JP4867186B2 - Control device, method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device that stores a control parameter in an information storage area, and more particularly to a technique for preventing a control parameter that is preferably not updated from being updated when the control parameter is updated.

In a conventional image forming apparatus, various control parameters are stored (stored) in a non-volatile information storage area (NVM: Non-Volatile Memory), and these control parameters are referred to when operating a control program for image formation control. Have been used. Further, this control parameter is updated when the control program is updated due to version upgrade.
In an example of the prior art, the NVM initialization operation was performed when the control program was upgraded.
As an improvement, in other conventional examples, when a control program is upgraded, control parameters required by the control program are updated to initial values. In this case, compared with the initialization in which all data is transferred, only necessary data is transferred, which is more efficient.

Furthermore, a prior art example is shown.
As a technique for managing version information, it is determined whether or not it is an initial delivery from the stored contents of its own storage means, and the information is transmitted to the management device (see Patent Document 1).
As a technique for returning to the factory shipment state, an adjustment value erased by initialization or the like has been restored to a factory shipment value (see Patent Document 2).
As a technique for maintaining consistency with data stored in the hard disk drive (HDD) when upgrading the storage contents of the nonvolatile memory, the data stored in the HDD is old by comparing information on the version or date and time. In some cases, rewriting has been performed (see Patent Document 3).
As a technology for automatically updating the setting values stored in the non-volatile memory, the update program is stored in the copying machine, the execution history of the update program is managed, and if there is an unexecuted update program at startup, Has been performed (see Patent Document 4).

JP 2003-202782 A JP 2004-186895 A JP 2003-208327 A JP 2005-017516 A

However, in the conventional technique, for example, a control parameter that is preferably not updated because a machine-specific setting value or the like is input is also rewritten if it is an object of change at the time of update. . In this case, for example, it is necessary to input a setting value such as individual customer response again by an operator (person) after the automatic update process is completed.
The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and when a control parameter stored in an information storage area is updated, a control parameter that is preferably not updated is not updated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device and the like that can be used.

In order to achieve the above object, the control device according to the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the storage means stores the value of the control parameter. The control means performs control with reference to the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means. Conditional updating means refers to the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means and updates the value of the control parameter when a predetermined condition based on the value of the control parameter is satisfied, but is not satisfied In this case, it is not updated (that is, it is not updated).
Therefore, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied based on the stored control parameter value, the control parameter value is not updated. For example, when the control parameter stored in the information storage area is updated, the update is performed. Control parameters that are preferably not changed can be prevented from being updated.

Here, various types of control parameters, control parameter values, and control contents performed with reference to the control parameter values may be used.
Various storage means may be used.
Various conditions may be used as the predetermined condition based on the value of the control parameter.

The control device according to the present invention has the following configuration as an example configuration.
In other words, the conditional update means holds a value before update and a value after update for the control parameter to be updated. The conditional update unit updates the held update value of the control parameter when a condition that the value of the control parameter stored in the storage unit matches the held value before the update is satisfied. While updating to a later value, if there is a discrepancy (that is, if the condition is not satisfied), no update is performed.
Therefore, since the control parameter set with a value that does not match the pre-change value specified is not updated, for example, the control parameter set with a unique value for each machine (here, the control device) is updated. And the unique value can be maintained.

The control device according to the present invention has the following configuration as an example configuration.
That is, the storage means stores a plurality of control parameters. The conditional update unit executes update processing for each control parameter.
Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not to update for each control parameter, update only those that are preferably updated, and not update those that are preferably not updated.
Here, various numbers may be used as the number of control parameters.

The control device according to the present invention has the following configuration as an example configuration.
That is, the conditional update means holds information for executing a plurality of update processes corresponding to a plurality of version upgrades. The conditional update unit detects a version of the value of the control parameter stored in the storage unit, and executes an update process until the latest version held is reached.
Therefore, even when the version is not the next version of the currently set version, but is compatible with a later version, the update process is executed up to the latest version, so the update to the latest version is made more efficient. be able to.

