Relay device, method for controlling relay device, communication control system, and information processing device

Abstract

The invention provides a relay device for reducing the capacity of a second nonvolatile memory of a printer, a method for controlling the relay device, a communication control system, and an information processing apparatus. A hub (2) relays communication between a personal computer (1) and a printer (3), and is provided with a first processor (21A) and a first nonvolatile memory (21C) that control the hub (2), the first nonvolatile memory (21C) storing a first control program (PG1) and a second control program (PG2). The first control program (PG1) is a program that causes the first processor (21A) to execute control of the hub (2), and the second control program (PG2) is a program that controls the printer (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay device, a communication control system, an information processing device, and a control method for the relay device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure of a printer including a nonvolatile storage unit.

[0003] Conventionally, in printers such as thermal head printers, it has been desired to reduce the capacity of nonvolatile memory for storing firmware and the like.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-84154 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A method for solving the above-mentioned problem involves a relay device that relays communication between an information processing device and a printing device. The relay device includes a first processor and a first non-volatile memory. The first processor controls the relay device. The first non-volatile memory stores a first control program and stores at least a portion of a second control program. The first control program is a program that enables the first processor to execute control of the relay device. The second control program is a program that controls the printing device.

[0006] Another method for solving the above-mentioned problem involves a communication control system comprising: a printing device; a relay device that communicates with the printing device, the relay device comprising a first processor and a first non-volatile memory, wherein the first processor controls the relay device, the first non-volatile memory stores a first control program and stores at least a portion of a second control program, the first control program is a program that enables the first processor to execute control of the relay device, and the second control program is a program that controls the printing device.

[0007] Another method for solving the above-mentioned problem involves an information processing device communicating with a printing device via a relay device, wherein the information processing device sends at least a portion of a second control program for controlling the printing device to the relay device when the second control program is updated.

[0008] Another method for solving the above-mentioned problem involves a control method for a relay device, which is a control method for a relay device that relays communication between an information processing device and a printing device. In the control method for the relay device, at least a portion of a second control program for controlling the printing device is stored, and when the power of the printing device and the relay device is turned on, at least a portion of the second control program is read, and at least a portion of the read second control program is sent to the printing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication control system according to this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first control unit and the second control unit according to the present embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the first control unit and the second control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication control system 100 . Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first control unit 21 of the hub 2 according to the present embodiment.

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication control system 100 includes a personal computer 1 , a hub 2 , and a printer 3 .

[0015] The personal computer 1 outputs instruction information to the printer 3 via the hub 2. The personal computer 1 is configured to communicate with the hub 2 based on, for example, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, and the USB (registered trademark) (Universal Serial Bus) standard.

[0016] The personal computer 1 corresponds to one example of an “information processing apparatus”.

[0017] The hub 2 relays communications between the personal computer 1 and the printer 3. The hub 2 includes a first control unit 21, an input-side communication interface 22, and an output-side communication interface 23.

[0018] The hub 2 corresponds to an example of a “relay device”.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the first control unit 21 includes a first processor 21A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a first memory device 21B such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and other peripheral circuits, and controls various parts of the hub 2.

[0020] The first memory device 21B includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores the first control program PG1.

[0021] The nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM, SSD, HDD of the first memory device 21B corresponds to an example of “first nonvolatile memory.” In this embodiment, the nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM, SSD, HDD of the first memory device 21B is referred to as the first nonvolatile memory 21C.

[0022] The first processor 21A may be composed of a single processor or may be configured such that a plurality of processors function as the first processor 21 A. In the present embodiment, the first processor 21A may be configured such that, for example, three processors function as the first processor 21A.

[0023] The functions of the first control unit 21 can also be implemented by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The first control unit 21 can also be configured to include a co-processor such as an SoC (System-on-A-Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The first control unit 21 can also coordinate the CPU and the co-processor, or selectively use one or the other to implement various controls.

