JP2006039848A - Data processor, and image forming apparatus including the processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the processing time of an updating work by saving on a storage area in updating a firmware. <P>SOLUTION: A data processor comprises: an option function setting part 233 for setting an option function to be performed in response to the configuration of the option; a firmware storing part 208 for updatably storing equipment control firmware which is made into two or more modules in response to the option function; a firmware acquiring part 230 for acquiring the firmware of a new version to be provided for updating; a module extracting part 232 for extracting the module from the new version firmware in response to the setting of the option function; and a firmware updating part 231 for storing the extracted module in the firmware storing part or updating the module of a previously stored current version. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the data processing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a data processing apparatus that has an optional function and performs processing using device control firmware modularized in accordance with the optional function, and an image forming apparatus including the data processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, all control software (firmware) for a device such as a printer using a microcomputer has been stored in a ROM in the device. In such a conventional technique, even when a part of firmware is changed due to addition of functions or correction of defects, it is necessary to update the entire firmware.

  For this reason, a method is known in which each time printing is performed, the host PC acquires information on modules held by the device and downloads only the firmware modules necessary for executing the printing process from the host PC ( For example, see Patent Document 1). However, if the amount of data to be downloaded is large, a load is imposed on the network, and a load is also imposed on the host PC side. As a result, the printing process takes time. In addition, since firmware modules are configured according to the selection items for each printing process, they are subdivided according to each printing setting, and modules are selected for devices with many functions and optional configurations. However, the process of dynamic linking becomes complicated.

In addition, a method is known in which the firmware version of an image forming apparatus is periodically monitored via a network, and firmware is downloaded as necessary when the image forming apparatus is powered on (see, for example, Patent Document 2). ). However, in this case as well, all the firmware is stored in the ROM in the device, and if the function is added, the defect is corrected, or a part of the firmware is changed, the entire firmware needs to be updated.
JP 2001-67228 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-216103

  In recent years, data processing apparatuses, particularly image forming apparatuses, have become increasingly multifunctional and provide various optional devices and optional functions. Users can select various options according to their intended use, processing amount, or required processing speed. You can choose.

  On the other hand, the firmware for controlling these devices has an increased capacity, and there is an increasing need to be able to update the firmware to add functions and correct defects. It is more convenient for the manufacturer to provide a new version of firmware corresponding to every device configuration rather than providing it for each option configuration, and it is also a choice for users or service engineers who perform firmware update work. It is simple and convenient. However, storing all modules in the device and updating them every time is uneconomical because the storage capacity for storing firmware increases. Moreover, since the processing amount at the time of update is large, time is required. There is a demand for an apparatus that automatically stores a necessary module according to the optional configuration of each device and automatically updates the version.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a data processing apparatus capable of storing and updating only necessary modules in accordance with an optional configuration of the apparatus.

  The present invention provides an option function setting unit for setting an optional function that can be executed in accordance with the configuration of the option, and firmware storage that stores the device control firmware modularized in two or more modules corresponding to the option function in an updatable manner Module, a firmware acquisition unit for acquiring a new version of firmware provided for update, a module extraction unit for extracting a module from the new version of firmware according to the setting of the optional function, and storing the extracted module in firmware A data processing apparatus is provided that includes a firmware update unit that updates a module of the current version stored in the unit or already stored.

The data processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a module extraction unit that extracts a module from a new version of firmware according to the setting of an optional function, and stores the extracted module in the firmware storage unit or a module of the current version that is already stored. Firmware update unit to update, it is possible to store and update only the necessary modules, save the storage area for storing firmware compared to storing and storing all modules, and update work The processing time can be reduced and the processing time can be shortened.
In addition, since the firmware is modularized according to the optional functions, the logic of module selection is simple compared to the case of modularization corresponding to each print setting, the firmware can be modularized, and module selection Easy to automate. In addition, there is little risk of erroneous determination of module selection.