Here, various numbers may be used as the number of times of multiple version upgrades (multiple update processes).
The version of the value of the control parameter stored in the storage unit is stored in, for example, the storage unit or another storage area, and the version is detected based on the stored contents.
As an example, when the currently set version is P and the latest version is Q (Q> P), an update process from version P to version (P + 1), version (P + 1) to version (P + 2) ) Update process from version (Q-1) to version Q is performed.

The control device according to the present invention has the following configuration as an example configuration.
That is, the unconditional update means updates the control parameter value stored in the storage means unconditionally.
Therefore, when the value of the control parameter to be updated may be unconditionally updated or it is better to update it unconditionally, the update process can be performed as such.

The control device according to the present invention has the following configuration as an example configuration.
That is, the update type designation means designates execution of update processing by the conditional update means or execution of update processing by the unconditional update means.
Accordingly, it is possible to specify whether to perform conditional update processing or unconditional update processing.
The control device according to the present invention has the following configuration as an example configuration.
That is, the update presence / absence designation means designates whether or not to execute the update processing of the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means.
Therefore, it is possible to specify whether or not to execute the update process.
Here, it is also possible to share the update type designation unit and the update presence / absence designation unit. In this case, the update process is not executed, the conditional update process is executed, or the unconditional update process is executed. One of what to do.

In the present invention, it is also possible to provide a method, a program, and a storage medium having the same characteristics as those of the apparatus as described above.
As an example, in the conditional update processing method according to the present invention, the value of the control parameter stored in the storage unit of the control device that performs control is updated with reference to the value of the control parameter as follows.
That is, when the conditional update means provided in the control device refers to the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means and the predetermined condition based on the value of the control parameter is satisfied, the control parameter The value of is updated, but if not satisfied, it is not updated.

As an example, the program according to the present invention is executed by a computer constituting a control device that performs control with reference to the value of the control parameter stored in the storage unit, and has the following functions.
That is, referring to the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means, the value of the control parameter is updated when a predetermined condition based on the value of the control parameter is satisfied. The function to be updated is realized by the computer.

As an example, in the storage medium according to the present invention, a program to be executed by a computer constituting a control device that performs control with reference to the value of a control parameter stored in the storage unit is stored so as to be readable by the input unit of the computer. And has the following configuration.
That is, the program refers to the value of the control parameter stored in the storage unit, updates the value of the control parameter when a predetermined condition based on the value of the control parameter is satisfied, and is not satisfied In this case, the computer is caused to execute a process that is not updated.
Here, various storage media such as a CD-ROM and a DVD may be used.
As the computer input means, for example, a function of reading information stored in a storage medium is used.

  As described above, according to the control device or the like according to the present invention, the control parameter value stored in the storage unit is referred to and stored in the storage unit when a predetermined condition based on the control parameter value is satisfied. For example, for a control parameter that is preferably not updated when the control parameter stored in the storage unit is updated, the value of the control parameter that has been updated is updated. It can be prevented from being updated.

An embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The image forming apparatus 1 of this example includes a nonvolatile information storage area (NVM) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, an input / output control unit (I / O) 13, a user interface unit 14, and a RAM ( A random access memory (Random Access Memory) 15, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16, and a bus 18 that connects them are provided, and a control target device 17 that is connected to the bus 18 via the I / O 13 is provided.

The NVM 11 stores a control parameter 21 and an NVM automatic update switch 22.
The ROM 12 stores an image formation control program 31, a control parameter information update control program 32, and control parameter initial value change content data 33 for each version upgrade.
The user interface unit 14 includes a key 41 and a display unit 42.

First, a schematic operation example in the image forming apparatus 1 of this example will be described.
The CPU 16 uses the RAM 15 to execute a program (in this example, the image formation control program 31 or the control parameter information update control program 32), and executes processing defined in the program.
In this example, the control target device 17 has a function of forming an image on a paper surface like a printer or a copying machine.
The image formation control program 31 defines a process for controlling an image formation process executed by the control target device 17. In this control, the image formation control program 31 refers to the control parameter 21 stored in the NVM 11.

