JP2008048229A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device which can easily recognize a state of an option board 3. <P>SOLUTION: When power of an option board 3 is activated and a specific state occurs in the option board 3 by a rewrite of a firmware or the like, version information indicating a version of the firmware of the option board 3 is replaced with information indicating the specific state, or information indicating the specific state is embedded in the version information, and the version information is transmitted to a main board 2. When a predetermined operation displaying a version of the option board 3 is performed for an operation portion 28 of a compound unit 1, information indicating the specific state which occurs in the option board 3 is displayed in a display portion 29. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus including a main control unit and a sub control unit.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus includes an option board (sub control unit) that realizes a predetermined function separately from a main board (main control unit) that controls the entire apparatus, as described in Patent Document 1. ) Exists. Such an option board includes, for example, the transfer of print data received from the terminal device by the image processing apparatus from the main board, the development of the print data into image data, and the transfer to the main board. A plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are mounted on such an option board, and the status of the option board is indicated by causing the plurality of LEDs to emit light in a predefined pattern.
JP 2005-277894 A

  However, in such an option board, since the option board is disposed inside the housing of the image processing apparatus, the LED cannot be confirmed on the appearance of the image processing apparatus. Therefore, in order to know the status of the option board, there is a problem that it takes time to open a panel provided on the rear surface of the casing of the image processing apparatus and check the LEDs. For example, image processing apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals are often installed with the back of the apparatus close to the wall surface of a building. In such a case, in order to be sure of the LEDs in the housing by opening the panel Has to move the image processing apparatus, which is very troublesome.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus that can easily know the state of an optional boat (sub-control unit).

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 is an image processing apparatus including a main control unit that controls the entire device and a sub-control unit that controls a predetermined function of the device. The sub-control unit includes transmission means for transmitting notification information indicating that a specific situation is occurring in the sub-control unit to the main control unit, and the main control unit It is characterized by comprising display means for displaying the contents indicated by the transmitted notice information.

  According to this configuration, the image processing apparatus includes a main control unit that controls the entire own device and a sub control unit that controls a predetermined function of the own device. Notification information indicating that a specific situation is occurring in the sub-control unit is transmitted to the main control unit, and the main control unit displays the content indicated by the notification information transmitted by the transmission unit. Therefore, a user or a service person can easily know a specific situation occurring in the sub-control unit without moving the image processing apparatus or opening the housing.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 2 includes a main control unit that controls the entire self apparatus and a sub control unit that controls a predetermined function of the self apparatus, and the sub control unit. An image processing apparatus that displays the content indicated by the firmware version information on the display device included in the main control unit, wherein the sub control unit notifies the sub control unit that a specific situation has occurred. Transmitting means for replacing the information with the version information or embedding it in the version information and transmitting the information to the main control unit is provided.

  According to this configuration, the main control unit includes a main control unit that controls the entire device and a sub control unit that controls a predetermined function of the device, and the content indicated by the firmware version information of the sub control unit is the main control unit. In the sub-control unit, notification information indicating that a specific situation has occurred in the sub-control unit is replaced with version information in the sub-control unit. Embedded in the version information and transmitted to the main control unit.

  Therefore, a user or a service person can easily know a specific situation occurring in the sub-control unit without moving the image processing apparatus or opening the housing. Also, since the notification information is replaced with version information or embedded in the version information, an image that can easily know a specific situation occurring in the sub-control unit without changing the interface of the image processing apparatus A processing device can be realized. Further, when a specific operation is performed on the image processing apparatus, when the content indicated by the version information of the sub-control unit is displayed on the display device, the known content for displaying the content indicated by the version information is displayed. Only by this operation, the content of the notification information indicating the specific situation occurring in the sub-control unit can be displayed on the display device. In addition, if the specific situation occurring in the sub-control unit indicated by the notification information is associated with rewriting the firmware of the sub-control unit, the user or serviceman must always update the firmware. As a result, the specific situation occurring in the sub-control unit is surely known to the user or service person.

  An image processing apparatus according to a third aspect is the image processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the predetermined function of the sub-control unit converts the print data transferred from the main control unit into image data. The function is to expand and transfer to the main control unit.

  According to this configuration, the predetermined function of the sub control unit is a function of developing the print data transferred from the main control unit into image data and transferring the image data to the main control unit. Therefore, the user or service person can easily know a specific situation that occurs in the sub-control unit that develops the print data transferred from the main control unit into image data and transfers the image data to the main control unit.

  An image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the specific situation is a situation accompanying rewriting of firmware of the sub-control unit. It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, the specific situation is a situation accompanying rewriting of the firmware of the sub-control unit. Therefore, the user or service person can easily know the situation occurring in the sub control unit as the firmware of the sub control unit is rewritten.

  The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specific situation is determined when firmware of the sub control unit is being read from the secondary storage device to the main storage device. This is characterized by the fact that an abnormality is detected.

  According to this configuration, the specific situation is that the firmware of the sub-controller is being read from the secondary storage device such as the flash (read only memory) ROM of the firmware to the main storage device such as the SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory). This is a situation where an abnormality has been detected. Therefore, the user or service person can easily know that a firmware abnormality has been detected.

  The image processing device according to claim 6 is the image processing device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the firmware of the sub-control unit is divided into individual storage areas of the secondary storage device according to the type of data. Rewritten for each type of data stored and rewritten data, the specific situation is the situation where the font data of the firmware stored in the secondary storage device is not compatible with the kernel program of the firmware It is characterized by being.

  According to this configuration, the firmware of the sub control unit is divided and stored for each data type in each storage area of the sub control unit, and is rewritten for each data type by the rewrite data. The situation is a situation where the font data of the firmware stored in the secondary storage device is not compatible with the kernel program of the firmware. Therefore, the user or service person can easily know that the font data is not compatible with the kernel program.

