JP2008033709A - Method and system for transmitting software update data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method, a system and a program for retransmitting update data from a remote site when a failure occurs halfway through transmission of update data of firmware for peripheral equipment such as a printer connected to a communication network. <P>SOLUTION: A computer 11 or the like receives, when a transmission error occurs for the update data, data reporting the transmission error from the peripheral equipment (printer 13a1 or the like), cancels transmission of remaining predetermined transmitting records for the update data, and transmits a command for resetting the peripheral equipment (printer 13a1 or the like) to the peripheral equipment (printer 13a1 or the like). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and system for transmitting software update data. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and system for transmitting firmware update data of peripheral devices such as printers connected to a communication network.

  Conventionally, when updating the firmware of a peripheral device such as a printer connected to a communication network in order to upgrade or troubleshoot, by sending update data of the firmware from a computer connected to the communication network, The peripheral device such as the printer receives the update data and executes the update process.

  More specifically, the peripheral device such as the printer includes a storage unit such as a Flash ROM that stores the firmware. Therefore, the update data of the entire image file of the firmware stored in the FlashROM in, for example, the Motorola (registered trademark) S3 format is transmitted from the computer to the peripheral device such as the printer via the communication network.

  By the way, the Motorola (registered trademark) S3 format can be converted into a binary data record. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the firmware update data is divided into object data of up to 250 bytes, and for each divided object data, a 2-byte type field, a 1-byte data length field, and It can be configured as an array of unit data including a header portion of a total of 7 bytes constituted by a 4-byte address field and a checksum of 1 byte.

  In response to requests for improvement in printer functions in recent years, the firmware of printers has become more sophisticated, and the size of firmware update data tends to increase. Along with this, the number of unit data constituting update data to be transmitted by one firmware update increases.

  Here, as described above, since the size of the update data to be transmitted has increased, for example, peripheral devices such as the printer are connected by USB, parallel, Ethernet (registered trademark) or other high-speed communication interfaces. In this case, the update data transmission time is not so much of a problem, but when connected via a serial I / F or other low-speed communication interface such as RS-232C, the update data transmission time is an operational issue. It has become.

  For example, when 6 MB update data is transmitted at 19200 bps, the communication time is 45 minutes, and when it is transmitted at 9600 bps, it takes 90 minutes. Normally, peripheral devices such as the printer cannot be used during transmission / reception of firmware update data. Therefore, particularly when updating firmware of peripheral devices such as printers in facilities operating for 24 hours, the transmission time of update data Reduction is desired.

  In such a situation, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, an interface box having an external memory that temporarily stores data received from a PC at 9600 bps is connected to the PC and used. Then, in response to connecting a portable information device capable of transmitting and receiving data at a higher communication speed to the interface box, the data once stored in the external memory is transferred to the portable information device at, for example, 50000 bps. Can be sent.

Therefore, the interface box can select the optimum communication speed according to the maximum communication speed of the connected portable information device and transmit data to the portable information device.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-212908

  However, as described above, firmware update data is transmitted from a host computer connected to the communication network to a peripheral device such as a printer connected in advance to the PC connected to the communication network via a serial I / F. In this case, even if the technique of Patent Document 1 is applied, 9600 bps, which is the communication speed between the PC and the interface box, eventually becomes a bottleneck, and the entire system cannot reduce the transmission time of update data. This is because, as described above, in the case of transmitting firmware update data of peripheral devices such as printers that are always connected to a communication network in principle, the technique of Patent Document 1 is based on an I / F that is a bottleneck. This is because transmission cannot be performed exceeding the communication speed.

  Here, if the transmission of the update data fails for some reason, it cannot be confirmed that there is an error until the host computer finishes transmitting the update data to the end. There is also a problem that it takes a long time to respond.

  In addition, if an error occurs during the transmission of the update data, a human must turn off / on the power once in order to perform the transmission again. However, there is a problem that it is actually difficult to re-transmit when the remote location exists.

  Furthermore, when there are a plurality of peripheral devices such as printers to be updated on the communication network, it is difficult to solve the above-described problems.

  Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method for retransmitting the update data without directly operating the peripheral device such as the printer when the transmission of the firmware update data of the peripheral device such as the printer fails in the middle. ing.

  Furthermore, even when there are a plurality of peripheral devices such as printers to be updated on the communication network, it is possible to provide a method for redoing the transmission of the update data only for peripheral devices such as printers whose transmission has failed during transmission. It is desired.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a method, system, and program for retransmitting update data from a remote site when transmission of firmware update data of a peripheral device such as a printer connected to a communication network fails in the middle. For the purpose.

