JP2006218696A - Image forming apparatus and firmware rewriting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique which can read a firmware from a consumable article unit and can stably and surely rewrite the firmware when a rewriting error is generated in the firmware in an apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is equipped with a rewritable memory storing the firmware composed of a first firm part being an object to be rewritten and a second firm part being an object to be not rewritten, and a controlling means executing a printing processing based on the first firm part stored in the memory. In this image forming apparatus, the consumable article unit equipped with a storing means storing the first firm part is removably constituted. The controlling means reads out the first firm part from the storing means provided by the consumable article unit, and rewrites the first firm part stored in the memory when it is judged that at least the first firm part stored in the memory is not normal based on the second firm part stored in the memory. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of rewriting firmware.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine, for example, two controllers connected to each other via a communication interface are known (see Patent Document 1). In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when an image signal is supplied to the main controller from an external device such as a host computer or a built-in scanner, the main controller analyzes the image signal and performs various image processing. After that, the image processed signal (for example, video signal) is supplied to the engine controller. The engine controller has a CPU as a central processing unit and a rewritable nonvolatile memory (flash ROM, EEPROM, etc.) for storing firmware. When the above signal is received, it is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Based on the firmware, the engine unit is controlled to form an image corresponding to the image signal on a sheet such as copy paper, transfer paper, paper and OHP transparent sheet.

  Here, the firmware is stored in a rewritable non-volatile memory because the reason is to flexibly cope with future function additions and version upgrades. That is, when it is necessary to add a function or upgrade the version, a firmware with the added function is newly created, and the old firmware is rewritten and updated with the new firmware.

  When rewriting firmware, generally, a service person or the like connects a predetermined apparatus for an administrator and an image forming apparatus, and transmits new firmware from the predetermined apparatus to the main controller of the image forming apparatus. Next, when the communication function of the firmware in the engine controller is used and communication is performed between the main controller and the engine controller via the communication interface, the firmware in the nonvolatile memory of the engine controller is updated. There are many.

On the other hand, when a small storage unit in which firmware (control program) is stored in the toner bottle is mounted and the toner bottle is set in the image forming apparatus, the firmware is transferred from the small storage unit to the image forming apparatus. There has also been proposed a method of updating (Patent Document 2). According to such a method, firmware can be upgraded simply by setting a toner bottle, so there is an advantage that it is not necessary to call a service person or the like and the user does not need to be aware of the upgrade itself.
JP-A-8-161231 JP 2004-191783 A

  When rewriting firmware, a rewrite error may occur due to various factors. For example, when communicating / transferring new firmware, normal data may not be sent to the engine controller due to a communication error. In addition, when writing data to the nonvolatile memory, a write error may occur and a rewrite error may occur.

  Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, when a storage unit storing firmware is attached to a consumable unit (toner bottle, cartridge, etc.) set and used in an image forming apparatus, the consumable unit is put on the market. If you leave the manufacturer's control, it is possible to make unintended changes to the consumable unit firmware, so rewriting errors may occur due to such changes. It cannot be ignored.

  However, since the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 simply checks the version and transfers the control program from the toner bottle, the toner bottle control is performed even when the above-described rewriting error occurs. As long as the program versions are the same, the rewriting operation is not executed, and eventually it is necessary to call a service person to repair the firmware of the image forming apparatus.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to read firmware from a consumable unit and to stably and reliably rewrite the firmware on the assumption that a rewrite error may occur when the firmware is rewritten.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a first portion to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “first firmware portion”) and a second portion that is not to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “second firmware portion”). An image forming apparatus comprising: a rewritable memory that stores firmware to be processed; and a control unit that executes a printing process based on a first firmware portion stored in the memory. A consumable unit having storage means for storing a firmware part is configured to be detachable, and the control means is based on a second firmware part stored in the memory and at least a first firmware stored in the memory. When it is determined that the part is not normal, the first firmware part is read from the storage means included in the consumable unit and stored in the memory. Wherein the rewrite.

  According to such a configuration, the normality of the first firmware portion stored in the memory in the device is determined. When it is determined that the first firmware portion is not normal, the first firmware portion is read from the storage unit of the consumable unit, Since it has been decided whether or not to rewrite the first firmware part of the memory, even if a rewrite error occurs in the first firmware part of the memory in the device when the firmware rewrite process is performed, the consumable unit The first firmware portion can be read from the storage means, and the firmware can be rewritten stably and reliably.

