JPH09114614A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily cope with version updating and to eliminate the need of a storage device such as a ROM or the like for storing a system program. SOLUTION: A CPU 101 instructs down loading data transfer to an external system equipment 118 through a communication path 119 by a host I/F 111 as needed. The external system equipment 118 which receives a down loading instruction sends out the held system program for this printer, an emulation program or the circuit information of the programmable gate array or the like of an internal control substrate through the communication path 119 to a controller 100. The CPU 101 of the controller 100 stores the sent information in the prescribed area of a RAM 106. Thus, the version updating and bug correction, etc., of the existing system program or the like of a controller part 100 are easily performed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer device connected to a host computer or one or more other printer devices by a communication network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an apparatus having an apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium such as a laser printer, an intelligent copying machine, an intelligent facsimile apparatus, etc., the operation of a controller section and an internal control board section thereof is controlled. A system program for this purpose, an emulation program required to perform an operation simulating another type of printer device, or circuit information such as a programmable gate array of the internal control board unit is provided in the system device. It has been fixedly stored in a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). Then, the version up of these programs and the like has been performed by replacing the ROM mounted in the printer with a ROM in which a new (version-up) program or the like is written.

[0003]

However, in general, such a work can often be performed only by a specialized service person, and it is difficult for the user to easily upgrade the version. In particular, even in the case of such a version upgrade in a system in which a plurality of the same system devices etc. are connected to the same communication network, the ROM of each system device etc. must be exchanged, which takes a lot of time and effort. Was there.

Further, in today's printer devices, since various market needs must be met, information that is not used in a particular user environment must also be stored in the ROM, resulting in waste. Was there.
Moreover, it is difficult to provide a system at a price suitable for each user environment because such a ROM must be mounted on all system devices.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer device that can easily cope with version upgrades and can eliminate the need for a storage device such as a ROM for storing system programs and the like. .

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer apparatus, which is an image processing apparatus for generating image image information based on character information or image information provided by a host computer, and an image from the image processing apparatus. A printer device including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium based on image information, and an operation unit for setting various functions of the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus and displaying various information. Communication control means for performing data communication control with another printer device holding predetermined information via a predetermined communication network, storage means provided in the image processing device, and the communication control means. And a download execution means for downloading the predetermined information from the other printer device to the storage means to achieve the above object.

According to another aspect of the printer device of the present invention, an image processing device for generating image image information based on character information or image information given from a host computer, and recording based on the image image information from the image processing device. A printer device including an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a medium and an operation unit for setting various functions and displaying various information relating to the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus. Communication control means for performing data communication control with a host computer owned by the computer via a predetermined communication network; and storage means provided in the image processing apparatus.
The above-mentioned object is achieved by including a download execution unit that controls the communication control unit to download the predetermined information from the host computer to the storage unit.

In the printer device according to the first or eighth aspect, when a download request is made to another printer device or a host computer holding predetermined information, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network, The predetermined information is downloaded from another printer device or a host computer and stored in the storage means provided in the image processing apparatus.

The printer device according to claim 2 or claim 9 is the printer device according to claim 1 or claim 8 in which the predetermined information is a printer device system program that regulates a basic operation of the printer device. It is configured as follows. In this printer device, when a download request is made to another printer device or a host computer having a printer device system program, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network, and a storage provided in the image processing device is performed. The printer device system program is downloaded from another printer device or a host computer to the means and stored therein.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device according to the first or eighth aspect, wherein the predetermined information is an emulation program for emulating the printer device. It is configured in. In this printer device, when a download request is made to another printer device or a host computer having an emulation program for the printer device, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network, and a storage provided in the image processing device is performed. The printer device emulation program is downloaded from another printer device or a host computer to the means and stored therein.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to the first aspect or the eighth aspect, the predetermined information is font data necessary for character formation in the printer. It is configured in. In this printer device, when a download request is made to another printer device or a host computer that holds print font data, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network, and a storage means provided in the image processing device. The font data for printing is downloaded from another printer device or host computer and stored.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device according to the first or eighth aspect, wherein the predetermined information controls the basic operation of the engine section of the printer device. It is configured to be a program. In this printer device, when a download request is made to another printer device or a host computer that has the engine system program, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network, and a storage means provided in the image processing device. The engine system program is downloaded from another printer device or host computer and stored.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device according to the first or eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the predetermined information is for an operation unit that controls a basic operation of the operation unit of the printer device. It is configured to be a system program. In this printer device, when a download request is made to another printer device or a host computer that has the operation part system program, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network, and the storage provided in the image processing device is performed. The system program for the operation unit is downloaded from another printer device or host computer to the means and stored therein.

