JP2013250859A - Processing-device, update method of firmware, update program, recording medium, and firmware update system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a processing-device capable of more reliably recovering original firmware and setup information while preventing storage space of the processing-device from increasing.SOLUTION: A pre-update information transmission section 202 of an MFP 2 transmits pre-update firmware discrimination information and pre-update firmware setup information to a firmware provider server 4 before updating firmware. Before recovering the firmware, a pre-update information receiving section 203 receives the pre-transmitted pre-update firmware discrimination information from a server 4. A firmware receiving section 206 receives the pre-transmitted pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data from the server 4. A firmware update section 207 recovers the firmware back to the original, using the pre-update firmware discrimination information, the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data.

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing device, a firmware updating method, an update program, a recording medium, and a firmware updating system that perform firmware updating.

  A processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral has a function of acquiring firmware from a firmware providing server on a network and updating the firmware. In the case of a general firmware update, the setting information used in the firmware before the update can often be used as it is in the firmware after the update. That is, the setting information is compatible before and after the firmware update.

  However, for example, special firmware (hereinafter referred to as “special firmware”) may be used separately from normal firmware (hereinafter referred to as “normal firmware”). In this case, when the special firmware is acquired from the firmware providing server and the firmware is updated, the special firmware may not be able to use the setting information before the update (or only a part of it). That is, when using special firmware, the setting information may not be compatible before and after the firmware update.

  In addition, special firmware is often used only temporarily (for example, when using a specification different from normal for testing), and after using the special firmware for a certain period of time, before updating the firmware of the processing device There is a desire to return to normal firmware. In this case, the firmware data of the normal firmware (data of the firmware itself) can be acquired from the firmware providing server, but the setting information used in the normal firmware before the update cannot be restored. In order to restore the setting information used in the normal firmware before the update, it is necessary to back up the setting information before updating the firmware. Further, when returning to the normal firmware before update, it is necessary to back up the identification information (for example, version information) of the normal firmware before update. However, when setting information and firmware identification information are backed up in the processing device, it is necessary to secure a storage area for backup in the processing device.

  Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes that firmware setting information is uploaded to an external backup device and setting information is downloaded as necessary. Patent Document 2 describes uploading firmware identification information to an external management server when updating firmware.

JP 9-325904 A JP 2009-230399 A

  When restoring to the normal firmware before the update, the setting information of the firmware before the update and the identification information of the firmware need to correspond to each other. That is, it is necessary to prevent only one of the setting information and the firmware identification information from being rewritten. For example, when the firmware identification information is rewritten, the content of the firmware identification information does not correspond to the setting information, and the setting information may not be used. Here, the case where the setting information does not correspond means that the setting information cannot be used by the firmware data corresponding to the firmware identification information.

  For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not describe in detail a method for managing firmware identification information and setting information. Accordingly, only one of the firmware identification information and the setting information is rewritten, and the setting information cannot be used when returning to the firmware before the update, and there is a possibility that the firmware cannot be restored.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a processing device, a firmware update method, an update program, a recording medium, and firmware that can more reliably return to the original firmware and setting information while preventing an increase in storage capacity in the processing device. The purpose is to provide an update system.

  The processing apparatus of the present invention includes a pre-update information transmission unit, a pre-update information reception unit, a specific operation reception unit, a transmission request unit, a firmware reception unit, and a firmware update unit. The pre-update information transmission unit transmits pre-update firmware identification information indicating firmware identification information before update and pre-update firmware setting information indicating firmware setting information before update to the server before updating the firmware. . The pre-update information receiving unit receives the pre-update firmware identification information from the server when returning to the pre-update firmware after the firmware is updated. The specific operation accepting unit accepts an operation for identifying the firmware to be restored based on the pre-update firmware identification information received by the pre-update information receiving unit. The transmission request unit requests the server to transmit pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data corresponding to the pre-update firmware identification information of the firmware to be restored received by the specific operation reception unit. The firmware receiving unit receives the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data transmitted from the server. The firmware update unit updates the firmware based on the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data received by the firmware reception unit.

  The firmware update method of the present invention is a firmware update method performed in a processing device, and includes a pre-update information transmission step, a specific operation reception step, a transmission request step, a firmware reception step, and a firmware update step. Including. In the pre-update information transmission step, before updating the firmware, pre-update firmware identification information indicating the identification information of the firmware before update and pre-update firmware setting information indicating the setting information of the firmware before update are transmitted to the server. . In the pre-update information receiving step, after the firmware is updated, the pre-update firmware identification information is received from the server when returning to the pre-update firmware. In the specific operation receiving step, an operation for specifying the firmware to be restored is received based on the pre-update firmware identification information received in the pre-update information receiving step. In the transmission request step, the server is requested to transmit the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data corresponding to the firmware update pre-update firmware identification information received in the specific operation reception step. In the firmware reception step, the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data transmitted from the server are received. In the firmware update step, the firmware is updated based on the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data received in the firmware reception step.