  Hereinafter, an MFP 1 as an example of an image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi function device 1 includes a main board (corresponding to a main control unit) 2 and an option board (corresponding to a sub control unit) 3, and the main board 2 and option board 3. Thus, a facsimile communication function, an Internet facsimile communication function, a copy function, a scanner function, a PC print function, and the like are realized. The main board 2 controls the entire multifunction device 1. The option board 3 receives the print data described in the page description language transmitted from the client PC 6 for printing by the multi-function peripheral 1 via the network interface controller 4, and receives the received print data as an image. The data is developed and transferred to the main board 2. The main board 2 and the option board 3 are communicably connected via a bus 13.

  In such a multifunction device 1, when power is supplied to the multifunction device 1 and power is supplied to the main board 2 and the option board 3, version information indicating the firmware version of the option board 3 is transmitted to the main board 2. The If a specific situation occurs in the option board 3 when the power is turned on, version information replaced with information indicating the situation (corresponding to notification information) or information indicating the situation is embedded. The version information is transmitted from the option board 3 to the main board 2. Then, the content indicated by the version information transmitted to the main board 2 is displayed on the display unit 29.

  Further, the firmware of the option board 3 can be updated (rewritten) by rewrite data transmitted from the client PC 6.

  The client PC 6 is a PC having a general function, converts data such as a document created by a user into PDL data (page description language), and transmits the PDL data to the multi function device 1 via the LAN 5. . The PDL (page description language) used here is not particularly limited. For example, PCL (Printer Control Language) can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the option board 3 includes a control unit (MPU: Microprocessing Unit) 7, an interface circuit 8, a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 8, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 9, and a data processing circuit 11. The units 7 to 11 are communicably connected via a bus 12.

  The control unit 7 controls each unit constituting the option board 3 according to various firmware programs stored in the Flash ROM 9. The interface circuit 8 receives PDL data and rewrite data transferred from the network interface controller 4. The PDL data received by the interface circuit 8 is subjected to predetermined data processing in the data processing circuit 11, developed into image data, and then transferred to the main board 2.

  A flash ROM 9 (corresponding to a secondary storage device) is a flash memory that stores firmware for controlling each unit of the option board 3 by the control unit 7, and includes a boot area FB, a first kernel as shown in FIG. It is logically divided into five storage areas: an area F-K1, a second kernel area F-K2, a general program area FP, and a font area FF. The SDRAM 10 (corresponding to a main storage device) functions as a main memory and a work area of the control unit 7, and is logically divided into two storage areas, a program area SD-P and a data area SD-D. Yes.

  The boot area FB of the FlashROM 9 is a storage area that stores a boot program that is executed when the system is started. The first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area F-K2 are storage areas that store kernel programs. The kernel program includes a control program and initial parameters for initialization of communication between the option board 3 and the main board 2, self-rewriting (update), job management, data management, task management, etc., received rewriting data Thus, a rewrite code for updating (rewriting) the firmware of the FlashROM 9 and a data check code for checking whether or not the rewrite has been normally performed after the firmware is updated are included. The general program area FP is a storage area for storing a general program for the option board 3 to perform various processing operations. For example, the general program area FP is for performing predetermined data processing on the PDL data received by the interface circuit 8. Stores data processing programs. The font area FF is a storage area that stores font data.

  In addition, the size of each of the storage areas FB, F-K1, F-K2, FP, and FF of the flash ROM 9 is always set to a constant value. The boot area F-B is set to 8 kb (kilobytes), the first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area F-K2 are set to 248 kb, the general program area FP is set to 2816 kb, and the font area FF is set to 5120 kb. Has been. As described above, the firmware of the option board 3 is divided according to the data type and stored in the storage areas FB, F-K1, F-K2, FP, and FF having different sizes. However, the program and font data are not stored in the whole of these storage areas, and empty data of an appropriate data size, that is, a value of “00” or “FF” in hexadecimal notation is stored in the program or font data. The data to which the free data is added is stored in the corresponding storage area. For example, in the case of the general program area FP of 2816 kb, if the data size of the entire general program to be actually used is 2600 kb, it is equal to the size of the general program area FP to which 216 kb of empty data is added. Are stored in the general program area FP. Note that the data stored in each of these storage areas can be rewritten by rewrite data received from the outside individually for each storage area. For example, the firmware stored in the FlashROM 9 can rewrite only the data in the first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area F-K2 with the rewrite data, or the general program area FP and the font area FF. It is possible to rewrite only the data.

  On the other hand, the program area SD-P of the SDRAM 10 is an area for temporarily reading various data stored in the flash ROM 9 by the control section 7 in order to be executed by the control section 7. Of the program area SD-P of the SDRAM 10, an area for reading a boot program stored in the boot area FB of the flash ROM 9 is a kernel program stored in the boot area SD-B, the first kernel area F-K1, or An area for reading a kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 is a first kernel area SD-K1, and an area for reading a kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 is a second kernel area SD. -K2, an area for reading a general program stored in the general program area FP is a general program area SD-P, and an area for reading font data stored in the font area FF is a font area SD-F. Call.

  The control unit 7 reads the boot program in the boot area FB of the FlashROM 9 into the program area SD-P of the SDRAM 10 at the time of system startup, and based on the boot program read into the program area SD-P, the first kernel area of the FlashROM 9 The kernel program stored in the F-K1 and the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 are read into the program area SD-P of the SDRAM 10. When the kernel program is read into the program area SD-P, the control unit 7 stores the general program stored in the general program area FP and the font area FF based on the kernel program in the program area SD-P. Each font data read is read into the program area SD-P of the SDRAM 10. The control unit 7 loads the data in each storage area of the flash ROM 9 into the program area SD-P of the SDRAM 10 in this way, and executes the loaded program as necessary, for example, PDL data received from the outside It can be expanded into image data and transferred to the main board 2, or the firmware of the option board 3 can be updated (rewritten) by rewrite data received from the outside. The data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10 is an area for temporarily storing various data, and temporarily stores PDL data and rewrite data transferred by the network interface controller 4.

