JP2001337817A - Upgrading device of compound machines - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an upgrading device for compound machines which can upgrade accurately and efficiently. SOLUTION: When function modules of a compound machine is updated by a management computer through a network, the compound machine information including machine names of each compound machine, loaded function module names and their versions is compared with upgrading information including compound machine names which are objects of updating processing by the updating function module stored in the aforesaid management computer, module names of the aforesaid updating function modules and their versions. As the result, the function module of the compound machine is updated to the aforesaid updating function module when the machine names and all function module names agree between the aforesaid compound machine information and the aforesaid upgrading information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction device version upgrade apparatus for upgrading each function module of a multifunction device equipped with a plurality of function modules via a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, multifunction peripherals in which a plurality of functions such as a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, and a copier are integrated into one unit have become widespread. Such a multifunction device is often used while being connected to a network in order to be shared by a plurality of computers. By the way, a plurality of function modules are mounted on the above-described multifunction peripheral in order to realize a plurality of functions. It is of course possible to upgrade these functional modules manually for each multifunction device. However, if the number of multifunction devices increases, the time and effort required for upgrading the devices becomes enormous. In particular, when there are a plurality of the same models, the same version upgrade work is repeated individually, which is wasteful. Therefore, automatic version upgrade via a network, which is conventionally known for single-function devices such as printers, that is, distributes (updates) the latest function modules placed on a server to each device via a network It is conceivable to improve the efficiency of version upgrade work by applying a technique (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-251355) to this version upgrade of the multifunction peripheral.

[0003]

However, the version upgrade of the multifunction machine has the following differences as compared with the version upgrade of the single function machine. In a multifunction peripheral, a plurality of functional modules affect each other. For example, if the two or more functional modules are not upgraded at the same time, the MFP may not operate properly. If not, the recovery may be difficult or impossible. In some cases, it is assumed. In a multifunction peripheral, the type and number of mounted functional modules may differ depending on the presence or absence of optional functions, even for the same model. Due to such differences, the conventional automatic version upgrade method via a network for a single function device cannot be directly applied to a version upgrade for a multifunction device. For example, if only all common function modules are upgraded simultaneously via the network, there is a possibility that a multifunction machine that does not operate properly may appear due to the type and version of other function modules of each machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a version upgrade apparatus capable of accurately and efficiently upgrading a multifunction peripheral.

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problems To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for mounting a plurality of functional modules.
Alternatively, in a multifunction device upgrade device connected to a plurality of multifunction devices via a network and upgrading the function module for each of the multifunction devices, an updating function module for any of the multifunction devices Function module storing means for storing the information, the model name of the MFP which is the target of the function module for updating stored in the function module storing means for updating, the module name of the function module for updating, Upgrade information storage means for storing upgrade information including the version of the functional module, model names obtained from the MFPs, names of installed functional modules, and versions of the functional modules. MFP information storage means for storing MFP information including
The MFP information of each MFP stored in the MFP information storage unit is compared with the upgrade information stored in the upgrade information storage unit. As a result, the MFP information and the version are compared. The above model name and all function module names match
And a function module updating means for updating the function module on the multifunction device to the update function module when all the versions of the function modules in the multifunction device information are equal to or less than the version of the update function module in the upgrade information. And a version upgrade device for a multifunction peripheral. As a result, functional modules can be updated only for the target multifunction peripheral so that the functional modules have, for example, an operation-guaranteed relationship. It is possible to accurately and efficiently upgrade the machine version.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-function peripheral which is connected to one or more multi-function peripherals having a plurality of function modules via a network and upgrades the function modules of the multi-function peripherals. In the version upgrade device, an update function module storage unit that stores an update function module for any of the multifunction peripherals, and an update function module stored in the update function module storage unit. Version upgrade information including the model name of the multifunction peripheral, the module names of the update function modules, the versions of the update function modules, and information indicating whether each of the update function modules is an optional function. Version upgrade information storage means to be stored, each model name obtained from each of the above-described multifunction devices, A multifunction device information storage means for storing multifunction device information including the names of the function modules mounted thereon and the versions of the respective function modules, and the multifunction device information of each multifunction device stored in the multifunction device information storage means Is compared with the upgrade information stored in the upgrade information storage means. As a result, the model name matches between the MFP information and the upgrade information, and the And the names of the function modules including all of the update function modules other than the options in the upgrade information match, and the versions of the function modules in the MFP information are all updated in the upgrade information. If the version of the functional module is less than or equal to the And it is configured as the version-up device of the MFP, characterized by comprising; and a functional module updating means for updating the update function module. As a result, functional modules can be updated only for the target multifunction peripheral so that the functional modules have, for example, an operation-guaranteed relationship. Upgrading of the machine can be performed accurately and efficiently, and at the same time, even if some functional modules are optional, the upgrade process can be performed accurately. Can respond flexibly.

