JP2016085499A - Image processor, program update method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To update a program while maintaining convenience of a user more surely compared to the conventional art, in an image processor employing a multi-core CPU.SOLUTION: In an image processor constituted of a CPU 10a including a plurality of cores 1CR1 to 1CR4 and a RAM 10b shared by the cores 1CR1 to 1CR4, the first core 1CR1 executes an entire control program. When a new entire control program being an update version of the entire control program is loaded on the RAM 10b, the second core 1CR2 waits for advancement of control of a job to a routine after starting to execute the new entire control program. Then, the second core 1CR2 advances to the routine after the first core 1CR1 completes or stops processing of the control of the job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for updating a program of an image processing apparatus.

  In recent years, multifunctional image processing apparatuses called “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)” or “image forming apparatuses” have become widespread.

  The image processing apparatus operates based on a control program (hereinafter referred to as “control program”). Control programs are often updated to improve functionality or fix bugs.

  Conventionally, the following operations are performed in order to apply an updated control program to an image processing apparatus.

  If there is a job being executed, the image processing apparatus stops the job. Or wait until completion. The updated control program is obtained by downloading from a server or reading from a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Install this control program. Then, restarting is performed as necessary, and this control program is loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executed.

  The following techniques have been proposed as techniques for updating the program of the image processing apparatus. In an apparatus having a multi-CPU configuration including a CPU in which a common operation system is incorporated, application software used by the CPU is rewritten to update the function of the circuit module. When rewriting application software for CPUs of a plurality of circuit modules, application software used by one and the other CPU is sent to one circuit module, and the application software is rewritten for both by one CPU. At this time, one CPU in charge of updating the program rewrites the application software for both using a common rewriting program, or rewrites the application software in parallel by performing time-sharing rewrite processing for both (patent) Reference 1).

  Alternatively, an image forming apparatus according to another invention includes an image forming unit, an operation unit, a main CPU, and a plurality of sub CPUs. The main CPU acquires the used sub CPU information corresponding to the function ID, and collates it with the sub CPU status in the sub CPU firmware update status table. The main CPU determines whether the firmware is being updated for the sub CPU corresponding to the print mode of the function ID. If the firmware is being updated, the corresponding print mode selection button on the screen of the operation unit is invalidated (Patent Literature). 2).

  Alternatively, an image forming apparatus according to another invention includes a plurality of modules that operate independently from each other, and a flash ROM that is provided in each of the modules and stores software that operates in the modules. When a job is received when software is being updated in any of the modules, the main CPU determines whether the module used in the job is being updated. If it is determined that the module used in the job is updating software, the main CPU waits for execution of the job until the software update is completed (Patent Document 3).

JP 2004-94301 A JP 2013-109476 A JP2013-97515A

  Incidentally, in recent years, multi-core CPUs (Central Processing Units) have become widespread. In the image processing apparatus, it is considered that multi-core CPUs will become widespread in the future.

  Therefore, it is required to update the control program in an image processing apparatus employing a multi-core CPU without losing the convenience of the user as much as possible.

  The methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 may have a certain effect in an image processing apparatus including a plurality of CPUs themselves. However, the effect cannot be obtained in an image processing apparatus including a multi-core CPU.

  In the method described in Patent Document 3, downtime is not small. Therefore, it is required to further improve user convenience.

  In view of such a background, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to update a program in an image processing apparatus employing a multi-core CPU while maintaining the convenience of the user more reliably than in the past.

  An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit each including one or a plurality of cores, and the first processing unit and the second processing unit. A processor each configured to execute a different program, a memory shared by the first processing unit and the second processing unit and storing a first program for performing a specific process; The first processing unit executes the first program, the memory stores a second program that is an updated version of the first program, and the second processing unit After starting to execute the second program, it waits to proceed to the routine of the specific process, and the first processing unit completes the specific process. After the other is stopped, the process proceeds to the routine.

  Preferably, the first processing unit ends the first program after the second processing unit proceeds to the routine.

  Alternatively, the first processing unit waits for the second processing unit to exit from the routine after proceeding to the routine and proceed to the routine again, and the second processing unit waits for the specific processing. If the process cannot be performed normally, the routine proceeds again.

