JP2007299169A - Image forming device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid operational failure, due to incompatibility with the other firmware when updating at least one firmware, in an image forming device having a plurality of firmware. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming device 1 extracts information on the firmware relative to a firmware updating file for updating the firmware to be updated when updating at least one of the plurality of firmware, and determines whether or not the extracted relative firmware is a version adapted to the firmware updating file, and updates the firmware to be updated when determining that the version of the relative firmware is adapted to the firmware updating file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a plurality of firmware and a program.

  For example, in an image forming apparatus that operates with a plurality of CPUs such as an MFP (Multi Function Printer), it is necessary to install a plurality of firmware corresponding to the number of CPUs. In recent years, firmware has been frequently updated due to diversification of needs for image forming apparatuses.

  As a technique for updating the firmware, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the firmware of the image forming apparatus is a version corresponding to the software of the host computer. A technique is described in which, when firmware version information is requested and an update is determined to be necessary, an update file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to update the firmware.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867 discloses that when one image forming apparatus is connected to a network, the device is compared with other apparatuses of the same model in order to easily rewrite a program in a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network. Request information, determine whether the firmware of the other device is older than its own firmware, and if it is determined that it is older, send the firmware stored in its own flash ROM to the other device. The technology to be updated is described.
JP 2000-194544 A JP-A-11-282656

  By the way, a plurality of firmware in the image forming apparatus may be related to each other, and when updating any of the plurality of firmware, the update is performed without considering these relationships. If this happens, the compatibility between the updated firmware and other firmware will be lost due to the mismatch between the updated firmware and the other firmware, etc. There is.

  In the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the firmware version of the target image forming apparatus is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the update is necessary depending on the version, and the update is performed if necessary. However, the mutual relation when the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of firmwares is not considered. Therefore, even when the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are used, it is impossible to solve the above-mentioned problem when attempting to update any firmware in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of firmware. .

  An object of the present invention is to prevent an image forming apparatus having a plurality of firmware from malfunctioning due to a loss of compatibility with other firmware when attempting to update at least one firmware. Is to be able to do it.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of firmware,
Extracting means for extracting firmware information related to a firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated when updating at least one of the plurality of firmware;
Compatibility determination means for determining compatibility between the relevant firmware whose information has been extracted by the extraction means and the firmware update file;
Updating means for updating the firmware to be updated when it is determined that the relevant firmware is compatible with the firmware update file;
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
When it is determined by the compatibility determination means that the relevant firmware is not compatible with the firmware update file, the relevant firmware is matched with the firmware update file. Related firmware update availability determination means for determining whether the firmware can be updated,
The update means determines that the relevant firmware update availability determination means determines that the relevant firmware can be updated to firmware that matches the firmware update file. The firmware and the related firmware are updated.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2,
When the related firmware update availability determination means determines that the relevant firmware cannot be updated to firmware that matches the firmware update file, the firmware to be updated is updated. And a notification means for notifying the user that the firmware to be updated cannot be updated.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The firmware update file is configured in a file format having a header portion and a data portion, and the header portion includes a firmware relevant to the update of the firmware to be updated in the firmware update file. Version information of the relevant firmware that matches the firmware information and the firmware update file,
The extraction means extracts the information of the relevant firmware based on the information of the relevant firmware included in the header part of the firmware update file,
The compatibility determination means is configured to determine whether the relevant firmware is based on version information of the relevant firmware that matches the firmware update file included in the header of the firmware update file. The compatibility with the firmware update file is determined.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4,
Display means for selectively displaying firmware update files corresponding to the update target firmware stored in a portable storage medium; and
When displaying the list of files, it is determined whether each file to be displayed in the list is a file corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus, and is a file not corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus. Display control means for displaying the determined file in an identifiable manner;
It is characterized by having.