  The data processing apparatus according to the present invention is capable of updating an optional function setting unit that sets an optional function that can be executed according to an optional configuration, and device control firmware modularized into two or more modules corresponding to the optional function. A firmware storage unit to store, a firmware acquisition unit to acquire a new version of firmware provided for update, a module extraction unit to extract a module from the new version firmware according to the setting of the optional function, and A firmware update unit that stores the module in a firmware storage unit or updates a module of the current version that is already stored.

  Here, the data processing apparatus may be an apparatus that processes image data, for example, but is not limited thereto, and may be an apparatus that processes data based on firmware stored in the apparatus. An option refers to a device and firmware added to the main body of the apparatus for the purpose of expanding functions. The option in this specification may include a function that is realized only by adding firmware without adding a device.

  The firmware update unit may process reference information for each module so that the extracted modules are arranged in a substantially continuous storage area in the firmware storage unit. Here, the substantially contiguous storage area means that the end address of the previous module and the start address of the next module do not necessarily have to be arranged at consecutive addresses, but are arranged so that the interval is minimized. To do. For example, in a CPU that requires word alignment arrangement of program code, if the code at the end of the previous module is an even address, the beginning of the next module is also arranged at an even address. Is empty. It is understood that the intervals caused by such restrictions as the circuit configuration are substantially continuous.

  According to the above configuration, since the firmware is arranged in a substantially continuous storage area, an unnecessary empty area cannot be created in the storage area for storing the firmware, and the storage capacity can be saved.

  The firmware acquisition unit includes a secondary firmware storage unit that stores all modules of the new version of firmware, and the module extraction unit supports setting of optional functions from the firmware stored in the secondary firmware storage unit. The module may be extracted, and the firmware update unit may process reference information for each extracted module and place the module in a substantially continuous area of the firmware storage unit.

  Alternatively, the firmware acquisition unit includes a secondary firmware storage unit that stores at least a part of the new version firmware, and the module extraction unit supports setting of an optional function among the modules of the new version firmware. Only the module is extracted and acquired by the acquisition unit and stored in the secondary firmware storage unit. The firmware update unit processes the reference information stored in the secondary firmware storage unit to process the firmware storage unit. It may be arranged in a substantially continuous region. In this way, only the module corresponding to the setting of the optional function is extracted and acquired, so the time for transferring the new version of firmware to the secondary firmware storage unit compared to acquiring all of the new version of firmware. Can be shortened. Also, the capacity of the secondary firmware storage unit can be reduced.

  The firmware includes a reference table indicating reference information for each module, and the firmware update unit updates the reference table reference information according to the arrangement when the modules are rearranged in the firmware storage unit. Also good. In this way, the rearrangement of each module by the firmware updating unit can be realized by updating the reference table, and the rearrangement of the module can be realized by a simple process.

  You may make it further provide the display part which displays the information regarding the module which the module extraction part extracted or the module which is not extracted. In this way, information about the selected or unselected modules is displayed, so you can check the option settings at that time, for example, check whether you have forgotten the settings, etc. Can do.

The module extraction unit may compress the module in order to hold the module that has not been extracted. In this way, it is not necessary to acquire additional firmware when adding options later, and the storage capacity required to store modules that are not used can be reduced by the compression process.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention may include any of the data processing apparatuses described above.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
In this embodiment, a configuration example of the apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a data processing unit of a digital multi-function peripheral (also referred to as MFP or Multi Function Peripherals), which is an embodiment of the data processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions related to firmware update of the data processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an electrophotographic digital full-color multifunction peripheral including the data processing section of FIG. 1 as an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, among the blocks included in the main body data processing unit 220 of the digital multi-function peripheral, the scanner unit 205 is a block for processing image data of a read original. It is configured by firmware or the like for controlling the ASIC to realize document image processing.
The Web server 204 is a block for allowing the original image data to be accessed from an external device on the network as data on the Web site, and can be configured by firmware for causing the CPU 203 to realize the above functions.
The printing unit 206 is a block that processes and prints the read original image or print data received via the network, and can be configured by firmware for causing the CPU 203 to realize the above functions.
The operation display unit 207 is a block for displaying a message related to data processing and allowing the user to input an operation instruction. The display and operation keys using a liquid crystal or LED and the operation keys are used for the CPU 203 with the above functions. It can be configured with firmware for realizing the above.

