JP2020088782A - Image processing device, image processing system, and firmware update method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, an image processing system, and a firmware update method, capable of mitigating a work load on a worker who performs firmware update work.SOLUTION: An image processing device, when first restoration processing for restoring an updater on the basis of image data read from a specific sheet bundle ends in a failure (the No side of step S25), identifies and reports a causal sheet, which is a cause of the failure (step S251, step S252); executes second restoration processing for restoring the updater on the basis of image data on the causal sheet read after the report and image data in the specific sheet bundle (step S256); and executes firmware update using the restored updater (step S26).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, an image processing system, and a firmware update method executed by the image processing device.

An image processing apparatus such as a multi-function peripheral having a copy function has firmware used for controlling various electronic devices provided inside the image processing apparatus. The firmware is updated by executing an updater, which is an update program, in the image processing apparatus. For example, the updater is transferred from an external server to the image processing apparatus by an operator in charge of maintenance work of the image processing apparatus (see Patent Document 1).

Here, in a company that uses the image processing device for business, the image processing device and an external device such as an external server, a USB memory, and an optical disk drive are provided in order to prevent information from leaking from the image processing device. Connection with may be prohibited. In this case, the worker cannot cause the image processing apparatus to acquire the updater by using the external device. On the other hand, the worker prepares a sheet bundle in which a recoverable information code is printed in the updater, and causes the image processing apparatus to read an image of the sheet bundle, thereby causing the image processing apparatus to update the updater. Can be obtained.

JP, 2011-186588, A

By the way, when the sheet bundle is used to cause the image processing apparatus to acquire the updater, the image processing apparatus executes restoration processing of the updater based on an image read from the sheet bundle. However, when there is a missing page in the sheet bundle, the data necessary for the restoration process is insufficient, and thus the restoration process fails. Further, if the pages included in the sheet bundle have stains, folds, or faintness, the image may not be read well, and the restoration process may fail.

Here, in the image processing apparatus, if the image of the sheet bundle is read again from the beginning when the restoration process fails, the worker waits a long time until the reading is completed. Burden of work.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and a firmware update method capable of reducing the work load on an operator who performs firmware update work.

An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention operates based on firmware, and includes an image reading unit, a first reading processing unit, a first restoration processing unit, a specific processing unit, a notification processing unit, and a first processing unit. The second reading processing unit, the second restoration processing unit, and the update processing unit are provided. The image reading unit reads image data of a sheet. The first reading processing unit reads image data of a predetermined first specific image from each of the plurality of sheets. The first restoration processing unit restores the updater used for updating the firmware based on the image data of the plurality of first specific images read by the first reading processing unit. When the restoration of the updater by the first restoration processing unit fails, the identification processing unit identifies the cause sheet that has caused the failure among the plurality of sheets. The notification processing unit notifies the identification information of the cause sheet identified by the identification processing unit. The second reading processing unit reads the image data of the first specific image included in the cause sheet after the notification by the notification processing unit. The second restoration processing unit is based on image data of the first specific image read by the second reading processing unit and image data of the plurality of first specific images read by the first reading processing unit. , Restore the updater. The update processing unit updates the firmware using the restored updater when the restoration of the updater by the first restoration processing unit or the second restoration processing unit is successful.

An image processing system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first image processing device which is the image processing device and a second image processing device. The first image processing apparatus includes an image forming unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet. Further, the notification processing unit notifies the identification information by printing a second specific image including the identification information and a reprint instruction of the first specific image included in the cause sheet using the image forming unit. To do. On the other hand, the second image processing apparatus includes a first print processing unit, a third read processing unit, and a second print processing unit. The first print processing unit prints the first specific image on each of the plurality of sheets based on the updater. The third read processing unit reads the image data of the second specific image from the sheet on which the second specific image is printed after printing by the first print processing unit. The second print processing unit prints the first specific image included in the cause sheet on a sheet according to the reprint instruction included in the image data of the second specific image read by the third reading processing unit. To do.