The invention described in claim 6
An information arithmetic processing device used for an image forming apparatus having a plurality of firmwares,
Extraction means for extracting firmware information related to a firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated when at least one of the plurality of firmware is updated;
Compatibility determination means for determining compatibility between the relevant firmware whose information has been extracted by the extraction means and the firmware update file;
Updating means for updating the firmware to be updated when it is determined that the relevant firmware is compatible with the firmware update file;
It is a program for making it function as.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6,
The information processing unit,
When it is determined by the compatibility determination means that the relevant firmware is not compatible with the firmware update file, the relevant firmware is matched with the firmware update file. Function as a related firmware update availability determination means for determining whether the firmware can be updated,
The update means determines that the relevant firmware update availability determination means determines that the relevant firmware can be updated to firmware that matches the firmware update file. The firmware and the related firmware are updated.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7,
The information processing unit,
When the related firmware update availability determination means determines that the relevant firmware cannot be updated to firmware that matches the firmware update file, the firmware to be updated is updated. Is prohibited and functions as a notification means for notifying the user that the update target firmware cannot be updated.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The firmware update file is configured in a file format having a header portion and a data portion, and the header portion includes a firmware relevant to the update of the firmware to be updated in the firmware update file. Version information of the relevant firmware that matches the firmware information and the firmware update file,
The extraction means extracts the information of the relevant firmware based on the information of the relevant firmware included in the header part of the firmware update file,
The compatibility determination means is configured to determine whether the relevant firmware is based on version information of the relevant firmware that matches the firmware update file included in the header of the firmware update file. The compatibility with the firmware update file is determined.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 9,
The information processing unit,
Display means for selectively displaying firmware update files corresponding to the update target firmware stored in a portable storage medium;
When displaying the list of files, it is determined whether each file to be displayed in the list is a file corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus, and is a file not corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus. Display control means for displaying the determined file in an identifiable manner;
It is characterized by making it function as.

  According to the first and sixth aspects of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of firmware, the compatibility between the updated firmware and other firmware is impaired after the update of at least one firmware. It is possible to avoid malfunction.

  According to the second and seventh aspects of the present invention, when other firmware related to the firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated is not compatible with the firmware update file, However, by updating other relevant firmware with the firmware to be updated so that it matches the firmware update file, the compatibility of the version of the updated firmware with the other firmware can be improved. It is possible to avoid damage and malfunction.

  According to the third and eighth aspects of the present invention, when the relevant firmware cannot be updated to firmware that matches the firmware update file, the firmware to be updated cannot be updated. Since the update is not performed and the update is not performed, it is possible to prevent the compatibility with other firmware from being lost due to the update and the malfunction.

  According to the invention described in claims 4 and 9, the file is based on the information on the firmware related to the update of the update target firmware in the file, which is included in the header part of the firmware update file. It is possible to easily extract firmware information relevant to the firmware version, and the relevant firmware version conforming to the firmware update file included in the header of the firmware update file. Based on the information, the compatibility between the related firmware and the firmware update file can be easily determined.

  According to the fifth and tenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an erroneous firmware update file from being selected and to update the firmware with an incorrect firmware update file.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to an MFP will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the image forming apparatus 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 of the overall control unit 10, a CPU 21 of the operation unit control unit 20, a CPU 31 of the ADF control unit 30, and a CPU 41 of the engine control unit 40 are serially connected. The bus 2 is connected so that data can be transmitted and received. The CPU 41 of the finisher control unit 50 is connected to the CPU 41 of the engine control unit 40.

  The overall control unit 10 includes a CPU 11, a DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) 12, a flash (flash memory) 13, and an I / O Port 14.

  The CPU 11 reads firmware (program) for overall control of the image forming apparatus 1 stored in the flash 13 and develops it in the DIMM 12, and centrally controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the developed firmware.

  The DIMM 12 serves as a temporary storage area for programs, input or output data and parameters read from the flash 13 in various processes controlled by the CPU 11.

  The flash 13 stores firmware I1, I2, and I3 for overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. The firmware I1 includes a processing program for executing various processes including the firmware rewriting process shown in FIG. 4 and the file selection screen display process shown in FIG. The firmware I1, I2, and I3 are stored in the form of computer readable program code, and the CPU 11 sequentially executes operations according to the program code.

  The I / O Port 14 performs data transmission / reception between the CPU 11 and an external device connected to the I / O Port 14. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 is connected to the communication unit 15 via the I / O Port 14. The communication unit 15 includes a communication interface for connecting to the Internet N, such as a network controller, a modem, a router, and the like. Data communication with external devices connected to the Internet N including the management device 3 is performed. Send and receive.

  The I / O Port 14 is detachable from a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory 16 as a portable storage medium. When the USB memory 16 is connected, data transmission / reception between the CPU 11 and the USB memory 16 is performed. .

  The operation unit control unit 20 includes a CPU 21, a DIMM 22, and a flash 23, and controls an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 24 connected to the CPU 21.

  The CPU 21 reads the display control firmware of the LCD 24 stored in the flash 23 in accordance with the display signal from the CPU 11 and develops it on the DIMM 22, and performs display control processing of the LCD 24 according to the developed firmware. In addition, an operation signal input from a touch panel configured on the LCD 24 is output to the CPU 11.

  The DIMM 22 serves as a temporary storage area for programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like read from the flash 23 in the display control process executed by the CPU 21.

  The Flash 23 stores firmware O 1 and O 2 for display control of the LCD 24. The firmware O1 and O2 are stored in the form of computer-readable program code, and the CPU 21 sequentially executes operations according to the program code.

