JP2000151885A - Image processing unit and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing unit where an operation control program of the unit can be changed without replacement of ROMs even after shipping of the unit also in the case the unit is not designed for external connection and to provide an image processing method. SOLUTION: The image processing unit is provided with a 1st firmware module in charge of controlling connection with a host device 200, a 2nd firmware module in charge of controlling connection with a subordinate device 150, and an image read means 106 that reads an image under the control of a central processing unit 101. The host device 200 can rewrite the data stored in the 2nd firmware module and the operation of the image read means 106 is inhibited for the rewrite period.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of changing operation control firmware, and more particularly to a printer apparatus connected to a personal computer via an interface and another interface. And an image processing method connected to the image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, most image processing apparatuses such as facsimile machines and copiers are stand-alone apparatuses.

However, in recent years, with the spread of personal computers, a technique of connecting an image processing apparatus to a personal computer so that the reading function / recording function / FAX transmission / reception function of the apparatus can be used on the personal computer side has attracted attention. .

Such an image processing apparatus as a peripheral device for a personal computer has a color scan + monochrome laser printer function, can perform a single monochrome copy, and further connects a color ink jet printer apparatus to the image processing apparatus. Some implement color copying.

[0005] In addition to a color scanning and color ink jet printer function, a color laser copying apparatus can be used. In addition, a monochrome laser printer is connected to an image processing apparatus to realize high quality monochrome copying.

[0006] These image processing apparatuses are, for example, IEEE,
It has two sets of connectors based on the interface specification conforming to the bidirectional parallel interface described in the P1284 standard, and is configured so that one can be connected to a personal computer and the other to an external printer device. This realizes a color copy or a high quality monochrome copy that cannot be performed by the above.

[0007]

As described above, in order to directly connect an image processing apparatus and a printer and print out an image read by a scanner unit of the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus and the printer are required. It is necessary to interface with the device.

Then, it is necessary to change the operation control on the image processing apparatus side such as the gamma characteristic according to the printer apparatus connected thereto.

However, the operation control program of the conventional image processing apparatus is stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory), and in order to perform a new operation control by upgrading the apparatus, the ROM must be replaced each time. Must.

[0010] For this reason, it is very difficult to replace the ROM after shipping the product to general users, both in terms of cost and man-hours. In practice, only a printer device that can provide an interface at the time of product shipment is used. There is a problem that an external connection cannot be made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus capable of changing an operation control program of an apparatus without exchanging a ROM even after the product is shipped and capable of responding to an apparatus which is not compatible with an external connection. It is to provide a method.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for connecting a higher-level device and a lower-level device via a connection means to transmit and receive data, comprising a first firmware for controlling connection with the higher-level device. A second firmware for controlling connection with the lower-level device, a first storage unit for storing the first firmware, a second storage unit for storing the second firmware, and the first firmware And a central processing unit that executes connection control between the devices by the second firmware, and the second firmware stored in the second storage unit based on rewrite request information from the higher-level device. Means for rewriting the image data, and means for inhibiting the operation of the lower-level device during the rewriting period of the second firmware. To configure the management apparatus.

The present invention is also an image processing method for transmitting / receiving data to / from a higher-level device and a lower-level device,
A step of storing first firmware related to connection control with the higher-level device, a step of storing second firmware related to connection control with the lower-level device, and a step of controlling connection with the higher-level device by the first firmware. Executing the second firmware, controlling connection with the lower-level device by the second firmware, rewriting the second firmware based on rewrite request information from the higher-level device, Prohibiting the operation of the lower-level device during the firmware rewriting period, thereby providing an image processing method.

Further, the present invention is a medium in which a program for controlling image processing by a computer is recorded, and the control program causes the computer to store first firmware relating to connection control with the higher-level device. Storing second firmware relating to connection control with the lower device, causing the first firmware to execute connection control with the upper device, and causing the second firmware to execute connection control with the lower device. The image processing control program is recorded by rewriting the second firmware based on the rewrite request information from the higher-level device, and prohibiting the operation of the lower-level device during the rewriting period of the second firmware. A recording medium is provided.

Here, the lower-level device is image reading means controlled based on the central processing unit, and
During the firmware rewriting period, the operation of the image reading means can be prohibited.

The lower-level device is an image forming unit controlled based on the central processing unit, and can inhibit the operation of the image forming unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware.

The lower-level device is an image communication unit controlled based on the central processing unit, and the operation of the image communication unit can be inhibited during a rewriting period of the second firmware.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Outline] An outline of the present invention will be described.

According to the present invention, for example, a first connecting means for connecting a signal cable for transmitting / receiving data to / from a higher-level device and a signal cable for transmitting / receiving data to / from a lower-level device are connected. Second connection means, a central processing unit, first storage means for storing at least firmware describing the operation of the central processing unit with respect to connection control with a higher-level device, and image reading under control of at least the central processing unit. In the image processing apparatus having the image reading means for performing the above, the firmware stored in the second storage means can be rewritten from the host device, and the operation of the image reading means is prohibited during the rewriting period.

Further, the apparatus further comprises an image forming means for forming an image under the control of the central processing unit, and the operation of the image forming means is inhibited during a rewriting period of the firmware stored in the second storage means. To do it.

Further, the apparatus further comprises image communication means for performing image communication under control of the central processing unit, and during rewriting of the firmware stored in the second storage means,
The operation of the image communication means is prohibited.

[Specific Example] Hereinafter, a specific example will be described.

(System Configuration) First, an example of the configuration of an image processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 and the information processing terminal 200 constituting the present system.

The information processing terminal 200 is composed of devices such as a personal computer and a word processor.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a control unit which controls the image processing apparatus 10
A selection process of 0 is executed.