  The data processing circuit 11 performs predetermined data processing on the PDL data received by the interface circuit 8. Specifically, the data processing circuit 11 analyzes the PDL data received by the interface circuit 8 and can process the image data on the main board 2. Then, the image data is encoded by the MMR (Modified Modified Read) method. The image data that has been subjected to predetermined data processing in the data processing circuit 11 in this way is transferred to the main board 2 by the interface circuit 8. Note that the encoding method used here is not limited to the MMR method as long as it can be decoded by the main board 2. For example, MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified Read), JBIG (Joint) Other encoding schemes such as the Bi-level Image Group scheme may be used. In this example, the developed image data is transferred in accordance with the MMR method in consideration of the transfer speed of the image data. However, the developed image data is transferred to the main board 2 without being encoded. It may be.

  On the other hand, the main board 2 that performs printing processing of image data transferred from the option board 3 includes a control unit (MPU) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a document reading unit 24, A codec (CODEC: Coder and Decoder) 25, an image memory 26, a recording unit 27, an operation unit 28, and a display unit 29 are provided. The units 21 to 29 are communicably connected via a bus 30.

  The control unit 21 controls each unit constituting the multi-function device 1 according to a program stored in the ROM 22. The ROM 22 stores the program. The RAM 23 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the control unit 21 and stores various setting information registered in advance. The document reading unit 24 reads image data of a document with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

  The codec 25 encodes and decodes image data. The image data of the document read by the document reading unit 24 is encoded by the MH, MR, MMR, JBIG method, and the like. The image data that is stored is decoded. The image data transferred from the option board 3 is decoded by the codec 25. The image memory 26 stores image data of a document encoded by the codec 25, image data transferred from the option board 3, and the like.

  The recording unit 27 records images such as image data of the original read by the original reading unit 24 and image data transferred from the option board 3 on a recording sheet. The recording method in the recording unit 27 is as follows. For example, an electrophotographic method can be used. The image data transferred from the option board 3 is temporarily stored in the image memory 26, then decoded by the codec 25, and the recording unit 27 records the image on paper.

  Although not shown, the operation unit 28 is linked with the display unit 29, such as a start key for instructing the document reading unit 24 to start reading a document, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, and a cursor key for performing various settings. Various operation keys are provided. The display unit 29 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays various setting states and operation states of the multifunction device 1 with characters, graphics, and the like, and an LED lamp that is turned on or off. .

  When PDL data is transmitted from the client PC 6 on the LAN 5 to the multi-function device 1 configured as described above, the PDL data is transferred to the option board 3 by the network interface controller 4. The PDL data is developed on the option board 3 and encoded by a predetermined encoding method, and then transferred to the main board 2 where the image is recorded on the paper. In addition to the PDL data to be printed in the multifunction device 1, the client PC 6 sends rewrite data for updating all or part of the firmware stored in the flash ROM 9 of the option board 3 to the multifunction device 1. To do.

  The option board 3 includes the entire firmware stored in the storage areas FB, F-K1, F-K2, FP, and FF of the flash ROM 9, that is, the storage areas FB, F- Naturally, it is possible to update all of the data of K1, F-K2, FP, and FF, but it is also possible to update only data in a part of the storage area. When updating only a part of each storage area of the FlashROM 9, the client PC 6 rewrites the storage areas FB, F-K1, F-K2, FP, and FF of the FlashROM 9. Only rewrite data corresponding to the storage area that requires is transmitted.

  Hereinafter, rewrite data for updating only the data in the first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area F-K2 of the flash ROM 9 (hereinafter referred to as “K area rewrite data”) is transmitted from the client PC 6 as an example. The rewritten data will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the rewrite data for the K area has an appropriate data size for the data of the kernel program, similarly to the data stored in the first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9. The data size is 248 kb which is equal to the size of the first kernel area F-K1 or the second kernel area F-K2. Thus, even if the data size of the kernel program is changed by adding free data of an appropriate size to the rewriting kernel program, the first kernel area F-K1 or the second kernel area F-K2 is always changed. The rewrite data for the K area having the same data size as the size can be transmitted to the option board 3.

  When the K area rewrite data created in this way is transmitted to the option board 3, the option board 3 receives the K area rewrite data and then temporarily stores it in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10. Then, the kernel programs in the first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area 2 of the Flash ROM 9 are rewritten with the K area rewrite data stored in the data area SD-D. At the time of this rewriting, it is determined whether or not the rewritten data is normal before rewriting, and it is determined whether or not the rewritten data is normal after rewriting. In determining whether or not the data is normal, a data check is performed by performing arithmetic processing based on a predetermined error detection data creation procedure. Specifically, the control unit 7 of the option board 3 performs data check (sum check) using a check sum. Therefore, the error detection data (hereinafter referred to as “checker”) obtained by adding each data constituting the rewrite data as a numerical value to the rewrite data transmitted from the client PC 6 and performing a certain calculation from the total value. ) Is embedded.

  If the area size of data that can be represented by one checker embedded in the rewrite data is N, the area size N can be set arbitrarily, but if the area size N is set to infinity, any data The number of checkers to be embedded is one even for rewritten data of size. However, in order to be able to specify in which part of the rewrite data the rewrite error has occurred when performing the sum check in the option board 3, the value of N is set to 1024 kb as an example here. When the data size of the rewrite data is M, if the data size M of the rewrite data is equal to or smaller than the area size N, one checker is embedded in the rewrite data, and the data size M exceeds the area size N. Divides the rewrite data into a plurality of partial areas based on the area size N, calculates a checker value for each partial area, and embeds the calculated checkers at the rear end of the rewrite data. An area in which the checker is embedded is called a checker area.

  Therefore, when the checker is embedded in the rewrite data, first, the number of partial areas c which is also the number of checkers to be embedded is calculated from the preset area size N and the data size M of the rewrite data to be transmitted. As shown in FIG. 3, when the rewrite data is K area rewrite data, the data size M of the rewrite data is 248 kb, and the area size N is 1024 kb or less. “1”, and one checker is embedded in the rewritten data.

