JP5028752B2 - Processing device with automatic update function, program update method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus having a function of automatically updating an installed program.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed a method of updating a program such as an operating system, a peripheral device driver, or application software installed in a personal computer or workstation.

  For example, according to the method described in Patent Document 1, the Internet terminal measures the usage frequency of software and updates only the software whose usage frequency reaches a certain numerical value to the latest version. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the server that provides the update data. According to the method described in Patent Document 2, a driver that cannot be used by a computer is not displayed as an option.

  A method for automatically updating the program has also been proposed. Patent Document 1 describes such a method. In addition, recent personal computer operating systems (for example, Microsoft Windows XP) and computer anti-virus software (for example, Trend Micro's Virus Buster) regularly connect to a server on the Internet and automatically It has the ability to download patches and update programs.

In addition, with recent high-performance CPUs, large hard disk capacities, and low flash memory prices, there are certain specific purposes such as MFP (Multi Function Peripherals), network devices, and information appliances. Devices that are used exclusively for this purpose are also controlled by software by programs such as firmware. It is desirable to update the programs of these apparatuses as necessary.
JP 2003-216430 A JP 2001-67211 A

  However, according to the method described in Patent Document 1, it is not always possible to perform effective updating because it is determined whether or not to perform the update based only on the use frequency of the software. In the method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228688, general-purpose software among the installed software is easily updated, so that important software may not be easily updated.

  Further, according to the method described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to eliminate a meaningless update of the driver, but it is not possible to perform an effective update.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is an object of the present invention to update a program installed in a processing apparatus such as an MFP more effectively than before.

Automatic update function processing apparatus according to the present invention is an automatic update function processor for executing a and a plurality of types of processes the ability to automatically update the installed programs, the plurality of types For each of the above , an execution frequency counting unit that counts the number of times the processing device with the automatic update function executes processing, and an update file that is a file for updating the program of the plurality of types the out update file that corresponds to the largest number of the type which is the number of times counted by the run number counting means most multi have kind, it is determined that an update file to be applied to the automatic update function processor , Applied file determination means, and determined to be applied And file acquisition means for acquiring the update file was, and updates processing means for updating the program using the acquired update file, wherein the is provided.

Preferably, there are at least two of the plurality of types , and each of the plurality of types includes a copy job for scanning and printing a document, a PC print job for receiving image data and printing a document, and a document. scan is any one of the scan job to generate an image file.

  The file acquisition means downloads and acquires the update file via a network from a server of a manufacturer that manufactures and sells the processing apparatus with automatic update function or a server of a manufacturer that manufactures or sells a program. Alternatively, it is obtained by reading from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM provided by these manufacturers.

  According to the present invention, a program installed in a processing apparatus such as an MFP can be updated more effectively than before.

  1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a system including the image forming apparatus 1, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 3 is a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an update file UF prepared in the information providing server 2.

  An image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that integrates various functions such as copying, a scanner, a network printer (so-called PC printing), a document server, and a file transfer. Sometimes called a multi-function peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals).

  The image forming apparatus 1 is installed in offices or offices such as businesses, public facilities such as schools or libraries, stores such as convenience stores, and other various places and can be shared by a plurality of users. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 used in an office of a certain company X will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 is provided in an intranet NW1 of a company X and is connected to a terminal device TR such as a personal computer or a workstation in the intranet NW1, a router RT1, and various other devices. ing. The router RT1 connects the intranet NW1 with the Internet. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can connect to devices such as a WWW server or FTP server disclosed on the Internet, and exchange various data with these devices.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 10a, a RAM 10b, a ROM 10c, a hard disk 10d, a control circuit 10e, an operation panel 10f, a scanner 10g, a printing device (engine) 10h, a communication interface 10j, a document feeding mechanism 10k, The printed matter feeding mechanism 10m, the blank paper feeding mechanism 10n, and the printed matter sorting mechanism 10p are configured.

  The document feeding mechanism 10k sequentially feeds one or more set sheets of documents to the scanner 10g. Also, it corresponds to so-called double-sided originals, and when a double-sided original sheet is set, after one side is read by the scanner 10g, the sheet can be reversed and sent to the scanner 10g again.

  The scanner 10g optically reads an image such as a photograph, a character, a picture, or a chart drawn on a paper sheet of a document sent from the document feeding mechanism 10k and converts it into electronic data. The read image data is stored in the RAM 10b and used for the intended processing.

  The blank paper feed mechanism 10n sends blank paper from the designated paper feed tray to the printing apparatus 10h. Also, it supports double-sided printing, and after printing on one side of a blank sheet by the printing apparatus 10h, the sheet can be reversed and sent to the printing apparatus 10h again.

  The printing device 10h prints the image read by the scanner 10g or the image transmitted from the terminal device TR or the like on the paper sent from the blank paper feeding mechanism 10n. The printed material feeding mechanism 10m discharges the paper on which the image is printed by the printing apparatus 10h, that is, the printed material, to a designated paper discharge tray.

