JP4366207B2 - PRINT CONTROL DEVICE, PRINT DEVICE, PROGRAM START METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  According to the present invention, a controller firmware program in which data is compressed in a flash ROM of a controller unit that causes an engine unit to execute printing or in an option ROM inserted in an option ROM slot is decompressed, expanded on a RAM, and started. The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a printing apparatus, a program starting method, and a program applicable to a printer or the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printer having the above-described controller unit and engine unit, a controller firmware program main body that controls the controller unit is built in the mask ROM of the controller unit. Was up and running. However, since the program cannot be rewritten in the mask ROM, it is difficult to distribute the failure handling program to the user when a failure occurs.

  That is, as a method of distributing the failure handling program, a user who has newly created a mask ROM containing the failure handling program, prepared the mask ROM by attaching it to the controller board, and notified the occurrence of the failure (claim) It is also conceivable to visit each user and exchange one controller board for each user. However, such a method has been enormous in time and cost.

  At this time, the upgraded mask ROM can be directly attached to the controller board, or in the form of an option ROM-DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module), and a bug slot (only for version upgrade) provided on the controller board. In some slots). Then, the dip switch switches between starting the mask ROM directly attached or starting the mask ROM of the bug slot. Of course, the controller board also has an option ROM slot in addition to the bug slot.

  Regardless of which method is used, there is no doubt that it has been a considerable burden in terms of time and cost to deal with the occurrence of a failure by making the upgraded controller firmware program into a mask ROM.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to change the mask ROM into a rewritable flash ROM so that the failure handling program can be downloaded. The download operation itself can be easily performed by the user. For example, when a NAND flash ROM is used as the flash ROM, there are advantages such as being inexpensive and a relatively large capacity. However, as a disadvantage, when a program is operated on a NAND flash ROM, there is a problem that the operation of the program is very slow because the access speed of the flash ROM is slow, so that it cannot be put into practical use.

  On the other hand, the size of the controller firmware program main body also exceeds the capacity of the mask ROM due to the addition of the function, and the controller firmware program can be finally stored in the mask ROM after data compression. However, there is a problem that it is impossible to execute the controller firmware program on the mask ROM if the controller firmware program is compressed.

  Due to the above two problems, the controller firmware program body compressed in data stored in the flash ROM is expanded on the RAM while the data is decompressed when the printer is turned on, and the controller firmware program is executed on the RAM. Conceivable.

On the other hand, when the option ROM is inserted into the above-described option ROM slot and the system is powered on, a technique for upgrading the flash ROM program ("processing system, program update method and system startup method") has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-249883

  In a technique using a flash ROM as a means for storing a controller firmware program used in the printer, when the version of the controller firmware program is to be upgraded, the user himself / herself downloads the data-compressed controller firmware program to the printer controller unit. The basic method is to download to the built-in flash ROM.

  However, if the user is a large customer and there are a large number of printers to be upgraded, it is not practical to download the controller firmware program for each printer because it takes too much work time. Therefore, the method of setting the option ROM in which the upgraded controller firmware program is set in the option ROM slot provided in each printer is more convenient.

  However, the problem here is that if the printer has only one option ROM slot, only one of the upgraded controller firmware program or option emulation program can be set in one option ROM. Then, the upgraded controller firmware program and option emulation program cannot be used at the same time.

  The problems of the conventional technology are summarized as follows.

  The first problem is that, as a method for upgrading the controller firmware program, there is a method for upgrading the controller firmware program in the option ROM slot in addition to the method of downloading and starting the upgraded controller firmware program into the flash ROM built in the controller unit. Inserting a set option ROM to enable a method to start the controller firmware program.

  The second problem is to automatically determine which of the controller firmware program in the flash ROM built in the controller unit and the controller firmware program in the option ROM is to be activated, and execute the controller firmware program. is there.

  A third problem is to enable the upgraded controller firmware program and the option emulation program to operate simultaneously using the option ROM even when the printer has one option ROM slot.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus capable of starting an firmware program by inserting an optional memory into a memory slot, in addition to a method of downloading and starting an upgraded firmware program to a first memory, To provide a printing apparatus, a program starting method, and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing control apparatus according to the present invention includes a first memory in which a firmware program can be downloaded, a memory slot in which an optional memory can be inserted, and a second memory. A printing control apparatus for executing printing, wherein: a first determination unit configured to determine whether the option memory is inserted in the memory slot; and whether a firmware program is present in the option memory; Second discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the firmware program in one memory is correct; and when the option memory is inserted into the memory slot and it is determined that there is a firmware program in the option memory, the option A first starting means for copying and starting the firmware program in the memory to the second memory; When it is determined that no option memory is inserted in the memory slot, or when it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory even if the option memory is inserted in the memory slot, and the first When it is determined that the firmware program in the memory is correct , an option memory is inserted into the memory slot and second startup means for copying and starting the firmware program in the first memory to the second memory. If it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory, and if it is determined that the firmware program in the first memory is not correct, the firmware program is downloaded from the outside and the first program is downloaded. Patent in that it comprises a download module to be stored in the memory To.