Further, in the first and second inventions, when the version of the function module on the multifunction device is the same as the version of the update function module stored in the update function module storage means, If the update processing by the function module update means is not performed on the functional module, useless update processing by the same version is eliminated, and the efficiency of the processing and the safety can be further improved. Further, in the first and second inventions, the version upgrade information includes ID information unique to the MFP to be upgraded, and the MFP information includes ID information unique to the MFP. If the function module updating means updates the function module only when the ID information of the multifunction device information and the ID information of the upgrade information match, for example, the Only the version upgrade process can be performed. As a result, processing such as billing can be performed. Further, in the first and second inventions, if the program and data executed by one CPU are divided into a plurality of functional modules, for example, updating of only the program, updating and expansion of only data, and the like are facilitated. Efficient processing is possible as compared with the case where the program and data are always updated all at once.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments and examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The following embodiments and examples are mere examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a management computer 1 as an example of an upgrade device according to the present invention.
1 shows a schematic configuration of a network having the following. The management computer 1 is connected to a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) together with a plurality of composite image processing apparatuses 2 (an example of a composite machine).

As shown in FIG. 1, the composite image processing apparatus 2 analyzes a print image sent from a scanner unit 21 for scanning an original image by line scanning and a personal computer on a LAN. The printer processing unit 22 for generating print information, connecting to a public communication line,
A facsimile processing unit 23 for transmitting and receiving facsimile images, an engine control unit 24 for controlling a printer engine 26, which will be described later, integrating and controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, an image read by the scanner unit 21, A system control and image processing unit 25 for performing image processing on the facsimile reception image received by the facsimile processing unit 23; a printer engine 26 for printing an image on recording paper; A network communication unit 27 for controlling communication with the information processing device (such as the management computer 1 or another personal computer), and instruction input means for allowing a user to input an operation or setting instruction to the device Operation unit 28 having a display means for displaying the state of the apparatus and the like
Is installed. Here, the printer processing unit 22,
The facsimile processing unit 23, the engine processing unit 24, and the system control / image processing unit 25 are all CPU, RA
M, ROM, and function modules stored in the ROM (referred to as PRN, FAX, PCU, and ICU, respectively)
The respective functions are realized by executing the respective function modules on the respective CPUs.

The management computer 1 includes a monitor 11, a keyboard 12, a mouse 13, a CPU 14,
An AM 15, an HDD (hard disk device) 16, and a network communication unit 17 are mounted. The RAM 15 is loaded with an upgrade program 18 for upgrading the functional modules of each composite image processing apparatus 2 on the LAN. By executing the version upgrade program 18 on the CPU 14, it is possible to upgrade the functional modules of each composite image processing apparatus 2. That is, when the version upgrade program 18 is executed on the CPU 14, the management computer operates as a function module updating unit. The procedure of the upgrade process by the upgrade program 18 will be described later. The HDD 16 (corresponding to a version upgrade information storage unit, a multifunction device information storage unit, and an update function module storage unit) stores a version management unit 19 and function module data 20. The function module data 20 is update function module data for upgrading the version of the composite image processing apparatus 2. The version management unit 19 stores information such as the device name of each composite image processing device 2, the name of a mounted functional module, its version, and the like (multifunction device information), and the target of the functional module data 20. , The module name of the function module data 20 for updating, and information such as the version thereof (upgrade information). Note that the MFP information may be acquired from each MFP 2 each time the version upgrade process is performed. In the first embodiment, the MFP related to each MFP 2 on the LAN is used. It is assumed that information is constantly updated and managed.

