JP6565855B2 - Memory system and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a memory system including a rewritable ROM. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including the memory system.

  An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine, a printer, a copier, or a facsimile machine may include an operation panel including a display panel. The display panel displays screens and messages related to settings. The user looks at the screen displayed on the display panel. Based on the screen, the user sets the image forming apparatus on the operation panel. There is an image forming apparatus capable of switching the language used on the screen. An example of such an image forming apparatus is described in Patent Document 1.

  Patent Document 1 accepts an operation for deleting a language unnecessary for the user among six language selection keys prepared for language data, and the language required on the display language setting screen (normal display language setting). The user selects only the display language. With this configuration, a language that is not used is not selected by mistake, and operability is improved (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0022]).

JP 2001-119510 A

  An image forming apparatus may be equipped with a rewritable ROM. The ROM stores basic software such as firmware and data. In addition, option data may be additionally stored in the ROM. Multiple types of option data are prepared. The option data is data (file) selected as necessary. In other words, the user can select the necessary option data and add it to the ROM.

  Language data may be stored in the image forming apparatus. Language data is used for display output and print output. For example, when English language data is used, an English screen can be displayed. In addition, it is possible to print an English report on the state and settings of the image forming apparatus.

  Here, the capacity of the ROM is finite. Language data of any language cannot be stored in the ROM. Therefore, a default language may be determined according to the destination (shipping destination). A default language is determined in consideration of the language often used in the destination. For example, when the destination is Europe, languages such as English, French, German and Spanish are the default languages. Language data corresponding to the default language is stored in the ROM.

  However, the default language may not include the language that you want to use. Language data of a language other than the default language is prepared as option data so as to meet the desire to use a language other than the default language. This additional language data may be referred to as optional language data. Language data for each country is prepared as optional language data.

  For example, optional language data for each language such as Chinese, Greek, Vietnamese, and Arabic is prepared. The user adds optional language data of a desired language to the ROM. For example, if a company has employees who use Chinese, Chinese optional language data is added to the ROM. Thereby, display and printing can be performed in a language corresponding to the additionally stored option language data.

  There is a limit to the size of the area for storing option data. Therefore, it is preferable that only option data that is no longer needed can be deleted. Further, it is preferable that necessary option data can be easily added. In other words, it is preferable that the option data (file) can be added or deleted. Therefore, conventionally, a read / write file system is applied to the option data. Thus, erasing and writing can be performed in one option data unit. However, a read / write file system may take time to mount at startup. In other words, it may take time until the option data can be used at startup. Therefore, there is a problem that the time required for the startup process may become long.

  Note that the technique described in Patent Document 1 is not related to startup processing (mounting). Therefore, the above problem cannot be solved.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention shortens the time required for mounting option data at the time of activation, and shortens the time required for the activation process.

In order to achieve the above object, a memory system according to claim 1 includes a RAM, a ROM, and a control circuit. The RAM stores data. The control circuit is rewritable, and the storage area is divided in advance into a plurality of partitions. The control circuit controls the RAM and the ROM. At least one of the plurality of partitions is a specific partition allocated for storing option data. When updating to change the specific partition, the control circuit reads the data of the specific partition to the RAM, deletes unnecessary data from the data read to the RAM, and writes the option data to be written to the specific partition. 1 or by preparing a plurality including the writing data, the image data of the data for the write performed 1 imaged to directly one data of the plurality of the optional data contained in said write data to said one imaging And erase the data of the specific partition, and then write the image data to the specific partition using a read-only file system.

  According to the present invention, the time required for mounting option data at the time of activation can be shortened. In addition, the time required for the startup process can be made shorter than before.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the language data which concern on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the update of ROM which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the update of the specific partition which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of mounting a specific partition at the time of startup in the memory system according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the MFP 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) including the memory system 1 will be described as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described below does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
First, an outline of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  The multifunction device 100 includes a control unit 2. The control unit 2 is a substrate. The control unit 2 controls each unit of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 2 includes a CPU 11 (corresponding to a control circuit), a ROM 12 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 13 (Random Access Memory), and an image processing unit 21. The CPU 11 performs various calculations and processes. The ROM 12 and RAM 13 store data and programs related to control. The image processing unit 21 performs image processing on the image data to generate image data used for printing and transmission.

