JP2014232424A - Image forming apparatus, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus allowing an option unit to be mounted thereon, configured to enable flexible response when the unit is mounted, a control method thereof and a program.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 acquires a version of an option unit program stored in a storage part of a unit, prompts a user to select whether to update the option unit program to an option unit program adapted to a control program of the image forming apparatus when an adapted version, which is a version of the option unit program to be adapted to the control program of the image forming apparatus, is newer than the acquired version, updates the option unit program stored in the storage part to the option unit program adapted to the control program of the image forming apparatus when the user selects to update the option unit program stored in the storage part.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method therefor, and a program.

  Generally, an image forming apparatus can be equipped with a unit that realizes various functions as an option. In this case, a CPU of a controller unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus and a CPU of a unit that individually controls optional functions such as FAX and finishing functions are provided.

  The unit CPU operates based on a program corresponding to each function stored in a storage device such as a ROM, thereby realizing each function such as FAX and finishing function.

  If a unit is to be used, it is necessary for the service person to install the unit and update the program of the combination unit that matches the version of the control program of the main body.

  In recent years, the number of image forming apparatuses connected to a program distribution server via a network has increased, but there are many offline use environments due to use environment and security problems.

  To easily prevent problems caused by program version mismatch between the controller unit and unit, download the latest firmware of the main unit to the cradle side of the camera in advance, and the camera program version when the camera is connected A method has been proposed in which the program is automatically updated when the date is old (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-008864 A

  However, in a system in which a plurality of devices such as an image forming apparatus operate in cooperation with each other, when a unit program that is pre-installed in a controller unit is automatically updated when the unit is connected, the unit program is not intended. There is a case where the version is down.

  As in Patent Document 1, the method of updating the program of the camera attached to the cradle when the version is old can prevent the unit program from being downgraded. It cannot be rewritten.

  For this reason, the degree of freedom of selection by the user is lowered, and there may be a case where the latest program on the main system side is acquired and the version upgrade is not necessary.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be mounted with an optional unit, an image forming apparatus that can be flexibly handled when the unit is mounted, a control method therefor, and a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a unit that realizes a predetermined function by operating according to an option unit program stored in a storage unit. An acquisition unit that acquires a version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit of the unit, and a compatible version that is a version of the option unit program compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus is the acquisition An option unit that matches the option unit program stored in the storage unit with the control program of the image forming apparatus when the version is newer than the version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit acquired by the means. Update the program for A selection unit that allows the user to select whether or not the storage unit can be selected, and when the selection unit selects that the user may update the option unit program stored in the storage unit, the storage unit stores the option unit program. And updating means for updating the option unit program to an option unit program compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when an optional unit is installed and the downgrading is necessary because the optional unit program does not match the control program of the image forming apparatus, the user may update the optional unit program. Since the user can select whether or not the version is automatically downgraded, the image forming apparatus in which the optional unit can be mounted can flexibly cope with the mounting of the unit.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the software structure of the control part in FIG. It is a figure which shows the upgrade confirmation screen displayed on the operation part in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the update process performed by CPU in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the modification of the update process performed by CPU in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, an operation unit 130, a printer unit 140, a finisher unit 170, a scanner unit 150, and a FAX unit 160.

  The control unit 110 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. Details of the control unit 110 will be described later. The operation unit 130 includes a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like, and receives a user instruction.

  The printer unit 140 includes a CPU 141, a ROM 142, and the like. The CPU 141 prints an image on recording paper based on image data according to a program stored in the ROM 142. The ROM 142 stores a printer unit program 221.

  The finisher unit 170 includes a CPU 171 and a ROM 172. The CPU 171 performs, for example, a stapling process, a punching process (punching process), and a medium on a recording sheet on which an image is printed by the printer unit 140 according to a program stored in the ROM 172. Post-processing such as binding and binding is performed. The ROM 172 stores a finisher unit program 222.

  The scanner unit 150 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152, and the like. The CPU 151 reads an image of an original as image data using a line sensor configured by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like according to a program stored in the ROM 152. The ROM 152 stores a scanner unit program 223.