  The specific process is a process for controlling a job (for example, a job for copying, scanning, printing, sending a fax, receiving a fax, etc.) accompanied with input / output of an image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to update a program in an image processing apparatus that employs a multi-core CPU while maintaining the convenience of the user more reliably than before.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of an image processing system. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of CPU, and allocation of RAM. It is a figure which shows the example of the program installed in an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure implement | achieved by the whole control program. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition of a job waiting for execution or being executed. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process by a whole control program. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure implement | achieved by the whole control program. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process by a whole control program. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a process of normal mode. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an update process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a process of recovery mode. It is a figure which shows the modification of a structure of CPU.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system 3. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the CPU 10a and the allocation of the RAM 10b. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program installed in the image processing apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration realized by the overall control program 1PA. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition of a job waiting for execution or being executed.

  The image processing system 3 is a system that executes various processes related to images, and includes an image processing device 1, a server 21, a terminal device 22, a communication line 28, and the like as shown in FIG.

  The server 21 and the terminal device 22 can communicate with each other via the communication line 28. As the communication line 28, a public line, a so-called LAN (Local Area Network) line, the Internet, a dedicated line, or the like is used.

  The image processing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that integrates functions such as copy, print, fax, and scanner. Generally, it is sometimes called “image forming apparatus”, “multifunction machine”, or “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10c, a mass storage device 10d, a power supply unit 10e, an image process Unit 10f, touch panel display 10g, operation key panel 10h, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) 10i, NIC (Network Interface Card) 10j, fax communication unit 10k, USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication unit 10m, scan unit 10n, and print unit 10p or the like.

  The power supply unit 10 e supplies power to each hardware module of the image processing apparatus 1.

  The image processing unit 10f performs various image processes on the input image or the image to be printed.

  The touch panel display 10g displays a screen showing a message for the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. The touch panel display 10g sends a signal indicating the touched position to the CPU 10a.

  The operation key panel 10h is a so-called hardware keyboard, and includes a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

  The UART 10i converts a serial signal into a parallel signal or in the opposite direction.

  The NIC 10j communicates with the server 21 or the terminal device 22 using a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The fax communication unit 10k includes a modem and an NCU (Network Control Unit), and exchanges fax data with a facsimile terminal using a protocol such as G3.

  The USB communication unit 10m is connected to peripheral devices such as a USB memory or an external hard disk drive via a USB cable, and exchanges data.

  The scan unit 10n reads the image written on the paper set on the platen glass and generates image data.

  In addition to the image read by the scan unit 10n, the print unit 10p prints an image acquired from another device by the NIC 10j, the fax communication unit 10k, or the USB communication unit 10m on a sheet.

  The CPU 10a is a multi-core CPU having a plurality of cores. In the present embodiment, a quad core having four cores 1CR as shown in FIG. 3 is used as the CPU 10a. Hereinafter, each of the cores 1CR may be described separately as “first core 1CR1”, “second core 1CR2”,..., “Fourth core 1CR4”. Further, the CPU 10a operates in an AMP (Asymmetric Multiprocessing) system instead of SMP (Symmetric Multiprocessing), and each of the four cores 1CR executes a separate program.

  The ROM 10c or the mass storage device 10d includes an overall control program 1PA, a display control program 1PB, a scanner control program 1PC, a printer control program 1PD, a fax communication control program 1PE, a storage control program 1PF, an IP communication control program 1PG, and a USB control. A program such as program 1PH is installed.

  The overall control program 1PA performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 1, for example, overall control related to job execution. That is, the overall control program 1PA is an MFP control program.

  That is, the display control program 1PB is a program that controls the touch panel display 10g so that an image is displayed.

  The scanner control program 1PC is a program for controlling the scan unit 10n so as to read an image from a sheet.

  The printer control program 1PD is a program for controlling the print unit 10p so that an image is printed on paper.

  The fax communication control program 1PE is a program that controls the fax communication unit 10k to exchange fax data with a fax terminal.

  The storage control program 1PF is a program that controls the mass storage device 10d so as to save, read, update, and delete data.

  The IP communication control program 1PG is a program that controls the NIC 10j so as to perform so-called IP communication.

  Thus, the display control program 1PB, the scanner control program 1PC, the printer control program 1PD, the fax communication control program 1PE, the storage control program 1PF, the IP communication control program 1PG, and the USB control program 1PH are for controlling the hardware. It is a driver.

  In addition, various drivers are installed in the ROM 10c or the mass storage device 10d. A user authentication program is also installed.

  These programs are loaded (expanded) in the RAM 10b as necessary. And it is executed by one of the predetermined cores 1CR.