Reference numeral 202 denotes an input unit for inputting an instruction from the operator to the control unit 201.

Reference numeral 203 denotes a screen display unit, which comprises a CRT device and an LCD device, and outputs various messages from the control unit 201 to the operator.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a storage unit, which performs input / output according to an instruction from the control unit 201 and holds various data.

FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the image processing apparatus 100.

A microprocessor unit (MPU) 101 controls the entire image processing apparatus 100, and controls the entire image processing apparatus 100 via a system bus 102.

The system bus 102 includes a data signal line 102a, an internal printer control signal line 102b, and an internal printer response signal line 102c.

A ROM 103 stores a program code such as an instruction group for operating the MPU, an operating system (OS) program code, initial value data, and table data.

Reference numeral 136 denotes a non-volatile memory which stores a program code such as an instruction group for operating the MPU, initial value data, and table data.

The nonvolatile memory 136 is not erased even if the power is turned off, and is erased when an erase command is issued.
trically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
Etc.

The program codes such as an instruction group for the operation of the MPU, initial value data, and table data stored in the nonvolatile memory 136 can be rewritten from the information processing terminal 200 through an external interface unit described later. is there.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a DRAM used as an image buffer and an image memory, which is used as a buffer for temporarily storing image data when transmitting and receiving with the communication unit 121 and data when transmitting and receiving with the information processing terminal 200. Is done.

The image data received via the communication unit 121, the image data read from the reading unit 101, and the image data sent from the information processing terminal 200 (download file, upload file,
It is used as a memory for storing communication management information) as a file. The DRAM 104 is protected from an unexpected failure such as a power failure by a battery backup.

Reference numeral 105 denotes an SRAM used for a user registration data area, a work area, and the like. This SRAM
The battery 105 is protected from an accidental failure such as a power failure by a battery backup.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a reading unit, which includes a contact image sensor 107, a read image correction unit 108, a read image processing unit 109, a read drive unit 110, and an SRAM 1.
11, a reading / lighting control unit 137 and the like.

The original conveyed by the reading drive unit 110 is optically read by a photo sensor inside the contact image sensor 107 and converted into an electric image signal when the LED light source inside the contact image sensor 107 is turned on. This image signal is subjected to shading correction and the like by the read image correction unit 108, and the read image processing unit 10
9 to perform gamma processing, binarization processing, medium tone processing, color conversion processing for converting RGB to CMYK, and the like.
Outputs high-definition image data. The SRAM 111 is used as a buffer when performing image processing.

Note that the reading unit 106 in this example is
Although the sheet reading control for reading the document while conveying the document is performed, the book reading control for scanning the document on the document table may be performed.

Although the contact type image sensor is used as the light source in this embodiment, another light source such as a CCD may be used.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a recording unit, which is an SRAM 111,
It comprises a recording data decoding unit 113, a recording image processing unit 114, a recording control one-chip microcomputer 115, a laser beam printer engine 116, a recording interface unit 117 and the like.

The recording data decoding unit 113 converts the image data in the run length (RL) format into raw image (RAW) data. At this time, the size (640 bytes) of one line of the letter size image in the SRAM 111 is used for the reference line buffer.

The recording image processing unit 114 has a scanning resolution of 8p
Raw image data of e1 / mm or 16pe1 / mm is converted into 600 dpi (dots per inch) in the main scanning resolution of the printer.
The image data is converted into high-definition image data by performing various image processing such as resolution conversion, image scaling, smoothing, and density correction for conversion to raw image data, and output to a laser beam printer. At this time, the size (6 lines) of 10 lines in the SRAM 111 for raw image data before image processing is performed.
(40 bytes X 10 lines) is used.

The one-chip microcomputer 115 for recording control comprises:
A recording control MPU that controls each operation of the recording unit 112,
ROM in which various instructions for performing recording control are described, means for reading instructions from the ROM, processing means for processing the read instructions, inputtable RAM for storing information required by the processing means, processing means Output means for outputting a signal generated by the laser beam printer engine 116, and input / output of a signal for performing recording control of the laser beam printer engine 116 is performed by the interaction of these means.

The laser beam printer engine 116
Laser lighting is controlled in accordance with image information to irradiate the drum, and static electricity on the drum is changed to form a latent image. Then, the latent image is visualized using a toner, which is a fine resin powder, and transferred to a recording sheet. Further, heat is applied to the recording sheet to fix the toner on the recording sheet.

Although the recording unit 112 in this embodiment is constituted by a laser printer, it may be a page printer such as an ink jet printer.

The recording interface 117 is an interface for cooperating between the recording control one-chip microcomputer 115 and the MPU 101.

Reference numeral 118 denotes an operation unit, which is a numeric keypad used for dialing, registering and setting data, and the like.
Function keys for using various functions, phone numbers, etc. are registered and a fun touch key used for one-touch dialing, etc., a start key used for starting transmission, reception, copy li, transmission, registration and setting It is composed of various key switches such as a stop key used when the user wants to stop the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 and inputs an operation instruction of the image processing apparatus 100 and input of various information.

Reference numeral 119 denotes a display unit, which is an LCD for confirming communication status, displaying various messages such as data registration, setting, and confirmation message, a lamp which lights up during communication, a lamp which lights up when various errors occur, a reading mode and a transmission mode. It is composed of various LEDs such as lamps for displaying the mode etc.,
The status of the device, the telephone number of the calling party, time information, operation procedures, and the like are displayed.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a panel interface unit, which is an interface for linking the MPU 101 with the operation unit 118 and the display unit 119.

