JP5409555B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a multifunction machine, a copier, and a facsimile machine including a plurality of control units.

  A control unit of an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral controls each unit of the image forming apparatus using a control program. The control unit controls operations of a paper feeding device that supplies paper and an image forming unit that forms a toner image based on a control program. For example, the control program (control software) and data are stored in a memory in the image forming apparatus.

  An example of an image forming apparatus that performs control using such a control program is described in Patent Document 1. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus to which an external feeding apparatus can be attached, and a reading unit that reads out a control program for the image forming apparatus recorded in the feeding apparatus, and controls the image forming apparatus. Storage means storing the control program to be stored, and control program rewriting means for rewriting the control program stored in the storage means. The control program is read from the feeding device by the reading means, and the control program rewriting means is used to store the control program in the storage means. An image forming apparatus for rewriting a control program is described. With this configuration, an image forming apparatus capable of updating the execution program without causing the user to take action is provided (see Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0019], etc.).

JP 2006-067045 A

  Some image forming apparatuses do not consolidate control functions into a single control unit (control board), but include a plurality of control units in which processing portions are distributed. For example, an image forming apparatus includes a main control unit that controls the entire apparatus, and an engine that controls operations related to image formation (for example, ON / OFF of a motor and voltage application control to a member related to image formation). A plurality of control units such as a control unit may be provided. Also, from the viewpoint of improving performance, an optional device may be prepared for the image forming apparatus. A controller for controlling the operation of the optional device may be provided in the optional device.

  When the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of control units, firmware (control program) is required for each control unit. For example, the control unit of the optional device may not store the firmware in a nonvolatile manner, and may acquire the firmware from the main control unit in a pre-use preparation stage (for example, warm-up when the main power is turned on). (May be downloaded). The firmware may be downloaded via a relay point such as an engine control unit.

  When downloading firmware from the main controller, whatever option device is installed, added, or removed, the controller of the option device must be provided with the appropriate firmware. is there. In other words, versatility in transmitting firmware from the main control unit must be increased. However, a plurality of types of optional devices such as a paper feeding device, a post-processing device, and a FAX communication board are prepared. Furthermore, there are cases where a plurality of types of paper feeders are prepared.

  Therefore, the storage unit in the image forming apparatus stores all types of firmware of optional devices that can be attached. The main control unit may sequentially transmit all types of firmware stored in the storage unit for each option device while sequentially reading out the firmware from the storage unit (brute force type download). As a result, the versatility in transmitting firmware from the main control unit can be increased, and firmware that is surely matched can be provided regardless of which optional device is attached.

  However, in the brute force download, the control unit of the optional device returns, for example, an error when the incompatible firmware is received. Then, for example, the engine control unit that mediates transmits an error to the main control unit. As a result, the number of communications between the main control unit and the engine control unit (also referred to as between the main control unit and the control unit of the optional device) increases. Therefore, in the brute force type download, there is a problem that time loss occurs until firmware that is compatible with all optional devices can be downloaded. This time loss prevents, for example, shortening of the warm-up time when the main power is turned on (the time from when the main power is turned on until it becomes usable).

  Here, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the control unit controls the optional device. In order to update the execution program in the image forming device to the latest one, the control unit downloads the execution program from the optional device. to download. Therefore, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 does not give firmware to each option device from the main control unit. Therefore, the problem of time loss cannot be solved until all the optional devices can download compatible firmware.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to reduce time loss until all optional devices can download compatible firmware, and to shorten the time required for downloading.

An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is provided with one or a plurality of second control units provided in the image forming apparatus to control a part of the image forming apparatus, and is provided in the image forming apparatus and can communicate with the second control unit. A first control unit that grasps firmware that is compatible with the second control unit, a storage unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and stores a plurality of types of firmware for the second control unit, and an image forming apparatus provided, is connected to the storage unit, the is communicatively connected to the first control unit, in turn for each type of the firmware stored in the storage unit, the main control to be transmitted to the first control unit And when the first control unit receives firmware that matches any of the second control units from the main control unit, the first control unit transfers the firmware to the second control unit, and the same firmware If the second control unit to be given remains, the main control unit is requested to transmit the same firmware, and the main control unit again requests the first firmware to transmit the same firmware. The same firmware as that transmitted immediately before is sent to the first control unit.

  According to this configuration, the first control unit (for example, the engine control unit) grasps the type of firmware necessary for the second control unit (for example, the control unit of the optional device). And if the transmission request of the same firmware is received, the main control part will again transmit the same firmware as what was transmitted immediately before to the 1st control part to the 1st control part. As a result, when there are two or more second control units of the same type (for example, when two or more optional devices of the same type are installed), firmware that continuously adapts to each second control unit is provided. Can do. Therefore, compared to the brute force type download, the firmware can be given to each second control unit quickly and time loss can be reduced. On the other hand, no matter what optional device is attached, firmware is given to the second control unit, and versatility in transmitting firmware from the main control unit is not lost.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the first control unit receives the firmware that matches any one of the second control units from the main control unit. If the second control unit to transfer the firmware to the unit and give the same firmware does not remain, it requests the main control unit to transmit another firmware, and the main control unit requests another firmware to be transmitted. If there is, firmware different from the firmware already transmitted to the first control unit is transmitted to the first control unit.