  Furthermore, even when there are a plurality of peripheral devices such as printers to be updated on the communication network, a method is provided for retransmitting the update data only for peripheral devices such as printers whose transmission has failed during transmission. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, as a result of repeated researches by the present inventors, a method for retransmitting the update data from a remote site has been found and the present invention has been completed. Specifically, the present invention provides the following.

In the present invention, a computer (computer 11 or the like) connected to a communication network (communication network 14) transmits firmware update data of the peripheral device to a peripheral device (printer 13a1 or the like) connected to the communication network. A method,
The computer divides the update data into predetermined transmission records, adds predetermined check data for checking transmission errors of the predetermined transmission records for each predetermined transmission record, and sequentially adds to the peripheral device. Sending, and
The peripheral device sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission record from the computer;
Sequentially checking transmission errors using the predetermined check data for the received predetermined transmission record in response to the peripheral device sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission record from the computer;
When the peripheral device determines that a transmission error has occurred for the predetermined transmission record, transmitting data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error to the computer;
Suspending transmission of the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data in response to the computer receiving data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error from the peripheral device;
The computer includes a step of transmitting a command to reset the peripheral device to the peripheral device.

According to such a configuration of the present invention, the computer divides the update data into predetermined transmission records, and checks a transmission error of the predetermined transmission record for each predetermined transmission record. Add check data and send to the peripheral device sequentially,
The peripheral device sequentially receives the predetermined transmission record from the computer;
In response to sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission record from the computer, the transmission error is sequentially checked using the predetermined check data for the received predetermined transmission record,
When it is determined that a transmission error has occurred for the predetermined transmission record, data for notifying the occurrence of the transmission error is transmitted to the computer,
In response to receiving data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error from the peripheral device, the computer stops transmitting the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data,
It has an effect that it is possible to transmit a command to reset the peripheral device to the peripheral device.

  Accordingly, when a transmission error occurs, the computer receives data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error from the peripheral device, stops transmitting the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data, and A command to reset the peripheral device can be transmitted to the peripheral device.

  As a result, the computer can cancel the transmission of the predetermined transmission record that has not yet been transmitted at the time of receiving the data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error. Further, it is possible to reduce the time required to redo the transmission of the update data according to the transmission time of the transmission record.

  Furthermore, since the computer can transmit a command to reset the peripheral device that has transmitted the data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error to the peripheral device, the peripheral device completes the reset according to the command. If it is possible, the peripheral device can be reset remotely and the update data can be transmitted again without operating the peripheral device directly at the site.

  The size of the predetermined transmission record is preferably set to an appropriate value according to the communication speed and other requirements of the communication network.

  If the update data is divided into smaller transmission records, if the transmission error occurs, the size of the transmission record in the middle of transmission is also reduced, so the transmission of the remaining transmission records is stopped more quickly, and as a result, The time required for re-transmission of the update data can be further reduced.

  Conversely, if the update data is divided into larger transmission records, the size of the transmission record in the middle of transmission will increase when the transmission error occurs. As a result, the time required for re-transmission of the update data Although the time that can be reduced is smaller, the transmission time itself can be shortened by the amount of the predetermined check data for checking transmission errors, and the number of transmission error checks can be reduced. Therefore, the time required for the check can be further reduced.

  Thus, since there is a trade-off in setting the size of the transmission record, it is preferable to set an appropriate value according to the communication speed of the communication network, the occurrence probability of transmission errors, and the like.

  In the step of sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission record, the peripheral device may receive the next data if the peripheral device does not receive the next data even after a predetermined time has elapsed during reception of the predetermined transmission record. It is further desirable to reset the peripheral device.

  According to such a configuration of the present invention, in the step of sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission record, the peripheral device receives the next data even if a predetermined time or more elapses during reception of the predetermined transmission record. If not, the peripheral device can be reset.

  As a result, the peripheral device can reset the peripheral device itself even when the transmission of the predetermined transmission record cannot be received midway or a significant communication delay occurs for some reason. .

  More specifically, for example, when the predetermined check data is missing or when the update data transmission program is forcibly terminated on the computer side, the predetermined transmission record is transmitted halfway. The peripheral device can reset itself when it becomes impossible to perform communication, when a cable constituting the communication network is disconnected, or when the predetermined transmission record is missing.