The main storage unit 211 is a block that temporarily stores image data, print data, or display data of a document for performing the processing of the scanner unit 205, the Web server 204, the print unit 206, and the operation display unit 207, It can be realized using a DRAM or the like. The main storage unit 211 also functions as a secondary firmware storage unit that temporarily stores the acquired firmware when updating the firmware.
The firmware storage unit 208 is a block for storing the acquired firmware, and can be realized using a storage element such as a flash memory, for example.
A CPU (central processing unit) 203 is a block that processes image data and print data based on the firmware stored in the firmware storage unit 208, and further performs a firmware update process. The CPU, such as a microcomputer or a microprocessor, is used. It corresponds to. Note that the CPU may directly access the firmware storage unit 208 in order to obtain an effective instruction. For example, when the power is turned on, the CPU stores the firmware stored in the firmware storage unit 208 onto the main storage unit 211 and the CPU 203 May be configured to access firmware loaded on the main storage unit 211 when executing an instruction. The main storage unit 211 is often configured with a circuit that uses a faster access element than the firmware storage unit 208. With the above configuration, the CPU 208 accesses the firmware storage unit 208 each time an instruction is fetched. This is because processing can be performed at high speed.

The communication control unit 202 is a block for acquiring print data and a new version of firmware from the external host 200 via the communication network 201, and can be configured from a communication control circuit and firmware.
The main body-option communication control unit 212 is a block that performs communication with an option added to the main body, and can be configured by a communication control circuit and firmware.
Of the blocks included in the option unit 221, the option-main body communication control unit 209 is a block that controls communication between the option and the main body, and can be configured from a communication control circuit and firmware. The option control unit 210 is a block for controlling options, and can be configured by an input / output circuit, a CPU, and firmware.

FIG. 2 shows the function of each unit related to the firmware update of the data processing apparatus described above. In FIG. 2, the firmware acquisition unit 230 acquires a new version of firmware provided from the outside and stores it in the secondary firmware storage unit 211.
Also, the option function setting unit 233 determines the option mounting state of the data processing apparatus and sets the option function accordingly.
The module extraction unit 232 extracts a necessary module from the new version of firmware that the firmware acquisition unit 230 intends to acquire according to the setting of the optional function or the firmware that has been acquired and stored in the secondary firmware storage unit 211 To do.
Further, the firmware update unit 231 stores the module extracted by the module sleeve 232 in the firmware storage unit 208.

  The firmware acquisition unit 230, firmware update unit 231, module extraction unit 232, and optional function setting unit 233 can realize these functions by causing the CPU 203 shown in FIG. 1 to execute processing based on firmware.

  Next, the flow of data from reading a document image to printing output in the digital full-color multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 3 will be described. A document is placed on the exposure unit 1002 in the scanner unit 1070, the first exposure scanning unit 1003 scans and exposes the reading surface of the document, and the light reflected on the document is transmitted to the second exposure scanning unit 1004 and the optical lens 1005. Then, the image sensor 1006 is guided. The image sensor 1006 converts the document image formed on the sensor surface into an electrical image data signal. Then, the image data is input to the scanner unit 205 of the main body data processing unit 220 in FIG. The input image data is processed by the scanner unit 205 and stored in the Web server 204 as image data so that it can be accessed from an external device via the network, or sent to the printing unit 206 for printing processing. To do. When printing processing is performed, image data is transferred from the printing unit 206 to a black laser scanning unit (hereinafter referred to as LSU) 1015 provided in the printing unit (printer) 1071, yellow image forming unit 1021, magenta image forming unit 1031, and cyan image forming unit 1041. Are converted into image data to be transferred to the LSU and transferred.