  For example, the overall control program 1PA is executed by the first core 1CR1, the display control program 1PB is executed by the third core 1CR3, the scanner control program 1PC, the printer control program 1PD, the fax communication control program 1PE, and the storage control program 1PF. The NIC control program 1PG and the USB control program 1PH are executed by the fourth core 1CR4.

  Thus, the RAM 10b is shared by the four cores 1CR. Therefore, it can be said that the RAM 10b is a shared memory.

  By the way, generally, the manufacturer of the MFP updates various programs as appropriate and applies them to the MFP. Similarly, each program of the image processing apparatus 1 is appropriately updated. Then, it is provided and applied to the image processing apparatus 1.

  The server 21 releases the latest version of each program described above and distributes it in response to a request from the image processing apparatus 1. A web server is used as the server 21.

  The terminal device 22 is a client that receives the service of the image processing apparatus 1. As the terminal device 22, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like is used.

  Hereinafter, a mechanism for updating the overall control program 1PA and applying it to the image processing apparatus 1 will be described.

  According to the overall control program 1PA, functions such as the job control unit 101 and the update processing unit 102 shown in FIG. 5 are realized.

  The job control unit 101 generates a job according to an external input and registers it in the queue. Then, each job is executed by each driver according to the order of registration and the operating status of each hardware.

  For example, when the user sets original paper and inputs a copy command (command), a copy job is generated and registered in the queue. When the order of this copy job comes, execution of this copy job is started.

  Specifically, the job control unit 101 causes the scan unit 10n to execute a process of reading an image from the sheet by the scanner control program 1PC. The image data of the read image is converted into a predetermined format and temporarily stored in the RAM 10b. Then, the print unit 10p is caused to execute a process for printing this image based on the image data by the printer control program 1PD.

  The scanner control program 1PC and the printer control program 1PD are executed by the predetermined core 1CR as described above. The same applies to each driver described later.

  Alternatively, when the user sets a document sheet and inputs a scan command and a storage destination, the job control unit 101 generates a scan job and registers it in the queue. Then, when the order of this scan job comes, execution of this scan job is started.

  Specifically, the job control unit 101 causes the scan unit 10n to execute a process of reading an image from the sheet by the scanner control program 1PC. The image data of the read image is converted into a predetermined format and temporarily stored in the RAM 10b. And the process which preserve | saves this image data in the preservation | save destination designated by the user is performed. When a specific folder in the large-capacity storage device 10d is designated as a storage destination, the storage control program 1PF causes the large-capacity storage device 10d to execute processing for storing the image data in this folder. Alternatively, when a specific folder in the removable disk connected to the image processing apparatus 1 is designated as the storage destination, the USB communication program 10PH executes the process of storing this image data in this folder by the USB control program 1PH. Let Alternatively, when a specific folder in an external apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus 1 via the communication line 28 is designated as a storage destination, a process for transmitting this image data to this folder is performed as an IP communication control program. The NIC 10j is executed by 1PG.

  Alternatively, when the user sets a document sheet and inputs a fax transmission command and a telephone number, the job control unit 101 generates a fax transmission job and registers it in the queue. When the order of this fax transmission job comes, execution of this fax transmission job is started.

  Specifically, the job control unit 101 causes the scan unit 10n to execute a process of reading an image from the sheet by the scanner control program 1PC. The image data of the read image is converted into a predetermined format and temporarily stored in the RAM 10b. Then, the facsimile communication control program 1PE causes the fax communication unit 10k to execute processing for dialing the telephone number designated by the user and transmitting the image data.

  Alternatively, when print data and a print command described in PDL (Page Description Language) are transmitted from the terminal device 22, the job control unit 101 generates a print job and registers it in the queue. The print data is temporarily stored in the RAM 10b. When the order of this print job comes, execution of this print job is started.

  Specifically, the job control unit 101 causes the print unit 10p to execute a process for printing an image based on the print data using the printer control program 1PD.

  Alternatively, when fax data is transmitted from the fax terminal, the job control unit 101 generates a fax reception job and registers it in the queue. Further, this fax data is temporarily stored in the RAM 10b. When the order of the fax reception job comes, execution of the fax reception job is started.

  Specifically, the job control unit 101 causes the print unit 10p to execute a process for printing an image based on the fax data using the printer control program 1PD.

  When the large-capacity storage device 10d is used as a virtual memory, each of the above data may be stored in the large-capacity storage device 10d instead of the RAM 10b. In this case, the mass storage device 10d is controlled by the storage control program 1PF.