  The print control apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the option memory and the firmware program in the first memory are upgraded and data compressed.

  The print control apparatus according to the present invention includes a firmware program in which data is compressed in the option memory among a firmware program in which data is compressed in the option memory and a firmware program in which data is compressed in the first memory. It is characterized by comprising third starting means for preferentially copying the program to the second memory, decompressing and expanding the data on the second memory, and starting the program.

  Further, the print control apparatus according to the present invention may be configured such that a new version of data is based on a comparison between a version of the firmware program compressed in the option memory and a version of the firmware program compressed in the first memory. And a fourth activation unit that preferentially copies the compressed firmware program to the second memory, decompresses and expands the data on the second memory, and activates the fourth firmware.

  In addition, when it is determined that there is a data compressed firmware program and a data compressed emulation program in the option memory, the print control apparatus of the present invention gives priority to the data compressed firmware program in the option memory. And fifth starting means for copying to the second memory, decompressing and expanding data on the second memory, and starting the data.

  In the print control apparatus of the present invention, a download program for downloading a data-compressed firmware program to the first memory is stored in the first memory so as to be bootable on the second memory. If there is a download instruction, or if the data-compressed firmware program in the first memory is invalid, the download program in the first memory is stored in the second memory immediately before the download program is activated. A copying means for copying to the memory is provided.

  In the printing control apparatus of the present invention, the second determination means includes a checksum added to the data-compressed firmware program supplied from the outside, and the firmware program after being downloaded to the first memory. Based on the comparison with the checksum calculation value, it is determined whether or not the firmware program in the first memory is correct.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the print control apparatuses described above.

In order to achieve the above object, a program starting method according to the present invention includes a first memory in which a firmware program can be downloaded, a memory slot in which an optional memory can be inserted, and a second memory. When the option memory is inserted into the memory slot and it is determined that there is a firmware program in the option memory, the firmware program in the option memory is copied to the second memory. And when it is determined that no optional memory is inserted in the memory slot, or when it is determined that there is no firmware program in the optional memory even if the optional memory is inserted in the memory slot, and If the firmware program in memory 1 is correct If you separate, and start copying the firmware program in the first memory to the second memory, the be inserted optional memory in the memory slot is determined that the farm program is not in said optional memory If the firmware program in the first memory is determined to be incorrect, the firmware program is downloaded from the outside and stored in the first memory .

In order to achieve the above-described object, a program of the present invention is a program for a print control apparatus including a first memory in which a firmware program can be downloaded, a memory slot in which an optional memory can be inserted, and a second memory. A program for causing a computer to execute a startup method, the first determination module for determining whether or not the option memory is inserted in the memory slot and whether or not there is a firmware program in the option memory; and A second determination module for determining whether or not the firmware program in the first memory is correct; and when the option memory is inserted into the memory slot and it is determined that there is a firmware program in the option memory, The firmware program in the option memory is stored in the second memory. If it is determined that the option memory is not inserted into the first activation module to be copied and activated, or the option memory is inserted into the memory slot, the firmware program is stored in the option memory. When it is determined that there is no firmware, and it is determined that the firmware program in the first memory is correct, the firmware program in the first memory is copied to the second memory and activated. When it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory even if an option memory is inserted in the activation module and the memory slot, and the firmware program in the first memory is determined to be incorrect The firmware program is downloaded from the outside and the first memory is downloaded. A download module configured to store, characterized in that it comprises a.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides a print control apparatus comprising a first memory capable of storing a firmware program and a loader program, a memory slot into which an optional memory can be inserted, and a second memory, wherein the loader program includes When the option memory is inserted in the memory slot and the firmware program is in the option memory, the firmware program in the option memory is copied to the second memory and started, and the option memory is inserted in the memory slot. If there is no firmware program in the option memory even if an optional memory is inserted in the memory slot, and if the firmware program in the first memory is correct, the memory in the first memory The farm program is the second memo It may be configured to start by copying the.

