JP2002200822A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus in which rewriting of an electrically rewritable memory can be effected surely with no failure without damaging the operability of a normal imaging apparatus. SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus comprises a control means 101, an electrically rewritable memory 105, a communication means 102 and a display means wherein the control means indicates execution of rewriting of data held in the electrically rewritable memory to the display means at a moment of time when a decision is made that data received externally via a public line through the communication means has a purpose to rewrite data held in the electrically rewritable memory.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus in which rewriting of data in an electrically rewritable memory accompanying updating of a program and addition of a function is considered.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various image forming apparatuses such as copiers, facsimile machines, and printers are provided with a memory for storing a program for controlling the operation of each circuit board.

Conventionally, a memory chip such as an ultraviolet erasing type PROM is used as this memory. If a program needs to be changed, the chip is removed from each circuit board and rewritten by an external device. It was to be inserted into each circuit board.

[0004] Updating the program includes:-updating the application program on the circuit board;-rewriting the memory by adding a circuit board with the addition of functions;-re-writing the program data in the memory due to abnormal data. Need to be done.

[0005]

However, in the above-described method of exchanging chips, the operation is complicated. It is also difficult for a user to do.

As a memory capable of coping with such a problem, there is an electrically rewritable memory, for example, a flash memory capable of collectively erasing data, and it is technically possible to rewrite data.

However, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of circuit boards each having an electrically rewritable memory such as a flash memory, how to rewrite data in the flash memory of each circuit board becomes a problem.

If the power of the device is turned off during the rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, the rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory fails, and the device becomes inoperable. No consideration has been given to the operation of the device for preventing such failures.

In other words, how to switch between normal image forming operation and rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and how to control the image forming apparatus during rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory. There was no one that considered the point.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is possible to reliably rewrite an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible image forming apparatus.

[0011]

That is, the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows. (1) The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, an electrically rewritable memory, a communication unit, and a display unit, wherein the control unit is connected to the communication unit via a public line. When the data received from the outside is determined to be intended for rewriting the stored data in the electrically rewritable memory, the display means indicates that the rewriting of the stored data in the electrically rewritable memory is to be executed. The image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, when the data received from the outside via the communication means via the public line is identified as the one for rewriting the data held in the electrically rewritable memory, the electrically rewritable memory can be used. The execution of rewriting of the stored data in the memory is displayed on the display means.

By performing such display, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the power of the apparatus is turned off while the electrically rewritable memory is being rewritten, and to prevent a failure in rewriting the electrically rewritable memory.

Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of securely rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus and without fail.

(2) An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a control unit, an electrically rewritable memory, a communication unit, and an operation unit, wherein the control unit communicates via a public line. Invalidating the operation input from the controllable operation means at the time when the data received from the outside via the device is determined to be intended to rewrite the data held in the electrically rewritable memory. The image forming apparatus is a feature.

According to the present invention, when the data received from the outside via the communication means via the public line is determined to be intended for rewriting the data held in the electrically rewritable memory, the software is transmitted from the control means to the software. The input of the operation from the operation means which can be controlled in a controlled manner is invalidated.

By controlling such operation means, it is possible to prevent a situation such as an operation of the apparatus that interrupts rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and
Failure to rewrite the electrically rewritable memory can be prevented beforehand.

Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(3) The invention according to claim 3 is an image forming apparatus comprising a control means, an electrically rewritable memory, a communication means, an operation means, and a display means, wherein the control means is connected to a public line. Executing data rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory at a point in time when the data received from the outside via the communication means is determined to be for the purpose of rewriting data held in the electrically rewritable memory. Is displayed on the display unit, and an input of an operation from a controllable operation unit is invalidated.

According to the present invention, when the data received from the outside via the communication means via the public line is identified as the one intended to rewrite the data held in the electrically rewritable memory, the electrically rewritable memory is determined. The execution of the rewriting of the stored data in the memory is displayed on the display unit, and the input of the operation from the operation unit that can be controlled by software from the control unit is invalidated.