Reference numeral 121 denotes a communication unit, which includes a communication connection unit 122 such as a DSU (line connection device) and an NCU (network control device).
A communication control unit 123 such as a modem (modulator / demodulator) is connected to a communication network 124 such as a PSTN line or an ISDN line to perform communication control using G3 and G4 protocols, and to make and receive calls to and from a communication line. It performs line control for calls and the like.

Further, the communication unit 121 can connect to a telephone set 125 and perform communication, DTMF remote control, and the like.

Reference numeral 126 denotes an audio device, which includes a speaker for sounding an error state, a sound for ending the operation, a sound for prompting operation, and the like, and notifies the operator of various sandalwood sounds. .

Reference numeral 127 denotes an external interface unit.
Data transmission and reception are performed between the image processing apparatus 100 and the information processing terminal 200, and the image processing apparatus 100 is controlled from the saddle processing terminal 2oo. For example, the image data obtained by reading the original by the reading unit 106 and the image data received via the communication unit 121 are uploaded to the information processing terminal 200 and processed, or conversely, processed by the information processing terminal 200. The image data is downloaded to the image processing apparatus 100 and recorded by the recording unit 112, or the communication unit 121
Can be sent via.

These interfaces are RS232
C, IEEE 1284, SCSI, LAN, USB,
Although the processing is performed via 1 IEEE 1394 or the like, this embodiment has an interface specification conforming to a bidirectional parallel interface described in the IEEE 1284 standard.

It is assumed that application software and driver software for remote operation are installed in the information processing terminal 200.

Reference numeral 128 denotes a nonvolatile storage device, which is a large-capacity nonvolatile memory used for storing image information and the like. The nonvolatile storage device 128 does not lose information even when the power is turned off, and is erased when an erasure command is issued.

Reference numeral 129 denotes MH, MR, MMR, JPE
An image encoding / decoding unit for encoding and decoding image data such as G and TIFF codes, and an image decoding unit 129
a, an image encoding unit 129b and a RAM 129c.

Reference numeral 130 denotes a power supply for supplying power to the image processing apparatus.

Reference numeral 131 denotes an external printer interface, which is an image processing apparatus 100 and an external image forming apparatus 150.
, Image data can be transmitted by transmitting and receiving data. Thus, image data handled by the image processing apparatus 100 can be output to the external image forming apparatus 150.

Further, data is transmitted and received between the information processing terminal 200 and the external image forming apparatus 150 via the image processing apparatus 100, and the information processing terminal 200 transmits the data to the image processing apparatus 1.
50 can be controlled. Thus, the image data processed by the information processing terminal 200 can be downloaded to the external image forming apparatus 150 and recorded.

This interface is compatible with RS232C,
IEEE1284, SCSI, LAN, USB, IE
It is performed via EE1394 or the like, but the form of this example is IE
The interface specification conforms to the bidirectional parallel interface described in the EEP1284 standard. Further, it is assumed that application software and driver software for remotely operating the external image forming apparatus 150 are installed in the information processing terminal 200.

An external interface signal line 132 includes an external data signal line 132a and an external control signal line 132.
b, constituted by an external response signal line 132c.

The external data signal line 132a is a data bus for transferring data between the information processing terminal 200 and the external interface unit 127.

The external control signal line 132b is a signal line controlled by the information processing terminal 200, and is an IEEE 1284
NSelectIn signal described in the standard, nStrobe
Signal, nAutoFd signal, nInit signal, and the like.

The external response signal line 132c is a signal line controlled by the external interface unit 127, and
Busy signal, nAck signal, n described in 1284 standard
The Fau1t signal, the PEerror signal, the Select signal, and the like correspond. The operation of each signal line is as follows:
84, and bidirectional data transfer between the information processing terminal 200 and the external interface unit 127 is possible.

An external printer interface signal line 133 includes an external printer data signal line 133a, an external printer control signal line 133b, and an external printer response signal line 1.
33c.

The external printer data signal line 133a is a data bus for performing data transfer between the external printer interface unit 131 and the external image forming apparatus 150.

The external printer control signal line 133b is a signal line controlled by the information processing terminal 200, and
NSelectIn signal described in the 1284 standard, nSt
A probe signal, an nAutoFd signal, an nInit signal, and the like.

The external printer response signal line 133c
Is a signal line controlled by the external printer interface unit 131, and is a bus described in the IEEE 1284 standard.
y signal, nAck signal, nFau1t signal, PErro
The r signal, the Select signal, etc. correspond.

The operation of each signal line is based on IEEE128
4 standards, and bidirectional data transfer is possible between the external printer interface unit 131 and the external image forming apparatus 150.

Reference numeral 134 denotes an external interface unit 127
An interface signal with the information processing terminal 200 connected via the PC is connected to the system path 102 in the apparatus or the external printer interface unit 131
The external image forming apparatus 150 is connected to the external image forming apparatus 150 via the external printer interface unit 131 via the external printer interface unit 131.
An external signal switching unit for switching whether or not to connect to 50.

When the information processing terminal 200 sends out a signal requesting an interface with the image processing apparatus 100 which is the present apparatus, the information processing terminal 200
Process the interface input signal sent from the external device, sends a signal to the external signal switching unit 134, switches the interface signal with the information processing terminal 200 to the system bus 102 in the apparatus, and reads the reading unit of the apparatus. And a switching signal transmitting unit for outputting the image read by the printer to the external image forming apparatus 150.

Reference numeral 150 denotes an ink jet type color printer which performs recording by discharging ink onto a recording medium in accordance with image information. A recording head having a piezoelectric vibrator or a heater is used as an ejection port, and an image is formed by ejecting ink directly onto a recording medium by a foaming phenomenon caused by mechanical pressure or heat.