[0024] The input-side communication interface 22 is a communication interface for communicating with the personal computer 1. The input-side communication interface 22 includes a first communication interface 221, a second communication interface 222, a third communication interface 223, and a fourth communication interface 224.

[0025] In this embodiment, the personal computer 1 is connected to the fourth communication interface 224 , for example.

[0026] The first communication interface 221 communicates with the personal computer 1 according to instructions from the first control unit 21, for example, according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The first communication interface 221 includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving Wi-Fi (registered trademark) signals, and an interface circuit for processing Wi-Fi (registered trademark) signals. The first communication interface 221 is an interface substrate having an interface circuit, and is connected to a main substrate on which the first processor 21A of the first control unit 21 and other components are mounted. Alternatively, the interface circuit constituting the first communication interface 221 is mounted on the main substrate of the first control unit 21.

[0027] The second communication interface 222 communicates with the personal computer 1 based on instructions from the first control unit 21, for example, according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The second communication interface 222 includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving Bluetooth (registered trademark) signals and an interface circuit for processing Bluetooth (registered trademark) signals. The second communication interface 222 is an interface substrate having an interface circuit, and is connected to the main substrate on which the first processor 21A of the first control unit 21 and other components are mounted. Alternatively, the interface circuit comprising the second communication interface 222 is mounted on the main substrate of the first control unit 21.

[0028] The third communication interface 223 communicates with the personal computer 1 based on instructions from the first control unit 21, for example, according to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The third communication interface 223 includes a connector for transmitting and receiving Ethernet (registered trademark) signals and an interface circuit for processing Ethernet (registered trademark) signals. The third communication interface 223 is an interface substrate having an interface circuit, and is connected to the main substrate on which the first processor 21A of the first control unit 21 and other components are mounted. Alternatively, the interface circuit comprising the third communication interface 223 is mounted on the main substrate of the first control unit 21.

[0029] The fourth communication interface 224 communicates with the personal computer 1 according to the instructions of the first control unit 21, for example, according to the USB (registered trademark) standard. The fourth communication interface 224 has a connector for transmitting and receiving USB (registered trademark) signals, and an interface circuit for processing USB (registered trademark) signals. The connector is, for example, a so-called USB (registered trademark) Type-C connector. The fourth communication interface 224 is an interface substrate having an interface circuit, and is connected to a main substrate on which the first processor 21A of the first control unit 21 is installed. Alternatively, the interface circuit constituting the fourth communication interface 224 is installed on the main substrate of the first control unit 21.

[0030] The output-side communication interface 23 is a communication interface for communicating with the printer 3 .

[0031] The output-side communication interface 23 communicates with the printer 3 according to the instructions of the first control unit 21, for example, according to the USB (registered trademark) standard. The output-side communication interface 23 has a connector for transmitting and receiving USB (registered trademark) signals, and an interface circuit for processing USB (registered trademark) signals. The connector is, for example, a so-called USB (registered trademark) Type-C connector. The output-side communication interface 23 is an interface substrate having an interface circuit, and is connected to a main substrate on which the first processor 21A of the first control unit 21 is installed. Alternatively, the interface circuit constituting the output-side communication interface 23 is installed on the main substrate of the first control unit 21.

[0032] The printer 3 is installed in, for example, a store such as a supermarket, etc. The printer 3 forms part of, for example, a POS (Point of Sale) system.

[0033] The printer 3 is, for example, a thermal printer, and prints an image on thermal paper and outputs a receipt.

[0034] The printer 3 corresponds to one example of a “printing device”.

[0035] In this embodiment, the printer 3 is a “dedicated printer.” A “dedicated printer” is a printer configured to be connected to the hub 2 according to this embodiment.

[0036] The printer 3 includes a second control unit 31 and a communication interface 32 .

[0037] The second control unit 31 includes a second processor 31A such as a CPU, a second memory device 31B such as a ROM or RAM, and other peripheral circuits, and controls various components of the printer 3 .

[0038] The second memory device 31B includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, an SSD, or an HDD. The second memory device 31B stores the second control program PG2.

