Electronic device, firmware update method, and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus, a firmware update method, and a program that can reliably apply firmware conforming to a new component.SOLUTION: A component identification information acquisition unit 121 acquires identification information on a new component with which a component already mounted on an electronic apparatus 1 is replaced, and a firmware rewriting unit 122 rewrites firmware 141 to new firmware 141. A firmware determination unit 123 determines, based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121, whether the rewritten firmware 141 and the type or characteristics of a new component 160 conform to each other. When the firmware determination unit 123 determines that the rewritten firmware 141 and the type or characteristics of the new component 160 do not conform to each other, a predetermined operation is executed, or an operation instruction is issued so that the predetermined operation is not executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a firmware update method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic device such as a list device has firmware installed to operate components such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) mounted thereon normally. When replacing components during reproduction, design change, repair, etc. of the electronic device, it is necessary to change to firmware or parameters suitable for the replaced components. When changing the firmware or parameters, the firmware update program stored in the electronic device in advance or the firmware update program downloaded via a network is executed on the electronic device to change the firmware, etc. (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The device described in Patent Document 1, when connected to a network, transmits information including the name or version of the component to be replaced to a cloud-based software repository, and the cloud-based software repository causes the device to download software suitable for the received information. It is thus explained that software such as firmware necessary for the device can be downloaded and installed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional electronic devices are required to read information including the name or version of a new component when replacing components and transmit the information to a software repository or the like on a network. However, when reading information, some kind of failure may occur and the information cannot be read, or incorrect information may be read. In such a case, there has been a problem that the firmware or parameters cannot be rewritten to those suitable for the new component.

[0006] In addition, when the firmware or parameters suitable for the new component could not be rewritten due to a failure during information reading, there has been a problem that the performance as designed for the component cannot be obtained or malfunction may occur.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device, a firmware update method, and a program capable of surely applying firmware suitable for a new component.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve the above object, one aspect of the electronic device according to the present invention is a component identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the new component changed from the mounted component, a firmware rewriting unit that rewrites the firmware of the component or the peripheral components of the component to the new firmware, a firmware determination unit that determines whether the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are compatible with each other based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit, an operation instruction unit that executes a predetermined operation or gives an instruction not to execute a predetermined operation when the firmware determination unit determines that the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are not compatible with each other, a first control unit, a second control unit including the component identification information acquisition unit, the firmware determination unit, and the operation instruction unit, when the firmware determination unit of the second control unit determines that the firmware and the type or characteristics of the component do not match each other, the operation instruction unit gives an instruction to stop the operation of the first control unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to surely apply firmware adapted to new components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment is an arbitrary device equipped with replaceable electronic components. For example, it is an information communication terminal driven by a battery and connectable to a network. In the first embodiment, the case where the electronic device 1 is a small information communication terminal such as a listed device will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic device 1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a first control unit 110, a second control unit 120, a data storage 130, a firmware storage (denoted as FW storage in the drawing) 140, and a communication unit 150, which are connected via a data bus 200. The electronic device 1 further includes one or more components 160 mounted on the electronic device 1 and a component interface 170 for connecting the components 160, and the component interface 170 is also connected to the data bus 200.

[0014] The first control unit 110 includes a processor 101 and a memory 102. The first control unit 110 has a function of putting itself into sleep to suppress power consumption. The first control unit 110 in the sleep state is basically stopped, but when receiving an interrupt signal (wake-up signal) from the outside, it changes from the sleep state to the active state and starts operating.

[0015] The processor 101 is a high-performance arithmetic processing device capable of implementing a high-function operating system (OS) and consists of a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 102 is a random access memory (RAM) serving as the working area of the processor 101 and has a capacity that can cover most of the capacity required to realize all functions of the electronic device 1.