According to the present invention, when an optional memory is inserted in the memory slot and the firmware program is in the optional memory, the firmware program in the optional memory is copied to the second memory and started, and the optional memory is inserted in the memory slot. If there is no firmware program in the optional memory inserted in the memory slot and the firmware program in the first memory is correct, the firmware program in the first memory is transferred to the second memory. If it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory even if the option memory is inserted in the memory slot and the firmware program in the first memory is determined to be incorrect, Download the farm program For storage in the memory, the start method of the preferred former personal users, that it becomes possible to perform a suitable latter activation methods for large user appropriately to correspond to a wide range of users it can.

  According to the present invention, the firmware program in the option memory is preferentially copied to the second memory among the firmware program in the option memory and the firmware program in the first memory, and the second memory is copied. Since it is deployed and activated above, it is suitable for large users, and it is possible to save the trouble of manually switching the activation side as in the prior art.

  Further, according to the present invention, the second version is given priority to the new version of the version of the firmware program compressed in the option memory and the version of the firmware program compressed in the first memory. The latest version of the firmware program can always be started because the program is copied to the memory and started.

  Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that there is a data-compressed firmware program and a data-compressed emulation program in the option memory, the second data is given priority to the data-compressed firmware program in the option memory. Since it is copied to the memory, the data is expanded and expanded on the second memory, and activated, even if there is only one memory slot, the upgraded firmware program and emulation program can be operated simultaneously using the optional memory. It becomes.

  Further, according to the present invention, when there is a download instruction, or when the data-compressed firmware program in the first memory is invalid, the download program in the first memory is downloaded immediately before starting the download program. Since copying to the second memory is performed, the copy process for the second memory of the download program when the printing apparatus on which the printing control apparatus is mounted is turned on can be omitted, and the rise time of the printing apparatus can be saved. .

  In addition, according to the present invention, the checksum of the firmware program compressed from the outside and compressed with the checksum calculation value after downloading the firmware program to the first memory is compared, In order to determine whether the firmware program is correct, it is possible to check whether the firmware program has been downloaded correctly.

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

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller unit and an engine unit of a printer as a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a controller unit 2 and an engine unit 3. The controller unit 2 receives print data transmitted from a host machine such as a personal computer, creates a page image from the print data, converts the page image into a video signal, and transmits the video signal to the engine unit 3. Print the page image. The engine unit 3 receives the video signal of the page image from the controller unit 2, and in accordance with an instruction from the controller unit 2, image formation (development, transfer, fixing) of the page image on the sheet and discharge of the sheet on which image formation has been completed Execute.

  First, details of the elements constituting the controller unit 2 will be described. The CPU 4 controls the entire controller unit 2 and executes the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The flash ROM 5 stores a controller firmware program whose data has been compressed. The RAM 6 is set after the controller firmware program compressed in data stored in the flash ROM 5 is decompressed. Thereafter, the controller firmware program is started, and the operation as a printer is started.

  The RAM 6 is used as a work area when various programs operate. Print data received by the printer 1 from the host machine via the external interface unit 12 is temporarily stored in a reception buffer provided in the RAM 6. A page image drawn and generated based on the print data in the reception buffer is also created on the RAM 6.

  For example, one option ROM slot 7 is provided in the controller unit 2. An option ROM 8 can be inserted into the option ROM slot 7. The option ROM 8 is also actually a flash ROM. Various programs are downloaded and created in the option ROM 8 using a ROM writer.

  The option ROM 8 is classified into three types according to the built-in program. That is, an option ROM storing only “data compressed controller firmware program”, an option ROM storing only “data compressed option emulation program”, “data compressed controller firmware program and data compressed option emulation program” There are three types of option ROMs in which are stored.

  The panel interface 9 serves as an interface with a panel (not shown) having a display unit and a key input unit made of, for example, liquid crystal. The user can make settings of the printer 1 (for example, settings such as the number of prints and the paper size) using the keys while viewing the display content on the panel. The controller side communication unit 10 communicates with the engine side communication unit 16 of the engine unit 3. From the controller unit 2, it is possible to control the engine unit 3 and acquire the state of the engine unit 3 through the controller-side communication unit 10.

  The video signal conversion unit 11 converts the page image created on the RAM 6 into a video signal and transmits it to the engine unit 3. The external interface unit 12 has a function of receiving print data transmitted from the host machine and setting it in a reception buffer on the RAM 6. Specific examples of the external interface unit 12 include a network interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, and a Centronics interface.