  The LCD 24 displays various setting screens, image status display, operation status of each function, and the like on the screen in accordance with an instruction by a display signal input from the CPU 21. On the screen of the LCD 24, a pressure-sensitive (resistive film pressure type) touch panel in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid is configured, and the XY coordinates of the force point pressed with a finger or a touch pen are detected by a voltage value. The obtained position signal is output to the CPU 21 as an operation signal.

  An ADF (Auto Document Feeder) control unit 30 includes a CPU 31, a DIMM 32, and a flash 33, and controls an ADF 34 connected to the CPU 31.

  The CPU 31 reads the ADF control firmware stored in the flash 33 in accordance with the control signal from the CPU 11 and develops it in the DIMM 32, and performs ADF control processing for controlling the operation of the ADF 34 in accordance with the developed firmware.

  The DIMM 32 serves as a temporary storage area for programs, input or output data and parameters read from the flash 33 in the ADF control process executed by the CPU 31.

  The flash 33 stores firmware F for ADF control. The firmware F is stored in the form of a computer readable program code, and the CPU 31 sequentially executes operations according to the program code.

  The ADF 34 is a device that automatically feeds documents placed on a document tray (not shown) one by one onto the platen glass of the scanner 44.

  The engine control unit 40 includes a CPU 41, a DIMM 42, and a flash 43, and controls operations of the scanner 44 and the printer 45 connected to the CPU 41.

  The CPU 41 reads the engine (scanner, printer) control firmware stored in the flash 43 in accordance with the control signal from the CPU 11, develops it in the DIMM 42, and controls the operations of the scanner 44 and the printer 45 in accordance with the developed firmware. Perform engine control processing. The CPU 41 is connected to the CPU 51 of the finisher controller 50 and relays data communication between the CPU 11 and the CPU 51.

  The DIMM 42 is a temporary storage area for programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like read from the flash 43 in the engine control process executed by the CPU 41.

  The Flash 43 stores firmware C for engine control. The firmware C is stored in the form of computer readable program code, and the CPU 41 sequentially executes operations according to the program code.

  The scanner 44 includes a platen glass, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a light source, and an A / D converter. The scanner 44 forms an image of reflected light of the light scanned from the light source to the original by the CCD and performs photoelectric conversion. The original image is read and A / D converted, and the original image data is output to the CPU 41.

  The printer 45 is a printer that forms an image on printing paper by an electrophotographic method. The printer 45 includes a pulse width modulator, a laser light source, a photosensitive drum, a charger, a developing device, a paper feed unit, a paper discharge unit, a fixing device, and the like, and an image input according to control from the CPU 41. Data is pulse-width modulated by a pulse width modulator to emit laser light, and the surface of the photosensitive drum charged by the charger is irradiated with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image. Further, the printing paper of the size and orientation instructed by the CPU 41 is conveyed from the paper feeding unit, the toner is attached to the area including the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface, and the toner is transferred to the conveyed printing paper. After fixing, the paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit.

  The finisher control unit 50 includes a CPU 51, a DIMM 52, and a flash 53, and controls the operation of a finisher (post-processing device) 54 connected to the CPU 51.

  The CPU 51 reads finisher control firmware stored in the flash 53 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 11, expands the firmware in the DIMM 52, and performs a finisher control process for controlling the operation of the finisher 54 in accordance with the expanded firmware.

  The DIMM 52 serves as a temporary storage area for programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like read from the flash 53 in the finisher control processing executed by the CPU 51.

  The Flash 53 stores firmware H, B, N1, N2, S, and R for finisher control. The firmware H, B, N1, N2, S, and R are stored in the form of computer readable program code, and the CPU 51 sequentially executes operations according to the program code.

  The finisher 54 performs a stapling operation, punching punching operation, sorting operation, and the like on the image-formed printing paper carried in from the printer 45 based on a control signal from the CPU 51.

  The management apparatus 3 is a firmware for overall control, display control firmware, ADF control firmware, and engine control for each type of image forming apparatus under the management of the management apparatus 3. A firmware update file for firmware and finisher control firmware is stored in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk) and managed. When the file name and version are specified from the image forming apparatus 1 or the like connected to the Internet N and a data transmission request for the firmware update file is made, the management apparatus 3 has the specified version of the specified file name. The firmware update file is transmitted to the requesting device.

  The USB memory 16 updates firmware for overall control firmware, display control firmware, ADF control firmware, engine control firmware, and finisher control firmware corresponding to the image forming apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 1. Are stored for each type of firmware to be updated, classified into folders with folder names indicating the type of firmware.

