JP5760618B2 - Management apparatus and management method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a management apparatus and a management method, and more particularly to a management apparatus and a management method for performing firmware version management of an image forming apparatus.

  In an office environment or the like, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP and a plurality of PCs (personal computers) are connected to a network, and the image forming apparatus is used by the plurality of PCs. For this purpose, a printer driver is installed in each PC.

  When the firmware of the image forming apparatus is updated, inconsistency may occur with the printer driver installed on the PC, which may hinder the printer function.

  As a technique for solving the problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-268643 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) acquires the status of a printer driver installed in another PC, and if there is no inconsistency, A technique for updating a printer driver to the same version is disclosed. As a method for updating the firmware installed in the image forming apparatus, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-225079 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2) discloses a method for updating the printer driver before the OS is restarted. Discloses a technique for operating a printer driver in a version before update and transmitting firmware for version update to the image forming apparatus at the timing when the OS is restarted.

JP 2006-268643 A JP 2010-225079 A

  However, even when the technique disclosed in the above patent document is used, if a plurality of PCs are connected to the image forming apparatus as described above, the printer driver versions of all these PCs are used. Since the firmware of the image forming apparatus is not updated in consideration of the above, the version of the printer driver of any PC does not match and the image forming apparatus cannot be used on the PC, or the inconvenience arises. There is a problem that you may.

  In addition, when updating one of the PC printer driver and the firmware of the image forming apparatus and then updating the other, a mismatch occurs between them temporarily, so that the function of the image forming apparatus is normal during that period. There is also a problem that it cannot be used for some cases.

  Furthermore, depending on how the image forming apparatus is used from the PC, functions that are normally used may be changed due to firmware upgrades of the image forming apparatus, or the functions that have been used may be lost. Even if there is a case, the technique disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document is automatically updated, so that there is a problem that it may be inconvenient for the user.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a management apparatus and a management method capable of realizing an appropriate firmware update of an image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, the management device is a management device for managing the update of firmware installed in the image forming device, and the image forming device is connected to a plurality of processing devices. Then, the image forming process is executed based on the job from each of the plurality of processing apparatuses. A management unit configured to store update information, which is information necessary for firmware update, and a specifying unit to specify an image forming function of an image forming apparatus frequently used in each of the plurality of processing apparatuses; By comparing the image forming function that is affected by the firmware version update and the image forming function that is frequently used in each of the plurality of processing devices, the firmware update A determination unit for determining the possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function; and a processing unit that executes a process based on a determination result of the determination unit and executes a firmware update process using the update information. Prepare.

  Preferably, the processing unit executes the firmware update process using the update information when it is determined that no problem in the image forming function occurs due to the firmware update in all of the plurality of processing devices.

  Preferably, the update information includes update information for each version of the firmware, and the management device uses the determination unit to update the firmware for each version of the firmware in the image forming function in each of the plurality of processing devices. The processing apparatus further includes a determination unit for determining a firmware version that does not cause a problem in the image forming function based on the determination result of the possibility of the problem.

  Preferably, when the determination unit determines that a problem in the image forming function occurs in the processing device due to the firmware update, the processing unit executes processing for notifying the processing device to that effect.

  Preferably, the specifying unit specifies an image forming function frequently used in the processing device based on an image forming function used for processing a job transmitted from the processing device.

Preferably, the specifying unit obtains information for specifying a default setting in execution of a printer driver installed in the processing apparatus, so that the default-set image forming function is used as an image forming function frequently used in the processing apparatus. Identify.

  Preferably, the management device further includes acquisition means for acquiring a version of the printer driver installed in each of the plurality of processing devices. The determination means includes an image forming function that is affected by the relationship between the updated firmware version and the printer driver version installed in each of the plurality of processing devices, and an image that is frequently used in each of the plurality of processing devices. By comparing the image forming function with each other, it is possible to determine the possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function in each of the plurality of processing devices by updating the firmware.

  More preferably, the update information defines an image forming function that cannot be used by the printer driver and / or an image forming function to be changed in the relationship between the firmware version and the printer driver version. Update the firmware to the version when it is defined that the frequently used image forming function and the image forming function identified as being frequently used in the processing device are based on the version of the printer driver. Therefore, it is determined that a problem occurs in the image forming function.

