JP5578255B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to technology for installing and updating software in an information processing apparatus.

  In an information processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, software is increasingly downloaded from a server provided by a manufacturer or the like via a network, and installation or software update is performed inside the multifunction peripheral.

  In Patent Document 1 and the like, when downloading and installing software via a network in a multifunction device, a mechanism is provided for inquiring the job owner and obtaining consent to prevent unintentional interruption of the job and occurrence of processing delay Is disclosed.

However, in the technique described above, since a mechanism for preventing the occurrence of unintended interruptions or processing delay of the job by the consent, software to be update target, affect the currently running job or during standby There is a problem that it is necessary to obtain consent even if there is not.

Therefore, in the present invention the object when to update the software, for the software to check not affect the job being executed, and a TURMERIC rows update process even during the job execution And

In one form of the disclosed information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus is capable of installing a plurality of software, the updating means for updating one of the plurality of installed software, and the one by the updating means When an execution request for a predetermined process is received during execution of an update process for updating software, the one software that is being updated by the update process being executed is the predetermined software among the plurality of software Dependency determination means for determining whether or not there is a dependency relationship that uses a processing result obtained by processing executed by software for executing processing, and the information processing apparatus uses the dependency relationship determination means. When it is determined that there is no dependency, the predetermined process is executed based on the received execution request .

When to update the software, for the software to check not affect the job being executed, it is possible even during execution of the job performs the update process.

It is a functional block diagram of an information processor. It is a figure explaining an operation means. It is a figure explaining the relationship between a sales package and a function package. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by an information processing device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by an information processing device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by an information processing device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by an information processing device. It is a flowchart of the example of a process by information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart of the example of a process by information processing apparatus.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the overall control of the information processing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a display unit 2, an operation unit 3, an external communication unit 4, a dependency relationship determination unit 5, a system control unit 6, an image memory unit 7, an image processing unit 8, and a printing unit 9. , An installation unit 10 and a software update unit 11, and each unit and each unit are connected by a system bus 1.

  The system bus 1 is a path connecting a plurality of devices constituting the system. The system control unit 6 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, expands a program stored in a nonvolatile memory in a work area (RAM or the like), and controls each unit and each means according to the program.

  The display unit 2 performs various displays on the screen based on the display data input from the system control unit 6. The operation means 3 is constituted by a keyboard having various function keys and the like, and transmits a pressed signal of a pressed key to the system control unit 6. The external communication means 4 communicates with a server or the like set outside.

  The dependency relationship determination unit 5 determines whether the function package included in the sales package downloaded from the component server using the external communication unit 4 has a dependency relationship with the function package already installed in the device. Here, the sales package is a sales unit and includes one or more function packages. On the other hand, the function package is a minimum unit of installation, and corresponds to the program component on a one-to-one basis (hereinafter, in principle, the program component is referred to as a function package).

  The dependency relationship is a relationship in which the function package installed by the installation unit 10 or the function package updated by the software update unit 11 uses the processing result of the function package being executed or waiting for processing in the information processing apparatus 100. Say. In another form, the dependency relationship is a function package that is being installed by the installation unit 10 or a function package that is being updated by the software update unit 11, based on a processing request in the information processing apparatus 100. The relationship to use.

  The image memory unit 7 stores image data, print data, and the like. The image processing unit 8 performs image processing such as enlargement / reduction and rotation on the input image, and outputs the image processed image to the printing unit 9. The printing unit 9 includes a photosensitive drum, toner, a paper discharge unit, a paper feed unit, and the like. The print unit 9 conveys print paper from the paper feed unit according to a print instruction from the system control unit 7 and inputs from the image processing unit 9. The printed image is exposed to printing paper. Next, the image output unit transfers and fixes the toner onto the photosensitive printing paper, and discharges the printing paper from the paper discharge unit.

  The installation unit 10 installs a function package (software) in the information processing apparatus 100. The software update unit 11 updates a function package (software) included in the information processing apparatus 100.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation unit 3 and the display unit 2 related to the information processing apparatus 100. Reference numeral 101 in FIG. 2 denotes the operation means 3, and reference numeral 102 denotes the display means 2. A character string and a bitmap are displayed in 102, and a touch panel type can accept direct input. Reference numeral 103 in FIG. 2 denotes an application switching key, which is used for an operation for switching various functions (copy, scanner, FAX, printer).