  If the reset can be completed on the peripheral device side in this way, it can be recognized on the computer side that a transmission error has occurred when performing a return confirmation thereafter.

  Therefore, the computer can resume transmission of the update data remotely without directly operating the peripheral device.

  The predetermined time may be set to an appropriate value according to the system environment such as the communication speed of the communication network. By setting the predetermined time longer, it is possible to reduce the possibility of executing error processing even when transmission of update data itself can be continued, such as when a network delay occurs temporarily. Can do. On the other hand, the response when an error actually occurs is slow. On the other hand, if it is set shorter than the predetermined time, it is possible to deal with the error more quickly when an error actually occurs, but in fact, the transmission of the update data itself can be continued due to a temporary network delay, etc. Nevertheless, there is a high possibility that error processing will be executed.

  In this way, there is a trade-off in the setting of the predetermined time, so an appropriate value is set according to the system environment, and the communication speed is shorter than that of a printer having a higher communication speed, and vice versa. On the other hand, it may be set longer.

Further, in the step of sequentially transmitting to the peripheral device, the computer sequentially transmits the plurality of peripheral devices with the predetermined check data added to the divided transmission records,
In the step of canceling transmission of the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data, the computer updates the update to a peripheral device that has transmitted data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error among the plurality of peripheral devices. Stop sending the remaining predetermined transmission records for the data,
In the step of transmitting a command to reset the peripheral device, the computer resets the peripheral device to a peripheral device that has transmitted data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error among the plurality of peripheral devices. Is more desirable.

According to such a configuration of the present invention, in the step of sequentially transmitting to the peripheral devices, the computer sequentially transmits the plurality of peripheral devices with the predetermined check data added to the divided transmission records. ,
In the step of canceling transmission of the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data, the computer updates the update to a peripheral device that has transmitted data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error among the plurality of peripheral devices. Stop sending the remaining predetermined transmission records for the data,
In the step of transmitting a command to reset the peripheral device, the computer resets the peripheral device to a peripheral device that has transmitted data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error among the plurality of peripheral devices. Can be transmitted.

  As a result, even when there are a plurality of peripheral devices to be updated on the communication network, the computer only has the remaining update data for the peripheral device that has transmitted the data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error. The transmission of a predetermined transmission record can be stopped and the peripheral device can be reset.

  Here, in response to accepting an operation by a user of the computer, the computer adds a plurality of predetermined check data for checking a transmission error of the predetermined transmission record for each predetermined transmission record. Each of the peripheral devices may be sequentially transmitted, or may be transmitted by operating a program prepared in advance.

  In any case, the computer transmits the predetermined transmission record to a plurality of peripheral devices at a time, so that only the peripheral device in which a transmission error has occurred is out of the plurality of peripheral devices. The transmission of the remaining predetermined transmission record can be stopped and the peripheral device can be reset.

  As a result, the user can reduce the trouble of instructing the update-target peripheral devices to transmit update data.

  It should be noted that the peripheral device that has caused the transmission error in the above-described series of update processing is stored, update data is further automatically transmitted to the stored peripheral device, and by repeating these processing, It is also possible to automatically process until the transmission of the update data of the peripheral device is completed.

The present invention is a system including a computer that transmits firmware update data of the peripheral device to a peripheral device connected to a communication network,
The computer divides the update data into predetermined transmission records, adds predetermined check data for checking transmission errors of the predetermined transmission records for each predetermined transmission record, and sequentially adds to the peripheral device. Means for transmitting,
The peripheral device sequentially receives the predetermined transmission record from the computer;
Means for sequentially checking transmission errors using the predetermined check data for the predetermined transmission records received in response to sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission records from the computer;
Means for transmitting data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error to the computer when it is determined that a transmission error has occurred for the predetermined transmission record;
The computer, in response to receiving data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error from the peripheral device, means for canceling transmission of the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data;
Means for transmitting a command to reset the peripheral device to the peripheral device.

According to such a configuration of the present invention, the computer divides the update data into predetermined transmission records, and checks a transmission error of the predetermined transmission record for each predetermined transmission record. Add check data and send to the peripheral device sequentially,
The peripheral device sequentially receives the predetermined transmission record from the computer,
In response to sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission record from the computer, the transmission error is sequentially checked using the predetermined check data for the received predetermined transmission record,
When it is determined that a transmission error has occurred for the predetermined transmission record, data for notifying the occurrence of the transmission error is transmitted to the computer,
In response to receiving the data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error from the peripheral device, the computer stops transmission of the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data,
It has an effect that it is possible to transmit a command to reset the peripheral device to the peripheral device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a system according to an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computers 11, 12a, 12b, 12c,... According to an example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c,... As peripheral devices according to an example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an update data transmission process according to an example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of update data according to an example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[System overall configuration]

  As shown in FIG. 1, a system 1 according to an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes computers 11, 12a, 12b, 12c,..., Printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c as peripheral devices. It is comprised including ...