[Apparatus Operation] Next, the operation of the present system will be described.

The operation of the image processing apparatus having a facsimile function and a laser printer function will be described with reference to FIG.

(Image Reading Operation of Image Processing Apparatus 100) First, the image reading operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described.

As a light source inside the contact type image sensor 107, a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED are used. These are all used for color reading and only green LEDs are used for monochrome reading. The lighting of each LED is controlled by the reading / lighting control unit 137. The LED is switched on and off for each line, and data processing is performed in time series for each color name line.

The original conveyed by the reading drive unit 110 turns on each LED in line units and is optically read by an internal sensor. The read optical information is converted into an electric signal and output as an analog signal, and is converted into multivalued digital data by an A / D converter and output. The output digital data is further subjected to shading correction processing in the read image correction unit 108 based on shading data stored in advance in the shading RAM inside the read image correction unit 108, and the white level and the black level are adjusted. The output is corrected.

The image processing apparatus 100 sends the information processing terminal 20
When uploading an image to 0, the image data output after shading correction is stored in the DRAM 104 via the system bus 102. At the same time, the management information such as the reception number of the image data, the destination information, the number of pages, the stored image memory block information, etc.
It is stored in the AM 105.

When color copying is performed from the image processing apparatus 100 to the external image forming apparatus 150, the image data output after being subjected to shading correction is subjected to luminance / density conversion by the read image processing unit 109, and gamma correction is performed. Done.

Here, a luminance / density conversion table for performing gamma correction is stored in the nonvolatile memory 136 in advance, and the MPU 101 selects a luminance / density conversion table determined in accordance with the output printer characteristics. Set the table value in the register. Read image processing unit 109
Performs gamma correction based on the set register value. The gamma-corrected data is further subjected to color conversion by a color correction unit. Further, after a color conversion process for converting RGB into CMYK is performed, a binarization process is performed by error diffusion or the like, and the DRAM 1 is transferred via the system bus 102.
04. At the same time, management information such as a reception number, destination information, the number of pages, and stored image memory block information of the image data is stored in the SRAM 105.

When performing monochrome copying to a printer inside the image processing apparatus 100 or performing facsimile transmission, the image data that has been subjected to shading correction is subjected to luminance / density conversion by the read image processing unit 109 to perform gamma correction. Is made.

Here, a luminance / density conversion table for performing gamma correction is stored in the nonvolatile memory 136 in advance, and the MPU 101 selects a luminance / density conversion table determined in accordance with the output printer characteristics. Set the table value in the register. Read image processing unit 10
9 performs gamma correction based on the set register value. The gamma-corrected data is further binarized by error diffusion or the like, and input to the image encoding unit 129b of the image encoding / decoding unit 129 via the system bus 102. The input binary data is stored in the RAM 129c.
Are compressed and encoded by the image encoding unit 129b and stored in the DRAM 104 via the system bus 102. At the same time, the acceptance number of the image data,
Management information such as destination information, the number of pages, and stored image memory block information is stored in the SRAM 105.

(Image Recording Operation of Image Processing Apparatus 100) Next, an image recording operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described.

The encoded image data stored in the DRAM 104 is sent to the image encoding / decoding unit 129 via the system bus 102, is decompressed and decoded by the image decoding unit 129a, and is developed as image data in the RAM 129c. The developed image data is subjected to correction and image conversion processing by the recording image processing unit 114, and then printed out on recording paper by the laser printer engine 116 under the control of the printer control microcomputer 115.

(Facsimile Transmission Operation of Image Processing Apparatus 100) Next, a facsimile transmission operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described.

When a call is originated and the line is captured, first, a procedure signal for facsimile communication is transmitted / received. And DR
The encoded image data stored in the AM 104 is decompressed and decoded by the image decoding unit 129a of the image encoding / decoding unit 129, and is expanded as image data in the RAM 129c. The expanded image data is supplied to an image encoding / decoding unit 129.
Is encoded into transmission data by the image encoding unit 129b, and is transferred to the transmission buffer. The transmission data transferred to the transmission buffer is transferred and modulated byte by byte to the communication control unit 123 based on the control of the MPU 101 in response to an input interrupt signal from the communication control unit 123. Then, it is transmitted to the communication network 124 via the communication connection unit 122.

(Facsimile Reception Operation of Image Processing Apparatus 100) Next, the facsimile reception operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described.

When there is an incoming call, the received data is input to the communication control unit 123 through the communication connection unit 122. Then, first, a procedure signal for facsimile communication is transmitted and received, and thereafter, reception of image data is started. The image data is demodulated by the communication control unit 123 and transferred to the reception buffer of the DRAM 104 byte by byte under the control of the MPU 101 in response to an input interrupt signal from the communication control unit 123.
The received data transferred to the receiving buffer is decompressed and decoded by the image decoding unit 129a of the image encoding / decoding unit 129 to check for an image error, and is developed as image data in the RAM 129c. The expanded image data is represented by an image code /
The image data is compressed and encoded by the image encoding unit 129b of the decoding unit 129 and stored in the DRAM 104, and
The image management information is stored in 104.

(From the information processing terminal 200 to the image processing apparatus 1
Next, download of an image from the information processing terminal 200 to the image processing apparatus 100 will be described.

The command and the reception parameters are sent from the information processing terminal 200 to the external interface unit 127 one byte at a time. The command stores a command code for identifying each command, the size of the next reception parameter, and the like. In the reception parameters, setting values (file ID, data format, resolution, main scanning length, etc.) and image data necessary for executing the operation for each command are stored.