  The update program of the present invention is an update program for operating a processing device so that firmware is updated. The processing device includes a pre-update information transmission unit, a pre-update information reception unit, a specific operation reception unit, and a transmission request unit. , And operate as a firmware receiving unit and a firmware updating unit. The pre-update information transmission unit transmits pre-update firmware identification information indicating firmware identification information before update and pre-update firmware setting information indicating firmware setting information before update to the server before updating the firmware. . The pre-update information receiving unit receives the pre-update firmware identification information from the server when returning to the pre-update firmware after the firmware is updated. The specific operation accepting unit accepts an operation for identifying the firmware to be restored based on the pre-update firmware identification information received by the pre-update information receiving unit. The transmission request unit requests the server to transmit pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data corresponding to the pre-update firmware identification information of the firmware to be restored received by the specific operation reception unit. The firmware receiving unit receives the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data transmitted from the server. The firmware update unit updates the firmware based on the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data received by the firmware reception unit.

  The firmware update system of the present invention includes a processing device and a server connected to each other via a network. The processing device includes a pre-update information transmission unit, a pre-update information reception unit, a specific operation reception unit, a transmission request unit, a firmware reception unit, and a firmware update unit. The pre-update information transmission unit transmits pre-update firmware identification information indicating firmware identification information before update and pre-update firmware setting information indicating firmware setting information before update to the server before updating the firmware. . The pre-update information receiving unit receives the pre-update firmware identification information from the server when returning to the pre-update firmware after the firmware is updated. The specific operation accepting unit accepts an operation for identifying the firmware to be restored based on the pre-update firmware identification information received by the pre-update information receiving unit. The transmission request unit requests the server to transmit pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data corresponding to the pre-update firmware identification information of the firmware to be restored received by the specific operation reception unit. The firmware receiving unit receives the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data transmitted from the server. The firmware update unit updates the firmware based on the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data received by the firmware reception unit. The server also includes an information storage unit, a firmware identification information transmission unit, and a firmware transmission unit. The information storage unit stores the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information transmitted by the pre-update information transmission unit in association with each other, and stores firmware data associated with the firmware identification information. The firmware identification information transmitting unit transmits the pre-update firmware identification information stored in the information storage unit to the processing device when returning to the firmware before the update after the firmware is updated in the processing device. Based on the request from the transmission request unit, the firmware transmission unit extracts the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data corresponding to the pre-update firmware identification information of the firmware to be restored from the information storage unit, and extracts the pre-update firmware setting Information and firmware data are transmitted to the processing device.

  According to these inventions, before the firmware is updated, the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information are transmitted from the processing device to the server. Can be stored in association with each other. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information from becoming incompatible with each other, and it is possible to return to the original firmware and setting information more reliably.

  In addition, the processing apparatus requests the server to transmit the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data corresponding to the pre-update firmware identification information of the firmware to be restored. As a result, the processing apparatus can receive the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data previously transmitted to the server together with the pre-update firmware identification information from the server. As described above, when updating the firmware, it is not necessary to store the pre-update firmware identification information, the pre-update firmware setting information, and the firmware data in the processing device. Can be prevented.

  In the above processing device, the pre-update information transmitting unit transmits the identification information of the processing device together with the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information to the server, and the pre-update information receiving unit stores the firmware before the update. When returning, it is preferable to transmit the identification information of the processing device to the server, and to receive the pre-update firmware identification information transmitted from the server after transmitting the identification information of the processing device to the server. In this case, the server can manage pre-update firmware identification information and pre-update firmware setting information for each processing device identification information.

  The processing apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying information, and the pre-update information receiving unit receives the date information when the firmware update instruction is issued together with the pre-update firmware identification information from the server, and specifies The operation receiving unit preferably displays date and time information together with the pre-update firmware identification information on the display unit, and receives an operation for specifying the firmware to be restored. For example, even if the identification information of the firmware before the update is the same, if the same firmware is updated multiple times, the firmware setting information may be different for each update. Even in such a case, the date and time information is displayed on the display unit together with the pre-update firmware identification information, and by accepting an operation for specifying the firmware to be restored, the firmware and setting information desired by the user can be more appropriately The state of the processing device can be returned to

  The above update program may be recorded on a recording medium. In this case, a recording medium on which the above update program is recorded can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to more reliably return to the original firmware and setting information while preventing an increase in storage capacity in the processing device.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of a firmware update process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of a touchscreen display. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process in the case of returning firmware. It is a figure which shows the recording medium with which the update program and the update program were stored.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a network system to which a processing device, a firmware update system, and a firmware update method according to the invention are applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same or an equivalent part, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Overall configuration of network system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a network system (firmware update system) 1 includes MFPs (Multi Function Peripheral) 2 and 3 as processing devices, a firmware providing server (server) 4, and a PC (Personal Computer) 5. Consists of including. The MFPs 2 and 3, the firmware providing server 4, and the PC 5 are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) 6 so that they can communicate with each other. As an example, the MFP 2, the MFP 3, and the PC 5 are installed in an office or the like, and the firmware providing server 4 is installed in a place other than the office.