  The FAX unit 160 includes a CPU 161, a ROM 162, and the like. The CPU 161 performs FAX transmission via the FAX line 185 based on image data transferred according to a program stored in the ROM 162. Further, the FAX unit 160 generates image data based on data received via the FAX line 185. The ROM 162 stores a FAX unit program 224.

  The above-described scanner unit 150, FAX unit 160, and finisher unit 170 can be attached and detached depending on the application. There are cases where it is attached as an additional option later, or is replaced due to a failure or the like.

  In the following description, the printer unit program 221, the finisher unit program 222, the scanner unit program 223, and the FAX unit program 224 are collectively expressed as an option unit program. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates in accordance with the option unit program stored in the storage unit that is a ROM, so that predetermined functions such as a printer, a finisher, a scanner, and a FAX are determined. The unit that realizes can be installed.

  Next, details of the control unit 110 will be described. The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, ROM 112, RAM 113, HDD 114, image analysis board 115, operation unit interface 116, printer interface 117, scanner interface 118, USB-Host interface 119, and network interface 120.

  The CPU 111 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 by reading the program for the control unit 110 stored in the ROM 112 into the RAM 113 and executing it. The ROM 112 also stores device information such as a license, device configuration information, and software version.

  The HDD 114 stores image data output to the printer unit 140, image data read by the scanner unit 150, image data received from the PC 182 via the network interface 120, and the like.

  The image analysis board 115 is hardware for analyzing the image data read by the scanner unit 150 and reading the copy prohibition information and the like to transmit an instruction to the CPU 111 about whether or not to output to the printer unit 140. .

  The operation unit interface 116 is an interface for transmitting an instruction input by the user of the image forming apparatus 100 via the operation unit 130 to the CPU 111. In addition, the operation unit interface 116 receives processing content for switching the content displayed on the operation unit 130 from the CPU 111 and transmits the processing content to the operation unit 130.

  The printer interface 117 is an interface for connecting the control unit 110 and the printer unit 140.

  The scanner interface 118 is an interface for connecting the control unit 110 and the scanner unit 150. The scanner unit 150 transfers the read image data to the HDD 114 via the scanner interface 118. The printer unit 140 prints the image data transferred to the HDD 114, so that the copying process can be performed.

  The USB-Host interface 119 is an interface for connecting the control unit 110 and the FAX unit 160. The USB-Host interface 119 can also be connected to an external USB device 184. Examples of the external USB device 184 include a USB memory and a USB keyboard.

  The network interface 120 connects the control unit 110 to the LAN 181 and communicates with the PC 182 and the server device 183. The PC 182 can transmit image data to the image forming apparatus 100 and can operate the image forming apparatus 100 using a WEB browser.

  The image forming apparatus 100 can download an update file necessary for the program update from the server apparatus 183. Protocols used for downloading the update file here include HTTP and FTP.

  Of the programs of the image forming apparatus 100, the latest program that needs to be upgraded is always uploaded to the server apparatus 183, and the latest program can be acquired by making an inquiry from the image forming apparatus 100. . However, depending on the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 100, there is a case where the server apparatus 183 is not connected.

  When the scanner unit 150, the FAX unit 160, and the finisher unit 170 described above are newly attached by addition or replacement, there is a possibility that the combination of option unit programs may not be a guaranteed combination.

  Therefore, the option unit program must be updated when each unit is installed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the control unit 110 in FIG.

  Note that each software shown in FIG. 2 is shown in a state stored in the ROM 112, and these are expressed as the main system 210.

  The main system 210 includes an operation unit control unit 211, a printer control unit 212, a scanner control unit 213, a USB control unit 214, an application control unit 215, a version comparison unit 216, a program update processing unit 217, a version down selection screen notification unit 218, An operation selection screen notification unit 219 and an option unit program storage unit 220 are included.

  Among these, the operation unit control unit 211 is a program for controlling the operation unit 130 via the operation unit interface 116.

  The printer control unit 212 is a program for controlling the printer unit 140 via the printer interface 117.

  The scanner control unit 213 is a program for controlling the scanner unit 150 via the scanner interface 118.

  The USB control unit 214 is also a program for controlling the USB device ahead through the USB-Host interface 119.

  The application control unit 215 is a program group for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 100. The application control unit 215 includes an httpd (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Deamon), an lpd (Line Printer Deamon), a Wed browser function, a device information distribution function, and the like.