First, at the start of downloading, a command code for designating whether to download an image to the image processing apparatus 100 or the external image forming apparatus 150 from the information processing terminal 200 to the image processing apparatus 100, And a signal is sent.

Here, the external interface signal 132
Is connected to the system bus 102 by the external signal switching unit 134 in advance, the command code is received by the external interface unit 127, and the command code is received according to an input interrupt signal from the external interface unit 127.
1 byte at a time based on the control of the PU 101
4 is transferred to the receiving buffer. The command code transferred to the reception buffer is processed by the MPU 101.

The external interface signal 132 is transmitted by the external signal switching section 134 to the system bus 102.
Is connected to the external printer interface unit 131 to which the external image forming apparatus 150 is connected, since there is no interface with the MPU 101, the command code and the signal are transmitted to the switching signal transmitting unit 135. To analyze.

Then, as a result of the analysis by the switching signal transmitting section 135, the image processing apparatus 1
When 00 is designated, the switching signal sending unit 135 outputs the L level of the switching signal to the external signal switching unit 134. Upon receiving the L-level switching signal, the external signal switching unit 134 outputs the external data signal line 132a, the external printer data signal line 133a, and the external control signal line 13a.
2b and the external printer control signal line 133b, and between the external response signal line 132c and the external printer response signal line 133c so as to be disconnected.
External data signal line 132a and data signal line 102a, external control signal line 132b and internal printer control signal line 102
b, and control is performed such that the external response signal line 132c and the internal printer response signal line 102c are connected.

When the image processing apparatus 100 is designated as a download destination of an image, the command and the reception parameter received by the external interface unit 127 are controlled by the MPU 101 in response to an input interrupt signal from the external interface unit 127. DRA one byte at a time based on
The data is transferred to the reception buffer of M104. The MPU 101 processes the reception parameters excluding the command and the image data transferred to the reception buffer. Here, when the content of the reception parameter is image data, the code data or raw data constituting the image data is obtained by the image decoding unit 129a of the image encoding / decoding unit 129 according to the image data format information indicated by the reception parameter received in advance. Is decompressed and decoded, and is expanded as image data in the RAM 129c. The decompressed image data is compression-encoded by the image encoding unit 129b of the image encoding / decoding unit 129 and is stored in the DRAM 104.
To store image management information.

After receiving the command, a response to the command and a transmission parameter are generated and transmitted. The response includes an OK response indicating that the received command was accepted, an NG response indicating that the received command was not accepted because the command was incorrect, and a message indicating that the received command is not currently accepted due to a reason such as operation. There is a BUSY response shown. The transmission parameters include the results of transmission and printing, file and page attributes, device information corresponding to the instructed command, a stop request, a retransmission request, and the like. The response is set in the transmission buffer of the DRAM 104 by the MPU 101 and the external interface 127
After being transferred to the external interface unit 127 byte by byte under the control of the MPU 101 in response to an input interrupt signal from the MPU 101, it is sent to the information processing terminal 200.

By combining the download operation and the recording operation, the data handled in the information processing terminal 200 can be recorded by the image processing apparatus 100.

By combining the download operation and the transmission operation, data handled in the information processing terminal 200 can be transmitted by the image processing apparatus 100 to another image processing apparatus connected via the communication network 124. Can be.

(From the image processing apparatus 100 to the information processing terminal 2)
Next, uploading of an image from the image processing apparatus 100 to the information processing terminal 200 will be described.

First, at the start of uploading, a command code and a signal designating that the image upload source is the image processing apparatus 100 are sent from the information processing terminal 200 to the image processing apparatus 100.

Here, the external interface signal 132
Is connected to the system bus 102 by the external signal switching unit 134 in advance, the command code is received by the external interface unit 127, and the command code is received according to an input interrupt signal from the external interface unit 127.
1 byte at a time based on the control of the PU 101
4 is transferred to the receiving buffer. The command code transferred to the reception buffer is processed by the MPU 101.

Further, the external interface signal 132 is transmitted by the external signal switching section 134 to the system bus 102.
Is connected to the external printer interface unit 131 to which the external image forming apparatus 150 is connected, since there is no interface with the MPU 101, the command code and the signal are transmitted to the switching signal transmitting unit 135. Is analyzed.

As a result of the analysis by the switching signal transmitting unit 135, the image processing apparatus 1
When 00 is designated, the switching signal sending unit 135 outputs the L level of the switching signal to the external signal switching unit 134. Upon receiving the L-level switching signal, the external signal switching unit 134 outputs the external data signal line 132a, the external printer data signal line 133a, and the external control signal line 13a.
2b and the external printer control signal line 133b, and between the external response signal line 132c and the external printer response signal line 133c so as to be disconnected.
External data signal line 132a and data signal line 102a, external control signal line 132b and internal printer control signal line 102
b, and control is performed such that the external response signal line 132c and the internal printer response signal line 102c are connected.

Subsequently, the command and the reception parameter are transmitted from the information processing terminal 200 to the external interface 127 one byte at a time. The command and the reception parameters received by the external interface unit 127 are stored in the DRAM 10 byte by byte under the control of the MPU 101 in accordance with the input interrupt signal from the external interface unit 127.
4 is transferred to the receiving buffer. The command stores a command code for identifying each command, the size of a subsequent reception parameter, and the like.The reception parameter includes a file ID and a file ID required to execute an operation for each command. Information such as data format, resolution, and main scanning length is stored. The command and the reception parameters transferred to the reception buffer are processed by the MPU 101.