  According to this configuration, when there is a request for transmission of another firmware, the main control unit transmits firmware different from the already transmitted firmware to the first control unit. In other words, a firmware that has been requested to transmit another firmware no longer needs to be transmitted. Therefore, even if the main control unit sequentially transmits each firmware in the storage unit, the time loss until necessary firmware reaches the second control unit can be reduced as compared with the conventional brute force download.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, when all of the compatible firmware has been transmitted to the second control unit, the first control unit sends the firmware to the main control unit. When the transmission stop request is made and the firmware transmission stop request is made, the main control unit stops the firmware transmission to the first control unit.

  According to this configuration, when there is a request to stop sending firmware informing that all the firmware to be given to the second control unit has been transferred, the main control unit stops sending firmware to the first control unit. As a result, it is possible to prevent transmission of firmware from the main control unit even when necessary firmware has been downloaded to all the second control units. Therefore, the firmware download can be completed more quickly than the conventional brute force download.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the invention, when the firmware received from the main control unit is not compatible with any of the second control units, the first control unit When the main control unit requests the main control unit to transmit another firmware to the control unit, the main control unit, when there is a request to transmit another firmware, sends firmware that is different from the firmware already transmitted to the first control unit. It was decided to send it to the controller.

  According to this configuration, when there is a request for transmission of another firmware, the main control unit transmits firmware different from the firmware that has already been transmitted to the first control unit to the first control unit. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unnecessary firmware that does not conform to any second control unit from being transmitted from the main control unit again. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce time loss until necessary firmware reaches the second control unit.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the second control unit is provided in an optional device attached to the image forming apparatus in order to add a function. It was decided to control the device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the invention, the second control unit is provided in a paper feeding device attached to the image forming apparatus, and controls the paper feeding device based on the firmware. It was decided to.

  With these configurations, the control unit of the apparatus attached to the image forming apparatus obtains firmware required for operation by downloading. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a memory for storing the firmware in the second control unit. Claims 5 and 6 show a preferred example of the second control unit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the time loss until the firmware download is completed can be reduced, and the time required for the download can be shortened compared to the brute force download.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a multifunction machine. It is model sectional drawing which shows an example of a post-processing apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the control system of each option apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the firmware stored in the memory | storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the list of the states in the firmware download of an engine control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the state in the firmware download of an engine control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the state in the firmware download of an engine control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the state in the firmware download of an engine control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the state in the firmware download of an engine control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of control by the engine control part of firmware download.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, taking a multifunction peripheral 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in each embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Optional device attached to the image forming device)
First, an outline of an optional device attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the post-processing apparatus 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, a plurality of optional devices can be attached to the multifunction device 100. The optional device is attached to enhance the function of the multifunction device 100. It can also be removed. In this description, a multifunction peripheral 100 including a sheet feeding device and a post-processing device as optional devices will be described.

  In the multi-function device 100, sheet feeding devices can be added by stacking vertically. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an example in which a total of four stages of paper feeders are stacked will be described. Of the four sheet feeding apparatuses 1 to 4, for example, the uppermost sheet feeding apparatus 1 is provided as a standard, and the lower three stages are added as optional apparatuses. Strictly speaking, the paper feeding device 1 is not an optional device, but can be handled in the same manner as the optional device, and therefore will be described as an optional device.

  Each of the sheet feeding devices 1 to 4 accommodates a plurality of sheets of various sizes (for example, copy sheets, recycled sheets, cardboard sheets, OHP sheets, etc.) and various sizes (for example, A-type and B-type sheets such as A4 and B4). Then, any of the paper feeding devices 1 to 4 feeds the paper one by one to the transport path 6A during printing.

  Next, each paper feeder will be described. First, the uppermost sheet feeding device 1 includes a sheet feeding roller 12 that is rotationally driven by a sheet feeding motor 11 (see FIG. 4). Further, one end of the paper placing plate 13 is lifted by a lift-up motor 14 (see FIG. 4). As a result, the stacked paper is brought into contact with the paper feed roller 12. The paper feeding device 1 also includes sensors such as a paper out sensor 15 (for example, an optical sensor) that detects paper out and a paper size detection sensor 16 that detects the size of the placed paper.

  Next, the paper feeder 2 in the second stage from the top has the same configuration as that of the paper feeder 1, and the standard equipment is an optional device. Therefore, like the paper feeding device 1, the paper feeding device 2 includes a paper feeding roller 22 that is rotationally driven by a paper feeding motor 21 (see FIG. 4). Further, one end of the paper placing plate 23 is lifted by a lift-up motor 24 (see FIG. 4). The paper feeding device 2 also includes sensors such as a paper out sensor 25 (for example, an optical sensor) that detects paper out and a paper size detection sensor 26 that detects the size of the loaded paper.

  Next, similarly to the sheet feeding apparatuses 1 and 2, the sheet feeding apparatus 3 at the third stage from the top includes a sheet feeding roller 32 that is rotationally driven by a sheet feeding motor 31 (see FIG. 4). One end of the sheet placing plate 33 is lifted by a lift-up motor 34 (see FIG. 4). The paper feeding device 3 includes a sensor such as a paper out sensor 35 (for example, an optical sensor) that detects paper out and a paper size detection sensor 36 that detects the size of the loaded paper.