  Next, details of elements constituting the engine unit 3 will be described. The CPU 13 controls the entire engine unit 3. The ROM 14 stores a control program for the engine unit 3. The RAM 15 is used as a work area when the control program operates. In the engine unit 3, the control program stored in the ROM 14 operates on the ROM 14, and unlike the controller unit 2, the program is not copied from the flash ROM 5 onto the RAM 6 and operated.

  The engine side communication unit 16 communicates with the controller side communication unit 10 of the controller unit 2. The engine side communication unit 16 has a function of receiving a control command such as a paper feed instruction from the controller unit 2 and a function of transmitting a notification command for notifying the controller unit 2 of the state of the engine unit 3. The video signal receiving unit 17 receives the video signal of the page image sent from the controller unit 2. The video signal is sent to the developing / fixing unit 19.

  The paper feeding unit 18 feeds blank paper to the image forming position of the developing / fixing unit 19. The developing / fixing unit 19 is a series of image forming steps consisting of developing, transferring, and fixing by an electrophotographic system in which a latent image formed on a photosensitive member by laser irradiation is developed with a developer, transferred onto a sheet, and fixed. Execute. The paper discharge unit 20 discharges paper after development, transfer, and fixing.

  Next, the operation centering on the controller unit 2 of the printer 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the following, as a method for upgrading the controller firmware program, a method of downloading and starting the upgraded controller firmware program into the flash ROM 5 and inserting an option ROM 8 in which the upgraded controller firmware program is set into the option ROM slot 7 The starting method will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a relationship between copying and starting various memories and various programs of the controller unit 2 of the printer 1.

  In FIG. 2, various memories built in and attached to the controller unit 2 include a loader copy program (corresponding to copying means), and a loader program (corresponding to first to second discriminating means, first to fifth starting means). ), A flash ROM 5 that stores a download program, a data-compressed controller firmware program (corresponding to the firmware program), a RAM 6 that includes a work area and a reception buffer, and an option ROM 8 that can be inserted into the option ROM slot 7. As shown in the figure, the flash ROM 5 is divided into a fixed part and a download part. Also, the type 1, type 2, and type 3 of the option ROM 8 shown in the figure correspond to the above-described three types.

  First, when the printer 1 is powered on, a loader copy program stored in a fixed part on the flash ROM 5 is activated. Only this loader copy program is started on the flash ROM 5, but since the access speed of the flash ROM 5 is slow, the operation of the program on the flash ROM 5 is also very slow. Therefore, only this loader copy program operates on the flash ROM 5. is there.

  The loader copy program copies the loader program stored in the fixed part of the flash ROM 5 to the work area on the RAM 6 ((1) in FIG. 2) and starts up. This is the only process executed by the loader copy program. When the loader program is copied from the flash ROM 5 to the RAM 6, the loader program is copied as fast as possible by using the burst transfer function of the CPU 4. The point that the burst transfer function of the CPU 4 is used in the program copy operation is the same in the following description.

  The loader program started on the RAM 6 copies the download program stored in the fixed part on the flash ROM 5 to the work area on the RAM 6 ((2) in FIG. 2). In this case as well, the program is copied at high speed using the burst transfer function of the CPU 4.

  If the option ROM 8 is not inserted into the option ROM slot 7 or the option firmware 8 is inserted into the option ROM slot 7 and there is no controller firmware program whose data is compressed in the option ROM 8, it is stored on the flash ROM 5. It is checked whether or not the data-compressed controller firmware program main body stored in the download unit is a correctly downloaded module.

  If it is determined that the data-compressed controller firmware program body on the flash ROM 5 is a correctly downloaded module, the data-compressed controller firmware program body on the flash ROM 5 is copied as it is to the work area on the RAM 6 (FIG. 2). (3)). In this case as well, the program is copied at high speed using the burst transfer function of the CPU 4.

  On the other hand, if the option ROM 8 is inserted in the option ROM slot 7 and the controller firmware program with data compressed is stored in the option ROM 8, the controller firmware program with data compressed in the option ROM 8 is stored in the work area on the RAM 6. Copy ((3) in FIG. 2). In this case as well, the program is copied at high speed using the burst transfer function of the CPU 4.