When the MPU 101 is instructed to upload by a command, the MPU 101 confirms that the image encoding method, resolution, and main scanning length are as instructed, and then checks the DRAM 1
The upload of the image stored in 04 is started.
After receiving the command, it generates and transmits a response and a transmission parameter for the command. The response includes an OK response indicating that the received command was accepted, an NG response indicating that the received command was not accepted because the command was incorrect, and a message indicating that the received command is not currently accepted due to a reason such as operation. A BUSY response is shown, and the transmission parameter stores file and page attributes, device information corresponding to the specified command, image data, image size information, and the like. The response is set in the transmission buffer of the DRAM 104 by the MPU 101 and is transferred to the external interface unit 127 byte by byte under the control of the MPU 101 in response to an input interrupt signal from the external interface unit 127.
Sent to 0.

By combining the upload operation and the reading operation, the data handled in the image processing apparatus 100 can be used on the information processing terminal 200.

By combining the upload operation and the reception operation, data received from another image processing apparatus connected via the communication network 124 can be used on the information processing terminal 200.

(Download from Information Processing Terminal 200 to External Image Forming Apparatus 150)
Download of an image from the MFP to the external image forming apparatus 150 will be described.

The command and the reception parameter are transmitted from the information processing terminal 200 to the external interface 127 one byte at a time. The command stores a command code for identifying each command, the size of a subsequent reception parameter, and the like. In the reception parameter, a set value ( File ID, data format, resolution, main scanning length, etc.) and image data.

First, at the start of downloading, a command code designating that the image download destination is the external image forming apparatus 150 is sent from the information processing terminal 200 to the image processing apparatus 100. Here, it is assumed that the external interface signal 132 is set in advance so as to be connected to the system bus 102 by the external signal switching unit 134. This command code is received by the external interface unit 127, and the MPU 1 responds to the input interrupt signal from the external interface unit 127.
01, the data is transferred to the reception buffer of the DRAM 104 one byte at a time. The command code transferred to the reception buffer is processed by the MPU 101.

Here, when the external image forming apparatus 150 is designated as the image download destination, the MPU 101 sends the switching signal H to the external signal switching unit 1.34.
Output level. The external signal switching unit 134 that has received the H-level switching signal outputs the external data signal line 132a.
And an external printer data signal line 133a, an external control signal line 132b and an external printer control signal line 133b, and an external response signal line 132c and an external printer response signal line 133.
c and the external data signal line 132a and the data signal line 102a.
a, control is performed such that the external control signal line 132b and the internal printer control signal line 102b and the external response signal line 132c and the internal printer response signal line 102c are disconnected.

Subsequently, the command and the reception parameters received by the external interface unit 127 are stored in the external signal switching unit 134 and the external printer interface unit 131.
Is transferred to the reception buffer in the external image forming apparatus 150 one byte at a time in response to an input interrupt signal from the external image forming apparatus 150. The reception parameters excluding the command and the image data transferred to the reception buffer are processed by the microcomputer in the external image forming apparatus 150.

After the command is received, a response to the command and a transmission parameter are generated and transmitted. The response includes an OK response indicating that the received command was accepted, an NG response indicating that the received command was not accepted because the command was incorrect, and a message indicating that the received command is not currently accepted due to a reason such as operation. A BUSY response is shown, and the transmission parameters include the results of transmission and printing, file and page attributes, device information corresponding to the instructed command, a stop request, a retransmission request, and the like. The response is set in the transmission buffer by the microcomputer in the external image forming apparatus 150 and is transferred to the external printer interface unit 131 byte by byte in response to an input interrupt signal from the information processing terminal 200. External interface unit 12
7 to the information processing terminal 200.

By repeating the above operation, the information processing terminal 2
After the download of the image from 00 to the external image forming apparatus 150 is completed, the information processing terminal 200 sends a command code to the image processing apparatus 100 to specify that the other party to interface with is the image processing apparatus 100, and a signal. Is sent. At this time, the external signal switching unit 1
34, the external interface signal 132 is not connected to the system bus 102, and the external image forming apparatus 1
External printer interface unit 1 to which 50 is connected
31 is connected to the MPU 101, and there is no interface with the MPU 101. Therefore, the command code and the signal are analyzed by the switching signal transmitting unit 135.

As a result of the analysis by the switching signal transmitting unit 135, when the image processing apparatus 100 is designated as the partner to take the interface, the switching signal transmitting unit 13
5 outputs the L level of the switching signal to the external signal switching unit 134. The external signal switching unit 134 that has received the L-level switching signal
2a and the external printer data signal line 133a, the external control signal line 132b and the external printer control signal line 133b, and the external response signal line 132c and the external printer response signal line 1.
33c and the external data signal line 132a and the data signal line 1
02a, the external control signal line 132b and the internal printer control signal line 102b, and the external response signal line 132c and the internal printer response signal line 102c are controlled so as to be connected.

(Download from Image Processing Apparatus 100 to External Image Forming Apparatus 150)
Download of an image from the MFP to the external image forming apparatus 150 will be described.

When a color copy operation is detected by the operation unit 118 of the image processing apparatus 100, the external signal switching unit 1
34 switches so that the external printer interface signal 133 and the system bus 102 are connected via the external printer interface unit 131. After the switching, the MPU 101 sends the command and the transmission parameter to the external image forming apparatus 150 one byte at a time through the system bus 102 and the external switching unit 134. The command stores a command code for identifying each command, the size of a transmission parameter following the command, and the like. The transmission parameter includes a file ID and a file ID required to execute an operation for each command. Information such as data format, resolution, and main scanning length is stored. After receiving the command, the external image forming apparatus 150 generates and sends a response to the command and a sending parameter. The response includes an OK response indicating that the received command was accepted, and an N indicating that the received command was not accepted because the received command was incorrect.
There are a G response and a BUSY response indicating that a received command is not currently accepted due to a reason such as an operation in progress, and also stores device information corresponding to the specified command, a stop request, a retransmission request, and the like.