  In addition, when moisture (water vapor, water droplets) enters between the sheets, the sheets are adsorbed to each other, resulting in double feeding of the sheets, feeding errors, and delays in feeding timing. In particular, the coated paper whose surface is coated with a resin or the like is likely to be adsorbed. The coated paper is used when a glossy printed material is desired.

  Therefore, the paper feeding device 3 includes a heater 37 for drying the paper and a fan 38 that blows air heated by the heater 37 onto the paper. As the heater 37, for example, a heating wire can be used, but it is only necessary to warm the air. Further, for example, the combination of the heater 37 and the fan 38 is provided above and to the side of the sheet feeding device 3 (the blowing direction is indicated by a solid arrow). Further, a temperature sensor 39 (which may be a humidity sensor) for confirming the temperature in the paper feeding device 3 is also provided in the paper feeding device 3.

  Next, the lowermost sheet feeding device 4 includes a sheet feeding roller 42 that is rotationally driven by a sheet feeding motor 41 (see FIG. 4), similarly to the sheet feeding devices 1 to 3. Further, one end of the paper placing plate 43 is lifted by a lift-up motor 44 (see FIG. 4). In addition, the paper feeding device 4 includes sensors such as a paper out sensor 45 (for example, an optical sensor) that detects paper out and a paper size detection sensor 46 that detects the size of the placed paper.

  The paper feeding device 4 has a larger number of sheets than other paper feeding devices. For example, the paper feeding device 4 can store about 1000 to 3000 sheets (the paper feeding devices 1 to 3 are about 500 sheets, for example). Therefore, for example, the lift-up motor 44 is a motor having a larger torque than other lift-up motors. Also, the specifications of various sensors may be different between the sheet feeding apparatuses even though the purposes such as sheet detection and remaining amount detection are the same. As described above, the paper feeding device 1 (and the paper feeding device 2), the paper feeding device 3, and the paper feeding device 4 are different, although they are the same paper feeding device. Therefore, the necessary firmware is different.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the post-processing device 5 is attached to the left side surface of the multi-function device 100 as an optional device. The post-processing device 5 performs various processes such as punching and stapling on the sheet printed by the multifunction peripheral 100 (details will be described later).

(Configuration of MFP 100)
Next, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, an operation panel 101 (corresponding to a setting input unit) is provided in front of the multifunction machine 100. The operation panel 101 includes a liquid crystal display unit 101A that displays menus and keys for giving setting and operation instructions for each option device such as the multifunction peripheral 100 and the post-processing device 5. The liquid crystal display unit 101A is a touch panel type. The user can press the keys displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 101 </ b> A to set the multifunction device 100 and the post-processing device 5 and give operation instructions. The operation panel 101 is also provided with a numeric keypad 101B for inputting numbers, a start key 101C for instructing execution of copying and the like after various settings.

  A document transport device 102 is attached to the top of the multifunction device 100. A plurality of documents can be placed on the document feeder 102. Then, the document conveying device 102 automatically conveys the documents one by one to the reading position (feed reading contact glass 103).

  Further, the document conveying device 102 is attached to the image reading unit 104 so as to be freely opened and closed in the vertical direction with the back side of the sheet of FIG. Thereby, it functions as a cover for pressing the contact glass (feed reading contact glass 103 and placement reading contact glass 105) from above.

  An image reading unit 104 is provided below the document conveying device 102. The multifunction device 100 includes, from below, sheet feeding devices 1 to 4, a conveyance path 6A, an image forming unit 7A, a fixing unit 7B, a sheet discharging unit 6B, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 104 has a box-shaped housing, and is placed on the upper surface to place a reading reading contact glass 103 and a document when reading a document such as a book one by one. A reading contact glass 105 is provided. In the image reading unit 104, a lamp, a mirror, a lens, an image sensor, and the like (not shown) are arranged. The image sensor reads the original based on the reflected light of the original passing through the feed reading contact glass 103 or the original placed on the placement reading contact glass 105. Then, the image sensor converts the reflected light into an analog electrical signal corresponding to the image density, and then performs quantization to obtain image data.

  The transport path 6 </ b> A is a path for transporting paper in the apparatus from the paper feeding apparatuses 1 to 4 to the discharge tray 61 (in-cylinder discharge) or the post-processing apparatus 5. Then, a sheet is guided in front of the sheet guide guide plate, a pair of conveyance rollers 62 to 64 that are rotationally driven during sheet conveyance, and the image forming unit 7A in the conveyance path 6A, and is matched with the transfer timing of the formed toner image. A registration roller pair 65 and the like for feeding the paper are provided.

  The image forming unit 7A includes a photosensitive drum 71 that is rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1, a charging device 72, an exposure device 73, a developing device 74, and a transfer device arranged around the photosensitive drum 71. A roller 75 or the like is provided. Explaining the image forming process, the charging device 72 located obliquely above and to the right of the photosensitive drum 71 charges the photosensitive drum 71 that is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction to a predetermined potential. The exposure device 73 is provided on the right side of the charging device 72 in FIG. 1, and turns on and off the laser light based on the image data obtained by the image reading unit 104 and image data from the external computer 200 (see FIG. 3). Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 71 is scanned and exposed to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data. In FIG. 1, a developing device 74 located obliquely below the photosensitive drum 71 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 71 and develops it. As a result, a toner image is formed. .