  The MFPs 2 and 3 are multi-function devices having various functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a printer function. The firmware providing server 4 provides the MFPs 2 and 3 with firmware data (data of the firmware itself) and the like when the MFPs 2 and 3 update the firmware.

  The PC 5 is a terminal device used by a user such as an office employee. The PC 5 can acquire the image data read by the scan function in the MFPs 2 and 3 and the image data received by the facsimile function via the LAN 6. The PC 5 can print a document or the like by using the printer functions of the MFPs 2 and 3.

  Although FIG. 1 shows only two MFPs (MFP2 and MFP3) and one PC (PC5), the number of MFPs 2 and 3, and the number of PCs 5 is not limited to this.

  Hereinafter, details of a configuration for updating firmware in the MFPs 2 and 3 will be described. Here, the case where the firmware is updated includes the case where the normal firmware is updated to the special firmware, and the case where the special firmware is updated to the special firmware. The case of returning the firmware to the original includes the case of returning from the special firmware to the original normal firmware and the case of returning from the special firmware to the original special firmware. As the special firmware here, for example, firmware in which normal firmware is customized for a special user, firmware having a different destination (country, sales destination), and different specifications from the normal firmware can be cited. The special firmware is special different from the normal firmware, and the setting information is not compatible between the normal firmware and the special firmware and between the special firmware and the special firmware.

[MFP configuration]
The configuration of the MFPs 2 and 3 will be described in detail. MFPs 2 and 3 have the same configuration. Therefore, the illustration of the configuration of the MFP 3 is omitted in FIG. 1 and the detailed description of the configuration of the MFP 3 is omitted. In the following, details of the configuration will be described with the MFP 2 as a representative.

  The MFP 2 includes a control unit 20, an operation unit 21, a touch panel display (display unit) 22, a scanner unit 23, a printer unit 24, a facsimile unit 25, a LAN interface 26, and a storage unit 27. Composed.

  The operation unit 21 includes a hardware key or the like for inputting various instructions to the MFP 2. The touch panel display 22 displays information related to the MFP 2 and various operation menus. The user can perform various operations of the MFP 2 using the operation unit 21 and the touch panel display 22.

  The scanner unit 23 realizes a scanner function, and reads a document set on an auto document feeder (not shown) or a document set on a glass plate of a flat bed scanner (not shown). The printer unit 24 realizes a printer function, and prints FAX reception data received by the facsimile unit 25, document data input from the PC 5, and the like. The facsimile unit 25 implements a facsimile function, and performs facsimile communication via a public network (not shown).

  The LAN interface 26 transmits and receives data between the firmware providing server 4 and the PC 5 connected via the LAN 6 by using a protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol).

  The storage unit 27 stores firmware identification information for identifying firmware currently used by the MFP 2, firmware data, firmware setting information indicating current setting information of firmware, identification information of the MFP 2, and the like. Here, version information is used as firmware identification information. The firmware setting information is setting information used when executing firmware, and is information set by the user after firmware installation. The firmware setting information includes setting information for the entire apparatus (common to users) for operating the MFP 2 and setting information for each user having different contents for each user. As the setting information of the entire apparatus, for example, the IP address or sound setting of the MFP 2 can be cited. Further, the setting information for each user can include, for example, a destination table, user information of an MFP user, or copy settings.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and performs firmware update processing and the like. The control unit 20 includes a firmware list request unit 200, a special firmware information reception unit 201, a pre-update information transmission unit 202, a pre-update information reception unit 203, a specific operation reception unit 204, a transmission request unit 205, a firmware A receiving unit 206 and a firmware updating unit 207 are included.

  First, the function of each unit of the control unit 20 when firmware is updated will be described. The firmware list requesting unit 200 requests the firmware providing server 4 to transmit a list of special firmware information when a firmware update instruction is issued by the user.

  The special firmware information receiving unit 201 receives a list of special firmware information transmitted from the firmware providing server 4 in response to a transmission request from the firmware list requesting unit 200. This special firmware information includes one or more pieces of special firmware identification information.

  The pre-update information transmitting unit 202 refers to the storage unit 27 and transmits the current firmware identification information to the firmware providing server 4 as the pre-update firmware identification information, and the firmware as the pre-update firmware setting information. To the providing server 4.

  The pre-update information transmitting unit 202 also transmits the firmware date and time information when the user issues a firmware update instruction when transmitting the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information to the firmware providing server 4. To the providing server 4. In the present embodiment, the pre-update information transmitting unit 202 transmits the date / time information to the firmware providing server 4, but the pre-update information transmitting unit 202 does not transmit the date / time information, and the firmware providing server 4 side Date / time information (for example, information related to the date / time when the firmware providing server 4 receives pre-update firmware setting information) may be added.

