JP5141134B2 - Image forming apparatus, firmware setting information updating method, and firmware setting information updating program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with a firmware setting information update function, a firmware setting information update method, and a firmware setting information update program.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a printer or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), firmware (hereinafter referred to as “F / W”) is used to correct functions such as function enhancement and bugs after the apparatus is shipped. F / W version upgrade function by rewriting is installed. When the F / W version is upgraded, the new F / W setting value and the setting value stored in the non-volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) are inconsistent, so the setting value is updated to the new F / W setting value. There is a need to.

  Conventionally, F / W version upgrade is performed mainly by the following two methods. One of them is a method in which setting information stored in the nonvolatile RAM is once cleared and returned to the default. This method requires resetting by the user every time the F / W version is upgraded, and is unusable. If the resetting fails, the device will not operate as intended.

In addition, there is a method in which the data structure of the setting information is simultaneously saved in the nonvolatile RAM together with the setting information, and the setting value is re-saved in a new format by comparing the old and new data structures at the time of version upgrade (the following patent document 1). In this method, since data structure information is stored in the nonvolatile RAM in addition to the setting information, the storage area of the nonvolatile RAM needs to be increased more than usual, resulting in an increase in cost.
JP-A-10-283167

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to reduce the storage area of the nonvolatile RAM and prevent an increase in cost, while maintaining the firmware (F / W). An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of automatically updating setting information after version upgrade, an F / W setting information updating method, and an F / W setting information updating program.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) An image forming apparatus comprising: a non-volatile RAM that stores and holds setting information storage data that is data for storing firmware setting information; and a RAM that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area , The new firmware data transmitted from the host device is analyzed, the setting information expansion key information including a common key between different versions defined in the new firmware data is expanded on the RAM, and the setting is performed. and data analysis means for creating an information development key table, taking out the common key from the setting information expanded key table developed in the RAM, using the common key, the settings that are stored and held in the non-volatile RAM searches the information stored data, reads the setting value corresponding to the common key, the setting value, the new firmware A setting information storage data read means to be stored in the setting information expanded table inside the management ID that response, the setting information said set value stored in the expanded table, in the internal management ID, to the setting information stored data An image forming apparatus comprising: setting information storage data writing means for writing.

( 2 ) The image forming apparatus according to (1) , wherein the internal management ID is an offset value of an address used when accessing the nonvolatile RAM.

( 3 ) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or ( 2 ) , wherein the common key is defined by information including a printer language setting command.

(4) Step 1) To create a setting information expanded key table expand setting information expanding key information including the common keys in RAM between the new firmware data different defined during version, it developed in the RAM has been taken out the common key from the setting information expanding key table, using said common key, searches the setting information stored data is data for storing configuration information of the firmware stored and held in the nonvolatile RAM and reads out the setting value corresponding to the common key, the setting value, and step 2) to be stored in the setting information expanded table inside the management ID corresponding to the new firmware, stored in the setting information expanding table the set value, in the internal management ID, especially to have a step 3) of writing to the setting information stored data Firmware configuration information update method to be.

( 5 ) Procedure 1) of developing setting information expansion key information including a common key between different versions defined in the new firmware data on the RAM to create a setting information expansion key table, and expanding to the RAM has been taken out the common key from the setting information expanding key table, using said common key, searches the setting information stored data is data for storing configuration information of the firmware stored and held in the nonvolatile RAM and reads out the setting value corresponding to the common key, the setting value, the procedure 2) to be stored in the setting information expanded table inside the management ID corresponding to the new firmware, stored in the setting information expanding table the set value, in the internal management ID, this to execute the steps 3) to be written to said setting information stored data, to the image forming apparatus Firmware configuration information update program characterized.

(6) above (5) computer-readable recording medium firmware configuration information update described.

According to the present invention, using the common key , the setting information storage data is searched, the setting value corresponding to the common key is read, and the setting value is stored in the setting information expansion table with the internal management ID corresponding to the new firmware. By storing the setting value stored in the setting information expansion table with the internal management ID into the setting information storage data, the data structure information of the firmware is not stored in the nonvolatile RAM. The setting information can be automatically updated after firmware upgrade. Therefore, the required storage capacity of the nonvolatile RAM can be reduced to prevent an increase in cost.

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

(Image forming device)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 as an image forming apparatus includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a read-only memory ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a main memory RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a power source. The printer controller unit 10 includes a non-volatile RAM 14, which is a memory that retains stored contents even when the camera is turned off, an operation panel unit 15, and a network interface 16, and a printer engine 17 that forms an image by electrophotography. These are connected to each other via a bus 18 for exchanging signals. The network interface 16 is connected to a host PC (Personal Computer) 2 as a print job transmission apparatus, and these can communicate with each other via the network 3. Note that the type and number of devices connected to the network 3 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. Further, the host PC 2 may be directly connected (locally connected) between the printer 1 and the device without going through the network 3.

