JP2007028081A - Image input/output device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input/output allowing even a worker without skill to update a control program through the use of an appropriate updating program for each device. <P>SOLUTION: The image input/output device includes a memory which stores the control program for controlling the operation of each part of the device. Thus, the control program is updated into the updating program. A storage medium to be attachable/detachable to/from the device itself stores the updating program and information for identifying the device to be updated with the updating program. When it is determined that the storage medium is connected, it is determined whether or not information for identifying the device itself corresponds to the information for identifying the device which is stored in the storage medium. Only when correspondence is determined, the control program is updated with the updating program stored in the storage medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input / output device in which a control program for a facsimile machine, a copying machine or the like is built in an internal memory, a hard disk, etc. The present invention relates to an image input / output device that can be used.

  In recent years, facsimile machines, copiers, compound machines, and the like have become widespread in many offices, educational institutions, homes, and the like due to cost reductions accompanying rapid progress in technology. On the other hand, with the progress of communication technology, image processing technology, etc., it is necessary to frequently upgrade and release control programs for controlling these devices. It is also necessary to correct bugs in the control program itself by introducing the latest technology. In order to execute such version upgrade work, release upgrade work, bug correction work, etc., it is necessary to appropriately update the control program, and such update work requires a great deal of labor and expense.

  Specifically, when the control program is stored in a non-rewritable nonvolatile storage medium such as a mask ROM, the nonvolatile storage medium is replaced or the main board on which the nonvolatile storage medium is mounted It is necessary to replace the whole. When an updatable non-volatile storage medium such as an EEPROM or a flash memory is used, an update program (update program) for executing the program update needs to be stored in another storage medium. In the former work, a large amount of expense and labor is required to replace the ROM or main board. In the latter work, if the work is not performed by a specially trained skilled worker, the program is updated due to an erroneous operation. There is a possibility that the operation may fail, and there is a possibility that a failure such as a malfunction of the control program may occur due to updating without using an appropriate program.

  In view of such a situation, for example, in Patent Document 1, a socket provided on the main board is mounted on the main board by mounting a storage medium stored in a state where the control program can be written to the flash memory. An image forming apparatus capable of rewriting the contents of the flash memory is disclosed.

Further, in Patent Document 2, an operation program for update work and authentication data are stored in a memory card, and it is detected that the memory card is inserted and updated only when authentication is performed using the authentication data. Is disclosed.
JP-A-11-234491 JP 2003-330745 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the processor of the image forming apparatus detects whether or not the storage medium stored in a state where the control program can be written to the flash memory is attached to the socket. The storage medium storing the control program after the operator has set to read the control program from the storage medium storing the control program or by restarting the image forming apparatus. It is necessary to call a control program stored in the storage medium by detecting the presence of the medium. Therefore, although there is no need for skilled workers who have received special education, there is a problem in that the effort for updating the control program is not yet reduced.

  In addition, it is necessary to specify a chip selection signal using a switch such as a jumper to read the control program, and there is a possibility of erroneous operation depending on the skill level of the operator. There is also a problem that it is difficult to guarantee.

  Furthermore, in the program update device of Patent Document 2, although it is possible to authenticate whether or not the worker is a regular worker, for example, when a plurality of communication devices are installed, which version to which device There is no means for judging whether to apply the update program. Therefore, whether or not the control program can be updated with a correct update program depends on the skill of the field worker, and there is a problem in that the effort for updating the control program is not yet reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an image input / output device capable of updating a control program using an appropriate update program for each device without being a skilled worker. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image input / output device according to the first invention stores a control program for controlling the operation of each part of the device in a memory, and can update the control program to an update program. An image input / output device in which information for identifying the update program and a device to be updated by the update program is stored in a removable storage medium, and it is determined whether the storage medium is connected Means for determining whether or not the information for identifying itself corresponds to the information for identifying the device stored in the storage medium when determined to be connected by the means; and And means for updating the control program with an update program stored in the storage medium when it is determined that the correspondence is provided by the means.