  The version comparison unit 216 performs a comparison process between the option unit program and the version of the option unit program stored in the option unit program storage unit 220.

  The program update processing unit 217 stores the program stored in the ROM 112, 142, 152, 162, 172 when it is determined that the program needs to be updated based on the result of version comparison by the version comparison unit 216 or user selection. Perform update processing.

  The version down selection screen notification unit 218 notifies the operation unit control unit 211 of the display of the upgrade confirmation screen when it is determined that the unit side program is old as a result of the version comparison by the version comparison unit 216, and the operation unit The selection result is received from 130.

  Among the programs described above, the operation unit control unit 211, the printer control unit 212, the scanner control unit 213, the USB control unit 214, and the application control unit 215 are control programs for the image forming apparatus 100.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an upgrade confirmation screen 400 displayed on the operation unit 130 in FIG.

  In FIG. 3A, the upgrade confirmation screen 400 displays that an upgrade is to be included, and an OK button 401 and a cancel button 402 are displayed. The user presses the OK button 401 when the upgrade or down is permitted, and presses the cancel button 402 otherwise.

  When the selection result received by the version down selection screen notification unit 218 is that the cancel button 402 is pressed, the version of the option unit program may not be compatible.

  At this time, the operation selection screen notifying unit 219 notifies the operation unit control unit 211 of the display of the upgrade confirmation screen including a warning that the program needs to be upgraded because the version is not compatible. Receive selection results from.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an upgrade confirmation screen 500 including a warning displayed on the operation unit 130 in FIG.

  In FIG. 3B, the upgrade confirmation screen 500 displays that the version is not compatible, and an OK button 501 and a cancel button 502 are displayed. The user presses the OK button 501 if the user continues to use the device as it is, and presses the cancel button 502 otherwise.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the option unit program storage unit 220 stores an option unit program in advance.

  This combination of option unit programs guarantees the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 can perform an optimum operation as a whole by using these combinations.

  A combination of versions for which operation is guaranteed at the time of factory shipment of the image forming apparatus 100 is stored in the option unit program storage unit 220.

  When the program update process is executed by the user, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the latest option unit program from the server apparatus 183 together with the latest program of the main system 210.

  At this time, an option unit program that is not actually connected is also acquired. By doing so, the latest program can be supported even if additional units are connected later.

  The acquired latest option unit program is stored in the option unit program storage unit 220.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the update process executed by the CPU 111 in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on (step S301), it is determined whether an option unit program is stored in the option unit program storage unit 220 (step S302).

  As a result of the determination in step S302, if the option unit program is not stored for some reason (NO in step S302), the process ends.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S302, if the option unit program is stored (YES in step S302), the options stored in the ROMs 142, 152, 162, and 172 of the units connected to the control unit 110 are displayed. The version of the unit program is acquired (step S303). This step S303 corresponds to acquisition means for acquiring the version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit of the unit.

  Next, the acquired version of the option unit program is compared with the version of the program stored in the option unit program storage unit 220 (step S304).

  Then, as a result of comparing the versions, it is determined whether the versions are different (step S305). As a result of the determination in step S305, if the versions are not different (NO in step S305), this process ends.

  On the other hand, if the versions are different as a result of the determination in step S305 (YES in step S305), the acquired version of the option unit program is a version newer than the version of the program stored in the option unit program storage unit 220. It is determined whether or not there is (step S306).

  If it is determined in step S306 that there is no new version (NO in step S306), the process proceeds to step S309.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S306 is that there is a new version (YES in step S306), the version upgrade confirmation screen 400 described with reference to FIG. (Step S307).

  In step S307, if the compatible version, which is the version of the option unit program that matches the control program of the image forming apparatus 100, is a newer version than the acquired version of the option unit program, the option unit program is converted into an image. This corresponds to selection means for allowing the user to select whether or not the program for the option unit compatible with the control program of the forming apparatus 100 may be updated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK button 401 on the upgrade confirmation screen 400 (step S308).

  If the OK button 401 is pressed as a result of the determination in step S308 (YES in step S308), the program update processing unit 217 uses the program stored in the option unit program storage unit 220 to store each unit. The option unit program stored in the ROMs 142, 152, 162, and 172 is updated (step S309), and the process is terminated.

