means for changing the reconfigurable chip based on the specified change in the reconfigurable chip. 2. The device function change service system according to claim 1, wherein the content of the request is to repair a failure of the device. 3. The device function change service system according to claim 1, wherein the content of the request is to add or extend a function of the device. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the change of the reconfigurable chip is performed via a network. 5. The device function change service system according to claim 1, wherein said reconfigurable chip has a plurality of circuit blocks for realizing different functions. 6. The device function change service system according to claim 1, wherein the reconfigurable chip has a reconfigurable logic circuit that implements a predetermined function according to circuit information. 7. The device function change service system according to claim 5, wherein the reconfigurable chip further has a plurality of circuit blocks for realizing the same function.