  Thereafter, the controller firmware program main body compressed in the work area on the RAM 6 is expanded to a predetermined position on the RAM 6 while expanding the data ((4) in FIG. 2), and the data compression in the work area on the RAM 6 is performed. The portion of the controller firmware program that has been released is released (erased).

  If the option ROM 8 is inserted into the option ROM slot 7 and there is an option emulation program compressed in the option ROM 8, the compressed option emulation program in the option ROM 8 is stored in the work area on the RAM 6. Copy ((5) in FIG. 2). In this case as well, the program is copied at high speed using the burst transfer function of the CPU 4.

  After that, the compressed option / option emulation program in the work area on the RAM 6 is expanded to a predetermined position on the RAM 6 while expanding the data ((6) in FIG. 2), and the data compression in the work area on the RAM 6 is performed. The part of the option emulation program that has been released is released (erased).

  Then, the controller firmware program developed at a predetermined position on the RAM 6 is activated. At the same time as starting the controller firmware program, the loader program and download program copied to the work area on the RAM 6 are released (erased).

  On the other hand, if the controller firmware program data compressed in the flash ROM 5 is an invalid module, that is, if the download is interrupted during the previous download, or if the user turns on the printer 1 At the same time, when an instruction to download the data-compressed controller firmware is given from a panel (not shown), the loader program in the work area on the RAM 6 starts the download program in the work area on the RAM 6. That is, the “data compressed controller firmware program body” in the flash ROM 5 is not copied to the work area on the RAM 6.

  The activated download program displays on the panel (not shown) of the printer 1 a prompt to download the “data compressed controller firmware program”. When the “data compressed controller firmware program” is input from the host machine via the external interface unit 12, the download program downloads and sets the “data compressed controller firmware program” to the flash ROM 5, End the operation.

  The confirmation of whether or not the “data-compressed controller firmware program” has been downloaded correctly is assured by the following procedure. First, before downloading, the checksum recording area for recording the checksum in the download section in the flash ROM 5 is erased. Since checksum information is added to the head of the download module input from the host machine via the external interface 12, the checksum information is stored in the work area of the RAM 6.

  Next, a “data compressed controller firmware program body” which is a download module is downloaded and set in the download section of the flash ROM 5. After the setting, the checksum of the “data compressed controller firmware program main body” in the download section in the flash ROM 5 is calculated, and the checksum information and the calculated checksum value stored in the work area of the RAM 6 are the first. It is determined whether or not they are the same.

  If the checksum information in the work area of the RAM 6 is the same as the calculated checksum value, the checksum value is recorded in the checksum recording area in the download section in the flash ROM 5. If the checksum information in the work area of the RAM 6 does not match the calculated checksum value, the download is failed and nothing is recorded in the checksum recording area in the download section in the flash ROM 5.

  3 to 6 are flowcharts showing processing of various programs in the controller unit 2 of the printer 1.

  3 to 6, first, when the printer 1 is powered on, the loader copy program on the flash ROM 5 is activated (step S1). Although the loader copy program operates on the flash ROM 5, as described above, since the access speed of the flash ROM 5 is slow, the operation of the loader copy program is also slow. The activated loader copy program copies the loader program stored in the fixed part of the flash ROM 5 to the work area on the RAM 6 (step S2), and activates the copied loader program (step S3). When the loader program is started, the operation of the loader copy program ends.

  After step S3 ends, the process proceeds to step S4. This part is an operation by the loader program. That is, the loader program copies the download program on the flash ROM 5 to the work area on the RAM 6 (step S4). In this case, as described above, high-speed copying is performed using the burst transfer function of the CPU 4.

  Next, the loader program checks whether there is a download instruction from the user via a panel (not shown) (step S5). If there is a download instruction, the loader program starts the download program in the work area on the RAM 6 (step S16), and transmits the controller firmware program with data compression transmitted from the host machine via the external interface unit 12. Download to the flash ROM 5 is executed (step S17), and the operation ends. If there is no download instruction, the loader program checks whether or not the option ROM 8 is inserted into the option ROM slot 7 and whether there is a data-compressed controller firmware program in the option ROM 8 (step S6).

  If there is a controller firmware program whose data is compressed in the option ROM 8, the loader program copies the controller firmware program whose data is compressed in the option ROM 8 to the work area on the RAM 6 (step S7), and proceeds to step S10.

  If the option ROM 8 is not inserted into the option ROM slot 7 or if the option ROM 8 is inserted into the option ROM slot 7 and there is no controller firmware program compressed in the option ROM 8, the loader program is flashed. It is checked whether or not the data-compressed controller firmware program in the download section in the ROM 5 is correct (complete version) (step S8).