  Preferably, the consumable unit controls the mechanism unit for moving the consumable unit so that the first firmware part can be read out wirelessly from the storage unit included in the consumable unit. The product unit is positioned.

  Further preferably, the image forming apparatus is configured such that a plurality of consumable units can be attached and detached, and the control means is the latest version of the plurality of consumable units set in the image forming apparatus. A consumable unit having storage means for storing one firmware portion is selected, and the first firmware portion is read from the storage means of the selected consumable unit.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus is configured such that a plurality of consumable units can be attached and detached, and the plurality of consumables set in the image forming apparatus when the control unit determines that the image forming apparatus is not normal. Of the consumable units, the consumable unit selected at the time of the previous rewrite is reselected, and the first firmware portion is read from the storage means of the reselected consumable unit.

  The consumables unit of the present invention comprises a first part to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “first farm part”) and a second part that is not to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “second farm part”). A consumable unit configured to be detachable in an image forming apparatus comprising a rewritable memory for storing firmware to be stored and a control means for executing a printing process based on a first firmware portion stored in the memory The first firmware portion stored in the storage means is based on the second firmware portion stored in the memory by the control means. Is used to rewrite the first firmware portion read out and stored in the memory when it is determined that the first firmware portion stored in the memory is not normal. It is characterized in.

  A firmware rewriting method of the present invention is a method for rewriting firmware of an image forming apparatus stored in a rewritable memory, and the firmware is a part for executing a printing process and is a first rewriting target. Part (hereinafter referred to as “first firmware part”) and a part for executing firmware rewriting processing and not subject to rewriting (hereinafter referred to as “second firmware part”). And at least a step of determining whether or not the first firmware portion stored in the memory is normal as a step executed based on the second firmware portion stored in the memory, and stored in the memory A first firmware unit provided in a consumable unit configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the first firmware part is not normal. From a storage means for storing, characterized in that it comprises a step of reading the first firmware portion, and a step of rewriting the first firmware portion stored in the memory by the read first firmware portion.

  The firmware rewriting method of the present invention can be implemented by a computer, and a computer program (that is, the second firmware portion) for that purpose is transmitted through various media such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network. It can be installed or loaded into memory in the forming apparatus.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when a rewrite error occurs in the firmware in the apparatus, the firmware can be read out from the consumable unit, and the firmware can be rewritten stably and reliably.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus of FIG. In this image forming apparatus, when an image signal is given to the main controller 11 of the control unit 1 from an external device such as the host computer 100, the main controller 11 analyzes the image signal and performs various image processing. The image processed signal is supplied to the engine controller 12. Then, the engine controller 12 controls each unit of the engine unit EG based on the firmware stored in the flash memory 123, and corresponds to the image signal on the sheet S such as a copy sheet, a transfer sheet, a sheet, and an OHP transparent sheet. Form an image. This image forming apparatus uses a function of superposing four color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) to form a full color image, and uses only black (K) toner. A function to form a monochrome image.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the engine unit EG includes a photosensitive unit 2, a rotary developing unit 3 (a yellow developing unit (hereinafter referred to as “Y developing unit”) 3Y, and a magenta developing unit (“M developing unit”). 3M, cyan development unit (“C development unit”) 3C, black development unit (“K development unit”) 3K, etc., intermediate transfer unit 4, fixing unit 5, exposure unit 8, firmware reading unit 10, etc. It is comprised including. Of these, the units 2, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K, 4, 5, and 8 are detachable from the apparatus main body 6, and each unit is mounted on the apparatus main body 6 and the photoconductor. The photosensitive member 21 of the unit 2 rotates in the arrow direction D1 in FIG. The Y developing unit 3Y, the M developing unit 3M, the C developing unit 3C, and the K developing unit 3K can be grasped as consumable units in that they store toner that is a consumable.

  The photoconductor unit 2 contains a photoconductor 21, a charging unit 22, and a cleaning unit 23, which are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 6 integrally. The charging unit 22 is applied with a charging bias from a charging bias generation unit (not shown), and can uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 21. The cleaning unit 23 is provided on the upstream side of the charging unit 22 in the rotation direction D1 of the photosensitive member 21. The cleaning unit 23 scrapes off toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 21 after the primary transfer. The surface of the body 21 can be cleaned.