  FIG. 2 shows the file format of the firmware update file stored in the USB memory 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the firmware update file stored in the USB memory 16 has a header part and a data part. In the header part, “DEPEND” is followed by a heading indicating information (relevance information) about other firmware related to the update of the firmware to be updated by the file, relevance information, specifically The other firmware type information (eg, [O1]) related to the update of the update target firmware by the firmware update data written in the file, that is, related to the file The lowest version information (for example, Ver. 3) of the other firmware that matches the file is stored. In addition, following a heading indicating a comment for help display, such as “NOTE”, a display language code (for example, JP: Japan, EN: English,...), And its contents (for example, AIUEO, XXXXXX) X) is stored. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a file name, a creation date and time, etc. are stored in the header part. In the data portion, firmware update data is stored in binary code.

  Here, a plurality of firmware stored in each Flash of the image forming apparatus 1 may be related to each other, and one of the related firmware is updated to upgrade the firmware. Even if other firmware is not updated to a version that is compatible with the upgraded firmware, the functions installed in the upgraded firmware will not be exhibited, or normal operation will not be possible and malfunction will not be achieved. May cause. For example, if the limit values of the process adjustment of the image forming apparatus 1 are changed as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3B, not only the screen is changed but also the overall control and the operation of the printer. Also need to be changed. That is, it is necessary to change the firmware O1 and O2 related to the user interface, the firmware I1 for overall control, and the firmware C for engine control. If any one of them is missing, it will not operate normally. In such a case, other firmware type information is included as relevance information in the header of each firmware update file (in the above case, the firmware update files for I1, O1, O2, and C). And matching version information is stored. The header portion of the file can be written with a Windows (registered trademark) notepad, a binary editor, or the like.

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 4 shows the firmware rewriting process executed by the CPU 11. This process is executed when an instruction to display the service mode firmware rewrite screen 241 (see FIG. 5) is input from the LCD 24, and software by cooperation between the CPU 11 and the firmware rewrite process program. Realized by processing. By executing the processing, an extraction unit, a compatibility determination unit, a related firmware update availability determination unit, a notification unit, and an update unit are realized.

  In the firmware rewriting process, first, a file selection process is executed (step S1).

  In the file selection process, an instruction to display the firmware rewriting screen 241 is transmitted to the CPU 21, and the firmware rewriting screen 241 is displayed on the LCD 24. FIG. 5 shows an example of the firmware rewriting screen 241. On the firmware rewriting screen 241, as shown in FIG. 5, a selection button (for example, “batch rewriting (I0)” button corresponding to each firmware stored in the flash of each control unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed. , “I1” button, “I2” button, “I3” button,...), “USB memory” button for instructing rewriting of firmware by the USB memory 16, and the like. When the user inserts the USB memory 16 into the I / O Port 14 and presses the “USB memory” button on the firmware rewriting screen 241, the USB memory 16 is mounted as a file system. When the mounting is successful, an instruction to display a message “USB memory has been recognized” is transmitted to the CPU 21, and the message is displayed at a predetermined position (upper left of the screen in FIG. 5) of the firmware rewriting screen 241. The If mounting fails, a message display instruction “USB memory could not be recognized” is transmitted to the CPU 21, and the message is displayed at a predetermined position on the firmware rewriting screen 241.

  After successfully mounting the USB memory, when the user presses the selection button of the firmware to be updated (rewritten) from the firmware rewriting screen 241 and the operation signal is input, the firmware corresponding to the selected button is updated. Information is temporarily stored in the DIMM 12 as information indicating the firmware selected as the update target, and the file selection screen display process shown in FIG. 6 is executed to display the file selection screen 242 (see FIG. 7). ). The file selection screen display process is a process realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU 11 and the file selection screen display processing program. By executing the processing, display means and display control means are realized.

  First, the file names of firmware update files stored in the folder corresponding to the firmware selected as the update target in the USB memory 16 are read one by one (step S101). Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the file name of the file stored in the USB memory 16 is [Product code information] [Product code destination related information] [Block code] [Stage code information] [Specification code information]. ]. It is bin. The product code information indicates the product code of the product corresponding to the file. Product code destination related information (hereinafter, destination related information) indicates destination information corresponding to the file. The block code indicates the type of firmware (I0, I1, I2, I3,... Described above) corresponding to the file. The specification code information indicates the firmware specification of the file. As the specification code information, a predetermined range of codes is assigned to firmware having a special function created for a specific user (hereinafter referred to as specific firmware). Based on the specification code information, it is possible to identify whether the firmware written in the file is specific firmware or general firmware (hereinafter referred to as normal firmware). In addition, each firmware before the update currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1 includes product code information, destination related information, block code, stage code information, specification code information, and version information corresponding to each firmware. include. Also, for each firmware update data in the file stored in the USB memory 16, product code information, destination related information, block code, stage code information, specification code information, and version information corresponding to the file name are also stored. include.