  If the data-compressed controller firmware program in the flash ROM 5 is correct, the loader program copies the data-compressed controller firmware program body in the flash ROM 5 to the work area on the RAM 6 (step S9). Also in this case, as described above, high-speed copying is performed using the burst transfer function of the CPU 4.

  Thereafter, the loader program decompresses the data-compressed controller firmware program in the work area on the RAM 6 and expands it to a predetermined position on the RAM 6. After the expansion, the data in the work area on the RAM 6 is compressed. The controller firmware program portion is freed from memory (step S10). Next, the loader program checks whether or not the option ROM 8 is inserted into the option ROM slot 7 and there is an option emulation program whose data is compressed in the option ROM 8 (step S11).

  If there is an option emulation program compressed in the option ROM 8, the loader program copies the option emulation program compressed in the option ROM 8 to the work area on the RAM 6 (step S12). Then, the loader program decompresses the data-compressed option emulation program on the RAM 6 and expands it to a predetermined position on the RAM. After the expansion, the portion having the data-compressed option emulation program on the RAM 6 is stored in the memory. Release (step S13).

  When there is no option emulation program whose data is compressed in the option ROM 8, or after the process of step S13 is completed, the process proceeds to step S14. That is, the loader program activates the controller firmware program developed at a predetermined position on the RAM 6 and simultaneously releases the loader program and download program in the work area on the RAM 6 (step S14). At this point, the operation of the loader program ends. Thereafter, the operation of the printer 1 is continued until the printer 1 is turned off.

  If the controller firmware program compressed in the flash ROM 5 is invalid, the loader program starts the download program in the work area on the RAM 6 (step S16), and then transmits it from the host machine via the external interface unit 12. The download of the data compressed controller firmware program to the flash ROM 5 is executed by the download program (step S17), and the operation is terminated.

  Next, details of the operation in step S17 will be described. First, before executing the download by the download program, the loader program erases the checksum recording area in the download unit in the flash ROM 5. Since the checksum information is added to the head of the download module as “data-compressed controller firmware program data” transmitted from the host machine via the external interface 12, the loader program uses the checksum information. Is stored in the work area of the RAM 6.

  Further, the loader program downloads and sets the “data compressed controller firmware program body”, which is a download module, to the download unit of the flash ROM 5 by the download program. After the setting, the loader program calculates the checksum of the “data compressed controller firmware program main body” in the download section in the flash ROM 5 and first calculates the checksum information stored in the work area of the RAM 6. It is determined whether the checksum values are the same.

  When the stored checksum information is the same as the calculated checksum value, the loader program records the checksum value in the checksum recording area in the download unit in the flash ROM 5. If the stored checksum information does not match the calculated checksum value, the loader program determines that the download has failed, and there is nothing in the checksum recording area in the download section in the flash ROM 5. Do not record.

  In addition, even when the transfer operation is interrupted due to a malfunction of the transmission source host machine or a malfunction of the transmission path during the download module transfer operation, the loader program stores the checksum in the download section in the flash ROM 5. The checksum value is not recorded in the recording area.

  With the above mechanism, at the stage of step S8 in FIG. 4, the checksum recording area in the download section in the flash ROM 5 is checked to determine whether the data-compressed controller firmware program in the flash ROM is correct. can do.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the loader program that is started immediately after the printer 1 is turned on is stored in the option ROM 8 inserted in the option ROM slot 7 with the “data compressed controller firmware program”. If there is, the “data compressed controller firmware program” is loaded from the option ROM 8 onto the RAM 6 and activated. If not, the “data compressed controller firmware program” is read from the flash ROM 5. Is loaded onto the RAM 6 and activated.

  That is, as a method for upgrading the controller firmware program, which is the first problem, the option firmware slot 7 is upgraded in addition to the method of downloading and starting the upgraded controller firmware program to the flash ROM 5 built in the controller unit. A method for starting the controller firmware program by inserting the option ROM 8 in which the controller firmware program is set can be realized. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately execute the former activation method suitable for an individual user and the latter activation method suitable for a large user, thereby providing a printer capable of handling a wide range of users. it can.

  Further, the controller firmware program is automatically determined which of the second problem, the controller firmware program in the flash ROM 5 built in the controller unit and the controller firmware program in the option ROM 8 is activated. It becomes possible to execute. As a result, it is possible to save the trouble of manually switching the side to be activated as in the prior art, and to provide a printer with improved usability.