A firmware updating method according to another aspect of the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads image data of a sheet, is executed by an image processing apparatus that operates based on firmware, and includes a first reading step, a first restoring step, and A specific step, a notification step, a second reading step, a second restoring step, and an updating step. In the first reading step, image data of a predetermined first specific image is read from each of the plurality of sheets. In the first restoring step, the updater used for updating the firmware is restored based on the image data of the plurality of first specific images read in the first reading step. In the specifying step, when the restoration of the updater in the first restoring step fails, the cause sheet that causes the failure is specified among the plurality of sheets. In the informing step, the identification information of the cause sheet identified in the identifying step is informed. In the second reading step, the image data of the first specific image included in the cause sheet is read after the notification in the notification step. In the second restoring step, the updater is based on image data of the first specific image read in the second reading step and image data of the plurality of first specific images read in the first reading step. Is restored. In the updating step, when the restoration of the updater by the first restoring step or the second restoring step is successful, the restored updater is used to update the firmware.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the work burden on a worker who performs a firmware update work.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first image processing apparatus included in the image processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a specific sheet output by the image processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the specific sheet shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an enlarged image sheet output by the image processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the enlarged image sheet shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific sheet output process executed by the second image processing apparatus included in the image processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the updater restoration process executed by the first image processing apparatus included in the image processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples of embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Image processing system 100]
The image processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an image processing device 10 and an image processing device 20. Note that, in FIG. 1, the image processing device 10 and the image processing device 20 are respectively indicated by a two-dot chain line. Here, the image processing device 10 is an example of the first image processing device in the present invention. The image processing device 20 is an example of the second image processing device in the present invention.

[Image processing device 10]
The image processing apparatus 10 is a multi-function peripheral having a scan function for reading image data of a sheet, a print function for forming an image on the sheet based on the image data, and a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function and a copy function. For example, the image processing device 10 is provided in an office of a company that uses the image processing device 10 for business.

The image processing apparatus 10 may be a facsimile machine or a copy machine. Further, the image processing apparatus 10 may be a scanner connected to an external printer, a facsimile machine, a copier, or a multi-function peripheral so as to be able to communicate.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image processing apparatus 10 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a control unit 15, and an operation display unit 16. And a storage unit 17. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image processing device 10.

The ADF 11 includes a sheet setting unit, a plurality of conveyance rollers, a sheet retainer, and a paper discharge unit, and conveys a sheet read by the image reading unit 12.

The image reading unit 12 includes a sheet base, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD, and can read the image data of the sheet from the sheet.

The image forming unit 13 can form an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method based on the image data read by the image reading unit 12. The image forming unit 13 can also form an image on a sheet based on image data input from an external information processing device. Specifically, the image forming unit 13 includes a photoconductor drum, a charging device, a light scanning device (LSU), a developing device, a transfer roller, a cleaning device, a fixing device, and a paper discharge tray. The image forming unit 13 may form an image on a sheet by another image forming method such as an inkjet method.

The paper feeding unit 14 includes a paper feeding cassette and a plurality of transport rollers, and supplies a sheet to the image forming unit 13. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet supplied from the paper feeding unit 14 based on the image data.

The control unit 15 includes control devices such as a CPU 15A, a ROM 15B, and a RAM 15C. The CPU 15A is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM 15B is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as a control program for causing the CPU 15A to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM 15C is a volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU 15A. In the control unit 15, the CPU 15A executes various control programs stored in the ROM 15B in advance. As a result, the image processing apparatus 10 is comprehensively controlled by the control unit 15. The control unit 15 may be configured by an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC), and is a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that integrally controls the image processing apparatus 10. May be.

The operation display unit 16 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various kinds of information according to a control instruction from the control unit 15, and an operation key or a touch panel that inputs various kinds of information to the control unit 15 according to a user operation. Has an operation unit such as.

The storage unit 17 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the storage unit 17 is a storage device such as a flash memory and a nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM (registered trademark), an SSD (solid state drive), and an HDD (hard disk drive). The storage unit 17 is housed inside the housing of the image processing apparatus 10.

The storage unit 17 of the image processing apparatus 10 stores firmware used for controlling various electronic devices provided inside the image processing apparatus 10. The image processing device 10 operates based on the firmware.

[Image processing device 20]
The image processing apparatus 20 is a multifunction machine having the same function as the image processing apparatus 10. For example, the image processing apparatus 20 is provided in an office of a company to which a worker in charge of maintenance work of the image processing apparatus 10 including the firmware update work belongs.

The image processing apparatus 20 may be a facsimile machine or a copy machine. Further, the image processing apparatus 20 may be a scanner, printer, personal computer, laptop computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal that is communicably connected to an external scanner, printer, facsimile machine, copier, or multifunction machine. .

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 20 includes an ADF 21, an image reading unit 22, an image forming unit 23, a paper feeding unit 24, a control unit 25, an operation display unit 26, and a storage unit 27. Since the configuration of each unit of the image processing apparatus 20 is the same as the configuration of each unit of the image processing apparatus 10 already described, the description thereof will be omitted.