  The operation panel 10f includes an operation unit and a display unit. A numeric keypad or the like is used as the operation unit, and a liquid crystal display or the like is used as the display unit. The user operates the operation unit to give an instruction to start or stop the processing to the image forming apparatus 1 and specify processing conditions such as a data destination, a scan condition, or an image file format. Various other items can be specified. The display unit includes a screen for giving a message or an instruction to the user, a screen for inputting the type of processing and processing conditions desired by the user, and a screen showing the result of the processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 Etc. are displayed. When a touch panel is used as the operation panel 10f, the touch panel serves as both an operation unit and a display unit. As described above, the operation panel 10 f serves as a user interface for a user who operates the image forming apparatus 1. Note that an application program and a driver for giving a command to the image forming apparatus 1 are installed in the terminal device TR. Therefore, the user can remotely operate the image forming apparatus 1 with the terminal device TR.

  The communication interface 10j is a device such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem, and is used to communicate with other devices.

  The control circuit 10e controls devices such as the hard disk 10d, the operation panel 50f, the scanner 10g, the printing device 10h, the communication interface 10j, the document feeding mechanism 10k, the printed material feeding mechanism 10m, the blank paper feeding mechanism 10n, and the printed material sorting mechanism 10p. It is a circuit for.

  The hard disk 10d includes programs and data such as firmware, drivers, and application programs for performing basic processing such as copying, scanning, network printing, document server, and file transfer, as well as logs as shown in FIG. An update management program and data for realizing the functions of the information management unit 101, the application file determination unit 102, the update file acquisition unit 103, the update file application unit 104, and the like are stored. These programs are read into the RAM 10b as necessary, and the programs are executed by the CPU 10a. Some or all of these programs or data may be stored in the ROM 10c. Alternatively, some or all of the functions shown in FIG. 3 may be realized by the control circuit 10e.

  The user operates the operation panel 10f to specify the type of processing and processing conditions desired by the user. Alternatively, it is specified remotely by operating the terminal device TR. For example, the number of copies to be printed (copy or PC print), double-sided printing or single-sided printing, whether the image to be processed is drawn on both sides of the original paper or only on one side, and whether to sort the printed matter Specify the format of the image file to be generated. Then, the CPU 10a generates one job for each designation of one process and registers it in the queue as in the conventional case. Then, each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled so that the registered jobs are sequentially executed according to the processing conditions designated by the user.

  Further, as described above, the CPU 10a implements each unit of FIG. 3 by executing the update management program. Each unit in FIG. 3 performs processing for updating a program installed in the image forming apparatus 1. This will be described in detail later.

  A company Y that manufactures or sells the image forming apparatus 1 has opened an information providing server 2 in order to provide information about the image forming apparatus 1 to customers. The information providing server 2 is installed with a program for a WWW server, a program for an FTP server, and the like, and a Web page and image formation that describe information on how to use the image forming apparatus 1, options, specifications, defects, and the like. A plurality of update files UF for updating the program of the apparatus 1 are prepared.

  These update files UF have different file names and are stored in predetermined storage locations. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that an update file UF as shown in FIG. 4 is stored. The update file UF is associated with a value representing a version, and the version value is changed each time the update file UF is updated.

  The information providing server 2 is provided in the intranet NW2 of the company Y and is connected to the Internet via the router RT2.

  With such a configuration, the user can change the desired update file UF to the protocol, the server name and domain name of the information providing server 2, the directory name of the storage location of the update file UF, the file name, and the like (ie, URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) can be specified to download from the information providing server 2. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 automatically downloads and applies the update file UF corresponding to the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 or the error occurrence status by the processing of each unit shown in FIG. Hereinafter, functions and processing contents of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the executed job log table TL1, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the error log table TL2, FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of log analysis processing, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of job analysis result information DT3, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of error analysis result information DT4, and FIGS. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the usage mode file table TL5, FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the usage mode 4, 5, and 13 selection processing flow, and FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of file determination processing, and FIG.

  The log information management unit 101 in FIG. 3 stores and manages the executed job log table TL1 and the error log table TL2.

  In the executed job log table TL1, as shown in FIG. 5, executed job log information DT1 for each executed job is stored. Each time execution of one job is completed, the log information management unit 101 generates execution job log information DT1 for the job and stores it in the executed job log table TL1.

  In the execution job log information DT1, “execution date” indicates the date and time when the execution of the job is started. “Job type” indicates the type of the job. In this field, if the job is a job for printing an image using the image data transmitted from the terminal device TR (hereinafter referred to as “print job”), the value “print” is used. Is stored. In the case of a job for copying a document (hereinafter referred to as “copy job”), a value of “copy” is stored. In the case of a job for scanning an original and generating an image file (hereinafter referred to as “scan job”), a value “scan” is stored.

  The “number of original pages” indicates the number of original pages to be processed in the job. The “number of output copies” indicates the number of copies (number of copies to be printed) printed when the job is executed. However, in the case of a scan job, printing is not performed, so this is blank.