  In addition, a plurality of jobs may be executed in parallel depending on the status of hardware operation. For example, a copy job and a scan job are arranged side by side, and after the start of the copy job, when the document image reading phase ends, the scan job is executed in parallel.

  The update processing unit 102 performs a process of updating the overall control program 1PA currently executed in the image processing apparatus 1 to an updated one.

  Hereinafter, a case where the overall control program 1PA of the image processing apparatus 1 is switched from the old overall control program 1PA1 to the new overall control program 1PA2 will be described as an example.

  The old overall control program 1PA1 is executed by the first core 1CR1. The other program is executed by either the third core 1CR3 or the fourth core 1CR4.

  The second core 1CR2 is not executing any program and is placed on standby to execute the new overall control program 1PA2.

  The update processing unit 102 includes a download processing unit 121, a new program starting unit 122, a switchability determination unit 123, a standby release command unit 124, and the like. The processing by each unit described below is appropriately executed in cooperation with the third core 1CR3 or the fourth core 1CR4 based on each driver (particularly, the storage control program 1PF and the NIC control program 1PG).

  The download processing unit 121 periodically checks whether or not the updated overall control program 1PA is published on the server 21, and if it is published, downloads it. The downloaded overall control program 1PA (in this example, the new overall control program 1PA2) is stored in the ROM 10c or the mass storage device 10d.

  The new program activation unit 122 loads the new overall control program 1PA2 into the RAM 10b and causes the second core 1CR2 to execute it. As a result, the new overall control program 1PA2 is started.

  The new overall control program 1PA2 is an update of the old overall control program 1PA1. In other words, features have been improved or bugs have been fixed. Therefore, the contents are different from the old overall control program 1PA1. However, the basic role is the same as that of the old overall control program 1PA1, as shown in FIG.

  The new overall control program 1PA2 stands by after starting to control the job. The second core 1CR2 stands by until a standby release command is received from the first core 1CR1.

  The switchability determination unit 123 determines whether or not the overall control program 1PA can be switched from the old overall control program 1PA1 to the new overall control program 1PA2.

  The switchability determination unit 123 checks the status of each job managed by the job control unit 101. If there is no job being executed, it is determined that switching is not allowed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when a copy job is currently being executed, the switchability determination unit 123 determines that switching is not allowed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6B, one fax reception job and two print jobs are newly generated until the copy job is completed, and the fax reception job is executed in parallel. In addition, the switchability determination unit 123 determines that switching should not be performed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, after this copy job and this fax reception job are completed, the switchability determination unit 123 determines that switching may be performed while all unexecuted jobs are waiting. To do.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6D, when any job is being executed, the switchability determination unit 123 determines that switching is not allowed. However, while all the unexecuted jobs are waiting after the completion of this job, the switchability determination unit 123 determines that switching is allowed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6E, when there is no job being executed and no job is waiting, the switchability determination unit 123 determines that switching is allowed.

  When it is determined by the switchability determination unit 123 that the standby cancellation command unit 124 may switch, the standby cancellation command unit 124 gives a standby cancellation command to the second core 1CR2 and ends the old overall control program 1PA1.

  This command may be exchanged via the RAM 10b. That is, the first core 1CR1 writes a specific value at a specific address in the RAM 10b. Then, the second core 1CR2 detects this command by periodically checking the value of this address based on the new overall control program 1PA2. Similarly, other commands to be described later are exchanged between the two cores 1CR via the RAM 10b. A specific file stored in the mass storage device 10d may be used instead of the RAM 10b.

  When this command is given, the second core 1CR2 stops waiting and starts the job control unit 101 and the update processing unit 102 based on the new overall control program 1PA2.

  The location where queue information and waiting job data are stored is shared by all versions of the overall control program 1PA. Thus, the queue of the job control unit 101 based on the old overall control program 1PA1 can be taken over to the update processing unit 102 based on the new overall control program 1PA2.

  In this way, the job control unit 101 and the update processing unit 102 are handed over from the old overall control program 1PA1 and the first core 1CR1 to the new overall control program 1PA2 and the second core 1CR2.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow by the overall control program 1PA.

  Next, an example of switching from the old overall control program 1PA1 to the new overall control program 1PA2 will be described with reference to the flowchart for the overall processing flow when the overall control program 1PA in the image processing apparatus 1 is updated. .