  The light beam L is irradiated from the exposure unit 8 toward the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 21 charged by the charging unit 22. The exposure unit 8 is electrically connected to a laser driver (not shown) provided in the engine controller 12, and is controlled according to a drive signal supplied from the laser driver, so that the light beam L is applied onto the photosensitive member 21. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the photoconductor 21 by exposure.

  The electrostatic latent image formed in this way is developed with toner by the rotary developing unit 3. The rotary developing unit 3 is determined in advance by rotating each developing unit (Y developing unit 3Y, M developing unit 3M, C developing unit 3C, K developing unit 3K) provided rotatably around the axis, and each developing unit. And a mechanism 33 for positioning at a plurality of positions (for example, a development position with respect to the photosensitive member 21 and a communication position with the firmware reading unit 10).

  When one of the developing units is positioned at the developing position by the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3, the toner stored in the unit housing of the developing unit is conveyed while being carried on the developing roller 31. Then, by applying a predetermined developing bias to the developing roller 31, the toner carried / conveyed by the developing roller 31 adheres to the photosensitive member 21, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized. In this way, a toner image of the selected color is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 21.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which the K developing unit 3K is positioned at the developing position, and the developing roller 31 provided in the K developing unit 3K is disposed to face the photoconductor 21.

  The toner image developed by the developing unit 3 as described above is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 of the intermediate transfer unit 4 in the primary transfer region TR1. That is, the intermediate transfer unit 4 includes an intermediate transfer belt 41 that is stretched over a plurality of rollers, and a drive unit (not shown) that rotationally drives the intermediate transfer belt 41, and transfers a color image to the sheet S. In this case, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive member 21 are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 to form a color image. On the other hand, when a single-color image is transferred to the sheet S, Only the black toner image formed in this step is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 to form a single color image.

  In this image forming apparatus, in order to detect the density of the patch image, the patch sensor PS is disposed to face one roller around which the intermediate transfer belt 41 is stretched.

  The image thus formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is secondarily transferred onto the sheet S taken out from the cassette 9 in a predetermined secondary transfer region TR2. Then, the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred is introduced into a fixing unit 5 including a heater (not shown), and the toner is fixed to the sheet S by applying pressure while heating. The sheet S on which an image has been formed in this manner is conveyed to a discharge tray provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 6.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as each developing unit, for example, a developing unit to which a small IC chip 32 is attached by a screw, an adhesive, or the like can be used.

  The IC chip 32 stores a part of firmware in its internal semiconductor circuit. Specifically, the firmware in the present embodiment includes a first part to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “first firmware part”) and a second part that is not to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “second firmware part”). The first firmware portion is stored in the IC chip 32 as a part of the firmware.

  As will be described later, the first firmware portion stored in the IC chip 32 is read by the firmware reading unit 10 and sent to the engine controller 12 when the firmware rewriting process is executed. Such an IC chip 32 and firmware reading unit 10 can be configured using conventional data carrier technology.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 11 includes a host interface 111, a CPU 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, and an engine interface 115. The main controller 11 is configured to perform communication processing with the host computer 100 through the host interface 111, and receives an image signal, a predetermined program, and the like transmitted from the host computer 100. The received image signal and the like are temporarily stored in the RAM 114.

  The CPU 112 is electrically connected to the operation panel 13 attached to the apparatus main body 6 via an input / output port (not shown). The operation panel 13 is provided with a plurality of switches 131 for the user to give various commands to the CPU 112, and a display unit 132 for displaying messages, printing status, etc. to the user. The operation panel 13 functions as a man-machine interface.

  The ROM 113 stores a program for the main controller 11 in advance, and the CPU 112 and a logic circuit (not shown) operate according to the program to perform various image processing on the received image signal. be able to. For example, RGB data indicating the gradation level of the RGB component of each pixel in the image corresponding to the image signal is converted into CMYK data indicating the gradation level of the corresponding CMYK component. In addition, after tone correction is performed on CMYK data of each pixel, halftoning processing such as error diffusion, dithering, and screen is further performed to generate, for example, 8-bit halftone CMYK data per pixel. To do. The halftone CMYK data is used to create a video signal for pulse width modulation of the exposure laser pulse of each color image, and the video signal is output to the engine controller 12 via the engine interface 115.