  Next, the read file name is analyzed, and it is determined whether or not the product code information included in the read file name matches the product code information of the image forming apparatus 1 of its own. (Step S102; NO), an instruction to display information related to the file (file name, file creation date and time, file size, etc.) on the file selection screen 242 in red letters is transmitted to the CPU 21. Is displayed in red on the file selection screen 242 (step S104), and the process proceeds to step S108. When it is determined that the product code information included in the read file name matches the product code information of the own image forming apparatus 1 (step S102; YES), the update target mounted on the own image forming apparatus 1 is updated. It is determined whether the firmware and the destination related information match, that is, whether the destination related information included in the file name matches the destination related information included in the firmware to be updated. If it is determined that the destination related information included in the file name and the destination related information included in the firmware to be updated do not match (step S103; NO), the CPU 21 sets the information related to the file in red letters. By transmitting an instruction to be displayed on the file selection screen 242, information regarding the file is displayed in red on the file selection screen 242 (step S104), and the process proceeds to step S108.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S103 that the destination related information included in the read file name matches the destination related information included in the firmware to be updated (step S103; YES), the file name It is determined whether or not the specification code information is a code indicating the specific firmware. If it is determined that the specification code information is a code indicating the specific firmware (step S105; YES), the CPU 21 sets the information related to the file to yellow. By sending an instruction to display the file selection screen 242 in characters, information about the file is displayed in yellow characters on the file selection screen 242 (step S106), and the process proceeds to step S108. When it is determined that the specification code information of the file name is not a code indicating the specific firmware (step S105; NO), an instruction to display information on the file in white characters on the file selection screen 242 is transmitted to the CPU 21. As a result, information related to the file is displayed in white characters on the file selection screen 242 (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, it is determined whether reading of all files stored in the folder corresponding to the selected type of firmware to be updated in the USB memory 16 is completed, and reading of all files is completed. If not (step S108; NO), the process returns to step S101, the next firmware update file is read, and the processes after step S102 are executed. If it is determined that reading of all files stored in the folder corresponding to the type of firmware selected as the update target in the USB memory 16 has been completed (step S108; YES), this processing ends.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the file selection screen 242. As shown in FIG. 7, in the upper left of the file selection screen 242, a message such as “Please select a file”, a directory of files that are candidates for firmware update files used for updating the firmware to be updated. The path, file name, file update date, and file size are displayed. The firmware update candidate file used for updating the update target firmware is the update target firmware selected from the firmware rewrite screen 241 among the files stored in the USB memory 16. This file corresponds to the type of wear. Among these, files that are not compatible with the product code information and destination of the image forming apparatus 1 of the image forming apparatus 1, that is, files that cannot be rewritten (invalid files) are displayed in red characters. Although it corresponds to the product code information and destination of the image forming apparatus 1 of its own, the specific firmware file is displayed in yellow characters. A normal firmware file corresponding to its own product code and destination is displayed in white characters.

  Based on the display color of each file name on the file selection screen 242, the user can determine which file is a file that can be updated as the update target firmware (valid file), which file is the update target firmware. It is possible to recognize at a glance whether the file can be updated as specific firmware. If the firmware to be updated is normal firmware that is not specific firmware, a file with the desired specification code information can be selected from the white character files, and the firmware to be updated is specific firmware. In some cases, a file having desired specification code information may be selected from the yellow text files. When the “Limit” button displayed on the file selection screen 242 is pressed, only white character files are extracted and displayed. As a result, when the firmware to be rewritten is normal firmware, file selection can be performed more easily.