  In the image input / output device of the first invention, the detachable storage medium stores the update program and information for identifying the device to be updated by the update program, and when the storage medium is connected, Only when it is determined that the information for identifying the device corresponds to the information for identifying the device stored in the storage medium, the control program is updated with the update program stored in the storage medium. As a result, information that identifies the device whose control program should be updated using the stored update program is stored in a removable storage medium so that the operator can attach the storage medium to the wrong device. In this case, the control program is not updated with an incorrect update program, and the control program for an appropriate apparatus can be updated with the correct update program.

  The image input / output device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image input / output device according to the first aspect, wherein it is determined that the information identifying itself does not correspond to the information identifying the device stored in the storage medium. The update program stored in the medium is not permitted to update the control program.

  In the image input / output device of the second invention, when it is determined that the information for identifying itself does not correspond to the information for identifying the device stored in the storage medium, the update program stored in the storage medium is used. Do not allow control program updates. As a result, when the storage medium storing the update program is not connected to the device to be updated by the update program, the update program itself is not executed by the update program. It is possible to prevent the update from occurring.

  An image input / output device according to a third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the storage medium is a USB connectable memory.

  In the image input / output device according to the third aspect of the invention, the storage medium is a USB connectable memory, and an appropriate device control program is updated with a correct update program without providing a separate socket for introducing the update program. Is possible.

  According to the present invention, information that identifies a device whose control program is to be updated using a stored update program is stored in a removable storage medium so that an operator can store the information in the wrong device. When the medium is loaded, the control program is not updated with an incorrect update program, and the control program for an appropriate apparatus can be updated with the correct update program.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example when an image input / output device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine.

  The CPU 11 is connected to the following hardware units and normally operates according to a control program and various data stored in a flash memory 13 which is a nonvolatile memory described later. When the USB flash memory (USB nonvolatile memory) 21 is attached to the USB socket 14, the CPU 11 can detect whether or not the USB flash memory 21 is attached by USB communication, and the USB flash memory 21 is attached. When detecting that, the control program stored in the flash memory 13 is updated to the update program stored in the USB flash memory 21.

  The reading unit 2 reads a document with a scanner using a CCD or the like, and outputs the read image data. Specifically, the optical unit irradiates and scans the document fed to the platen glass, and the reflected light from the document is captured into a CCD image sensor via a mirror, a lens, etc., and the scanned document image data is captured. Read and output dot image data converted to black and white binary.

  The recording unit 3 is a digital electrophotographic apparatus, and includes image data of a document read by the reading unit 2, image data received by facsimile communication, image data acquired from an external PC, digital camera, digital video, and the like The image corresponding to is printed out on paper and recorded.

  The display unit 4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or a CRT display, and displays the operation state of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, and image data of a document to be transmitted by facsimile communication and received image. The data is displayed, and further, a list of transmission destinations during broadcast communication is displayed.

  The operation unit 5 includes character keys, numeric keys (numeric keys), abbreviated dial keys, one-touch dial keys, various function keys, and the like necessary for operating the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a part or all of the various keys of the operation unit 5 are used as operation buttons on the display screen by using the touch panel method for the display unit 4 described above.

  The modem 6 modulates the facsimile signal and outputs it to the NCU 7, and demodulates the modulated facsimile signal given from the NCU 7 and outputs it to the CPU 11. An NCU (Network Control Unit) 7 closes and opens the line L in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 11, transmits the modulated facsimile signal output from the modem 6 to the line L, and receives the modulation received from the line L. The processed facsimile signal is supplied to the NCU 7. Note that a handset 8 is connected to the NCU 7, and a normal voice call is possible.

  The CPU 11 is mounted on the main board 10, and various circuits such as a RAM 12, a flash memory 13, and a USB controller 15 are mounted on the main board 10. The main board 10 is provided with a USB socket 14 to which a USB flash memory 21 described later can be attached and detached.