Subsequently, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, by executing the version upgrade program 18 on the management computer 1, the functional modules (PRN, FAX,
A processing procedure for upgrading the version of the PCU (ICU) will be described.

When the version upgrade program 18 is executed, the management computer 1 first searches for the composite image processing apparatus 2 on the LAN (S1). And LA
When the composite image processing apparatuses 2 are found on N, the following version upgrade processing (S3) is performed on each of the composite image processing apparatuses 2. First, the model name of the composite image processing apparatus 2 (multifunction apparatus information managed by the version management unit 19) is changed to the model name (the version managed by the version management unit 19) of the update function module data 20. Is determined (S11). If the two model names do not match, the version of the composite image processing apparatus 2 is not upgraded, and the process proceeds to another composite image processing apparatus 2. If the two model names match in S11, the module names of the update function module data 20 are extracted one by one, and the following processing of S12 to S14 is repeated.

First, the update function module data 2
It is determined whether or not the module name of 0 exists in the MFP information of the MFP 2 (S12). here,
If the module name of the update function module data 20 does not exist in the multifunction device information of the multifunction image processing device 2, the version of the multifunction image processing device 2 is not upgraded, and the processing of the other multifunction image processing device 2 is not performed. Move on to S12 above
If the module name of the update function module data 20 is present in the MFP information of the MFP 2, the version of the update function module data 20 and the corresponding function module in the MFP information are updated. (S13). Here, if the version of the function module in the multifunction device information is newer, the version of the multifunction image processing device 2 is not upgraded, and the process proceeds to another multifunction device 2. If the version of the functional module in the MFP information is older, the update functional module data 20 is set as a transfer target (S14). If the versions are the same, the update function module data 20 is not set as a transfer target. This is because it is useless to update a functional module with the same functional module. S1 above
The processing of 2 to S14 is performed according to the function module data 20 for updating.
(S15, S16).

When the processing of S12 to S14 is completed for all the modules of the update function module data 20, the update function module data set as the transfer target in S14 is sent to the composite image processing apparatus 2. 20 is transferred and updated (S17). The above-described version upgrade processing (S3 (S11 to S17)) is performed on all the composite image processing apparatuses 2 found in S2. When the version upgrade process is completed, the MFP information managed by the version management unit 19 is updated.

A specific example when the above-described processing procedure is executed will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, three composite image processing apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c are connected on the LAN, and their model names are "AR-50".
5 "," AR-505 ", and" JX-9600 ", and each functional module (PRN, FA) before the version upgrade of each of the composite image processing apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c.
X, PCU, ICU) are as shown in FIG. Further, on the management computer 1, function module data of a version as shown in FIG. 3 for the model name "AR-505" is stored. Here, the function modules for updating are ICU (1.1.1) and PRN (1.1.0), and other PCUs (1.
0.0) and FAX (1.0.0) are not the latest versions, but are assumed to be functional module data whose operation is guaranteed in combination with the update ICU and PRN. Therefore, for example, an IC which is a functional module for updating
U (1.1.1) and PRN (1.1.0), even if they are upgraded, other functional modules PC
If U and FAX are not the above versions, normal operation is not guaranteed.

