JP4454438B2 - Multifunction card driver installation control method, control program, and control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-function card driver installation control method, a control program, and a control system, and more particularly to a multi-function card driver installation method.

  A multi-function card is a portable card such as a PC card that can be inserted into / removed from an electronic device such as a PC (personal computer). For example, a multi-function card includes two or more cards such as a memory card, a LAN card, and a modem card. It is combined and mounted on the electronic circuit unit in one card.

  This multi-function card includes a card of a device type (hereinafter referred to as “first device type” as necessary) such as a memory card that can be operated by a driver already incorporated in an electronic device, and a wireless LAN card. Card of a device type (hereinafter referred to as “second device type” if necessary) (hereinafter referred to as “new card” as necessary) that cannot be operated unless a new driver is incorporated in the electronic device. Are configured to be combined together to form an electronic circuit unit, and any one of the device types is switched by a predetermined control signal given from the outside of the card. In order to use this multi-function card as the second device type card, that is, a new card, it is necessary to install and install the second driver in the electronic device.

As prior art documents related to the present invention, there are the following.
JP 2001-125865 A JP 09-134232 A

  However, with the conventional multi-function card driver installation method, when installing a driver for a new card in an electronic device, if the card is inserted before the driver is installed in the electronic device, the electronic device will support the new card. Since the driver cannot be found, the inserted card is bound as an unknown device, and the driver cannot be normally installed.

  The present invention is made against the background of such a conventional situation, and even when the card is inserted into the electronic device before the installation of the driver of the multifunction card is completed, the driver can be normally installed. The purpose is to do so.

To achieve the above object, the multi-function card driver installation control method according to the present invention can be inserted into and removed from an electronic device, and can be operated by a first driver incorporated in the electronic device. A plurality of functions corresponding to a plurality of device types including a first device type and a second device type operable by a second driver not incorporated in the electronic device. A multi-function card driver installation control method capable of switching between the first and second device types by incorporating the second driver, wherein the second driver is installed from a removable disk storing the second driver. Until the installation of the second driver in the electronic device is completed, A step of operating on the basis of the first driver function card as the first device type, the incorporation of the second driver is completed from the removable disk storing the second driver into the electronic apparatus When it is confirmed that the first and second drivers are incorporated in the electronic device, the multifunction card can be selected by arbitrarily selecting one of the first and second device types. And operating based on one of the first and second drivers as one of the selected first and second device types.

A driver installation control program for a multi-function card according to the present invention is mounted so as to be able to be inserted into and removed from an electronic device, and is operable by a first driver incorporated in the electronic device. And a plurality of functions corresponding to a plurality of device types including a second device type operable by a second driver not incorporated in the electronic device, wherein the second driver is included in the electronic device. A multi-function card driver installation control program that can be operated by switching the first and second device types to each other by being incorporated into the electronic device from a removable disk storing the second driver Until the installation of the second driver is completed, the multi-fan An operation card based on the first driver as the first device type, and installation of the second driver from the removable disk storing the second driver into the electronic device is completed. When it is confirmed that the first and second drivers are incorporated in the electronic device, the multifunction card can be selected by arbitrarily selecting one of the first and second device types. And causing the computer to execute an operation based on one of the first and second drivers as one of the selected first and second device types.

A driver installation control system for a multi-function card according to the present invention is mounted so as to be able to be inserted into and removed from an electronic device, and is operable by a first driver incorporated in the electronic device. And a plurality of functions corresponding to a plurality of device types including a second device type operable by a second driver not incorporated in the electronic device, wherein the second driver is included in the electronic device. A multi-function card driver installation control system which can be operated by switching the first and second device types to each other by being incorporated into the electronic device from a removable disk storing the second driver Until the installation of the second driver is completed, the multi-function First control means for operating a replacement card as the first device type based on the first driver, and incorporation of the second driver into the electronic device from a removable disk storing the second driver Is completed, and when it is confirmed that the first and second drivers are incorporated in the electronic device, the multi-device can be selected by arbitrarily selecting one of the first and second device types. And a second control unit that operates the function card based on one of the first and second drivers as one of the selected first and second device types.