  “Input document side” indicates the reading side of the original paper read when the job is executed. If the image is read from both sides of the original paper, the value “double-sided” is stored. When an image is read from, a value “one side” is stored. However, in the case of a print job, the reading process is not performed, so the column is blank.

  “Print side” indicates the side of the blank paper used for printing when the job was executed. When printing on both sides, the value “both names” is stored, and only on one side. When printing is performed, the value “one side” is stored. However, in the case of a scan job, no printing process is performed, and therefore this field is blank.

  “Sort” indicates whether or not the printed materials are sorted and discharged at the time of execution of the job. When sorted, a value of “Yes” is stored, and when not sorted, “None” is stored. Is stored. However, it is blank for a scan job or for printing only one copy.

  “Format” indicates the format of an image file generated by executing the job. For example, when a PDF image file is generated, a value “PDF” is stored. This field is stored only when the job is a scan job.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the error log table TL2 stores error job log information DT2 for each job in which an error has occurred during execution. Each time an error occurs during execution of a job, the log information management unit 101 generates error job log information DT2 for the job and stores it in the error log table TL2. In the error job log information DT2, “execution date” indicates the date and time when the execution of the job is started. “Error content” indicates the content of the error that has occurred.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the application file determination unit 102 includes a job analysis unit 121, an analysis result storage unit 122, an application file selection unit 123, a use mode file table TL 5, an error mode file table TL 6, and the like. (For example, every day or every week) based on the execution job log information DT1 stored in the executed job log table TL1 and the error job log information DT2 stored in the error log table TL2. Then, a process for determining an update file UF to be applied to the image forming apparatus 1 itself is performed.

  The job analysis unit 121 analyzes a job executed in the past by the image forming apparatus 1 itself and an error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1, for example, according to a procedure shown in FIG.

  From the executed job log table TL1, the execution job log information DT1 whose execution date and time is between a predetermined time (for example, one month before) and the present is extracted, and the contents thereof are analyzed (# in FIG. 7). 201).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the “job type” field of the job indicated in the extracted execution job log information DT1 is checked, and the number of executions of each type is counted (# 211). The “number of output copies” field is checked, and the number of executions of a job with one copy and the number of executions of a job with a plurality of copies are counted (# 212). The “number of original pages” field is checked, and the number of executions of a job with one page of originals and the number of executions of a job with multiple pages are counted (# 213).

  The “input document surface”, “printing surface”, “sort”, and “format” fields are checked, and the number of executions of a job executed under processing conditions different from the default is counted (# 214). In the present embodiment, the condition of the default input document surface (document reading surface during the reading process) is “single side”, and the condition of the default printing surface (surface printed on the paper during the printing process) is “single side”. Yes, the default sort condition is “none”, and the default format (image file format of the scanned document image) is “TIFF”. Therefore, here, the number of executions of a job whose input document surface is “double-sided”, the number of executions of a job whose printing surface is “double-sided”, and the number of executions of a job whose sort is “Yes” are counted. Furthermore, the number of executions of a job whose format is other than TIFF is counted for each format (for example, for each “PDF”, “bitmap”, and “JPEG”).

  By executing such an executed job analysis process, job analysis result information DT3 (DT31 to DT35) as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9E is obtained.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the job analysis unit 121 stores in the error log table TL2 error job log information DT2 whose execution date and time is between a predetermined time before (for example, one month before) and the present. If yes (Yes in # 202), the error job log information DT2 is extracted and analyzed (# 203). In the present embodiment, the number of occurrences for each error content (type) is analyzed to obtain error analysis result information DT4 as shown in FIG.

  Then, each job analysis result information DT3 and error analysis result information DT4 obtained in steps # 201 and # 203 are registered by storing them in the analysis result storage unit 122 (# 204).

  The application file selection unit 123 shown in FIG. 3 discriminates the characteristics of the use status of the image forming apparatus 1 so far and the characteristics of the error occurrence status based on the registered job analysis result information DT3 and error analysis result information DT4. As a result, the update file UF to be applied to the image forming apparatus 1 is selected. The discrimination of the characteristics is performed as shown in FIGS.

  11, first, job analysis result information DT3 (see FIGS. 9A to 9E) registered in the analysis result storage unit 122 is called (# 301).

  The number of executions of a job with only one print output indicated in the job analysis result information DT33 is compared with the number of executions of a job with multiple copies (# 302). When the number of times of execution of a job that is only one copy is larger (Yes in # 302), the number of times of execution of a job in which the number of document pages indicated in the job analysis result information DT32 is only one page (single page) and a plurality of pages. The number of executions of a certain job is compared (# 303). If the number of executions of a job for one page is larger (Yes in # 303), the number of executions of a job executed under processing conditions other than the defaults indicated in the job analysis result information DT34 and the job analysis result information DT35 is less than the threshold. Is checked (# 304).

  In the example of job analysis result information DT34 in FIG. 9D, the number of job executions under three processing conditions other than the default is shown. In the example of job analysis result information DT3 in FIG. Shows the number of times the job was executed under the conditions. Therefore, it is checked here whether the number of job executions under each of the six processing conditions is greater than a threshold value. As a result, if all the six are less than the threshold (No in # 304), the process proceeds to step # 305. The threshold value may be set to a different value for each processing condition according to the use environment of the image forming apparatus 1 or the like.