A printer device according to claim 7 or claim 14 is the printer device according to claim 1 or claim 8, wherein the predetermined information is circuit information of a programmable gate array of the printer device. It is configured as follows. In this printer device, when a download request is made to another printer device or a host computer that holds the circuit information of the programmable gate array of the printer device, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network, and the image processing device The circuit information of the programmable gate array is downloaded from another printer device or a host computer and stored in the storage means provided therein.

A printer device according to a fifteenth aspect is the printer device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, further comprising version determining means for determining a version of the predetermined information to be downloaded. The download execution means is configured to execute the download process only when the version determination means determines that the predetermined information is a new version. In this printer device, downloading is performed only when the version of information to be downloaded is newer than the version of information currently in use.

[0016]

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
It will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a printer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This printer apparatus includes various devices connected by a bus 115, a controller 100 that controls the entire printer apparatus, and an engine 1 that actually performs a printing operation.
08, an operation panel 110 including an operation unit for giving a mode instruction and a download instruction, and a display unit for displaying various messages to inform the user of the current printer status, font data, a download program, and printing. A disk device 114 such as a floppy disk unit or a hard disk unit for storing various data such as data, and an optional device 117 such as an expansion interface or an expansion memory are provided.

The controller 100 includes the following devices. First, the CPU (central processing unit) 10
1 is a controller 100 based on a program in a boot ROM 104 described later, a mode instruction from the operation panel 110, or information from a host computer 112.
Take control of the whole.

The memory card 102 is a removable memory for supplying font data from the outside. The non-volatile memory (NVRAM) 103 is for storing the content of the mode instruction from the operation panel 110 and the like.
The boot ROM 104 is a read-only memory in which a control program for the controller 100 is stored.
The data is sequentially read by 01. The font ROM 105 is a read-only memory for storing font pattern data and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 106 is used as a work memory when the CPU 101 works, and also functions as an input buffer for input data, a page buffer for print data, and a memory for download data. It is a memory.

Engine I / F (interface) 10
Reference numeral 7 is for communicating information such as commands, statuses, print data and download data with the engine 108. The panel I / F (interface) 109 is for performing information communication with the operation panel 110 such as commands, statuses and download data. The host I / F (interface) 111 is for communicating with the host computer 112, and is, for example, a Centronics I / F.
RS232C or the like is used. The disk I / F (interface) 113 is for performing data communication with the hard disk device 114. The option I / F (interface) 116 is for performing data communication with an expansion board such as an expansion interface or an expansion memory.

Then, the controller 100 uses the host I
The / F111 enables communication with the host computer 112 and the external system device 118 via the communication path 119. Here, the external system device 118 is a printer device or the like having a file server function, and a system program and an emulation program that preliminarily control the operations of the controller and the internal control board unit of the printer device, or a programmable gate array of the internal control board. It stores and holds circuit information such as.

The operation of the printer device having the above configuration will be described. The CPU 101, if necessary,
The F111 issues a download data transfer instruction to the external system device 118 via the communication path 119. This instruction is issued in advance by the external system device 118 and the controller 1.
This is a command defined between 00 and 00. Upon receiving the download instruction from the controller 100 of the printer device, the external system device 118 stores the printer device system program and emulation program
Alternatively, the circuit information such as the programmable gate array of the internal control board is sent to the controller 1 via the communication path 119.
Send to 00.