  This step S309 corresponds to updating means for updating the option unit program to an option unit program that matches the control program of the image forming apparatus 100 when the user selects that the option unit program may be updated. To do.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S308, if the cancel button 402 is pressed without pressing the OK button 401 (NO in step S308), the upgrade confirmation screen 500 described with reference to FIG. (Step S310).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK button 501 on the upgrade confirmation screen 500 (step S311). If the OK button 501 is pressed as a result of the determination in step S311 (YES in step S311), the user has selected to use it as it is, and thus this process is terminated. In this case, the user can also perform an update process later.

  On the other hand, if the OK button 501 is not pressed and the cancel button 502 is pressed (NO in step S311) as a result of the determination in step S311, the user has selected not to use, so the power is turned off. (Step S312), the process is terminated. In this case, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is limited until the version of the option unit program is the version of the program stored in the option unit program storage unit 220. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the user selects that the option unit program should not be updated, the user is allowed to select whether to continue using the image forming apparatus 100. ing.

  The update process described above is executed when the power is turned on, but step S303 may be executed when a new unit is attached to the image forming apparatus 100.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a modification of the update process executed by the CPU 111 in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on (step S601), it is determined whether an option unit program is stored in the option unit program storage unit 220 (step S602).

  If it is determined in step S602 that the option unit program has not been stored for some reason (NO in step S602), the process ends.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S602, if the option unit program is stored (YES in step S602), the option stored in the ROM 142, 152, 162, 172 of the unit connected to the control unit 110 The version of the unit program is acquired (step S603).

  Next, the obtained version of the option unit program is compared with the version of the program stored in the option unit program storage unit 220 (step S604).

  Then, as a result of comparing the versions, it is determined whether or not the versions are different (step S605). If the versions are not different as a result of the determination in step S605 (NO in step S605), this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the versions are different as a result of the determination in step S605 (YES in step S605), the acquired version of the option unit program is a version newer than the version of the program stored in the option unit program storage unit 220. It is determined whether or not there is (step S606).

  As a result of the determination in step S606, if there is no new version (NO in step S606), the process proceeds to step S609.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S606 is that there is a new version (YES in step S606), it is determined whether or not the latest program that needs to be upgraded is connected to the server device 183 that is always uploaded (step S606). Step S607).

  If the server device 183 is not connected as a result of the determination in step S607 (NO in step S607), the version upgrade confirmation screen 400 described with reference to FIG. It is displayed (step S610).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK button 401 on the upgrade confirmation screen 400 (step S611).

  If the OK button 401 is pressed as a result of the determination in step S611 (YES in step S611), the program update processing unit 217 uses the program stored in the option unit program storage unit 220 to store each unit. Update processing of the option unit program stored in the ROMs 142, 152, 162, and 172 is performed (step S609), and this processing ends.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S611, if the cancel button 402 is pressed without pressing the OK button 401 (NO in step S611), the upgrade confirmation screen 500 described with reference to FIG. (Step S612).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK button 501 on the upgrade confirmation screen 500 (step S613). If the OK button 501 is pressed as a result of the determination in step S613 (YES in step S613), the user has selected to use it as it is, and thus this process is terminated. In this case, the user can also perform an update process later.

  On the other hand, if the OK button 501 is not pressed and the cancel button 502 is pressed (NO in step S613) as a result of the determination in step S613, the user has selected not to use, and the power is turned off. (Step S614), and this process ends.

  Returning to the processing in step S607, if the result of determination in step S607 is that the server device 183 is connected (YES in step S607), the latest program of the main system 210 is acquired from the server device 183, and the option unit program is acquired. Is stored in the option unit program storage unit 220 (step S608), and the process proceeds to step S609 described above.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the latest control program and the latest option unit program compatible with the control program can be acquired, and the option unit compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus 100 is used. If the conforming version, which is the version of the program, is a newer version than the acquired version for the option unit program, the latest control program and the latest option unit program are obtained, and the control program and option Update the unit program.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the server program 183 is always uploaded with the latest program that needs to be upgraded, so the program acquired here does not cause a version down.