  The old overall control program 1PA1 and the new overall control program 1PA2 have the same basic processing flow as shown in FIG.

  When the power of the image processing apparatus 1 is turned on or reset, the first core 1CR1 starts the overall control program 1PA currently installed in the image processing apparatus 1. Here, the old overall control program 1PA1 is activated. And based on the old whole control program 1PA1, a process is performed in the procedure shown in FIG.

  As described above, the processing related to the job is not performed until there is a command for canceling the standby. However, if the power is turned on or reset (Yes in # 701 in FIG. 7), steps # 702 to # 703 are skipped. Then, the job control and the presence / absence of the updated overall control program 1PA are checked (# 704, # 705). The job control in step # 704 is executed as appropriate. Step # 704 is a subroutine for controlling each hardware so that the job is executed according to the type thereof. The presence / absence of the updated overall control program 1PA in step # 705 is periodically executed.

  When the updated overall control program 1PA is found (Yes in # 706), the first core 1CR1 downloads this overall control program 1PA (in this example, the new overall control program 1PA2) from the server 21 (# 707). . This is loaded into the RAM 10b and executed by the second core 1CR2 (# 708). As a result, the new overall control program 1PA2 is started.

  Then, the second core 1CR2 executes processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 7 based on the new overall control program 1PA2. Thereby, two general control programs 1PA of different versions work.

  Since the activation of the new overall control program 1PA2 is not caused by the power being turned on or being reset (No in # 701), the second core 1CR2 is waiting from the first core 1CR1. Attempt to detect a release command (# 702).

  If there is a job that has not yet been completed for the first core 1CR1 (Yes in # 709), when there is no job being executed under the control of the first core 1CR1 (No in # 710), the first core 1CR1 A command for canceling standby is given to the second core 1CR2 (# 711), and the old overall control program 1PA1 is terminated. At this time, the old overall control program 1PA1 may be uninstalled. The same applies when there is no job being executed or no job is waiting (No in # 709) (# 711).

  On the other hand, when the second core 1CR2 detects a command for canceling standby (Yes in # 703), the second core 1CR2 starts job control processing (# 704).

  In this way, switching from the old overall control program 1PA1 to the new overall control program 1PA2 is completed.

  Furthermore, the second core 1CR2 also starts a process for checking whether or not there is an updated overall control program 1PA (# 705).

  Step # 704 corresponds to the first routine in the present invention in the old overall control program 1PA1, and corresponds to the second routine in the new overall control program 1PA2.

  According to the first embodiment, in the image processing apparatus 1 that employs a multi-core CPU as the CPU 10a, the CPU 10a is operated by the AMP, the one core 1CR is caused to execute the overall control program 1PA, and the updated overall control program 1PA. Was executed by one other core 1CR. In addition, the overall control program 1PA is stopped before proceeding to a specific processing routine (job control routine), and this routine is started at the timing when the job by the older overall control program 1PA is completed or stopped. Configured. As a result, the occurrence of downtime can be prevented, and the overall control program 1PA of the image processing apparatus 1 can be updated while maintaining the convenience of the user more reliably than before.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration realized by the overall control program 1RA.

  After updating the overall control program installed in the image processing apparatus 1, a problem may occur in the image processing apparatus 1. In such a case, it may be better to return the overall control program to an older version. The overall control program 1RA of the second embodiment has a function of recovering (returning to) an old version.

  Hereinafter, the overall control program 1RA will be described focusing on this function. The description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

  The overall configuration of the image processing system 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. The hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.

  However, the overall control program 1RA is used instead of the overall control program 1PA. According to the overall control program 1RA, functions such as the job control unit 151, the update processing unit 152, and the recovery processing unit 153 shown in FIG. 8 are realized.

  Similar to the job control unit 101 (see FIG. 5) of the first embodiment, the job control unit 151 generates a job according to an input from the outside and registers it in the queue. Then, each job is executed by each driver according to the order of registration and the operating status of each hardware.

  However, in the second embodiment, the overall control program 1RA does not end after switching to the new overall control program 1RA, but continues to reside for recovery. At this time, the job control unit 151 pauses. As will be described later, when a recovery command is given from the core 1CR executing the new overall control program 1RA, the operation starts again. The same applies to the update processing unit 152 and the recovery processing unit 153 described below.

  Similar to the update processing unit 102 of the first embodiment, the update processing unit 152 performs a process of updating the currently executed overall control program 1RA.