  Of the jobs of the job type indicated in the job analysis result information DT31, the job with the highest number of executions is checked (# 305). As a result, when the copy job has been executed most frequently (Yes in # 306), the update file UF in use mode 1 is selected (# 307). If the print job has been executed most frequently (No in # 306, Yes in # 308), the update file UF in use mode 2 is selected (# 309). If the scan job has been executed most frequently (No in # 306, No in # 308), the update file UF in use mode 3 is selected (# 310).

  In the present embodiment, the “use mode” means a form of characteristics of the use situation. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, 28 types of use modes and file names of update files UF suitable for the respective use modes are defined in advance in the use mode file table TL5.

  Returning to step # 304, if the number of executions is greater than or equal to the threshold value in any one of the six processing conditions (Yes in # 304), as shown in FIG. “X = 4”), the update file UF corresponding to the processing condition that is equal to or greater than the threshold value is selected from the use modes 4-1 to 4-6 (# 311).

  That is, when the number of executions of a job whose input document surface is “both sides” is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 371 in FIG. 15), the update file UF in the use mode 4-1 is selected (# 372). If the number of executions of the job whose print side is “both sides” is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 373), the update file UF in use mode 4-2 is selected (# 374). If the number of executions of the job with sort “Yes” is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 375), the update file UF in use mode 4-3 is selected (# 376).

  If the number of executions of the job including the process for generating the PDF file is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 377), the update file UF in the usage mode 4-4 is selected (# 378). If the number of executions of the job including the process for generating the bitmap file is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 379), the update file UF in the usage mode 4-5 is selected (# 380). If the number of executions of the job including the process for generating the JPEG file is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 381), the update file UF in the usage mode 4-6 is selected (# 382). As a result of the above selection process, a plurality of use mode update files UF may be selected. In FIG. 15, different values may be set for the respective thresholds according to the use environment of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Returning to step # 303 in FIG. 11, when the number of executions of a job with a plurality of original pages is equal to or greater than the number of executions of a job with one page (No in # 303), the process proceeds to FIG. As in step # 304 described above, it is checked whether the number of executions of a job executed under processing conditions other than the defaults indicated in the job analysis result information DT34 and job analysis result information DT35 is greater than a threshold value. (# 312). As a result, if all of the six processing conditions are less than the threshold (No in # 312), the process proceeds to step # 313.

  Of the jobs of the job type indicated in the job analysis result information DT31, the job with the highest number of executions is checked (# 313). As a result, if the copy job has been executed most frequently (Yes in # 314), the update file UF in use mode 10 is selected (# 315). If the print job has been executed most frequently (No in # 314, Yes in # 316), the update file UF in use mode 11 is selected (# 317). When the scan job has been executed most frequently (No in # 314, No in # 316), the update file UF in use mode 12 is selected (# 318).

  On the other hand, if any one of the six processing conditions is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 312), it corresponds to the processing condition that is equal to or greater than the threshold in use modes 13-1 to 13-6. The update file UF of the use mode to be used is selected (# 319). This selection is performed by the method described with reference to FIG. 15 as in step # 311 of FIG. However, here, “X = 13” in FIG. As a result, a plurality of use mode update files UF may be selected.

  Returning to step # 302 in FIG. 11, a comparison is made between the number of executions of a job with only one print output indicated in the job analysis result information DT33 and the number of executions of a job with a plurality of copies. If the number of executions of a certain job is equal to or greater than the number of executions of a job with only one copy (No in # 302), the process proceeds to step # 320 in FIG.

  The number of executions of a job with only one page (single page) in the job analysis result information DT32 is compared with the number of executions of a job with multiple pages (# 320).

  If the number of executions of a job of multiple pages is equal to or greater than the number of executions of a job of one page (No in # 320), the update file UF in use mode 6 is selected (# 321). If the number of executions of a job for one page is larger (Yes in # 320), the job analysis result information DT34 and the job analysis result information DT35 other than the defaults shown in FIG. It is checked whether or not the number of executions of the job executed under the processing conditions is greater than the threshold (# 322).

  As a result, if the number of executions is less than the threshold for all six processing conditions (No in # 322), the process proceeds to step # 323. Of the jobs of the job type indicated in the job analysis result information DT31, the job with the largest number of executions is checked (# 323). As a result, when the copy job has been executed most frequently (Yes in # 324), the update file UF in use mode 7 is selected (# 325). If the print job has been executed most frequently (No in # 324, Yes in # 326), the update file UF in use mode 8 is selected (# 327). When the scan job has been executed most frequently (No in # 324, No in # 326), the update file UF in use mode 9 is selected (# 328).