[0039] The nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM, SSD, HDD of the second memory device 31B corresponds to an example of “second nonvolatile memory.” In this embodiment, the nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM, SSD, HDD of the second memory device 31B is described as second nonvolatile memory 31C.

[0040] The second processor 31A may be configured as a single processor, or may be configured as a plurality of processors functioning as the first processor 21A.

[0041] The functions of the second control unit 31 may also be implemented by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The second control unit 31 may also be configured to include a secondary processing device such as an SoC, MCU, or FPGA. The second control unit 31 may also coordinate the CPU and the secondary processing device, or selectively use one of the two to implement various controls.

[0042] The communication interface 32 communicates with the hub 2 according to the instructions of the second control unit 31, for example, according to the USB (registered trademark) standard. The communication interface 32 has a connector for transmitting and receiving USB (registered trademark) signals and an interface circuit for processing USB (registered trademark) signals. The connector is, for example, a so-called USB (registered trademark) Type-C connector. The communication interface 32 is an interface substrate having an interface circuit, and is connected to a main substrate on which the second processor 31A of the second control unit 31 is installed. Alternatively, the interface circuit constituting the communication interface 32 is installed on the main substrate of the second control unit 31.

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 2 The configuration of the first control unit 21 of the hub 2 and the configuration of the second control unit 31 of the printer 3 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 31 according to the present embodiment.

[0044] First, the configuration of the first control unit 21 will be described.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the first nonvolatile memory 21C stores a first boot program BT1. The first boot program BT1 is a program that executes the startup process of the hub 2. The first processor 21A reads the first boot program BT1 from the first nonvolatile memory 21C, expands it into RAM, etc., and executes it. The first processor 21A executes the first boot program BT1, thereby executing the startup process of the hub 2.

[0046] In the following description, the activation process of the hub 2 may be referred to as a “first activation process”.

[0047] The first control unit 21 includes a determination unit 211 , a first activation control unit 212 , a conversion unit 213 , and a first communication control unit 214 .

[0048] For example, upon completion of the first boot process, the first processor 21A executes the first control program PG1 stored in the first memory device 21B. Furthermore, by executing the first control program PG1 stored in the first memory device 21B, the first processor 21A functions as a determination unit 211, a first boot control unit 212, a conversion unit 213, and a first communication control unit 214.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the first control program PG1 is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C.

[0050] The first nonvolatile memory 21C stores at least a portion of the second control program PG2 in advance.

[0051] In the following description, for convenience, the case where "at least a portion of the second control program PG2" is the second control program PG2 will be described. That is, the case where the first nonvolatile memory 21C of the first memory device 21B stores the second control program PG2 will be described.

[0052] The second control program PG2 is a second control program PG2 other than the second boot program BT2 for activating the printer 3. In other words, the second boot program BT2 for activating the printer 3 is not stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C.

[0053] The second boot program BT2 for starting up the printer 3 is stored in the second nonvolatile memory 31C of the printer 3 .

[0054] The second control program PG2 stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C is read by the first startup control unit 212 .

[0055] The second control program PG2 includes, for example, a print program that controls the printing process of the printer 3. The second control program PG2 may also include, for example, a so-called mechanical control program that controls hardware such as the recording head and transport rollers that execute the printing process of the printer 3.

[0056] If the second control program PG2 is not stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C, the determination unit 211 determines that the printer 3 cannot be started.

[0057] If the determination unit 211 determines that the printer 3 cannot be started, for example, the first control unit 21 does not supply power to the printer 3. If the determination unit 211 determines that the printer 3 cannot be started, for example, the first control unit 21 does not instruct the printer 3 to power on.

[0058] If the determination unit 211 determines that the printer 3 can be started, the first startup control unit 212 supplies power to the printer 3. Furthermore, the first startup control unit 212 instructs the printer 3 to turn on power. Furthermore, the first startup control unit 212 instructs the printer 3 to start up.

[0059] When startup of the printer 3 is complete, the first startup control unit 212 reads the second control program PG2 stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C and sends the read second control program PG2 to the second processor 31A of the printer 3 .