  A printing unit 1071 shown in FIG. 3 is an example of an electrophotographic full-color printer that is an aspect of a printer engine. The black print data processed by the main body data processing unit 220 receives a signal input to a laser element (not shown) in the LSU 1015, and the laser light from the LSU 1015 scans the surface of the photoconductor 1013. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. The formed latent image is developed by the developing unit 1017 to attach toner to the image area. The toner adhering to the image area on the surface of the photoreceptor is transferred to the transfer belt 1050 by the first transfer unit 1019. The above is an explanation of black (K) print data. In the case of color data, the same image forming process is performed for each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), and the transfer belt 1050. Is transferred to. The parts that perform these processes are the image forming units 1021, 1031, and 1041 of the respective colors arranged in a rectangle drawn by dotted lines in FIG. The toner of each color transferred onto the transfer belt 1050 in this manner is transferred to the paper fed from the paper tray 1010 by the second transfer unit 1012 and then melted and mixed by the fixing unit 1052. In this state, the image is fixed on the paper and output to the paper output unit 1055.

(Embodiment 2)
In this embodiment, the firmware structure of the main body data processing unit 220 and the firmware update will be described. The printing unit 1071 shown in FIG. 3 has only a main body, but includes a sorter that sorts printed sheets for function expansion, a duplex mechanism that enables automatic duplex printing, a stapler that staples the printed sheets, and the like. Options are available. The user can select and install these options according to the usage pattern.

  The firmware includes a module relating to processing of only the main body and a module relating to processing when these optional devices are used, and these are modularized. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an address arrangement when firmware including all modules is stored in the firmware storage unit. The horizontally long rectangle shown in the figure is the firmware address arrangement, the left end is the lower address side, and the right end is the upper address side. The firmware is arranged in a substantially continuous area from the left end to the right end, but includes a plurality of modules, and these modules are modularized corresponding to optional functions. That is, it is divided into modules 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111 relating to processing of only the main body, modules 100, 110 relating to processing of the sorter, module 102 relating to processing of the double-sided mechanism, and modules 104, 106, 108 relating to processing of the stapler. Yes.

  When providing a new version of firmware, the provider should provide firmware for all options, and update the necessary modules according to the options installed in each device at the time of obtaining the firmware. . For example, in a device that is equipped with a sorter and a double-sided mechanism but not a stapler, a module excluding the stapler may be obtained. In this case, the storage capacity of the firmware storage unit can be saved if the portion where the modules related to the stapler are removed is not a discontinuous empty area but can be arranged with a close interval between the modules.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which firmware of a device that does not include a stapler is arranged so as not to be discontinuous between modules. In this way, it is possible to save the storage area for storing firmware by the stapler module. However, as shown in FIG. 5, when modules are packed and arranged, entry points in each module must be correctly referred to. Since the conventional firmware does not assume such a rearrangement process, the entry point cannot be correctly referred from the outside of the module when the module arrangement is changed.

  The firmware according to the device of the present invention includes a module reference table indicating the start address of each module and each module in the module from the top of the module so that the entry point can be correctly referred from the outside of the module even after the module is rearranged. And a table for referring to each entry point using an argument with the offset to the entry point as a table.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the structure of a module reference table and a table for referring to each entry point. In FIG. 6, the main body processing module 121 stores processing corresponding to the modules 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, and 111 of FIG. Further, the sorter processing module 122 stores processing corresponding to the modules 100 and 110 in FIG. 5, and the duplex mechanism processing module 123 stores processing corresponding to the module 102 in FIG. 5.