[Update of Firmware of Image Processing Device 10]
In the image processing apparatus 10, the firmware is updated by executing the updater, which is a program for updating the firmware. For example, the updater is transferred from the external server to the image processing apparatus 10 by the worker.

Here, in a company or the like in which the image processing apparatus 10 is provided, in order to prevent information from leaking from the image processing apparatus 10, the image processing apparatus 10 and external devices such as an external server, a USB memory, and an optical disk drive. Connection with may be prohibited. In this case, the worker cannot cause the image processing apparatus 10 to acquire the updater by using the external device. On the other hand, the worker prepares a sheet bundle in which a recoverable information code is printed in the updater, and causes the image processing apparatus 10 to read an image of the sheet bundle, thereby causing the image processing apparatus 10 to update the updater. Can be obtained.

By the way, when the above-mentioned sheet bundle is used for causing the image processing apparatus 10 to acquire the updater, the image processing apparatus 10 executes the restoration processing of the updater based on the image read from the sheet bundle. However, when there is a missing page in the above-mentioned sheet bundle, the data necessary for the restoration process is insufficient, and thus the restoration process fails. Further, when the page included in the above-mentioned sheet bundle has stains, folds, or faintness, the image may not be read well, and thus the restoration process may fail.

Here, in the image processing apparatus 10, if the image of the sheet bundle is read again from the beginning when the restoration process fails, the worker waits for a long time until the reading ends. The work load such as occurs.

On the other hand, in the image processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as described below, it is possible to reduce the work load on the worker who updates the firmware.

Specifically, the storage unit 27 of the image processing apparatus 20 stores in advance a specific sheet output program for causing the CPU 25A (see FIG. 1) to execute a specific sheet output process (see the flowchart in FIG. 7) described later. .. The specific sheet output program may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium and stored in the storage unit 27.

The control unit 25 includes a first print processing unit 251, a third read processing unit 252, and a second print processing unit 253, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the control unit 25 uses the CPU 25A to execute the specific sheet output program stored in the storage unit 27. As a result, the control unit 25 functions as the first print processing unit 251, the third read processing unit 252, and the second print processing unit 253.

In addition, the storage unit 17 of the image processing apparatus 10 stores in advance an updater restoration program for causing the CPU 15A to execute the later-described updater restoration process (see the flowchart of FIG. 8).

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 15 includes a first reading processing unit 151, a first restoration processing unit 152, a specific processing unit 153, a notification processing unit 154, a second reading processing unit 155, and a second restoration processing. The unit 156 and the update processing unit 157 are included. Specifically, the control unit 15 uses the CPU 15A to execute the updater restoration program stored in the storage unit 17. Thereby, the control unit 15 causes the first reading processing unit 151, the first restoration processing unit 152, the identification processing unit 153, the notification processing unit 154, the second reading processing unit 155, the second restoration processing unit 156, and the update processing unit. Function as 157.

The first print processing unit 251 executes the first print processing for printing the predetermined first specific image on each of the plurality of sheets based on the updater.

Specifically, the first print processing unit 251 uses the image forming unit 23 to execute the first print processing.

Here, the first specific image is an image used for restoring the updater, and is an image in which a plurality of information codes are arranged according to a predetermined rule, as described later.

The first printing process outputs a plurality of sheets on which the first specific image is printed. Hereinafter, the sheet on which the first specific image is printed is referred to as a specific sheet. A sheet bundle composed of the plurality of specific sheets output in the first printing process is referred to as a specific sheet bundle. In the following description, it is assumed that the number of the first specific images printed on one sheet is one.

Specifically, the first print processing unit 251 executes the first print processing based on the print data generated by the procedure described below.

First, the first print processing unit 251 acquires the updater. For example, the updater is stored in the storage unit 27 of the image processing apparatus 20. The first print processing unit 251 acquires the updater from the storage unit 27. The first print processing unit 251 may obtain the updater stored in the external storage device from the external storage device.

Next, the first print processing unit 251 divides the updater into predetermined unit data amounts. Further, the first print processing unit 251 assigns to each data segmented by the unit data amount, an identification number used for identifying the data, position information indicating the position of the data in the updater, and the amount of the data. The status data including the indicated data amount information is added. Hereinafter, the data divided by the unit data amount and the data constituted by the status data added to the data will be referred to as divided data.

Here, the division data is recorded on one surface of one sheet by using an information code described later. Therefore, the unit data amount is determined within a range equal to or less than a value obtained by subtracting the data amount of the status data from the maximum data amount that can be recorded on one surface of one sheet using the information code described later. ..