  The USB controller 15 is connected to the USB socket 14 and establishes connection or communication with a device connected to the USB socket 14. Specifically, when a USB device is connected to the USB socket 14, a device ID such as VID or PID, which is identification information unique to the connected device, is transmitted to the CPU 11. Based on the transmitted device ID, the CPU 11 loads a corresponding hardware device driver from the RAM 12 and incorporates it into the operating system as a partial function thereof, thereby connecting or communicating with the device connected to the USB socket 14. Establish.

  The flash memory 13 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, which stores a control program for controlling the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment and various data necessary for operation as described above. The control program and various data necessary for operation are stored in order from the head address of the flash memory 13.

  On the other hand, the USB flash memory 21 is a nonvolatile memory in which new data can be written after erasing the stored contents. The start address stores a new control program for updating the contents of the control program stored in the flash memory 13, that is, the serial number of the device to which the update program is to be installed. Is remembered as

  Further, in the RAM 12, when the CPU 11 detects that the USB flash memory 21 is attached to the USB socket 14, the control program stored in the flash memory 13 is updated to the update stored in the USB flash memory 21. An activation program for processing to be updated is stored in the program.

  The operation of the facsimile apparatus having the above configuration will be described. When the USB flash memory 21 is attached to the USB socket 14, the CPU 11 receives a device ID unique to the USB device transmitted from the USB device attached to the USB socket 14. The CPU 11 refers to the connected device database stored in the RAM 12 in advance based on the received device ID.

  FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the data structure of the connected device database stored in the RAM 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the connected device database is associated with the device ID, the type of the external device that may be attached, and the program of the program to use the external device if necessary. A flag indicating that the start button is displayed on the display unit 4, a start address of the program, and the like are stored.

  When the CPU 11 determines that the device corresponding to the device ID of the attached external device is the USB flash memory 21, the attached device performs update processing of the control program as stored in FIG. And displays an instruction to display a touch button indicating “start program update” to the display unit 4.

  When the selection of the touch button indicating “start of program update” by the operator is received, the CPU 11 extracts the serial number of the target device for updating the control program with the update program stored in the USB flash memory 21. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the extracted serial number matches the serial number of the device on which the CPU 11 is mounted. If they match, the CPU 11 is stored in the USB flash memory 21. It can be determined that the update program is a program for adding a predetermined function to the own apparatus, a program for updating the control program, or the like.

  When it is determined that the stored update program is a program for adding a predetermined function to the own device, a program for updating the control program, etc., the CPU 11 stores the update program at the address specified by the touch button. The start program for starting the update process by the update program being executed is executed. By executing the start program, the update program stored in the USB flash memory 21 is overwritten to the address storing the control program stored in the flash memory 13.

  This makes it possible for an unskilled worker to introduce a predetermined function addition program, control program version upgrade, bug removal work, etc. Only when the USB flash memory 21 is attached to the USB socket 14 and it is determined that the update program to be installed is a program for a device on which the CPU 11 is mounted, an activation program that starts update processing by the update program is executed. Therefore, there is no possibility that the control program is updated by an incorrect update program, and the control program can be reliably updated.

  3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the CPU 11 of the facsimile apparatus having the above-described configuration. As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 11 always monitors whether or not the USB external device is attached to the USB socket 14 (step S301), and the CPU 11 confirms that the USB external device is attached to the USB socket 14. If detected (step S301: YES), the CPU 11 receives a device ID that is information for identifying the device from the attached USB external device (step S302).

  Next, the CPU 11 inquires the connected device database based on the acquired device ID (step S303). When the CPU 11 determines that the acquired device ID does not exist in the connected device database (step S303: NO), the CPU 11 determines that the device is a newly connected device, and waits for a command from the application (step S303). S304).

  When the CPU 11 determines that the acquired device ID exists in the connected device database (step S303: YES), it determines whether the type of the extracted device is the USB flash memory 21 (step S305) and is extracted. If the type of the device is not the USB flash memory 21 (S305: NO), it waits for a command from the application (step S304). When the CPU 11 determines that the extracted device type is the USB flash memory 21 (step S305: YES), the CPU 11 determines that the device is mounted to perform control program update processing, function addition processing, and the like. The start address of the start program for starting update processing by the update program is extracted (step S306), and a touch button for selecting the start program is displayed on the display unit 4 so that the operator can select the start address of the extracted start program. This is displayed (step S307) and the operator waits for selection of the touch button (step S308).