  The multi-function device 100 includes an HDD 22 (Hard Disk Drive). The HDD 22 is a large capacity storage device. The HDD 22 is communicably connected to the control unit 2. The multifunction device 100 includes a nonvolatile storage device (ROM 12, HDD 22) and a volatile storage device (RAM 13). The CPU 11 performs calculations and processing based on programs and control data stored in the ROM 12 and the HDD 22. The CPU 11 controls each part of the multifunction device 100.

  The multi-function device 100 includes a document conveying unit 3a and an image reading unit 3b. The control unit 2 causes the set original to be conveyed to the original conveying unit 3a. The document transport unit 3a transports the documents one by one toward a reading position (feed reading contact glass, not shown). The control unit 2 causes the image reading unit 3b to read the document. The image reading unit 3b reads a transported document or a document set on a placement reading contact glass (not shown). The image reading unit 3b generates image data.

  The multifunction machine 100 includes an operation panel 4. The operation panel 4 includes a display panel 41, a touch panel 42, and hard keys 43. The display panel 41 displays a setting screen and various messages related to printing and scanning. The touch panel 42 is provided for the display panel 41. The hard key 43 is an operation key such as a start key. The operation panel 4 accepts user settings. The control unit 2 recognizes the content set on the operation panel 4.

  The multifunction device 100 includes a printing unit 5. The printing unit 5 includes a paper feed unit 5a, a paper transport unit 5b, an image forming unit 5c, and a fixing unit 5d. At the time of printing, the control unit 2 causes the paper supply unit 5a to supply the paper. The control unit 2 transports the paper to the paper transport unit 5b. The control unit 2 causes the image forming unit 5c to form a toner image based on the image data. The control unit 2 causes the image forming unit 5c to transfer the toner image onto the conveyed paper. The control unit 2 causes the fixing unit 5d to heat and press the sheet on which the toner image is transferred. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper. The paper after fixing is discharged out of the machine.

  The control unit 2 is connected to the communication unit 23. The communication unit 23 includes a communication connector and a communication control chip. The communication unit 23 communicates with the computer 200 and the FAX apparatus 300 via the network 400. The computer 200 is a PC or a server. The communication unit 23 receives print data (image data and print settings). The control unit 2 causes the printing unit 5 to perform printing based on the printing data (printer function). The communication unit 23 can transmit image data to the computer 200 or the FAX apparatus 300 (transmission function).

  The multi-function device 100 includes a connection unit 14 (corresponding to a data input unit). A portable storage medium 500 such as a USB memory or a memory card is connected to the connection unit 14. The connection unit 14 is an interface for the portable storage medium 500. The connection unit 14 includes a circuit for communicating with a socket or a connected medium. The control unit 2 causes the connection unit 14 to read data from the portable storage medium 500. The read data is input to the connection unit 14 and transmitted to the control unit 2. The read data can be stored in the ROM 12 or RAM 13. Option data to be stored in the specific partition 6 is input to the connection unit 14 (details will be described later).

(Memory system 1)
Next, an example of the memory system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the memory system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the language data 7 according to the embodiment.

  The memory system 1 includes a CPU 11 (control circuit), a ROM 12, a RAM 13, and a connection unit 14. The multi-function device 100 includes a memory system 1. A part of the multifunction peripheral 100 functions as the memory system 1. The CPU 11 controls data reading from the ROM 12 and RAM 13. The CPU 11 controls data writing to the ROM 12 and RAM 13.

  The ROM 12 is a flash ROM (flash memory). The ROM 12 is rewritable. The storage area of the ROM 12 is divided into a plurality of partitions 60 in advance. The size (capacity) of each partition 60 is determined in advance. A certain partition 60 stores a startup program 61. A firmware 62 is stored in a certain partition 60. Further, language data 7 is stored in a certain partition 60.

  The activation program 61 is a program in which the contents of the activation process of the memory system 1 (multifunction device 100) are described. The CPU 11 operates in accordance with the startup program 61 and controls the ROM 12 and the RAM 13. The startup program 61 operates the CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13.