  Further, when transmitting the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information to the firmware providing server 4, the pre-update information transmitting unit 202 refers to the storage unit 27 and also includes the identification information of the MFP 2 together with the firmware providing server 4. Send to.

  The specific operation receiving unit 204 receives a selection operation by the user for specifying the special firmware to be updated based on the list of special firmware information received by the special firmware information receiving unit 201. Specifically, the specific operation reception unit 204 displays a list of special firmware information, that is, a list of special firmware identification information on the display screen of the touch panel display 22 (see FIG. 3C described later), and the user The selection operation of the special firmware to be updated is performed. The selection operation by the user can be performed through the touch panel display 22 or the operation unit 21.

  The transmission request unit 205 requests the firmware providing server 4 to transmit the firmware data of the special firmware to be updated received by the specific operation receiving unit 204.

  The firmware receiving unit 206 receives the firmware data of the special firmware to be updated transmitted from the firmware providing server 4.

  The firmware update unit 207 performs firmware update processing of the MFP 2 using the firmware data of the special firmware to be updated received by the firmware reception unit 206.

  Next, the function of each unit of the control unit 20 when restoring the firmware will be described. The firmware list request unit 200 requests the firmware providing server 4 to transmit a list of previously used firmware information when the user gives an instruction to return to the original firmware after updating to the special firmware. .

  The firmware list requesting unit 200 refers to the storage unit 27 and transmits the identification information of the MFP 2 to the firmware providing server 4 when making a transmission request for a list of firmware information used previously.

  The pre-update information receiving unit 203 receives a list of previously used firmware information transmitted in response to a transmission request from the firmware list request unit 200. The previously used firmware information includes one or more pieces of pre-update firmware identification information and date / time information transmitted by the pre-update information transmission unit 202 in the process of updating the firmware.

  The specific operation accepting unit 204 accepts a selection operation by the user for identifying the firmware to be restored based on the list of firmware information used previously received by the pre-update information receiving unit 203. Specifically, the specific operation receiving unit 204 displays the firmware identification information before update and date / time information on the display screen of the touch panel display 22 (see FIG. 3D described later), and the firmware to be restored by the user is restored. Accept selection operation. The selection operation by the user can be performed through the touch panel display 22 or the operation unit 21.

  The transmission request unit 205 requests the firmware providing server 4 to transmit the firmware setting information before update corresponding to the original firmware identification information received by the specific operation receiving unit 204 and the firmware data.

  The firmware receiving unit 206 receives the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data corresponding to the identification information of the firmware to be restored transmitted from the firmware providing server 4.

  The firmware update unit 207 performs firmware update processing and setting information update processing of the MFP 2 using the firmware data received by the firmware reception unit 206 and the pre-update firmware setting information.

[Configuration of firmware providing server]
The configuration of the firmware providing server 4 will be described in detail. The firmware providing server 4 includes a control unit 40, a storage unit (pre-update information storage unit) 41, and a LAN interface 42.

  The storage unit 41 stores pre-update firmware identification information, pre-update firmware setting information, date and time information, and MFP 2 identification information transmitted together from the MFP 2 in a state of being associated with each other. The storage unit 41 stores the firmware data of the normal firmware and the firmware data of the special firmware in a state associated with the identification information of each firmware.

  The LAN interface 42 transmits / receives data to / from the MFPs 2 and 3 connected via the LAN 6 using a protocol such as TCP / IP.

  The control unit 40 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like, and performs processing for providing firmware data and the like when the MFPs 2 and 3 perform firmware update processing. The control unit 40 includes a firmware list transmission unit (firmware identification information transmission unit) 400, a pre-update information reception unit 401, and a firmware transmission unit 402.

  First, the function of each unit of the control unit 40 when the MFPs 2 and 3 update firmware will be described. Here, a case where the MFP 2 updates the firmware will be described. The case where the MFP 3 updates the firmware is the same as the case where the MFP 2 updates the firmware.

  The firmware list transmission unit 400 refers to the storage unit 41 when the transmission request for the list of special firmware information is received from the firmware list request unit 200 of the MFP 2, and stores one or more special firmware stored in the storage unit 41. The identification information is transmitted to the MFP 2.

  When the pre-update information transmission unit 202 of the MFP 2 transmits the pre-update firmware identification information, the pre-update firmware setting information, the date / time information, and the identification information of the MFP 2 together, the pre-update information receiving unit 401 Are stored in the storage unit 41 in association with each other.

  The firmware transmission unit 402 extracts the firmware data of the special firmware to be updated requested from the transmission request unit 205 of the MFP 2 from the storage unit 41, and transmits the extracted firmware data to the MFP 2.