Next, the sum value is calculated by adding the data of each partial area based on the calculated number of partial areas c. Here, since the partial area number c is 1, to calculate the sum values S ₁ to the data rewriting data of the data size of 248kb as a partial region without dividing the rewritten data into a plurality of partial regions. Specifically, all data constituting the 248-kb rewrite data for the K area are added as numerical values from the top part to calculate the sum. In this way, the sum value S ₁ can be calculated from the sum of all data, but here the data size b of one checker is 2 bytes, and the checker is embedded in the last 2 bytes of the rewritten data. Subtract the value v ₁ originally in the last 2 bytes from the sum value S ₁ . Then, the value-(S ₁ -v ₁ ) obtained by inverting S ₁ -v ₁ obtained in this way is embedded as the checker value in the last two bytes of the rewrite data. Note that here, the value v ₁ originally in the last two bytes of the rewrite data for the K area is rewritten to a checker having a value of − (S ₁ −v ₁ ), but the value of v ₁ of the portion to be rewritten to the checker Is a value of empty data, so even if the checker is embedded, the content of the rewritten data (here, the kernel program) does not change. That is, the checker can be embedded without affecting the contents of the rewritten data.

  As described above, when the data size M of the rewrite data is equal to or smaller than the area size N that can be represented by one checker, one checker is embedded in the rewrite data. On the other hand, when the data size M exceeds the region size N, a plurality of checkers are embedded in the rewritten data. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the rewrite data is rewrite data for P area for rewriting data in the general program area of the FlashROM 9, the data size M is 2816 kb, and the area size N is 1024 kb. And the number of partial areas c is 3. Then, the partial areas corresponding to the calculated number c of partial areas are set as a partial area X, a partial area Y, and a partial area Z as shown in FIG. Here, among the plurality of partial areas, the data size of the partial area X is set to 768 kb so that the partial area X which is the first partial area is responsible for fractions, and the data sizes of the partial area Y and the partial area Z are set to It is set to 1024 kb which is equal to the area size N.

After setting the partial areas X to Z in this way, first, the sum value is calculated for the partial area X. When the sum value is calculated and the checker is embedded for each partial area, The contents of the data in the area X and the partial area Y change. Therefore, the checkers of the partial areas X to Z are embedded in the checker area at the rear end of the last partial area Z to which empty data is added. Specifically, for the partial areas X and Y, the calculated sum values of the respective areas are inverted as they are and embedded as checkers. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the sum value S ₂ which is the sum of all the data of the partial region X of 768 kb is calculated, and the value −S _{2 obtained} by inverting this is used as the checker of the partial region X. Embed at the beginning of the checker area. Here, the head of the checker area is based on a relational expression of M−c × b based on the data size b of one checker, the data size M of rewrite data, and the number of partial areas (number of checkers) c. Can be calculated.

After embedding the checker of the thus partial region X, part similarly calculates a sum value S ₃ also partial region Y, as the value -S ₃ obtained by inverting the calculated sum value as a checker subregion Y It is embedded in the next 2 bytes of the checker of the partial area X in the area Z. And while embedding the checker determined from sum value S ₄ of the partial region Z is the last partial area in the last two bytes of the partial region Z, in this portion region Z, the partial region X and a Y checker since the checker area for embedding the three checker checker partial region Z is present, the partial region Z of the entire data of the sum is a sum value S ₄ originally present data to the checker area from, i.e., the last rewrite data the v ₂ which is the sum of the data of 6 bytes previously calculated at the stage of setting the partial region is subtracted from the sum value S _4. Then, the inverted value-(S ₄ -v ₂ ) is embedded in the last two bytes of the partial area Z as a checker for the partial area Z.

  As described above, one or a plurality of checkers are embedded in the rewrite data in which free data of an appropriate data size is added to the actual data based on the data size M of the rewrite data, but the boot area FB The rewrite data is similarly created for the B area rewrite data for rewriting the data and the F area rewrite data for rewriting the data in the font area FF, and the checker is embedded. Then, after the checker is embedded in the checker area in this way, only rewrite data in the storage area that needs to be rewritten is transmitted from the client PC 6. For example, when only the data in the general program area FP needs to be rewritten, 2816-kb rewritten data consisting only of the P area rewrite data is transmitted, and the first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area F-K2 are transmitted. In addition, when the data in the general program area FP needs to be rewritten, 3064 kb rewritten data composed of the K area rewritten data and the P area rewritten data is transmitted from the client PC 6.

  Next, a data inspection method for determining whether or not rewritten data is normal using a checker as described above will be described. In the following, a case of data inspection for determining whether or not the data in the storage area of the Flash ROM 9 after being rewritten by the rewrite data is normal will be described. However, the data is once stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10 before rewriting. The same can be performed in the case of data inspection for determining whether or not the rewritten data being normal is normal.

  First, after the rewriting process of the firmware of the own device 1 by the rewriting data is completed, the number of partial areas of the target area to be sum-checked from the rewritten storage area size M and the area size N that can be represented by one checker c is calculated and a partial region is set. Here, the target area is a storage area that has been rewritten to rewritten data among the storage areas FB, F-K1, F-K2, FP, and FF of the flash ROM 9, and includes a plurality of storage areas. When rewriting is performed, first, a sum check is performed using any one of the plurality of storage areas as a target area. As described above, the number of checkers equal to the number of partial areas to be sum-checked is embedded in the target area data (rewrite data). Since the size M of the rewritten flash ROM 9 storage area is equal to the data size of the rewritten data obtained by rewriting the data in the storage area, the data size of the rewritten data obtained by rewriting the data in the target area can also be represented by M.

  For example, when the target area is a general program area FP of 2816 kb as shown in FIG. 5, the size of the target area, that is, the data size M of the P area rewrite data obtained by rewriting the general program area FP is set. It exceeds the region size N (1024 kb) that can be represented by one checker, and the number of partial regions c is 3. Then, in the same manner as in FIG. 4, the general program area FP is set with three partial areas, a partial area X of 768 kb, a partial area Y of 1024 kb, a partial area Z of 1024 kb. Here, the size of each partial area is set so that the top partial area of the plurality of partial areas is responsible for fractions.