  In the process of FIG. 5, the latest program is confirmed in the server device 183 when it is determined that a version down occurs. Therefore, even when the program version is different, the program is updated to the latest correct combination on the spot. Is possible.

  According to the embodiment described above, the user (serviceman) can select whether or not to perform update processing when the unit is downgraded. As a result of the selection, even if the program has a combination that is not guaranteed, by issuing a warning, it is possible to prompt the serviceman to upgrade the program of the main system and correct the correct combination of programs. In some cases, it is possible to select that the unit can be temporarily used, so that a flexible response at the time of unit installation is possible.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an optional unit is installed and the option unit program is not compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus 100, downgrading is necessary. When the unit is mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 in which the optional unit can be mounted, compared with the case where the version is automatically downgraded. It is possible to respond flexibly.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program code. It is a process to be executed. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

100 Image forming apparatus 111 CPU
112 ROM
113 RAM
114 HDD
130 Operation unit 140 Printer unit 150 Scanner unit 160 FAX unit 170 Finisher unit

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus capable of mounting a unit that realizes a predetermined function by operating according to an option unit program stored in a storage unit,
Obtaining means for obtaining a version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit of the unit;
When the conforming version, which is the version of the option unit program conforming to the control program of the image forming apparatus, is a newer version than the version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit acquired by the acquiring unit, Selection means for allowing the user to select whether or not the option unit program stored in the storage unit may be updated to an option unit program compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus;
When the selection unit selects that the option unit program stored in the storage unit may be updated, the option unit program stored in the storage unit is stored in the control program for the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: update means for updating to an optional unit program conforming to the above. When the latest control program and the latest option unit program compatible with the control program can be acquired, the compatible version which is the version of the option unit program compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus, In the case of a version newer than the version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update unit acquires the latest control program and the latest option unit program, and updates the control program and the option unit program. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the version when the unit is attached to the image forming apparatus.   When the user selects that the option unit program stored in the storage unit should not be updated by the selection unit, the user selects whether to continue using the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a unit that realizes a predetermined function by operating according to an option unit program stored in a storage unit,
An obtaining step of obtaining a version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit of the unit;
When the conforming version, which is the version of the option unit program conforming to the control program of the image forming apparatus, is a newer version than the version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit acquired by the acquiring step, A selection step for allowing the user to select whether or not the option unit program stored in the storage unit may be updated to an option unit program compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus;
When the user selects that the option unit program stored in the storage unit may be updated in the selection step, the option unit program stored in the storage unit is stored in the control program for the image forming apparatus. And an update step for updating to an optional unit program conforming to the above. When the latest control program and the latest option unit program compatible with the control program can be acquired, the compatible version which is the version of the option unit program compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus, In the case of a version newer than the version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit acquired by the acquisition step,
6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein the updating step acquires the latest control program and the latest option unit program, and updates the control program and the option unit program. .   The control method according to claim 5, wherein the obtaining step obtains the version when the unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus.   When the user selects not to update the option unit program stored in the storage unit in the selection step, the user is allowed to select whether or not to continue using the image forming apparatus. The control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a unit that realizes a predetermined function by operating according to an option unit program stored in a storage unit,
The control method is:
An obtaining step of obtaining a version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit of the unit;
When the conforming version, which is the version of the option unit program conforming to the control program of the image forming apparatus, is a newer version than the version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit acquired by the acquiring step, A selection step for allowing the user to select whether or not the option unit program stored in the storage unit may be updated to an option unit program compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus;
When the user selects that the option unit program stored in the storage unit may be updated in the selection step, the option unit program stored in the storage unit is stored in the control program for the image forming apparatus. An update step for updating to an optional unit program that conforms to When the latest control program and the latest option unit program compatible with the control program can be acquired, the compatible version which is the version of the option unit program compatible with the control program of the image forming apparatus, In the case of a version newer than the version of the option unit program stored in the storage unit acquired by the acquisition step,
10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the updating step acquires the latest control program and the latest option unit program, and updates the control program and the option unit program.   11. The program according to claim 9, wherein the obtaining step obtains the version when the unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus.   When the user selects not to update the option unit program stored in the storage unit in the selection step, the user is allowed to select whether or not to continue using the image forming apparatus. 12. The program according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein:

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