  Further, even when the option ROM slot 7 provided in the printer 1, which is the third problem, is installed, the upgraded controller firmware program and the option emulation program can be operated simultaneously using the option ROM 8. It becomes. As a result, a printer with improved convenience can be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment described above in the following points. Since the other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) described above, description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the controller firmware program compressed in the flash ROM 5 and the controller firmware program compressed in the option ROM 8 are prioritized and copied to the work area on the RAM 6. When the data is decompressed and expanded to a predetermined position on the RAM 6 to be activated, the controller firmware program compressed in the option ROM 8 is given priority unconditionally. This is because when the option ROM 8 is installed in the option ROM slot 7, it is considered that the user has installed the option ROM 8 in the option ROM slot 7 for some purpose.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since there is an idea that the latest version of the controller firmware program is always correct, the version of the controller firmware program compressed on the flash ROM 5 and the data on the option ROM 8 The compressed version of the controller firmware program is compared, and a new version of the controller firmware program is preferentially copied to the work area on the RAM 6, and then the data is expanded and expanded on the RAM 6 to start up.

  According to this embodiment, the latest version of the controller firmware program can always be activated.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment of the present invention is different from the first and second embodiments described above in the following points. Since the other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) described above, description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment described above, the latest version of the controller firmware program is preferentially expanded on the RAM 6 and activated.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the option ROM 8 in the option ROM slot 7 has “a data compressed controller firmware program and a data compressed emulation program”, these two programs are combined. The controller firmware program in the option ROM 8 is preferentially copied to the work area on the RAM 6 in preference to the data compressed controller firmware program in the flash ROM 5, and then the data is expanded on the RAM 6. It expands and starts up.

  According to the present embodiment, even when the option ROM slot 7 provided in the printer 1 is one, the upgraded controller firmware program and the option emulation program can be simultaneously operated using the option ROM 8. .

[Fourth Embodiment]
The fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the first to third embodiments described above in the following points. Since the other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) described above, description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, after the printer 1 is powered on, the download program is copied to the work area on the RAM 6 and then “whether the user has issued a download instruction via the panel” or “flash ROM 5”. If the controller firmware program whose data is compressed is correct, and if it is determined that “there is a download instruction” or “the controller firmware program is invalid”, it is transferred from the fixed part of the flash ROM 5 to the work area on the RAM 6. The downloaded download program was running.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the order of copying the download program is reversed. That is, after the printer 1 is turned on, it is checked whether “the user has issued a download instruction via the panel” or “the controller firmware program compressed in the flash ROM 5 is correct”, and “there is a download instruction”. Alternatively, when it is determined that the “controller firmware program is invalid”, the download program in the fixed part of the flash ROM 5 is copied to the work area on the RAM 6 and activated at that time (immediately before the download program is activated). To do.

  According to the present embodiment, when the printer 1 is normally powered on, the loader copy program unconditionally copies the download program from the flash ROM 5 to the RAM 6 as in the first embodiment. Since copying is performed from the flash ROM 5 to the RAM 6 immediately before starting the printer 1, the copying process of the download program to the RAM 6 when the printer 1 is powered on can be omitted, and the startup time of the printer 1 can be saved.

[Other embodiments]
In the first to fourth embodiments, an example in which one option ROM slot is provided in the controller unit of the printer has been described. However, the number of option ROM slots is not limited to one, and a plurality of option ROM slots may be provided. it can.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the printer that performs printing by the electrophotographic method has been described as an example. However, the printing method is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and an inkjet method, an electrostatic method, and a thermal transfer method. It can also be applied to other printing methods.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, a printer has been described as an example of a printing apparatus. However, the printing apparatus is not limited to a printer, and may be applied to other printing apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals and copiers. Can do.

  The present invention supplies a software program (flowcharts in FIGS. 3 to 6) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a computer or CPU, and the computer or CPU reads and executes the supplied program. Can be achieved.

  In this case, the program is directly supplied from a storage medium storing the program, or downloaded from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like. Supplied.

  The form of the program may be in the form of object code, program code executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS (operating system), and the like.

  The present invention also supplies a computer or CPU with a storage medium storing a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the computer or CPU reads and executes the program stored in the storage medium. Can also be achieved.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for storing the program code, for example, ROM, RAM, NV-RAM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk (registered trademark), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, MO, CD-R, CD -RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, etc.