  On the other hand, if the number of executions is equal to or greater than the threshold value in any one of the six process conditions (Yes in # 322), the process that is equal to or greater than the threshold value in use modes 5-1 to 5-6. The use mode update file UF corresponding to the condition is selected (# 329). This selection is performed by the method described with reference to FIG. 15 as in step # 311 of FIG. Here, however, “X = 5” in FIG. As a result, a plurality of use mode update files UF may be selected.

  As a result of the processing shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and FIG. 15, when one copy of a one-page document is often printed and the copy function is used most frequently (copy job execution frequency), use mode 1 is selected. Then, an update file UF for updating the copy function is selected. When one copy of a one-page document is often printed and the frequency of use of the PC print function (print job execution frequency) is the highest, use mode 2 is selected for updating to update the PC print function. A file UF is selected. When one copy of a one-page document is often printed and the use frequency of the scan function (scan job execution frequency) is the highest, use mode 3 is selected, and an update file UF for updating the scan function Is selected.

  When one copy of a one-page document is often printed and the input document surface is frequently used on both sides, the use mode 4-1 is selected, and the control program for the document feed mechanism 10k is updated. An update file UF is selected. When one copy of a one-page document is often printed and used frequently in duplex printing (copying and printing), the use mode 4-2 is selected, and the control program for the blank paper feed mechanism 10n is updated. An update file UF is selected. When one copy of a one-page document is often printed and the sort is frequently used, the use mode 4-3 is selected, and an update file UF for updating the control program for the print sorting mechanism 10p is provided. Selected. When one copy of a one-page document is often printed and a PDF file is frequently generated, the use mode 4-4 is selected, and an update file UF for updating a program for converting image data into the PDF format. Is selected. When one copy of a one-page document is often printed and a bitmap file is frequently generated, use mode 4-5 is selected, and an update for updating a program for converting image data into a bitmap format. A file UF is selected. When one copy of a one-page document is often printed and many JPEG files are generated, use mode 4-6 is selected, and an update file UF for updating a program for converting image data into the JPEG format. Is selected.

  When multiple copies of a single-page document are often printed and the input document surface is frequently used on both sides, the use mode 5-1 is selected and the control program for the document feed mechanism 10k is updated. An update file UF is selected. Further, a program update file UF other than the performance of the lip (the performance of the process of expanding the image data written in the printer language or PDF into a bitmap for the printing process) is selected. In the use modes 4-1 to 4-6 of the present embodiment, an update file UF for updating a control program related to continuous printing performance (hereinafter referred to as “update file UF for continuous printing”) is provided. Selected. When a plurality of originals consisting of one page are often printed and used in duplex printing (copying and printing), the use mode 5-2 is selected and the control program for the blank paper feed mechanism 10n is updated. An update file UF for printing and an update file UF for continuous printing are selected. When a plurality of originals consisting of one page are often printed and sort is frequently used, the use mode 5-3 is selected, and an update file UF for updating a program for controlling the printed matter sorting mechanism 10p and An update file UF for continuous printing is selected. When a plurality of originals consisting of one page are often printed and a PDF file is frequently generated, the use mode 5-4 is selected, and an update file UF for updating a program for converting image data into the PDF format. And the update file UF for continuous printing is selected. When multiple copies of a single-page document are often printed and a bitmap file is frequently generated, use mode 5-5 is selected, and an update for updating a program that converts image data into a bitmap format. A file UF and an update file UF for continuous printing are selected. When a plurality of originals consisting of one page are often printed and a JPEG file is frequently generated, the use mode 5-6 is selected, and an update file UF for updating a program for converting image data into the JPEG format. And the update file UF for continuous printing is selected.

  When multiple copies of a multi-page document are often printed, the use mode 6 is selected, and the performance of processing the image data written in the printer language or PDF into a bitmap for print processing An update file UF (hereinafter referred to as “image development update file UF”) and an update file UF for continuous printing are selected.

  When a plurality of originals consisting of one page are often printed and the use frequency of the copy function (copy job execution frequency) is the highest, use mode 7 is selected, and an update file UF for updating the copy function Then, the update file UF for image development is selected. When multiple copies of a single-page document are often printed and the PC print function is frequently used (execution frequency of print jobs), use mode 8 is selected for updating to update the PC print function. A file UF and an update file UF for image development are selected. When a plurality of originals consisting of one page are often printed and the use frequency of the scan function (scan job execution frequency) is the highest, the use mode 9 is selected, and an update file UF for updating the scan function Then, the update file UF for image development is selected.

  When one copy of a multi-page document is often printed and the copy function is used most frequently (copy job execution frequency), the use mode 10 is selected, and an update file UF for updating the copy function And the update file UF for continuous printing is selected. When one copy of a document consisting of a plurality of pages is often printed and the use frequency (print job execution frequency) of the PC print function is the highest, the use mode 11 is selected, and an update for updating the PC print function is performed. A file UF and an update file UF for continuous printing are selected. When one copy of a multi-page document is often printed and the use frequency of the scan function (scan job execution frequency) is the highest, the use mode 12 is selected, and an update file UF for updating the scan function And the update file UF for continuous printing is selected.

