JP2011194639A - Image forming apparatus and method for controlling image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inspect for poor mounting without using an exclusive apparatus when a flash ROM is directly mounted on a substrate without using a memory module.SOLUTION: An inspection processing on the poor mounting of the flash ROM on the substrate is executed by a CPU in an image forming apparatus for mounting the flash ROM on the substrate.

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection of a storage device mounted on an image forming apparatus.

As a mounting form of flash ROM (flash memory), for example, DIMM (Du
al Inline Memory Module) is known (for example, Patent Document 1). By using the memory module, the flash ROM is detachably mounted on a controller board of an image forming apparatus including a printing apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or a multifunction machine.

The defective mounting of the flash ROM to the memory module is inspected by, for example, a jig (JIG) which is a dedicated inspection device such as a ROM writer.

JP-A-10-289077

By the way, for the purpose of reducing the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus, there is a demand for mounting the flash ROM directly on a substrate such as a controller without using a memory module.

In this case, the mounting failure of the flash ROM on the substrate cannot be inspected without a dedicated jig. Therefore, it is necessary to newly develop and manufacture a dedicated jig. However,
If a new dedicated jig is developed and manufactured, the cost will increase.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to inspect for mounting defects without using a dedicated device when the flash ROM is directly mounted on a substrate without using a memory module.

A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is an image forming apparatus in which a flash ROM is mounted on a substrate.
Will run.

A second aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is an image forming apparatus for mounting a flash ROM on a substrate, and indicates that the inspection for defective mounting of the flash ROM on the substrate has been completed. Header data determination means for determining presence / absence of header data by accessing the flash ROM, test data writing means for writing predetermined test data to the flash ROM when the header data does not exist, and writing to the flash ROM A test data reading means for reading the read test data; a test data determining means for determining whether the read test data is normal; and the header when the read test data is normal Header data writing means for writing data to the flash ROM. , Characterized in that.

Here, the image forming apparatus may include an error notification unit that notifies an error when the read test data is not normal.

Further, in the above image forming apparatus, when there is no header data, the CFI information regarding the flash ROM is transferred to the flash R before writing the header data.
A CFI information reading unit that reads from the OM; and a CFI information determination unit that determines whether or not the read CFI information is normal. The error notification unit is configured so that the read CFI information is normal. If not, an error may be notified.

In any one of the above image forming apparatuses, the test data writing unit writes the test data to all addresses in which any one bit width of the address of the flash ROM is 1. The test data reading means reads the test data written in the flash ROM in the same procedure as the test data writing means, and the test data determination means determines whether the read test data and the predetermined test data are It may be characterized by determining whether or not it is normal by determining whether or not they match.

In any of the image forming apparatuses described above, the processing of each unit may be performed in a startup process after power is turned on.

In any one of the image forming apparatuses described above, the flash ROM may be a memory for storing data.

Further, the image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the image forming apparatus is any one of a printer, a copier, and a multifunction peripheral, and the substrate is a controller substrate. Good.

A third aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus in which a flash ROM is mounted on a substrate, and the inspection for defective mounting of the flash ROM on the substrate is completed. A header data determination step for determining whether or not header data is present by accessing the flash ROM, a test data writing step for writing predetermined test data to the flash ROM when the header data is not present, and the flash A test data read step for reading the test data written in the ROM;
A test data determination step for determining whether or not the read test data is normal;
A header data writing step of writing the header data into the flash ROM when the read test data is normal.

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of a printer 1 according to an example of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a storage area of a flash ROM 14. The flowchart which shows an example of the test | inspection process of the mounting | wearing defect of flash ROM14.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of a printer 1 according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a printer will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus. Of course, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a printer, and may be a printing apparatus such as a copier, a multifunction peripheral, or a scanner.

The printer 1 is, for example, a laser type page printer. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and an ink jet method, a line printer, a serial printer, or the like may be used. For example, the printer 1 receives print data from a host computer such as a PC, and performs printing on a print medium based on the print data.

The printer 1 includes a controller 10, an operation panel 20, and a print engine 30. In addition, the controller 10 includes a CPU 11 and an ASIC (Application Specific I
ntegrated Circuit) 12, program ROM 13, flash ROM 14, RA
And M15 and a network interface (I / F) 16.

The CPU 11 is a main arithmetic unit that realizes various functions of the printer 1 by executing various programs read from the program ROM 13 to the RAM 15 and controlling the controller 10 and the entire printer 1. For example, the CPU 11 performs various types of image processing based on print data received via the network I / F 16. A
The SIC 12 is controlled to execute various image processing and print processing by the print engine 30.

Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the CPU 11 performs an inspection process for defective mounting of the controller 10 of the flash ROM 14 on the substrate.

The ASIC 12 includes a CPU interface, a memory interface, an interface connected to other devices, a dedicated processing circuit for performing image processing, and the like.
Is a unit that performs access control from the various devices to the program ROM 13, flash ROM 14, and RAM 15, access control from various devices to the flash ROM 14 and RAM 15, various image processing for printing, and print control by the print engine 30.

The ASIC 12 stores, for example, print data sent from the network via the network I / F 16 in the RAM 15. The ASIC 12 reads, for example, print data after predetermined image processing by the CPU 11 from the RAM 15, performs predetermined image processing (for example, color conversion, compression, expansion, binarization), and the print engine 30 interprets the data. Generate possible print data. Then, the generated print data is transmitted to the print engine 30 to execute printing.

Further, for example, under the instruction of the CPU 11, the ASIC 12 writes backup data or the like to the flash ROM 14 or reads backup data or the like from the flash ROM 14.

The ASIC 12 controls the I / O device and the I / F device. In this embodiment, AS
The IC 12 includes an operation panel 20 as an I / O device and a network I as an I / F device.
/ F16. Of course, hard disk drive, parallel I / F, U
An SB I / F or the like may be connected.

For example, the ASIC 12 transfers data transmitted from the external device to the CPU 11 and the RAM 15 via the network I / F 16, and transfers data transmitted from the CPU 11 and the RAM 15 to the external device. Further, for example, a signal output from the operation panel 20 is transferred to the CPU 11 or the RAM 15, and drawing data sent from the CPU 11 or the RAM 15 is transferred to the operation panel 20.

The program ROM 13 is a non-volatile memory that stores program codes and data for causing the printer 1 to function, and is, for example, a mask ROM. PROM
EPOM or flash memory.

The flash ROM 14 is a non-volatile memory for storing backup data (for example, authentication data, print data, and transmission / reception data when there is a facsimile function) of the printer 1. The flash ROM 14 is directly mounted on the substrate of the controller 10 without using a memory module such as DIMM.

The RAM 15 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data, programs, and the like.
For example, a DDR-SDRAM.

The network I / F 16 is a unit that communicates with devices on the network. The network I / F 16 is, for example, a NIC (Ne that performs communication by Ethernet (registered trademark).
twork Interface Card).

The operation panel 20 is an input / output interface between the user and the printer 1.
This is a unit provided in the casing of the printer 1. The operation panel 20 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electro-Lu).
Minescence Display), a touch panel, a hard switch, and the like.

The print engine 30 is a unit that prints on a print medium based on the data supplied from the ASIC 12. The print engine 30 is, for example, a laser engine having a toner cartridge, a photosensitive drum, a laser light irradiation mechanism, a transfer mechanism, a paper feed mechanism, a paper supply / discharge mechanism, and the like. Of course, the print engine 30 is not limited to the laser system, and may be an inkjet system.

The configuration of the printer 1 described above is not limited to the above because the main configuration has been described in describing the features of the present invention. In addition, other configurations included in the general printer 1 are not excluded.

As described above, in this embodiment, the flash ROM 14 is the controller 10.
It is mounted directly on the board. Therefore, the CPU 11 inspects the defective mounting of the flash ROM 14 to the controller 10 by executing a predetermined inspection program. The predetermined inspection program is stored in the program ROM 13, for example, and the CPU 11
It is executed by reading to AM15.

In the present embodiment, in order to specify whether or not the inspection by the inspection program is completed,
The storage area of the flash ROM 14 is configured as shown in FIG. That is, the flash ROM 14 includes a header area 140 for storing header data indicating whether or not the inspection is completed, and a data area 141 that is normally used for storing data.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of inspection processing for defective mounting of the flash ROM 14. This flow is started when the CPU 11 executes an inspection program when the printer 1 is activated by turning on the power. Note that after the end of this flow, for example, normal startup processing is performed, and the printer 1 is ready for use.

In S10, the CPU 11 determines whether there is header data. Specifically, C
The PU 11 reads the data in the header area 140 of the flash ROM 14 and determines whether or not it matches (writes) predetermined header data. When the header data has been written (S10: YES), it is determined that the inspection process has been completed, and this flow is finished. If header data has not been written (S10: NO), it is determined that the inspection process has not been completed, and the process proceeds to S11.

In S11, the CPU 11 reads CFI (Common Flash memory Interface) information. Specifically, the CPU 11 executes the CFIE from the flash ROM 14 according to a predetermined procedure.
Read information. The CFI information includes, for example, information related to the flash ROM 14 such as the type of flash ROM 14 and the access speed. CPU11 reads CFI information and advances a process to S12.