  On the other hand, the transfer roller 75 on the left side of the photosensitive drum 71 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 71 to form a nip. Then, the registration roller pair 65 is timed to cause the sheet to enter the nip. When the nip between the paper and the toner image enters, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 75, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 71 is transferred to the paper.

  The fixing unit 7B fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 7B is mainly composed of a heating roller 76 containing a heating element and a pressure roller 77 in pressure contact therewith. When the paper passes through the nip between the heating roller 76 and the pressure roller 77, the toner is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the paper. The paper is sent to the paper discharge unit 6B.

  The paper discharge unit 6B has a discharge roller pair 66 for sending printed paper in the direction of the post-processing device 5 and a discharge roller pair 67 for sending it in the direction of the discharge tray 61. Each of the discharge roller pairs 66 and 67 rotates during discharge and discharges the paper. In addition, the paper discharge unit 6B includes a switching valve 68 that switches the paper transport direction. The switching valve 68 rotates and guides the sheet toward the discharge destination designated on the operation panel 101 or the like.

(Configuration of post-processing device 5)
Next, an example of the post-processing device 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the post-processing apparatus 5 includes a punch unit 51, a stack unit 52, a staple unit 53, a middle folding unit 54, and the like. The punch unit 51 performs a punching process to a predetermined position of the sheet conveyed from the multifunction peripheral 100. The stack unit 52 stacks a plurality of sheets as a bundle.

  The staple unit 53 performs stapling processing such as leading end binding for binding the leading end of the stacked sheet bundle, and center binding for binding two vertical staples at the center in the longitudinal direction of the sheet bundle. The center folding unit 54 folds and binds the bundle of sheets bound at the center by the staple processing along the staples at the center. Settings relating to punching, stacking, stapling, bookbinding, discharge destination, and the like can be made on the operation panel 101. The post-processing device 5 performs various processes in accordance with the settings made on the operation panel 101.

  The sheet discharged from the multifunction peripheral 100 is carried into the post-processing apparatus 5 through the carry-in entrance 5a, and passes through the punching unit 51 through the conveyance path 5b. When the punching process is set, the punch unit 51 performs the punching process. If the sheet is not set, the sheet passes through the punch unit 51 without being punched.

  A plurality of rotating guide claws 55 are provided on the downstream side of the punch unit 51 in the sheet conveyance direction in order to distribute the sheet conveyance direction according to the setting. For example, when stack processing, stapling processing, or the like is not selected, for example, the plurality of guide claws 55 are rotated to a position where the paper is sent to the discharge roller pair 56A, and the paper is discharged to the main discharge tray 57.

  Above the main discharge tray 57, job trays 58 are arranged vertically. These job trays 58 can be moved in the vertical direction individually or integrally. An arbitrary job tray 58 can be opposed to the discharge roller pair 56 </ b> B, and the discharged paper can be distributed to the arbitrary job tray 58. For example, paper that is not subjected to stapling processing or bending processing can be distributed to these job trays 58.

  On the other hand, when stack processing, stapling processing, and bookbinding processing are set, the plurality of guide claws 55 rotate in the direction of transporting the paper downward, and the paper is sent to the stack unit 52. The stack unit 52 includes an upper unit 521 and a lower unit 522, and a sheet is passed between them. The sheet bundle that has been subjected to the stacking process or stapling process is conveyed upward and discharged to the main discharge tray 57. When the folding process is selected, the sheet bundle is conveyed further from the stack portion 52 to the lower middle folding unit 54, and the folded booklet sheet bundle is finally discharged to the booklet tray 59.

(Hardware configuration of MFP 100 main body)
Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the main body portion of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with a main control unit 8 that generally controls the MFP 100. For example, the main control unit 8 performs communication control with outside and image processing in addition to the overall control. For example, the main control unit 8 is a substrate on which a CPU 81 as a processing arithmetic circuit, a chip, various elements, and the like are mounted.

  The main control unit 8 is connected to the storage unit 80 and the like. The storage unit 80 is configured by combining non-volatile and volatile storage devices such as ROM, flash ROM, RAM, and HDD, for example. The storage unit 80 can store various data such as a control program, control data, setting data, and image data of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  Further, regarding the present invention, the storage unit 80 stores firmware for each optional device in a nonvolatile manner. The firmware is given to the control unit provided in the option device via the engine control unit 9 (corresponding to the first control unit, details will be described later) when the main power is turned on. Then, the control unit in the option device controls the operation of the option device based on the given firmware.

  Further, for example, a post-processing device that can be attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 is different from the described optional device such as the post-processing device 5 without the job tray 58 or a paper feeding device of a type different from the paper feeding devices 1 to 4. There are also paper feeders. In addition, for example, an optional device other than the post-processing device and the paper feeding device, such as a FAX communication board, may be attached. Therefore, the storage unit 80 stores the firmware of all the optional devices corresponding to the multifunction device 100 so that the compatible firmware can be given to the optional device regardless of which optional device is connected. (See FIG. 5).