In the case of the example shown in FIG.
Multifunction image processing apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c are found, and version upgrade processing S3 (S11 to S1
7) is performed. At the stage of S11, the composite image processing apparatuses 2a and 2b are cleared because they match the target model name "AR-505" of the update function module, and the next S1 is executed.
Then, the process is stopped at this stage without upgrading the version because the model name of the composite image processing apparatus 2c does not match. At the stage of S12, the composite image processing device 2b
Has a special function module called ICU-EX,
Since this does not exist in the functional module name of the version upgrade information, the process is stopped at this stage without performing the version upgrade for the composite image processing apparatus 2b. For the composite image processing apparatus 2a, the model name and the name of the installed functional module match the version upgrade information, and the versions of those functional modules are all lower than the version of the update function module in the version upgrade information. The version is updated by transferring the update function module. At this time,
Since the PCU and FAX match the version of the update function module, the update function module data is not transferred, and the update function module data is transferred only for the ICU and PRN. As mentioned above,
For example, since only a specific functional module is not updated irrespective of the version of another functional module, there is no possibility that a malfunction in operation due to a version mismatch between functional modules does not occur.

As described above, the management computer 1 according to the first embodiment includes multifunction device information including the model name of each multifunction image processing apparatus 2, the name of the installed functional module, and the version thereof. A comparison is made between the model name of the multifunction peripheral that is the target of the update function module, the module name of the above update function module, and the version upgrade information including the version thereof. Only when the model name and all the function module names match between the above and the version of the function module in the multifunction device information is all lower than or equal to the version of the update function module in the version upgrade information, the composite image processing is performed. To update a functional module on the device 2 to the above-mentioned functional module for updating via a network The function modules can be updated only for the target multi-function image processing device so that each function module has, for example, an operation-guaranteed relationship, and multi-function devices require more care than single-function devices. Can be updated accurately and efficiently. Further, when the version of the functional module on the multifunction device is the same as the version of the functional module for updating, the updating process is not performed on the functional module, so that useless updating by the same version is eliminated. Further processing efficiency and safety can be improved.

(Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1 described above,
Version upgrade is performed only when all function module names match between MFP information and version upgrade information. However, for example, there are cases where some of the functional modules are optional in the multifunction peripheral, and in such a case, it is conceivable that the processing as in the first embodiment cannot cope well. In the second embodiment, the management computer 1 according to the first embodiment
Here is an example of the improved version so that it can completely cope with the case where some function modules are optional.

In the second embodiment, the management computer 1
As the upgrade information to be registered in the version management section, the model name of the function module data 20, the module name of the update function module data 20, and the version thereof, as well as the update function module data 20. Are stored (if this flag is ON, it indicates that the functional module is optional). Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the version upgrade process S3 (S11 to S17) shown in FIG.
Is added.

In the process according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, if the module name of the update function module data 20 does not exist in the MFP information of the MFP 2 in S12, as shown in FIG. At that time, it is determined that the version upgrade of the composite image processing apparatus 2 is not performed. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG.
In 12, even if the module name of the update function module data 20 does not exist in the multifunction device information of the multifunction image processing apparatus 2, it is determined in the next S 18 that the update function module data 20 is an optional function. If so, the process proceeds to the next step S15 without deciding not to upgrade the version at that time. This gives
Even if the multifunction image processing apparatus 2 is equipped with all optional functions, even if only some optional functions are installed or if no optional functions are installed, the version upgrade process is always performed accurately. Becomes possible.

A specific example when the above-described processing procedure is executed will be described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the model name of the composite image processing apparatus 2a is “AR-505”, the mounted functional module is PCU (1.0.0),
U (1.0.0) and PRN (1.0.0). In addition, the model name “AR-
Function module data PCU for 505 "
(1.1.0), ICU (1.1.1), PRN (1.
1.1) and FAX (1.1.0) are stored. Further, the function module data for updating includes PCU and I
CU is a standard function (option flag = OFF), PRN
And FAX are optional functions (option flag = ON)
Is set to In this case, the composite image processing device 2
a does not have a function module FAX,
When the determination of the function module FAX is made in S12, the determination is "No" and the process proceeds to S18. However, since the function module FAX is an optional function (option flag = ON), it is not necessary to upgrade the version at that time. The process proceeds to the next step S15 without being determined, and finally, the three functional modules PCU, ICU, and PRN are correctly updated. In the processing of the first embodiment in which the determination in S18 is not performed, in the case of the example shown in FIG.
The version of a is not updated.