  The update processing unit 152 includes a download processing unit 161, a new program starting unit 162, a switchability determination unit 163, a standby release command unit 164, and the like. These roles are the same as those of the download processing unit 121, the new program starting unit 122, the switchability determination unit 123, and the standby release command unit 124 of the first embodiment.

  The recovery processing unit 153 performs processing for recovering to the old overall control program 1RA when a problem occurs in job processing by the overall control program 1RA.

  The recovery processing unit 153 includes a failure detection unit 171, a recovery command unit 172, an old program activation unit 173, and the like.

  The defect detection unit 171 detects a defect by monitoring the status of the job executed by the job control unit 151.

  When a failure is detected by the failure detector 171, the recovery command unit 172 commands the core 1 CR that is executing the one-older version of the overall control program 1 RA to resume processing. That is, a recovery command is given.

  When the image processing apparatus 1 is powered on or reset, the old program activation unit 173 activates the old version of the overall control program 1RA and causes the other core 1CR to execute it.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow by the overall control program 1RA. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of processing in the normal mode. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of update processing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of processing in the recovery mode.

  Next, an example of switching the old overall control program 1RA1 to the new overall control program 1RA2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the processing flow when the overall control program 1RA in the image processing apparatus 1 is updated.

  The old overall control program 1RA1 is the first version, and the new overall control program 1RA2 is the next version. Initially, only the old overall control program 1RA1 is installed in the image processing apparatus 1.

  The old overall control program 1RA1 and the new overall control program 1RA2 have the same overall processing flow, as shown in FIG.

<1> Processing associated with power-on or reset when not updated When the image processing apparatus 1 is turned on or reset, the first core 1CR1 is the latest installed in the image processing apparatus 1 at this time. The overall control program 1RA is started. Here, the old overall control program 1RA1 is activated. And based on the old whole control program 1RA1, a process is performed in the procedure shown in FIG.

  At this time, the old overall control program 1RA1 is not an old version installed in the image processing apparatus 1 (No in # 721 in FIG. 9), and this activation is accompanied by turning on or resetting the power (# 722), the first core 1CR1 proceeds to the normal mode routine based on the old overall control program 1RA1, and appropriately performs the normal mode processing (# 725).

  Since there is no version of the overall control program 1RA older than the old overall control program 1RA1 (No in # 723), the process of step # 724 is skipped. If there is an old version of the overall control program 1RA, as will be described later, the first core 1CR1 executes the process of step # 724 before or after proceeding to the normal mode.

  The procedure of the normal mode processing is as shown in FIG. As in the first embodiment, the first core 1CR1 performs job control and checks for the presence of the updated overall control program 1RA (# 741, # 746 in FIG. 10). Step # 741 is a subroutine for controlling each hardware so that the job is executed according to the type and the like, as in step # 704 of the first embodiment.

  If the job in step # 741 does not end normally, that is, if there is an abnormality in the job (Yes in # 742, Yes in # 743), the old version of the overall control program 1RA is installed in the image processing apparatus 1. Then, in step # 745, switching to the overall control program 1RA is performed. That is, recovery to the old overall control program 1RA is performed. However, since this overall control program 1RA is not installed at this time (No in # 744), recovery is skipped. The recovery will be described later.

  When the updated overall control program 1RA (in this example, the new overall control program 1RA2) is found (Yes in # 747), the first core 1CR1 updates the overall control program 1RA of the image processing apparatus 1, that is, Then, switching from the old overall control program 1RA1 to the new overall control program 1RA2 is performed (# 748). The procedure of this process is as shown in FIG.

  Switching from the old overall control program 1RA1 to the new overall control program 1RA2 is basically the same as in the first embodiment.

  That is, the first core 1CR1 downloads the new overall control program 1RA2 from the server 21 (# 761 in FIG. 11), loads it into the RAM 10b, and causes the second core 1CR2 to execute it (# 762). As a result, the new overall control program 1RA2 is started. However, at this time, the job control by the second core 1CR2 is not started. The new overall control program 1RA2 is stored (installed) in the ROM 10c or the mass storage device 10d.

  If there is a job that has not been completed yet (Yes in # 763), when there is no job being executed under the control of the first core 1CR1 (No in # 764), the first core 1CR1 A command for canceling standby is given to the second core 1CR2 (# 765). The same applies when there is no job being executed or waiting (No in # 763) (# 765).