  The main control unit 8 is connected to the operation panel 101, the document conveying device 102, the image reading unit 104, the communication unit 82, and the like so as to be communicable. For example, the main control unit 8 recognizes an input made on the operation panel 101 and controls the document conveying device 102 and the like so that copying or the like is performed according to the setting of the user.

  The main control unit 8 is connected to a communication unit 82 as an interface having various connectors, sockets, communication circuits, and the like. The communication unit 82 is communicably connected to a plurality of external computers 200 (for example, a personal computer, only one is shown in FIG. 3 for convenience) through a network, a public line, or the like. For example, the image data obtained by the image reading unit 104 can be transmitted to the external computer 200 (scanner function). In addition, printing or the like can be performed based on image data or setting data transmitted from the external computer 200 and input to the multifunction peripheral 100 (printer function). If a FAX communication board as an optional device is installed, a FAX communication function can be added.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 100 of the main body control unit performs processing related to printing, such as ON / OFF of a motor that rotates various rotating bodies, voltage application control to members related to toner image formation and fixing, and the like. An engine control unit 9 is provided for controlling the above. The engine control unit 9 is also communicably connected to the paper feeding devices 1 to 4, the conveyance path 6 </ b> A, the image forming unit 7 </ b> A, the fixing unit 7 </ b> B, the paper discharge unit 6 </ b> B, the post-processing device 5, and the like, which are components related to printing. And the engine control part 9 receives the instruction | indication of the main control part 8, and controls operation | movement of these each part.

(Control system for each optional device)
Next, an example of a control system of each optional device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system of each optional device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, each optional device (paper feeding device 1 to 4 post-processing device 5) attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 is connected to the engine control unit 9 in a communicable manner. The main control unit 8 gives an instruction to perform printing to the engine control unit 9, and the engine control unit 9 gives an operation instruction to each option device together with the image forming unit 7A and the like. Each optional device operates based on the operation instruction. In addition, data indicating the status of the optional device (out of paper, accommodated paper size, etc.) can be transmitted from each optional device to the main control unit 8 via the engine control unit 9. Thereby, the main control unit 8 can recognize the status of each option device.

  Each of the sheet feeding devices 1 to 4 is provided with a sheet feeding control unit. Note that the sheet feeding device 1 has a sheet feeding control unit 10 (corresponding to a second control unit), the sheet feeding device 2 has a sheet feeding control unit 20 (corresponding to a second control unit), and sheet feeding. The device 3 has a sheet feeding control unit 30 (corresponding to the second control unit), and the sheet feeding device 4 has a sheet feeding control unit 40 (corresponding to the second control unit).

  Each paper feed control unit is a control board including a CPU, a microcomputer, a memory (for example, temporarily storing firmware), and the like. Each sheet feeding control unit controls a configuration (detection based on outputs of various sensors, motor control, and a heater 37 and a fan 38 in the sheet feeding apparatus 3) included in the sheet feeding apparatus.

  The post-processing device 5 also includes a post-processing control unit 50 having a CPU, a microcomputer, a memory (for example, temporarily storing firmware), and the like. Then, the post-processing control unit 50 receives an instruction from the main control unit 8 based on the input made on the operation panel 101 via the engine control unit 9, and receives a stack unit 52, a punch unit 51, a staple unit 53, a half-fold unit 54, The operation of one or a plurality of motors 5M provided in the post-processing device 5 is controlled for conveying the guide claw 55 and the paper or paper bundle (for convenience, in FIG. 4, only one motor 5M of the post-processing device 5 is provided. (Illustrated).

  Control units (feed control units 10, 20, 30, 40, post-processing) of these optional devices at the time of warm-up processing (processing for making the MFP 100 usable) when the main power is turned on The control unit 50) downloads firmware from the main control unit 8 via the engine control unit 9. In other words, the main control unit 8 supplies firmware suitable for each option device to the control unit of each option device via the engine control unit 9. Note that the warm-up process may be performed not only when the main power is turned on, but also when the power supply to each option device is stopped in the power saving mode, when returning from the power saving mode.

  In other words, the second control unit (sheet feeding control unit 10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) is an optional device (for example, sheet feeding device 1 to 1) that is attached to the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction peripheral 100) in order to add functions. 4), which controls the optional device based on the firmware.

(Firmware download)
Next, details of firmware download in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of firmware stored in the storage unit 80 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of states in the firmware download of the engine control unit 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7-10 is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the state in the firmware download of the engine control part 9 which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  As described above, the storage unit 80 stores firmware for all types of optional devices corresponding to the multifunction peripheral 100. For example, the storage unit 80 stores a plurality of types of firmware for the sheet feeding device (exemplified as A to C type in FIG. 5) and a plurality of types of firmware for the post-processing device 5 (illustrated as A to B type in FIG. 5). . For example, the transmission order from the main control unit 8 to the engine control unit 9 (the reading order from the storage unit 80) is predetermined as shown in FIG. 5 (for example, in the example shown in FIG. In turn).

  Conventionally, the main control unit 8 may transmit firmware in a brute force manner to the control unit of each optional device via the engine control unit 9. For example, the main control unit 8 transmits all types of firmware to the paper feeding device 1, the paper feeding device 2, the paper feeding device 3, the paper feeding device 4, and the post-processing device 5. To do. However, in the brute force formula, the control unit of the optional device receives even non-conforming firmware, and there is a time loss until all the control units of the optional device download compatible firmware.