  According to the present invention, both a device type that can operate with a driver that is already incorporated in an electronic device, such as a memory card, and a device type that cannot operate without a new driver, such as a wireless LAN card. Even if the card is inserted into the electronic device before the installation of the driver into the electronic device is completed, it is possible to install the driver normally for a multifunction card whose device type can be switched from the outside. It becomes.

  In other words, until the newly installed driver is installed in the electronic device, the card is operated with a device type that can operate with the driver already installed in the electronic device. By switching, the electronics can detect the new card and search for the driver corresponding to the detected new card, so it can find the driver already built in, the new device type card and the matching driver. Binding can be performed and the driver can be installed normally.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the multi-function card driver installation control method, control program, and control system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  Hereinafter, a driver installation control method, a control program, and a control system for a multifunction card according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall system configuration of this embodiment. In the example of FIG. 1, the electronic device is applied to a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”), and is a multi-unit including a PC 1 constituting the device main body and a card such as a PC card that can be used in the PC 1. A function card (hereinafter referred to as “card” if necessary) 2 and a utility program (hereinafter referred to as “utility”) 30 including a driver program (hereinafter referred to as “driver”) of the card 2 are stored. A removable medium (hereinafter referred to as “media” as necessary) 3 which is a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration example of the PC 1. In the example of FIG. 2, the PC 1 includes a CPU 11 and a main memory (ROM / RAM) 12 as well as a hard disk drive (software such as an operating system and its application) as peripheral devices connected to the CPU 11 via a bus. HDD) 13, a display 14 such as a liquid crystal display, a keyboard / mouse (input device) 15 operated by an operator, a removable media interface 16 such as a CD-ROM drive for driving the media 3, and a card And a card interface 17 for electrically connecting the electronic circuit portion of the card 3 inserted into the slot to the PC 1.

  3 to 5 show examples of the driver configuration in the operating system executed by the CPU 11. In the example of FIG. 3, the operating system 41 includes drivers 41 for various peripheral devices and their driver management programs 42. In the example of FIG. 4, the driver 41 includes, for example, an HDD driver 411, a removable media driver 412, a display driver 413, a keyboard / mouse driver 414, and a card according to various peripheral devices mounted on the PC 1. A driver 415 is incorporated. Among them, the card driver 415 related to the present embodiment includes, for example, a memory card driver 415a, a communication card driver 415b, and other card drivers at the time of initial setting of the PC 1, as shown in the example of FIG. 415b is preliminarily incorporated (in this example, it is assumed that a wireless LAN card driver is not preliminarily incorporated in the card driver 415, for example).

  In the multi-function card 2, the first device type that can be operated by the card driver 415 already installed in the PC 1 at the time of initial setting, such as a memory card, and the PC 1 at the time of initial setting, such as a wireless LAN card. The second device type that is not incorporated in the existing card driver 415 and cannot be operated unless a new driver is installed in the PC 1 is incorporated together, and is given from the outside. A card that can be operated by switching the first and second device types by the control signal is applied. For example, a PC card can be exemplified as a typical multi-function card 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any other card-type recording medium or other portable recording medium that can be inserted into and removed from an electronic device such as the PC 1 can be used. If applicable.

  FIG. 6 shows an internal configuration example of the electronic circuit unit of the multi-function card 2. In the example of FIG. 6, the multi-function card 2 includes a main controller 21 and a functional circuit for a memory card (second circuit) having a known circuit configuration that can function as two functional circuits, that is, a memory card corresponding to the first device type. 1 functional circuit) 22, a wireless LAN card functional circuit (second functional circuit) 23 having a known circuit configuration capable of functioning as a wireless LAN card corresponding to the second device type, both functional circuits 22, And an interface circuit 24 connected to 23. Of these, the interface circuit 24 is based on a control signal supplied from the main controller 21, and the electrical circuit between the memory card functional circuit 22 and the wireless LAN card functional circuit 23 in the multifunction card 2 and the CPU 11 in the PC 1. Such as establishing / disconnecting a typical connection. These circuit configurations are merely examples, and any electronic circuit unit capable of realizing an equivalent function is applicable.