[0060] For example, if the data JC received from the personal computer 1 is in XML (Extensible Markup Language) or text format and is command data JCM for the printer 3 , the conversion unit 213 performs the following processing.

[0061] That is, the conversion section 213 performs a process of converting the command data JCM into the command CM.

[0062] The first communication control unit 214 controls communication with the personal computer 1 via the fourth communication interface 224 of the input-side communication interface 22 .

[0063] For example, when updating the second control program PG2 stored in the first non-volatile memory 21C, the personal computer 1 transmits update instruction information JRN to the hub 2, indicating the update of the second control program PG2. Upon receiving the update instruction information JRN, the first communication control unit 214 of the hub 2 obtains the new second control program PG2 from the personal computer 1. The first processor 21A then replaces the stored second control program PG2 with the new second control program PG2 obtained by the first communication control unit 214 and writes it to the first non-volatile memory 21C.

[0064] The first communication control unit 214 also controls communication with the printer 3 via the output-side communication interface 23 . For example, the first communication control unit 214 sends the second control program PG2 stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C to the printer 3 .

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 2 Next, the configuration of the second control unit 31 of the printer 3 will be described.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the second nonvolatile memory 31C of the second memory device 31B stores a second boot program BT2 . The second boot program BT2 is a program for executing a startup process of the printer 3 .

[0067] The second boot program BT2 includes initial settings of the second processor 31A and initial settings of the communication interface 32 .

[0068] The second processor 31A reads the second boot program BT2 from the second nonvolatile memory 31C, expands it into RAM, and executes it. The second processor 31A executes the second boot program BT2, which then starts the printer 3. For example, when the printer 3 starts, the second processor 31A functions as the second startup control unit 311 and the second communication control unit 313.

[0069] In the following description, the “printer 3 startup process” may be referred to as the “second startup process.”

[0070] The second control unit 31 includes a second activation control unit 311 , a print control unit 312 , and a second communication control unit 313 .

[0071] The second startup control unit 311 receives the second control program PG2 stored in the first memory device 21B, expands it in RAM, etc., and executes it. By executing the second control program PG2 , the first processor 21A functions as the print control unit 312 .

[0072] In the present embodiment, the second control program PG2 is not stored in the second nonvolatile memory 31C of the second memory device 31B.

[0073] The print control unit 312 prints an image on thermal paper, for example, and outputs a receipt. Upon receiving a print command CM from the hub 2, the print control unit 312 prints an image on thermal paper in accordance with the command CM and outputs a receipt. The command CM is generated by converting command data JCM received from the personal computer 1 into the command CM using the conversion unit 213 of the hub 2.

[0074] The second communication control unit 313 communicates with the hub 2 via the communication interface 32. For example, the second communication control unit 313 receives the second control program PG2 from the hub 2. Furthermore, for example, the second communication control unit 313 receives the command CM from the hub 2.

[0075] Next, refer to Figure 3 Next, the processing of the first control unit 21 of the hub 2 and the second control unit 31 of the printer 3 will be described. Figure 3 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 31 .

[0076] In addition, Figure 3 Hereinafter, a case will be described where the second control program PG2 is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C.

[0077] First, in step S101, the first processor 21A of the first control unit 21 executes a first boot process. Specifically, the first processor 21A reads the first boot program BT1 from the first nonvolatile memory 21C. The first processor 21A then expands the first boot program BT1 into RAM or the like and executes it. The execution of the first boot program BT1 by the first processor 21A executes the first boot process.

[0078] Next, in step S103, the first startup control unit 212 of the first control unit 21 supplies power to the printer 3. The first startup control unit 212 then instructs the printer 3 to turn on the power. Furthermore, the first startup control unit 212 instructs the printer 3 to start up.

[0079] Next, in step S105 , the printer 3 turns on the power according to the instruction from the first activation control unit 212 of the first control unit 21 .