  The multi-function device 100 of this embodiment is the same as the conventional brute force type download in that the firmware is transmitted to the control unit of each option device via the engine control unit 9 in order from the first one. However, in the conventional brute force type download, all firmware is transmitted for each optional device. However, in this embodiment, the number of optional devices connected is only one round in the order shown in FIG. .

  Therefore, in the present invention, the engine control unit 9 controls firmware download according to the state (situation). In the control according to this state, the engine control unit 9 communicates with the control unit of each option device in advance, and grasps the type and number of firmware necessary for each option device.

  FIG. 6 shows a list of states (situations) when the engine control unit 9 receives the firmware. As shown in FIG. 6, there are, for example, five states. Each state will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, white arrows indicate the flow of firmware.

[State 1] = Transfer (Download) + Same Firmware Request First, state 1 shown in FIG. 6 will be described based on FIG. State 1 in this description is a state (situation) in which the engine control unit 9 has received firmware compatible with the attached optional device from the main control unit 8. In addition, there are a plurality of optional devices that match the received firmware, and there are a plurality of optional devices that have not been able to download firmware.

  As a premise, the engine control unit 9 does not store the firmware transmitted from the main control unit 8. For example, when a plurality (for example, two) of optional devices of the same type are attached, the engine control unit 9 receives the appropriate firmware from the main control unit 8 as many times as the number (for example, two times). , Transfer the firmware (for example, twice).

  In the paper feeding device of the present embodiment, the paper feeding device 1 and the paper feeding device 2 are of the same type (type), and therefore the compatible firmware is the same. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the engine control unit 9 is for the sheet feeding device 1 and the sheet feeding device 2 in a state where neither the sheet feeding device 1 nor the sheet feeding device 2 has downloaded firmware. It is assumed that firmware has been received (an example of state 1). In this state 1, as shown in FIG. 7, the engine control unit 9 first transfers the firmware to the paper feed control unit 10 of the paper feed device 1. In other words, the engine control unit 9 causes the paper feeder 1 to download firmware.

  However, the firmware of the sheet feeding device 2 using the same firmware has not been downloaded yet. Therefore, in state 1, the engine control unit 9 requests the main control unit 8 to transmit the same firmware again (same firmware request). As a result, when a plurality of option devices of the same type are attached to the multi-function device 100, it is possible to provide firmware that fits all option devices of the same type without waste.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction peripheral 100) can communicate with one or more second control units (feed control units 10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) for controlling a part of the image forming apparatus. A first control unit (engine control unit 9) that grasps firmware that conforms to the second control unit, and a storage unit 80 that stores a plurality of types of firmware for the second control unit provided in the image forming apparatus, And a main control unit 8 that is communicably connected to the first control unit and transmits firmware to the first control unit, and the first control unit receives any second control from the main control unit 8. When firmware compatible with the control unit is received, the firmware is transferred to the second control unit, and if there remains a second control unit to which the same firmware should be given, the main control unit 8 is requested to transmit the same firmware. The main control unit 8, when there is a transmission request of the same firmware, again, sends the same firmware as firmware transmitted immediately before the first control unit to the first control unit.

[State 2] = Transfer (Download) + Other Firmware Request Next, the state 2 shown in FIG. 6 will be described based on FIG. For example, in the present embodiment, the sheet feeding device 1 (sheet feeding device 2), the sheet feeding device 3, the sheet feeding device 4, and the post-processing device 5 are different in sensor, presence / absence of the heater 37 and fan 38, and processing contents. Are different, and the compatible firmware is different.

  The state 2 in the present description is a state (situation) in which the engine control unit 9 has received firmware compatible with the attached optional device from the main control unit 8. In addition, the remaining number of optional devices that match the received firmware is 1.

  For example, as shown in <State 2-1> in FIG. 8, in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, the paper feeder 1 and the paper feeder 2 use the same firmware. Assume that the engine control unit 9 has received firmware for the sheet feeding device 1 and the sheet feeding device 2 in a state where the firmware has been downloaded in the sheet feeding device 1 (the sheet feeding control unit 10) (state). 2-1 example). In this state 2-1, the engine control unit 9 transfers the firmware to the paper feed control unit 20 of the paper feed device 2 as shown in FIG. Then, it is no longer necessary to transmit firmware for the sheet feeding device 1 and the sheet feeding device 2 from the main control unit 8. Therefore, in the case of the state 2-1, the engine control unit 9 requests the main control unit 8 to switch the firmware to be transmitted (separate firmware request).

  Further, for example, as shown in <State 2-2> in FIG. 8, in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, the paper feeding device 3, the paper feeding device 4, and the post-processing device 5 each require different firmware. . For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the engine control unit 9 receives firmware for the sheet feeding device 3 (an example of a state 2-2). In this state 2-2, the engine control unit 9 transfers the firmware to the paper feed control unit 30 of the paper feed device 3. Then, it is no longer necessary to transmit firmware for the sheet feeding device 3 from the main control unit 8. Therefore, also in the state 2-2, the engine control unit 9 makes a request (another firmware request) to switch the firmware to be transmitted to the main control unit 8.