Next, the first print processing unit 251 executes an encoding process that encodes the divided data into information codes having a predetermined number of arrangements or less. The information code is a code capable of expressing characters and numbers within a predetermined capacity range. For example, the information code is a two-dimensional code such as QR code (registered trademark). The information code may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode.

Here, the arrangement number is a number determined within a range equal to or less than the maximum number of the information codes having a predetermined reference size that can be printed on one surface of one sheet. The reference size is determined based on the lower of the resolution of the image that can be formed by the image forming unit 23 of the image processing apparatus 20 and the resolution of the image that can be read by the image reading unit 12 of the image processing apparatus 10. .. The higher the lower resolution, the smaller the reference size can be. The smaller the reference size, the greater the number of the information codes that can be printed on one side of one sheet, so the maximum amount of data that can be recorded on one side of one sheet. Will increase.

Then, the first print processing unit 251 corresponds to each of the segmented data, with the image in which the number of the information codes acquired by the encoding process is arranged according to a predetermined rule as the first specific image. The print data in which the first specific images are arranged in the order of the identification number is generated. Here, the identification number functions as information corresponding to the page number of the specific sheet in which the section data identified by the identification number in the specific sheet bundle is recorded.

The first print processing unit 251 may execute the first print processing using an external image forming apparatus. Further, the first print processing unit 251 may print the classification data as it is on the sheet. In this case, the division data is an example of the first specific image in the present invention.

3 and 4 show a specific sheet X10 that is one of the specific sheets included in the specific sheet bundle output in the first printing process. Note that FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the circular area A1 surrounded by the chain double-dashed line shown in FIG.

The specific sheet X10 includes a first specific image X11 and a page number X12. In FIG. 3, the first specific image X11 is shown as a region surrounded by a broken line. As shown in FIG. 4, the first specific image X11 includes a plurality of information codes X115. In the first specific image X11, the plurality of information codes X115 are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and form a rectangular matrix.

The first reading processing unit 151 executes the first reading processing of reading the image data of the specific sheet from each of the specific sheets included in the specific sheet bundle.

For example, the first reading processing unit 151 uses the ADF 11 and the image reading unit 12 to sequentially read the image data of each of the specific sheets included in the specific sheet bundle placed on the sheet setting unit of the ADF 11.

The first restoration processing unit 152 executes a first restoration process of restoring the updater based on the image data of each of the specific sheets read in the first reading process.

Specifically, the first restoration processing unit 152 restores the updater in the procedure shown below.

First, the first restoration processing unit 152 extracts, for each specific sheet, each of the information codes recorded on the specific sheet based on the image data of the specific sheet.

Next, the first restoration processing unit 152 executes, for each of the specific sheets, a decoding process of decoding the plurality of information codes extracted from the specific sheet into the divided data. Here, when the decoding of one or more of the information codes fails in any of the specific sheets, the first restoration processing unit 152 records failure information indicating the failure in the RAM 15C. For example, the failure information includes identification information of the information code that has failed to be decoded and a page number of the specific sheet in which the information code is recorded. For example, when the specific sheet has stains, folds, or faintness, the specific sheet may fail to decode the information code.

Next, the first restoration processing unit 152 performs the decryption processing based on the status data included in the segment data decrypted by the decryption process and the presence or absence of the failure information corresponding to the segment data. The success or failure of is judged.

Specifically, the first restoration processing unit 152 determines that the decryption process has failed when the failure information corresponding to the segmented data decrypted by the decryption process is stored in the RAM 15C. .. Further, the first restoration processing unit 152 specifies the number of the information codes included in the specific sheet corresponding to the status data, based on the data amount information included in the status data. Then, the first restoration processing unit 152 determines that the decryption processing has failed when the same number of information codes as the specified number have not been extracted from the image data of the specific sheet. For example, when the specific sheet has stains, folds, or faintness, the information code extraction may fail.

On the other hand, the first restoration processing unit 152 does not store the failure information corresponding to the divided data decrypted by the decryption processing in the RAM 15C, and stores the same number of the information codes as the specified number. When it is extracted from the image data of the specific sheet, it is determined that the decoding process is successful. An error detection code such as a checksum may be added to each of the divided data. In this case, the first restoration processing unit 152 may determine the success or failure of the decoding processing based on the error detection code.

The first restoration processing unit 152 determines that the first restoration processing has failed when it is determined that the decryption processing has failed for any of the specific sheets. In this case, the first restoration processing unit 152 stores the divided data corresponding to each of the specific sheets that have been successfully decrypted, in the storage unit 17, and ends the first restoration process.