By performing such display, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the power of the device is turned off while the electrically rewritable memory is being rewritten, and to prevent a failure in rewriting the electrically rewritable memory. Further, by controlling such operation means, it is possible to prevent a situation such as operation of the device that interrupts rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory beforehand. Can be prevented.

Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(4) The invention according to claim 4, wherein the display for executing the held data rewriting includes an indication that the held data rewriting is being executed. Item 4. An image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 3.

According to the present invention, when the display means indicates that the retained data is to be rewritten in the electrically rewritable memory, a display indicating that the retained data is being rewritten is included.

By performing such a display, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power of the device is turned off while the electrically rewritable memory is being rewritten, and to prevent a failure in rewriting the electrically rewritable memory. .

Accordingly, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(5) The invention according to claim 5, wherein the display for executing the held data rewriting includes a request display for not turning off the main power of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

According to the present invention, a request for not turning off the main power supply of the apparatus is displayed when displaying on the display means that the data stored in the electrically rewritable memory is to be rewritten.

By performing such a display, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power of the device is turned off while the electrically rewritable memory is being rewritten, and to prevent a failure in rewriting the electrically rewritable memory. .

Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus and without fail.

(6) The invention according to claim 6, wherein the display for executing the retained data rewriting includes a display indicating the progress of the retained data rewriting. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 and 5.

According to the present invention, when the display means indicates that the rewriting of the retained data in the electrically rewritable memory is to be executed, a display indicating the progress status of the retained data rewriting is included.

By performing such a display, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power supply of the device during the rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory is turned off, and to prevent a failure in rewriting the electrically rewritable memory. .

Accordingly, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(7) According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the case where an error occurs during communication with the outside via the public line via the communication means, the control means waits for retransmission of data from the outside. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display indicating that the held data rewriting is being performed is continued. Device.

According to the present invention, when an error occurs during communication with the outside, until the data is retransmitted, the display means continues to display on the display means that the data stored in the electrically rewritable memory is being rewritten. Like that.

By continuing such display without stopping, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power supply of the device during the rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory is turned off, and to prevent the failure of the electrically rewritable memory from being rewritten. It can be prevented before it happens.

Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus and without fail.

(8) According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, when an error occurs during communication with the outside via the public line via the communication means, the control means waits until the data is retransmitted from the outside. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an input of an operation from a controllable operation unit is invalidated.

According to the present invention, when an error occurs during communication with the outside, the input of the operation from the operation means which can be controlled by software from the control means is invalidated until the data is retransmitted. ing.

By controlling such an operation means, it is possible to prevent a situation such as an operation of a device that interrupts rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and
Failure to rewrite the electrically rewritable memory can be prevented beforehand.

Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(9) The invention according to claim 9, wherein the control means rewrites the data received from the public line to the data stored in the electrically rewritable memory for a predetermined time after the operation from the operation means. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rewriting of the held data is not performed even when the image forming apparatus is identified as an object.

According to the present invention, even if the received data is determined to be for rewriting the data held in the electrically rewritable memory, the predetermined time after the operation from the operating means is performed, Therefore, the stored data is not rewritten.

By performing such control, the operation and operation of the device that interrupts the rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory and the rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory do not overlap with each other. Can be prevented from being failed.

Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus and without fail.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, an electrically rewritable memory, a communication unit, and a display unit, and capable of operating as a copier or a facsimile machine. The control means, regardless of the operation mode, when the data received from the outside via the communication means via the public line is identified as intended for rewriting the data held in the electrically rewritable memory. A facsimile reception screen is displayed, and execution of rewriting of data held in the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display unit.

According to the present invention, when data is received from the outside via the communication means via the public line, it is determined that the received data is intended to rewrite data held in the electrically rewritable memory. In such a case, a screen for facsimile reception is displayed regardless of the operation mode, and thereafter, execution of rewriting of data held in the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display means.

That is, if the image forming apparatus is in the facsimile mode, the screen is shifted to the rewriting screen via the facsimile reception screen. However, even in the copy mode, the rewriting is performed once via the facsimile reception screen. Screen.