  The CPU 11 performs control of the above parts, various arithmetic processes, and the like according to a program. The ROM 12 stores various programs and parameters for controlling basic operations of the printer 1. The RAM 13 is a main memory that the CPU 11 can directly access and read / write, and temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The nonvolatile RAM 14 is a memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and stores firmware (F / W) setting information. Here, the setting information is preset information necessary for the firmware to operate.

  The operation panel unit 15 includes a touch panel for displaying various information, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing start of operation, a stop key for instructing stop of operation, a reset key for initializing various setting conditions, etc. It has.

  The network interface 16 is an interface for communicating with the host PC 2. The printer engine 17 prints a color image based on various data on a recording medium such as paper using a known image forming process such as an electrophotographic process.

  In the RAM 13, a memory area as the setting information expansion table 20 and a memory area as the setting information expansion key table 30 are provided independently. Thus, it is preferable to provide two memory areas separately in the RAM 13. This is because the table generation timing is different between the setting information expansion table and the setting information expansion key table, and therefore it is more efficient to allocate and manage an independent memory space.

  Further, a memory area as setting information storage data 40 is provided in the nonvolatile RAM 14. Here, the setting information storage data 40 is data for storing firmware setting information.

  Further, in the ROM 12, a data analysis unit 51 as data analysis means for generating intermediate data by performing data analysis processing on the print language of print data transmitted from the host PC 2, and developing the intermediate data to generate a bitmap An intermediate data drawing unit 54 that generates compressed frame data (image data), a printing unit 55 that outputs the frame data to the printer engine 17 as video data, and a print control unit 56 that controls the printing unit 55 are provided. Yes.

  The data analysis unit 51 also analyzes the new F / W data (rewrite data) transmitted from the host PC 2 and uses a common key defined in the setting information in the new F / W data to create a non-volatile A setting information storage data reading unit 52 that reads the setting value corresponding to the common key from the setting information storage data 40 in the RAM 14 and stores it in the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13, and the setting information expansion table 20 stored in the RAM 13. A setting information storage data writing unit 53 for writing the contents to the setting information storage data 40 in the nonvolatile RAM 14 is provided. In addition, the function of each part 51-56 in ROM12 is exhibited when CPU11 runs the predetermined | prescribed program stored in ROM12.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the mechanical configuration of a printer equipped with the printer controller unit 10 and the printer engine 17 described above.

  The printer controller unit 10 is disposed on one end side in the apparatus main body 60.

  The printer engine 17 forms an image by an electrophotographic method, and a recording belt 63 drawn out by a paper supply roller 62 from a paper supply unit 61 that accommodates and conveys the recording paper is disposed in a landscape belt 64. Then, it passes through the image forming section 65 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) sequentially arranged on the transport belt 64 in the transport direction. The image forming unit 65 includes independent print units 66 provided for each of four color components of CMYK (hereinafter, simply referred to as “color”). Each print unit 66 is arranged in one direction. Around the rotating photosensitive drum 67, a charging device, an exposure device including a laser unit 68, a developing roller 69, a transfer roller 70, and a cleaning device are arranged. A color image is formed by superimposing toner images of four color components of CMYK created by each print unit 66.

  First, the laser unit 68 irradiates the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 67 uniformly charged by the charging device. That is, the printer controller unit 10 converts the data transmitted from the host PC 2 into a video signal and outputs it to the laser unit 68. In response to this, the laser unit 68 emits laser light in accordance with the video signal, and an electrostatic latent image based on the print data is created on the photosensitive drum 67. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 69 and then transferred to the recording paper 63.

  The recording paper 63 is stored in the paper cassette 71 of the paper supply unit 61. When the recording paper 63 is picked up by the paper supply roller 62, it is transported by the transport roller 72 and the transport belt 64, and the previously developed toner image is transferred. The The transferred toner image is fixed by a fixing device 73 and discharged by a conveyance roller 74.

  An operation panel 15 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 60, and switches and the like for operating the apparatus are arranged. A power supply device 75 is provided inside the apparatus main body 60 and supplies power to the printer 1.

  In the apparatus configuration diagram used here, the YMCK has four photoconductor drums 67 for each color (tandem system), but the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which one photoconductor drum 67 is mounted (one drum system). is there.

  Next, the control system of the printer according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 3, the configuration example of the F / W setting information update processing unit of the printer is shown in FIG. 4, and the operation example of the F / W setting information update processing unit is shown in FIG. Show. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the F / W setting information update method for the printer. The algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is stored by being programmed in a storage unit such as the ROM 12 and executed by the CPU 11.