[0080] Next, in step S107, the printer 3 executes the second startup process in response to an instruction from the first startup control unit 212 of the first control unit 21. Specifically, the second processor 31A of the printer 3 reads the second boot program BT2 from the second non-volatile memory 31C. The second processor 31A then expands the second boot program BT2 into RAM or the like and executes it. The execution of the second boot program BT2 by the second processor 31A executes the second startup process for the printer 3, i.e., the second startup process.

[0081] Next, in step S109 , the second activation control unit 311 of the second control unit 31 determines whether the second activation process is completed.

[0082] If the second startup control unit 311 determines that the second startup process is not completed (step S109; No), the process enters a standby state. If the second startup control unit 311 determines that the second startup process is completed (step S109; Yes), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0083] Then, in step S111 , the second startup control unit 311 transmits startup completion information indicating that the second startup process has been completed to the hub 2 .

[0084] Next, in step S113 , the first activation control unit 212 of the first control unit 21 receives activation completion information indicating that the second activation process has been completed.

[0085] Next, in step S115 , the first startup control unit 212 reads the second control program PG2 stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C and sends the read second control program PG2 to the printer 3 .

[0086] Next, in step S117 , the second activation control unit 311 of the second control unit 31 receives the second control program PG2 from the hub 2 .

[0087] Next, in step S119 , the second activation control unit 311 develops and executes the second control program PG2 in the RAM, etc. Then, the process ends.

[0088] As described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the hub 2 involved in this embodiment relays the communication between the personal computer 1 and the printer 3, and has a first processor 21A for controlling the hub 2 and a first non-volatile memory 21C, and the first non-volatile memory 21C stores a first control program PG1 and a second control program PG2, wherein the first control program PG1 is a program for enabling the first processor 21A to execute control of the hub 2, and the second control program PG2 is a program for controlling the printer 3.

[0089] With this configuration, the first nonvolatile memory 21C of the hub 2 stores the second control program PG2 for controlling the printer 3 , thereby reducing the capacity of the second nonvolatile memory 31C of the printer 3 .

[0090] In addition, in the hub 2 involved in this embodiment, the printer 3 has a second non-volatile memory 31C, and the second non-volatile memory 31C stores the second boot program BT2 of the printer 3. When the power of the printer 3 and the hub 2 is turned on, the first processor 21A reads the first control program PG1 from the first non-volatile memory 21C and executes the first control program PG1, and reads the second control program PG2 stored in the first non-volatile memory 21C, and sends the read second control program PG2 to the second processor 31A of the printer 3.

[0091] With this configuration, the first processor 21A sends the second control program PG2 stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C to the second processor 31A of the printer 3. Therefore, the second processor 31A can control the printer 3 by executing the second control program PG2.

[0092] In the hub 2 according to this embodiment, the second control program PG2 is a control program for the printer 3 excluding the second boot program BT2 .

[0093] With this configuration, since the second control program PG2 is a control program of the printer 3 other than the second boot program BT2 , the second control program PG2 stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C can be appropriately configured.

[0094] Furthermore, in the hub 2 according to the present embodiment, the second boot program BT2 includes initial settings for the second processor 31A and initial settings for the communication interface 32 .

[0095] According to this configuration, by executing the second boot program BT2, the second processor 31A and the communication interface 32 are initialized. Therefore, when the second boot program BT2 is executed, the second processor 31A can receive the second control program PG2 via the communication interface 32.

[0096] Furthermore, in the hub 2 according to this embodiment, the first processor 21A determines that the printer 3 cannot be started if the second control program PG2 is not stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C.

[0097] With this configuration, if the second control program PG2 is not stored in the first nonvolatile memory 21C, it is determined that the printer 3 cannot be started. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the printer 3 can be started.

[0098] Furthermore, in the hub 2 according to the present embodiment, when updating the second control program PG2, the first processor 21A obtains the second control program PG2 from the personal computer 1 and writes the second control program PG2 into the first nonvolatile memory 21C.

[0099] According to this configuration, the second control program PG2 can be easily updated.