First, the MPU 101 sends a device ID request command to the external printer interface unit 131. The device ID is an ID uniquely determined according to the model of the external image forming apparatus, and is used to determine image processing parameters. The response received by the external printer interface unit 131 is
In accordance with an input interrupt signal from the external printer interface unit 131, the data is transferred to the reception buffer of the DRAM 104 byte by byte under the control of the MPU 101. M
The PU 101 analyzes the data stored in the reception buffer and detects the completion of the reception of the device ID. Upon detecting the completion of receiving the device ID, the MPU 101 selects gamma data and output color data corresponding to the device ID stored in the nonvolatile memory 136 in advance. After finishing these processes, the reading of the image data is actually started. After that, the above command and response are repeated, and the image processing apparatus 100 sends the command to the external image forming apparatus 150.
The binarized CYMK image data is downloaded.

(From the information processing terminal 200 to the image processing apparatus 1
Next, the download of a firmware program from the information processing terminal 200 to the image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The command transmitted from the information processing terminal 200 to the external interface unit 127 stores a command code for identifying each command, the size of a subsequent reception parameter, and the like. The setting values (file ID, data amount, SUMCHECK) required to execute the operation for each command
K data) and program data. The command code is received by the external interface unit 127, and transferred to the reception buffer of the DRAM 104 one byte at a time under the control of the MPU 101 in response to an input interrupt signal from the external interface unit 127. The command code transferred to the reception buffer is processed by the MPU 101, and a response to the command and a transmission parameter are generated and transmitted.

The response includes an OK response indicating that the received command was accepted, an NG response indicating that the received command was not accepted because the command was incorrect, and a command received due to a reason such as operation. There is a BUSY response indicating that there is no request, and the transmission parameter stores the device and program information corresponding to the command specified as a result of the download, a stop request, a retransmission request, and the like. The response and transmission parameters are transmitted by the MPU 101 to the DRA.
The MPU 1 is set in the transmission buffer of the M104 and responds to an input interrupt signal from the external interface unit 127.
After being transferred to the external interface unit 127 byte by byte based on the control of “01”, it is sent to the information processing terminal 200.

In FIG. 1, first, the information processing terminal 200 as a higher-level device sends out a firmware rewrite request command. After that, when the MPU 101 receives the firmware rewrite request command (Step S1), it reads (Step S2), records (Step S3), downloads an image to the external image forming apparatus 150 (Step S4), Image download (step S5), image upload to the information processing terminal 200 (step S6), FAX transmission through a communication line (step S7), FAX through a communication line
It is confirmed that the operation is not being performed in any mode of the reception (step S8), and that the firmware download flag is not set (step S9).

If any of the modes is operating or the firmware download flag is on,
A BUSY response is returned (step S11). If neither mode is operating and the firmware download flag is not set, an OK response is returned (step S10), and the process proceeds to firmware download.

When the operation shifts to the firmware download, the MPU 101 sets the firmware download flag indicating that the firmware download process is in progress to 1 (step S12). If the firmware download flag is on, the display unit 119 displays that the firmware is being downloaded.

At the same time, reading (step S13), recording (step S14), image downloading to external image forming apparatus 150 as a lower-level device (step S15), image downloading from information processing terminal 200 (step S13)
16), image upload to information processing terminal 200 (step S17), FAX transmission via communication line (step S18), FAX reception via communication line (step S17)
19) The operation of all modes of firmware download from the new information processing terminal 200 is prohibited.

The reception parameters excluding the command and program data transferred to the reception buffer are the MPU
It is processed by 101. If the content of the reception parameter is program data, the program data is stored in the DRAM 104 and the
4 stores the data management information. After receiving the command, it generates and transmits a response and a transmission parameter for the command. The transmission parameter stores, as a result of the download, device information corresponding to the specified command, a stop request, a retransmission request, and the like.

The response is sent from the MPU 101 to the DR.
In response to an input interrupt signal from the external interface unit 127, the MP
The data is transferred to the information processing terminal 200 after being transferred to the external interface unit 127 byte by byte based on the control of U101.

In this manner, the information processing terminal 200
SU of program data to be downloaded to PU101
Sends MCHECK data by command (step S
20) Then, the program data size is transmitted by a command (step S21).

After that, the above processing is repeatedly executed, and the storage of the program data on the DRAM 104 is started (step S22). Downloading, MPU10
1 checks whether the program size of the firmware to be downloaded matches the size of the program data received in advance (step S23). If they match, a firmware download end response is returned in response to the sending of the final program parameter (step S24).

Further, the previously received SUMCHE
CK data is actually downloaded to the DRAM 10
Then, it is checked whether or not it matches the one of the program data stored in step 4 (step S25). SUMC
If the HECK data does not match, an NG response is returned to the firmware download end command sent from the information processing terminal 200 thereafter (step S29), and the firmware is transferred without transferring the program data to the nonvolatile memory 136. The download flag is turned off (step S30), and the download process ends (step S31).

If the SUMCHECK data matches, the MPU 101 transfers the program data on the DRAM 104 to the nonvolatile memory 13 via the system bus 104.
6 (step S26), and SUMCHECK again.
Check the data (step S27). Then, the size of the data transferred to the nonvolatile memory 136 and SU
If the MCHECK data also matches, an OK response is returned to the firmware download end command (step S28), the firmware download in progress flag is turned off (step S30), and the download process ends (step S31).

If the SUMCHECK data does not match, an NG response is returned to the firmware download end command sent from the information processing terminal 200 (step S29), and the firmware download flag is turned off (step S30). The download process ends.