  When the selection of the touch button by the worker is accepted (step S308: YES), the activation program for starting the update process by the update program is activated, and the serial number stored in the USB flash memory 21 is extracted (step S401). .

  The CPU 11 determines whether or not the extracted serial number matches the serial number of the image input / output device on which the CPU 11 is mounted (step S402), and when the CPU 11 determines that they do not match (step S402). S402: NO), CPU11 complete | finishes a process, without permitting the update process of a control program.

  When the CPU 11 determines that they match (step S402: YES), the CPU 11 extracts the update program designation code stored in the USB flash memory 21 (step S403). The designation code is information for identifying what function the update program to be installed is a program to which the update program is added or a version upgrade program.

  The CPU 11 determines whether or not the designated code indicates an application copy function addition program (step S404), and when the CPU 11 determines that the designation code indicates an application copy function addition program (step S404: YES). The CPU 11 updates the control program by performing an add-on process on the application copy function addition program stored in the USB flash memory 21 (step S405).

  When the CPU 11 determines that the designated code does not indicate the application copy function addition program (step S404: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the designation code indicates the FAX function addition program (step S406). If the CPU 11 determines that the designated code indicates a FAX function addition program (step S406: YES), the CPU 11 performs an add-on process on the FAX function addition program stored in the USB flash memory 21 to execute a control program. Update (step S407).

  When the CPU 11 determines that the designated code does not indicate a FAX function addition program (step S406: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the designation code indicates a PC print function addition program (step S408). When the CPU 11 determines that the designated code indicates a PC print function addition program (step S408: YES), the CPU 11 performs control by performing an add-on process on the PC print function addition program stored in the USB flash memory 21. The program is updated (step S409).

  When the CPU 11 determines that the specified code does not indicate a PC print function addition program (step S408: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the specified code indicates a version upgrade program (step S410). However, when it is determined that the designated code indicates the upgrade program (step S410: YES), the CPU 11 converts the upgrade program stored in the USB flash memory 21 into the control program stored in the flash memory 13. Overwrite from the start address of. Thereby, the control program is updated to the latest version of the control program (step S411).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the removable storage medium, the information for identifying the device to update the control program using the stored update program is stored, so that the operator However, when the storage medium is mounted on the wrong device, the control program is not updated with the wrong update program, and the control program for the appropriate device can be updated with the correct update program.

  In this embodiment, the facsimile apparatus is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the facsimile apparatus, and can be applied to other personal computers having a facsimile communication function, for example. .

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example when an image input / output device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine. It is an illustration figure of the data structure of the connection apparatus database memorize | stored in RAM. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure in CPU of the facsimile apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure in CPU of the facsimile apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 Reading unit 3 Recording unit 4 Display unit 5 Operation unit 6 Modem 7 NCU
11 CPU
12 RAM
13 Flash memory 14 USB socket 15 USB controller 21 USB flash memory (USB nonvolatile memory)

Claims (3)

  A control program for controlling the operation of each part of the apparatus is stored in the memory, the control program can be updated to an update program, and the update program and the update program are updated to a removable storage medium. An image input / output device storing information for identifying a target device, and means for determining whether or not the storage medium is connected, and identifying itself when determined to be connected by the means Means for determining whether or not the information to be stored corresponds to information for identifying the device stored in the storage medium, and when it is determined that the means corresponds, the information is stored in the storage medium. An image input / output apparatus comprising: a control program for updating the control program with a certain update program. When it is determined that the information for identifying itself does not correspond to the information for identifying the device stored in the storage medium, the control program is updated with the update program stored in the storage medium. 2. The image input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the image input / output device is not permitted. The image input / output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is a USB connectable memory.

Images