  On the other hand, the engine controller 12 includes a main interface 121, a CPU 122, a flash memory 123, and a RAM 124 as shown in FIG. The main interface 121 is for communicating with the main controller 11 and receives commands and data transmitted from the main controller 11 via the main interface 121.

  The flash memory 123 is a rewritable memory and stores firmware (first firmware portion, second firmware portion). However, it is desirable to store the second firmware portion that is not to be rewritten in a write protected area of the flash memory 123.

  The CPU 122 executes the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123, thereby controlling each part of the engine unit EG to transfer the image signal to the sheet S such as copy paper, transfer paper, paper, and OHP transparent sheet. Print processing for forming a corresponding image is executed. That is, the first firmware part is configured to include a program for realizing functions necessary for normal printing processing.

  The CPU 122 executes the firmware rewriting process when it is determined that at least the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is not normal by executing the second firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123.

  In the present embodiment, as firmware rewriting processing, communication is performed with the main controller 11 via the main interface 121, and the first firmware stored in the flash memory 123 based on the first firmware portion transmitted from the main controller 11 is used. In addition to the conventional firmware rewriting process for rewriting the part, one of the developing units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K is selected, and the firmware reading unit 10 is controlled to provide the IC chip 32 included in the selected developing unit. The development unit type firmware rewriting process for reading the first firmware portion from the memory and rewriting the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 can be selected and executed.

  That is, the second firmware portion has functions necessary for each firmware rewriting process, for example, a function for determining the normality of the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123, a communication function with the main controller 11, and rotary development. And a program for realizing a function for controlling the mechanism unit 33 of the unit 3, a function for reading the first firmware part by controlling the firmware reading unit 10, a function for rewriting the first firmware part of the flash memory 123, and the like. ing.

(First Example)
The developing unit type firmware rewriting process of the first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce contradiction in the processing content, or can be performed in parallel (this point is other The same applies to the other examples).

  When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, the CPU 122 executes the second firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 (S100 to S112).

  First, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the developing unit has been attached / detached between the time when the power is turned off last time and the time when the power is turned on this time (S100). For example, it is conceivable that a flag is set up electrically when the developing unit is detached, and the determination is made with reference to the flag.

  If the CPU 122 determines that the developing unit is not attached or detached, the CPU 122 proceeds to the process of S105.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the developing unit has been detached, the CPU 122 selects the developing unit from which the developing unit has been detached, and controls the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3 to send the selected developing unit to the communication position. (S101). Here, the communication position is a position at which the first firmware portion can be read out wirelessly from the IC chip 32 by the firmware reading unit 10 when the developing unit to which the IC chip 32 is attached is at the communication position. is there.

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the developing unit positioned at the communication position includes the IC chip 32 (S102). If not, the process proceeds to S105.

  For example, when the firmware reading unit 10 is controlled to emit electromagnetic waves (charge waves) and a response signal is not obtained from the IC chip 32 even after a predetermined number of attempts, the developing unit positioned at the communication position is the IC chip. It may be determined that the IC chip 32 is not provided (including the case where the IC chip 32 is not functioning normally).

  When the CPU 122 determines that the developing unit positioned at the communication position includes the IC chip 32, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10 to read the version of the first firmware portion stored in the IC chip 32, The version of the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is compared (S103).

  If the version of the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is newer or the same, the CPU 122 returns to S101 to select another developing unit, if any. If not, the process proceeds to S105.

  On the other hand, if the version of the first firmware portion stored in the IC chip 32 is newer, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10 to read the first firmware portion from the IC chip 32 and store it in the flash memory 123. The stored first firmware portion is rewritten (S104). Specifically, first, the first firmware portion already stored in the flash memory 123 is erased, and then read from the IC chip 32 in units of a predetermined size (for example, 128 bytes), stored in the RAM 124, and flash memory. The first firmware portion is rewritten by sequentially writing to 123.

  Next, the CPU 122 determines the normality of the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 (S105).

  As a method of determining normality, for example, a method of determining based on header information and footer information included in the first firm portion can be considered. Specifically, when both the header information and the footer information are correct values, it is determined that the first firm part is normal, and when at least one of the values is an abnormal value (including the case where the information does not exist). ), It is determined that the first farm portion is not normal. For example, when there is no header information, there is a possibility that an error has occurred in the middle of erasing the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123. Further, for example, when neither the header information nor the footer information exists, the first firmware portion has been successfully erased from the flash memory 123, but an error may have occurred before rewriting thereafter. There is. Further, for example, when the header information is a correct value but the footer information does not exist, there is a high possibility that a writing error has occurred during the rewriting process.