Preferably, the processing unit executes a firmware update process after executing a process of displaying the determination result of the determination unit on the display device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the processing device is a management device for managing the update of firmware installed in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of processing apparatuses, and executes an image forming process based on a job from each of the plurality of processing apparatuses. The image forming apparatus includes storage means for storing update information that is information necessary for firmware update, and specifying means for specifying an image forming function of the image forming apparatus that can be used in each of the plurality of processing apparatuses. And the image forming function that is affected by the update of the firmware version and the image forming function that can be used in each of the plurality of processing devices. A determination unit for determining the possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function; and a processing unit that executes a process based on a determination result of the determination unit and executes a firmware update process using the update information. Prepare . Specific means, by obtaining information specifying a default setting in the execution of a printer driver installed in the processing apparatus, an image forming function of the image forming apparatus which can be used in the processing apparatus, an image formation defaults Identify functions.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the management method is a method for managing update of firmware installed in the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of processing apparatuses, and is connected to each of the plurality of processing apparatuses. The image forming process is executed based on the job, the step of identifying the image forming function of the image forming apparatus that is frequently used in each of the plurality of processing apparatuses, and the image formation affected by the update of the firmware version Determining a possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function in each of the plurality of processing devices by updating the firmware by comparing the function and an image forming function frequently used in each of the plurality of processing devices; The firmware update process is executed after executing the process based on the determination result in the determining step. To run and a step.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the management method is a method for managing update of firmware installed in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of processing apparatuses, and executes an image forming process based on a job from each of the plurality of processing apparatuses. This management method includes a step of identifying an image forming function of an image forming apparatus that can be used in each of a plurality of processing apparatuses, and an image forming function that is affected by a firmware version update and each of the plurality of processing apparatuses. By comparing the image forming functions that can be used in the process, the judgment result in the step of judging the possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function in each of the plurality of processing devices by updating the firmware and the judgment result in the judging step And executing a firmware update process after executing a process based on the above . The step of specific, by obtaining information specifying a default setting in the execution of a printer driver installed in the processing apparatus, an image forming function of the image forming apparatus which can be used in the processing apparatus, the default set image Including identifying forming functions.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an appropriate firmware update in the image forming apparatus.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the management system concerning this Embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of an apparatus configuration of an MFP included in a management system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of an MFP and a specific example of a storage configuration of a memory of the MFP. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of version information of a printer driver of a PC stored in a first storage unit of an MFP. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first specific example of PC function information stored in a first storage unit of an MFP. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second specific example of PC function information stored in the first storage unit of the MFP. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the data structure of the update information which is the information for updating firmware. It is the figure which represented typically the content of the consistency information contained in update information. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the MFP. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the screen showing the judgment result displayed by step S109 of FIG. It is a figure which represents typically the other example of the content of the consistency information contained in update information. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an image forming function that is set to be usable in a printer driver. 6 is a diagram for explaining a problem that occurs when the firmware of an MFP is upgraded. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a problem that occurs when a PC printer driver is upgraded. It is a figure which shows the 1st specific example about the judgment result regarding the update of the firmware in a modification. It is a figure which shows the 2nd specific example about the judgment result regarding the update of the firmware in a modification.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, management system 1 includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 that is an image forming apparatus and PCs (Personal Computers) 300A to 300G that are a plurality of client devices connected to a network 200. . The PCs 300A to 300G are representatively referred to as the PC 300.

  The PC 300 that is a client device may be a general PC, and a printer driver that is a program for using the MFP 100 is installed in each PC, as will be described later.

  The MFP 100 is an image forming apparatus that has multiple functions such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile transceiver, and a mail transceiver.

  The network 200 is a network via a communication line such as a LAN or the Internet, and enables mutual communication in a wired or wireless manner.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the apparatus configuration of MFP 100. The configuration of FIG. 2 is a general MFP device configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes a CPU 10 for controlling the entire apparatus, a memory 11 for storing a program executed by CPU 10, image data, and the like, and an image process for performing an image forming process. Unit 12, operation panel 13 that is a display unit and an instruction input unit, and a communication interface (I / F) 14 for communicating with PC 100 via network 200. The CPU 10 reads out and executes the program stored in the memory 11 to control the operation of each unit. Further, when an automatic document feeder or a post-processing device (not shown) is connected to the MFP 100, the CPU 10 communicates with these devices to acquire the document size and control the operation of these devices. To do.