  That is, when the first control unit (engine control unit 9) receives firmware compatible with any of the second control units (feed control units 10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) from the main control unit 8, 2 When the firmware is transferred to the control unit and there is no second control unit to be given the same firmware, the main control unit 8 requests the main control unit 8 to transmit another firmware, and the main control unit 8 transmits another firmware. When requested, firmware different from the firmware already transmitted to the first control unit is transmitted to the first control unit.

[State 3] = Transfer (Download) + Transmission Stop Request Next, state 3 shown in FIG. 6 will be described based on FIG. State 3 in this description is a state (situation) in which the engine control unit 9 has received the last firmware from the main control unit 8 among a plurality of types of firmware compatible with the attached optional device.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the main control unit 8 transmits the firmware for the post-processing device 5 in a state where only the post-processing device 5 has not downloaded the firmware (an example of the state 3). In this state 3, the engine control unit 9 transfers the firmware to the post-processing control unit 50 of the post-processing device 5. As a result, all the optional devices are in a state where they have acquired compatible firmware. Then, it is no longer necessary to transmit firmware from the main control unit 8. In the conventional brute force download, even if the firmware is distributed to all the optional devices, the main control unit 8 continues to send the firmware, and the engine control unit 9 continues to transfer to the control unit of the optional device. Communication can take place. However, in the present invention, such useless communication is not continued.

  That is, when all of the compatible firmware has been transmitted to the second control unit (paper feed control unit 10, 20, 30, 40, etc.), the first control unit (engine control unit 9) sends the firmware to the main control unit 8. The main control unit 8 stops transmission of firmware to the first control unit when there is a firmware transmission stop request.

[State 4] = No transfer + Same firmware request This state 4 is a special state and is not shown like other states. For example, the state 4 is a state (situation) where it is recognized that the received firmware is clearly broken due to noise or communication line abnormality. At this time, the engine control unit 9 requests transmission of the same firmware.

[State 5] = Not transferred + separate firmware request Next, based on FIG. 10, the state 5 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. The state 5 in this description is a state (situation) in which the engine control unit 9 has received firmware from the main control unit 8 that is not compatible with any of the attached optional devices.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the engine control unit 9 receives firmware for an optional device that is not attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 (an example of the state 5). In this state 5, it is unnecessary to transmit the same firmware from the main control unit 8 any more. Therefore, the engine control unit 9 requests another firmware transmission.

  That is, when the firmware received from the main control unit 8 is not compatible with any second control unit (feed control unit 10, 20, 30, 40, etc.), the first control unit (engine control unit 9) When the main control unit 8 requests the control unit 8 to transmit another firmware, the main control unit 8 performs a first control on firmware different from the firmware already transmitted to the first control unit when there is a request for transmission of another firmware. To the department.

(Flow of firmware download)
Next, an example of the flow of control in the engine control unit 9 for downloading firmware in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control flow in the engine control unit 9 for downloading firmware in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the start of FIG. 11 is the start of the warm-up process for making the multifunction device 100 (including the optional device) ready for use (when the main power is turned on or when returning from the power saving mode). In other words, when power supply is started from a state where power supply to the engine control unit 9 and the optional device is stopped, and when the main control unit 8, the engine control unit 9, and the control unit of each optional device start driving, is there.

  First, the engine control unit 9 communicates with the control units (in this description, the paper feed control units 10, 20, 30, and 40 and the post-processing control unit 50) of each optional device that is attached to the multifunction peripheral 100, and the optional device The type and number are acquired (step # 1). This communication is related to the addressing of the optional device of the engine control unit 9. Then, the engine control unit 9 grasps the type and number of firmware necessary for each option device (step # 2). For this purpose, data defining the type of firmware for the type of optional device may be stored in the memory in the engine control unit 9. Alternatively, data defining the type of firmware for the type of option device may be stored in the storage unit 80, and the engine control unit 9 may acquire and grasp data from the storage unit 80 via the main control unit 8. .

  Then, sequential transmission of a plurality of types of firmware stored in the storage unit 80 is started from the main control unit 8, and the engine control unit 9 receives the firmware (step # 3). Then, the engine control unit 9 confirms whether there is an optional device that matches the received firmware (step # 4).

  If there is a suitable option device (Yes in step # 4), the firmware is transferred to the control unit of the option device (step # 5). Then, the engine control unit 9 confirms whether all necessary firmware has been transferred based on the grasped type and number of necessary firmware (step # 6).

  If all are transferred (Yes in step # 6, state 3 in FIG. 6), the engine control unit 9 issues a transmission stop request to the main control unit 8 (step # 7). Since all the firmware downloads have been completed, this control ends. On the other hand, if the transfer has not been completed (No in step # 6), the engine control unit 9 confirms whether there is an optional device to which the same firmware is to be transferred and the same firmware is required again (step # 8). .

  If necessary (Yes in Step # 8), the engine control unit 9 makes a firmware request to the main control unit 8 (Step # 9, state 1 in FIG. 6). Thereby, the main control unit 8 transmits the same firmware as the firmware transmitted immediately before to the engine control unit 9, and the engine control unit 9 receives the firmware (returns to step # 3).