[0016] The second control unit 120 includes a processor 103 and a memory 104. The processor 103 is a CPU with lower performance and slower speed compared to the processor 101 of the first control unit 110. Therefore, the processor 103 is not suitable for a high-function OS, but on the contrary, it consumes less power than the processor 101. The electronic device 1 can be operated only by the second control unit 120 during remanufacturing, design change, repair, etc.

[0017] The memory 104 is a RAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as the working area of the processor 103 and has a capacity required to implement the processing of the processor 103.

[0018] Here, the above configurations of the memories 102 and 104 are examples, and any other arbitrary configurations may be used. For example, at least one of the memories 102 and 104 may be provided outside the first control unit 110 or the second control unit 120, and the memories 102 and 104 may be composed of a single RAM.

[0019] The data storage 130 is a large-capacity storage device that stores data acquired or generated by the main functions of the electronic device 1 implemented by the first control unit 110. The data storage 130 also stores the programs executed by the first control unit 110 and the second control unit 120 and the firmware rewrite program for each component 160 mounted on the electronic device 1.

[0020] When the second control unit 120 executes the firmware (Firmware: denoted as FW in the drawings. The same applies hereinafter) rewrite program 131 stored in the data storage 130, the second control unit 120 functions as a component identification information acquisition unit 121, a firmware rewrite unit 122, a firmware determination unit 123, and an operation instruction unit 124 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] The component identification information acquisition unit 121 acquires the identification information of the new component 160 when the component 160 already mounted on the electronic device 1 is replaced. The firmware rewrite unit 122 rewrites the firmware 141 applied to the component 160 after replacement or the peripheral components of the component 160 to the new firmware 141.

[0022] The firmware determination unit 123 determines whether the rewritten firmware 141 and the type or characteristics of the new component are compatible with each other. When the firmware determination unit 123 determines that the rewritten firmware 141 and the type or characteristics of the new component are not compatible with each other, the operation instruction unit 124 executes a predetermined operation or gives an instruction not to execute a predetermined operation.

[0023] The firmware storage 140 is a storage device that stores the firmware 141 corresponding to each component 160 operating in the electronic device 1. When parameters are required to execute the firmware 141, the firmware storage 140 also stores the parameters in association with the firmware 141.

[0024] The communication unit 150 is a device for communicating with other information communication terminals existing outside the electronic device 1. The communication method of the communication unit 150 is arbitrary, and may be a wired communication method such as USB, or a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 150 receives data including the firmware rewrite program 131 for the component 160 from an information communication terminal such as a server or a manufacturing adjustment device to which communication is connected.

[0025] The component 160 is an electronic component already mounted on the electronic device 1 and is a replaceable component. The component 160 is, for example, a battery, a display device, an input device, or a sensor device for the electronic device 1. These components may need to be replaced due to consumption, failure, modification of other peripheral components, etc. During remanufacturing, design changes, or repairs at the manufacturing site, the old component is replaced with a new component, or is replaced by the user. When the component is switched, it is necessary to apply the firmware or parameters that match the characteristics of the new component 160. If the firmware or parameters do not match the characteristics of the component, there is a possibility of malfunction.

[0026] The component interface 170 is an interface for connecting the component 160 to the second control unit 120 and has signal lines for transmitting and receiving predetermined information. The component identification information acquisition unit 121 of the second control unit 120 can acquire information including the identification information of the component 160 using the component interface 170.

[0027] The method for acquiring identification information using the component interface 170 is any conventional method. For example, among the terminals of the component interface 170, the combination of terminals to be short-circuited on the circuit board of the component 160 is changed for each type of component, and the component identification information acquisition unit 121 acquires the identification information of the component by detecting the combination of conducting terminals. When the component identification information acquisition unit 121 cannot acquire the identification information of the component 160 using the component interface 170, the identification information may be acquired via the communication unit 150, or the identification information may be acquired based on the operator's operation input.

[0028] The operation of the electronic device 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the firmware rewrite process executed after replacing the component 160.