The PC 300 has the same configuration as a general PC.
<Overview of operation>
In management system 1, MFP 100 is provided with information for upgrading firmware (hereinafter also referred to as update information) from, for example, a server or a firmware provider. Then, MFP 100 functions as a management apparatus, and determines the update contents of the version of the firmware installed in itself, considering the version of the printer driver installed in each PC.

  In the following description, the provision of update information is not limited to a specific method and a provider.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration for performing the above-described operation in MFP 100 functioning as a management apparatus and a specific example of a storage configuration of memory 11. The functions shown in FIG. 3 are mainly formed on the CPU 10 when the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 reads out and executes a program stored in the memory 11, but at least a part thereof is a hardware such as an electric circuit. It may be realized by a hardware configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 3, memory 11 is an area for storing first storage unit 111 that is an area for storing information related to PC 300 and update information 400 that is information for updating firmware. The second storage unit 112 is configured.

  Further, referring to FIG. 3, the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 includes a first acquisition unit 101 for acquiring version information that is information for specifying the version of the printer driver installed in the PC 300 via the communication I / F 14. The second acquisition unit 102 for acquiring the function information for specifying the function of the MFP 100 used in the PC 300, the information of the PC 300 stored in the first storage unit 111, and the update stored in the second storage unit 112 Information is used to determine the relationship between the firmware version of MFP 100 and the function of MFP 100 used on PC 300, and display processing unit 104 is configured to display the determination result on operation panel 13. And to determine the firmware version to be updated based on the above judgment result A determining unit 105, and a processing unit 106 for executing a process of updating the firmware in accordance with the decision. The second storage unit 112 of the memory 11 also stores update information for updating the printer driver in accordance with the firmware version. For the PC 300 that needs to update the printer driver according to the firmware update, You may further perform the process which transmits the update information.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the version information of the printer driver of the PC 300 stored in the first storage unit 111. Referring to FIG. 4, the first acquisition unit 101 acquires printer driver version information of each PC 300 connected to the network 200, and as an example, the printer driver of each PC 300 in a list format as shown in FIG. 4. The version information is written in the first storage unit 111. When version information is newly stored, the already stored version information is updated.

  The method of acquiring version information in the first acquisition unit 101 is not limited to a specific method. As an example, if version information is stored in a predetermined area of the PC 300, the first acquisition unit 101 stores the predetermined area in advance, and the predetermined area is accessible, the PC 300 is connected to the network 200, for example. The first acquisition unit 101 may access the predetermined area of the PC 300 and read the version information at a predetermined timing such as a predetermined time interval. For example, when the OS of the PC 300 is Windows (registered trademark), version information is often stored in a registry. Therefore, the first acquisition unit 101 can access the registry of the PC 300 and read the version information. Alternatively, registry information used by the printer driver can be obtained remotely by using a predetermined command.

  As another method, the first acquisition unit 101 may request the PC 300 to transmit version information and receive the version information transmitted from the PC 300 in response to the request.

  As another method, the PC 300 may include printer driver version information in a job (print job or the like) transmitted to the MFP 100. This is realized by including such a command in the printer driver itself. In this case, the first acquisition unit 101 acquires the included version information by analyzing the job from the PC 300.

  The function information acquisition method in the second acquisition unit 102 is not limited to a specific method. As an example, the function used for generating the job is specified by analyzing the job transmitted from the PC 300 to the MFP 100. The MFP 100 includes an area for storing a job history (not shown), and the second acquisition unit 102 identifies the function used for each by performing the above analysis of the job from the MFP 100 stored in the area. The function used in MFP 100 is specified.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first specific example of the function information of the PC 300 stored in the first storage unit 111. Referring to FIG. 5, for example, the second acquisition unit 102 identifies the top two types of frequently used functions, identifies the functions as functions of the MFP 100, and stores the first information as function information for each PC. Write to part 111.