By performing such control, the image forming apparatus is in any mode regardless of whether the content (data) received via the public line is facsimile or rewriting data. However, it is possible to appropriately display the screen switching.

By performing such a display, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user turns off the power while receiving the data for rewriting the electrically rewritable memory. Failure can be prevented before it occurs.

(11) The invention according to claim 11 includes a control means, an electrically rewritable memory, a display means, and a connection means for connecting to an external modem, and can operate any of a copier, a printer, and a scanner. The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit determines that received data received from an external modem via a public line is intended to rewrite data held in the electrically rewritable memory. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that a basic screen of the image forming apparatus is displayed irrespective of an operation mode, and execution of rewriting of data held in the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display means.

According to the present invention, when data is received from the outside via an external modem via a public line, the received data is identified as an object of rewriting the data held in the electrically rewritable memory. In this case, regardless of the operation mode, display the basic screen of the device, and then
The execution of the rewriting of the held data in the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display means.

By performing such control, regardless of the content (data) received via the public line, an appropriate display regarding the switching of the screen can be provided regardless of the mode of the image forming apparatus. It can be carried out.

By performing such display, it is possible to prevent the user from turning off the power when receiving data for rewriting the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent the user from rewriting the electrically rewritable memory. Failure can be prevented before it occurs.

[0056]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration example of a portion related to an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a printer having a function of performing image forming output. In the image forming apparatus 100, reference numeral 101 denotes a CP as a control unit for controlling each unit.
Reference numerals U and 102 denote communication units for performing communication via a network or a communication line; 103, an operation unit having switches for performing various operations of the image forming apparatus 100; 104, a display unit for performing various displays of the image forming apparatus 100; A flash memory as an electrically rewritable memory for storing programs and the like necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 100; 106, a scanner unit for reading a document;
Denotes an image processing unit that processes an image to be formed, and 108 denotes a print engine that forms an image on a transfer sheet and outputs the image.

The image forming apparatus 100 connected to this network or communication line corresponds to various apparatuses such as a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, and a printer. The print engine 108 is an electrophotographic type using a laser beam. In addition, those using LED print heads,
An inkjet type may be used.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external structure when the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine. Here, the copying machine 100A is an operation unit 103a having input keys and the like.
, Touch panel section 103b, touch panel section 103
a display unit 10 such as an LCD panel formed at the same position as b.
And 4. In addition, a platen cover 111 that covers the platen glass of the scanner unit is provided at the upper part, and a paper discharge tray 112 from which transfer paper is discharged is provided on a side surface.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external structure when the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine.
Here, the facsimile apparatus 100B includes an operation unit 103 having input keys and the like, and a display unit 10 such as an LCD panel.
And 4. Also, a document insertion unit 121 for inserting a document to be transmitted into the scanner unit is provided at one end, and a document tray 122 for discharging the document is provided at the other end. Further, a recording paper discharge tray 123 is provided below the document discharge tray 122 to discharge the transfer paper on which an image is formed.

Hereinafter, the operation of the characteristic portion of the present invention will be described with reference to the chart of FIG. An external device not shown in FIG. 1 starts communication to rewrite data held in the flash memory 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 4A). When handshaking is performed between the external device and the image forming apparatus 100 and communication at a predetermined communication speed is established, the external device starts rewriting (R-ISW) of the flash memory 105 from outside the image forming apparatus 100. (FIG. 4B).

Here, when the CPU 101 determines that the data received from the external device via the communication unit 102 is for rewriting the data held in the flash memory 105, the CPU 101 rewrites the data held in the flash memory 105. Is displayed on the display unit 104 by a message screen as shown in FIG. 5 (FIG. 4C).

By performing such a display, it is possible to prevent a situation (accident) such as a power-off of the image forming apparatus 100 during rewriting of the flash memory 105, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the flash memory 105 beforehand. . Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of surely rewriting the flash memory 105 without impairing the operability of the normal image forming apparatus 100 and without fail.