[0029] Before executing the firmware rewrite process shown in FIG. 3, the data storage 130 stores firmware rewrite programs 131 corresponding to each component 160 and the type or version of each component 160. These firmware rewrite programs 131 are, for example, programs received by the communication unit 150 from an information communication terminal such as a communication-connected server or a manufacturing adjustment device.

[0030] After any component 160 such as a battery, a display device, an input device, or a sensor device mounted on the electronic device 1 is replaced, a firmware rewrite program 131 corresponding to the replaced component 160 or the peripheral components of the component 160 is selected from the firmware rewrite program 131 stored in the data storage 130. The firmware rewrite program 131 is selected by the operation of the operator or based on the identification information of the component 160 acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121. Then, by executing the selected firmware rewrite program 131, the firmware rewrite process shown in FIG. 3 is executed.

[0031] First, the component identification information acquisition unit 121 acquires the identification information of the component 160 newly connected to the component interface 170 (step S101: component identification information acquisition step). Next, the firmware rewrite unit 122 of the second control unit 120 rewrites the firmware 141 stored in the firmware storage 140 into new firmware 141 (step S102: firmware rewrite step). At this time, if there are parameters necessary for executing the firmware 141, the firmware rewrite unit 122 also rewrites the parameters together with the firmware 141.

[0032] Here, the rewrite of the firmware 141 in the firmware storage 140 executed in step S102 does not perform a version upgrade on the already written old version of the firmware 141, but writes all the data of the firmware 141 newly. In other words, the second control unit 120 performs a clean install of the firmware 141.

[0033] That is, the firmware rewrite unit 122 does not execute a partial update of the firmware 141 based on the identification information of the component 160 acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121.

[0034] In step S102, after rewriting the firmware 141 in the firmware storage 140, the firmware determination unit 123 determines the integrity of all data of the firmware 141 (step S103: firmware determination step).

[0035] Specifically, the firmware determination unit 123 verifies whether there are any errors or omissions in the data of the written firmware 141. Further, the firmware determination unit 123 determines whether the data including the version of the firmware 141 is compatible with the type or characteristics of the new component 160 identified based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121.

[0036] If the firmware determination unit 123 determines that all data of the firmware 141 is consistent (step S104: Yes), the firmware rewriting process is terminated, and then the operation instruction unit 124 issues an instruction to start the operation of the first control unit 110. If the firmware determination unit 123 determines that the data of the firmware 141 is inconsistent (step S104: No), the operation instruction unit 124 outputs a warning indicating an abnormality and issues an instruction to keep the first control unit 110 stopped (steps S105, S106: operation instruction steps). Note that the instruction of the operation performed by the operation instruction unit 124 is not limited to the output of the warning or the stop of the first control unit 110, and may be an instruction to execute or not execute an arbitrary operation determined in advance.

[0037] In this way, when the rewritten firmware 141 and the new component 160 after the replacement of the component 160 are compatible with each other, the electronic device 1 can operate normally. On the other hand, when the rewritten firmware 141 and the new component 160 are not compatible with each other, it is possible to avoid operating the electronic device 1 in a state where the component 160 cannot operate normally.

[0038] As described above, in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the mounted component 160 is replaced, the component identification information acquisition unit 121 of the second control unit 120 acquires the identification information of the new component 160, and the firmware rewriting unit 122 rewrites the firmware 141 of the component 160 or the peripheral components of the component 160 to the new firmware 141. The firmware determination unit 123 verifies the data including the version of the rewritten firmware 141 and determines whether the data is consistent. When the firmware determination unit 123 determines that the data of the firmware 141 is inconsistent, the operation instruction unit 124 outputs a warning and instructs not to execute the first control unit 110. As a result, it becomes possible to surely apply the firmware 141 suitable for the new component 160.

[0039] Also, the electronic device 1 is configured not to perform partial update of the firmware based on the identification information of the component 160 acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121. Thereby, it is possible to avoid a problem that the firmware 141 suitable for the new component 160 cannot be rewritten due to a failure in reading the version of the component 160.