  In FIG. 3, a data analysis unit 51 analyzes print data transmitted from the host PC 2 and creates intermediate data. The intermediate data drawing unit 54 expands the intermediate data created by the data analysis unit 51 to generate compressed compressed frame data (image data). The printing unit 55 is controlled by the printing control unit 56 and outputs the frame data generated by the intermediate data drawing unit 54 to the printer engine 17 as video data.

  3 and 4, the data analysis unit 51 analyzes the new F / W data and performs F / W rewrite processing. The setting information storage data reading unit 52 reads the setting information stored in the nonvolatile RAM 14 using the setting information expansion key (common key) information defined in the new F / W data (rewrite data). The setting information corresponding to the new F / W is stored in the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13. The setting information storage data writing unit 53 writes the setting information stored in the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13 to the setting information storage data 40 in the nonvolatile RAM 14.

  An operation example of the F / W setting information update processing unit will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the data analysis unit 51 analyzes the new F / W data (rewrite data: update data) transmitted from the host PC 2, develops the setting information expansion key in the F / W data on the RAM 13, and sets the setting information. A development key table 30 is created. In the F / W, a common key corresponding to setting information is defined between versions. The common key is defined by, for example, “Resolution” for resolution, a printer language setting command itself, information including a printer language setting command, or high-level information similar to the printer language setting command. The internal management ID (new ID) of the setting information corresponding to the common key and the new F / W is stored in the new F / W data, and this ID is used when actually accessing the nonvolatile RAM 14. use. Normally, an offset value of a memory address is used as the ID.

  The setting information storage data reading unit 52 searches using setting information expansion key (common key) information defined in the new F / W data, and reads the corresponding setting information stored in the nonvolatile RAM 14. The setting information is expanded on the RAM 13 with the storage ID corresponding to the new F / W, and stored in the setting information expansion table 20.

  The setting information storage data writing unit 53 writes the setting information (setting value) stored in the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13 to the setting information storage data 40 in the nonvolatile RAM 14 with a storage ID corresponding to the new F / W.

  Therefore, according to the printer 1 as the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to store the F / W data structure information in the nonvolatile RAM 14 by using the common key, and the storage area of the nonvolatile RAM 14 ( (Capacity) is not increased, cost increase is prevented, and setting information can be automatically updated after version upgrade of F / W.

(F / W setting information update method)
Specifically, the F / W setting information update method is performed as shown in FIGS. First, the new F / W data transmitted from the host PC 2 is read into the data analysis unit 51 and analyzed (S101). The new F / W data includes expansion key information of setting information (a pair of a common key of setting information such as “Resolution” and “Timeout” and a new ID of setting information storage data) (FIG. 5). reference). The data analysis unit 51 expands the setting information expansion key information on the RAM 13 and creates the setting information expansion key table 30 (S102).

  Next, the setting information storage data reading unit 52 takes out the common key from the setting information expansion key table 30 in the RAM 13 (S103), and uses the common key from the setting information storage data 40 in the non-volatile RAM 14 using the common key. The setting information (setting value) corresponding to the common key is read (S104).

  Next, the setting information storage data reading unit 52 determines whether the setting information (setting value) has been read correctly (S105). If the setting information is not read correctly (S105; NO), the process proceeds to step S107. If the setting information is read correctly (S105; YES), the setting information is written in the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13 (S106). ), Go to step S107.

  In step S107, the setting information storage data reading unit 52 determines whether or not the next entry exists in the setting information expansion key table 30 in the RAM 13. If the next entry exists in the setting information expansion key table 30 (S107; YES), the next common key in the setting information expansion key table 30 is read (S108), the process returns to step S104, and the processing from step S104 is performed. This is performed for all entries existing in the setting information expansion key table 30. On the other hand, if the next entry does not exist in the setting information expansion key table 30 (S107; NO), the setting information storage data 40 in the nonvolatile RAM 14 is cleared (S109).

  Next, the setting information storage data writing unit 53 reads the setting value of the head ID from the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13 (S110), and writes the setting value to the setting information storage data 40 in the nonvolatile RAM 14. (S111). Further, the setting information storage data writing unit 53 determines whether or not the next entry exists in the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13 (S112). If the next entry exists in the setting information expansion table 20 (S112; YES), the next entry is read from the setting information expansion table 20 (S113), the process returns to step S111, and the processing of step S111 is performed. Repeat for all 20 entries. On the other hand, if the next entry does not exist in the setting information expansion table 20 (S112; NO), the F / W rewriting process is terminated.

(F / W setting information update program)
In the F / W setting information update program according to the present embodiment, the data analysis unit 51 analyzes the new F / W data transmitted from the host PC 2 and sets the setting information expansion key in the F / W data on the RAM 13. The setting information expansion key table 30 is created and the setting information storage data reading unit 52 searches the setting information expansion key (common key) information defined in the new F / W data. The setting information stored in the non-volatile RAM 14 is read out, the setting information is expanded on the RAM 13 with the storage ID corresponding to the new F / W, and stored in the setting information expansion table 20, and the setting information storage The data writing unit 53 stores the setting information (setting value) stored in the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13 with a storage ID corresponding to the new F / W. A procedure for writing the setting information stored data 40 of the inner, a program for executing the image forming apparatus.