  The option function function call unit 121 includes a module reference table that indicates the start address of each option module and a table that indicates an offset to each entry point in the module. In the module reference table, the stapler processing module that is not installed in this apparatus is not stored in the firmware storage unit 208, so the address of the reference is 0x00000000. For the sorter processing module and the double-sided mechanism processing module, the head addresses where these modules are arranged are stored. For example, the start address of the duplex mechanism processing module is 0xZZZZZZZZ (each Z represents an arbitrary hexadecimal number). As an example, consider a case where a function in a duplex mechanism processing module is executed. It is assumed that the entry point of the function is A3 shown in FIG. 6, the argument indicating the module is 2 and the argument indicating the entry point in the module is 2 as an argument for referring to the function. As a procedure for referring to the option function function, first, the module reference table is referred to by using an argument indicating the module to obtain the start address 0xZZZZZZZZ of the duplex mechanism processing module. Next, using an argument indicating an entry point, a table indicating an offset in the duplex mechanism processing module is referred to, and an offset 0x0000NNNN (each N represents an arbitrary hexadecimal number) to A3 is obtained. Then, the target entry located at the address of the sum of the two, that is, 0xZZZZZZZZ + 0x0000NNNN is referred to. In the above-described embodiment, the case where there is an argument that refers to a module and an argument that refers to an entry point in the module has been described as an example, but only one argument may be provided. In this case, for example, the argument may be divided into several ranges, and each range may be associated with a specific module. In the above-described embodiment, the offset of the module is represented by a 4-digit hexadecimal number, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  Function calls for all optional functions are performed using arguments, and size information for each module is added when a new version of a module is provided. An argument is uniquely assigned to each entry point when a new version of firmware is provided. The offset within the module is also fixed when a new version of firmware is provided. When the new version is acquired, the firmware update unit of each device, after arranging only the necessary modules, determines the start address, that is, the value of the module reference table, using the size information of each module.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment, an example of a procedure for updating firmware will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the firmware update procedure of the data processing apparatus according to the present invention. Each process in the flowchart is provided with a reference numeral so that a process step can be identified.

  When updating the firmware, first, the firmware acquisition unit 230 shown in FIG. 2 acquires a new version of balmware and downloads it to the main storage unit 211 (step S10). The new version firmware may be downloaded from a server on the network, for example, or may be downloaded from a host connected via a USB or parallel interface. Alternatively, the apparatus may be provided with a socket terminal and downloaded from a ROM or a data card attached to the socket. After the firmware is downloaded, it is checked whether or not the firmware has been downloaded normally (step S11). This can be determined by, for example, parity check or sum check of the downloaded firmware. If the download is successful, the routine proceeds to step S12. In case of abnormal termination, no further processing is performed. In this case, a message notifying the abnormality may be displayed to prompt the user to perform another operation. In step S12, the option function setting unit 233 determines the option configuration of the apparatus. If all the modules are installed in the apparatus, the routine proceeds to step S13, and the module extracting unit 232 selects all the modules. On the other hand, if some options are installed in the apparatus, the routine proceeds to step S14, and the module extraction unit 232 extracts a module corresponding to the installation option. Alternatively, if no option is installed, the routine proceeds to step S15, and the module extraction unit 232 selects only the module related to the main body.

  After the module is selected, display regarding the selected module is performed (step S16). This display may inform the user of the module selection made internally by the apparatus as reference information, or may ask for a selection input for obtaining the user's confirmation and proceeding to the next step. . Conversely, if the user thinks that it is unnecessary, the display may be omitted.

  After the display, the firmware updating unit 231 reads out the top address information and size information of each module acquired and added to the firmware stored in the secondary firmware storage unit 211 (step S17). The head of the module stored is known from the address information, and the size of each module is known from the size information. These pieces of information are used for rearranging and storing in the firmware storage unit 208 in module units. Also, based on the information, the module reference table is updated so as to correspond to the rearrangement of each module (step S18). Then, the optional function function call unit including the module reference table and each selected module are stored in the firmware storage unit 208 (step S19).

  Next, the module extraction unit checks whether or not to store a module that has not been extracted because the option configuration has been changed in the future (step S20). The module is compressed and stored in the firmware storage unit 208 (step S21). At this time, the start address of the non-selected module in the compressed state and the size information in the compressed state are added. When an option is added in the future, a compression module corresponding to the added option is expanded in the secondary firmware storage unit 211 based on the additional information, and the secondary module is added together with the main body and the optional modules used so far. It may be stored in the firmware storage unit 208 after being rearranged on the firmware storage unit 211. In this way, there is no need to download firmware each time the option configuration changes.