  Then, the checker is read from the checker area in the target area. The start address D of the checker area in the target area is set such that the start address of the target area is A, the size M of the target area (rewritten storage area), the number of checkers (number of partial areas) c, and the data size b of one checker. Based on the relational expression, D = A + M−c × b. From this relational expression, the head address D of the checker area is calculated, the position of the checker is specified, and data after the head address D is read as the value of the checker. Here, in the case of the general program area FP shown in FIG. 5, the values of the three checkers of the checker of the partial area X, the checker of the partial area Y, and the checker of the partial area Z can be read. Note that the area size N that can be represented by one checker and the data size b of one checker are determined in advance by the data check code stored in the first kernel area F-K1 or the second kernel area F-K2. Is set. The area size N that can be represented by one checker and the data size b of one checker are respectively set to values equal to the area size and data size when the checker is embedded in the rewrite data. N is 1024 kb and the data size b is 2 bytes.

  Next, the sum value is calculated based on the start address and size of the partial area. For example, when three partial areas are set as in the general program area FP, first, the top address of the partial area X, that is, all the data in the partial area X of 768 kb from the start address A of the target area is obtained. Add the numbers and calculate the sum value. Then, it is determined whether or not the sum of the calculated sum value and the checker value becomes zero. When the sum of the sum value and the checker value is zero, it is determined that there is no error in the partial area, and when it is not zero, it is determined that there is an error in the partial area. Sum check is performed on all partial areas (partial areas X, Y, and Z), and if all partial areas have no error, it is determined that the data in the target area is normal.

  Hereinafter, the controller 7 of the option board 3 is used when the firmware stored in the flash ROM 9 of the option board 3 is updated (rewritten) based on the rewrite data transmitted from the client PC 6 with reference to FIGS. The processing executed by will be described. The control unit 7 of the option board 3 executes processing in accordance with the kernel program read from the first kernel area F-K1 or the second kernel area F-K2 of the flash ROM 9 into the first kernel area SD-K1 of the SDRAM 10. The firmware stored in the flash ROM 9 is updated independently for each of the boot area F-B, the first kernel area F-K1, the second kernel area F-K2, the general program area FP, and the font area FF ( In the following, a case where the first kernel area F-K1, the second kernel area F-K2, the general program area FP, and the font area FF are updated (rewritten) will be described. 6 and FIG. 7 are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and may be changed as appropriate when the present invention can be realized even if the execution order of the processes is changed. .

  First, the control unit 7 checks the validity of the rewrite data transmitted from the client PC 6 and temporarily stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10 (S101). In this validity check, whether or not the data stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10 is rewrite data and whether or not the rewrite data is normal are checked. The kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the flash ROM 9 and the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 include the data size of the rewrite data and the flash ROM 9 as shown in FIG. Storage areas FB (denoted as B), F-K1 (denoted as K), F-K2 (denoted as K), FP (denoted as P), and FF (denoted as F) Is included in the table. Therefore, the control unit 7 determines that the received data is rewritten data depending on whether the data size of the data received and stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10 is one of the data sizes shown in FIG. It can be determined whether or not there is. For example, if the data size of the received rewrite data is 248 kb, it is determined that the rewrite data is K area rewrite data for rewriting the data in the first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area F-K2. If the data size of the received rewrite data is 7936 kb, the rewrite data is for the P area rewrite data for rewriting the data in the general program area FP and for the F area for rewriting the data in the font area FF. Judged as rewritten data. Whether the received rewrite data is normal or not is checked by the sum check using the checker described above.

  Then, it is determined whether the rewritten data is valid (S102). When the received data is rewrite data and the rewrite data is normal, it is determined that the rewrite data is valid. If it is determined that the rewritten data is not valid (S102: NO), predetermined error processing is performed (S129). On the other hand, if it is determined that the rewritten data is valid (S102: YES), whether or not the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 before rewriting is normal (is damaged). Is checked (S103), and based on the result of the check, it is determined whether or not the kernel program is normal (S104). Whether the kernel program is normal is checked by a sum check using the checker described above.

  If it is determined that the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 is not normal (S104: NO), the rewrite data of the kernel program is read from the rewrite data stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10, and the FlashROM 9 The first kernel area F-K1 is rewritten (S105). Then, it is checked whether the kernel program written in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 is normal by a sum check using a checker (S106), and it is determined whether the kernel program is normal. (S107).

  If it is determined that the kernel program written in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 is not normal (S107: NO), predetermined error processing is performed (S129). On the other hand, if it is determined that the kernel program is normal (S107: YES), the rewrite data of the general program is read from the rewrite data stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10, and the general program area FP of the FlashROM 9 is read. Rewrite (S108). Then, it is checked whether or not the general program written in the general program area FP of the FlashROM 9 is normal by a checksum using a checker (S109), and it is determined whether or not the general program is normal. (S110).

  If it is determined that the general program written in the general program area FP of the FlashROM 9 is not normal (S110: NO), predetermined error processing is performed (S129). On the other hand, if it is determined that the general program is normal (S110: YES), the font data rewrite data is read from the rewrite data stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10, and the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is rewritten. (S111). Then, it is checked whether or not the font data written in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is normal by a sum check using a checker (S112), and it is determined whether or not the font data is normal (S112). S113).