  Reference numeral 104 in FIG. 2 denotes a numeric keypad used for operations such as inputting numbers. Reference numeral 105 in FIG. 2 denotes a start key, which is used for an operation to instruct the start of various functions. Reference numeral 106 in FIG. 2 denotes a clear stop key, which is used when the operation of various functions is interrupted or a set numerical value is cleared to zero. Reference numeral 107 in FIG. 2 denotes an initial setting key, which is used when setting initial values of settings used for various functions. Reference numeral 108 in FIG. 2 denotes a help key, which is used to display help items for various operations. Reference numeral 109 in FIG. 2 denotes a reset key, which is used when resetting the operation of various functions.

  FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the sales package and the function package according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the software downloaded using the communication means 2 is called a sales package, and there are function packages that exist in units of functions inside the sales package. Since there is a dependency relationship between these function packages, each function package holds information on the function package on which it depends.

  With reference to FIG. 4, an example of processing contents by the dependency relationship determination unit 5 according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 4, a case where there is no job being executed in the information processing apparatus 100 will be described.

  When installing the sales package 3 in the information processing apparatus 100 using a PC or the like connected to the network, the dependency relationship determination unit 5 downloads the sales package 3 from the server and then depends on the functional packages included in the sales package 3. To investigate the. In order to specify the dependency relationship, the dependency relationship determination unit 5 acquires the dependency package information described in the “dalp file” of the function package included in the sales package.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the sales package 3 includes a function package D that does not have a dependency relationship and a function package C that depends on the function package B. Therefore, the dependency relationship determination unit 5 includes the function package B in the information processing apparatus 100. Is installed, and if the dependency determining unit 5 determines that the function package B exists, the installing unit 10 performs the installation.

  Here, in the case of update instead of installation, the version of the installed function package is compared with the version of the downloaded function package, and if the latter version is higher, the update is executed.

  With reference to FIG. 5, an example of processing contents by the dependency relationship determination unit according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where a job having a dependency relationship from the installation target is being executed in the information processing apparatus 100.

  When a job is being executed in the information processing apparatus 100, the dependency relationship determination unit 5 identifies a function package that provides a function to the job being executed (function package B in the example of FIG. 5). As described with reference to FIG. 4, the dependency relationship between the function package C and the function package D to be installed is examined. When the dependency relationship determining unit 5 finds that the function package C to be installed is dependent on the function package B being executed (providing the function), the installation unit 10 is executing Run the installation after all jobs are completed. Similarly, in the case of updating instead of installing, when the dependency determining unit 5 determines that the function package depending on the function package to be updated is being executed (providing the function), the software updating unit 11 Software update is executed as soon as the job being executed is completed.

  With reference to FIG. 6, an example of processing contents performed by the dependency relationship determination unit according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where a job having no dependency from the installation target is being executed in the information processing apparatus 100.

  When a job is being executed in the information processing apparatus 100, the dependency relationship determination unit 5 specifies a function package that provides a function to the job being executed (function package A in FIG. 6), and the specified function. If there are more dependencies in the package, continue to check for dependent function packages. In the example shown in FIG. 6, there is a function package E on which the function package A that provides the function depends. After checking the dependency relationship of the function package in the job being executed, the dependency relationship determination unit 5 checks the dependency relationship between the function package C to be installed and the function package D as in the description using FIG.

  Then, it can be seen from the dependency relationship determination means 5 that the function package C to be installed depends on the function package B. However, if there is no dependency relationship with the function package A of the job being executed (function is being provided). Since the determination is made, the installation unit 10 performs the installation of the function package. In this way, installation can be executed without affecting the job being executed. On the other hand, in the case of software update instead of installation, the dependency relationship determination means 5 determines that the function package dependent on the function package to be updated has no dependency relationship with the function package being executed (providing the function). If so, the software update unit 11 updates the function package.

  With reference to FIG. 7, an example of processing contents by the dependency relationship determining unit according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 7, a case where a job having no dependency from the installation target is being executed in the information processing apparatus 100 and there is a waiting job will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows a case where there is a job waiting in the information processing apparatus 100 in addition to the example shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the dependency relationship determination unit 5 performs the same as the job being executed. Check the dependency of function packages in the waiting job. In the example shown in FIG. 7, since the waiting job has no dependency relationship with the function package to be installed in the same manner as the job being executed, the installation unit 10 performs the installation. On the other hand, when the dependency determining unit 5 determines that there is a dependency on the waiting job, the installing unit 10 executes the installation of the function package after the waiting job is executed. Similarly, in the case of software update instead of installation, the dependency determination unit 5 determines that the function package dependent on the function package to be updated has no dependency with the function package being executed (providing the function) or waiting. If so, the software update unit 11 updates the function package.

