Method and apparatus for determining status of pluggable peripheral device

Abstract

The application provides a method and device for a terminal to determine the state of a pluggable external device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: burning the hardware configuration information of an optional external device into the terminal in advance, forming a hardware configuration table, and checking the hardware configuration table; when the terminal is connected with the external device, searching for the hardware configuration information of the external device in the hardware configuration table; if the hardware configuration information of the external device is found in the hardware configuration table, the terminal accesses the external device. The application can accurately determine whether the external device cannot be accessed due to damage or non-installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of terminals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for a terminal to determine the status of pluggable external devices. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing smart terminals use Linux as their underlying operating system. Linux supports pluggable operation of various external devices, such as printers, card readers, and barcode scanners. To make their devices more price-competitive, manufacturers may customize the configuration of external devices during assembly based on customer needs. For example, a lower-end version of the same device may not include a USB printer, while a higher-end version may. Because the configuration of external devices on a terminal is not unique, when a particular external device cannot be connected, the software cannot accurately determine whether the inability to connect is due to damage or a missing device.

[0003] There are currently two commonly used technical solutions to this problem:

[0004] 1. Upon first startup, the terminal records the current external device configuration and saves it to a persistent partition. The system uses this configuration as the current terminal's standard configuration. However, the drawback of this approach is that if an external device cannot connect during the first startup, the current terminal's standard configuration will be incorrect.

[0005] 2. When a terminal cannot connect to an external device, a prompt box appears to inform the user and allows the user to select whether the external device is a standard configuration for the terminal. However, the drawback of this solution is that the software's execution depends on the user's selection; if the user makes an incorrect selection, the software's execution will also result in an error.

[0006] It should be noted that the above description of the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of the present invention and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that the above technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background section of this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for a terminal to determine the status of pluggable external devices, which can accurately determine whether the inaccessibility of an external device is due to damage or non-installation, significantly reducing the workload of after-sales service.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for a terminal to determine the status of a pluggable external device, comprising: pre-programming the hardware configuration information of the selected external device into the terminal to form a hardware configuration table, and verifying the hardware configuration table; when the terminal is triggered to connect to the external device, searching for the hardware configuration information of the external device in the hardware configuration table; if the hardware configuration information of the external device is found in the hardware configuration table, the terminal accesses the external device.

[0009] This invention also provides a device for a terminal to determine the status of a pluggable external device, comprising: a first module for pre-programming the hardware configuration information of a selected external device to form a hardware configuration table, and verifying the hardware configuration table; a second module for searching the hardware configuration information of the external device in the hardware configuration table when the terminal is triggered to connect to the external device; and a third module for accessing the external device if the hardware configuration information of the external device is found in the hardware configuration table.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, on which a computer program is stored, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the above embodiments.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a computer device is also provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the steps of the method described in the above embodiments.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, this invention programs the hardware configuration information of the external device at an appropriate stage of terminal production, and then verifies the programmed hardware configuration information using testing tools to ensure its correctness. When the terminal is triggered to access the external device, such as when the external device is connected to the terminal, or when the terminal is triggered to access the external device due to user actions or other events, the programmed hardware configuration information is read before the terminal accesses the pluggable external device. If the external device is found, the connection is attempted. If the external device still cannot be connected, the terminal will display some prompts to inform the user, such as: the pluggable external device is loose or damaged, and the user can replug it. If the external device still cannot be connected after the user's operation, after-sales information will be displayed. Because the pre-programmed configuration information has been verified, if the external device is found in the hardware configuration table but still cannot be connected, it can be determined that there is a problem with the physical connection between the external device and the terminal. Thus, this invention can accurately determine whether the inability to access the external device is due to damage or non-installation, significantly reducing the workload of after-sales service. The above method is also applicable to similar self-service devices. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining the status of a pluggable external device in a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A detailed flowchart of step S101.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Detailed flowchart of steps S102 to S103.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of updating the hardware configuration information of an external device on a terminal, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the device for determining the state of a pluggable external device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, the singular forms "a," "described," and "the" used in the embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] This invention provides a method for a terminal to determine the status of a pluggable external device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0023] Step S101: Pre-program the hardware configuration information of the selected external device into the terminal to form a hardware configuration table, and verify the hardware configuration table.