[0100] In the hub 2 according to this embodiment, the printer 3 is connected to the hub 2 using a USB Type-C connector, and the first processor 21A communicates with the second processor 31A using USB Type-C.

[0101] This configuration enables faster communication than when the printer 3 is connected to the hub 2 using a USB Type-A connector.

[0102] Furthermore, in the hub 2 according to this embodiment, upon receiving command data JCM corresponding to the command CM instructing the printer 3 to perform a process from the personal computer 1 , the first processor 21A converts the command data JCM into the command CM.

[0103] With this configuration, to convert command data JCM into command CM, data JC in XML or text format can be used as command data JCM. This simplifies the instructions for processing from the personal computer 1 to the printer 3.

[0104] The communication control system 100 involved in this embodiment has a printer 3 and a hub 2 that communicates with the printer 3. The hub 2 has a first processor 21A for controlling the hub 2, and a first non-volatile memory 21C. The first non-volatile memory 21C stores a first control program PG1 and a second control program PG2, wherein the first control program PG1 is a program for enabling the first processor 21A to execute control of the hub 2, and the second control program PG2 is a program for controlling the printer 3.

[0105] With this configuration, the communication control system 100 according to this embodiment can achieve the same operational effects as those of the hub 2 according to this embodiment.

[0106] The personal computer 1 according to this embodiment communicates with the printer 3 via the hub 2 , and when updating the second control program PG2 for controlling the printer 3 , the second control program PG2 is sent to the hub 2 .

[0107] With this configuration, the personal computer 1 according to the present embodiment can easily update the second control program PG2.

[0108] The communication control method of the hub 2 involved in this embodiment is a control method of the hub 2 for relaying the communication between the personal computer 1 and the printer 3, wherein a second control program PG2 for controlling the printer 3 is stored, and when the power of the printer 3 and the hub 2 is turned on, the second control program PG2 is read and the read second control program PG2 is sent to the printer 3.

[0109] According to this configuration, the communication control method of the hub 2 according to this embodiment can achieve the same operational effects as those of the hub 2 according to this embodiment.

[0110] The embodiment described above is merely an embodiment showing one mode of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.

[0111] Although the present embodiment describes the case where the "information processing device" is a personal computer 1, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The "information processing device" may also be, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. Furthermore, the "information processing device" may also be, for example, a server device.

[0112] In addition, although the present embodiment describes the case where the personal computer 1 is connected to the fourth communication interface 224 , the embodiment is not limited thereto and the personal computer 1 may be connected to any one of the first communication interface 221 , the second communication interface 222 , and the third communication interface 223 .

[0113] In addition, although the present embodiment describes the printer 3 as the "printing device," the embodiment is not limited thereto. Any "printing device" can be any device that has a printing function. For example, a "printing device" may be a copier. Furthermore, a "printing device" may be a multifunction peripheral (MFP).

[0114] In addition, although the present embodiment describes a case where the printer 3 is a thermal printer, the embodiment is not limited thereto and the printer 3 may be, for example, an inkjet printer.

[0115] Furthermore, while this embodiment describes a case where the first nonvolatile memory 21C stores the second control program PG2, the embodiment is not limited to this. The first nonvolatile memory 21C only needs to store at least a portion of the second control program PG2. For example, the first nonvolatile memory 21C may also store a print control program of the second control program PG2. The print control program is a control program for causing the second processor 31A to function as the print control unit 312.

[0116] In addition, although in this embodiment, a communication control method implemented by executing the first control program PG1 by the first processor 21A of the hub 2 is described, in order to implement the communication control method, it can also be configured in a manner such that a recording medium on which the first control program PG1 executed by the first processor 21A is recorded in a computer-readable manner, or a transmission medium for transmitting the control program.

[0117] The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Examples of the recording medium include removable or fixed recording media such as a floppy disk, an HDD, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a Blu-Ray (registered trademark) Disc, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, and a card-type recording medium.