[0040] Also, when the firmware determination unit 123 of the second control unit 120 determines that the rewritten firmware 141 and the type or characteristics of the component 160 do not match each other, the operation of the first control unit 110 is stopped. As a result, it is possible to avoid a failure of the electronic device 1 caused by operating the first control unit 110 in a state where the component 160 cannot operate normally because the firmware 141 does not match.

[0041] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the electronic device 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The electronic device 1 according to the present Embodiment 2 has the same configuration as that of Embodiment 1. The component 160 to be rewritten with the firmware 141 in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment is a battery.

[0042] The battery is a component that needs to be replaced due to EOL (End of Life). In addition to at the time of EOL, during remanufacturing at the manufacturing site, during design changes, or during repairs, etc., it is replaced from the old battery to a new battery, or is replaced by the user. When the battery is switched, it is necessary to apply the firmware or parameters of the battery remaining amount gauge IC (Integrated Circuit) that conforms to the characteristics of the battery. If the firmware or parameters do not conform to the characteristics of the battery, there is a possibility of malfunction. Also, if the firmware or parameters do not conform to the characteristics of the battery, the characteristics of the battery as designed may not be obtained.

[0043] The hardware configuration and functional configuration of the electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The operation of the electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the firmware rewriting process when the component 160 is a battery.

[0044] Before executing the firmware rewriting process shown in FIG. 4, in the data storage 130, a firmware rewriting program 131 of the battery remaining amount gauge IC that conforms to the type or version of the battery that is the component 160 is stored. These firmware rewriting programs 131 are, for example, programs received by the communication unit 150 from an information communication terminal such as a server or a manufacturing adjustment device that is communicatively connected.

[0045] After the battery mounted on the electronic device 1 is replaced, a firmware rewriting program 131 corresponding to the replaced new battery is selected from the firmware rewriting programs 131 stored in the data storage 130. The firmware rewriting program 131 is selected by the operation of the operator, or is selected based on the identification information of the component 160 acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121. Then, by executing the selected firmware rewriting program 131, the firmware rewriting process shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

[0046] First, the component identification information acquisition unit 121 acquires the identification information of the battery, which is the component 160 newly connected to the component interface 170 (step S201). If it is determined based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121 that the battery connected to the component interface 170 is a new battery (step S202: Yes), the firmware rewriting unit 122 rewrites all of the firmware 141 of the battery remaining amount gauge IC stored in the firmware storage 140 to the firmware 141 of the battery remaining amount gauge IC compatible with the new battery (step S203).

[0047] Also in the second embodiment, the rewriting of the firmware 141 in the firmware storage 140 executed in step S203 does not upgrade the version of the already written old version of the firmware 141, but rewrites all the data of the firmware 141 newly. In other words, the second control unit 120 performs a clean install of the firmware 141. Then, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0048] In step S202, if it is determined that the battery connected to the component interface 170 is not a new battery and the battery has not been replaced (step S202: No), the firmware 141 is not rewritten, and the process proceeds to step S204.

[0049] Next, the firmware determination unit 123 determines the integrity of all the data of the firmware 141 of the battery remaining amount gauge IC installed in the firmware storage 140 (step S204).

[0050] Specifically, the firmware determination unit 123 verifies whether there are any errors or defects in the written data of the firmware 141. Also, the firmware determination unit 123 determines whether the data including the version of the firmware 141 of the battery remaining amount gauge IC is compatible with the type or characteristics of the new battery identified based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121.

[0051] When the firmware determination unit 123 determines that a new battery is connected based on the component identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121 and also determines that the firmware 141 of the battery level gauge IC is compatible with the new battery (step S205: Yes), the operation instruction unit 124 switches the reference table for calculating the remaining battery level of the battery level gauge IC to a table corresponding to the new battery and restarts the electronic device 1 (step S206).