  When one copy of a document consisting of a plurality of pages is often printed and the input document surface is frequently used on “both sides”, the use mode 13-1 is selected and the control program for the document feed mechanism 10k is updated. An update file UF for printing and an update file UF for continuous printing are selected. When one copy of a document consisting of a plurality of pages is often printed and frequently used for double-sided printing (copying and printing), the use mode 13-2 is selected and the control program for the blank paper feed mechanism 10n is updated. An update file UF for printing and an update file UF for continuous printing are selected. When one copy of a document consisting of a plurality of pages is often printed and sort is frequently used, the use mode 13-3 is selected, and an update file UF for updating a control program for the printed matter sorting mechanism 10p and An update file UF for continuous printing is selected. When a single copy of a multi-page document is often printed and a PDF file is frequently generated, the use mode 13-4 is selected, and an update file UF for updating a program for converting image data into the PDF format. And the update file UF for continuous printing is selected. When one copy of a multi-page document is often printed and a bitmap file is frequently generated, use mode 13-5 is selected, and an update for updating a program for converting image data into a bitmap format. A file UF and an update file UF for continuous printing are selected. When a single copy of a multi-page document is often printed and a JPEG file is frequently generated, the use mode 13-6 is selected, and an update file UF for updating a program for converting image data into the JPEG format. And the update file UF for continuous printing is selected.

  Furthermore, when an error is detected during the processing of the job analysis unit 121 (that is, when the answer is Yes in # 202 of FIG. 7), the application file selection unit 123 performs the processing in parallel with the processing described in FIG. Then, before or after, on the basis of the error analysis result information DT4 (see FIG. 10) obtained in step # 203 of FIG. 7, the form of the characteristic of the error occurrence state (hereinafter referred to as “error mode”). The update file UF corresponding to the above is selected by a method as shown in FIG. 16, for example.

  In FIG. 16, when the error analysis result information DT4 indicates that a document jam error (an error in which the document sheet is jammed by the document feed mechanism 10k) has occurred and the number of times is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 401). Then, the update file UF in the error mode 1 is selected (# 402).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the error mode and the file name of the update file UF suitable for each are defined in advance in the error mode file table TL6.

  If the error analysis result information DT4 indicates that a print jam error (an error that the print is jammed by the print feed mechanism 10m) is indicated and the number of times is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 403), the error mode 2 is updated. The file UF for use is selected (# 404). When the error analysis result information DT4 indicates that a blank paper jam error (an error in which a blank paper is jammed by the blank paper feeding mechanism 10n) has occurred and the number of times is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 405), error mode 3 Update file UF is selected (# 406).

  If the error analysis result information DT4 indicates that a communication error has occurred and the number of times is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 407), the update file UF in error mode 4 is selected (# 408). When the error analysis result information DT4 indicates that a memory shortage error (an error causing insufficient resources in the RAM 10b) has occurred and the number of times is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in # 409), the update file UF in error mode 5 Is selected (# 410).

  According to the update file UF selection process shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of error mode update files UF may be selected. Note that different values may be set for the respective thresholds depending on the use environment of the image forming apparatus 1 and the like.

  As described above, the application file determination unit 102 determines the update file UF to be applied to the image forming apparatus 1 itself.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the update file acquisition unit 103 uses the URL of one or more update files UF determined by the application file determination unit 102 as to be applied to the image forming apparatus 1 itself. By specifying, the information is downloaded and acquired from the information providing server 2 of the company Y. However, if the latest version of the update file UF has already been applied, the update file UF is not downloaded. Whether or not it is the latest version can be determined by comparing the version of the update file UF to be downloaded this time with the version of the update file UF having the same file name as that applied previously.

  The update file application unit 104 applies the acquired update file UF to the image forming apparatus 1 itself. The update file UF is applied in the conventional manner. That is, the update file UF is applied as a patch to an existing program stored in the ROM 10c or the hard disk 10d. In other words, the defective part in the existing program is rewritten and corrected to the contents shown in the update file UF. Alternatively, a new version program may be downloaded as an update file UF, an existing program that is currently installed is once uninstalled, and then the update file UF (new version program) is installed.

  In general, in the case of a small update (so-called minor update), a patch file is often provided as an update file UF. In the case of a large-scale update (so-called major update), a new version of the program itself is often provided as an update file UF. An update file UF may be provided together with an installation program (installer).

  Next, the flow of processing in updating in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Until the date and time for executing the program update comes, the image forming apparatus 1 generates execution job log information DT1 indicating the processing contents each time a job is executed, and executes the executed job log table TL1 (see FIG. 5). ). When an error occurs, error job log information DT2 indicating the content of the error is generated and stored in the error log table TL2 (see FIG. 6). When the date and time for executing the update comes (Yes in # 1), the update process is started as follows.

  First, the execution job log information DT1 and error job log information DT2 for a predetermined period are analyzed, and information (job analysis result information DT3) relating to the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 9 and as shown in FIG. Information on error occurrence status (error analysis result information DT4) is collected (# 2). The method of analysis and collection is as described above with reference to FIGS.