  In the first embodiment, the first core 1CR1 terminates the older overall control program, but in the second embodiment, it does not terminate it. The first core 1CR1 proceeds to the recovery mode routine and executes the recovery mode processing (# 766). The procedure of this process is as shown in FIG.

  The first core 1CR1 waits for a recovery command from the core 1CR (in this example, the second core 1CR2) that executes the new overall control program 1RA (in this example, the new overall control program 1RA2). (# 771 in FIG. 12).

  If a recovery command is given (Yes in # 772), the first core 1CR1 proceeds again to the normal mode (# 773). That is, job control is started. The procedure of the normal mode processing is as described above with reference to FIG.

<2> Processing by New Overall Control Program 1RA As described above, the new overall control program 1RA2 is executed by the second core 1CR2 when downloaded by the first core 1CR1 and the old overall control program 1RA1 and loaded into the RAM 10b. The

  Then, the second core 1CR2 executes processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 9 based on the new overall control program 1RA2.

  The new overall control program 1RA2 is the new overall control program 1RA among the overall control programs 1RA installed in the image processing apparatus 1 (No in # 721 in FIG. 9), and this activation is reset even when the power is turned on. (No in # 722), the second core 1CR2 waits for a standby release command to be given from the first core 1CR1 (# 726).

  When a command for canceling standby is given (Yes in # 727), the process proceeds to the normal mode and job control or the like is started (# 728). The procedure of the normal mode processing is as described above with reference to FIG.

  That is, as described above, the second core 1CR2 controls the job and checks for the presence of the updated overall control program 1RA (# 741, # 747 in FIG. 10).

  If the job in step # 741 does not end normally, that is, if the job is abnormal (Yes in # 742, Yes in # 743), as described above, the old version of the overall control program 1RA is stored in the image processing apparatus 1. If installed, the second core 1CR2 performs recovery. In this example, since the old overall control program 1RA1 is installed (Yes in # 744), the old overall control program 1RA1 is recovered (# 745). Specifically, a recovery command is given to the core 1CR that executes the old overall control program 1RA1.

  Note that the processing by the old overall control program 1RA1 is in a state of waiting for a recovery command in step # 771 (see FIG. 12) of the recovery mode. Then, according to this command, the process proceeds again to the normal mode, and the normal mode processing (# 773) by the old overall control program 1RA1 is resumed.

  After the normal mode processing by the old overall control program 1RA1 is resumed, the second core 1CR2 ends the new overall control program 1RA2.

<3> Processing Associated with Power-on or Reset after Update Even after the updated overall control program 1RA is installed and applied, the old version of the overall control program 1RA is not uninstalled and remains in the image processing apparatus 1.

  When the image processing apparatus 1 is turned off and then turned on again or reset, both of these two overall control programs 1RA are started as follows. At this time, the processing of the procedure shown in FIG. 9 is performed independently. Hereinafter, a case where the old overall control program 1RA1 and the new overall control program 1RA2 are activated will be described as an example.

  When the operating system of the image processing apparatus 1 is activated, the new overall control program 1RA, that is, the new overall control program 1RA2 is loaded into the RAM 10b. Then, it is executed by the first core 1CR1.

  The new overall control program 1RA2 is not an old version installed in the image processing apparatus 1 (No in # 721 in FIG. 9), and this activation is accompanied by turning on or resetting the power (Yes in # 722). Since there is an old version of the overall control program 1RA (in this example, the old overall control program 1RA1) (Yes in # 723), the first core 1CR1 loads the old overall control program 1RA1 into the RAM 10b, and the second The core 1CR2 is executed (# 724). As a result, the old overall control program 1RA1 is activated.

  The first core 1CR1 starts normal mode processing before or after the start of the old overall control program 1RA1 (# 725). The procedure of the normal mode processing is as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, the second core 1CR2 executes processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 9 according to the old overall control program 1RA1. Since the old overall control program 1RA1 is the older overall control program 1RA (Yes in # 721), the process proceeds to the recovery mode (# 729). The procedure of the recovery mode processing is as described above with reference to FIG. Thereby, the second core 1CR2 prepares for recovery.

  Thereafter, when a problem occurs in the job by the first core 1CR1 and the new overall control program 1RA2, the job control and the like are switched to the second core 1CR2 and the old overall control program 1RA1. That is, the old overall control program 1RA1 is recovered.

  Step # 741 corresponds to the first routine in the present invention in the old overall control program 1RA1, and corresponds to the second routine in the new overall control program 1RA2.