[0024] Step S102: When the terminal is triggered to connect to the external device, the hardware configuration information of the external device is searched in the hardware configuration table;

[0025] Step S103: If the hardware configuration information of the external device is found in the hardware configuration table, the terminal accesses the external device.

[0026] Further reference Figure 2 The specific method for pre-programming the hardware configuration information of the selected external device into the terminal to form a hardware configuration table in step S101 above, and for verifying the hardware configuration table, includes:

[0027] S201, the optional external devices are assembled at the terminal;

[0028] S202, burn the hardware configuration information of the selected external device into the terminal;

[0029] S203: After the terminal is powered on, the test tool verifies whether the hardware configuration information burned in and the hardware configuration information read by the software are consistent.

[0030] S204, if consistent, then the hardware configuration has been successfully burned;

[0031] If the S205 configuration is inconsistent, the hardware configuration being burned will fail, and the cause of the failure will be further determined.

[0032] In the above steps, the testing tool can be CIT (Customer Interface Test). If the CIT verification passes, the hardware configuration is successfully burned. If the CIT verification fails, the terminal will display a failure message, prompting further investigation into the cause of the failure. For example, if the CIT verification failure is due to incorrect hardware configuration information, re-confirm the selected external device and burn the hardware configuration information again. If the CIT verification failure is due to a damaged external device, unplug and replug the external device or replace it and re-perform the CIT verification. Repeat the above steps until the CIT verification is successful.

[0033] Further reference Figure 3 The steps S102 to S103 mentioned above specifically include:

[0034] S301, external devices are connected to the terminal in a pluggable manner;

[0035] S302, The terminal software searches for the hardware configuration information of the external device in the hardware configuration table;

[0036] S303, If the hardware configuration information of the external device is not found in the hardware configuration table, the external device is not selected in the terminal, and the terminal does not access the external device.

[0037] S304, If the hardware configuration information of the external device is found in the hardware configuration table, the terminal software attempts to connect to the external device.

[0038] S305, if the connection is successful, the terminal can access the external device;

[0039] S306 If the connection fails, the terminal will display a failure message. The failure message may also include the reason for the failure, such as that the pluggable external device is loose or damaged, and please plug it back in or replace the device.

[0040] In this S306, since the pre-programmed configuration information has been verified by CIT, if the external device is found in the hardware configuration but still cannot be connected, it can be determined that there is a problem with the physical connection between the external device and the terminal. A pop-up window will guide the user to replug the device or replace it to initially solve the problem.

[0041] S307 If the connection still fails after unplugging and replugging the external device or replacing the external device, the terminal will display an after-sales prompt.

[0042] In this S307, if the user is still unable to connect the external device after replugging or replacing it according to the failure prompt, the terminal will display an after-sales prompt before contacting after-sales service. This reduces the workload of after-sales service.

[0043] Further reference Figure 4 If the hardware configuration information of the external device is updated, the following steps are also included:

[0044] S401, The terminal requests the server to update the device hardware configuration information. The updated device hardware configuration information will be uploaded to the server. The terminal can make this request to the server periodically.

[0045] S402, The server determines whether to allow the update operation;

[0046] S403, If the server is not authorized, the hardware configuration information update will fail;

[0047] S404, If the server authorizes, update the hardware configuration table according to the device hardware configuration information on the server;

[0048] S405: After the terminal finishes updating its hardware configuration, it reports a successful update status to the server.

[0049] S406, if the status report is successful, the hardware configuration information update is complete;

[0050] S407 If the status reporting fails, restore the hardware configuration information in the hardware configuration table.

[0051] This invention also provides a device for a terminal to determine the status of a pluggable external device, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it includes:

[0052] The first module 501 is used to pre-program the hardware configuration information of the selected external devices to form a hardware configuration table, and to verify the hardware configuration table.

[0053] The second module 502 is used to look up the hardware configuration information of the external device in the hardware configuration table when the terminal is triggered to connect to the external device;

[0054] The third module 503 is used to access the external device if the hardware configuration information of the external device is found in the hardware configuration table.

[0055] The third module 504 is used to report the success status of hardware configuration information update to the server. If the reporting status is successful, the hardware configuration information update is completed; if the reporting status fails, the hardware configuration information is restored in the hardware configuration table.