On the other hand, the first restoration processing unit 152, when it is determined that the decryption processing has succeeded for all the specific sheets, combines the respective segmented data decrypted by the decryption processing, Restore the updater.

Here, the combination of each of the segment data is performed based on the position information included in each of the segment data. Further, the first restoration processing unit 152 determines that the first restoration processing has failed when it is determined that the data forming the updater is insufficient based on the position information included in each of the divided data. to decide. For example, when there is a missing page in the specific sheet bundle, it is determined that the data forming the updater is insufficient. In this case, the first restoration processing unit 152 stores each of the segmented data decrypted by the decryption process in the storage unit 17, and ends the first restoration process. It should be noted that, when each of the divided data is combined, the status data included in each of the divided data is excluded from the divided data.

When the first restoration process executed by the first restoration processing unit 152 fails, the specific processing unit 153 causes the failure of the specific sheets included in the specific sheet bundle. Identify the sheet.

Specifically, when the failure of the first restoration process is due to the failure of the decryption process for any of the specific sheets, the specific processing unit 153 fails to perform the decryption process on the specific sheet. Is specified as the cause sheet. Further, when the failure of the first restoration processing is due to the lack of the data that constitutes the updater, the identification processing unit 153 identifies the particular sheet corresponding to the lacking data as the cause sheet.

The notification processing unit 154 notifies the identification information of the cause sheet identified by the identification processing unit 153. For example, the identification information is a page number of the cause sheet.

Specifically, the notification processing unit 154 uses the image forming unit 13 to print a second specific image including the identification information and a reprint instruction of the first specific image included in the cause sheet, The identification information is notified. For example, the second specific image includes the page number of the cause sheet, the reprint instruction, and information indicating the cause of the failure of the first restoration process. The cause of the failure of the first restoration process is, for example, the presence of stains, folds, or scratches on the specific sheet, or missing pages in the specific sheet bundle.

After printing by the first print processing unit 251, the third read processing unit 252 executes a third read process of reading image data of the sheet from the sheet on which the second specific image is printed.

For example, the third reading processing unit 252 uses the ADF 21 and the image reading unit 22 to read the image data of the sheet on which the second specific image placed on the sheet setting unit of the ADF 21 is printed.

The second print processing unit 253, according to the reprint instruction included in the image data of the sheet on which the second specific image read by the third reading process is printed, includes the first specific image included in the cause sheet. The second printing process for printing the sheet on the sheet is executed.

For example, the second print processing unit 253 prints on the sheet each of the plurality of enlarged images in which each of the plurality of partial images forming the first specific image included in the cause sheet is enlarged by a predetermined magnification. Hereinafter, the sheet on which the enlarged image is printed is referred to as an enlarged image sheet.

For example, when the cause sheet is the specific sheet X10 shown in FIG. 3, the second print processing unit 253 enlarges each of the partial images X111 to X114 forming the first specific image X11 by a predetermined magnification. Each of the plurality of enlarged images is printed on a sheet. Here, each of the partial images X111 to X114 is an image obtained by dividing the first specific image X11 into four equal parts. For example, the magnification is 4 times. In FIG. 3, each of the partial images X111 to X114 is shown as a region surrounded by a dotted line.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an enlarged image sheet X20 which is one of the plurality of enlarged image sheets output in the second printing process when the cause sheet is the specific sheet X10. 6 is an enlarged view of the circular area A2 surrounded by the chain double-dashed line shown in FIG.

The enlarged image sheet X20 includes an enlarged image X21 and a page number X22. In FIG. 5, the enlarged image X21 is shown as a region surrounded by a broken line. For example, the enlarged image X21 is an image obtained by enlarging the partial image X111 shown in FIG. 3 at the magnification. As shown in FIG. 6, the enlarged image X21 includes a plurality of information codes X211. The information code X211 is an image in which the information code X115 included in the partial image X111 is enlarged by the magnification. In other words, the information code X211 is an image of a size obtained by multiplying the reference size by the magnification.

The second print processing unit 253 may print the first specific image included in the cause sheet on the sheet as it is.

Further, the second specific image may not include the reprint instruction. In this case, the control unit 25 may not include the third reading processing unit 252. Further, the second print processing unit 253 may print, on a sheet, the first specific image included in the cause sheet specified by the operation according to the user's operation on the operation display unit 26.