  Next, functions of each unit of the control unit 40 when the MFP 2 and the MFP 3 return the firmware to the original will be described. Here, a case where the MFP 2 returns the firmware to the original will be described. The case where the MFP 3 restores the firmware is the same as the case where the MFP 2 restores the firmware.

  The firmware list transmission unit 400 refers to the storage unit 41 when the firmware list request unit 200 of the MFP 2 requests transmission of a list of firmware information that has been used before, and associates them with each other in the storage unit 41. The stored pre-update firmware identification information and date / time information are extracted, and the extracted information is transmitted to the MFP 2. Note that the identification information of the MFP 2 is associated with the pre-update firmware identification information and date / time information stored in the storage unit 41. Therefore, the firmware list transmission unit 400 can extract each piece of information associated with the identification information of the MFP 2 that has requested the transmission of the firmware information list from the information stored in the storage unit 41.

  Here, when the firmware of the MFP 2 has been updated a plurality of times, the storage unit 41 stores information in which pre-update firmware identification information, date and time information, and the like are associated with each update. Firmware list transmission unit 400 extracts a plurality of pre-update firmware identification information and date / time information associated with each other, and transmits them to MFP 2. The plurality of pieces of extracted information includes pre-update firmware identification information and date / time information for the normal firmware, and pre-update firmware identification information and date / time information for the special firmware.

  The firmware transmission unit 402 extracts the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data requested from the storage unit 41 when the specific operation reception unit 204 of the MFP 2 requests transmission of the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data. The extracted information is transmitted to the MFP 2.

[Flow of firmware update process]
Next, a process flow of each unit when the MFP 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 performs firmware update will be described. Here, the MFP 2 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the MFP 2 when the MFP 3 performs a firmware update process. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of firmware update processing. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D are diagrams showing display screen examples of the touch panel display 22.

  In the state before the firmware update (current state), it is assumed that the MFP 2 uses normal firmware. The firmware update process is started when a user who uses the MFP 2 (or an operator who performs maintenance of the MFP 2 or the like) instructs the MFP 2 to update from the normal firmware to the special firmware.

  For example, when the image shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel display 22, the user selects the button B11 for instructing the start of processing related to the update of the special firmware. Then, the user selects the button B21 for instructing the start of the update process to the new special firmware from the screen displayed next (the display screen shown in FIG. 3B). The selection of this button is performed, for example, by operating the operation unit 21 or the touch panel display 22 of the MFP 2. Hereinafter, even when another button displayed on the display screen of the touch panel display 22 is selected, it is assumed that the operation unit 21 of the MFP 2 or the touch panel display 22 is operated.

  An update instruction from the user is accepted by the operation unit 21 or the touch panel display 22 of the MFP 2 (step S101). When the update instruction is accepted, the firmware list request unit 200 of the MFP 2 requests the firmware providing server 4 to transmit a list of special firmware information (step S102).

  In response to a transmission request from the MFP 2, the firmware list transmission unit 400 of the firmware providing server 4 transmits the identification information of one or more special firmware stored in the storage unit 41 to the MFP 2 (step S103). Then, the special firmware information receiving unit 201 of the MFP 2 receives a list of special firmware information transmitted from the MFP 2.

  Next, the specific operation reception unit 204 of the MFP 2 displays the identification information of the special firmware included in the special firmware information received by the special firmware information reception unit 201 on the display screen of the touch panel display 22 (FIG. 3C). (See), the selection operation of the special firmware to be updated performed by the user is accepted (step S104). In the example of the display screen shown in FIG. 3C, a button B31 for updating the firmware to the special firmware whose identification information is “Ver. B” and the firmware are updated to the special firmware whose identification information is “Ver. C”. Button B32 for displaying. The user selects the special firmware to be updated based on the identification information of the special firmware displayed on the display screen of the touch panel display 22.

  When the specific operation accepting unit 204 accepts an operation for selecting the special firmware to be updated, the pre-update information transmitting unit 202 of the MFP 2 identifies the pre-update firmware identification information, the pre-update firmware setting information, the date / time information, and the MFP 2 identification. The information is also sent to the firmware providing server 4 (step S105: pre-update information sending step).

  The pre-update information receiving unit 401 of the MFP 2 stores the pre-update firmware identification information, the pre-update firmware setting information, the date / time information, and the identification information of the MFP 2 that are transmitted together from the MFP 2 in association with each other in the storage unit 41. (Step S106).

  Then, the transmission request unit 205 of the MFP 2 sends the firmware providing server 4 a transmission request for firmware data of the special firmware to be updated, which is received by the specific operation receiving unit 204 (step S107). The firmware transmission unit 402 of the firmware providing server 4 transmits the firmware data of the special firmware to be updated to the MFP 2 in response to the request from the MFP 2 (Step S108).