[0118] The recording medium may be an internal storage device included in the hub 2 , that is, a nonvolatile storage device such as a RAM or a ROM.

[0119] In addition, although in this embodiment, the first processor 21A executes the first control program PG1 to control various components of the hub 2, the present invention is not limited to this. The first control unit 21 may also include, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the ASIC may execute processing based on the functions implemented therein. Furthermore, the first control unit 21 may also include, for example, a signal processing circuit, and the signal processing circuit may perform signal processing to execute processing.

[0120] In order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 31, Figure 3The processing units shown in the flowchart are divided according to the main processing content. The present invention is not limited by the division method or name of the processing units. The processing of the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 31 can also be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. In addition, the processing unit can be divided so that one processing unit includes more processing.

[0121] also, Figure 2 The functional units shown represent functional structures, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each functional unit. Of course, a structure in which the functions of multiple functional units are implemented by a single processor executing a program can also be used. In addition, in each embodiment described above, a portion of the functions implemented by software can be implemented as hardware, or a portion of the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented using software. In addition, the specific detailed structures of the other components of the hub 2 and printer 3 can also be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0122] Explanation of symbols

[0123] 100…communication control system; 1…personal computer (information processing device); 2…hub (relay device); 21…first control unit; 21A…first processor; 21B…first memory device; 21C…first non-volatile memory; 211…judgment unit; 212…first startup control unit; 213…conversion unit; 214…first communication control unit; 22…input-side communication interface; 23…output-side communication interface; 3…printer (printing device); 31A…second processor; 31B…second memory device; 31C…second non-volatile memory; 311…second startup control unit; 312…printing control unit; 313…second communication control unit; 32…communication interface; BT1…first boot program; BT2…second boot program; JCM…command data; JRN…update instruction information; PG1…first control program; PG2…second control program.

Claims

1. A relay device that relays communication between an information processing device and a printing device. The relay device includes a first processor and a first nonvolatile memory, wherein the first processor controls the relay device. The first nonvolatile memory stores a first control program for causing the first processor to control the relay device, and stores at least a portion of a second control program for controlling the printing device.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein: The printing device includes a second nonvolatile memory. The second non-volatile memory stores a boot program of the printing device. When the power of the printing device and the relay device is turned on, The first processor reads the first control program from the first nonvolatile memory and executes the first control program, and At least a portion of the second control program stored in the first nonvolatile memory is read, and at least a portion of the read second control program is sent to a second processor of the printing device.

3. The relay device according to claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of the second control program is a control program of the printing apparatus excluding a boot program.

4. The relay device according to claim 3, wherein: The boot program includes initial settings of the second processor and initial settings of the communication interface.

5. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein: The first processor determines that the printing device cannot be activated when at least a portion of the second control program is not stored in the first nonvolatile memory. The relay device according to claim 5 , wherein: When at least a portion of the second control program is updated, the first processor obtains at least a portion of the second control program from the information processing device and writes the at least a portion of the second control program into the first nonvolatile memory.

7. The relay device according to claim 2, wherein: The printing device is connected to the relay device using a USB Type-C connector. The first processor communicates with the second processor using the USB Type-C standard.

8. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein: Upon receiving command data corresponding to a command instructing the printing device to perform a process from the information processing device, the first processor converts the command data into the command.

9. A communication control system comprising: printing device; The relay device according to claim 1, which communicates with the printing device, The relay device includes a first processor and a first nonvolatile memory, wherein: The first processor controls the relay device. The first nonvolatile memory stores a first control program for causing the first processor to control the relay device, and stores at least a portion of a second control program for controlling the printing device.

10. An information processing device that communicates with a printing device via a relay device. When updating a second control program for controlling the printing device, the information processing device transmits at least a portion of the second control program to the relay device.

11. A method for controlling a relay device that relays communications between an information processing device and a printing device, wherein: storing at least a portion of a second control program for controlling the printing device, When the power of the printing device and the relay device is turned on, At least a portion of the second control program is read, and the read at least a portion of the second control program is transmitted to the printing device.

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