After the notification by the notification processing unit 154, the second reading processing unit 155 executes the second reading process of reading the image data of the enlarged image sheet from each of the enlarged image sheets.

For example, the second reading processing unit 155 uses the ADF 11 and the image reading unit 12 to sequentially read the image data of each of the plurality of enlarged image sheets placed on the sheet setting unit of the ADF 11.

The second restoration processing unit 156 obtains the updater based on the image data of each of the enlarged image sheets read by the second reading process and the image data of each of the specific sheets read by the first reading process. The second restoration process for restoration is executed.

Specifically, the second restoration processing unit 156 acquires the division data corresponding to the cause sheet based on the image data of each of the enlarged image sheets read by the second reading processing. Then, the second restoration processing unit 156 restores the updater based on the acquired segmented data and the plurality of segmented data stored in the storage unit 17 by the first restoration processing unit 152.

The second reading processing unit 155 may read the image data of the cause sheet from the cause sheet. In this case, the second restoration processing unit 156 causes the image data of the cause sheet read by the second reading processing unit 155 and the image data of each of the specific sheets used for the restoration of the updater by the first restoration processing unit 152. The updater may be restored based on

The update processing unit 157 executes an update process for updating the firmware using the restored updater when the restoration of the updater by the first restoration processing unit 152 or the second restoration processing unit 156 is successful. ..

[Specific sheet output processing]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the specific sheet output process executed by the control unit 25 in the image processing apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Here, steps S11, S12,... Show numbers of processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 25. The specific sheet output process is executed when an instruction to execute the specific sheet output process is input by a user operation on the operation display unit 26.

<Step S11>
First, in step S11, the control unit 25 executes the first printing process of printing the first specific image on each of a plurality of sheets based on the updater. Here, the process of step S11 is executed by the first print processing unit 251 of the control unit 25.

By executing the process of step S11, the specific sheet bundle including the plurality of first specific images that can be restored to the updater is output. The worker who is the user of the image processing apparatus 20 can cause the image processing apparatus 10 to acquire the updater by using the output specific sheet bundle.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the control unit 25 causes the operation display unit 26 to display a predetermined first message. For example, the first message may be one of an input of an instruction to end the specific sheet output process and an input of an instruction to execute the third reading process, depending on whether the first restoration process in the image processing apparatus 10 is successful. It is a message to encourage.

<Step S13>
In step S13, the control unit 25 determines whether or not an instruction to end the specific sheet output process has been input by a user operation on the operation display unit 26.

Here, when the control unit 25 determines that the instruction to end the specific sheet output process is input (Yes in S13), the control unit 25 ends the specific sheet output process. If the instruction to end the specific sheet output process has not been input (No in S13), the control unit 25 shifts the process to step S14.

<Step S14>
In step S14, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the user's operation on the operation display unit 26 inputs an instruction to execute the third reading process.

Here, when the control unit 25 determines that the execution instruction of the third reading process is input (Yes in S14), the control unit 25 shifts the process to Step S15. If the instruction to execute the third reading process has not been input (No in S14), the control unit 25 shifts the process to step S13.

<Step S15>
In step S15, the control unit 25 executes the third reading process of reading the image data of the sheet from the sheet on which the second specific image is printed. Here, the process of step S15 is executed by the third reading processing unit 252 of the control unit 25.

Accordingly, the worker can cause the image processing apparatus 20 to output the plurality of enlarged image sheets only by causing the image processing apparatus 20 to read the image data of the sheet on which the second specific image is printed. is there. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for the user to input the cause sheet that needs reprinting.

<Step S16>
In step S16, the control unit 25 follows the reprint instruction included in the image data of the sheet on which the second specific image read by the third reading process is printed, according to the reprint instruction, and the first specific sheet included in the cause sheet. The second printing process of printing an image on a sheet is executed. Here, the process of step S16 is executed by the second print processing unit 253 of the control unit 25.

Here, in the second printing process, each of the plurality of partial images forming the first specific image included in the cause sheet is enlarged by the magnification and printed on the sheet. Therefore, as compared with the configuration in which the first specific image included in the cause sheet is printed as it is, the cause of the failure of the first restoration process executed by the image processing apparatus 10 is the stain existing on the cause sheet, When there is a fold or a faint, it is possible to prevent the failure again.

The control unit 25 may limit the number of executions of the specific sheet output process within the predetermined period for the same updater. As a result, it is possible to prevent the updater from being output unnecessarily, and to prevent the updater from being known by a third party who is unrelated to the user of the image processing apparatus 10 and the user of the image processing apparatus 20.