The information update control program 32 defines a process for updating the control parameter 21 stored in the NVM 21. In this control, the information update control program 32 refers to the initial value change content data 33 stored in the ROM 12, the control parameter 21 stored in the NVM 11, and the NVM automatic update switch 22.
The user interface unit 14 is operated by an operator (person). Specifically, the key 41 is operated by an operator and receives input data and instructions. The display unit 42 displays various information on the screen for the operator. In this example, when the image forming apparatus 1 is initially delivered, the operator can operate the key 41 to set or change the value of the control parameter 21 stored or stored in the NVM 11. Further, in this example, the operator can set or change the value of the NVM automatic update switch 22 stored or stored in the NVM 11 by operating the key 41.

Next, the control parameter 21 will be described.
In this example, a plurality of control parameters are used as the control parameter 21. Some of the plurality of control parameters are preferably set for each machine (image forming apparatus 1 in this example) and are not updated. Further, it is preferable that other control parameters are updated when the control program is upgraded.
As specific examples, control parameters unique to each machine due to manufacturing errors and the like include image writing timing relating to image registration (registration) in the control target device 17 and paper feeding. A set value such as timing is used. In this example, these control parameters are set by the operator after factory shipment adjustment or customer request adjustment at the time of initial delivery. Is done.

As a specific example, as a control parameter unique to each machine due to the operation status, a value (a consumption level information) indicating a level of wear of an element such as a drum of the control target device 17 is used. The initial value of the wear level information is simply a start state value, and changes sequentially according to the usage status. In this example, such a control parameter is a value unique to each machine in accordance with the usage status of each machine. The image formation control program 31 can change the image formation control according to the wear level information.
As a specific example, as control parameters that are not unique to each machine, set values such as various output values (power supply values) when charges are added for image formation in the control target device 17 are used. In this example, such control parameters are set to the same value in any machine.
In addition, the specific example shown here is an example, Comprising: It is not limited by the content, Other various aspects may be used.

Next, update by upgrading the image forming control program 31 and update of the control parameter 21 will be described.
In this example, when the image forming control program 31 is updated by version upgrade, the control parameter 21 is updated along with the update.
In this example, the image forming control program 31 is updated by exchanging the ROM 12 incorporated in the image forming apparatus 1, that is, the ROM 12 before the upgrade is taken out and the ROM 12 after the upgrade is inserted. Is done.
The ROM 12 stores an information update control program 32 and initial value change content data 33, and the control parameter 21 is updated based on these programs. The image formation control program 31 stored in the ROM 12 controls image formation with reference to the updated control parameter 21.

In this example, as the version number, a value starting from 0 and increasing one by one, such as 0, 1, 2, 3,. In this case, the larger version number indicates a newer version.
When the initial value change content data 33 is updated from one version N (N is an integer of 0 or more) to the next version N + 1, the value of any control parameter is changed from which value (value in version N). Data (initial value change point) indicating which value (value in version N + 1) is to be changed is included.
Further, in this example, as the information update control program 32 and the initial value change content data 33 in the predetermined version M (M is an integer of 2 or more), those having all the previous change contents are used. It has a function capable of executing all the changes from version 0 to version 1, from version 1 to version 2,..., From version M-1 to version M.

As another example, the image forming control program 31 and the information update control after version upgrade supplied (transmitted) from the server device or the like by connecting the image forming device 1 to an external server device or the like via a network or the like. A configuration in which the program 32 and the initial value change content data 33 are downloaded (received) by the image forming apparatus 1 and stored in the ROM 12 can also be used. In such a configuration, a rewritable ROM 12 is used, and the image forming apparatus 1 has a communication function for downloading.
In this example, a case where the control parameter 21 is updated when the image forming control program 31 is updated is shown as a normal case, but only the control parameter 21 may be updated.

Next, the NVM automatic update switch 22 will be described.
In this example, the NVM automatic update switch being 0 (NVM automatic update switch = 0) indicates that there is no NVM automatic update, and the NVM automatic update switch is not 0 (NVM automatic update switch ≠ 0). Indicates that there is an NVM automatic update. An NVM automatic update switch of 1 (NVM automatic update switch = 1) indicates an unconditional update, and an NVM automatic update switch of 2 (NVM automatic update switch = 2) indicates a conditional update. It represents that.
When the NVM automatic update is not performed, the automatic update process of the control parameter 21 stored in the NVM 11 is not performed. When there is NVM automatic update and unconditional update, the control parameter 21 stored in the NVM 11 is automatically updated, and all control parameters to be changed (update target) are unconditionally updated. Is done. When NVM automatic update is present and conditional update is performed, automatic update processing of the control parameter 21 stored in the NVM 11 is performed, and the control parameter to be changed (update target) is updated with conditions. Is called.