  Here, if the function package A included in the sales package to be installed / updated and the function package A already installed in the information processing apparatus 100 are the same version, or if the version of the function package A in the apparatus 100 is high, the function Package A is not updated. Conversely, if the version of the function package A included in the sales package to be installed / updated is higher than that of the function package A already in the apparatus 100, the update is performed.

  In this way, when the function package is not updated because of the new version and the old version, the sales package is installed / updated even when the dependent function package is included in the sales package to be installed / updated. May be.

  As for the method of specifying the function package used by the job being executed in the apparatus 100 by the dependency relationship determination unit 5, the timing at which the apparatus 100 received the install / update request for the sales package during the job execution Therefore, it is specified by inquiring whether all function packages already installed are being executed. The dependency relationship determination means 5 determines that the function package that responds to this query as being executed is a function package that is being used by a job that is being executed (providing a function).

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of function package installation or update processing during job execution. In S10, the information processing apparatus 100 accepts a function package installation request or update request. When the dependency determination unit 5 accepts a function package installation or update request in S <b> 20, it checks whether another job is being executed in the information processing apparatus 100.

  In S30, the dependency relationship determination unit 5 checks whether there is a dependency relationship between the function package to be installed or updated and the job being executed. If it is determined that there is no dependency relationship, the process proceeds to S40. However, if it is determined that there is a dependency, the process proceeds to S20 again. In S40, the installation unit 10 or the software update unit 11 executes the function package installation or update process. Here, the installation or update target is a sales package including a function package, but since the dependency is taken up in this embodiment, a function package having dependency information is described as an example. .

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart in the case where another job is received during the function package installation or update process. The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to an internal process in the information processing apparatus 100 that is executing the “package installation process or package update process” of S40 shown in the flowchart of FIG. Here, what is to be installed or updated is a sales package including a function package. However, in this embodiment, since the dependency is taken up, a function package having dependency information will be described as an example. Yes.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Internal bus 2 Display means 3 Operation means 4 External communication means 5 Dependency determination means 6 System control means 7 Image memory part 8 Image processing means 9 Printing means 10 Installation means 11 Software update means 100 Information processing apparatus

JP 2006-092377 A

Claims (6)

An information processing apparatus capable of installing a plurality of software,
Updating means for updating one of a plurality of installed software;
When an execution request for a predetermined process is received during execution of an update process for updating the one software by the update means, the one software being updated by the update process being executed is the plurality of software Dependency determination means for determining whether or not there is a dependency relationship using a processing result by a process executed by software for executing the predetermined process among the software of
The information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus that executes the predetermined processing based on the received execution request when the dependency determination unit determines that the dependency does not exist. The information processing apparatus
Executing the predetermined process based on the received execution request after the update process for updating the one software is completed when the dependency determination unit determines that the dependency is present. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. An information processing method according to plurality of software installable information processing apparatus,
Updating means for updating one of a plurality of installed software ; and
Dependency determination means, upon receiving an execution request of the predetermined processing by that during the update process executing said updating the first software to said updating means update is performed by the update processing being executed Determining whether the one software is in a dependency relationship using a processing result by a process executed by the software for executing the predetermined process among the plurality of software ,
The information processing apparatus
An information processing method comprising: executing the predetermined process based on the received execution request when the dependency determination unit determines that the dependency does not exist. The information processing apparatus
Executing the predetermined process based on the received execution request after the update process for updating the one software is completed when the dependency determination unit determines that the dependency is present. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein: In an information processing device that can install multiple software,
Updating means for updating one of a plurality of installed software ; and
Dependency determination means, upon receiving an execution request of the predetermined processing by that during the update process executing said updating the first software to said updating means update is performed by the update processing being executed Determining whether the one software is in a dependency relationship using a processing result obtained by a process executed by the software for executing the predetermined process among the plurality of software. Information processing program,
The information processing apparatus
An information processing program that executes the predetermined processing based on the received execution request when the dependency determination unit determines that the dependency does not exist. The information processing apparatus
Executing the predetermined process based on the received execution request after the update process for updating the one software is completed when the dependency determination unit determines that the dependency is present. The information processing program according to claim 5, wherein:

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