In this embodiment, the communication unit 10
When the data received from the external device via the external device 2 is identified as the one intended to rewrite the data held in the flash memory 105, the operation of the switch of the operation unit 103 which can be controlled by the CPU 101 by software is performed. I try to invalidate the input. By controlling the operation unit 103 as described above, it is possible to prevent a situation such as an operation of the image forming apparatus that interrupts rewriting of the flash memory 105, and to prevent a failure of rewriting of the flash memory 105 beforehand. .

In this embodiment, the communication unit 10
When the data received from the external device via the external device 2 is identified as the one for rewriting the data held in the flash memory 105, the fact that the data held in the flash memory 105 is to be rewritten is displayed on the display unit 104. In addition, the input of the operation from the switch of the operation unit 103 which can be controlled by the software from the CPU 101 is invalidated. By performing such a display, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the power of the apparatus during the rewriting of the flash memory 105 is turned off, and to prevent a failure in rewriting the flash memory 105. Further, by controlling the operation unit 103 in this manner, it is possible to prevent a situation such as an operation of an apparatus that interrupts rewriting of the flash memory 105, and the flash memory 10
5 can be prevented from being failed.

In this embodiment, when the display unit 104 displays that the rewriting of the held data in the flash memory 105 is to be executed, not only the rewriting is executed but also the held data is being rewritten. There is an indication that there is something (such as "Program is being rewritten"). By performing such a display, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power supply of the apparatus is being rewritten while the flash memory 105 is being rewritten, and to prevent a failure in rewriting the flash memory 105 beforehand.

In this embodiment, when displaying on the display unit 104 that rewriting of data held in the flash memory 105 is to be executed, a request display for not turning off the main power supply of the apparatus (“Do not turn off the power supply”) Please ")
Is included. By displaying like this,
It is possible to further prevent the power supply of the device from being turned off while the flash memory 105 is being rewritten, and to prevent the rewriting of the flash memory 105 from failing.

In this embodiment, when the display unit 104 displays that the rewriting of the stored data in the flash memory 105 is to be executed, a display indicating the progress of the rewriting of the stored data may be included. For example, the progress status can be displayed as a percentage in a bar graph or the like. By performing such a display, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power of the apparatus is being rewritten while the flash memory 105 is being rewritten.
5 can be prevented from being failed.

In this embodiment, if an error occurs during communication with the outside (FIG. 4 (4)), until the data is retransmitted (communication abnormal termination of the external device (FIG. 4)).
(4))-Recognition of termination on the image forming apparatus side (FIG. 4 (5))
The fact that rewriting of the data held in the flash memory 105 is being executed is continuously displayed on the display unit 104. By continuing such display without stopping, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power supply of the device during rewriting of the flash memory 105 is turned off, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the flash memory 105 beforehand.

In this case, as shown in FIG.
It is also desirable that the occurrence of an error be indicated by an error code or the like under the control of 01. In this FIG.
“K04-01” is an example of the error code. When the communication is resumed, the CPU 101 controls to return to the screen of FIG.

In this embodiment, if an error occurs during communication with the outside (FIG. 4 (4)), until data is retransmitted (FIGS. 4 (5) and (6)). , CPU1
From 01, the input of the operation from the switch of the operation unit 103 which can be controlled by software is invalidated. By controlling the operation unit 103 in this manner, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an operation of the apparatus that interrupts rewriting of the flash memory 105 is performed.
05 can be prevented from being failed.

When the communication from the external device is completed normally (FIG. 4 (8)) and EndAck indicating that the image forming apparatus 100 recognizes the end is returned (FIG. 4 (9)), the flash memory 105 is rewritten. The external device ends (R-ISW) (FIG. 4 (10)). Image forming apparatus 100 receiving this
Then, the CPU 101 terminates the display of the message screen (FIG. 5) (FIG. 4 (11)).