  Computers 11, 12 a, 12 b, 12 c,... Are connected via a communication network 14. Furthermore, the printers 13a1, 13a2, and 13a3 are connected to the computer 12a via communication networks 15a1, 15a2, and 15a3, respectively. Similarly, the printer 13b is connected to the computer 12b, and the printer 13c is connected to 12c via communication networks 15b and 15c, respectively.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the computers 12a, 12b, and 12c may be realized as so-called general-purpose personal computers, or may be realized as dedicated information devices such as cash registers.

  The communication network 14 may be realized as a local communication network (LAN) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or may be realized as a wide area communication network (WAN) such as a dedicated line, the Internet, or VPN. When the communication network 14 includes a WAN and the computer 11 is in a remote relationship with the computers 12a, 12b, 12c,.

  Further, the communication networks 15a1, 15a2, 15a3, 15b, 15c,... Can be realized by serial interfaces such as RS-232C (maximum communication speed 14.4 kbps), USB (USB2.0, maximum communication speed 60 Mbps), and the like. Alternatively, it may be realized by a parallel interface such as SCSI (maximum communication speed 320 Mbps). The effects of the present invention are more exhibited when the communication networks 15a1, 15a2, 15a3, 15b, 15c,.

  Furthermore, the computers 12a, 12b, 12c,... May be connected to the computer 11 via the communication network 14 at different communication speeds.

Similarly, the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3,... May be connected to the communication networks 15a1, 15a2, 15a3 at different communication speeds.
[Computer configuration]

  As shown in FIG. 2, the computers 11, 12 a, 12 b, 12 c,... Have a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a communication I / F unit 113, an input unit 114, and a display unit 115 via a bus 116. Connected and configured.

  The control unit 111 is an information calculation processing device that performs calculation and processing of information, and may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 111 performs overall control of the computers 11, 12a, 12b, 12c,..., Reads and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 112 as appropriate, so that the hardware described above cooperates. Various functions according to the present invention are realized.

  Here, the display unit 115 displays a screen for accepting data input to the user, or displays a calculation processing result screen by the computers 11, 12a, 12b, 12c,. A display device such as a device (CRT) or a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is included.

  Here, the input unit 114 accepts input by the user, and may include a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like. The input unit 114 can be connected to the computers 11, 12a, 12b, 12c,... Directly or via an intervening I / O controller.

  Here, the communication I / F unit 113 is a network adapter for enabling the computers 11, 12a, 12b, 12c,... To be connected to a terminal via a dedicated network or a public network. The communication I / F unit 113 may include a modem, a cable modem, and an Ethernet (registered trademark) adapter.

Here, the storage unit 112 may include a local memory used for program execution in combination with the control unit 111, a large-capacity bulk memory, and a cache memory used for efficiently searching the bulk memory. . The computer-readable medium that implements the storage unit 112 may include an electrical, magnetic, optical, or electromagnetic implementation. More specifically, semiconductor storage devices, magnetic tapes, flexible disks, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), optical disks including CD-ROM, CD-R / W and DVD are included. It is.
[Printer configuration]

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c,... Have a CPU 131, a flash ROM 132, a RAM 133, a communication I / F unit 134, operation buttons 135, a display unit 136, and a printer unit 137. 138 is connected.

  The CPU 131 is an information calculation processing device that performs calculation and processing of information, performs overall control of the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c,... And reads various programs such as firmware stored in the flash ROM 132 as appropriate. The above hardware cooperates to implement various functions according to the present invention.

  Here, the display unit 136 displays a screen for accepting data input to the user, or displays a screen of calculation processing results by the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c,. A display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) is included.

  Here, the operation button 135 accepts input by the user, and may include various types of buttons and other input devices. The operation button 135 can be connected to the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c,... Directly or via an intervening I / O controller.

  Here, the communication I / F unit 134 is a network adapter that enables the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c,... To be connected to a terminal via a dedicated network or a public network. The communication I / F unit 134 may include a serial interface adapter such as RS-232C and USB, a parallel interface adapter such as SCSI, an Ethernet (registered trademark) adapter, and the like.