  According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the occurrence of downtime is prevented, and the overall control program 1PA of the image processing apparatus 1 is updated while maintaining the convenience of the user more reliably than in the past. be able to.

  Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when a problem occurs in the job after the update, the image processing apparatus 1 can be stably operated by recovering to an old version without the work of a service engineer. .

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the configuration of the CPU 10a. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the CPU 10a is configured such that each of the four cores 1CR executes a separate program. However, a unit is configured by one or a plurality of cores 1CR, and each unit is separately configured. The CPU 10a may be configured to execute the program.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the first core 1CR1 and the second core 1CR2 constitute a processing unit 1U1, and the third core 1CR3 and the fourth core 1CR4 constitute a processing unit 1U2. Also good. In this case, the old overall control program 1PA1 or 1RA1 may be executed by one processing unit, and the new overall control program 1PA2 or 1RA2 may be executed by the other processing unit.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13B, the processing unit 1U3 is configured by the first core 1CR1, the processing unit 1U4 is configured by the second core 1CR2, and the third core 1CR3 and the fourth core 1CR4 are configured. The processing unit 1U5 may be configured. In this case, any one of the three processing units may execute the old overall control program 1PA1 or 1RA1, and any other one may execute the new overall control program 1PA2 or 1RA2.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, a multi-core processor including four cores 1CR is used as the CPU 10a. However, the CPU 10a includes other numbers of cores 1CR (for example, two, six, or eight). A multi-core processor may be used.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the new overall control program 1PA2 or 1RA2 is executed by the vacant core 1CR. However, if the core 1CR is not executing the old overall control program 1PA1 or 1RA1. The new overall control program 1PA2 or 1RA2 may be executed by the core 1CR that is executing another program.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where the overall control programs 1PA and 1RA are updated has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to a case where application programs other than firmware other than job control are updated. Can be applied.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the new overall control programs 1PA2, 1RA2 are obtained by downloading from the server 21, but may be obtained by reading from the recording medium via the USB communication unit 10m. .

  In addition, the configuration of the entire image processing system 3 and the image processing apparatus 1 or each unit, processing contents, processing order, database configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

1 Image processing apparatus 10a CPU (processor)
10b RAM (memory)
1CR core 1CR1 first core (first processing unit)
1CR2 Second core (second processing unit)
1PA1, 1RA1 Old overall control program (first program)
1RA2, 1RA2 New overall control program (second program)
1U1, 1U3 processing unit (first processing unit)
1U2, 1U4 processing unit (second processing unit)

Claims (6)

A first processing unit and a second processing unit each including one or a plurality of cores, wherein each of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is configured to execute a different program; A processor;
A memory which is shared by the first processing unit and the second processing unit and stores a first program in which a first routine for performing a specific process is described;
Have
The first processing unit executes the first program,
The memory stores a second program that is an updated version of the first program and in which a second routine for performing the specific process is described;
After the second processing unit starts executing the second program, the second processing unit waits to proceed to the second routine, and after the first processing unit completes or stops the specific processing Proceed to the second routine,
An image processing apparatus. The first processing unit ends the first program after the second processing unit has proceeded to the second routine.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The first processing unit waits for the second processing unit to exit from the first routine and proceed to the first routine again after the second processing unit has proceeded to the second routine. If the processing unit is not able to successfully perform the specific process, proceed to the first routine again.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The specific process is a process for controlling a job involving image input / output.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A first processing unit and a second processing unit each including one or a plurality of cores, wherein each of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is configured to execute a different program; Program update method for updating a program in an image processing apparatus having a processor and a memory that is shared by the first processing unit and the second processing unit and stores a program for performing a specific process Because
When the first processing unit is executing the program, the second program that is an updated version of the program is stored in the memory,
After starting to execute the second program, the second processing unit waits to proceed to the specific processing routine,
Allowing the second processing unit to proceed to the routine after the first processing unit completes or stops the particular process;
The program update method characterized by the above-mentioned. Each of the first processing unit and the second processing unit has a first processing unit and a second processing unit each including one or a plurality of cores, and each of the first processing unit and the second processing unit executes a different program using a common memory. A specific processing program for causing a processor configured to execute a specific processing,
After the second processing unit starts executing the specific processing program, the second specific processing program whose version is older than the specific processing program is executed by the first processing unit. The second processing unit waits to proceed to the processing routine of
Allowing the second processing unit to proceed to the routine after the first processing unit completes or stops the particular process;
A specific processing program characterized by that.

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