  The firmware 62 is a kind of software built in the multi function device 100. The firmware 62 controls basic control of circuits and devices of each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100. The firmware 62 is fixedly incorporated inside the device. There are a plurality of types of firmware 62. For example, there is firmware 62 for the control unit 2, the operation panel 4, the printing unit 5, and the scan. One firmware 62 may be stored in one partition 60. A plurality of firmware 62 may be stored in one partition 60.

  The ROM 12 stores language data 7. The language data 7 is data used for character output. The ROM 12 stores a plurality of language data 7 so that a plurality of languages can be used. For example, a plurality of types of language data 7 can be stored in the ROM 12, such as Chinese, Arabic, and English. The operation panel 4 accepts which language (which language data 7) is used among the language data 7 stored in the ROM 12. The user can set and select which language to use. The control unit 2 uses language data 7 corresponding to the selected language.

  The language data 7 is used for display on the display panel 41. For example, when Japanese is selected, the control unit 2 uses Japanese language data 7. Then, the control unit 2 displays a Japanese screen on the display panel 41. When English is selected, the control unit 2 uses the English language data 7. Then, the control unit 2 causes the display panel 41 to display an English screen.

  The language data 7 is used for printing a report. In the multi function device 100, for example, a status report, a font report, a network status report, and a department management report can be printed. The status report includes information such as the current setting contents, usable memory, and installed optional devices. The font report is a list of fonts installed in the multifunction device 100. The network status report includes network-related information such as the version of the network interface firmware 62, the network address, and the network protocol. The department management report includes information such as the number of printed sheets of each department. Each report is used for management and maintenance.

  The operation panel 4 accepts selection of a report to be printed. The control unit 2 causes the printing unit 5 to print the selected report. The control unit 2 causes the printing unit 5 to print a report corresponding to the current state of the multifunction peripheral 100. For example, when Spanish is selected, the control unit 2 uses Spanish language data 7. Then, the control unit 2 causes the printing unit 5 to print a report written in Spanish.

  A plurality of types of screens are displayed on the operation panel 4 in accordance with a user operation. Each character string used in each screen is defined by language data 7. Each report has a character string such as an item name. Each character string used in the report is defined by language data 7.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the language data 7. The left side of FIG. 3 shows an example of Japanese language data 7. The right side of FIG. 3 shows an example of English language data 7. The language data 7 includes a plurality of character strings. For example, a sign is assigned to each character string. The reference numerals in FIG. 3 are numbers. In each language data 7, a character string (translated word) having the same meaning is defined for the same code. For example, a character string “home screen” is defined in the code 00001 of the Japanese language data 7, and a character string “double-sided → single-sided” is defined in the code 00101. A character string “Home” is defined in the code 00001 of the English language data 7, and a character string “1-sided >> 2-sided” is defined in the code 00101.

  The screen configuration data D1 is stored in the ROM 12 for each screen (see FIG. 1, may be stored in the HDD 22). The screen configuration data D1 is data that defines the configuration (contents) of the screen. In each screen configuration data D1, the sign, display position, size, color, etc. of each character string arranged in the screen are defined.

  For example, when the screen is displayed based on the screen configuration data D1 that is defined to display the character string of the code 00101, the control unit 2 displays the character string of the code 00101 at the defined position. When Japanese is selected, the control unit 2 displays a character string “double-sided → single-sided” at the position. When English is selected, the control unit 2 displays a character string “1-sided >> 2-sided” at the position.

  In addition, report configuration data D2 is stored in the ROM 12 for each report type (see FIG. 1, may be stored in the HDD 22). The report configuration data D2 is data that defines the configuration (contents) of the report. Each report configuration data D2 defines the sign, position, size, color, etc. of each character string used in the report. The control unit 2 refers to the language data 7 of the selected language. The control unit 2 prints the report instructed to be printed in the selected language. When English is selected, the control unit 2 causes the printing unit 5 to print an English report.

  One of the partitions 60 of the ROM 12 is a partition 60 for storing language data 7 of a default language. Hereinafter, the language data 7 of the default language is referred to as default language data 71. The default language is determined in advance according to the destination (shipment destination) of the multifunction peripheral 100. A default language is determined in consideration of the language often used in the destination. When the destination is Europe, languages such as English, French, German and Spanish may be the default language. When the destination is Asia, languages such as Japanese, English and Chinese may be the default language. A plurality of default languages are determined. Therefore, a plurality of language data 7 (default language data 71) corresponding to the default language is stored in the default language partition 60a.

