JP2005049952A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-functional image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function or the like for much more effectively utilizing a program stored in a storage medium. <P>SOLUTION: Since the number of storage media mounted on an image forming apparatus is limited, program data or the like stored in a certain storage medium are copied to another storage medium. Thus, it is possible to effectively gather file data, and to simultaneously execute much more programs as the result. Also, the duplication of the file data is executed within the extent of copyrights. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and in particular, a multi-function image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function, and copying file data such as control programs and application programs between a plurality of storage media. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function, various control programs, general-purpose application programs, general-purpose font data, and the like are preinstalled in a storage medium such as a flash ROM or DIMM. In general, the image forming apparatus is operated. For example, a copy function that simply copies an original and a printer function that outputs an electronic document file (Word format, etc.) created with standard fonts can be adequately handled by a program built in the image forming apparatus. It is.
[0003]
However, there is a tendency for the demand for output to be complicated or sophisticated, such as to copy and output photographic images and other input document data without losing aesthetics, or to output an electronic document using special font data. is there. For this reason, the general-purpose program and font data are not sufficient.
Therefore, with the widespread use of large-capacity portable storage media, extended application programs, extended font data, and the like have been provided using large-capacity portable storage media such as SD card media. The device user inserts a portable storage medium such as an SD card medium in which the purchased extended application program is stored into the mounting slot in the device body, executes the required extended application program, or loads the extended font data. By using it, it is possible to perform more advanced on-demand printing.
[0004]
Further, from the viewpoint of maintenance of the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to upgrade the program data stored in the storage medium by adding new functions or correcting bugs, or to add new font data. In such a need, as a conventional technique, the old program stored in the flash memory of the image forming apparatus is rewritten and updated to the new program in a short time, the flash memory rewriting method, the control device, and the image forming There is an invention related to an apparatus and a program update system (see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-014833 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional image forming apparatus has at most a limited number of slots (about two) into which removable storage media such as SD cards are mounted, it is necessary to mount more storage media than the number of slots. However, it has become a problem that many extended programs cannot be executed at the same time, and it becomes impossible to use all the applications required by the user using the extended font data.
[0007]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a program configuration illustrating a problem in the image forming apparatus which is an embodiment of the prior art.
There are three SD cards X, Y, and Z which are removable storage media. The SD card X stores a printer extension application and a scanner extension application. Similarly, an extended application for FAX is stored in the SD card Y, and extended font data is stored in the SD card Z. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus has only two card slots A and B for storing removable storage media. Here, in order to try advanced printing simultaneously using the printer extension application, the FAX extension application, and the extension font data, the SD card X is inserted into the card slot A, and the SD card Y is inserted into the card slot B. The SD card Z cannot be inserted into the card slot even if it is inserted into the card slot. That is, it is impossible to execute advanced printing using the printer extension application, the FAX extension application, and the extension font data at the same time.
[0008]
An easy way to solve this problem is to increase the number of card slots. In the above example, the SD card X, Y, and Z can be inserted into the card slot by increasing the number of card slots to three, so the printer extension application, FAX extension application, and extension font data were used simultaneously. It is possible to perform advanced printing.
However, this method causes an increase in cost due to an increase in the number of slots, and also causes a problem of the physical size of the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, an upper limit must be set for the number of slots, and it cannot be said that the above problem has been solved fundamentally.
[0009]
As another countermeasure method, there is a method in which a plurality of types of applications are stored in the SD card in advance, and the number of types of SD card provided to the user is limited to the number of slots. Will provide even applications that are not needed. Therefore, this method cannot be said to fundamentally solve the problem.
[0010]
The size of the extended application program and extended font data stored in the SD card is about several megabytes at most, which is sufficiently smaller than the capacity of the SD card (64 megabyte, 128 megabyte, 256 megabyte, etc.). However, since one program or the like is provided by one SD card, the free space of the SD card is not used effectively.
[0011]
On the other hand, the conventional technique introduced in Patent Document 1 is a technique of updating an old program to a new program in a short time, but does not fundamentally solve the above problem. In addition, when an old program is updated to a new program, the file names of the programs are generally the same. However, it is difficult to determine whether a program is new or old based on only information that file names match. Usually, it is supported by sticking a label with the version number of the program etc. on the storage medium, but the possibility that the label may be peeled off or by repeating file duplication etc. on the medium, There is a possibility that the contents described in the label and the contents of the file are different, and it becomes difficult to grasp the contents of the file.