In the above, the level of the switching signal transmitted by the switching signal transmitting section 135 has been described as being limited, but this may be reversed.

In this example, an LBP (laser beam printer) was used as the image forming unit of the image processing apparatus, and an ink-jet type apparatus was used as the external image forming apparatus. The image forming unit of the apparatus may be an inkjet type apparatus, and the external image forming apparatus may be an LBP.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.).
The present invention may be applied to an apparatus including two devices (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile machine).

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. Then, a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or M) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
PU) can read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium, so that the effects of the present invention can be enjoyed.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM
(A mask ROM, a flash EEPROM, or the like) can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a function expansion port inserted into the computer or a memory provided in a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0147]

As described above, according to the present invention,
First storage means for storing at least firmware describing the operation of the central processing unit with respect to connection control with a higher-level device, and second storage for storing at least firmware describing the operation of the central processing unit with respect to connection control with a lower-level device.
Storage means, and image reading means for reading an image based on the control of the central processing unit, wherein the firmware stored in the second storage means can be rewritten from a higher-level device; Since the operation of the reading means is prohibited, the operation control program of the image processing apparatus can be changed without replacing the ROM even after the product is shipped, and the release is started after the start of the release of the printer or the apparatus which could not be connected to the outside. Interface data and image gamma tables for new models can be installed, and image reading is not performed during firmware download, eliminating the risk of firmware download failure due to static electricity in the original document. Thus, an image processing apparatus which is inexpensive and has excellent operability and reliability can be obtained. Door can be.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an image forming means for forming an image based on the control of the central processing unit, and during the rewriting period of the firmware stored in the second storage means, the image forming means is provided. Operation is prohibited, the operation control program of the image processing apparatus can be changed without ROM replacement even after product shipment, and image formation is not performed during firmware download. There is no fear of failure, and operability and reliability can be improved as described above.

Further, according to the present invention, there is further provided image communication means for performing image communication based on the control of the central processing unit, and during the rewriting period of the firmware stored in the second storage means, the image communication means is provided. In this way, the operation control program of the image processing apparatus can be changed without replacing the ROM even after the product is shipped, and the image communication is not performed during the download of the firmware. This eliminates the risk of failure in downloading the firmware, and improves operability and reliability as described above.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a control example of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image processing device of the image processing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image processing device 101 MPU 103 ROM 104 DRAM 105 SRAM 106 reading unit 112 recording unit 121 communication unit 127 external interface unit 131 external printer interface unit 136 nonvolatile memory 150 external image forming device 200 information processing terminal

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yukio Nobata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term within Canon Inc. (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AR01 HH01 HJ08 HJ10 HK05 HK23 HN05 HN15 HN22 HQ21 5B021 AA01 CC05 CC06 QQ04 5C062 AA02 AA13 AA25 AB22 AB38 AB40 AB43 AB44 AB46 AB47 AC04 AC22 AC41 AC42 AC56 AE14 AE16 BA00

Claims (12)

[Claims] An apparatus for transmitting and receiving data by connecting a higher-level device and a lower-level device via a connection unit, comprising: first firmware relating to control of connection with the higher-level device; and control of connection with the lower-level device. A second firmware for storing the first firmware, a second storage means for storing the second firmware, and a second firmware for storing the first firmware and the second firmware. A central processing unit that executes connection control between the devices, and the second processing unit based on rewrite request information from the host device.
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for rewriting the second firmware stored in the storage means; and means for inhibiting the operation of the lower-level device during the rewriting period of the second firmware. . 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower-level device is an image reading unit controlled based on the central processing unit, and prohibits the operation of the image reading unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware. The image processing device according to claim 1. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower-level device is an image forming unit controlled based on the central processing unit, and prohibits the operation of the image forming unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware. The image processing device according to claim 1. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower-level device is an image communication unit controlled based on the central processing unit, and prohibits the operation of the image communication unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware. The image processing device according to claim 1. 5. An image processing method for transmitting / receiving data to / from a higher-level device and a lower-level device, comprising: storing first firmware relating to connection control with the higher-level device; and controlling connection with the lower-level device. Storing a second firmware related to: a step of controlling connection with the higher-level device by the first firmware; a step of controlling connection with the lower-level device by the second firmware; Based on the rewrite request information from the higher-level device, the second
An image processing method, comprising the steps of: rewriting the firmware; and prohibiting operation of the lower-level device during the rewriting period of the second firmware. 6. The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the lower-level device is an image reading unit, and prohibits the operation of the image reading unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware. 7. The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the lower-level device is an image forming unit, and prohibits the operation of the image forming unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware. 8. The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the lower-level device is an image communication unit, and prohibits the operation of the image communication unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware. 9. A medium recording a program for controlling image processing by a computer, the control program causing the computer to store first firmware related to connection control with the higher-level device, A second firmware relating to connection control with the upper device, causing the first firmware to execute connection control with the higher-level device, causing the second firmware to execute connection control with the lower-level device, Based on the rewrite request information from
A recording medium in which an image processing control program is recorded, wherein an operation of the lower-level device is prohibited during a rewriting period of the second firmware. 10. The image processing control program according to claim 9, wherein the lower-level device is an image reading unit, and prohibits the operation of the image reading unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware. Recording medium on which is recorded. 11. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, wherein the lower-level device is an image forming unit, and prohibits the operation of the image forming unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware. Recording medium on which is recorded. 12. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, wherein the lower-level device is an image communication unit, and prohibits the operation of the image communication unit during a rewriting period of the second firmware. Recording medium on which is recorded.