In this example, the following conditions are used as conditions for this conditional update.
That is, the NVM initial value change point stipulates that the control parameter to be changed is changed from the value a before the change to the value b after the change. In this example, the value of the control parameter currently set is When the value before the specified change a matches the control parameter value, the control parameter value is changed to the specified change value b, while the currently set control parameter value changes to the specified change. The condition that the value of the control parameter is not changed when it does not match the previous value a is used.

Here, in this example, the value of the NVM initialization version is stored in the NVM 11.
The NVM initialization version represents the initialization level of the NVM 11, and specifically stores the version number currently set. The value of the NVM initialization version is the version number of the operation program when the initialization of NVM 11 (a process different from the NVM automatic update in this example) is completed or when the NVM automatic update process in this example is completed. (In this example, it is set or changed to the same number as the version number of the image formation control program 31).
In this example, the ROM 12 stores the value of the operating version.
The operation version stores the version number of the image formation control program 31 stored in the ROM 12.

In this example, the operator can operate the key 41 to change the value of the NVM automatic update switch 22 stored in the NVM 11. For example, when the value of the NVM automatic update switch 22 is 0, the value of the NVM automatic update switch 22 can be changed to 1 or 2 so that the NVM automatic update process is performed.
A configuration in which such a change of the value of the NVM automatic update switch 22 is performed by the information update control program 32 or the like (automatically regardless of an operator's operation) may be used.

Next, an example of the update control process performed by the information update control program 32 of this example is shown.
FIG. 2 shows an example of the procedure of the update control process related to the NVM automatic update process.
When the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on (step S1), immediately after that, the information update control program 32 stored in the ROM 12 is read out by the CPU 16, and the following processing is performed by the information update control program 32. Is executed. Note that immediately after the power is turned on, the control parameter 21 stored in the NVM 11 is not yet used.

In this process, first, the value of the NVM automatic update switch 22 stored in the NVM 11 is referred to (step S2), this value is determined (step S3), and there is no NVM automatic update (0 in this example). If it is in the state, the process is terminated (step S15), while if there is NVM automatic update (1 or 2 in this example), the NVM automatic update process is started (step S4). .
In the NVM automatic update process, the value of the current operation version is compared with the value of the NVM initialization version (step S5).
As a result, when the value of the operation version is equal to or less than the value of the NVM initialization version, the NVM automatic update switch 22 stored in the NVM 11 is set to no (step S14), and the process is ended (step S15). .

On the other hand, when the value of the operation version is larger than the value of the NVM initialization version (when operation version> NVM initialization version), the initial value stored in the ROM 12 for the next version of the NVM initialization version It is determined whether there is an NVM initial value change point as the change content data 33 (step S6).
As a result, when there is no NVM initial value change point (between versions) from the NVM initialization version to the next version, this NVM change is automatically successful, and the NVM initialization version stored in the NVM 11 The value is incremented by one (step S13), and the process returns to the process of comparing the value of the operating version and the value of the NVM initialization version (process of step S5). That is, the value of the current operating version is compared with the value of the NVM initialization version updated to the next version, and if the value of the operating version is greater than the value of the NVM initialization version, the NVM automatic update process is continued. Then, the NVM automatic update process ends when the value of the active version matches the value of the NVM initialization version.

On the other hand, when there is an NVM initial value change point (between each version) from the NVM initialization version to the next version, the NVM initial value change point is acquired to grasp the control parameter to be changed. (Step S7).
In this example, all the control parameters to be changed defined by the NVM initial value change point from the NVM initialization version to the next version are controlled in a predetermined order such as from top to bottom. The following update control is performed for each parameter.