  When the CPU 122 determines that the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is normal, the CPU 122 activates the first firmware portion (S106). As a result, the process based on the second firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is completed, and a normal print process can be executed.

  On the other hand, when determining that the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is not normal, the CPU 122 selects any one developing unit (or a developing unit having a predetermined color), and the rotary developing unit 3 The mechanism unit 33 is controlled to position the selected developing unit at the communication position (S107).

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the developing unit positioned at the communication position includes the IC chip 32 as in S102 (S108).

  When the CPU 122 determines that the developing unit positioned at the communication position includes the IC chip 32, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10 to read the first firmware portion from the IC chip 32, and performs the same as in S104. Then, the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is rewritten (S109).

  Then, when the rewriting of the first firmware portion is completed, the main controller 11 is notified of the rewriting completion (S110). In this case, the main controller 11 displays a message or the like for prompting resetting on the display unit 132 and shifts to a reset standby state. Note that it may be configured to return to S105 again when the rewriting of the first firmware portion is completed.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 122 determines that the developing unit positioned at the communication position does not include the IC chip 32, the CPU 122 determines whether there is a developing unit that has not yet been determined for the presence of the IC chip 32 (S111). . For example, if the number of determinations regarding the presence / absence of the IC chip 32 is counted and the number of determinations = the number of development unit sets (4 in this embodiment), there is no development unit that has not yet been determined. It is possible to judge.

  If the CPU 122 determines that there is a developing unit that has not yet been determined for the presence or absence of the IC chip 32, the process returns to S107 to select the undetermined developing unit.

  On the other hand, when determining that there is no undetermined developing unit, the CPU 122 notifies the main controller 11 that the developing unit type firmware rewriting process cannot be performed (S112). In this case, the main controller 11 displays a message or the like prompting the execution of the conventional firmware rewriting process on the display unit 132 and shifts to a standby state for commands or the like.

  According to such a configuration, the normality of the first firmware portion is determined after activation, and when it is determined that the first firmware portion is not normal, the first firmware portion is read from the IC chip 32 of the developing unit, and the first firmware portion of the flash memory 123 is read. Since it is determined whether or not rewriting is performed, even if a rewriting error occurs in the first firmware portion of the flash memory 123 when performing the firmware rewriting process, the IC chip 32 of the developing unit is restarted by restarting. The first firmware portion can be read out from the firmware, and the firmware can be rewritten stably and reliably.

  Also, the firmware is divided into a first firmware part that is to be rewritten and a second firmware part that is not to be rewritten. Based on the second firmware part that is not to be rewritten, for example, positioning processing of the developing unit and IC chip Since the processing necessary for reading the first firmware portion from the IC chip 32 of the developing unit, such as the reading processing from the development unit 32, is executed, a rewriting error occurs in the flash memory 123 when the firmware rewriting processing is performed. Even if a failure occurs, the firmware is rewritten by reading the first firmware portion from the IC chip 32 of the developing unit stably and reliably based on the second firmware portion that is not subject to rewriting (that is, no rewriting error occurs). Is possible.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is not normal, the development unit is sequentially selected to determine whether the first firmware portion can be read. The first firmware portion is read from those determined to be readable, but in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is not normal, the first firmware portion is determined for each developing unit. After determining whether or not the portion can be read, the first firmware portion of the relatively newest version is read.

  Hereinafter, the development unit type firmware rewriting process of the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the image forming apparatus is powered on, the CPU 122 executes the second firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 (S200 to S216).

  The processing contents from S200 to S208 are the same as S100 to S108 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3).

  When the CPU 122 determines that the development unit positioned at the communication position includes the IC chip 32, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10 to read the version information of the first firmware portion from the IC chip 32 and stores it in the RAM 124. The data is stored in association with the developing unit (S209).

  When the CPU 122 determines that the developing unit does not include the IC chip 32, or after executing S209, the CPU 122 determines whether there is a developing unit that has not yet been determined regarding the presence or absence of the IC chip 32 (S210). Such a determination can be made by the same method as in the first embodiment.