The above description has been given of the operation during the rewriting of the data held in the flash memory 105 from the external device. However, the communication from such an external device is started (FIG. 4).
Before (1)) is performed, the following control is performed by the CPU 1
01 is preferably performed. That is, for a certain period of time after some operation is performed from the operation unit 103, the communication unit 102
The CPU 101 does not execute the rewriting of the held data even if the data received via the CPU 101 is identified as the one intended to rewrite the held data of the flash memory 105.

As the fixed time, the maximum time required for each part of the image forming apparatus 100 to start operating after receiving an instruction is considered. For this purpose, it is desirable to provide a timer and determination means (or a program corresponding thereto).

By controlling such that the rewriting of the held data is not accepted for a certain period of time after the operation of the operation unit, the operation or operation of the device that interrupts the rewriting of the flash memory 105 and the operation of the electrically rewritable memory can be performed. Rewriting does not overlap, and failure of rewriting of the flash memory 105 can be prevented.

<Second Embodiment> An apparatus similar to the first embodiment described above, which is an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) capable of operating as a copier, a facsimile machine, a printer, and a scanner ) Exists. In such a multifunction peripheral, when data is received from the outside via a communication means via a public line, whether the reception is facsimile reception,
It is impossible for the user to determine whether the rewrite (R-ISW) data of the flash memory 105 has been received. The operation in such a case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the image forming apparatus receives data from an external device via a communication line 102 via a public line (S1 in FIG. 7). Here, the CPU 101 identifies the received data (S2 in FIG. 7). If it is determined that it is not the R-ISW (NO in S2 in FIG. 7), normal facsimile reception is performed (S3 in FIG. 7).

The CPU 101 communicates with the communication unit 1 via a public line.
When it is determined that the data received from the outside via the “02” is intended to rewrite the data held in the flash memory 105 (YES in S2 of FIG. 7), one of the following processes is performed.

The facsimile reception screen has already been displayed on the display unit 1.
04 (YES in S4 in FIG. 7),
Facsimile reception screen during data reception (S4 in Fig. 7)
After that, the execution of the rewriting of the data held in the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display unit 104 (FIG. 7S
6).

The screen of the facsimile reception is displayed on the display unit 104.
If it is not set to "NO" (in the case of the copy mode or the like: NO in FIG. 7S4), the facsimile reception screen is displayed (FIG. 7S
5) After that, the execution of the data rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display unit 104 (S6 in FIG. 7).

When the rewriting of the data held in the flash memory 105 is completed (YE in FIG. 7
S), the CPU 101 returns the display unit 104 to the normal display screen (S8 in FIG. 7).

That is, in this embodiment, if at least the image forming apparatus capable of operating as a copying machine or a facsimile apparatus is in the facsimile mode, the screen is shifted to the rewriting screen via the facsimile reception screen. Even in the copy mode, the screen is switched to the rewrite screen once via the facsimile reception screen. In other words, the facsimile reception screen is displayed once regardless of the operation mode.

By performing such control, the image forming apparatus is in any mode regardless of whether the content (data) received via the public line is facsimile or rewrite data. However, it is possible to appropriately display the screen switching.

By displaying such information, it is possible to prevent the user from turning off the power when receiving data for rewriting the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent the user from rewriting the electrically rewritable memory. Failure can be prevented before it occurs.

<Other Embodiments> In the case of an image forming apparatus provided with a connection means for an external modem and capable of operating any of a copier, a printer, and a scanner, the external modem is connected via a public line. If the received data received from is identified as intended for rewriting the data held in the electrically rewritable memory, regardless of the operation mode, display the basic screen of the image forming apparatus, It is desirable that the execution of the rewriting of the retained data in the electrically rewritable memory be displayed on the display means.

By performing such control, regardless of the content (data) received via the public line, an appropriate display regarding screen switching can be provided regardless of the mode of the image forming apparatus. It can be carried out. Therefore, by performing such display, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user turns off the power when receiving data for rewriting the electrically rewritable memory, and the failure of rewriting the electrically rewritable memory can be prevented. Can be prevented beforehand.