First, it is determined whether or not the NVM automatic update switch 22 is in a conditional update state (step S8).
As a result, when the NVM automatic update switch 22 is in the state of unconditional update instead of conditional update, the control parameter 21 (this example) stored in the NVM 11 unconditionally for the control parameter to be changed at present. If there are a plurality of such parameters, the NVM initial value (the value in the next version) of the next version is written and set in the corresponding control parameter (step S12). Then, the process proceeds to the process related to the control parameter in the next order (step S11), and the process returns to the process of determining the presence or absence of the NVM initial value change point (process of step S6).

On the other hand, when the NVM automatic update switch 22 is in the state of conditional update, the value before change defined by the NVM initial value change point (corresponding to the NVM initialization version) for the control parameter to be changed at present. The NVM initial value in the version) is compared with the value of the control parameter 22 currently set in the NVM 11 (if there are a plurality of control parameters as in this example, the corresponding control parameter) (step S9).
As a result, if these values match (step S10), the NVM initial value of the next version (value in the next version) is written and set in the control parameter stored in the NVM 11 (step S12), If these values do not match (step S10), the control parameter is not updated. Then, the process proceeds to the process related to the control parameter in the next order (step S11), and the process returns to the process of determining the presence or absence of the NVM initial value change point (process of step S6).

Next, an example of a change in the state of the control parameter when the unconditional update is performed by the NVM automatic update process is shown.
FIG. 3 shows the value of the control parameter 21 stored in the NVM 11 in each state of version 0000, version 0001, version 0002, and version 0003, and the NVM initial value change point from version 0000 to version 0001. Information, NVM initial value change point from version 0001 to version 0002, and NVM initial value change point information from version 0002 to version 0003 are shown.

  Specifically, five control parameters (control parameter 1 to control parameter 5) are illustrated. In version 0000, the values of the respective control parameters 1 to 5 are initially set or adjusted. In the NVM initial value change point from version 0000 to version 0001, a change in value is defined for control parameters 1, 3, and 5. By making this change (update by version upgrade) unconditionally, version 0001 A state is generated. At the NVM initial value change point from version 0001 to version 0002, the change of the control parameter is not defined, and the state of version 0002 similar to the state of version 0001 is maintained. In the NVM initial value change point from the version 0002 to the version 0003, the change of the values for the control parameters 1, 2, and 4 is defined, and this change (update by version upgrade) is performed unconditionally. A state is generated.

Next, an example of a change in state of the control parameter when conditional update is performed by the NVM automatic update process will be described.
FIG. 4 shows the value of the control parameter 21 stored in the NVM 11 in each state of version 0000, version 0001, version 0002, and version 0003, and the NVM initial value change point from version 0000 to version 0001. Information, NVM initial value change point from version 0001 to version 0002, and NVM initial value change point information from version 0002 to version 0003 are shown.

Specifically, five control parameters (control parameter 1 to control parameter 5) are illustrated. In version 0000, the values of the respective control parameters 1 to 5 are initially set or adjusted.
In the NVM initial value change point from version 0000 to version 0001, the change of values (update by version upgrade) is specified for control parameters 1, 3, and 5. Regarding the control parameter 1, it is stipulated that the value “10” before the change is changed to the value “15” after the change at the NVM initial value change point, but the value is not “10” but “10” in the version 0000. Since it is “20”, no change is made. Similarly, with respect to the control parameter 5, it is stipulated that the value “10” before the change is changed from the value “10” before the change to the value “100” after the change at the NVM initial value change point. Since it is not “0”, it is not changed. Regarding the control parameter 3, it is specified that the value before change is changed from the value “10” to the value after change “20” at the NVM initial value change point, and the value is “10” in the version 0000. Therefore, it is changed to “20”. As a result, the state of version 0001 is generated.