  When the firmware receiving unit 206 of the MFP 2 receives the firmware data of the special firmware to be updated transmitted from the firmware providing server 4, the firmware updating unit 207 uses the received firmware data of the special firmware to be updated. Then, the firmware update process of the MFP 2 is performed.

  Through the above processing, the firmware of the MFP 2 is updated from the normal firmware to the special firmware. Further, before the firmware update, the pre-update firmware identification information, the pre-update firmware setting information, the date / time information, and the MFP 2 identification information are transmitted from the MFP 2 to the firmware providing server 4. Accordingly, the firmware providing server 4 can store the pre-update firmware identification information, the pre-update firmware setting information, the date information, and the MFP 2 identification information in association with each other.

  In the above, the case of updating the firmware from the normal firmware to the special firmware has been described. However, even when the firmware is updated from the special firmware to another type of special firmware, the same process as described above is performed. Can do. In this case, in step S105 in FIG. 2, the identification information of the special firmware before the update, the setting information of the special firmware before the update, the date / time information, and the identification information of the MFP 2 are transmitted from the MFP 2 to the firmware providing server 4. . In step S106 of FIG. 2, the identification information of the special firmware before the update, the setting information of the special firmware before the update, the date / time information, and the identification information of the MFP 2 are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 41. . As described above, even if the firmware before the update is either the normal firmware or the special firmware, the identification information and the setting information of the firmware before the update can be stored in the storage unit 41 of the firmware providing server 4.

[Flow of processing to restore firmware]
Next, the processing flow of each unit when the MFP 2 shown in FIG. 1 restores the firmware will be described. Here, a case where the firmware of the MFP 2 is restored will be described as an example, but the same applies to the case where the MFP 3 restores the firmware. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of processing when restoring firmware.

  It is assumed that the MFP 2 is using special firmware in a state before the firmware is restored (current state). When restoring the firmware, the firmware may be returned from the special firmware to the normal firmware, or the firmware may be returned from the special firmware to the special firmware.

  The process of restoring the firmware is started when an instruction to restore the firmware (restore instruction) is issued to the MFP 2 by a user who uses the MFP 2 (or an operator who performs maintenance of the MFP 2 or the like).

  For example, when the image shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel display 22, the user selects the button B11 for instructing the start of processing related to the update of the special firmware. Then, the user selects a button B22 for instructing the start of the process of returning to the firmware before update (old firmware) from the next screen (display screen shown in FIG. 3B).

  The operation unit 21 of the MFP 2 or the touch panel display 22 receives an instruction to restore the firmware by the user (step S201). When the instruction to restore the firmware is accepted, the firmware list requesting unit 200 of the MFP 2 sends a request for transmitting a list of firmware information used previously to the firmware providing server 4 (step S202).

  In response to a transmission request from the MFP 2, the firmware list transmission unit 400 of the firmware providing server 4 extracts one or more pre-update firmware identification information and date / time information stored in association with each other in the storage unit 41, The extracted information is transmitted to the MFP 2 (step S203). The pre-update information receiving unit 203 of the MFP 2 receives a list of previously used firmware information transmitted from the MFP 2 (step S204: pre-update information receiving step).

  Next, the specific operation accepting unit 204 of the MFP 2 displays the pre-update firmware identification information and date / time information included in the previously used firmware information received by the pre-update information receiving unit 203 on the display screen of the touch panel display 22. (Refer to FIG. 3D), and the selection operation of the firmware to be restored performed by the user is received (step S205: specific operation reception step).

  In the display screen example shown in FIG. 3D, buttons B41, B42, B43 and B44 for selecting the firmware to be restored are displayed. The button B41 is used to select normal firmware whose identification information is “Ver.1.0” and date information is 01/01 / 20XX as firmware to be restored. The button B42 is used to select normal firmware whose identification information is “Ver.1.0” and date / time information is January 10, 20XX as firmware to be restored. The button B43 is used to select normal firmware whose identification information is “Ver.1.1” and date information is January 15, 20XX as firmware to be restored. The button B44 is used to select the special firmware whose identification information is “Ver. A” and date information is January 17, 20XX as firmware to be restored.

  Thus, a plurality of buttons for selecting the firmware to be restored are displayed on the display screen of the touch panel display 22. These buttons include a button for selecting firmware with the same identification information but different date and time information for which an update instruction has been issued, a button for selecting normal firmware, and a button for selecting special firmware Includes buttons. As a result, the user can select a desired state from a plurality of past time points as the firmware and setting information of the MFP 2 to be restored.

  When the specific operation accepting unit 204 accepts the firmware to be restored, the transmission request unit 205 of the MFP 2 sends a firmware data transmission request corresponding to the identification information of the firmware to be restored accepted by the specific operation accepting unit 204. The process is performed on the firmware providing server 4 (step S206: transmission request step). The firmware transmission unit 402 of the firmware providing server 4 transmits firmware data to the MFP 2 in response to a request from the MFP 2 (step S207). The firmware receiving unit 206 of the MFP 2 receives the transmitted firmware data (step S208: firmware receiving step).