[0056] The specific technical details of the device for determining the state of a pluggable external device and the method for determining the state of a pluggable external device mentioned above are similar. The technical effects achievable in the implementation of the device for determining the state of a pluggable external device can also be achieved in the implementation of the method for determining the state of a pluggable external device. To avoid repetition, these details will not be elaborated here. Correspondingly, the relevant technical details mentioned in the implementation of the device for determining the state of a pluggable external device can also be applied to the implementation of the method for determining the state of a pluggable external device.

[0057] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0058] This invention also provides a computer device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the steps of the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0060] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0061] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0062] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0063] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for a terminal to determine the status of a pluggable external device, characterized in that, include: In the terminal production and assembly stage, after all the selected external devices are physically assembled onto the terminal, the hardware configuration information is then burned in. The hardware configuration information of the selected external devices is pre-programmed into the terminal to form a hardware configuration table, and the hardware configuration table is verified. The verification includes: reading the hardware identification information of the external devices currently connected to the terminal through software instructions, and then comparing the information actually read with the information programmed into the configuration table. When the terminal is triggered to connect to an external device, the hardware configuration information of the external device is searched in the hardware configuration table; If the hardware configuration information of the external device is found in the hardware configuration table, the terminal accesses the external device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the terminal determines the state of the plug-in peripheral device, characterized by, The specific method for verifying the hardware configuration table includes: Burn the hardware configuration information of the selected external devices into the terminal; After the terminal is powered on, a user interface test is used to verify whether the hardware configuration information burned in and the hardware configuration information read by the software are consistent. If they match, the hardware configuration information was successfully burned. If they are inconsistent, the burning of hardware configuration information will fail, and the reason for the failure will be determined. The reasons for failure include: user interface test verification failure due to incorrect hardware configuration information burned, or user interface test verification failure due to damage to external devices. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein, The specific method for finding the hardware configuration information of the external device in the hardware configuration table includes: External devices are connected to the terminal in a pluggable manner; The terminal software searches for the hardware configuration information of the external device in the hardware configuration table; If the hardware configuration information of the external device is not found in the hardware configuration table, the terminal does not select the external device and does not access the external device. If the hardware configuration information of the external device is found in the hardware configuration table, the terminal software attempts to connect to the external device.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the terminal determines the state of the pluggable peripheral device by, The specific method for the terminal to access the external device includes: The terminal software attempts to connect to the external device; If the connection is successful, the terminal can access the external device. If the connection fails, the terminal will display a failure message. The failure message indicates that the pluggable external device is loose or damaged. Please plug it in again or replace the device. If the connection still fails after unplugging and replugging the external device or replacing the external device, a post-sales prompt will pop up on the terminal. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: After the device hardware configuration information is updated, it is uploaded to the server. The terminal periodically sends a request to the server to update the device hardware configuration information so that the server can determine whether to allow the update operation. If the server is not authorized, the hardware configuration information update will fail; If the server authorizes, the hardware configuration table is updated based on the device hardware configuration information on the server.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the terminal determines the state of the plug-in peripheral device by, After the hardware configuration information is updated, it also includes: Report the successful update status of hardware configuration information to the server; If the status report is successful, the hardware configuration information update is complete; If the status reporting fails, the hardware configuration information will be restored in the hardware configuration table.

7. A terminal capable of determining the status of a pluggable external device, characterized in that, include: The first module is used to pre-program the hardware configuration information of the selected external devices, form a hardware configuration table, and verify the hardware configuration table. In the terminal production and assembly process, after all the selected external devices are physically assembled onto the terminal, the hardware configuration information is then burned in; the verification includes: reading the hardware identification information from the external devices currently actually connected to the terminal through software instructions, and then comparing the information actually read with the information burned in the configuration table; The second module is used to look up the hardware configuration information of the external device in the hardware configuration table when the terminal is triggered to connect to the external device; The third module is used to access the external device if the hardware configuration information of the external device is found in the hardware configuration table.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the terminal determines the state of the pluggable peripheral device by, The terminal also includes: The fourth module is used to report the success status of hardware configuration information updates to the server. If the reporting status is successful, the hardware configuration information update is complete; if the reporting status fails, the hardware configuration information is restored in the hardware configuration table.

9. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the method described in claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps of the method according to claims 1 to 8.

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