  However, there are times when you want to use a language other than the default language. For example, there is a case where it is desired to use Chinese or Dutch in the MFP 100 whose destination is Europe. In an environment such as a multinational company in which each person's native language is different, a language other than the default language may be used. There is a customer who wants to add a language that can be used in the MFP 100.

  Therefore, at least one of the partitions 60 of the ROM 12 is a partition 60 for storing separately prepared data (option data). The option data is data that is additionally stored in the ROM 12 as desired by the user. The option data in this description is a kind of language data 7. In other words, the option data is language data 7 in a language other than the default language.

  Hereinafter, the partition 60 in which option data is stored is referred to as a specific partition 6. The language data 7 of the optional language is referred to as optional language data 8. The option language data 8 is also data used for character output.

  The specific partition 6 has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of option language data 8. Five, or several to about 10 pieces of option language data 8 can be stored in the specific partition 6. In the specific partition 6, some optional language data 8 (language data 7) may be stored in advance or may not be stored. By updating the ROM 12 (specific partition 6), the option language data 8 of the specific partition 6 can be added or changed. In each option language data 8, a code and a character string corresponding to each code are defined. In each option language data 8, a character string having the same meaning is stored in the same code.

  For example, it is assumed that language data 7 of Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Greek, Hindi is added as optional language data 8. Thereby, the operation panel 4 can select Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Greek, and Hindi. For example, when Vietnamese is selected, the control unit 2 displays a Vietnamese screen on the display panel 41. Further, the control unit 2 can cause the printing unit 5 to print a Vietnamese report. With the option language data 8, the multi-function device 100 can be operated in the language desired by the user.

(update)
Next, an example of the update flow of the ROM 12 (specific partition 6) according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the update flow of the ROM 12 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the update of the specific partition 6 according to the embodiment.

  The start of the flowchart of FIG. 4 is the time when the update (change) of the ROM 12 (specific partition 6) is started. For example, the control unit 2 (CPU 11) starts the update when it recognizes that the portable storage medium 500 storing the option language data 8 is inserted into the connection unit 14. The CPU 11 communicates with the connection unit 14. The CPU 11 recognizes the connection to the connection unit 14 of the portable storage medium 500 such as a USB memory. Further, the CPU 11 recognizes that the language data 7 is stored in the connected portable storage medium 500. Note that when the start of the update of the specific partition 6 is instructed on the operation panel 4, the CPU 11 may start the update process.

  First, the CPU 11 checks whether or not there is a free area in the ROM 12 where the data (file) of the specific partition 6 can be backed up (step # 11). For example, the CPU 11 checks whether there is a free partition 60 having a size equal to or larger than the specific partition 6. When there is an empty partition 60, the CPU 11 determines that there is an empty area that can be backed up. When there is no free partition 60, the CPU 11 determines that there is no free area that can be backed up. The ROM 12 may be provided with an empty partition 60 in advance.

  Whether or not the empty partition 60 can be provided depends on the model of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the capacity of the ROM 12 to be installed. There are models that have room for free space (free space) and models that do not. In addition, the addition of data other than the language data 7 may cause a free area that can be backed up to disappear.

  When there is an empty area (Yes in step # 11), the CPU 11 stores the data (file) stored in the specific partition 6 in the empty area of the ROM 12 (step # 12). Thereby, the data of the specific partition 6 before the update is backed up. When there is no free space (No in Step # 11), the CPU 11 confirms the presence / absence of previous backup data (Step # 13). The backup data here is data of the specific partition 6 backed up at the time of the previous update.

  When there is previous backup data (Yes in step # 13), the CPU 11 overwrites the previous backup data and stores the data (file) stored in the specific partition 6 (step # 14). Specifically, the CPU 11 erases the data in the partition 60 in which the previous backup data is stored. Then, the CPU 11 stores the data stored in the specific partition 6 in the deleted partition 60. Thereby, the data of the specific partition 6 immediately before the update is backed up.

  When the backup is completed in step # 12 or # 14, the CPU 11 reads the data of the specific partition 6 into the RAM 13 (step # 15). Then, the CPU 11 prepares write data in the RAM 13 (step # 16). The write data includes one or more option data (option language data 8) to be written to the specific partition 6.