The CPU 101 of the controller 100 stores the sent information in a predetermined area of the RAM 106. When the information downloaded from the external system device 118 to the controller 100 is the system program of the printer device, the contents of the basic control of the controller 100, the corresponding system control and the corresponding interface control are changed. As a result, it is possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing system program of the controller unit 100, correct a bug, and the like. When an expansion interface board, an expansion memory, or the like is newly developed, a control program for supporting these devices is downloaded from the external system device 118 to the controller 100 of the printer device so that such a system can be obtained. It is possible to easily set up when expanding.

When the information downloaded from the external system device 118 to the controller 100 is the emulation printer of the printer device, the emulation function and type of the controller 100 of the printer device are changed. As a result, the controller unit 1
It is possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing 00 emulation program and fix bugs. Further, when the emulation program is newly developed, the process of adding the new emulation program can be performed very easily.

When the information downloaded from the external system device 118 to the controller 100 is the font data of the printer device, the font type of the controller 100 of the printer device is changed. That is, it is possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing font data of the controller unit 100, correct a bug, and the like. Further, when the font data is newly created, the process of adding the new font data can be performed very easily.

When the information downloaded from the external system device 118 to the controller 100 is the system program of the engine section of the printer device, basic control of the engine 108, corresponding duplex unit, paper feed tray unit and paper discharge tray unit The system configuration of is changed. As a result, it is possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing system program of the engine 108 and correct the bug. Further, when a paper feeding device, a paper discharging device, a double-sided printing device, a high resolution process device, or the like is newly developed, an engine operation control program corresponding to these devices is installed in the printer device from the external system device 118. By downloading to the controller 100, it is possible to easily deal with such an improvement in functions.

When the information downloaded from the external system device 118 to the controller 100 is the system program of the operation panel 110 of the printer device, basic control of the operation panel 110, corresponding operation type, operation function, display type, display Contents and operation functions are changed. As a result, it becomes possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing system program of the operation panel 110 and correct the bug.

When the information downloaded from the external system device 118 to the controller 100 is the circuit information of the programmable gate array of the printer device, the basic control of the internal circuit, the corresponding interface control and the extended interface control are changed. To be done. As a result, it becomes possible to easily upgrade the version of the circuit information of the internal programmable gate array and fix the bug. In addition, the circuit of the host I / F 111 is changed according to the type of the connected host computer (for example, change from Centronics specification to RS232C specification).
It is also very easy to do.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the controller 100 of the printer is not provided with the ROM for storing the necessary control information such as the system program.
The necessary information among the information held by the other printer device (external system device 118) as the file server is downloaded through the communication path and the RAM of the printer device is downloaded.
Since it is stored and used in, it is possible to easily upgrade the system version and fix bugs.

In the present embodiment, the requested information is immediately downloaded to the printer device from the external system device 118 in response to the download request from the controller 100 of the printer device. You may comprise. That is, when there is a download request from the printer device, the external system device 118 returns the requested version of information to the printer device, and the printer device compares the received version with the current version. , Only when it is a new version will the actual download operation take place. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid unnecessary download processing.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 shows a main configuration of a printer device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same components as those of the above-described embodiment (FIG. 1) are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. In this printer device, the controller 100 uses the host I / F 111 to perform communication communication 11
It is connected to the host computer 112 via 9 and can communicate with the host computer 112. Here, the host computer 112 is a host device of the printer device, and a system program and an emulation program that preliminarily control the operation of the controller and the internal control board unit of the printer device, or a circuit such as a programmable gate array of the internal control board. Information is stored and retained. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

The operation of the printer device having the above configuration will be described. The operation in this case is basically similar to that of the above embodiment. That is, the CPU 101 issues a download data transfer instruction to the host computer 112 via the communication path 119 by the host I / F 111 as necessary. This instruction is issued in advance by the host computer 11
2 is a command defined between the controller 2 and the controller 100.