<Other Embodiments> In the above description, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine has been described as an example. However, an image forming apparatus such as a printer and a post-processing apparatus such as a finisher may be used. The same can be applied to a connected image forming apparatus.

Also, the description has been given of the type of apparatus in which the CPU and the flash memory are provided in the entire image forming apparatus.
The present invention can be applied to various devices including a CPU, a flash memory, and a communication unit for each function.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, the data received from the outside via the communication means via the public line is identified as the one intended to rewrite the data held in the electrically rewritable memory. At this point, the display means indicates that rewriting of the data stored in the electrically rewritable memory is to be executed. By performing such display, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the power of the device is turned off during rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can reliably rewrite an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, the data received from the outside via the communication means via the public line is identified as the one intended to rewrite the data held in the electrically rewritable memory. At this point, the input of the operation from the operation means that can be controlled by software from the control means is invalidated. By controlling such operation means, it is possible to prevent a situation such as operation of the device that interrupts rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory beforehand. it can. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can reliably rewrite an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(3) According to the third aspect of the invention, the data received from the outside via the communication means via the public line is identified as the one intended to rewrite the data held in the electrically rewritable memory. At this point, the display means indicates that the stored data in the electrically rewritable memory is to be rewritten, and the input of the operation from the operation means which can be controlled by software from the control means is invalidated. By performing such a display, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the power of the apparatus is turned off while the electrically rewritable memory is being rewritten, and to prevent a failure in rewriting the electrically rewritable memory. Further, by controlling such operation means, it is possible to prevent a situation such as an operation of the device that interrupts rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory beforehand. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(4) According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when displaying on the display means that the retained data is to be rewritten in the electrically rewritable memory, a display indicating that the retained data is being rewritten is included. I'm sorry. By performing such display, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power of the device is turned off during rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(5) According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when displaying on the display means that rewriting of data held in the electrically rewritable memory is to be executed, a request display for not turning off the main power of the apparatus is included. I have. By performing such display, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power of the device is turned off during rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(6) According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when displaying on the display means that the rewriting of the retained data in the electrically rewritable memory is to be executed, a display indicating the progress status of the retained data rewriting is included. By performing such display, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power of the device is turned off during rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can reliably rewrite an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(7) In the invention according to claim 7, when an error occurs during communication with the outside, rewriting of the data held in the electrically rewritable memory is performed until data retransmission is performed. Is kept displayed on the display means. By performing such display, it is possible to further prevent a situation in which the power of the device is turned off during rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can reliably rewrite an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(8) According to the invention described in claim 8, when an error occurs during communication with the outside, the operation from the operation means which can be controlled by software from the control means until the data is retransmitted. I try to invalidate the input. By controlling such operation means, it is possible to prevent a situation such as operation of the device that interrupts rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and to prevent failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory beforehand. it can. Therefore,
An image forming apparatus that can reliably rewrite an electrically rewritable memory without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus and without fail can be realized.

(9) According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is determined that the received data is intended to rewrite the data held in the electrically rewritable memory for a predetermined time after the operation from the operation means. In this case, the stored data is not rewritten. By performing such control, the operation or operation of the device that interrupts the rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory and the rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory do not overlap, and the rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory does not occur. Failure can be prevented beforehand. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can reliably rewrite an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(10) According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when data is received from the outside via a communication means via a public line, the received data is used for rewriting data held in the electrically rewritable memory. If it is determined that the rewriting is to be performed, a facsimile reception screen is displayed irrespective of the operation mode, and thereafter, the execution of rewriting of data held in the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display means. In other words, if the image forming apparatus is in the facsimile mode, the screen is shifted to the rewriting screen via the facsimile receiving screen. I am trying to migrate. By performing such control, regardless of whether the content (data) received via the public line is facsimile, rewriting data, or whatever mode the image forming apparatus is in, Appropriate display can be performed for screen switching. By performing such display, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user turns off the power when receiving data for rewriting the electrically rewritable memory, and failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory can be prevented. Can be prevented beforehand. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