Further, in the prior art introduced in Patent Document 1, old and new program data is stored in the computer and difference information between the old and new programs is stored, so unnecessary program data is also stored in the computer. ing. Therefore, it cannot be said that the limited storage area is effectively used.
[0012]
In recent years, unauthorized use by copying program data or the like has been a problem from the viewpoint of copyright protection. After copying program data and the like, making the file data of the copy source usable as it is leads to illegal use of the file data. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent unauthorized use of file data by preventing unauthorized copying of file data such as program data.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and by effectively using a limited storage medium while protecting the copyright of data such as programs, it is possible to simultaneously execute many programs. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an image input unit for inputting an image information source and an image data storage for storing image data corresponding to the input image information source input by the image input unit. Means, an image output means for reading out image data from the image data storage means and outputting an image, a first storage medium for storing file data, and a program file stored in the first storage medium Thus, the apparatus has control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus, and file data duplicating means for duplicating the file data stored in the first storage medium to the second storage medium. .
[0015]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the file data duplicating unit is a duplication source selecting unit that freely selects the first storage medium as a duplication source storage medium, and the second storage medium is a duplication destination storage medium. And a copy destination selection means for selecting freely.
[0016]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the file data duplicating means determines whether or not the file data stored in the first storage medium selected by the duplication source selecting means has already been duplicated in the second storage medium. It is characterized by having a duplication permission judgment means for judging whether or not.
[0017]
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the file data duplicating means includes duplication execution availability selection means for selecting whether or not duplication can be performed.
[0018]
In the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 8, when the file data duplicating means has file data having the same name in each of the duplication source storage medium and the duplication destination storage medium, the same name exists in each. It has a new / old degree display means for displaying new / old degree identification information of file data.
[0019]
The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the file data duplicating means has means for making the file data existing in the duplication source storage medium unusable after duplication of the file data is completed.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a program configuration in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
There is a controller board 1 that performs main control of the image forming apparatus, and the controller board includes a flash ROM 2 that stores file data. The flash ROM stores various controller control programs (ECS, IMH, SCS, SRM, etc.), application programs such as a copy application and a document box application, printer font data, and a file data replication program. Yes. Although not shown, a storage medium for storing image data is provided on the controller board.
[0021]
Also, there are two card slots A and B as data communication means between the image forming apparatus and the removable storage medium, for example, two SD card slots. The SD card is inserted and a program or the like in the SD card is executed. It is possible. The SD card stores an extension program and extension font data different from the application program stored in the flash ROM 2. Here, the extension application for printer and the extension application for scanner on the SD card X, and the copied extension application for FAX cannot be used on the SD card Y due to copying to the SD card X. The extended application stores the extended font data in the SD card Z.
[0022]
Furthermore, an operation panel board 4 connected via a synchronous serial interface is provided. The operation panel board stores operation unit firmware necessary for basic operation of the operation unit.
Further, an FCU board 4 and an engine board 5 connected via a PCI bus interface are provided.
The FCU board 4 is a board that performs control such as FAX document transmission / reception processing, and stores FCU firmware that controls FAX transmission / reception and the like.
The engine board 5 controls image data input processing, transfer material conveyance processing, transfer material output processing, and the like. Firmware that performs these controls, such as a scanner farm or plotter farm, is stored. Has been.
[0023]
In FIG. 1, the FAX expansion application originally stored in the SD card Y is copied to the SD card X, so that the SD card Z is installed instead of the SD card Y installed in the card slot B. It becomes possible to do. As a result, it is shown that the extended font data can be used at the same time. Further, the FAX extended application stored in the SD card Y cannot be used because the copyright protection information has been rewritten.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of file data replication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Here, as an example, the file data of the SD card Y installed in the card slot B provided in the image forming apparatus is copied to the SD card X installed in the card slot A.
[0025]
First, from the operation panel, the user instructs “SD card integration processing execution”.
That is, it instructs to copy file data (step S101). Next, the SD card is mounted in the card slot, and the SD card Y is selected as the copy source and the SD card X is selected as the copy destination on the operation panel (S102). Here, in step S102, “Insert SD card into card slot”, this operation is not a process of the image forming apparatus but a manual operation by the user of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, before performing step S101, An SD card may be installed in the card slot.
The file data replication program software (stored in the flash ROM 2) that has received the replication instruction (S101) and selection content (S102) checks whether SD cards are installed in both the replication source and replication destination card slots ( S103).