A host computer 112 which receives a download instruction from the controller 100 of the printer device.
Sends the possessed printer device system program or emulation program, or circuit information such as the programmable gate array of the internal control board to the controller 100 via the communication path 119. The CPU 101 of the controller 100 uses the received information as R
It is stored in a predetermined area of the AM 106.

When the information downloaded from the host computer 112 to the controller 100 is the system program of the printer device, the controller 100
The basic control, the corresponding system control, and the corresponding interface control contents are changed. As a result, it is possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing system program of the controller unit 100, correct a bug, and the like. Further, when an expansion interface board, an expansion memory, or the like is newly developed, the system expansion can be performed by downloading a control program corresponding to these devices from the host computer 112 to the controller 100 of the printer device. It is possible to easily set up the time.

When the information downloaded from the host computer 112 to the controller 100 is the emulation printer of the printer device, the emulation function and type of the controller 100 of the printer device are changed. This makes it possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing emulation program of the controller unit 100, correct a bug, and the like.
Further, when the emulation program is newly developed, the process of adding the new emulation program can be performed very easily.

When the information downloaded from the host computer 112 to the controller 100 is the font data of the printer device, the font type of the controller 100 of the printer device is changed.
That is, it is possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing font data of the controller unit 100, correct a bug, and the like. Further, when the font data is newly created, the process of adding the new font data can be performed very easily.

When the information downloaded from the host computer 112 to the controller 100 is the system program of the engine section of the printer apparatus, the basic control of the engine 108, the corresponding duplex unit, the sheet feeding tray unit and the sheet discharging tray unit are performed. The system configuration is changed. As a result, it is possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing system program of the engine 108 and correct the bug. In addition, a paper feeding device, a paper discharging device,
When a double-sided printing device, a high-resolution process device, or the like is newly developed, by downloading an engine operation control program corresponding to these devices from the host computer 112 to the controller 100 of the printer device, It is possible to easily cope with functional upgrades.

If the information downloaded from the host computer 112 to the controller 100 is the system program of the operation panel 110 of the printer,
The basic control of the operation panel 110, the corresponding operation type, operation function, display type, display content, operation function, etc. are changed. As a result, it becomes possible to easily upgrade the version of the existing system program of the operation panel 110 and correct the bug.

When the information downloaded from the host computer 112 to the controller 100 is the circuit information of the programmable gate array of the printer device, the basic control of the internal circuit, the corresponding interface control and the extended interface control are changed. It As a result, it becomes possible to easily upgrade the version of the circuit information of the internal programmable gate array and fix the bug. In addition, the circuit of the host I / F 111 is changed according to the type of the connected host computer (for example, change from Centronics specification to RS232C specification).
It is also very easy to do.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the controller 100 of the printer is not provided with the ROM for storing necessary control information such as the system program,
Necessary information held by the host computer 112 is downloaded via a communication path and stored in the RAM of the printer device for use, so that the system version can be easily upgraded and bugs can be corrected easily. Is possible.

As in the first embodiment, when there is a download request from the printer device, the host computer 112 returns the version of the requested information to the printer device, and the printer device The actual download operation may be performed only when it is a new version. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid unnecessary download processing.

[0041]

According to the printer device of claim 1 or 8, data communication is performed through a predetermined communication network in response to a download request to another printer device or a host computer that holds predetermined information, and an image is displayed. Since the predetermined information is downloaded from the other printer device or the host computer and stored in the storage means provided in the processing device, only the necessary information can be fetched and used at any time, and unnecessary information can be obtained. It is possible to delete the storage device for storing in advance.

According to the printer device of claim 2 or claim 9, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network in response to a download request to another printer device or a host computer having the printer device system program, Since the printer device system program owned by another printer device or the host computer is downloaded and stored in the storage means provided in the image processing device, it is easy to upgrade the printer device system program and correct bugs. Becomes

According to the third or tenth aspect of the printer device, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network in response to a download request to another printer device or a host computer having an emulation program for the printer device. Since the emulation program for the printer device is downloaded and stored in the storage means provided in the image processing device from another printer device or the host computer, the emulation program can be easily changed or modified, and various types of emulation programs can be stored. Correspondence when emulating the printer device becomes extremely simple.