  The CPU 11 deletes unnecessary option language data 8 from the data read to the RAM 13 and generates write data. Further, the CPU 11 reads the option language data 8 included in the writing data from the portable storage medium 500. The CPU 11 adds the option language data 8 read from the portable storage medium 500 to the writing data. As described above, the CPU 11 adds and deletes the option language data 8. The memory system 1 (multifunction device 100) itself generates write data. Therefore, it is not necessary to process and create data (file) to be stored in the specific partition 6. Further, it is not necessary to store the processed and created data in the portable storage medium 500 in advance.

  The portable storage medium 500 may store setting data D3 for selecting the option language data 8 (see FIG. 1). The setting data D3 may be data determined by the option language data 8 to be left and the option language data 8 to be deleted among the option language data 8 stored in the specific partition 6. Further, the setting data D3 may be data that specifies the optional language data 8 to be added (included) to the writing data among the optional language data 8 stored in the portable storage medium 500. Further, the operation panel 4 may accept selection of language data 7 to be stored as option language data 8. In this case, the CPU 11 prepares the selected language data 7 as write data.

  The CPU 11 generates image data 9 in which the writing data is converted into one image (step # 17). The CPU 11 converts the plurality of option language data 8 into one data as it is. As a result, the plurality of option language data 8 is made into one file without changing the structure.

  Subsequently, the CPU 11 erases all data in the specific partition 6 (step # 18). Subsequently, the CPU 11 writes one image data 9 to the specific partition 6 with a read-only file system (step # 19). In the read-only file system described here, all data in the partition 60 must be erased when data is rewritten. For example, SquashFS can be used for a read-only file system. Other read-only file systems may be used.

  Specifically, the CPU 11 constructs and formats a read-only file system in the specific partition 6. The CPU 11 writes the image data 9 to the specific partition 6. The CPU 11 mounts the image data 9 at any location in the directory tree. Further, the CPU 11 stores the switching information in the ROM 12 (step # 110). When the process proceeds from step # 19 to step # 110, the switching information is information indicating that the specific partition 6 is a read-only file system. The flow ends at step # 110.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which five option language data 8 are converted into one image data 9. FIG. 5 shows an example in which one image data 9 is written in the specific partition 6.

  In the case of No in step # 13, the data in the specific partition 6 cannot be backed up. Since a backup is not taken, it is necessary to consider the occurrence of an error during writing to the specific partition 6.

  Therefore, the CPU 11 writes the option language data 8 according to the file system of the specific partition 6. First, the CPU 11 checks whether or not the current file system of the specific partition 6 is a readable / writable file system (step # 111). In the readable / writable file system of this description, data can be erased and written in units of files (option language data 8).

  When the file system is readable and writable (Yes in step # 111), the CPU 11 deletes unnecessary (unselected) option language data 8 from the option language data 8 in the specific partition 6 (step # 112). When the file system is read-only (No in step # 111), all data in the specific partition 6 is erased (step # 113).

  Then, the CPU 11 writes the language data 7 selected by the readable / writable file system to the specific partition 6 one file at a time (step # 114). For example, JFFS2 can be used for a readable / writable file system. Other readable / writable file systems may be used.

  Specifically, the CPU 11 builds and formats a readable / writable file system in the specific partition 6. When the specific partition 6 is originally a readable / writable file system, it is not necessary to construct and format the file system. The CPU 11 writes optional language data 8 to be added to the specific partition 6. The CPU 11 mounts the optional language data 8 added to any location in the directory tree. Subsequently, the CPU 11 stores the switching information in the ROM 12 (step # 110). When the process proceeds from step # 114 to step # 110, the switching information is information indicating that the specific partition 6 is a readable / writable file system.

(Processing flow at startup)
Next, an example of the flow of mounting the specific partition 6 at the time of startup in the memory system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of mounting the specific partition 6 at the time of startup in the memory system 1 according to the embodiment.