  If the CPU 122 determines that there is a development unit that has not yet been determined for the presence or absence of the IC chip 32, the process returns to S <b> 207 to determine whether or not there is an IC chip 32 for the undetermined development unit.

  On the other hand, when determining that there is no undetermined developing unit, the CPU 122 refers to the RAM 124 to determine whether there is a developing unit storing version information (S211).

  If the CPU 122 determines that there is a development unit that stores version information, the CPU 122 selects a development unit corresponding to the latest version among them (S212). If there is one development unit storing version information, that development unit may be selected.

  Next, the CPU 122 controls the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3 to position the selected developing unit at the communication position (S213).

  Then, the firmware reading unit 10 is controlled to read the first firmware portion from the IC chip 32 of the developing unit at the communication position, and the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is rewritten (S214). Such rewriting can be performed by the same method as in the first embodiment.

  When the rewriting of the first firmware portion is completed, the CPU 122 notifies the main controller 11 of the rewriting completion (S215). In this case, the main controller 11 displays a message or the like for prompting resetting on the display unit 132 and shifts to a reset standby state. Note that it may be configured to return to S205 again when the rewriting of the first firmware portion is completed.

  On the other hand, when determining that there is no development unit storing version information, the CPU 122 notifies the main controller 11 that the development unit type firmware rewriting process cannot be performed (S216).

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the same effects as in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is not normal, the first firmware stored in the IC chip 32 of each developing unit. The latest firmware version of the first firmware can be read out of the parts, and the firmware rewriting process can be executed.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, when the first firmware portion is read from the IC chip 32 and the first firmware portion of the flash memory 123 is rewritten, the development unit IC chip 32 from which the data is read is stored. When it is determined that an error has occurred and the firmware rewriting process is executed, the stored developing unit is selected again and the first firmware portion is read.

  Hereinafter, the development unit type firmware rewriting process of the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  When the image forming apparatus is powered on, the CPU 122 executes the second firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 (S300 to S312).

  The processing content from S300 to S303 is the same as that from S100 to S103 of the first embodiment.

  If the CPU 122 determines that the version of the first firmware portion stored in the IC chip 32 is newer in S303, the CPU 122 stores identification information (for example, unit number and color information) of the developing unit in the flash memory 123. (S304).

  Further, the firmware reading unit 10 is controlled to read the first firmware portion from the IC chip 32, and the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is rewritten (S305).

  The processing content from S306 to S307 is the same as that from S105 to S106 in the first embodiment.

  If the CPU 122 determines that the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is not normal in S306, the CPU 122 selects the corresponding developing unit based on the identification information stored in the flash memory 123, and the mechanism unit of the rotary developing unit 3 33 is controlled to position the selected development unit at the communication position (S308).

  The processing content from S309 to S311 is the same as that from S108 to S110 of the first embodiment.

  If the CPU 122 determines in S309 that the developing unit positioned at the communication position does not include the IC chip 32, the CPU 122 notifies the main controller 11 that the developing unit type firmware rewriting process cannot be performed (S312). In this case, the main controller 11 displays a message or the like prompting the execution of the conventional firmware rewriting process on the display unit 132 and shifts to a standby state for commands or the like.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, when it is determined that the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is not normal, the development unit selected in the previous firmware rewriting process is restored. Since the selection can be made, the firmware rewriting process can be executed with the same contents (same version) as those to be adopted in the previous firmware rewriting process.

(Other)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and applied. For example, the first firmware part is attached to a detachable consumable unit other than the developing unit (for example, 2, 4, 5, 8, etc., which can be grasped as a consumable unit in that the function can be deteriorated over time). The IC chip 32 to be stored may be attached and the first firmware portion may be read therefrom.

  For example, in the above embodiment, a four-cycle type image forming apparatus that performs development for each color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the present invention can be applied to a tandem type image forming apparatus that develops each color simultaneously. However, in this case, it is necessary to provide a firmware reading unit corresponding to each color developing unit, or to provide a mechanism for driving the firmware reading unit to a position where it can communicate with each developing unit. Further, for example, the present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus other than a laser printer, and an image forming apparatus in which an ink jet image forming apparatus, a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, a so-called dumb printer or a host-based printer is limited in firmware functions The present invention can be applied to all image forming apparatuses.