If no SD card is attached (S103 / No), the integration process is terminated without doing anything (S111). If SD cards are installed in both card slots (S103 / Yes), the file size of the file data stored in the copy source storage medium and the free capacity of the copy destination storage medium are checked (S104).
If the file size of the copy source is larger than the free capacity of the copy destination in step S104 (S104 / No), it is determined that all files cannot be copied, and the integration process is terminated without doing anything. (S111). If the copy source file size is smaller than the copy destination free space (S104 / Yes), whether or not the copy source file data can be copied to the copy destination medium, information on the copy source copyright protection is displayed. By referring to this, it is determined whether or not it is possible (S105).
If duplication is impossible in step S105 (S105 / No), the duplication source file has already been duplicated to another storage medium, and the integration process is terminated without duplication (S111). If duplication is possible (S105 / Yes), it is checked for all files whether there is a file with the same name in the duplication source and duplication storage media (S106).
In step S106, if there is no file with the same name (S106 / No), the file data is collectively copied (S109), and the information on the copyright protection of the copy source file data is rewritten, thereby reproducing the copy source file. The data is disabled (S110). On the other hand, if even one file with the same name exists (S106 / Yes), the device user can obtain time stamp information, which is the old and new degree identification information, for the file with the same name, and provide a means for displaying it. Can confirm the time stamp information on the screen of the operation panel for the same name file (S107). After confirming the time stamp information, for example, after confirming that the copy source file data has a newer time stamp, the user determines whether or not the file data can be copied (S108).
Here, the time stamp of the file is information that records the generation and update timing of the file, and is provided by the operating system (OS). In this embodiment, an OS is used. If it is not provided by the OS, the controller software can store it as file information.
Note that the storage of the time stamp is a very common technique and will not be described.
If the execution of file data replication is selected in step S108 (S108 / Yes), the file data is batch-replicated (S109), and the copy source file data is disabled (S110). If execution of file data replication is not selected (S108 / No), the integration process is terminated without doing anything (S111).
[0026]
In this way, the file data existing in the SD card Y installed in the card slot B can be copied to the SD card X installed in the card slot A, so that the card slot B can be opened. It becomes. That is, an SD card Z different from the SD cards X and Y can be installed in the card slot B. Furthermore, file data such as an application can be stored in one SD card by continuing file integration (duplication) within the free space of the SD card.
In addition, when file data with the same name exists in the copy source and the copy destination, new file data is accidentally lost by executing file duplication after confirming the time stamp information of the file data. Is preventing.
Note that the file duplication is only performed by reading / writing the SD card medium, so that the description thereof is omitted as a general technique.
[0027]
Further, when the SD card X in the card slot A is the copy source and the SD card Y in the card slot B is the copy destination, if A and B and X and Y are exchanged in the description of the flowchart, FIG. Since the operation is exactly the same as the operation shown in FIG.
[0028]
On the other hand, when copying the file data of the SD card installed in the card slot to the flash ROM 2, “select both the copy source and the copy destination” in step S102 is replaced with “select only the copy source”. Also, “check whether the copy source SD card and the copy destination SD card are installed” in step S103 is replaced with “check whether the copy source SD card is installed”. The case where either one of the SD cards is not attached is replaced with the case where the copy source SD card is not attached. Since the operation is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0029]
Also, the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 shows a basic processing flow, and exception processing is not shown.
As the exception processing, for example, when it is determined in step S103 that an SD card is not installed in the card slot (S103 / No), it is possible to perform a recovery process such as actually installing an SD card. It is.
Also, in the case where an SD card having a smaller free space than the copy source file size is mounted in step S104 (S104 / No), recovery such as remounting to another SD card having a larger free space is actually performed. Processing can be performed.
[0030]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the case where the number of SD card slots is two has been described. However, the same description can be made when the number of SD card slots is three or more.
[0031]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of file data replication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, in step S107, the time stamp information of the same name file is acquired and displayed as the old and new degree identification information. In this embodiment, the version of the same name file is used as the old and new degree identification information. Information is acquired and displayed (step S207).
That is, after confirming the version information, for example, after confirming that the version of the copy source file data is newer, the user determines whether the file data can be copied (S208).
[0032]
Here, since the technology for adding version information to the file data of the application program is general, a detailed description is omitted. Numbers are embedded so that they can be judged. Depending on the size of the number, the file data with a small number is an old version of the file data, and the file data with a large number is handled as a new version of the file data, thereby making it possible to determine whether the file data is new or old.