  Based on the job analysis result information DT3 and the use mode-specific file table TL5 (see FIG. 14), the update file UF according to the use status of the image forming apparatus 1 is determined (# 4). The method of the determination process is as described above with reference to FIGS. Based on the error analysis result information DT4 and the error mode-specific file table TL6 (see FIG. 17), the update file UF is determined in accordance with the error occurrence status. The determination processing method is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Connect to the information providing server 2 (# 5), and download the update file UF determined in steps # 3 and # 4 (# 6). However, if the latest version has been applied, the update file UF is not downloaded.

  Then, the downloaded one or more update files UF are applied as patches of the existing program. Alternatively, if the update file UF is a new version of the program file, the existing old program is uninstalled, and then the new version of the program file is installed (# 7). Thereby, the update of the program of the image forming apparatus 1 is completed.

  Then, job analysis result information DT3 and error analysis result information DT4 are cleared for the next update process (# 8).

  According to the present embodiment, characteristics of the usage status (usage mode) of the image forming apparatus 1 are determined by analyzing past execution job log information DT1, and an update file UF corresponding to the characteristics is downloaded and applied. . Further, by analyzing the past error job log information DT2, the characteristics (error mode) of the error occurrence state of the image forming apparatus 1 are determined, and the update file UF corresponding to the characteristics is downloaded and applied. As a result, the program installed in the image forming apparatus 1 can be effectively updated in accordance with the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, since unnecessary updates or updates that are not so necessary can be avoided, the resources of the image forming apparatus 1 can be used efficiently.

  As described with reference to FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the job analysis result information DT3 (see FIG. 9) is deleted after the end of the update (# 8 in FIG. 18). The value (number of executions) of items not included in the mode of use related to the current update is stored and added to the newly obtained job analysis result information DT3 at the time of the next update process. Also good.

  For example, it is assumed that an update corresponding to the use mode 1 is performed this time. In this case, as can be seen from FIG. 11 and FIG. 14, the use mode (usage status) in which the job type is “copy job”, the manuscript page is “1 page”, and the number of output copies is “1 copy”. The update corresponding to is done. Therefore, the number of executions of the job analysis result information DT3 other than these three items is stored and added to the newly obtained job analysis result information DT3 in the next update process. With this configuration, the program can be updated according to the frequency of use of each function.

  Similarly, for the error analysis result information DT4 (see FIG. 10), the values of items not related to the current update are stored and added to the error analysis result information DT4 newly obtained in the next update process. You may make it do.

  The programs in the flowcharts of the respective drawings described in the present embodiment, that is, the update management program, the file table TL5 for each use mode, and the file table TL6 for each error mode can be updated. For example, when the configuration of the update file UF shown in FIG. 4 is changed, the usage mode determination method is changed, or the error mode determination method is changed, these programs and tables are changed. Are subject to update.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 itself determines the update file UF that should be applied, but the information providing server 2 may perform the determination. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 determines the use mode and the error mode based on the execution job log information DT1 (see FIG. 5) and the error job log information DT2 (see FIG. 6), and notifies the information providing server 2 of the determination result. To do. The information providing server 2 determines the update file UF corresponding to the use mode and the error mode notified from the image forming apparatus 1, and transmits the update file UF to the image forming apparatus 1.

  Alternatively, the information providing server 2 may determine the use mode and the error mode instead of the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits its own execution job log information DT1 and error job log information DT2 to the information providing server 2. The information providing server 2 performs the processing described with reference to FIG. 7 on the basis of the transmitted execution job log information DT1 and error job log information DT2. Then, the update file UF determined to be applied to the image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 executes the update process when a predetermined period has elapsed regardless of whether or not the latest version of the update file UF is present. It may be executed when registered in the providing server 2. Alternatively, it may be executed when a predetermined period has elapsed and when the latest version has been registered.

  By changing the procedure, threshold value, or value comparison method of the usage status corresponding file determination process described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 or the error corresponding file determination process described with reference to FIG. You can prioritize updates to improve the system, prioritize updates to improve frequently used functions, or prioritize updates to fix bugs. Alternatively, the user may select an update file UF to be used for update.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus 1 described in the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to various processing apparatuses such as personal computers, workstations, network devices, and information home appliances.

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

  The present invention is particularly preferably used for maintenance of a processing apparatus that mainly controls processing by a program.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a system including an image forming apparatus. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the file for the update prepared in the information provision server. It is a figure which shows the example of an executed job log table. It is a figure which shows the example of an error log table. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a log analysis process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of executed job analysis processing. It is a figure which shows the example of job analysis result information. It is a figure which shows the example of error analysis result information. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a use condition corresponding | compatible file determination process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a use condition corresponding | compatible file discrimination | determination process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a use condition corresponding | compatible file discrimination | determination process. It is a figure which shows the example of the file table classified by use mode. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a use mode 4, 5, 13 selection process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an error corresponding | compatible file discrimination | determination process. It is a figure which shows the example of the file table classified by error mode. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming device (Processing device with automatic update function)
102 Applicable file discriminator (applicable file discriminating means)
103 Update file acquisition unit (file acquisition means)
104 Update file application unit (update processing means)
DT1 execution job log information (log information)
DT2 Error job log information (log information)
TL1 executed job log table (log information storage means)
TL2 error log table (log information storage means)
UF update file