At the NVM initial value change point from version 0001 to version 0002, the change of the control parameter is not defined, and the state of version 0002 similar to the state of version 0001 is maintained.
In the NVM initial value change point from the version 0002 to the version 0003, change of values (update by version upgrade) is defined for the control parameters 1, 2, and 4. Regarding the control parameter 1, it is specified that the value “15” before the change is changed to the value “30” after the change in the NVM initial value change point, but in the version 0002, the value is not “15” but “15”. Since it is “20”, no change is made. Similarly, with respect to the control parameter 4, it is specified that the value “40” before the change is changed to the value “50” after the change in the NVM initial value change point, but in the version 0002, the value is “40”. However, since it is “45”, it is not changed. As for the control parameter 2, it is defined that the value before change is changed from the value “10” to the value after change “1” at the NVM initial value change point, and the value is “10” in the version 0002. Therefore, it is changed to “1”. As a result, the state of version 0003 is generated.

In this example, since the control parameters 1, 4, and 5 do not match the change conditions at the NVM initial value change point, they can be regarded as control parameters unique to each machine. Will not update.
On the other hand, in this example, since the control parameters 2 and 3 match the change condition at the NVM initial value change point, it can be regarded as a control parameter not depending on each machine. Will be updated according to the version upgrade.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this example, the initial value change content data 33 of the control parameter 21 for each version upgrade is stored inside or outside the control program (in this example, the information update control program 32). When the NVM initialization version on the NVM 11 is compared with the operation version on the ROM 12 and an upgrade is detected, the update control is performed only for the control parameter whose initial value is changed due to the upgrade. Do. In this update control, if it is a conditional update, before writing the updated initial value to the NVM 11, the contents of the change and the value of the currently set control parameter are confirmed. As a result, the NVM initial value change In terms of control parameters that are set to a value that does not match the value defined as being set before the change, the updated initial value is not written, that is, not updated.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this example, whether or not the control parameter 21 is automatically updated can be designated by the NVM automatic update switch 22 on the NVM 11, and is performed by detecting the state of NVM automatic update. When the NVM automatic update process is completed, the state is automatically canceled to the state where there is no NVM automatic update.
Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this example, it is possible to specify whether to perform unconditional update or conditional update by the NVM automatic update switch 22 on the NVM 11.
The NVM automatic update switch 22 can also be regarded as a control parameter on the NVM 11, for example.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present example, when the control parameter 21 is automatically updated, the control parameter having a setting value deviating from the specified initial value before the update is identified and is not updated. It can be ensured that the setting contents of the control parameters are continued, and at the same time, the other control parameters can be updated to values corresponding to the latest software. In this way, by respecting the value of the control parameter unique to the machine so that it is not automatically updated, for example, the work of returning the control parameter value unique to the machine by the operator at the time of version upgrade can be reduced, and the efficiency can be reduced. Can be achieved. In addition, if information for executing all previous version upgrades is stored in a certain version of ROM 12 as in this example, the latest version is automatically updated, which is very convenient. .

Here, in this example, the image forming apparatus 1 that controls image formation is shown as an example of the control apparatus according to the present invention, but the present invention may be applied to various apparatuses. As specific examples, the present invention can be applied to a printer, a scanner, a FAX machine, a copier, a multifunction machine, or other various apparatuses.
In this example, the NVM 11 is used as the information storage area, but various information storage areas may be used. As a specific example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a backup memory, or the like can be used.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 of this example, the storage unit is configured by the function of the NVM 11, and the control unit is configured by the function of the CPU 16 executing the image forming control program 31 to perform control. The conditional update means is configured by the function of executing the update control program 32 and executing conditional update processing based on the initial value change content data 33, and the CPU 16 executes the information update control program 32 to change the initial value. An unconditional update unit is configured by the function of executing the unconditional update process based on the content data 33, and an update type designation unit and an update presence / absence designation unit are configured by the function of the NVM automatic update switch 22. In this example, the storage medium storing the program and data for executing the update process is configured as the ROM 12, and the program and data stored in the ROM 12 by the reading function (input function) of the image forming apparatus 1. Is read.

Here, the configuration of the control device or the like according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described configuration, and various configurations may be used. The present invention can also be provided as, for example, a method or method for executing the processing according to the present invention, a program for realizing such a method or method, or a storage medium for storing (recording) the program. It is also possible to provide as various devices and systems.
The application field of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described fields, and the present invention can be applied to various fields.