In S12, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the CFI information is normal. Specifically, CPU
11 determines whether the CFI information read in S11 is interpretable data. When the flash ROM 14 is improperly mounted, the CFI information cannot be normally accessed. For example, some or all of the values of the CFI information become abnormal. When the CFI information is normal (S12: YES), the CPU 11 advances the process to S13. If the CFI information is not normal (S12: NO), it is determined that the flash ROM 14 is defectively mounted and the process is performed in S1.
Proceed to 8.

In S13, the CPU 11 writes test data. Specifically, for example, when the bit width of the address signal line of the flash ROM 14 is 16, the CPU 11 sends predetermined test data (for example, 16 addresses to which one of the 16 bits is 1). Write a specific bit pattern repeat or all 1 data). Then, the process proceeds to S14. Of course, the address pattern for writing the test data is not limited to the above as long as all address signal lines can be tested.

In S14, the CPU 11 reads test data. Specifically, the CPU 11
In step 14, the data is read in the same procedure as the test data is written. And process S
Proceed to 15.

In S15, the CPU 11 determines whether the test data is normal. Specifically, CP
U11 determines whether or not the test data of each address written in S13 and the data of each address read in S14 all match. When the test data is normal (S15
: YES), the process proceeds to S16. If the test data is not normal (S15: NO),
The process proceeds to S18. Note that the CPU 11 may perform the determination sequentially while reading the test data, and may determine that it is not normal when there is a mismatched portion.

In S16, the CPU 11 deletes the test data. Specifically, the CPU 11
The test data of each address written in 13 is erased. Then, the process proceeds to S17. Note that the processing of S16 can prevent the test data remaining in the flash ROM 14 from being used by mistake other than the inspection processing.

In S17, the CPU 11 writes header data. Specifically, the CPU 11
Predetermined header data is written in the header area 140 of the flash ROM 14. Then, this flow ends.

In S18, the CPU 11 issues an error notification. Specifically, the CPU 11 displays information indicating that the flash ROM 14 is not mounted correctly on the operation panel 20. And
This flow ends.

Each processing unit is divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the printer 1. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the printer 1 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to this embodiment, the flash ROM
Can be inspected for mounting defects without using a dedicated device. Thereby, it is not necessary to develop a dedicated device such as a jig, and if an inspection program or firmware including an inspection program is developed, a mounting defect can be inspected. As a result, the cost can be reduced as compared with the development and manufacture of a dedicated device.

The above embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The present invention is not limited to a printer, and an image forming apparatus such as a scanner, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral,
It can also be applied to other electronic devices.

1: Printer, 10: Controller, 11: CPU, 12: ASIC, 13: Program ROM, 14: Flash ROM, 15: RAM, 16: Network I / F, 20
: Operation panel, 30: Print engine, 140: Header area, 141: Data area

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus for mounting a flash ROM on a substrate,
Header data determination means for determining presence or absence of header data indicating that inspection of defective mounting of the flash ROM to the substrate is completed, by accessing the flash ROM;
Test data writing means for writing predetermined test data to the flash ROM when the header data is not present;
Test data reading means for reading test data written in the flash ROM;
Test data determination means for determining whether or not the read test data is normal;
Header data writing means for writing the header data to the flash ROM when the read test data is normal,
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An error notification means for notifying an error when the read test data is not normal;
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
CFI information reading means for reading CFI information about the flash ROM from the flash ROM before writing the header data when the header data is not present;
CFI information determining means for determining whether or not the read CFI information is normal,
The error notification means notifies an error when the read CFI information is not normal.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The test data writing means writes the test data to all the addresses in which any one of the bit widths of the address of the flash ROM is 1.
The test data reading means reads the test data written in the flash ROM in the same procedure as the test data writing means,
The test data determination means determines whether the read test data is normal by determining whether the predetermined test data matches.
An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The processing of each means is executed in startup processing after power-on.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The flash ROM is a memory for storing data.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image forming apparatus is any one of a printer, a copier, and a multifunction machine,
The substrate is a controller substrate;
An image forming apparatus. A control method of an image forming apparatus for mounting a flash ROM on a substrate,
A header data determination step of determining the presence or absence of header data indicating that the inspection of the mounting failure of the flash ROM on the substrate is completed, by accessing the flash ROM;
A test data writing step of writing predetermined test data to the flash ROM when the header data is not present;
A test data read step for reading test data written in the flash ROM;
A test data determination step for determining whether or not the read test data is normal;
A header data writing step of writing the header data to the flash ROM when the read test data is normal,
A control method for an image forming apparatus.

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