  Further, for example, in the above embodiment, when rewriting the first firmware portion by detaching the developing unit, the developing unit that is determined to be detached includes the IC chip 32 and the version of the first firmware portion in the IC chip 32 is In the new case, the first firmware portion is read from the IC chip 32, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, if there are a plurality of development units that are determined to be detached and have an IC chip 32, the versions of the first firmware portion in the IC chip 32 are compared for the plurality of development units, and the relatively newest The first firmware portion of the version may be read out.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the normality of the firmware is determined based on the firmware header information and footer information, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, when a communication error, an erasure error, or a write error occurs, a rewrite error flag may be set in a part of the memory, and the normality of the firmware may be determined based on the rewrite error flag. . Further, a configuration in which the normality of the firmware is determined using a CRC (= Cyclic Redundancy Check), a checksum, or the like is also conceivable.

  Also, for example, in the third embodiment, when it is determined in S308 that the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is not normal, the corresponding developing unit is selected based on the identification information stored in the flash memory 123. Although configured, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, when the firmware rewriting process is executed, information indicating whether the conventional firmware rewriting process or the development unit type firmware rewriting process is stored in the flash memory 123. In S308, in the former case, the development is performed. It may be possible to notify the main controller 11 to perform the conventional firmware rewriting process without selecting a unit. Further, for example, considering the possibility that a rewrite error has occurred because the first firmware portion in the IC chip 32 of the developing unit selected last time is broken, the identification information stored in the flash memory 123 is handled in S308. Other developing units other than the developing unit may be selected with priority.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of development unit type firmware rewriting processing in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of development unit type firmware rewriting processing in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the developing unit type firm rewriting process in 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the developing unit type firm rewriting process in a 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the developing unit type firm rewriting process in a 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control unit 11 ... Main controller, 12 ... Engine controller, 123 ... Flash memory, 3 ... Rotary developing part, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K ... Developing unit, 32 ... IC chip, 33 ... Mechanism part, 10 ... Firmware Reading unit

Claims (7)

Rewriteable firmware that stores the first part to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “first firmware part”) and the second part that is not to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “second firmware part”) Memory and
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that executes a printing process based on a first firmware portion stored in the memory;
The image forming apparatus is configured such that a consumable unit having a storage unit for storing the first farm portion is detachable.
When the control unit determines that at least the first firmware part stored in the memory is not normal based on the second firmware part stored in the memory, the control unit starts from the storage unit included in the consumable unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: reading out a portion and rewriting a first firmware portion stored in the memory.   The control unit controls the mechanism unit for moving the consumable unit, and positions the consumable unit so that the first firmware portion can be read out wirelessly from the storage unit included in the consumable unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus is configured such that a plurality of consumable units can be attached and detached.
The control means selects a consumable unit having storage means for storing the first firmware portion of the latest version from among a plurality of consumable units set in the image forming apparatus, and the selected consumable unit 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first firmware portion is read from the storage means. The image forming apparatus is configured such that a plurality of consumable units can be attached and detached.
When the control unit determines that the normal is not normal, the control unit reselects the consumable unit selected at the time of the previous rewriting from the plurality of consumable units set in the image forming apparatus, and the reselected consumable 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first firmware portion is read from the storage means of the unit. Rewriteable firmware that stores the first part to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “first firmware part”) and the second part that is not to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “second firmware part”) A consumable unit that is configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus including a non-volatile memory and a control unit that executes a printing process based on a first firmware portion stored in the memory,
A storage means for storing the first farm portion;
The first firmware portion stored by the storage means is determined when the control means determines that at least the first firmware portion stored in the memory is not normal based on the second firmware portion stored in the memory. A consumable unit that is used to rewrite a first firmware portion that has been read and stored in the memory. A method of rewriting firmware of an image forming apparatus stored in a rewritable memory,
The firmware is a part for executing a printing process, a first part to be rewritten (hereinafter referred to as “first firmware part”), and a part for executing a firmware rewriting process, It consists of a second part that is not subject to rewriting (hereinafter referred to as the “second farm part”),
As a step executed based on the second farm portion stored in the memory,
Determining whether at least the first firmware portion stored in the memory is normal;
When it is determined that the first firmware portion stored in the memory is not normal, the first firmware portion is stored in the consumable unit configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus. Reading the farm part;
Rewriting the first firmware portion stored in the memory with the read first firmware portion.   A program for causing a computer to execute the firmware rewriting method according to claim 6.

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