[0052] Also, when the firmware determination unit 123 determines that an old battery is connected based on the component identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121 and also determines that the firmware 141 of the battery level gauge IC is compatible with the old battery (step S205: No, step S207: Yes), the operation instruction unit 124 switches the reference table of the battery level gauge IC to a table corresponding to the old battery and restarts the electronic device 1 (step S206).

[0053] On the other hand, when the firmware determination unit 123 determines that a new battery is connected and the firmware 141 of the battery level gauge IC is not compatible with the new battery (step S205, S207: No), the operation instruction unit 124 outputs a warning indicating an abnormality (step S208) and gives an instruction to keep the first control unit 110 stopped (step S209). Also, when the firmware determination unit 123 determines that an old battery is connected and the firmware 141 of the battery level gauge IC is not compatible with the old battery (step S205, S207: No), the operation instruction unit 124 outputs a warning indicating an abnormality (step S208) and gives an instruction to keep the first control unit 110 stopped (step S209).

[0054] As described above, in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the mounted battery is replaced, the component identification information acquisition unit 121 of the second control unit 120 acquires the identification information of the battery which is the new component 160, and the firmware rewriting unit 122 rewrites the firmware 141 of the battery remaining amount gauge IC of the battery to the new firmware 141. The firmware determination unit 123 verifies the data including the version of the rewritten firmware 141, and determines whether the data is consistent. When the firmware determination unit 123 determines that the data of the firmware 141 is inconsistent, the operation instruction unit 124 outputs a warning and issues an instruction not to operate the first control unit 110. As a result, it becomes possible to surely apply the firmware 141 of the battery remaining amount gauge IC suitable for the new battery.

[0055] (Modification example) As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, this embodiment is merely an example, and the scope of application of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, various applications of the embodiments of the present invention are possible, and all embodiments are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0056] For example, in the first embodiment, the data storage 130 and the firmware storage 140 are provided separately, the firmware rewriting program 131 is stored in the data storage 130, and the firmware 141 is stored in the firmware storage 140. However, the configurations of the data storage 130 and the firmware storage 140 may be any other configurations. For example, the data storage 130 and the firmware storage 140 may be configured by one storage device. Alternatively, part or all of the firmware storage 140 may be included in the first control unit 110 or the second control unit 120.

[0057] Also, in Embodiments 1 and 2, it was assumed that by executing the firmware rewrite program 131, the firmware 141 stored in the firmware storage 140 is rewritten to the firmware 141 of the new component 160. However, a plurality of firmwares including the firmware 141 of the component 160 or the peripheral components of the component 160 may be stored in the firmware storage 140 in advance. In this case, based on the identification information of the new component 160 acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121, the firmware determination unit 123 selects the firmware 141 corresponding to the new component 160 from the plurality of firmwares, and determines whether the selected firmware 141 and the type or characteristics of the new component 160 are compatible with each other.

[0058] When storing a plurality of firmwares 141 in the firmware storage 140, the communication unit 150 may receive the firmware 141 from an external information communication terminal and store it in the firmware storage 140. Alternatively, based on the identification information of the new component 160 acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit 121, the firmware 141 may be requested from an external information communication terminal, and the communication unit 150 may receive the firmware 141 corresponding to the new component 160 and store it in the firmware storage 140.

[0059] Also, in Embodiments 1 and 2, after rewriting the firmware 141 in the firmware storage 140 to the firmware 141 corresponding to the new component 160, the firmware determination unit 123 determines whether the firmware 141 and the type or characteristics of the new component 160 are compatible with each other. However, before writing the firmware 141 corresponding to the new component 160 into the firmware storage 140, it may be determined whether the firmware 141 and the type or characteristics of the new component 160 are compatible with each other.

[0060] In addition, the hardware configurations and flowcharts shown in the above Embodiments 1 and 2 are merely examples and can be arbitrarily changed and modified. Each function realized by the second control unit 120 can be realized using a normal computer system instead of a dedicated system.