Claims (12)

A processing apparatus having an automatic update function that has a function of automatically updating an installed program and executes a plurality of types of processing,
For each of the plurality of types , execution number counting means for counting the number of times the processing device with an automatic update function has executed processing;
Wherein among the plurality of types, for updates to address most number type is frequency counted the most multi have kind by the execution count counting means of the update file is a file for updating the program An applied file discriminating means for discriminating that the file is an update file to be applied to the processing apparatus with automatic update function;
File acquisition means for acquiring the update file determined to be applied;
Update processing means for updating the program using the obtained update file;
Is provided with an automatic update function. There are at least two of the plurality of types , and each of the plurality of types includes a copy job for scanning and printing a document, a PC print job for receiving image data and printing a document, and a document scanning is any one of the scan job for generating image files;
The processing apparatus with an automatic update function according to claim 1. Second execution of counting the number of times the processing device with the automatic update function executes the first condition that the number of pages of the document to be processed is one page and the second condition that is a plurality of pages. Frequency counting means,
The applied file determining means is the magnitude relationship between the number of times of the first condition and the second condition counted by the most frequently used type and the second execution number counting means of the update file. Is determined to be an update file to be applied to the processing device with the automatic update function.
The processing apparatus with an automatic update function according to claim 2. Third execution number counting means for counting the number of times the processing device with an automatic update function has executed each of the third condition in which the number of output copies accompanying processing is one and the fourth condition being a plurality of copies. Have
The applied file determining means is a size relationship between the number of times of the third condition and the fourth condition counted by the third execution number counting means and the most frequently used type of the update file. Is determined to be an update file to be applied to the processing device with the automatic update function.
The processing apparatus with an automatic update function according to claim 2. A program update method for updating a program installed in a processing device that executes a plurality of types of processing,
For each of the plurality of types , a first step of counting the number of times the processing device has executed processing;
Wherein among the plurality of types, the update file that corresponds to the largest number type number counted is the largest number it has kind in the first step of the update file is a file for updating the program A second step of determining that the file is an update file to be applied to the processing device,
A third step of obtaining the update file determined to be applied;
A fourth step of updating the program using the obtained update file;
A program update method characterized by comprising: There are at least two of the plurality of types , and each of the plurality of types includes a copy job for scanning and printing a document, a PC print job for receiving image data and printing a document, and a document scanning is any one of the scan job for generating image files;
The program update method according to claim 5. A fifth step of counting the number of times the processing device has executed the processing for each of the first condition that the number of pages of the document to be processed is one page and the second condition that is a plurality of pages; ,
In the second step, it corresponds to the size relationship between the number of times of each of the first condition and the second condition counted in the fifth step, and the most frequently used type of the update file. It is determined that the update file is an update file to be applied to the processing device.
The program update method according to claim 6. A sixth step of counting the number of times the processing device has executed the process, each of a third condition in which the number of copies of the process is 1 part and a fourth condition that is a plurality of parts,
In the second step, it corresponds to the size relationship between the number of times of the third condition and the fourth condition counted in the sixth step, and the most frequently used type of the update file. It is determined that the update file is an update file to be applied to the processing device.
The program update method according to claim 6. A computer program used in a processing device that performs processing according to an installed program that is an installed program,
In the processing device,
For each of the plurality of types, and counts the number of times the processor has executed a process, a counting process,
Wherein among the plurality of types, the update file that corresponds to the largest number of types is the number of times counted by the counting process most multi have kind of update file is a file for updating the installed program A determination process for determining that the file is an update file to be applied to the processing device;
An acquisition process for acquiring the update file determined to be applied;
An update process for updating the installed program using the obtained update file;
A computer program for running. There are at least two of the plurality of types , and each of the plurality of types includes a copy job for scanning and printing a document, a PC print job for receiving image data and printing a document, and a document scanning is any one of the scan job for generating image files;
The computer program according to claim 9. A second counting process for counting the number of times that the processing device has executed the process for each of the first condition that the number of pages of the document to be processed is one page and the second condition that is a plurality of pages, Causing the processing device to execute,
As the discrimination process, for the update corresponding to the magnitude relationship between the number of times of the first condition and the second condition counted in the second count process, and the most frequently used type of the update file. Causing the processing device to execute processing for determining that the file is an update file to be applied to the processing device;
The computer program according to claim 10. As the determination process, a third counting process for counting the number of times the processing device has executed the process for each of the third condition in which the number of copies of the process is one and the fourth condition in which the number of copies is a plurality of parts. Is executed by the processing device,
As the determination process, for the update corresponding to the size relationship between the number of times of the third condition and the fourth condition counted in the third counting process and the most frequently used type of the update file. Causing the processing device to execute processing for determining that the file is an update file to be applied to the processing device;
The computer program according to claim 10.