  Here, the flash ROM 132 stores firmware related to the update data of the present invention, and can be erased and rewritten in batches in a predetermined block unit such as 64 kB.

  The RAM 133 may include a local memory used for executing a program in combination with the control unit 111, a large-capacity bulk memory, and a cache memory used for efficiently searching the bulk memory.

The printer unit 137 includes a printer head that actually performs printing based on the control of the CPU 131, a paper feed device, and the like, although detailed description is omitted.
[Update data transmission process 1]

  As shown in FIG. 4, the system 1 according to an example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to transmit firmware update data stored in the flash ROM 132 of the printer 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, or 13c,. Execute.

  First, the control unit 111 of the computer 11, 12a, 12b or 12c, ... performs preprocessing (step S101).

  Specifically, the control unit 111, for example, stops a printer spooler, acquires a device ID, or checks a signal line in preparation for transmission of update data. In addition, the control unit 111 may read update data to be transmitted and perform format conversion or the like as necessary. Furthermore, the connected communication I / F is opened, the signal line is confirmed, the model ID of the printer 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b or 13c,... Is acquired, and the firmware version is acquired. Process.

  Here, an example of the format of the update data will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, when the firmware update data is described in the binary format, it includes object data of a maximum of 250 bytes and management data of a total of 8 bytes. The update data is configured as an array of unit data configured as a combination of one object data and corresponding management data.

  Here, the object data is the content of the update data. The management data includes address data indicating the write address of the first data of the object data, checksum data, and length data indicating the sum of the lengths of the address data, the object data, and the checksum data. It is configured to include.

  Next, the control unit 111 divides the update data into predetermined transmission records in order to transmit the update data to the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b or 13c,... (Step S102).

  Specifically, for example, when the update data is described in the above binary format, the update data is divided into one transmission record for each object data.

  Next, the control unit 111 adds predetermined check data to each of the divided transmission records, and sequentially transmits the update data to the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c,... (Step S103).

  Specifically, for example, when the update data is described in the binary format described above, management data including checksum data corresponding to each object data is added and transmitted.

  Next, the CPU 131 of the printer 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b or 13c,... Receives the transmission record transmitted by the control unit 111 (step S104).

  Next, the CPU 131 performs a transmission error check using predetermined check data included in the received transmission record (step S105).

  Specifically, for example, when the update data is described in the above-described binary format, a transmission error is checked using checksum data included in the transmission record.

  Next, the CPU 131 performs a transmission error check using predetermined check data included in the received transmission record (step S105).

  When determining in step S106 that a transmission error has occurred, the CPU 131 shifts the control to step S107. If it is determined that there is no transmission error, the CPU 131 waits for transmission of the next transmission record from the computer 11, 12a, 12b or 12c,. (Step S106).

  In step S107, the CPU 131 transmits data notifying the occurrence of a transmission error to the computers 11, 12a, 12b or 12c,.

  Next, the control unit 111 of the computer 11, 12 a, 12 b or 12 c,... Receives data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error transmitted from the printer 13 a 1, 13 a 2, 13 a 3, 13 b or 13 c,. In response to this, if the transmission of all the transmission records has not been completed yet, the transmission of the remaining transmission records is stopped thereafter (step S108).

  As a result, after receiving data notifying the occurrence of a transmission error from the printer 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b or 13c,..., The transmission of the transmission record to the printer that transmitted the data is stopped, and the transmission error As the corresponding process, a process such as re-transmission of update data can be performed.

  Next, as a transmission error handling process, the control unit 111 transmits a command to reset the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c,... To the printer (step S109).

  Next, the CPU 131 of the printer 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b or 13c,... Resets the printer 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b or 13c,. S110).

  As described above, according to the principle of the present invention, when transmission of update data fails in the middle, it is possible to redo transmission of the update data from the remote site. Furthermore, even when there are a plurality of peripheral devices such as printers to be updated on the communication network, it is possible to redo the transmission of the update data only for peripheral devices such as printers that failed to be transmitted.

[Update data transmission process 2]

  As shown in FIG. 5, the system 1 according to another example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes firmware update data stored in the flash ROM 132 of the printer 13 a 1, 13 a 2, 13 a 3, 13 b or 13 c. Execute the transmission process.