In addition, as various processes performed in the control device according to the present invention, for example, control is performed by executing a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) in a hardware resource including a processor, a memory, and the like. For example, each functional unit for executing the processing may be configured as an independent hardware circuit.
The present invention can also be understood as a computer-readable storage medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM storing the above control program, or the program (itself). The processing according to the present invention can be performed by inputting a program from the storage medium to a computer and causing the computer to execute the program.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the procedure of the update control process which concerns on an NVM automatic update process. It is a figure which shows an example of the state change of a control parameter in case unconditional update is performed by NVM automatic update process. It is a figure which shows an example of the state change of a control parameter in case conditional update is performed by NVM automatic update process.

Explanation of symbols

  1. Image forming apparatus 11. Non-volatile information storage area (NVM) 12. ROM ROM 13. I / O 14. User interface unit 15. RAM 16. CPU 16 ..Control target device, 18 .... Bus, 21 ... Control parameter, 22 .... NVM automatic update switch, 31 ... Image formation control program, 32 ... Information update control program, 33 ... Initial value change contents data, 41 .. key, 42 .. display section,

Claims (7)

In a control device that performs control with reference to the value of a control parameter,
Storage means for storing the value of the control parameter;
Control means for performing control with reference to the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means;
When the control parameter to be updated holds the value before update and the value after update, and the condition that the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means matches the value before update held is satisfied Updating the value of the control parameter to the held updated value, and if not, a conditional update unit that does not update,
Unconditional updating means for unconditionally updating the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means;
Update type designation means for designating execution of update processing by the conditional update means or execution of update processing by the unconditional update means,
The update type designation unit designates execution of the update process according to a control parameter related to the update process stored in the storage unit,
The conditional update unit and the unconditional update unit also update the control parameter related to the update process.
A control device characterized by that. The control device according to claim 1,
The storage means stores a plurality of control parameters,
The conditional update means executes an update process for each control parameter.
A control device characterized by that. In the control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The conditional update means holds information for executing a plurality of update processes corresponding to a plurality of version upgrades, detects the version of the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means, Update processing is performed until the latest version is held,
A control device characterized by that. The control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An update presence / absence specifying means for specifying whether or not to execute an update process of the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means;
A control device characterized by that. In the method of updating the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means of the control device that performs control with reference to the value of the control parameter,
The conditional update means provided in the control device holds the pre-update value and the post-update value for the control parameter to be updated, and the control parameter value stored in the storage means is held. When the condition that matches the value before the update is satisfied, the value of the control parameter is updated to the held value after the update.
The unconditional updating means provided in the control device updates the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means unconditionally,
The update type designation means provided in the control device designates execution of update processing by the conditional update means or execution of update processing by the unconditional update means,
The update type designation unit designates execution of the update process according to a control parameter related to the update process stored in the storage unit,
The conditional update unit and the unconditional update unit also update the control parameter related to the update process.
A method characterized by that. A program to be executed by a computer constituting a control device that performs control with reference to a value of a control parameter stored in a storage unit,
When the control parameter to be updated holds the value before update and the value after update, and the condition that the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means matches the value before update held is satisfied Updating the value of the control parameter to the held updated value, and if not, a conditional update unit that does not update,
Unconditional updating means for unconditionally updating the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means;
Update type designation means for designating execution of update processing by the conditional update means or execution of update processing by the unconditional update means ,
The computer to function as
Further, the update type designation unit designates execution of the update process according to a control parameter related to the update process stored in the storage unit,
The conditional update unit and the unconditional update unit also update the control parameter related to the update process.
A program characterized by that. A storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer constituting a control device that performs control with reference to a value of a control parameter stored in a storage unit so as to be readable by an input unit of the computer,
The program is
When the control parameter to be updated holds the value before update and the value after update, and the condition that the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means matches the value before update held is satisfied Updating the value of the control parameter to the held updated value, and if not, a conditional update unit that does not update,
Unconditional updating means for unconditionally updating the value of the control parameter stored in the storage means;
Update type designation means for designating execution of update processing by the conditional update means or execution of update processing by the unconditional update means ,
The computer to function as
Further, the update type designation unit designates execution of the update process according to a control parameter related to the update process stored in the storage unit,
The conditional update unit and the unconditional update unit also update the control parameter related to the update process.
A storage medium characterized by that.

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