As described above, according to the management computer 1 of the second embodiment, it is possible to accurately perform the version-up process even when some of the functional modules are optional. Flexible support for all module configurations.

(Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, the management computer 1 according to the first embodiment is only upgraded to a predetermined (predetermined number) multifunction machines in order to handle, for example, a billing process. Here is an example improved to allow. In the third embodiment, as the version upgrade information to be registered in the version management unit in the management computer 1, the model name of the function module data 20,
In addition to the module name and the version of the update function module data 20, the serial number of the compound image processing apparatus 2 (the multifunction device-specific I
One or more D information) is set. This serial number may be set in advance, or only the number of devices for which the version upgrade is permitted is secured (for example, the serial number "0" for the number of devices for which the version upgrade is permitted).
00000 "), and the serial number of the composite image processing apparatus 2 may be registered at the stage when the first upgrade process is performed.

The procedure of the version upgrade process by the management computer 1 in the latter case will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether the serial number set in the upgrade information managed on the management computer 1 is, for example, “000000” (S01). In this case, the serial number should always be "000000" in the first version upgrade. If the determination in S01 is "Yes",
The composite image processing device 2 on the LAN is searched (S02), and the found composite image processing device 2 is displayed on the monitor 11.
Here, when the user selects the composite image processing device 2 to be upgraded and inputs it from, for example, the keyboard 12 (S04), the version upgrade process shown in FIG. After performing (S3), the serial number of the composite image processing apparatus 2 is
The serial number is registered in the serial number in the upgrade information registered in the management computer 1 (S05). In the second and subsequent version upgrades, since the serial number of one of the composite image processing apparatuses 2 is always registered in the serial number in the version upgrade information, the serial number is determined to be “No” in S01. Is done.
In this case, the composite image processing apparatus 2 having the serial number set in the version upgrade information is searched on the LAN (S
06), the version upgrade process (S3) shown in FIG. 2 is performed on the found composite image processing device 2.

A specific example when the above-described processing procedure is executed will be described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the serial numbers of the composite image processing apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c are “001234”, “00999”, and “00119”, respectively.
9 ", the model names are all" AR-505 ", and the installed functional modules are all PCU (1.1.0),
CU (1.0.0), PRN (1.0.0), FAX
(1.1.0). Also, the model name “AR-505” is displayed on the management computer 1 at the time of the first update.
Function module data PCU (1.1.
0), ICU (1.1.0), PRN (2.0.0),
FAX (1.1.0) and serial numbers "000000" and "00000" for two units that are permitted to upgrade
0 ”is set, and the model name“
Function module data PC for AR-505 "
U (1.1.0), ICU (1.1.0), PRN
(2.1.0) and FAX (1.2.0) are registered.

In the example of FIG. 7, at the time of the first update, S04
, Only the composite image processing apparatus 2a is selected and version upgrade processing is performed, and its serial number "0012"
34 "is registered in the management computer 1. At this time, since only one device has been upgraded, one of the serial numbers of the two devices registered on the management computer 1 is" 000000 ". And then
At the time of the second update, first, for the composite image processing apparatus 2a whose serial number has been registered in the management computer 1 at the time of the first update, the process proceeds from S01 to S06, and the version upgrade process of S3 is performed. In the example of FIG.
The composite image processing apparatus 2b that has not been updated in the
4 and the version upgrade process is performed, and the serial number “00999” is registered in the management computer 1. At the time of the third and subsequent updates, the serial numbers "001234" and "00999" for two computers for which version upgrade is permitted have already been registered on the management computer 1, so that the two computers are automatically upgraded. Is performed. Regarding the composite image processing apparatus 2c in which the serial number is not registered, the version upgrade process is not performed even if the conditions such as the model name, the function module name, and the version are satisfied.