  When the file name of the firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated is selected (pressed) from the file selection screen 242 and the operation signal is input from the touch panel, the file name is selected in the DIMM 12. The file name is temporarily stored, and a display instruction for the rewrite start screen 243 is transmitted to the CPU 21, and the rewrite start screen 243 is displayed on the LCD 24. FIG. 9 shows an example of the rewrite start screen 243. As shown in FIG. 9, the rewrite start screen 243 displays the type of firmware selected by the user, the file name of the selected firmware update file, and a “Start” button. When the “start” button is pressed from the screen, the file selection process in step S1 in FIG. 4 is completed, and the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2 in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the firmware to be updated currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is specific firmware (step S2). For example, when the type of firmware to be updated selected from the firmware rewriting screen 241 is any one of I0 to I3, the specification code information included in the corresponding firmware stored in the Flash 13 is referred to, and the specification Based on the code information, it is determined whether the firmware is specific firmware. If it is determined that the firmware to be updated currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is not the specific firmware (step S2; NO), the process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined that the firmware to be updated currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is the specific firmware (step S2; YES), the file name of the firmware update file selected from the file selection screen 242 is used. If it is determined whether or not the selected file is a file for updating the specific firmware, and if it is determined that it is not the file name of the file for updating the specific firmware (step S3; NO), the CPU 21 is informed. Then, a display instruction for the forced overwrite confirmation screen is transmitted, and a forced overwrite confirmation screen (not shown) is displayed on the LCD 24 (step S4). On the forced overwrite confirmation screen, enter a confirmation message such as “The firmware selected for update is specific firmware. Are you sure you want to overwrite with normal firmware?” And a signal indicating permission to overwrite. “Yes” button for performing the operation and “No” button for inputting the signal indicating prohibition of overwriting are displayed. As described above, the specific firmware is firmware having a special function created for a specific user. Therefore, when the normal firmware is overwritten, the special function is lost. Therefore, by displaying and confirming the screen, it is possible to prevent accidental rewriting to normal firmware.

  When the “Yes” button is pressed from the forced overwrite confirmation screen and a signal permitting overwriting of specific firmware with normal firmware is input (step S5; YES), the process proceeds to step S6. When the “No” button is pressed from the forced overwrite confirmation screen and a signal prohibiting overwriting of specific firmware with normal firmware is input (step S5; NO), the process proceeds to step S16, and the update target Firmware update is prohibited, the CPU 21 is instructed to display the firmware rewrite screen 241 and the display instruction of the non-updatable notification message “The selected firmware cannot be updated” on the screen. Returns to the firmware rewriting screen 241 and a notification message “The selected firmware cannot be updated” is displayed on the screen (see FIG. 12), and this processing ends.

  In step S6, the relevance information is extracted from the header portion (see FIG. 2) of the firmware update file selected on the file selection screen 242, so that the file is related (related). Firmware information is extracted. When the relevance information is not extracted from the header part, that is, the information on the firmware related to the file is not extracted, and it is determined that there is no related firmware (step S7; NO), the selected information The firmware update file is loaded from the USB memory 16 to the DIMM 12 (step S9), and the process proceeds to step S17. When related information is extracted from the header portion, that is, information on firmware related to the file is extracted and it is determined that related firmware exists (Step S7; YES), Flash (13, 23, 33, 43, 53), version information is referred to for each of the related firmware, and whether all of the related firmware is compatible with the selected firmware update file. Then, it is determined whether or not the version is greater than or equal to the version described in the header part of the selected firmware update file (step S8). When it is determined that all of the related firmware versions are greater than or equal to the version described in the header part and all of the related firmware are compatible with the selected firmware update file (step S8; (YES), the selected file is loaded from the USB memory 16 to the DIMM 12 (step S9), and the process proceeds to step S17.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the firmware related to the selected firmware update file contains firmware that does not satisfy the version described in the header (step S8; NO), the firmware is related in the USB memory 16. Each version of firmware that is less than the version described in the header is compatible with the selected firmware update file (ie, the version described in the header portion of the selected file). It is determined whether all the firmware update files for updating are present (step S10). In the USB memory 16, there is a firmware update file for updating each of the related firmware that is less than the version described in the header to a version that matches the selected firmware update file. If it is determined that all of them exist (step S10; YES), the selected firmware update file and the selected firmware update firmware that does not satisfy the version described in the header are selected. A firmware update file for updating to a version compatible with the update file is loaded from the USB memory 16 to the DIMM 12 (step S11), and the process proceeds to step S17.

  On the other hand, the firmware for updating the firmware related to the selected firmware update file and not satisfying the version described in the header to a version compatible with the selected firmware update file. If it is determined that at least one of the update files does not exist in the USB memory 16 (step S10; NO), a display instruction for the download confirmation screen 244 is transmitted to the CPU 21, and the download confirmation screen 244 is displayed on the LCD 24. It is displayed (step S12).

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the download confirmation screen 244. As shown in FIG. 10, on the download confirmation screen 244, “I2 (Ver.1.0) and C (Ver.1.0) are not present in the USB memory. "Do you want to download?" Displays the type and version of the firmware that does not have a file for updating to the version that matches the selected firmware update file in the USB memory 16, and the Internet. "Yes" button for inputting a signal indicating permission to download a file for updating to the displayed version from "No" button for inputting a signal indicating prohibition of downloading from the Internet is displayed. The

  When the “Yes” button is pressed from the download confirmation screen 244 and a signal permitting download from the Internet is input (step S13; YES), the selected firmware update file and the firmware related thereto are selected. A file for updating firmware that does not satisfy the version described in the header to a compatible version is loaded from the USB memory 16 to the DIMM 12 (step S14). Next, the communication unit 15 is connected to the management apparatus 3 via the Internet N, and for updating the firmware for updating the related firmware from the management apparatus 3 to a version compatible with the selected firmware update file. A file that could not be loaded from the USB memory 16 is downloaded to the DIMM 12 (step S15), and the process proceeds to step S17.