  Also, the transmission request unit 205 of the MFP 2 sends a request for transmitting firmware setting information corresponding to the original firmware identification information received by the specific operation receiving unit 204 to the firmware providing server 4 (step S209: transmission request). Step). The firmware transmission unit 402 of the firmware providing server 4 transmits firmware setting information to the MFP 2 in response to a request from the MFP 2 (step S210). The firmware receiving unit 206 of the MFP 2 receives the transmitted firmware setting information (step S211: firmware receiving step).

  Then, the firmware update unit 207 of the MFP 2 updates the firmware of the MFP 2 using the received firmware data (step S212: firmware update step), and further updates the setting information (step S213: firmware update step).

  With the above processing, the firmware and setting information are restored to the original state regardless of whether the setting information is incompatible and the special firmware is updated to the normal firmware or the special firmware to the special firmware. Can do.

  The present embodiment is configured as described above, and before updating firmware, the MFPs 2 and 3 transmit firmware identification information before updating and firmware setting information before updating to the firmware providing server 4. As a result, the firmware providing server 4 can store the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information in association with each other. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information from being incompatible with each other, and it is possible to return to the original firmware and setting information more reliably.

  Further, the MFPs 2 and 3 request the firmware providing server 4 to transmit the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data corresponding to the pre-update firmware identification information of the firmware to be restored. As a result, the MFPs 2 and 3 can receive the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data transmitted from the firmware providing server 4 together with the pre-update firmware identification information in advance. As described above, since it is not necessary to store the pre-update firmware identification information, the pre-update firmware setting information, and the firmware data in the MFPs 2 and 3 when updating the firmware, the storage capacity of the MFPs 2 and 3 is increased. Can be prevented.

  The pre-update information transmission unit 202 of the MFPs 2 and 3 transmits its own MFP identification information to the server together with the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information. As a result, the firmware providing server 4 can manage the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information for each identification information of the processing devices 2 and 3.

  In the process of restoring the firmware, the specific operation receiving unit 204 also displays the date / time information when displaying the identification information of the firmware to be restored. For example, even if the identification information of the firmware before the update is the same, if the same firmware is updated multiple times, the firmware setting information may be different for each update. Even in such a case, the date and time information is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel display 22 together with the firmware identification information before the update, and an operation for specifying the firmware to be restored is accepted, so that the user can more appropriately The state of the MFPs 2 and 3 can be returned to the desired firmware and setting information.

  Next, an update program for causing the MFPs 2 and 3 to execute firmware update processing and firmware restoration processing will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an update program and a recording medium in which the update program is stored. As shown in FIG. 5, the update program 120 is stored in the storage devices of the MFPs 2 and 3 and accessed, or stored in the program storage area 110 formed in the recording medium 100 that can be read by the MFPs 2 and 3. Accessed.

  The update program 120 includes a pre-update information transmission module 121, a pre-update information reception module 122, a specific operation reception module 123, a transmission request module 124, a firmware reception module 125, and a firmware update module 126. The

  The functions realized by executing the pre-update information transmission module 121 are the same as the functions of the pre-update information transmission unit 202 of the MFPs 2 and 3 described above. The function realized by executing the pre-update information receiving module 122 is the same as the function of the pre-update information receiving unit 203 of the MFPs 2 and 3 described above. The functions realized by executing the specific operation receiving module 123 are the same as the functions of the specific operation receiving unit 204 of the MFPs 2 and 3 described above. The function realized by executing the transmission request module 124 is the same as the function of the transmission request unit 205 of the MFP 2 and 3 described above. The functions realized by executing the firmware receiving module 125 are the same as the functions of the firmware receiving unit 206 of the MFPs 2 and 3 described above. The functions realized by executing the firmware update module 126 are the same as the functions of the firmware update unit 207 of the MFPs 2 and 3 described above.

  A part or all of the update program 120 may be transmitted via a transmission medium such as a communication line, received by the MFPs 2 and 3, and recorded (including installation).

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the configuration in which the functional units of the MFP 2 are collectively arranged as one unit has been described. For example, the control unit 20 of the MFP 2 and the operation unit 21 other than the control unit 20 are provided. It is good also as a unit separate from the unit containing. In this case, a configuration in which a unit including the control unit 20 and a unit including the operation unit 21 other than the control unit 20 are connected via the LAN 6 may be employed.

  Further, the case of updating the firmware of the MFPs 2 and 3 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the MFPs 2 and 3 and the present invention can be applied even when the firmware of another processing apparatus is updated. it can.