[Updater restoration process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an example of a procedure of an updater restoration process executed by the control unit 15 in the image processing apparatus 10 and a firmware update method according to the present invention will be described. The updater restoration process is executed when an instruction to execute the updater restoration process is input by a user operation on the operation display unit 16.

<Step S21>
First, in step S21, the control unit 15 causes the operation display unit 16 to display a predetermined second message. For example, the second message is a message prompting the user to place the specific sheet bundle on the sheet setting unit of the ADF 11 and input an instruction to execute the first reading process.

<Step S22>
In step S22, the control unit 15 determines whether or not an instruction to execute the first reading process has been input by a user operation on the operation display unit 16.

Here, if the control unit 15 determines that the instruction to execute the first reading process is input (Yes in S22), the control unit 15 shifts the process to step S23. If the instruction to execute the first reading process has not been input (No in S22), the control unit 15 waits for the instruction to execute the first reading process to be input in step S22.

<Step S23>
In step S23, the control unit 15 executes the first reading process of reading the image data of the specific sheet from each of the specific sheets included in the specific sheet bundle. Here, the process of step S23 is executed by the first reading processing unit 151 of the control unit 15.

<Step S24>
In step S24, the control unit 15 executes the first restoration process of restoring the updater based on the image data of each of the specific sheets read in the first reading process. The process of step S24 is an example of the first restoration step in the present invention, and is executed by the first restoration processing unit 152 of the control unit 15.

<Step S25>
In step S25, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the first restoration process has succeeded.

For example, the control unit 15 determines that the first restoration process has failed when it is determined that the decryption process has failed for any of the specific sheets. For example, if the specific sheet has stains, folds, or faintness, the decryption process may fail on the specific sheet.

Further, the control unit 15 determines that the first restoration process has failed when it is determined that the data forming the updater is insufficient based on the position information included in each of the divided data. For example, when there is a missing page in the specific sheet bundle, it is determined that the data forming the updater is insufficient.

Here, when the control unit 15 determines that the first restoration process has succeeded (Yes in S25), the control unit 15 shifts the process to step S26. If the first restoration process is not successful (No side of S25), the control unit 15 shifts the process to step S251.

<Step S251>
In step S251, the control unit 15 identifies the cause sheet that is the cause of the failure among the plurality of the specific sheets included in the specific sheet bundle. Here, the process of step S251 is an example of the specific step in the present invention, and is executed by the specific processing unit 153 of the control unit 15.

Specifically, when the failure of the first restoration process is due to the failure of the decryption process for any of the specific sheets, the control unit 15 determines the specific sheet that has failed the decryption process. The cause sheet is specified. Further, when the failure of the first restoration process is due to the lack of the data configuring the updater, the control unit 15 identifies the specific sheet corresponding to the lacking data as the cause sheet.

<Step S252>
In step S252, the control unit 15 notifies the identification information of the cause sheet identified in step S251. Here, the process of step S252 is an example of the notification step in the present invention, and is executed by the notification processing unit 154 of the control unit 15.

For example, the control unit 15 prints the second specific image using the image forming unit 13. Thereby, the worker can reprint the first specific image included in the cause sheet by using the sheet on which the second specific image is printed.

<Step S253>
In step S253, control unit 15 causes operation display unit 16 to display a predetermined third message. For example, the third message is a message prompting the placement of the plurality of enlarged image sheets on the sheet setting unit of the ADF 11 and the input of an instruction to execute the second reading process.

<Step S254>
In step S254, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the user's operation on the operation display unit 16 inputs an instruction to execute the second reading process.

Here, when the control unit 15 determines that the instruction to execute the second reading process is input (Yes in S254), the process proceeds to step S255. If the instruction to execute the second reading process is not input (No in S254), the control unit 15 waits for the instruction to execute the second reading process in step S254.

<Step S255>
In step S255, the control unit 15 executes the second reading process of reading the image data of the enlarged image sheet from each of the enlarged image sheets. Here, the process of step S255 is executed by the second reading processing unit 155 of the control unit 15.

<Step S256>
In step S256, the control unit 15 is based on the image data of each of the enlarged image sheets read by the second reading process and the image data of each of the specific sheets used to restore the updater in the first restoration process. Then, the second restoration process for restoring the updater is executed. Here, the process of step S256 is an example of the second restoration step in the present invention, and is executed by the second restoration processing unit 156 of the control unit 15.

<Step S257>
In step S257, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the second restoration process has succeeded.