As described above, in the management computer 1 according to the third embodiment, the version upgrade process can be performed only for the composite image processing device 2 that has been permitted in advance. Becomes possible. It is needless to say that the option flag described in the second embodiment can be further introduced into the management computer 1 according to the third embodiment so as to correspond to the optional function.

(Embodiment 4) In the above example, one C
The description has been made assuming that all programs and data operating on the PU are regarded as one functional module, and the version is upgraded in units of the functional module. However, if programs and data operating on one CPU are regarded as a plurality of functional modules, for example, only data or only some programs can be updated. For example, as in a composite image processing apparatus 2 'shown in FIG.
T), PRN (PDL2), and PRN (PDL1), and processing is performed by regarding each of them as an independent function module. As shown in the composite image processing apparatus 2a in FIG. PRN (FNT), PRN
It is also possible to upgrade only (PDL2) or to upgrade all three functional modules like the composite image processing apparatus 2b. As a result, for example, partial version upgrade processing such as updating only programs, updating only data, and expansion can be performed, and more efficient processing than when all programs and data are always updated simultaneously can be performed. .

[0029]

As described above, the first invention is connected via a network to one or a plurality of multifunction devices equipped with a plurality of function modules, and is provided with a version of the function module for each of the multifunction devices. In an upgrade device for a multifunction peripheral that performs an upgrade, an update function module storage unit that stores an update function module for an arbitrary multifunction device, and an update function module that is stored in the update function module storage unit. Upgrade information storage means for storing upgrade information including a model name of the MFP to be a functional module, a module name of the update function module, and a version of the update function module; Model names, function module names, and function module names Multifunction device information storage means for storing multifunction device information including the version of the multifunction device, and the multifunction device information of each multifunction device stored in the multifunction device information storage device and the multifunction device information stored in the upgrade information storage device As a result, the model name and all the function module names match between the MFP information and the version upgrade information, and the version of the function module in the MFP information is all A multifunction peripheral, comprising: a function module updating means for updating the function module on the multifunction peripheral to the update function module when the version is less than or equal to the version of the update functional module in the upgrade information. Is configured as a version upgrade device for Function modules can be updated so that they have a guaranteed relationship, for example, and multifunction devices that require more careful attention than single function devices can be upgraded accurately and efficiently. Becomes

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-function peripheral which is connected to one or more multi-function peripherals having a plurality of function modules via a network and upgrades the function modules for each of the multi-function peripherals. In the version upgrade device, an update function module storage unit that stores an update function module for any of the multifunction peripherals, and an update function module stored in the update function module storage unit. Version upgrade information including the model name of the multifunction peripheral, the module names of the update function modules, the versions of the update function modules, and information indicating whether each of the update function modules is an optional function. Version upgrade information storage means to be stored, each model name obtained from each of the above-described multifunction devices, A multifunction device information storage means for storing multifunction device information including the names of the function modules mounted thereon and the versions of the respective function modules, and the multifunction device information of each multifunction device stored in the multifunction device information storage means Is compared with the upgrade information stored in the upgrade information storage means. As a result, the model name matches between the MFP information and the upgrade information, and the And the names of the function modules including all of the update function modules other than the options in the upgrade information match, and the versions of the function modules in the MFP information are all updated in the upgrade information. If the version of the functional module is less than or equal to the It is configured as a multifunction device upgrade device characterized by comprising a function module updating means for updating to an update function module. Therefore, each function module is provided only for the target multifunction device. For example, a functional module can be updated so that the operation is guaranteed to be guaranteed, and it is possible to accurately and efficiently upgrade a multifunction device that requires more careful attention than a single function device. Even if some of the functional modules are optional, it is possible to accurately perform the version-up process and flexibly cope with all module configurations of the multifunction peripheral.