[0061] For example, a program for executing the operations of the above embodiments is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), memory card, etc., and the program is installed in a computer, whereby a computer capable of realizing each function may be configured. And when each function is realized by sharing between an OS (Operating System) and an application, or by cooperation between the OS and the application, only the part other than the OS may be stored in the recording medium.

[0062] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and the present invention includes the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope. Hereinafter, the invention described in the original claims of the present application is appended.

[0063] (Appended Note 1) A component identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of a new component replaced from a mounted component; A firmware rewriting unit that rewrites the firmware of the component or the peripheral components of the component to the new firmware; A firmware determination unit that determines whether or not the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are compatible with each other based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit; When it is determined by the firmware determination unit that the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component do not match each other, an operation instruction unit that executes a predetermined operation or gives an instruction not to execute a predetermined operation; An electronic device comprising:

[0064] (Appendix 2) further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external information communication terminal; The communication unit receives a firmware rewrite program from the information communication terminal; The firmware rewriting unit rewrites the firmware of the component or the peripheral component of the component to the new firmware by executing the firmware rewrite program; The electronic device according to Appendix 1.

[0065] (Appendix 3) a component identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the new component replaced from the mounted component; a firmware storage that stores a plurality of firmwares including the firmware of the component or the peripheral component of the component; a firmware determination unit that determines whether the firmware selected from the plurality of firmwares based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit matches the type or characteristics of the new component; When it is determined by the firmware determination unit that the selected firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component do not match each other, an operation instruction unit that executes a predetermined operation or gives an instruction not to execute a predetermined operation; An electronic device comprising:

[0066] (Appendix 4) further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external information communication terminal; The communication unit receives the firmware from the information communication terminal and stores it in the firmware storage; The electronic device according to Appendix 3.

[0067] (Appendix 5) The component is a battery, The firmware includes the firmware of a battery level gauge IC, The electronic device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4.

[0068] (Appendix 6) When it is determined that the operation instruction unit is compatible with the firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component, the operation instruction unit switches the reference table for calculating the remaining battery level of the battery level gauge IC to the table corresponding to the replaced battery. The electronic device according to Appendix 5.

[0069] (Appendix 7) The electronic device does not perform partial update of the firmware based on the identification information of the component acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit. The electronic device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6.

[0070] (Appendix 8) When it is determined by the firmware determination unit that the firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are not compatible with each other, the operation instruction unit gives an instruction to output a warning. The electronic device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7.

[0071] (Appendix 9) A first control unit, A second control unit having the component identification information acquisition unit, the firmware determination unit, and the operation instruction unit, When the firmware determination unit of the second control unit determines that the firmware and the type or characteristics of the component are not compatible with each other, the operation instruction unit gives an instruction to stop the operation of the first control unit. The electronic device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8.

[0072] (Appendix 10) It further includes a component interface for connecting the component to the second control unit. Among the terminals of the component interface, the combination of terminals to be short-circuited on the circuit board of the component is changed for each type of the component. The component identification information acquisition unit of the second control unit acquires the identification information of the component by detecting the combination of the conducting terminals. The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 9.

[0073] (Supplementary Note 11) A component identification information acquisition step of acquiring the identification information of the new component replaced from the already mounted component, A firmware rewriting step of rewriting the firmware of the component or the peripheral components of the component to the new firmware, A firmware determination step of determining whether the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are compatible with each other based on the identification information acquired in the component identification information acquisition step, An operation instruction step of executing a predetermined operation or giving an instruction not to execute a predetermined operation when it is determined in the firmware determination step that the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are not compatible with each other, A firmware update method having the above.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 12) A computer, A component identification information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information of the new component replaced from the already mounted component, A firmware rewriting unit that rewrites the firmware of the component or the peripheral components of the component to the new firmware, A firmware determination unit that determines whether the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are compatible with each other based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit, and When the firmware determination unit determines that the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component do not match each other, an operation instruction unit that executes a predetermined operation or gives an instruction not to execute a predetermined operation. A program that functions as.