  If it is determined that the font data written in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is not normal (S113: NO), predetermined error processing is performed (S129). On the other hand, when it is determined that the font data is normal (S113: YES), the rewrite data of the kernel program is read from the rewrite data stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10, and the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9 is read. Is rewritten (S114). Then, it is checked whether the kernel program written in the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9 is normal by a sum check using a checker (S115), and it is determined whether the kernel program is normal. (S116). If it is determined that the kernel program is not normal (S116: NO), predetermined error processing is performed (S129). On the other hand, if it is determined that the kernel program is normal (S116: YES), the firmware rewriting process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S104 that the kernel program currently stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 is normal (S104: YES), the rewrite data stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10 is used. The rewrite data of the general program is read, and the general program area FP of the FlashROM 9 is rewritten (S117). Then, it is checked whether or not the general program written in the general program area FP of the Flash ROM 9 is normal by a sum check using a checker (S118), and it is determined whether or not the general program is normal. (S119).

  If it is determined that the general program written in the general program area FP of the FlashROM 9 is not normal (S119: NO), predetermined error processing is performed (S129). On the other hand, if it is determined that the general program is normal (S119: YES), the rewrite data of the font data is read from the rewrite data stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10, and the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is rewritten. (S120). Then, it is checked whether or not the font data written in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 by the sum check using the checker is normal (S121), and it is determined whether or not the font data is normal (S121). S122).

  If it is determined that the font data written in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is not normal (S122: NO), predetermined error processing is performed (S129). On the other hand, when it is determined that the font data is normal (S112: YES), the rewrite data of the kernel program is read from the rewrite data stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10, and the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9 is read. Is rewritten (S123). Then, it is checked whether or not the kernel program written in the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9 is normal by the sum check using the checker (S124), and it is determined whether or not the kernel program is normal. (S125).

  If it is determined that the kernel program written in the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9 is not normal (S125: NO), predetermined error processing is performed (S129). On the other hand, if it is determined that the kernel data is normal (S125: YES), the rewrite data of the kernel program is read from the rewrite data stored in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10, and the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 is read. Is rewritten (S126). Then, it is checked whether the kernel program written in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 is normal by a sum check using a checker (S127), and it is determined whether the kernel program is normal. (S128). If it is determined that the kernel program is not normal (S128: NO), predetermined error processing is performed (S129). On the other hand, if it is determined that the kernel program is normal (S128: YES), the firmware rewriting process is terminated.

  As described above, in the option board 3, the firmware is divided into data types and stored in the storage areas FB, F-K1, F-K2, FP, and FF of the flash ROM 9, and rewritten. When the firmware is updated with data, the data is rewritten for each of the storage areas FB, F-K1, F-K2, FP, and FF of the FlashROM 9. Then, the kernel program included in the rewrite data is written in two locations of the first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9. When the firmware is updated (rewritten) by such a method, even if the power supply to the option board 3 occurs due to a power failure during the update, the kernel program in the first kernel area F-K1 and the second kernel area F- Since both the K2 kernel program and the kernel program are not damaged at the same time, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a normal kernel program does not exist.

  In addition, when the kernel program in the first kernel area F-K1 and the kernel program in the second kernel area F-K2 of the flash ROM 9 are rewritten, the kernel program in the first kernel area F-K1 is damaged (normally If it is damaged, the kernel program in the first kernel area F-K1 is rewritten prior to rewriting the kernel program in the second kernel area F-K2. Further, when the kernel program in the second kernel area F-K2 is damaged (included in the case of YES in the determination of step 104 in FIG. 6), the kernel program in the first kernel area F-K1 is rewritten. First, the kernel program in the second kernel area F-K2 is rewritten. Therefore, the kernel program and the second kernel area in the first kernel area F-K1 are in a state where either the kernel program in the first kernel area F-K1 or the kernel program in the second kernel area F-K2 is damaged. Even when the power interruption occurs again when the F-K2 kernel program is rewritten, a normal kernel program exists in either the first kernel area F-K1 or the second kernel area F-K2. .

  In the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment, the firmware stored in the flash ROM 9 of the option board 3 is rewritten by the method described above. Then, when the multifunction device 1 is restarted, power is supplied to the option board 3 and the firmware stored in the flash ROM 9 is read into the SDRAM 10, if a specific situation occurs in the option board 3, the particular situation Is transmitted to the main board 2 (indicating that it corresponds to notification information). When the firmware of the option board 3 is read into the SDRAM 10, when the specific situation does not occur in the option board 3, the option board 3 is connected to the first kernel area F-K1 or the second kernel area F- of the flash ROM 9. Version information indicating the character string of the version of the kernel program read from K2 into the first kernel area SD-K1 of the SDRAM 10 is transmitted to the main board 2. As described above, when a specific situation occurs in the option board 3, the character string of the kernel program version is replaced with a character string indicating the occurrence of the specific situation and the contents of the situation. Version information or version information in which a character string indicating the occurrence of the specific situation and the contents of the situation is embedded in the character string of the version of the kernel program is transmitted to the main board 2.

  A user or a service person of the multifunction device 1 performs a predetermined operation for displaying the firmware version of the option board 3 on the operation unit 28 of the multifunction device 1 after the power of the multifunction device 1 is turned on. Based on the version information, a character string indicating the version of the kernel program or a character string indicating that a specific situation has occurred in the option board 3 can be displayed on the display unit 29. The specific situation generated in the option board 3 indicated by the character string replaced with the character string indicating the version of the kernel program or embedded in the character string is generated, for example, when the firmware of the option board 3 is rewritten. It is a situation to do. More specifically, the firmware stored in the FlashROM 9 is abnormal (damaged) and is not normal, or the font data is not compatible with the rewritten firmware kernel program.

  Whether there is an abnormality in the firmware is determined by the sum check using the checker described above for each data (program) stored in each area F-K1, F-K2, FP, and FF of the FlashROM 9. Can be confirmed.