Further, in the first and second inventions, when the version of the function module on the multifunction device is the same as the version of the update function module stored in the update function module storage means, If the update processing by the function module update means is not performed on the functional module, useless update processing by the same version is eliminated, and the efficiency of the processing and the safety can be further improved. Further, in the first and second inventions, the version upgrade information includes ID information unique to the MFP to be upgraded, and the MFP information includes ID information unique to the MFP. If the function module updating means updates the function module only when the ID information of the multifunction device information and the ID information of the upgrade information match, for example, the Only the version upgrade process can be performed. As a result, processing such as billing can be performed. Further, in the first and second inventions, if the program and data executed by one CPU are divided into a plurality of functional modules, for example, updating of only the program, updating and expansion of only data, and the like are facilitated. Efficient processing is possible as compared with the case where the program and data are always updated all at once.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a management computer 1 according to a first embodiment and a composite image processing apparatus 2 to be upgraded;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a version upgrade processing procedure performed by the management computer 1.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a version upgrade process according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a version upgrade processing procedure by a management computer 1 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a version upgrade process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a version upgrade processing procedure by the management computer 1 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a version upgrade process according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a composite image processing apparatus 2 ′ to be upgraded by the management computer 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a version upgrade process according to the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Management computer (an example of a version upgrade apparatus) 2 ... Composite image forming apparatus (an example of a composite machine) 16 ... HDD (corresponding to version upgrade information storage means, MFP information storage means, and update function module storage means) 18 ... Version upgrade program (an example of function module updating means) PRN, PCU, ICU, FAX ... Function module

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for upgrading a multifunction device, which is connected to one or more multifunction devices equipped with a plurality of function modules via a network and upgrades the function module for each of the multifunction devices, Update function module storage means for storing an update function module for the above-mentioned multifunction device, and a model name of the multifunction device to be the target of the update function module stored in the update function module storage means Upgrade information storage means for storing upgrade information including the module names of the update function modules and the versions of the update function modules, and the model names acquired from the MFPs, MFP information including the name of the function module and the version of each function module. Comparing the multifunction device information storage means to be stored with the multifunction device information of each multifunction device stored in the multifunction device information storage device and the upgrade information stored in the upgrade information storage device; As a result, the model name and all the function module names match between the multifunction device information and the upgrade information, and all the versions of the function modules in the multifunction device information are the same as the update function modules in the upgrade information. A multifunction device version upgrade apparatus, comprising: a function module update unit that updates a function module on the multifunction device to the update function module when the version is equal to or less than the version. 2. An apparatus for upgrading a multifunction device, which is connected to one or more multifunction devices equipped with a plurality of function modules via a network and upgrades the function modules for each of the multifunction devices, Update function module storage means for storing an update function module for the above-mentioned multifunction device, and a model name of the multifunction device to be the target of the update function module stored in the update function module storage means Version-up information storage for storing version-up information including the module names of the above-mentioned update function modules, the versions of the update function modules, and information indicating whether or not each of the update function modules is an optional function. Means, the model names obtained from the MFPs, and the installed function models. MFP information storage means for storing MFP information including a module name and the version of each functional module, and the MFP information and version upgrade information of each MFP stored in the MFP information storage means Comparing the version upgrade information stored in the storage means, and as a result, the model names match between the MFP information and the version upgrade information, and the name of each function module in the MFP information And the function module names including all of the update function modules other than the options in the upgrade information match, and the versions of the function modules in the MFP information are all the versions of the update function modules in the upgrade information. If the following occurs, the function module on the MFP is MFP upgrading apparatus characterized by comprising; and a functional module updating means for updating the. 3. The function module updating means, if the version of the function module on the multifunction device is the same as the version of the function module for updating stored in the function module storing means for updating, the function is updated. 3. The version upgrade apparatus for a multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the module is not updated. 4. The version upgrade information includes ID information unique to the MFP to be upgraded.
The multifunction device information includes ID information unique to the multifunction device, and the function module updating unit determines that the function module is updated only when the ID information of the multifunction device information matches the ID information of the upgrade information. Claim 1 for updating
4. The version upgrade device for a multifunction peripheral according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The multifunction device version upgrade apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a program and data executed by one CPU are divided into a plurality of function modules.