According to the printer device of the fourth or eleventh aspect, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network in response to a download request to another printer device or a host computer which possesses print font data. Since the font data for printing is downloaded from another printer device or the host computer and stored in the storage means provided in the image processing device, it is easy to fix bugs in the font data and add new fonts. become.

According to the fifth or twelfth aspect of the printer apparatus, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network in response to a download request to another printer apparatus or host computer having an engine system program, Since the engine system program is downloaded from another printer device or the host computer and stored in the storage means provided in the image processing apparatus, bugs in the engine system program and changes to various engine operations can be performed. It is easy to handle when doing.

According to the sixth or thirteenth aspect of the printer device, data communication is performed via a predetermined communication network in response to a download request to another printer device or a host computer having the operation part system program. Since the operation unit system program is downloaded from another printer device or the host computer and stored in the storage means provided in the image processing apparatus, bugs in the operation panel system program and various operation operations and It becomes easy to deal with the case where the display operation is changed.

According to the printer device of claim 7 or 14, a predetermined communication network is established in response to a download request to another printer device or a host computer which holds the circuit information of the programmable gate array of the printer device. Data communication is performed via the image processing apparatus, and the circuit information of the programmable gate array is downloaded and stored in the storage means provided in the image processing apparatus from another printer apparatus or host computer. This makes it easier to deal with changes to the internal circuit of the tree.

According to the printer device of claim 15,
Since the download is performed only when the version of the information to be downloaded is newer than the version of the information currently used, it is possible to avoid the wasteful process of downloading the same version.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 controller 101 CPU 102 memory card 103 NVRAM 104 boot ROM 105 font ROM 106 RAM 108 engine 110 operation panel 111 host I / F 112 host computer 114 disk device 118 external system device 119 communication path

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for generating image image information based on character information or image information provided by a host computer, and an image is formed on a recording medium based on the image image information from the image processing apparatus. A printer apparatus including an image forming apparatus and an operation unit for setting various functions and displaying various information relating to the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus, and another printer apparatus having predetermined information. Communication control means for performing data communication control via a predetermined communication network between them, a storage means provided in the image processing apparatus, and the communication control means for controlling the communication control means from the other printer device to the predetermined And a download execution means for downloading the information of 1. to the storage means. 2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information is a printer device system program that regulates a basic operation of the printer device. 3. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information is an emulation program for emulating the printer device. 4. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information is font data necessary for character formation in the printer device. 5. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information is an engine system program that controls a basic operation of an engine unit of the printer apparatus. 6. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information is an operation unit system program that controls a basic operation of the operation unit of the printer apparatus. 7. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information is circuit information of a programmable gate array of the printer device. 8. An image processing apparatus for generating image image information based on character information or image information provided from a host computer, and an image is formed on a recording medium based on the image image information from the image processing apparatus. A printer device including an image forming apparatus and an operation unit for setting various functions and displaying various information relating to the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus, the printer apparatus including a host computer having predetermined information. Communication control means for performing data communication control via a predetermined communication network, storage means provided in the image processing apparatus, and the communication control means to control the predetermined information from the host computer. A printer device comprising: a download execution unit that downloads to a storage unit. 9. The printer device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information is a printer device system program that controls a basic operation of the printer device. 10. The printer device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information is an emulation program for emulating the printer device. 11. The printer device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information is font data necessary for character formation in the printer device. 12. The printer apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information is an engine system program that controls a basic operation of an engine unit of the printer apparatus. 13. The printer apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information is an operation unit system program that controls a basic operation of the operation unit of the printer apparatus. 14. The printer device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined information is circuit information of a programmable gate array of the printer device. 15. A version determination means for determining the version of the predetermined information to be downloaded is provided, and the download execution means determines by the version determination means that the predetermined information is a new version. 15. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the download process is executed only when the printing process is performed.