  Whether the font data stored in the font area FF of the Flash ROM 9 is compatible with the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 or the second kernel area F-K2 It can be confirmed based on a checker used for data sum check and a version table 40 as shown in FIG. The version table 40 is a table that stores a version of font data that will be written in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 and a checker for the font data of that version in association with each other. Since the font data stored in the Flash ROM 9 is 5120 kb including empty data, there are five checkers in the checker area as shown in FIG. What is stored in the version table 40 of FIG. 9 in association with the font data version is the fifth (tail) checker of the five checkers in the checker area. Therefore, the font data stored in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is configured such that the checker value used for the checksum of the fifth partial area of the font data differs for each version of the font data. Yes. The version of the font data stored in the flash ROM 9 can be known by searching the version table 40 for the value of the checker. If the version of the font data stored in the FlashROM 9 is not the latest version stored in the version table 40, the font data stored in the FlashROM 9 is compatible with the kernel program stored in the FlashROM 9 as well. Judge that there is no.

  Next, using FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, power is supplied to the option board 3, and the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the flash ROM 9 is stored in the second kernel area F-K1. The kernel program, the general program stored in the general program area FP, and the font data stored in the font area FF are read into each area of the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10, and the version information is read from the main board 2 A process executed by the control unit 7 of the option board 3 in the case of transmitting to will be described. The control unit 7 of the option board 3 includes the boot program read from the boot area F-B of the flash ROM 9 into the boot area SD-B of the SDRAM 10, and the first kernel area F-K1 or the second kernel area F-K2. The processing is executed in accordance with the kernel program read into one kernel area SD-K1. Note that the execution order of the processes shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is not limited to that illustrated, and may be changed as appropriate when the present invention can be realized even if the execution order of the processes is changed. .

  First, when the multifunction device 1 is turned on and power is supplied to the option board 3, the boot program stored in the boot area FB of the Flash ROM 9 is read into the boot area SD-B of the SDRAM 10 and executed. (S201). When the boot program is read into the SDRAM 10, based on the boot program, the control unit 7, for example, version information (characters indicating the version of the kernel program stored in the Flash ROM 9 provided in the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10). The version character string area for temporarily storing (column information) is initialized (S202). Next, the control unit 7 reads the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the flash ROM 9 into the first kernel area SD-K1 of the SDRAM 10 and checks whether the kernel program is normal. (S203). Whether the kernel program is normal or not is checked by a sum check based on a checker stored in the checker area of the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9. That is, the control unit 7 sequentially reads the data of the kernel program from the first kernel area F-K1 of the flash ROM 9 and writes the data to the first kernel area SD-K1, while reading each data read from the first kernel area F-K1. Add as numbers to find sum for sum check. Then, based on the result of the sum check, whether or not the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9, that is, the kernel program read into the first kernel area SD-K1 of the SDRAM 10 is normal. Is determined (S204).

  If it is determined that the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 is not normal (S204: NO), then the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9 is stored in the SDRAM 10 While reading into the first kernel area SD-K1, it is checked whether or not the kernel program is normal (S205). Whether or not the kernel program is normal is checked by a sum check based on a checker stored in the checker area of the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9. Based on the result of the sum check, whether or not the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9, that is, the kernel program read into the first kernel area SD-K1 of the SDRAM 10 is normal. Is determined (S206).

  If it is determined that the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 of the flash ROM 9 is normal (S206: YES), the first kernel area F-K1 is added to the version character string area of the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10. The character string information indicating that the kernel program stored in is not normal, for example, “ERR-K1” is written (S207), and the version information stored in the version character string area (in this case) Transmits the character information indicating “ERR-K1”) to the main board 2 (S225), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 is not normal (S206: NO), the kernel program (not normal) stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 is determined. , Read into the first kernel area SD-K1 of the SDRAM 10 (S208), and the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 and the kernel stored in the second kernel area F-K2 in the version character string area Character string information indicating, for example, “ERRK12”, which is a character string indicating that the program is not normal, is written (S209). Then, the version information (in this case, character information indicating “ERRK12”) stored in the version character string area is transmitted to the main board 2 (S225), and the process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S204 that the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 is normal (S210: YES), then it is stored in the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9 While reading the kernel program into the second kernel area SD-K2 of the SDRAM 10, it is checked whether or not the kernel program is normal (S210). Whether or not the kernel program is normal is checked by a sum check based on a checker stored in the checker area of the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9. Based on the result of the sum check, whether or not the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9, that is, the kernel program read into the second kernel area SD-K2 of the SDRAM 10 is normal. Is determined (S211).

  If it is determined that the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 of the flash ROM 9 is not normal (S211: NO), the version character string area of the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10 is changed to the second kernel area F-K2. The character string information indicating that the stored kernel program is not normal, for example, character string information indicating “ERR-K2” is written (S212), and the version information stored in the version character string area (in this case) , Character information indicating “ERR-K2”) is transmitted to the main board 2 (S225), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K2 of the FlashROM 9 is normal (S211: YES), the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 is stored in the area F-K1. For example, character string information indicating “A0A0B1”, which is a character string indicating the version of the current kernel program, is read and written in the version character string area (S213).

  As described above, when the kernel program read from the Flash ROM 9 to the SDRAM 10 is normal, the control unit 7 executes the following processing based on the kernel program. First, while reading the general program stored in the general program area FP of the Flash ROM 9 into the general program area SD-P of the SDRAM 10, it is checked whether or not the general program is normal (S214). Whether the general program is normal is checked by a sum check based on a checker stored in the checker area of the general program area FP of the FlashROM 9. Based on the result of the sum check, whether or not the general program stored in the general program area FP of the FlashROM 9, that is, the general program read into the general program area SD-P of the SDRAM 10, is normal is determined. Judgment is made (S215).

  If it is determined that the general program stored in the general program area FP of the flash ROM 9 is not normal (S215: NO), the general program area FP is included in a part of the version character string area of the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10. Embedded in the character string information indicating that the general program stored in is not normal, for example, “ERR-P” (S216), and the version information stored in the version character string area (in this case) Transmits the character information indicating “AERR-P”) to the main board 2 (S225), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the general program stored in the general program area FP of the FlashROM 9 is normal (S215: YES), the font data stored in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is converted into the font area SD of the SDRAM 10. While reading into -F, it is checked whether or not the font data is normal (S217). Whether or not the font data is normal is checked by a sum check based on a checker stored in the checker area of the font area FF of the FlashROM 9. Then, based on the result of the sum check, it is determined whether or not the font data stored in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9, that is, the font data read into the font area SD-F of the SDRAM 10 is normal. (S218).