  FIG. 7 shows an internal configuration example of the main controller 21 mounted on the multifunction card 2. The main controller 21 shown in the example of FIG. 7 is an application of a microcontroller, for example, and includes control data (for example, card attribute information) including setting information of a CPU 211, a ROM 212 that stores a control program 212a, and a device type setting table 213a. Etc.) and an I / O (input / output) port 214 connected to each circuit 22-24.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration example in the device type setting table 213a in the control data stored in the RAM 213. In the example of FIG. 8, device type identification information (identification code) is set in the device type setting table 213a. That is, if the device type is a memory card corresponding to the first device type, the identification code is “0”, for example, and if the device type is a wireless LAN card corresponding to the second device type, the identification code is “1”, for example. ”And the like. By using the control data including the setting information of the device type setting table 213a, the CPU 211 executes the control program 212a of the ROM 212, and until the control signal for the device type change instruction is received from the PC 1, the function card 2 The device type is set to be a memory card (hereinafter abbreviated as “device type: memory card” if necessary), and a control signal for a device type change instruction from the PC 1 by processing of the utility 30 executed on the PC 1 side. Are set so that the device type of the multi-function card 2 is a wireless LAN card (new card) (when necessary, abbreviated as “device type: new card”), and a circuit corresponding to each device type. I / O control signal for operation Through the port 214 executes processing of giving to the circuits 22 to 24 of the multi-file in transfection card 2.

  FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the utility 30. In the example of FIG. 9, the utility 30 is installed with a program corresponding to the driver installation control program of the present invention, and as its configuration, a wireless LAN card or the like that can be operated with a driver that is not incorporated in the PC 1 at the time of initial setting In addition to the driver 31 for the new card, a driver incorporation function 32, a card switching instruction function 33, and a driver installation recognition function 34 are provided. Each of these functions 32 to 34 is provided as an individual or integrated utility program in this embodiment.

  Among these, the driver incorporation function 32 is a function for incorporating a driver 31 for a new card not incorporated in the PC 1 into the PC 1. Further, the card switching instruction function 32 switches the device type for a new card from a device type operable by the driver 415 incorporated in the PC 1 by default to a device type operable by the newly incorporated driver 31. The device type change instruction is given as a control signal that can be recognized in the multi-function card 2. The driver installation recognition function 34 is a function for recognizing that the binding of the driver 31 incorporated in the PC 1 by the driver incorporation function 32 and the new wireless LAN card is completed and the installation of the driver 31 is completed.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is an operation sequence diagram showing the control method of this embodiment until the multifunction card 2 is operated by the PC 1 using the utility 3.

  First, the multi-function card 2 is inserted into the card interface 17 of the PC 1 and activated (step S1). The device type of the multi-function card 2 at this time is set to a memory card that can be operated by a driver already incorporated in the card driver 415 of the PC 1. This setting is performed based on the information in the device type setting table 213a in the RAM 213 of the multi-function card 2, for example.

  When the multifunction card 2 is activated, the CPU 211 executes the control program 212a in the ROM 212, so that control data (device type: memory card) based on the information in the device type setting table 213a is sent to the PC 1 via the card interface 17. It is done.

  Next, the PC 1 executes control data (device type: device type:) based on information in the device type setting table 213a from the inserted multi-function card 2 through the card interface 17 when the CPU 11 executes the driver management program 42 of the operating system 4. (Memory card) is input, based on this control data, the multifunction card 2 is recognized as a memory card (step S2), and the memory card driver 415a incorporated in the PC 1 corresponding to this memory card is searched ( Step S3).

  Further, the PC 1 uses the built-in memory card driver 415a that has been searched for, and sets the inserted multifunction card 2 as a memory card in advance by the operating system 4 or the like with the memory card driver 415a. A binding process is performed for associating on a table such as a correspondence table (not shown) that defines the correspondence relationship between the card and the driver (step S6). Thus, the PC 1 causes the multifunction card 2 to operate as a memory card by the CPU 11 executing the memory card driver 415a bound in association with the multifunction card 2 (step S8).