  In the main power supply OFF state or the power saving mode of the multifunction peripheral 100, the power supply to the control unit 2 is stopped. The power supply to the CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 is stopped. When the main power supply of the multifunction peripheral 100 is turned on or when the power saving mode is canceled, power supply to the control unit 2 is started. In accordance with this, power supply to the CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 is started. It should be noted that by operating a hard key 43 provided on the operation panel 4, it is possible to turn on / off the main power supply of the multi-function device 100, and to enter or exit a power saving mode. When the supply of power (supply of operating voltage) to the control unit 2 is started, the CPU 11 starts the startup process based on the startup program 61.

  The start in FIG. 6 is the time when the CPU 11 starts the activation process by the start of power supply. As one of the activation processes, the file system of the specific partition 6 is mounted.

  In order to mount the file system of the specific partition 6, the CPU 11 confirms the switching information (step # 21). The CPU 11 checks whether or not the file system of the specific partition 6 is a read-only file system (step # 22).

  In the case of a read-only file system (Yes in step # 22), the CPU 11 mounts the read-only file system (step # 23 → end). When the file system is readable / writable (No in step # 22), the CPU 11 mounts the readable / writable file system (step # 24 → end).

  At the time of mounting, the CPU 11 reads the file system information stored in the specific partition 6. The file system information includes data (table) indicating where and what data is stored. At the time of mounting, the CPU 11 confirms the file system information. The CPU 11 confirms the file system information and recognizes the configuration of data stored in the specific partition 6.

  Based on the file system information, the CPU 11 performs a process for accessing the data (file) of the specific partition 6 in the ROM 12. Specifically, the CPU 11 connects the file in the specific partition 6 of the ROM 12 to any location in the directory tree. Thereby, the mounting of the file system is completed.

  The mount process must be performed in any file system that is read-only or readable / writable. However, the read / write file system manages reading and writing of files (data). Therefore, the read / write file system information is more complicated than the read-only file system information. Therefore, the time required for mounting the file system is longer in the read / write file system.

  Furthermore, in the readable / writable file system employed in the memory system 1, it is necessary to copy and mount the file to the RAM 13 for accessing the option language data 8. When the specific partition 6 is a readable / writable file system, the CPU 11 reads each option language data 8 to the RAM 13 in the startup process. Further, the CPU 11 mounts each read file. Reading and mounting the option language data 8 to the RAM 13 increases the time required for the startup process.

  On the other hand, when the specific partition 6 is a read-only file system, the data stored in the specific partition 6 is one image data 9. Therefore, it is not necessary to copy and mount the file to the RAM 13 for accessing the option language data 8. The CPU 11 can access the image data 9 (option language data 8) when the file system is mounted.

  For example, the time required for mounting a read-only file system is about several tens of milliseconds. For example, it is about 30 milliseconds. On the other hand, the time required for mounting a read / write file system is about several hundred milliseconds (for example, 200 to 300 milliseconds). For example, copying (mounting) each file (about five optional language data 8) in the specific partition 6 to the RAM 13 requires about 600 to 800 milliseconds (for example, 700 milliseconds).

  Conventionally, a read / write file system has been adopted for the partition 60 for storing the option language data 8. This is to enable deletion and addition in units of one optional language data. However, the memory system 1 (multifunction device 100) of this description uses a read / write file system. Therefore, the time required for the startup process can be shortened by about 1 second compared to the conventional method.

  As described above, the memory system 1 according to the embodiment includes the RAM 13, the ROM 12, and the control circuit (CPU 11). The RAM 13 stores data. The control circuit is rewritable, and the storage area is divided into a plurality of partitions 60 in advance. The control circuit controls the RAM 13 and the ROM 12. At least one of the plurality of partitions 60 is a specific partition 6 allocated for storing option data (option language data 8). At the time of updating to change the specific partition 6, the control circuit includes one or a plurality of option data that reads the data of the specific partition 6 to the RAM 13, deletes unnecessary data from the data read to the RAM 13, and writes the data to the specific partition 6. Write data is prepared, image data 9 in which the write data is converted into one image is generated, data in the specific partition 6 is erased, and then the image data 9 is written into the specific partition 6 by a read-only file system .