  When it is determined that the font data stored in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is not normal (S218: NO), the font data is stored in the font area FF in a part of the version character string area of the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10. The character string information indicating that the font data being displayed is not normal, for example, character string information indicating “ERR-F” is embedded (S219), and the version information stored in the version character string area (in this case, (Character information indicating “AERR-F”) is transmitted to the main board 2 (S225), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the font data stored in the font area FF of the flash ROM 9 is normal (S218: YES), the checker value stored at the end of the checker area of the font area FF is used as the flash ROM 9 The version of the font data stored in the flash ROM 9 is checked by searching the version table 40 stored in the first kernel area F-K1 (S220).

  If it is determined that there is no corresponding checker value in the version table 40 as a result of the search in the version table 40 using the checker value (S221), a part of the version character string area of the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10 is A character string indicating that the version of the font data stored in the font area FF is unknown, for example, character string information indicating “XX” is embedded (S222), and stored in the version character string area. Version information (in this case, character information indicating “A0A0XX”) is transmitted to the main board 2 (S225), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the version of the font data stored in the font area FF is not the latest as a result of searching the version table 40 using the checker value (S223: NO), the data area SD- of the SDRAM 10 If a character string indicating the version of the font data stored in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is included in a part of the version character string area of D, for example, if the version of the font data is “2”, “@ 2 ”is embedded (S224), the version information stored in the version character string area (in this case,“ A0A0 @ 2 ”) is transmitted to the main board 2 (S225), and the process is terminated. To do.

  If the font data stored in the font area FF of the FlashROM 9 is the latest version, it is stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the FlashROM 9 written in the version character string area in step S213. The version of the current kernel program, for example, “A0A0B1” is transmitted to the main board 2 as it is in step S225.

  As described above, according to the multifunction device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, when the option board 3 is powered on, for example, a specific situation occurs in the option board 3 due to firmware rewriting. In this case, the version information indicating the firmware version of the option board 3 is replaced with information indicating a specific situation, or information indicating the specific situation is embedded in the version information, and the version information is transmitted to the main board 2. Is done. When a predetermined operation for displaying the version of the option board 3 is performed on the operation unit 28 of the multifunction machine 1, information indicating a specific situation occurring in the option board 3 based on the version information is displayed on the display unit. 29. Therefore, the user or service person of the multifunction device 1 can easily identify the specific occurrence of the option board 3 without moving the multifunction device 1 or opening the housing by only a known operation for displaying the version. Can know the situation.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the version information is information indicating a character string of 6 characters, but the character string indicated by the version information is not limited to 6 characters.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a situation where the kernel program is not normal occurs, the version information is replaced with information indicating that a situation where the kernel program is not normal, and when any other situation occurs. Information indicating that the situation has occurred is embedded in the version information, but the version information is replaced with information indicating that the specific situation has occurred, or information indicating that the specific situation has occurred in the version information The distinction of whether to embed is not limited to this, and may be set as appropriate.

  The present invention can be applied to an apparatus including a main control unit and a sub control unit.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction machine 1 as an example of an image processing apparatus of the present invention. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining storage areas of a FlashROM 9 and an SDRAM 10. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the rewriting data for K area | regions for rewriting the data of 1st kernel area | region F-K1 and 2nd kernel area | region F-K2. It is explanatory drawing explaining the rewrite data for P area | region for rewriting the data of the general program area | region FP. It is explanatory drawing explaining the sum check performed with respect to the data of the general program area | region FP. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed by the control unit 7 of the option board 3 when updating (rewriting) firmware stored in the Flash ROM 9 of the option board 3 based on rewrite data transmitted from the client PC 6. It is a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the table which memorize | stored the relationship between the data size of rewriting data, and the memory area which should be rewritten by rewriting data. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the version table 40 which matched and memorize | stored the version of font data, and the value of the checker of font data. When power is supplied to the option board 3, the kernel program stored in the first kernel area F-K1 of the flash ROM 9, the kernel program stored in the second kernel area F-K1, and stored in the general program area FP Control unit of the option board 3 when the font data stored in the general program and the font area FF are read into each area of the data area SD-D of the SDRAM 10 and the version information is transmitted to the main board 2 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by 7. It is a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image processing device 2 Main board 3 Option board 7 Control unit (MPU)
8 Interface circuit 9 FlashROM
10 SDRAM
FB boot area F-K1 first kernel area F-K2 second kernel area FP general program area FF font area 21 control unit (MPU)
29 Display section

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus including a main control unit that controls the entire device and a sub-control unit that controls a predetermined function of the device,
The sub-control unit
A transmission means for transmitting notification information indicating that a specific situation is occurring in the sub-control unit to the main control unit;
The main control unit
An image processing apparatus comprising: display means for displaying contents indicated by the notification information transmitted by the transmission means. A main control unit that controls the entire device itself and a sub-control unit that controls a predetermined function of the device itself, and displays the contents indicated by the firmware version information of the sub-control unit on the display device provided in the main control unit An image processing apparatus that
The sub-control unit replaces the notification information indicating that a specific situation has occurred in the sub-control unit with the version information, or embeds in the version information and transmits to the main control unit An image processing apparatus comprising:   The predetermined function of the sub-control unit is a function of developing print data transferred from the main control unit into image data and transferring the image data to the main control unit. Image processing device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific situation is a situation accompanying rewriting of firmware of the sub-control unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specific situation is a situation in which a firmware abnormality is detected during reading of firmware of the sub control unit from the secondary storage device to the main storage device. The firmware of the sub-control unit is divided and stored for each data type in each storage area of the secondary storage device, and rewriting is performed for each data type by rewriting data,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specific situation is a situation in which font data of the firmware stored in the secondary storage device is not compatible with a kernel program of the firmware.

Images