  On the other hand, when the “No” button is pressed from the download confirmation screen 244 and a signal prohibiting downloading from the Internet is input (step S13; NO), the process proceeds to step S16, and the update target firmware is updated. The display of the LCD 24 is prohibited and the display of the firmware rewriting screen 241 is returned. At the same time, a non-updatable notification message “firmware cannot be updated” is displayed on the firmware rewriting screen 241, and this processing ends.

  In step S17, firmware update processing is performed (step S17). That is, the wait screen 245 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the LCD 24, and the firmware loaded or downloaded to the DIMM 12 is transmitted to the corresponding CPU, temporarily stored in the DIMM of the corresponding control unit, and then the corresponding control. Is decoded by the CPU of the copy unit and overwritten on the flash, and this processing ends. The decoding may be performed by the CPU 11 and then transmitted to the corresponding CPU, or may be stored in each flash without being decoded, and may be decoded by each CPU at the time of activation. If the data is stored in the Flash without being decoded, the capacity is small. However, since it is necessary to decode at the time of start-up, it has a start-up time corresponding to that and processing is slowed down.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1, when at least one of a plurality of firmware is updated, the firmware associated with the firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated. Information is extracted, and it is determined whether the extracted related firmware is a version compatible with the firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated. When it is determined that the current version is compatible with the firmware update file, the firmware to be updated is updated.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 having a plurality of firmware, after the update of at least one firmware, the compatibility of the version of the updated firmware with the other firmware is lost, and the malfunction is avoided. can do.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1, when it is determined that the relevant firmware is a version that does not conform to the firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated, the relevance is determined. It is determined whether or not it is possible to update a certain firmware by loading from the USB memory 16 or downloading from the management device 3 a file for updating the firmware to a version compatible with the firmware update file. When it is determined that the update is possible, the firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated and the file for updating the related firmware are loaded from the USB memory 16 or the management device 3 Download from, update firmware and related fur To update the software. Therefore, even if the relevant firmware is not compatible with the firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated, the relevant firmware is updated together with the firmware to be updated. By doing so, it is possible to avoid the malfunction of the version of the updated firmware and the other firmware being lost, resulting in malfunction.

  Also, according to the image forming apparatus 1, when the relevant firmware cannot be updated to a firmware version compatible with the firmware update file, the firmware to be updated is not updated. The display on the LCD 24 is returned to the firmware rewriting screen 241, and a message notifying the user that the firmware to be updated cannot be updated is displayed on the screen. Therefore, if the relevant firmware cannot be updated to a firmware version that matches the firmware update file, the firmware to be updated is not updated. It can be avoided that the compatibility of the version is impaired and malfunction occurs.

  In addition, in the header part of the firmware update file, the firmware information related to the update of the firmware to be updated in the firmware update file and the related information that matches the version of the firmware update file. Since the version information of the relevant firmware is described, the image forming apparatus 1 can update the firmware based on the relevant firmware information included in the header of the firmware update file. Firmware related to the file can be easily extracted, and the version of the relevant firmware that matches the version of the firmware update file included in the header of the firmware update file Based on the information, the relevant farm It is possible to easily determine the compatibility of the air and the firmware updating file.

  When the file selection screen 242 displays a list of firmware update files that are stored in the USB memory 16 and that correspond to the firmware to be updated in a selectable manner, each file to be displayed as a list is displayed in the image forming apparatus. It is determined whether the file corresponds to one model, and the file determined to be a file that does not correspond to the model of the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed in an identifiable manner. It is possible to prevent the firmware from being updated with the wrong firmware update file selected.