  As another method, the second acquisition unit 102 may acquire the default setting in the printer driver installed in the PC 300 via the communication I / F 14 to identify the function as the function in the MFP 100. Good. In this case, the printer driver includes a module for answering a default setting in response to a request from the MFP 100.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second specific example of the function information of the PC 300 stored in the first storage unit 111. Referring to FIG. 6, the second acquisition unit 102 requests the contents of the default setting for each PC, acquires the default setting of each PC from each PC responding thereto, and serves as function information for each PC. Write to the first storage unit 111.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a data configuration of update information 400 that is information for updating firmware. Referring to FIG. 7, update information 400 includes, for each firmware version, parameter values to be rewritten to update to the version, firmware update information 401 that is a module to be added, and printer driver information for each firmware version. Consistency information 402 representing a problem caused by a relationship with a version or a function to be used is included.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the contents of the consistency information 402.
As an example, the consistency information 402 is information that represents a functional problem that occurs when the firmware is updated to each version of the printer driver for each version of the firmware. As a specific example, referring to FIG. 8, when the firmware version of MFP 100 is updated to 2.0 when the printer driver version is 1.0, the stapling function of MFP 100 using the printer driver of PC 300 is used. This means that when the firmware version is updated to 3.0 or 4.0, the print function of the MFP 100 cannot be used using the printer driver of the PC 300.

  Based on the consistency information 402 as shown in FIG. 8 and the version of the printer driver installed in each PC and the function used, the determination unit 103 uses the function in the PC 300 for each firmware version. Determine if there is no problem. Also, the determination unit 105 determines a firmware version to be updated based on the determination result of the determination unit 103, so that a firmware version that does not cause a problem in using the function in the PC 300 is generated.

<Operation flow>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in MFP 100 functioning as a management apparatus. 9 is realized by causing the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 to read out and execute a program stored in the scale 11 and to cause each unit in FIG. 3 to function.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in step S101, CPU 10 obtains version information of a printer driver installed in each PC by the method described above, for example. In step S103, the CPU 10 acquires function information, which is information for specifying a function used in each PC, for example, by the method described above.

  In step S105, the CPU 10 reads the consistency information 402 from the stored update information 400, and compares it in step S107 with the version information acquired in step S101 and the functional information acquired in step S103. The consistency is determined for each PC. In step S109, the determination result is displayed on the operation panel 13.

  As an example, it is assumed that the version information of each printer driver shown in FIG. 4 is acquired from each PC, the function information shown in FIG. 5 is acquired, and the consistency information 402 shown in FIG. 8 is read. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a screen representing the determination result displayed in step S109 in this case. The determination in step S105 will be described with reference to FIG.

  That is, referring to the consistency information 402 in FIG. 8, when the firmware version is updated from 2.0 to 3.0, and the printer driver version is 1.0, the print function cannot be used. . Further, when the version of the printer driver is 2.0, the 2-in-1 function cannot be used. Therefore, in step S105, the CPU 10 refers to the version information of FIG. 4 as a PC having a printer driver version 1.0, and is represented by PC 300A represented by “A” and “G”. PC300G is specified. Next, with reference to the function information shown in FIG. 5, the function used by the printer driver of each specified PC is specified. Regarding these PC 300A and PC 300G, since the print function is included in the function used in each of them, it is determined that there is a problem that printing cannot be performed in these PCs.

  Similarly, the CPU 10 refers to the version information in FIG. 4 as a PC having a printer driver version 2.0, and refers to the version information in FIG. 4, the PC 300 </ b> A represented by “A”, the PC 300 </ b> D represented by “D”, and “ PC300F represented by "F" is specified. With reference to the function information shown in FIG. 5, the PC 300D of each specified PC is identified as a CP whose function information includes a 2-in-1 function. For this reason, it is determined that there is a problem that 2in1 cannot be performed for the PC 300D.

  In this case, referring to FIG. 10, CPU 10 has a problem (FW 2.0 to 3.0) that occurs when the firmware version is updated from 2.0 to 3.0 in the printer driver version of each PC. (Problem when updated) is presented, and the operation panel 13 presents whether or not the problem occurs (conclusion) in relation to the function used in the PC.

  Note that FIG. 10 shows the determination result regarding the case where the firmware version is updated from 2.0 to 3.0 as an example, but the determination to the other version is similarly determined and displayed. May be. This display may be made in addition to the screen of FIG. 10, or may be made on a screen that continues by a scroll instruction.

  By making the above determination for each version of firmware, CPU 10 determines the firmware version to be updated in MFP 100 in step S111, and executes the update process in step S113.

  The determination method in step S111 is not limited to a specific method. As an example, it may be determined that the version of the firmware that is supposed to cause no problem in all the PCs is an updated version, or no problem occurs in a predetermined number of PCs (for example, a predetermined percentage or more of the total number of PCs). The firmware version may be determined as the version to be updated.