  First, the control unit 111 of the computer 11, 12a, 12b or 12c, ... performs preprocessing (step S201). Hereinafter, in FIG. 5, steps S202 to S205 are the same as the update data transmission process 1 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the CPU 131 of the printer 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b or 13c,... Checks whether or not the next transmission data has been received within 10 seconds from the reception of the previous transmission data (step). S206). If the next data is not received even after 10 seconds have elapsed, the CPU 131 determines that an error has occurred and executes a command to reset the printers 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b or 13c,. Reset the printer.

  Note that the time of 10 seconds may be set to an appropriate value according to the communication speed of the communication networks 14, 15a1, 15a2, and 15a3 and other communication environments. Further, in step S204 to step S206, it is checked whether or not 10 seconds or more have elapsed since the reception of the transmission record. However, in step S204, 10 seconds until the next data is received while the transmission record is being received. You may make it check whether more than second passed.

  As a result, the control unit of the computer 11, 12a, 12b or 12c,... Recognizes that an error has occurred when the printer firmware update check is performed thereafter, and updates the update data as an error handling process. Processing such as retransmission can be performed.

  As described above, according to the principle of the present invention, when the transmission record is not transmitted for 10 seconds or more, the control unit of the computer 11, 12a, 12b or 12c,. , 13b or 13c,... Without transmitting a command for resetting, the printer itself recognizes the occurrence of an error and performs reset processing, so that the update data can be transmitted again from the remote site. Become. Furthermore, even when there are a plurality of peripheral devices such as printers to be updated on the communication network, the update data can be transmitted again only for the peripheral devices such as printers in which the error has occurred.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to embodiment mentioned above. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

  Specifically, for example, the peripheral device according to the present invention has been described with reference to an example of a printer. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and firmware for other peripheral devices such as a video card and a storage drive. It can also be applied to the transmission of update data.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the computer concerning this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the update data transmission process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the update data transmission process which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the format of the update data based on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 System, 11, 12a, 12b, 12c Computer, 13a1, 13a2, 13a3, 13b, 13c Printer, 14, 15a1, 15a2, 15a3, 15b, 15c Communication network, 111 Control unit, 112 Storage unit, 113 Communication I / F Unit, 114 input unit, 115 display unit, 116 bus, 131 CPU, 132 FlashROM, 133 RAM, 134 communication I / F unit, 135 operation buttons, 136 display unit, 137 printer unit, 138 bus

Claims (4)

A computer connected to a communication network is a method of transmitting firmware update data of the peripheral device to a peripheral device connected to the communication network,
The computer divides the update data into predetermined transmission records, adds predetermined check data for checking transmission errors of the predetermined transmission records for each predetermined transmission record, and sequentially adds to the peripheral device. Sending, and
The peripheral device sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission record from the computer;
Sequentially checking transmission errors using the predetermined check data for the received predetermined transmission record in response to the peripheral device sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission record from the computer;
When the peripheral device determines that a transmission error has occurred for the predetermined transmission record, transmitting data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error to the computer;
Suspending transmission of the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data in response to the computer receiving data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error from the peripheral device;
Sending the computer a command to reset the peripheral device to the peripheral device.   In the step of sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission record, the peripheral device resets the peripheral device when the next data is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed during reception of the predetermined transmission record. Item 2. The method according to Item 1. In the step of sequentially transmitting to the peripheral device, the computer sequentially transmits the plurality of peripheral devices with the predetermined check data added to the divided transmission records,
In the step of canceling transmission of the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data, the computer updates the update to a peripheral device that has transmitted data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error among the plurality of peripheral devices. Stop sending the remaining predetermined transmission records for the data,
In the step of transmitting a command to reset the peripheral device, the computer resets the peripheral device to a peripheral device that has transmitted data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error among the plurality of peripheral devices. The method of Claim 1 or Claim 2 which transmits. A system including a computer that transmits firmware update data of the peripheral device to a peripheral device connected to a communication network,
The computer divides the update data into predetermined transmission records, adds predetermined check data for checking transmission errors of the predetermined transmission records for each predetermined transmission record, and sequentially adds to the peripheral device. Means for transmitting,
The peripheral device sequentially receives the predetermined transmission record from the computer;
Means for sequentially checking transmission errors using the predetermined check data for the predetermined transmission records received in response to sequentially receiving the predetermined transmission records from the computer;
Means for transmitting data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error to the computer when it is determined that a transmission error has occurred for the predetermined transmission record;
The computer, in response to receiving data notifying the occurrence of the transmission error from the peripheral device, means for canceling transmission of the remaining predetermined transmission record for the update data;
Means for transmitting a command to reset the peripheral device to the peripheral device.

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