  The description in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the firmware update file is stored in the USB memory 16 and the file is loaded from the USB memory 16 has been described as an example. However, the update firmware is stored in another portable storage medium. May be stored, and the file may be loaded from the portable storage medium.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the image forming apparatus 1 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention. 3 is a diagram showing a file format of a firmware update file stored in a USB memory 16. FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen before the change of each limiter value for process adjustment of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 3B is a view after the change of each limiter value for process adjustment of the image forming apparatus 1. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a flowchart which shows the firmware rewriting process performed by CPU11 of FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a firmware rewriting screen 241. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the file selection screen display process performed by CPU11 of FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file selection screen 242. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the file name of the file for firmware update. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a rewrite start screen 243. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a download confirmation screen 244. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the waiting screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a non-updatable notification message displayed on a firmware rewriting screen 241.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Serial bus 3 Management apparatus 10 Overall control part 11 CPU
12 DIMM
13 Flash
14 I / O Port
15 Communication unit 16 USB memory 20 Operation unit control unit 21 CPU
22 DIMM
23 Flash
24 LCD
241 Firmware rewrite screen 242 File selection screen 243 Rewrite start screen 244 Download confirmation screen 245 Wait screen 30 ADF control unit 31 CPU
32 DIMM
33 Flash
34 ADF
40 Engine control unit 41 CPU
42 DIMM
43 Flash
44 Scanner 45 Printer 50 Finisher Control Unit 51 CPU
52 DIMM
53 Flash
54 Finisher N Internet

Claims (10)

In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of firmware,
Extracting means for extracting firmware information related to a firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated when updating at least one of the plurality of firmware;
Compatibility determination means for determining compatibility between the relevant firmware whose information has been extracted by the extraction means and the firmware update file;
Updating means for updating the firmware to be updated when it is determined that the relevant firmware is compatible with the firmware update file;
An image forming apparatus comprising: When it is determined by the compatibility determination means that the relevant firmware is not compatible with the firmware update file, the relevant firmware is matched with the firmware update file. Related firmware update availability determination means for determining whether the firmware can be updated,
The update means determines that the relevant firmware update availability determination means determines that the relevant firmware can be updated to firmware that matches the firmware update file. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein firmware and the related firmware are updated.   When the related firmware update availability determination means determines that the relevant firmware cannot be updated to firmware that matches the firmware update file, the firmware to be updated is updated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising notification means for prohibiting the update and notifying a user that the firmware to be updated cannot be updated. The firmware update file is configured in a file format having a header portion and a data portion, and the header portion includes a firmware relevant to the update of the firmware to be updated in the firmware update file. Version information of the relevant firmware that matches the firmware information and the firmware update file,
The extraction means extracts the information of the relevant firmware based on the information of the relevant firmware included in the header part of the firmware update file,
The compatibility determination means is configured to determine whether the relevant firmware is based on version information of the relevant firmware that matches the firmware update file included in the header of the firmware update file. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein compatibility with the firmware update file is determined. Display means for selectively displaying firmware update files corresponding to the update target firmware stored in a portable storage medium; and
When displaying the list of files, it is determined whether each file to be displayed in the list is a file corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus, and is a file not corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus. Display control means for displaying the determined file in an identifiable manner;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: An information arithmetic processing device used for an image forming apparatus having a plurality of firmwares,
Extraction means for extracting firmware information related to a firmware update file for updating the firmware to be updated when at least one of the plurality of firmware is updated;
Compatibility determination means for determining compatibility between the relevant firmware whose information has been extracted by the extraction means and the firmware update file;
Updating means for updating the firmware to be updated when it is determined that the relevant firmware is compatible with the firmware update file;
Program to function as. The information processing unit,
When it is determined by the compatibility determination means that the relevant firmware is not compatible with the firmware update file, the relevant firmware is matched with the firmware update file. Function as a related firmware update availability determination means for determining whether the firmware can be updated,
The update means determines that the relevant firmware update availability determination means determines that the relevant firmware can be updated to firmware that matches the firmware update file. The program according to claim 6, wherein firmware and the related firmware are updated. The information processing unit,
When the related firmware update availability determination means determines that the relevant firmware cannot be updated to firmware that matches the firmware update file, the firmware to be updated is updated. The program according to claim 7, wherein the program is made to function as notification means for notifying a user that updating of the firmware to be updated is impossible. The firmware update file is configured in a file format having a header portion and a data portion, and the header portion includes a firmware relevant to the update of the firmware to be updated in the firmware update file. Version information of the relevant firmware that matches the firmware information and the firmware update file,
The extraction means extracts the information of the relevant firmware based on the information of the relevant firmware included in the header part of the firmware update file,
The compatibility determination means is configured to determine whether the relevant firmware is based on version information of the relevant firmware that matches the firmware update file included in the header of the firmware update file. The program according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein compatibility with the firmware update file is determined. The information processing unit,
Display means for selectively displaying firmware update files corresponding to the update target firmware stored in a portable storage medium;
When displaying the list of files, it is determined whether each file to be displayed in the list is a file corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus, and is a file not corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus. Display control means for displaying the determined file in an identifiable manner;
The program of Claim 9 for functioning as.

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