  Alternatively, the CPU 10 instructs the screen representing the determination result shown in FIG. 10 in step S109 to update the button 501 and firmware for instructing notification to the PC determined to have a problem. Button 502 may be further presented, and processing according to an instruction by these buttons may be performed.

  That is, for the button 502, the CPU 10 updates the firmware version displaying the determination result from 2.0 to 3.0, assuming that the user has instructed the execution of the update. The firmware version is determined as the version 3.0, and the firmware update process in the MFP 100 is executed in step S113.

  For the button 501, the CPU 10 stores a notification destination corresponding to each PC in advance, and stores in advance for the PC 300B, PC 300D, and PC 300G that are determined to have a problem when the button 501 is pressed. This is notified using a message etc.

  In this case, the CPU 10 does not execute the firmware update process at the timing when this button operation is performed. Such a notification prompts the corresponding PC to update the printer driver, and even if the firmware version is updated from 2.0 to 3.0 by updating the printer driver on the corresponding PC. There will be no problem with the PC. In this case, when the operation of FIG. 9 is executed at the subsequent timing, version 3.0 is determined as the version to be updated in step S111. That is, in this case, the update timing is determined together with the version updated in steps S109 and S111.

<Effect of Embodiment>
By performing the above processing in the management system 1, the firmware of the MFP 100 is updated in consideration of the version of the printer driver installed in each PC and the function used in each PC.

  As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems that the functions that are normally used in the PC 300 are changed due to the firmware update of the MFP 100 or the functions that were used cannot be used, and the appropriate firmware update is realized. can do.

<Other examples>
In the above example, the printer driver version is also taken into consideration when updating the firmware. However, the version of the printer driver is not necessarily required, and the firmware update can be determined in consideration of the image forming function frequently used in the PC 300 in which the printer driver is installed.

  As a premise for explaining the example, the firmware and printer driver may have different functions even if the versions are the same. In this case, if the firmware or printer driver version is updated, a problem that some functions cannot be used in the PC 300 occurs.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the content of the consistency information 402 included in the firmware update information 400. Here, there are shown examples in which usable image forming functions are different even with the same firmware version.

  That is, in the example of FIG. 11, the department management function and the eco report display function are added (changed) in the normal version of firmware version 1.1, but the monochrome / color control function and the print size control function are added (changed). ), And the α, β, γ, and ε versions will add (change) the monochrome / color control function, print size control function, department management function, and eco-report display function, respectively. ing. Further, although the normal version of version 1.2 adds (changes) the above functions, the monochrome / color control function and the print size control function are accompanied by functional changes.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the image forming function set to be usable in the printer driver. Here, an example in which the image forming functions defined as usable even in the same printer driver version are different is shown. As a specific example, version 1.1 and version 1.2 of the printer driver are shown. Each of the functions that can be used is schematically shown.

  For details, referring to FIG. 12, in the normal version of the printer driver version 1.1, the department management function and the eco report display function can be used, but the other monochrome / color control function and print size control function cannot be used. The printer driver version 1.1 version A can use the monochrome / color control function and print size control function, but cannot use other department management functions and eco-report display functions. In version B of version 1.1, it is stipulated that the department management function and the monochrome / color control function can be used, and other eco-report display functions and print size control functions cannot be used. In addition, the normal version, version A, and version B of the printer driver version 1.2 can use the department management function and eco report display function, and the other monochrome / color control functions and print size control functions can be used. Further, it is specified that the monochrome / color control function whose function is changed can be used in the A version, and the print size control function whose function is changed can be used in the B version.

  In this case, when the firmware version of the MFP 100 is updated from 1.1 to 1.2, as shown in FIG. 13, in the PC 300 in which the A version of the printer driver version 1.1 is installed, the printer driver version Both the monochrome / color control function and the print size control function used in version A of 1.1 are subject to function change by firmware update. Since these changed functions are defined as unusable in the A version of the printer driver version 1.1, these functions cannot be used in the PC 300.

  On the other hand, when the version of the printer driver installed in the PC 300 is updated as shown in FIG. 14, the version 1.1 version A or version 1.1 version B is updated to version 1.2 version A. Then, the monochrome / color control function is the target of the function change, and when the version is updated to version B of version 1.2, the print size control function is the target of the function change. It may be changed.