Here, when the control unit 15 determines that the second restoration processing has succeeded (Yes in S257), the control unit 15 shifts the processing to step S26. If the second restoration processing has not succeeded (No side of S257), the control unit 15 shifts the processing to step S258.

<Step S26>
In step S26, the control unit 15 uses the updater restored in the first restoration process or the second restoration process to execute the update process of updating the firmware. Here, the process of step S26 is an example of the update step of the present invention, and is executed by the update processing unit 157 of the control unit 15.

<Step S258>
In step S258, the control unit 15 notifies that the second restoration process has failed.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus 10, when the restoration process of the updater based on the image data read from the specific sheet bundle fails, the cause sheet that causes the failure is identified and notified. Then, the operator can restart the restoration processing of the updater only by causing the image processing apparatus 10 to read the image data of the cause sheet after the notification. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work load on the worker who updates the firmware.

Note that the present invention may be applied to an information processing device such as a personal computer permitted to connect only a predetermined external device including a scanner. In this case, the information processing device to which the scanner is connected is another example of the image processing device of the present invention.

10 Image Processing Device 11 ADF
12 image reading unit 13 image forming unit 14 paper feeding unit 15 control unit 16 operation display unit 17 storage unit 20 image processing device 21 ADF
22 image reading unit 23 image forming unit 24 paper feeding unit 25 control unit 26 operation display unit 27 storage unit 100 image processing system 151 first reading processing unit 152 first restoration processing unit 153 specific processing unit 154 notification processing unit 155 second reading Processing unit 156 Second restoration processing unit 157 Update processing unit 251 First print processing unit 252 Third reading processing unit 253 Second print processing unit

Claims (4)

An image processing device that operates based on firmware,
An image reading unit that reads the image data of the sheet,
A first reading processing unit for reading image data of a predetermined first specific image from each of the plurality of sheets;
A first restoration processing unit that restores updater used for updating the firmware based on image data of the plurality of first specific images read by the first reading processing unit;
A specific processing unit that, when the update of the updater by the first restoration processing unit fails, identifies the cause sheet that caused the failure among the plurality of sheets;
A notification processing unit that notifies the identification information of the cause sheet identified by the identification processing unit,
A second reading processing unit that reads the image data of the first specific image included in the cause sheet after notification by the notification processing unit;
A second restoring the updater based on the image data of the first specific image read by the second reading processing unit and the image data of the plurality of first specific images read by the first reading processing unit; A restoration processing unit,
An update processing unit that executes the firmware update using the restored updater when the restoration of the updater by the first restoration processing unit or the second restoration processing unit is successful;
An image processing apparatus including. An image processing system including a first image processing apparatus, which is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, and a second image processing apparatus,
The first image processing apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet,
The notification processing unit notifies the identification information by printing a second specific image including the identification information and a reprint instruction of the first specific image included in the cause sheet using the image forming unit,
The second image processing device,
A first print processing unit that prints the first specific image on each of the plurality of sheets based on the updater;
A third reading processing unit that reads image data of the second specific image from a sheet on which the second specific image is printed after printing by the first printing processing unit;
A second print processing unit configured to print the first specific image included in the cause sheet on a sheet according to the reprint instruction included in the image data of the second specific image read by the third reading processing unit;
An image processing system including. The second print processing unit prints on the sheet, each of the plurality of enlarged images obtained by enlarging each of the plurality of partial images forming the first specific image included in the cause sheet at a predetermined magnification,
The second reading processing unit reads image data of each sheet on which the enlarged image is printed,
The second restoration processing unit stores the updater based on a plurality of image data read by the second reading processing unit and image data of the plurality of first specific images read by the first reading processing unit. Restore,
The image processing system according to claim 2. A method for updating firmware, which includes an image reading unit for reading image data of a sheet, and is executed by an image processing apparatus that operates based on firmware, comprising:
A first reading step of reading image data of a predetermined first specific image from each of the plurality of sheets;
A first restoration step of restoring the updater used for updating the firmware based on the image data of the plurality of first specific images read by the first reading step;
A specific step of specifying a cause sheet that is the cause of the failure among the plurality of sheets when the restoration of the updater by the first restoration step fails;
An informing step of informing the identification information of the cause sheet identified by the identifying step,
A second reading step of reading the image data of the first specific image included in the cause sheet after the notification by the notification step;
A second restoration step of restoring the updater based on the image data of the first specific image read by the second reading step and the image data of the plurality of first specific images read by the first reading step When,
An updating step of updating the firmware using the restored updater when the restoration of the updater by the first restoring step or the second restoring step is successful;
How to update the firmware including.