  Conventionally, as a file system for option data, a readable / writable file system is used. However, in the memory system 1 according to the embodiment, a read-only file system is applied to the specific partition 6 in which the image data 9 is written. The configuration of the read-only file system is simpler than the read-write file system. As a result, the time required for mounting (recognizing) the file system (specific partition 6) can be shortened compared to using the read / write file system. Further, the option data is converted into one image. Multiple option data (files) are not stored in the specific partition 6. Therefore, the time for making the data (file) of the specific partition 6 available at the time of startup can be minimized. Therefore, the time required for mounting at startup can be made shorter than before.

  In the read / write file system, after the file system is mounted, it may be necessary to copy the option data to the RAM 13 and mount the copied option data. After these processes, the option data (file) can be used. However, in a read-only file system, data can be accessed without these processes. Therefore, the time required for the startup process can be further shortened.

  Further, write data can be generated in the memory system 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare all option data to be written in the specific partition 6 in advance. You only need to prepare optional data that you want to add.

  An error may occur during the update of the specific partition 6. For example, there is a possibility that the update is abnormally interrupted due to power supply interruption due to power failure or disconnection of the power cord. Therefore, in the case of an update that changes the specific partition 6, the control circuit checks whether or not the ROM 12 has a free area in which data stored in the specific partition 6 can be backed up. The data stored in is stored in a free area. Thus, even if an abnormality occurs during the update of the specific partition 6, it can be restored to the state before the update by the backup data.

  In the read / write file system, it is basically possible to rewrite one file at a time. On the other hand, in a read-only file system, it may be necessary to erase all the data in the partition 60. When an abnormality occurs during an update, all data may be lost in a read-only file system. For this reason, the necessity of backing up the data of the specific partition 6 is high. Therefore, when there is no free space, the control circuit does not convert the prepared option data or options data into one image, but writes the option data prepared in a readable / writable file system to the specific partition 6 one by one. As a result, when backup data cannot be created, the file system can be automatically changed to a readable / writable file system. Further, when there is not enough free space in the ROM 12, it is possible to prevent the file system of the specific partition 6 from becoming a read-only file system.

  The memory system 1 also includes a data input unit (connection unit 14) to which option data to be stored in the specific partition 6 is input. In the case of an update for changing the specific partition 6, the control circuit prepares write data including option data input to the data input unit. Thereby, desired option data can be included in the image data 9 (data for writing).

  The option data is option language data 8. The option language data 8 is data used for character output. Thereby, a desired language can be selected. Moreover, the output of a desired language can be obtained.

  The image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100) according to the embodiment includes the memory system 1 described above. Thereby, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus having a short start-up process time. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with a short waiting time for the user at the time of activation.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, a modified example will be described below.

  For example, the example in which the option data is the language data 7 has been described. However, the option data may be data other than the language data 7. The option data may be data such as dictionary data, panel logo data, or application data.

  The present invention can be used in a control system, a memory system including a ROM and a RAM, and an image forming apparatus.

100 MFP (image forming apparatus) 1 Memory system 11 CPU (control circuit) 12 ROM
13 RAM 14 Connection part (data input part)
6 Specific partition 60 Partition 8 Option language data (option data)
9 Image data

Claims (6)

RAM for storing data;
ROM that is rewritable and whose storage area is pre-divided into a plurality of partitions;
A control circuit for controlling the RAM and the ROM;
At least one of the plurality of partitions is a specific partition allocated for storing optional data;
When updating the specific partition,
The control circuit includes:
Read the data of the specific partition into the RAM,
Prepare the data for the write including several the option data to delete unnecessary data is written to the specific partition of the read data to the RAM,
The image data is generated by converting the option data included in the writing data into one image as it is ,
A memory system, wherein data of the specific partition is erased and then the image data is written to the specific partition by a read-only file system. For updates that change the specific partition,
The control circuit checks whether or not the ROM has a free area in which data stored in the specific partition can be backed up, and when there is the free area, the control circuit transfers the data stored in the specific partition to the free space. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein the memory system is stored in an area. When there is no free space,
The control circuit includes:
A plurality of said options data prepared, without the one imaged,
3. The memory system according to claim 2, wherein the option data prepared in a readable / writable file system is written to the specific partition one by one. A data input unit for inputting the option data to be stored in the specific partition;
For updates that change the specific partition,
4. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit prepares the write data including the option data input to the data input unit. 5. The option data is option language data.
5. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein the option language data is data used for character output.   An image forming apparatus comprising the memory system according to claim 1.

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