  Therefore, CPU 100 of MFP 100 functioning as a management apparatus uses the function information or default setting in each PC as described above to determine the firmware based on firmware consistency information 402 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not a problem occurs in each PC due to the update, and the determination unit 105 determines the firmware version to be updated based on the determination result. That is, the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 according to the modified example determines whether a problem occurs by comparing a function frequently used in the PC 300 with a function affected by the update of the firmware version of the MFP 100, and a determination unit At 105, the firmware version to be updated is determined based on the determination result.

  As an example, when the determination is made using a job transmitted from each PC to the MFP 100 as described above, the first acquisition unit 101 analyzes the job from the PC 300 as shown in FIG. In the PC, the usage rate of the above function that is affected by the firmware update of the version of the printer driver installed in the PC is calculated.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 15, it is specified that the monochrome / color control function is used in a predetermined ratio or more in PC 300C represented by “C” and PC 300G represented by “G”. ing. In this case, when the firmware version of the MFP 100 is updated from the 1.1 normal version to the 1.2 normal version, the determination unit 103 is affected by the function change of the monochrome / color control function in these PCs. Judge that it will occur. Therefore, in this case, it is determined whether the firmware is affected by the firmware update in consideration of frequently used functions in the PC 300 without considering the printer driver version.

  Further, the determination unit 103 may consider the version of the printer driver. In this case, the determination unit 103 acquires the version information of the printer driver of each PC by the method described above. Further, considering the usable image forming function for each version of the printer driver as shown in FIG. 12, the version of the printer driver that can use the monochrome / color control function in the firmware version 1.2 normal version Is judged as 1.2A version.

  In this case, when the above determination is made at the timing when the printer driver version is updated from 1.1A version to 1.2A version in these PCs, the determination unit 103 determines that the update is possible, and the firmware in the MFP 100 The update process is executed.

  As another example, as described above, when determining by obtaining the default setting in the printer driver in each PC, as shown in FIG. 16, the determination unit 103 is affected by the firmware update in each PC. It is determined whether or not a problem occurs based on whether or not the image forming function is set as default.

  Specifically, with reference to FIG. 16, it is specified that the monochrome / color control function is set by default in PC 300C represented by “C” and PC 300G represented by “G”. In this case, when the firmware version of the MFP 100 is updated from the 1.1 normal version to the 1.2 normal version, the determination unit 103 is affected by the function change of the monochrome / color control function in these PCs. Judge that it will occur. Therefore, in this case, without considering the version of the printer driver, the function set as default in the PC 300 is considered as a frequently used function to determine whether or not it is affected by the firmware update.

  Further, the determination unit 103 may consider the printer driver version in the same manner as described above. In this case, the determination unit 103 acquires the version information of the printer driver of each PC by the method described above. Further, considering the usable image forming function for each version of the printer driver as shown in FIG. 12, the version of the printer driver that can use the monochrome / color control function in the firmware version 1.2 normal version Is judged as 1.2A version.

  Also in this case, as in the above example, when the above determination is made at the timing when the printer driver version is updated from 1.1A version to 1.2A version in these PCs, the determination unit 103 determines that the update is possible. Thus, firmware update processing in the MFP 100 is executed.

  By making such a determination, the firmware update is determined in consideration of the image forming function frequently used in the PC 300 in which the printer driver is installed, and the function normally used in the PC 300 by the firmware update is determined. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the change of the function or the use of the function that has been used. This makes it possible to implement appropriate firmware updates.

  In the above description, it is assumed that the MFP 100 included in the management system 1 functions as a management apparatus, and determines update of firmware of the MFP 100 and executes update processing.

  However, an apparatus that functions as a management apparatus is not limited to MFP 100. As another example, one of the PCs 300 may function as a management device, or a server (not shown) may be included in the management system 1 and the server may function as a management device.

  Further, it is possible to provide a program for executing the operation of MFP 100 that functions as the above-described management apparatus. Such a program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a memory card. And can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Management system, 10 CPU, 11 Memory, 12 Image processing part, 13 Operation panel, 14 Communication I / F, 101 1st acquisition part, 102 2nd acquisition part, 103 Judgment part, 104 Display processing part, 105 Determination part, 106 processing unit, 111 first storage unit, 112 second storage unit, 200 network, 300 PC, 400 update information, 401 firmware upgrade information, 402 consistency information, 501 502 buttons.