In this way, when file data with the same name exists in the copy source and the copy destination, new file data is accidentally lost by executing file duplication after confirming the version information of the file data. Is prevented.
Other steps, decision branches, and the like are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG.
[0033]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of file data replication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, in step S107, time stamp information of the same name file is acquired and displayed as the old and new degree identification information. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, version information of the same name file is acquired in step S207. Although displayed, in this embodiment, file size information of the same name file is acquired and displayed as the old and new degree identification information (step S307).
That is, after confirming the file size information, for example, after confirming that the copy source file data has a larger file size, the user determines whether or not the file data can be copied (S308).
[0034]
Here, the size of the file size means the size of information. For example, logging file (operation history information file) data swept out by the program has a feature that it increases with the operation of the image forming apparatus. That is, it can be determined that logging file data having a large file size is new file data.
In addition, for example, an application program may be upgraded by bug correction or function addition, but generally the file size is increased by upgrading. However, exceptionally, the file size can be reduced while maintaining the functions of the program. In such a case, the time stamp information and the version information may be confirmed. That is, generally, application file data having a large file size can be determined as new file data.
Further, for example, the file size of font data increases due to the addition of fonts. That is, it can be determined that font data having a large file size is new font data.
In this way, when file data with the same name exists in the copy source and the copy destination, after confirming the file size information of the file data, the new file data is accidentally lost by executing the file copy. It prevents it.
Other steps, decision branches, and the like are the same operations as those in the embodiment of FIGS.
[0035]
As is clear from the above description, file data that was originally stored in a separate storage medium by copying the file data stored in one storage medium (such as an SD card medium) to another storage medium. Can be collected in a single storage medium, and an inexecutable situation such as an extended application program due to an insufficient number of card slots can be eliminated, and all functions required by the user can be used.
[0036]
In addition, when copying file data, it is possible to freely select a file copy source and a copy destination, so that storage media can be integrated according to the user's preference, and usability can be improved. Become.
[0037]
Further, in copying file data, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of file data by checking whether or not copying is possible based on copyright information.
[0038]
Further, in duplicating file data, by confirming whether or not duplication can be performed and performing duplication according to the result, it is possible to accurately duplicate the target data and improve usability.
[0039]
Also, when file data is duplicated and there is file data with the same name at both the duplication source and the duplication destination, the old and new degree identification information of the same name file data existing in each is displayed, and the user old and new degree identification information By checking the time stamp information, version information, and file size information, the file can be duplicated, so that the target file data can be duplicated accurately, and as a result, data loss and application spec down can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to improve usability.
[0040]
In addition, in the file data replication, when the file data replication is completed, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the file data by making the replication source file data unusable.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, file data stored in one storage medium (such as an SD card medium) is copied to another storage medium, so that the file data originally stored in a separate storage medium is It is possible to collect all the functions required by the user by solving the inexecutable situation such as the extended application program due to the insufficient number of card slots.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a program configuration in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of file data replication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of file data replication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of file data replication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a program configuration in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the prior art.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Controller board
2 Flash ROM
3 Operation panel board
4 FCU board
5 Engine board
A, B SD card slot
X, Y, Z SD card

Claims (9)

An image input means for inputting an image information source;
Image data storage means for storing image data corresponding to the input image information source input by the image input means;
Image output means for reading out image data from the image data storage means and outputting an image;
A first storage medium for storing file data;
Control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus by executing a program file stored in the first storage medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: file data duplicating means for duplicating file data stored in the first storage medium to a second storage medium. The file data replicating means, a copy source selecting means for freely selecting the first storage medium as a copy source storage medium;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a copy destination selection unit that freely selects the second storage medium as a copy destination storage medium. The file data duplicating means judges whether or not the file data stored in the first storage medium selected by the duplication source selecting means has already been duplicated in the second storage medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file data duplicating unit includes duplication execution propriety selection unit that selects whether or not duplication can be performed. 5. The file data duplicating means, when file data with the same name exists in each of the duplication source storage medium and the duplication destination storage medium, displays the old / old degree display information of the old / old degree identification information of the same name file data existing in each The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the new / old degree identification information is time stamp information of file data. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the new / old degree identification information is file data version information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the new / old degree identification information is data size information of file data. 9. The file data copying means according to claim 1, further comprising means for making the file data existing in the copy source storage medium unusable after the file data copying is completed. The image forming apparatus according to one item.

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