(11) In the invention according to the eleventh aspect, when data is received from the outside via an external modem via a public line, the received data is intended to rewrite data held in the electrically rewritable memory. If it is determined that the rewriting is to be performed, a basic screen of the apparatus is displayed irrespective of the operation mode, and thereafter, the execution of rewriting of the stored data in the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display means. By performing such control, it is possible to perform appropriate display regarding screen switching regardless of the mode of the image forming apparatus regardless of the content (data) received via the public line. it can. By performing such display, it is possible to prevent the user from turning off the power when receiving the data for rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory, and the failure of rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory can be prevented. Can be prevented beforehand. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reliably rewriting an electrically rewritable memory without failing without impairing the operability of a normal image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine.

FIG. 4 is a chart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image forming apparatus 101 CPU 102 communication unit 103 operation unit 104 display unit 105 flash memory 106 scanner unit 107 image processing unit 108 print engine 100A copier 100B facsimile machine

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 C H04N 1/00 106 H04N 1/00 106B F-term (Reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 HJ07 HN04 HN15 HN29 2H027 EE08 EJ15 EK09 GA36 GA47 GB05 ZA07 ZA09 5B021 AA01 BB01 CC05 CC06 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA30 AB20 AB23 AB42 AC05 AC22 AC34 AE14

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit, an electrically rewritable memory, a communication unit, and a display unit, wherein the control unit transmits data received from outside via a communication unit via a public line. At the point in time when it is determined that the purpose is to rewrite the retained data of the electrically rewritable memory, the execution of the retained data rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display means. Image forming apparatus. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, an electrically rewritable memory, a communication unit, and an operation unit, wherein the control unit transmits data received from outside via a communication unit via a public line. An image forming apparatus for invalidating an input of an operation from a controllable operation unit when it is determined that the purpose is to rewrite data held in the electrically rewritable memory. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit, an electrically rewritable memory, a communication unit, an operation unit, and a display unit, wherein the control unit receives an external signal via a communication unit via a public line. At the point in time when it is determined that the data is intended for rewriting the stored data of the electrically rewritable memory, the display means to execute the stored data rewriting of the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display means, An image forming apparatus, wherein an input of an operation from controllable operation means is invalidated. 4. The display according to claim 1, wherein the display for executing the retained data rewriting includes an indication that the retained data rewriting is being executed.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 5. The display according to claim 1, wherein the display for executing the held data rewriting includes a request display for not turning off the main power of the image forming apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 6. The display according to claim 1, wherein the display for executing the retained data rewriting includes a display indicating a progress status of the retained data rewriting. An image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 7. When an error occurs during communication with the outside via a public line via the communication means, the control means
The display indicating that the held data rewriting is being executed is continued until data is retransmitted from outside, and the display is continued.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 6. 8. The control means, when an error occurs during communication with the outside via a public line via the communication means,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an input of an operation from a controllable operation unit is invalidated until data is retransmitted from outside. 9. The control unit determines that data received from a public line is intended to rewrite data held in the electrically rewritable memory for a predetermined time after an operation from the operation unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rewriting of the held data is not performed even in the case of performing the operation. 5. 10. An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, an electrically rewritable memory, a communication unit, and a display unit, and capable of operating as a copier or a facsimile apparatus, wherein the control unit is connected via a public line. If the data received from the outside via the communication means is identified as intended for rewriting the data held in the electrically rewritable memory, regardless of the operation mode, display a facsimile reception screen, An image forming apparatus, wherein the execution of rewriting of retained data in the electrically rewritable memory is displayed on the display unit. 11. An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, an electrically rewritable memory, a display unit, and a connection unit with an external modem, and capable of operating as one of a copier, a printer, and a scanner. The means, if the received data received from the external modem via the public line is identified as intended for rewriting the data held in the electrically rewritable memory, regardless of the operation mode, An image forming apparatus, comprising: displaying a basic screen of the image forming apparatus; and displaying execution of rewriting of data held in the electrically rewritable memory on the display unit.