  On the other hand, when the removable media 3 is set in the removable media interface 16 of the PC 1 in parallel with the above processing, the PC 1 reads the built-in utility 30 onto the main memory 12 and reads the utility 30 on the operating system 4. (Step S3).

  Next, the PC 1 starts the operation of installing the new card driver 31 by the CPU 11 executing a program corresponding to the driver installation function 32 in the activated utility 30 (step S4). 31 is newly installed and incorporated in the card driver 415 (step S7).

  Next, when the PC 1 completes the incorporation of the new card driver 31 by executing the program corresponding to the driver incorporation function 32 (step S9), the CPU 11 executes the program corresponding to the card switching instruction function 32, thereby the card interface. 17 is used to instruct the multifunction card 2 to change the device type from the memory card to the wireless LAN card (step S10).

  Next, when the multifunction card 2 receives a device type change instruction from the CPU 11 of the PC 1 through the card interface 17 by executing a program corresponding to the card switching instruction function 32 of the utility 30, the CPU 211 executes the control program 212a. Then, the device type switching operation from the memory card to the wireless LAN card is started (step S11).

  In this device type switching operation, the multi-function card 2 first supplies a control signal for card bus disconnection to the interface circuit 24 by the CPU 211 executing the control program 212a, whereby the PC1 is processed by the processing of the interface circuit 24. The card bus connected to is electrically disconnected (linked down) (step S12).

  As a result, the PC 1 operates as a memory card as described above when the CPU 11 executes the driver management program 42 of the operating system 4 and the card bus connected to the multifunction card 2 is disconnected. It is recognized that the multifunction card 2 has been removed (step S13).

  Next, the multifunction card 2 executes a device type switching operation from the memory card to the new wireless LAN card by the CPU 211 executing the control program 212a (step S14). This operation is performed by control data (device type: new card) based on information on the device type setting table 213a in the RAM 213 of the multi-function card 2, for example.

  When this operation ends, the multi-function card 2 is activated by electrically connecting the card bus connected to the PC 1 (step S15). At the time of activation, the CPU 211 executes the control program 212a of the ROM 212, so that control data (device type: new card) is sent to the PC 1 via the card interface 17.

  As a result, the PC 1 inputs control data (device type: new card) from the activated multifunction card 2 through the card interface 17 by the CPU 11 executing the driver management program 42 of the operating system 4. Based on the control data, a new card is detected (step S16), and the card driver 415 corresponding to the new card is searched (step S17).

  Next, the PC 1 detects the new card driver 31 newly incorporated in the card driver 415, and performs a binding process for associating the driver 31 with the new wireless LAN card (step S18). Accordingly, the PC 1 executes the new card driver 31 to which the CPU 11 is bound, thereby causing the multifunction card 2 to operate as a new card, that is, a wireless LAN card (step S19).

Next, the PC 1 detects the operation of the multi-function card 2 as a new card by the CPU 11 executing a program corresponding to the driver installation recognition function 34 of the utility 30 (step S19), thereby the new card driver 31. Is recognized as being normally completed (step S20), and the program execution of the utility 30 is terminated (step S21).
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, both a memory card that can operate with a driver whose device type is already incorporated in the PC 1 and a wireless LAN card that cannot operate unless the device type is newly installed with a driver are combined. When installing a driver for a wireless LAN card in the PC 1 in the multi-function card 2, even if the multi-function card 2 is inserted into the PC 1 before installing the driver, the PC 1 is normal because the device type is a memory card. Operates (steps S1 to S8). After that, when the wireless LAN card driver is installed in the PC 1, the device type of the multifunction card 2 is switched from the memory card to the wireless LAN card, and the PC 1 detects the wireless LAN card by switching the device type. The binding process can be performed in association with the driver for the incorporated wireless LAN card, and as a result, the driver for the wireless LAN card can be normally installed (steps S9 to S21).

  As a result, when a driver for operating a wireless LAN card on a PC is installed on the PC, the driver can be normally installed even if the card is inserted into the PC before the driver installation is completed. It becomes.