  The function of the above-described embodiment is not only by executing the program code read from the computer, but the OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. Can also be realized.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller unit and an engine unit of the printer as the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between copying and activation of various memories and various programs of a controller unit of a printer. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the various programs in a controller part. FIG. 4 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 3. It is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. It is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printer (supports printing devices)
2 Controller (corresponding to print control device)
3 Engine part (corresponding to printing means)
5 Flash ROM (corresponding to the first memory)
6 RAM (corresponding to the second memory)
7 Option ROM slot (corresponding to memory slot)
8 Option ROM (supports option memory)

Claims (10)

A printing control apparatus comprising a first memory from which a firmware program can be downloaded, a memory slot into which an option memory can be inserted, and a second memory, and causes a printing unit to execute printing.
First discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the option memory is inserted in the memory slot and whether or not there is a firmware program in the option memory;
Second discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the firmware program in the first memory is correct;
When the option memory is inserted into the memory slot and it is determined that there is a firmware program in the option memory, first startup means for copying and starting the firmware program in the option memory to the second memory When,
When it is determined that no option memory is inserted in the memory slot, or when it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory even if an option memory is inserted in the memory slot, and the first A second activation unit that copies and activates the firmware program in the first memory to the second memory when it is determined that the firmware program in the first memory is correct ;
If it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory even if an optional memory is inserted in the memory slot, and if it is determined that the firmware program in the first memory is not correct, the firmware is externally updated. Downloading means for downloading a program and storing it in the first memory .   2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firmware program in the option memory and the first memory is upgraded and data compressed.   Of the firmware program in which data is compressed in the option memory and the firmware program in which data is compressed in the first memory, the second memory is given priority to the firmware program in which data is compressed in the option memory. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a third activation unit that copies the data to the second memory, decompresses and expands the data on the second memory, and activates the data.   Based on a comparison between the version of the data compressed firmware program in the option memory and the version of the data compressed firmware program in the first memory, the new version of the data compressed firmware program is given priority. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth activation unit that copies to a second memory, decompresses and expands data on the second memory, and activates the fourth memory.   If it is determined that there is a data compressed firmware program and a data compressed emulation program in the option memory, the data compressed firmware program in the option memory is preferentially copied to the second memory, The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth activation unit that decompresses, expands, and activates data in the second memory. In the first memory, a download program for downloading the data-compressed firmware program to the first memory is stored so as to be bootable on the second memory,
When there is a download instruction, or when the data-compressed firmware program in the first memory is invalid, the download program in the first memory is transferred to the second memory immediately before starting the download program. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a copying unit that copies to a memory.   The second determining means is based on a comparison between a checksum added to the data-compressed firmware program supplied from the outside and a checksum calculation value after downloading the firmware program to the first memory, The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the firmware program in the first memory is correct.   A printing apparatus comprising the printing control apparatus according to claim 1. A program starting method for a print control apparatus comprising a first memory in which a firmware program can be downloaded, a memory slot in which an optional memory can be inserted, and a second memory,
When the option memory is inserted into the memory slot and it is determined that there is a firmware program in the option memory, the firmware program in the option memory is copied to the second memory and started.
When it is determined that no option memory is inserted in the memory slot, or when it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory even if an option memory is inserted in the memory slot, and the first memory If it is determined that the firmware program is correct, the firmware program in the first memory is copied to the second memory and started .
If it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory even if an optional memory is inserted in the memory slot, and if it is determined that the firmware program in the first memory is not correct, a firmware program is A program starting method comprising downloading and storing the program in the first memory . A program for causing a computer to execute a program starting method of a printing control apparatus including a first memory in which a firmware program can be downloaded, a memory slot in which an optional memory can be inserted, and a second memory,
A first determination module for determining whether or not the option memory is inserted in the memory slot and whether or not there is a firmware program in the option memory;
A second determination module for determining whether or not the firmware program in the first memory is correct;
A first activation module that copies and activates the firmware program in the option memory to the second memory when the option memory is inserted into the memory slot and it is determined that the firmware program is in the option memory When,
When it is determined that no option memory is inserted in the memory slot, or when it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory even if an option memory is inserted in the memory slot, and the first A second activation module that copies and activates the firmware program in the first memory to the second memory when it is determined that the firmware program in the first memory is correct ;
If it is determined that there is no firmware program in the option memory even if an optional memory is inserted in the memory slot, and if it is determined that the firmware program in the first memory is not correct, the firmware is externally updated. A download module that downloads a program and stores the program in the first memory .

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