  On the other hand, if not required (No in step # 8), the engine control unit 9 makes another firmware request to the main control unit 8 (step # 9, state 2 in FIG. 6). Thereby, the main control unit 8 transmits firmware different from the firmware transmitted immediately before to the engine control unit 9, and as a result, the engine control unit 9 receives new (different) firmware (in step # 3). Return)

  In step # 4, if there is no optional device that matches the received firmware (No in step # 4), the engine control unit 9 sends another firmware request to the main control unit 8 (transition to step # 9). State 5 in FIG. 6)

  In this way, according to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention, the first control unit (for example, the engine control unit 9) is connected to the second control unit (for example, the control unit of an optional device such as a paper feed control unit). Know the type of firmware you need. If the transmission request for the same firmware is received, the main control unit 8 transmits again the same firmware as that transmitted immediately before to the first control unit to the first control unit. Thereby, when there are two or more second control units of the same type (feed control units 10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) (for example, when two or more optional devices of the same type are installed), Firmware that is continuously adapted to each second control unit can be provided. Therefore, compared to the brute force type download, the firmware can be given to each second control unit quickly and time loss can be reduced. On the other hand, no matter what optional device is attached, firmware is given to the second control unit, and versatility in transmitting firmware from the main control unit 8 is not lost.

  Further, when there is a request for transmission of another firmware, the main control unit 8 transmits firmware different from the already transmitted firmware to the first control unit (engine control unit 9). In other words, a firmware that has been requested to transmit another firmware no longer needs to be transmitted. Therefore, even if the main control unit 8 sequentially transmits each firmware in the storage unit 80, the necessary control firmware is stored in the second control unit (paper feed control units 10, 20,. (30, 40, etc.) can be reduced in time loss. Further, when there is a request to stop sending firmware informing that all of the firmware to be given to the second control unit has been transferred, the main control unit 8 stops sending firmware to the first control unit. As a result, it is possible to prevent the main control unit 8 from continuing to transmit firmware even though the necessary firmware has been downloaded to all the second control units. Therefore, the firmware download can be completed more quickly than the conventional brute force download.

  When there is a request for transmission of another firmware, the main control unit 8 transmits firmware different from the firmware already transmitted to the first control unit (engine control unit 9) to the first control unit. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unnecessary firmware that is not compatible with any of the second control units (paper feed control units 10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) from being transmitted from the main control unit 8 again. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce time loss until necessary firmware reaches the second control unit. In addition, the control unit of the apparatus attached to the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction peripheral 100) obtains firmware necessary for operation by downloading. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a non-volatile memory for storing firmware in the second control unit.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the sheet feeding devices 1 to 4 and the post-processing device 5 are listed as optional devices attached to the multifunction peripheral 100. However, the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus to which another type of optional device provided with a control unit, such as a FAX transmission board, an Internet FAX transmission board, a duplex printing unit, or an inserter, is attached. it can.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus having an engine control unit and an optional device such as a paper feeding device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper feeder (option apparatus) 10 Paper feed control part (2nd control part)
2 Paper feeding device (optional device) 20 Paper feeding control unit (second control unit)
3 Paper Feed Device (Option Device) 30 Paper Feed Control Unit (Second Control Unit)
4 Paper feeding device (optional device) 40 Paper feeding control unit (second control unit)
5 Post-processing device (optional device) 50 Post-processing control unit (second control unit)
8 Main control unit 80 Storage unit 9 Engine control unit (first control unit) 100 MFP (image forming apparatus)

Claims (6)

A second controller provided in the image forming apparatus in order to control a part of the image forming apparatus ;
A first control unit provided in the image forming apparatus, connected to be communicable with the second control unit, and grasping firmware adapted to the second control unit;
A storage unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and stores a plurality of types of firmware for the second control unit ;
Provided in the image forming apparatus, the transmission is connected to the storage unit is communicatively connected to the first controller, the firmware stored in the storage unit in order for each type, to the first control unit A main control unit,
When the first control unit receives firmware that matches any one of the second control units from the main control unit, the first control unit transfers the firmware to the second control unit and gives the same firmware. Part remains, request the main controller to send the same firmware,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there is a transmission request for the same firmware, the main control unit transmits again the same firmware as the firmware transmitted immediately before to the first control unit to the first control unit.
When the first control unit receives firmware that matches any one of the second control units from the main control unit, the first control unit transfers the firmware to the second control unit and gives the same firmware. If no part remains, request the main controller to send another firmware,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there is a request for transmitting another firmware, the main control unit transmits to the first control unit firmware different from the firmware already transmitted to the first control unit. apparatus. When all the compatible firmware has been transmitted to the second control unit, the first control unit requests the main control unit to stop transmitting firmware,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit stops the transmission of firmware to the first control unit when a firmware transmission stop request is issued. When the firmware received from the main control unit is not compatible with any of the second control units, the first control unit requests the main control unit to transmit another firmware to the main control unit,
4. The main control unit, when there is a request for transmission of another firmware, transmits to the first control unit firmware different from the firmware that has already been transmitted to the first control unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   5. The second control unit according to claim 1, wherein the second control unit is provided in an optional device attached to the image forming apparatus to add a function, and controls the optional device based on the firmware. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The said 2nd control part is provided in the paper feeder attached to an image forming apparatus, and controls the said paper feeder based on the said firmware, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus.

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