  In the embodiment, the firmware types are described as normal firmware and special firmware. However, only one type of firmware may be used.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network system (firmware update system), 2, 3 ... MFP (processing apparatus), 4 ... Firmware provision server (server), 41 ... Storage part (pre-update information storage part), 202 ... Pre-update information transmission part, 203 ... pre-update information reception unit, 204 ... specific operation reception unit, 205 ... transmission request unit, 206 ... firmware reception unit, 207 ... firmware update unit, 400 ... firmware list transmission unit (firmware identification information transmission unit), 402 ... firmware transmission Department.

Claims (7)

A pre-update firmware identification information indicating the identification information of the firmware before the update, and a pre-update firmware setting information indicating the setting information of the firmware before the update, to the server before the firmware update; ,
After updating the firmware, when returning to the firmware before the update, the pre-update information receiving unit that receives the pre-update firmware identification information from the server;
Based on the pre-update firmware identification information received by the pre-update information receiving unit, a specific operation receiving unit that receives an operation for specifying the firmware to be restored,
A transmission request unit that requests the server to transmit the firmware setting information before update corresponding to the firmware identification information before update of firmware to be restored received by the specific operation receiving unit, and firmware data;
A firmware receiver that receives the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data transmitted from the server;
A firmware update unit for updating the firmware based on the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data received by the firmware reception unit;
A processing apparatus comprising: The pre-update information transmission unit transmits the identification information of the processing device to the server together with the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information,
The pre-update information receiving unit transmits the processing device identification information to the server and returns the processing device identification information to the server after returning to the pre-update firmware. Receiving the pre-update firmware identification information;
The processing apparatus according to claim 1. A display unit for displaying information;
The pre-update information receiving unit receives date and time information from the server when a firmware update instruction is issued together with the pre-update firmware identification information,
The specific operation receiving unit displays the date and time information together with the pre-update firmware identification information on the display unit, and receives an operation for specifying the firmware to be restored.
The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A firmware update method performed in a processing device,
A pre-update information sending step for sending firmware pre-update identification information indicating firmware identification information before update and pre-update firmware setting information showing setting information of the firmware before update to the server before updating the firmware; ,
A pre-update information receiving step for receiving the pre-update firmware identification information from the server when returning to the pre-update firmware after the firmware is updated;
Based on the pre-update firmware identification information received in the pre-update information reception step, a specific operation reception step for receiving an operation for specifying the firmware to be restored;
A transmission request step for requesting the server to transmit the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data corresponding to the pre-update firmware identification information of the original firmware received in the specific operation reception step;
A firmware receiving step for receiving the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data transmitted from the server;
A firmware update step for updating firmware based on the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data received in the firmware reception step;
Firmware update method including An update program for operating a processing device so that firmware is updated,
Before updating the firmware, before-updating firmware identification information indicating the identification information of the firmware before updating, and before-update firmware setting information indicating the setting information of the firmware before updating, to the server before updating information transmission unit,
A pre-update information receiving unit that receives the pre-update firmware identification information from the server when the firmware is updated and then returned to the pre-update firmware.
Based on the pre-update firmware identification information received by the pre-update information receiving unit, a specific operation receiving unit that receives an operation for specifying the firmware to be restored,
A transmission request unit for requesting the server to transmit the pre-update firmware setting information and firmware data corresponding to the pre-update firmware identification information of the firmware to be restored received by the specific operation reception unit;
A firmware receiving unit for receiving the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data transmitted from the server; and
A firmware update unit for updating the firmware based on the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data received by the firmware reception unit;
An update program for operating the processing device as   A recording medium on which the update program according to claim 5 is recorded. A firmware update system comprising a processing device and a server connected to each other via a network,
The processor is
A pre-update firmware identification information indicating the identification information of the firmware before the update, and a pre-update firmware setting information indicating the setting information of the firmware before the update, to the server before the firmware update; ,
After updating the firmware, when returning to the firmware before the update, the pre-update information receiving unit that receives the pre-update firmware identification information from the server;
Based on the pre-update firmware identification information received by the pre-update information receiving unit, a specific operation receiving unit that receives an operation for specifying the firmware to be restored,
A transmission request unit that requests the server to transmit the firmware setting information before update corresponding to the firmware identification information before update of firmware to be restored received by the specific operation receiving unit, and firmware data;
A firmware receiver that receives the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data transmitted from the server;
A firmware update unit for updating the firmware based on the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data received by the firmware reception unit;
With
The server
An information storage unit for storing the pre-update firmware identification information and the pre-update firmware setting information transmitted by the pre-update information transmission unit in association with each other, and storing firmware data associated with the firmware identification information; ,
A firmware identification information transmission unit that transmits the pre-update firmware identification information stored in the information storage unit to the processing device when the firmware is updated in the processing device and then returned to the firmware before the update;
Based on the request from the transmission request unit, the pre-update firmware setting information and the firmware data corresponding to the pre-update firmware identification information of the firmware to be restored are extracted from the information storage unit, and the extracted pre-update firmware A firmware transmission unit for transmitting setting information and the firmware data to the processing device;
Comprising
Firmware update system.

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