Explanation of Signs

[0075] 1... Electronic device, 101, 103... Processor, 102, 104... Memory, 110... First control unit, 120... Second control unit, 121... Component identification information acquisition unit, 122... Firmware (FW) rewriting unit, 123... Firmware determination unit, 124... Operation instruction unit, 130... Data storage, 131... Firmware rewriting program, 140... Firmware storage, 141... Firmware, 150... Communication unit, 160... Component, 170... Component interface, 200... Data bus.

Claims

1. A component identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the new component replaced from the already-mounted component; A firmware rewriting unit that rewrites the firmware of the component or the peripheral components of the component to the new firmware; A firmware determination unit that determines whether the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are compatible with each other based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit; An operation instruction unit that, when it is determined by the firmware determination unit that the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are not compatible with each other, executes a predetermined operation or gives an instruction not to execute a predetermined operation; A first control unit; A second control unit having the component identification information acquisition unit, the firmware determination unit, and the operation instruction unit; When the firmware determination unit of the second control unit determines that the firmware and the type or characteristics of the component are not compatible with each other, the operation instruction unit gives an instruction to stop the operation of the first control unit; An electronic device.

2. Further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external information communication terminal; The communication unit receives a firmware rewriting program from the information communication terminal; The firmware rewriting unit rewrites the firmware of the component or the peripheral components of the component to the new firmware by executing the firmware rewriting program; The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. A component identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the new component replaced from the already-mounted component; A firmware storage that stores a plurality of firmwares including the firmware of the component or the peripheral components of the component; A firmware determination unit that determines whether the firmware selected from the plurality of firmwares and the type or characteristics of the new component are compatible with each other based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit; An operation instruction unit that, when it is determined by the firmware determination unit that the selected firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are not compatible with each other, executes a predetermined operation or gives an instruction not to execute a predetermined operation; A first control unit; A second control unit having the component identification information acquisition unit, the firmware determination unit, and the operation instruction unit; When the firmware determination unit of the second control unit determines that the firmware and the type or characteristics of the component do not match each other, the operation instruction unit issues an instruction to stop the operation of the first control unit. Electronic device.

4. Further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external information communication terminal, The communication unit receives the firmware from the information communication terminal and stores it in the firmware storage. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. The component is a battery, The firmware includes the firmware of the battery level gauge IC. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the operation instruction unit determines that the firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component match each other, the operation instruction unit switches the reference table for calculating the remaining battery level of the battery level gauge IC to the table corresponding to the replaced battery. The electronic device according to claim 5.

7. The electronic device does not perform partial update of the firmware based on the identification information of the component acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. When the operation instruction unit is determined by the firmware determination unit that the firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component do not match each other, the operation instruction unit issues an instruction to output a warning. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Further comprising a component interface for connecting the component to the second control unit, Among the terminals of the component interface, the combination of terminals to be short-circuited on the circuit board of the component is changed for each type of the component, The component identification information acquisition unit of the second control unit acquires the identification information of the component by detecting the combination of the conducting terminals. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer comprising a first control unit and a second control unit, A component identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of a new component replaced from a mounted component, A firmware rewriting unit that rewrites the firmware of the component or the peripheral component of the component to the new firmware, A firmware determination unit that determines whether the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are compatible with each other based on the identification information acquired by the component identification information acquisition unit, and An operation instruction unit that, when it is determined by the firmware determination unit that the new firmware and the type or characteristics of the new component are not compatible with each other, executes a predetermined operation or gives an instruction not to execute a predetermined operation, Function as, The second control unit includes the component identification information acquisition unit, the firmware determination unit, and the operation instruction unit, When the firmware determination unit of the second control unit determines that the firmware and the type or characteristics of the component are not compatible with each other, the operation instruction unit gives an instruction to stop the operation of the first control unit, Program.

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