  As described above, in the firmware storage unit 208, only modules according to the option configuration are stored, and optional modules that are not installed are not stored or are compressed and stored. Thus, the storage area of the firmware storage unit 208 is not unnecessarily occupied. In the configuration in which firmware is loaded into the main storage unit 211 when processing is executed, the area of the main storage unit 211 is not unnecessarily occupied.

(Embodiment 4)
In this embodiment, an example different from the third embodiment of the procedure for updating the firmware will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing this embodiment.
When updating the firmware, the option function setting unit 233 first determines the option configuration of the apparatus. If all the modules are installed in the apparatus, the routine proceeds to step S31, and the module extracting unit 232 selects all the modules. On the other hand, if some options are installed in the apparatus, the routine proceeds to step S32, and the module extraction unit 232 extracts a module corresponding to the installation option. Alternatively, if no option is installed, the routine proceeds to step S33, and the module extraction unit 232 selects only the module related to the main body.

  After the module is selected, display regarding the selected module is performed (step S34). This display may inform the user of the module selection made internally by the apparatus as reference information, or may ask for a selection input for obtaining the user's confirmation and proceeding to the next step. . Conversely, if the user thinks that it is unnecessary, the display may be omitted.

  After the display, the firmware acquisition unit 230 reads out the top address information and size information of each module added to the new version of firmware to be downloaded (step S35). The head of the module stored is known from the address information, and the size of each module is known from the size information. These pieces of information are used for downloading firmware in units of modules and storing them in the secondary firmware storage unit 211. Then, the firmware acquisition unit 230 acquires the washed module out of the new version of balmware and downloads it to the secondary firmware storage unit 211 (step S36). The new version firmware may be downloaded from a server on the network, for example, or may be downloaded from a host connected via a USB or parallel interface. Alternatively, the apparatus may be provided with a socket terminal and downloaded from a ROM or a data card attached to the socket.

  Next, the firmware acquisition unit 230 checks whether or not to store a module that has not been extracted because the option configuration has been changed in the future (step S37). After the selected module is downloaded to the secondary firmware storage unit 211, it is compressed and stored in the main storage unit 211 (step S38). At this time, the start address of the non-selected module in the compressed state and the size information in the compressed state are added. When an option is added in the future, a compression module corresponding to the added option is expanded in the secondary firmware storage unit 211 based on the additional information, and the secondary module is added together with the main body and the optional modules used so far. It may be stored in the firmware storage unit 208 after being rearranged on the firmware storage unit 211. In this way, there is no need to download firmware each time the option configuration changes.

  After downloading the firmware, it is checked whether or not the download has been performed normally (step S39). This can be determined by, for example, parity check or sum check of the downloaded firmware. If the download is successful, the routine proceeds to step S40. In the case of abnormal termination, the storage process of the downloaded firmware in the firmware storage unit 208 is not performed. In this case, a message notifying the abnormality may be displayed to prompt the user to perform another operation. Further, based on the information, the module reference table is updated so as to correspond to the rearrangement of each module (step S40). Then, the optional function function call unit including the module reference table and each downloaded module are stored in the firmware storage unit 208 (step S41).