In the above embodiment, if it is confirmed by the program control by the utility 30 that the drivers corresponding to the first and second device types are incorporated in the PC 1, any device type is arbitrarily set. It is also possible to add a selectable configuration.

  Moreover, although the case where the utility program is stored in the removable disk has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to the case where the utility program is downloaded from a server, for example, via a network. It is.

  In this embodiment, a memory card is used as a first device type that can be operated by a driver whose device type is already incorporated in a PC, and a wireless LAN is used as a second device type that cannot be operated unless a new driver is installed. Although each card is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other cards as well.

  In the above embodiment, a PC is exemplified as an electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any device can be applied as long as a multifunction card can be inserted and removed. For example, a portable information device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) may be used.

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the driver installation control system of the multifunction card based on the Example of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the internal structure of PC. It is a figure which shows the principal part structure in an operating system. It is a figure which shows the structure in a driver. It is a figure which shows the structure in the driver for cards. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the internal structure of the electronic circuit part of a multifunction card. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the internal structure of a main controller. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a device type setting table. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a utility. It is a sequence diagram explaining operation | movement of a driver installation control system.

Explanation of symbols

1 PC
2 Multifunction card 3 Removable media 4 Operating system 11 CPU
12 Main memory 13 HDD
14 Display 15 Keyboard / Mouse 16 Removable Disk Interface 17 Card Interface 21 Main Controller 22 Memory Card Functional Circuit 23 Wireless LAN Card Functional Circuit 24 Interface Circuit 30 Utility 31 Driver 32 Driver Embedded Function 33 Card Switching Instruction Function 34 Driver Installation Recognition Function

Claims (3)

A first device type that can be inserted into and removed from an electronic device and can be operated by a first driver incorporated in the electronic device, and a second driver that is not incorporated in the electronic device A plurality of functions corresponding to a plurality of device types including a second device type operable in the electronic device, and the first and second device types are obtained by incorporating the second driver in the electronic apparatus. A multi-function card driver installation control method that can be operated by switching between each other,
Until the installation of the second driver into the electronic device from the removable disk storing the second driver is completed based on the first driver using the multifunction card as the first device type A step to operate;
It was confirmed that the installation of the second driver into the electronic device from the removable disk storing the second driver was completed, and the first and second drivers were installed in the electronic device. In this case, by arbitrarily selecting any one of the first and second device types, the multifunction card is set as one of the selected first and second device types. A driver installation control method for a multifunction card, comprising: a step of operating based on any one of the drivers. A first device type that can be inserted into and removed from an electronic device and can be operated by a first driver incorporated in the electronic device, and a second driver that is not incorporated in the electronic device A plurality of functions corresponding to a plurality of device types including a second device type operable in the electronic device, and the first and second device types are obtained by incorporating the second driver in the electronic apparatus. A multi-function card driver installation control program that can be switched between each other,
Until the installation of the second driver into the electronic device from the removable disk storing the second driver is completed based on the first driver using the multifunction card as the first device type A step to operate;
It was confirmed that the installation of the second driver into the electronic device from the removable disk storing the second driver was completed, and the first and second drivers were installed in the electronic device. In this case, by arbitrarily selecting any one of the first and second device types, the multifunction card is set as one of the selected first and second device types. A multi-function card driver installation control program for causing a computer to execute the step of operating based on any one of the drivers. A first device type that can be inserted into and removed from an electronic device and can be operated by a first driver incorporated in the electronic device, and a second driver that is not incorporated in the electronic device A plurality of functions corresponding to a plurality of device types including a second device type operable in the electronic device, and the first and second device types are obtained by incorporating the second driver in the electronic apparatus. A multi-function card driver installation control system that can be switched between each other,
Until the installation of the second driver into the electronic device from the removable disk storing the second driver is completed based on the first driver using the multifunction card as the first device type First control means to be operated;
It was confirmed that the installation of the second driver into the electronic device from the removable disk storing the second driver was completed, and the first and second drivers were installed in the electronic device. In this case, by arbitrarily selecting any one of the first and second device types, the multifunction card is set as one of the selected first and second device types. And a second control unit that operates based on any one of the drivers of the multifunction card.

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