Claims (12)

A management device for managing updates of firmware installed in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of processing apparatuses, and executes an image forming process based on a job from each of the plurality of processing apparatuses,
Storage means for storing update information which is information necessary for updating the firmware;
A specifying unit for specifying an image forming function of the image forming apparatus that is frequently used in each of the plurality of processing apparatuses;
By comparing the image forming function that is affected by the update of the firmware version and the image forming function that is frequently used in each of the plurality of processing devices, the firmware is updated to A determination means for determining the possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function in each;
A management device comprising: processing means for executing processing based on a determination result by the determination means and executing update processing of the firmware using the update information.   The processing means executes update processing of the firmware using the update information when it is determined that no problem in the image forming function is caused by updating the firmware in all of the plurality of processing devices. The management apparatus according to 1. The update information includes update information for each version of the firmware,
Based on the determination result of the possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function in each of the plurality of processing devices by updating the firmware to the version for each version of the firmware in the determination unit The management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine a version of the firmware that does not cause a problem in the image forming function in the apparatus.   The processing means executes a process of notifying the processing apparatus to that effect when the determination means determines that a problem in the image forming function occurs in the processing apparatus due to the update of the firmware. Item 4. The management device according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies the frequently used image forming function in the processing device based on an image forming function used for processing a job transmitted from the processing device. The management device described.   The specifying unit obtains information for specifying a default setting in execution of a printer driver installed in the processing apparatus, whereby the image forming function with the default setting is used for the image forming operation frequently used in the processing apparatus. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the management device is specified as a function. An acquisition unit for acquiring a version of a printer driver installed in each of the plurality of processing devices;
The determination means is used in each of the plurality of processing devices and the image forming function affected by the relationship between the updated firmware version and the printer driver version installed in each of the plurality of processing devices. The possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function in each of the plurality of processing devices is determined by updating the firmware by comparing with an image forming function having a high frequency. The management apparatus as described in. The update information defines an image forming function that cannot be used by the printer driver and / or an image forming function to be changed in the relationship between the firmware version and the printer driver version,
The determination means is defined based on the printer driver version of the processing apparatus that the image forming function specified as the frequently used image forming function in the processing apparatus cannot be used or is changed. The management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein it is determined that a problem occurs in the image forming function by updating the firmware to the version.   The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit executes a process of displaying the determination result of the determination unit on a display device, and then executes the firmware update process. A management device for managing updates of firmware installed in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of processing apparatuses, and executes an image forming process based on a job from each of the plurality of processing apparatuses,
Storage means for storing update information which is information necessary for updating the firmware;
A specifying unit for specifying an image forming function of the image forming apparatus usable in each of the plurality of processing apparatuses;
By comparing the image forming function that is affected by the update of the firmware version and the image forming function that can be used in each of the plurality of processing apparatuses, each of the plurality of processing apparatuses is updated by the firmware update. Determining means for determining the possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function in
A processing unit that executes a process based on the determination result of the determination unit and then executes the firmware update process using the update information ;
The specifying unit obtains information for specifying a default setting in execution of a printer driver installed in the processing apparatus, whereby the default setting is used as an image forming function of the image forming apparatus usable in the processing apparatus. It has been that identifies the image forming function, the management apparatus. A method for managing updates of firmware installed in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of processing apparatuses, and executes an image forming process based on a job from each of the plurality of processing apparatuses,
Identifying an image forming function of the image forming apparatus frequently used in each of the plurality of processing apparatuses;
By comparing the image forming function that is affected by the update of the firmware version and the image forming function that is frequently used in each of the plurality of processing devices, the firmware is updated to Determining a possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function in each;
A management method comprising: executing a process based on a determination result in the determining step and executing the firmware update process. A method for managing updates of firmware installed in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of processing apparatuses, and executes an image forming process based on a job from each of the plurality of processing apparatuses,
Identifying an image forming function of the image forming apparatus usable in each of the plurality of processing apparatuses;
By comparing the image forming function that is affected by the update of the firmware version and the image forming function that can be used in each of the plurality of processing apparatuses, each of the plurality of processing apparatuses is updated by the firmware update. Determining the possibility of occurrence of a problem in the image forming function at
And executing the firmware update process after executing the process based on the determination result in the determining step ,
The specifying step obtains information for specifying a default setting in execution of a printer driver installed in the processing apparatus, thereby obtaining the default as an image forming function of the image forming apparatus usable in the processing apparatus. A management method including specifying a set image forming function .

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