  As described above, in the main storage unit 211 and the firmware storage unit 208, only modules according to the option configuration are stored, and optional modules that are not installed are not stored or are compressed and stored. The storage area of the main storage unit 211 or the firmware storage unit 208 is not unnecessarily occupied by optional modules that are not executed. Further, in the configuration in which firmware is loaded into the main storage unit 211 when processing is executed, the area of the main storage unit 211 is not unnecessarily occupied.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the data processing part of the digital multi-function peripheral which is one Embodiment of the data processor of this invention. (Embodiment 1) It is a block diagram which shows the function regarding the firmware update of the data processor of this invention. (Embodiment 2) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an electrophotographic digital full-color multifunction peripheral including the data processing unit of FIG. 1 as an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. (Embodiment 1) It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the address arrangement | positioning at the time of storing the firmware storage part the firmware containing all the modules. (Embodiment 2) It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the firmware of the apparatus which does not contain a stapler was packed and arrange | positioned so that between modules may not become discontinuous. (Embodiment 2) It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the structure of the table for referring a module reference table and each entry point. (Embodiment 2) It is a flowchart which shows an example of the firmware update procedure of the data processor of this invention. (Embodiment 3) It is a flowchart which shows an example from which the firmware update procedure of the data processor of this invention differs. (Embodiment 4)

Explanation of symbols

100, 110 Sorter processing module 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111 Main body processing module 102 Double-sided mechanism processing module 104, 106, 108 Stapler processing module 200 Host PC
201 communication network 202 communication control unit 203 central processing unit, CPU
204 Web server 205 Scanner unit 206 Printing unit 207 Operation display unit 208 Firmware storage unit 209 Option-main body communication control unit 210 Option control unit 211 Main storage unit, secondary firmware storage unit 212 Main unit-option communication control unit 220 Main unit data processing unit 221 Option unit 230 Firmware acquisition unit 231 Firmware storage unit 232 Module extraction unit 233 Option function setting unit 1000 Document tray 1001 Document feeder 1002 Exposure unit 1003 First exposure scanning unit, exposure lamp unit 1004 Second exposure scanning unit 1005 Optical lens 1006 Image sensor 1010 Paper tray 1011 Registration unit 1012 Second transfer unit 1013 Photoconductor 1014 Charging unit 1015 Laser scanning unit, LSU
1016 Laser beam 1017 Developing unit 1018 Toner container 1019 Photoconductor cleaning unit 1020 First transfer unit 1021, 1031, 1041 Image forming unit 1050 Transfer belt 1051 Transfer belt cleaning unit 1052 Fixing unit 1053 Duplex reversing unit 1054 Switcher 1055 Output unit 1070 Scanner Part 1071 printing part, printer

Claims (8)

An optional function setting unit that sets an optional function that can be executed according to the configuration of the option;
A firmware storage unit that stores the device control firmware modularized in two or more modules corresponding to the optional functions in an updatable manner;
A firmware acquisition unit for acquiring a new version of firmware provided for update;
A module extraction unit for extracting a module from a new version of firmware according to the setting of the optional function;
A data processing apparatus comprising: a firmware update unit that stores an extracted module in a firmware storage unit or updates a module of a current version that is already stored.   The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firmware update unit processes reference information for each module so that each extracted module is arranged in a substantially continuous storage area in the firmware storage unit. The firmware acquisition unit includes a secondary firmware storage unit that stores all modules of a new version of firmware;
The module extraction unit extracts a module corresponding to the setting of the optional function from the firmware stored in the secondary firmware storage unit,
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firmware update unit processes the extracted reference information to each module and arranges the information in a substantially continuous area of the firmware storage unit. The firmware acquisition unit includes a secondary firmware storage unit that stores at least a part of a new version of firmware;
The module extraction unit extracts only the module corresponding to the setting of the optional function from the modules of the new version firmware, causes the acquisition unit to acquire the module, and stores the module in the secondary firmware storage unit.
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firmware update unit processes reference information for each module stored in the secondary firmware storage unit and arranges the information in a substantially continuous area of the firmware storage unit. The firmware includes a module reference table indicating a start address of each module, and a table indicating offset information from the start address to each entry point for referring to each entry point in the module using an argument,
The data processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the firmware update unit updates the reference information of the module reference table according to the arrangement when the modules are rearranged in the firmware storage unit.   The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the module extraction unit further includes a display unit that displays information about the extracted module or the module that is not extracted.   The data processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the module extraction unit compresses the module in order to hold a module that has not been extracted.   An image forming apparatus comprising the data processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images