  This program includes expanded key information of the setting information (a pair of a common key of setting information and a new ID of setting information storage data) (see FIG. 5). As described above, high-level information similar to the printer language setting command, such as “Resolution” and “Timeout”, is defined as a common key between F / W versions.

  That is, the procedure for reading the setting information expansion table 20 is to search using the common key, read the corresponding setting information from the non-volatile RAM 14, and set the internal management ID (new ID) of the setting information corresponding to the new F / W. And stored in the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13. The procedure for writing to the nonvolatile RAM 14 is to write and save the setting information stored in the setting information expansion table 20 in the RAM 13 to the nonvolatile RAM 14 with the new ID.

  Specifically, this program is executed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, and the algorithm shown in this flowchart is stored by being programmed in a storage unit such as the ROM 12, and is executed by the CPU 11.

(recoding media)
The recording medium according to the present embodiment is a computer-readable recording medium in which the above-described F / W setting information update program is recorded. The compact flash (registered trademark), smart media (registered trademark), and memory stick (registered trademark). Flash memory systems such as multimedia cards and SD memory cards, removable hard disk systems such as Microdrive (registered trademark) and Jaz (registered trademark), magnetic recording systems such as floppy (registered trademark) disks, ZIP (registered trademark), Examples thereof include magneto-optical recording systems such as MO, optical disks such as CD-R, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD-RAM, DVD + RW (registered trademark), and PD.

  The invention is not limited to the above described embodiments, but can be variously modified within the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a printer is employed as the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as an MFP.

  As described above, according to the present invention, not only a printer as an image forming apparatus but also F / W setting information update (version upgrade) of other devices can be applied.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of the printer of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the printer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an F / W setting information update processing unit of a printer. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of a F / W setting information update process part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for updating F / W setting information of a printer.

Explanation of symbols

1 printer,
2 host PC,
3 network,
10 Printer controller unit,
11 CPU,
12 ROM,
13 RAM,
14 non-volatile RAM,
15 Operation panel section,
16 network interface,
17 Printer engine,
18 Bus,
20 Memory area of setting information expansion table,
30 Memory area of setting information expansion key table,
40 Memory area for setting information storage data,
51 Data analysis section,
52 Setting information storage data reading section,
53 Setting information storage data writing section,
54 Intermediate data drawing section,
55 Printing Department,
56 Print controller.

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus comprising: a nonvolatile RAM that stores and holds setting information storage data that is data for storing firmware setting information; and a RAM that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area.
Analyzes new firmware data transmitted from the host device, expands setting information expansion key information including a common key between different versions defined in the new firmware data, and expands the setting information Data analysis means for creating a key table;
Taking out the common key from the setting information expanded key table developed in the RAM, using the common key, retrieves the setting information saved data stored and held in the nonvolatile RAM, corresponding to the common key reads the setting value, the setting value, the setting information storage data read means to be stored in the setting information expanded table inside the management ID corresponding to the new firmware,
The setting information stored in said deployed table setting value, in the internal management ID, an image forming apparatus characterized by having a setting information storage data writing means for writing to said setting information stored data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the internal management ID is an offset value of an address used when accessing the nonvolatile RAM. The common key, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it is defined by information including a setting command of printer language. Step 1) of developing setting information expansion key information including a common key between different versions defined in the new firmware data on the RAM to create a setting information expansion key table;
Taking out the common key from the setting information expanded key table developed in the RAM, using said common key, the setting information is data for storing configuration information of the firmware stored and held in the nonvolatile RAM Find the stored data, reads the setting value corresponding to the common key, the setting value, and step 2) to be stored in the setting information expanded table inside the management ID corresponding to the new firmware,
The setting information stored in said deployed table setting value, in the internal management ID, and Step 3) writing to the setting information stored data,
A method for updating firmware setting information, comprising: Procedure 1) of developing setting information expansion key information including a common key between different versions defined in the new firmware data on the RAM to create a setting information expansion key table;
Taking out the common key from the setting information expanded key table developed in the RAM, using said common key, the setting information is data for storing configuration information of the firmware stored and held in the nonvolatile RAM A procedure 2) of searching stored data , reading a setting value corresponding to the common key, and storing the setting value in the setting information expansion table with an internal management ID corresponding to the new firmware ;
A step 3) of writing the setting value stored in the setting information expansion table to the setting information storage data with the internal management ID ;
Is executed by the image forming apparatus. A computer-readable recording medium on which the firmware setting information update program according to claim 5 is recorded.

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