JPH08161231A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To suppress the elimination of a program due to an erroneous opera tion by providing a means for refusing reception even when the firmware change request command of another operator ID is transmitted until the contents of a flash ROM are changed. CONSTITUTION: A printer 100 is composed of a controller part 200 for performing interface control with a host computer and the editing and control of image data and a printer engine part 300 for performing machine control, write control, paper feeding control and the state monitoring of the printer, etc. Then, the CPU 301 of the printer engine part 300 of this image forming device recognizes the operator ID at the time of receiving the firmware change request command of a first time, and thereafter, receives a firmware speed request command provided with the same operator ID as the first time prescribed number of times and refuses the reception even when the firmware change request command of the other operator ID is transmitted until the contents of the flash ROM 303 are changed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting / receiving commands to / from a host via an interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FLASH ROM (flash RO
As a terminal device using M), for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-2
No. 05-148, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-22
The one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2026 is known. The former terminal device is configured to supply the program of the microcomputer by a flash ROM card, and the latter terminal device receives the program data coming from the host device and rewrites the program in real time by the program data. It is configured to be controlled according to a program.

[0003]

At the rewriting timing of the flash ROM in the prior art configured as described above, when a command requesting rewriting is received, if the conditions are satisfied, the program is rewritten by the first command. Was running. As described above, the rewriting operation can be easily performed in the flash ROM, but there is a risk that the contents are erased by an erroneous operation.

Further, as a usage environment of image forming apparatuses such as recent printers, there is an increasing usage of network printers or print servers, in which a plurality of hosts are connected to one printer. Therefore, in addition to the common command from the host to the printer, the command for each ID including the ID is also increasing.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances of the prior art as described above, and the first purpose thereof is to immediately rewrite with a first command in order to cancel the risk of erasing the contents by an erroneous operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which rewriting is not performed for the first time when a command is received a predetermined number of times, and the contents of the flash ROM are not erased by an erroneous operation.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which does not affect other operations when the time has passed without reaching a predetermined number of times when a command starts changing.

The third purpose is to judge whether the currently transmitted firmware change request command is appropriate,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that does not cause an erroneous operation of rewriting by a command.

A fourth object is to prevent erroneous operations such as mistakes in rewriting by increasing the accuracy of management of dangerous commands such as replacing firmware in order to obtain appropriate command information from a plurality of users. To provide a forming apparatus.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above first object, the first means is an image forming apparatus which is connected to a host through an interface and has its own firmware program in a flash ROM. When the first firmware update request command is received,
Recognizing the operator ID, receiving a firmware change request command having the same operator ID as the first time a predetermined number of times, and receiving a firmware change request command with another operator ID until the content of the flash ROM changes. It is characterized by having means for rejecting.

Also to achieve the first object, the second means is connected to the host through an interface,
Flash ROM of own firmware program
In the image forming apparatus built in, when a command for changing the firmware in the flash ROM of the image forming apparatus is received from the host for a predetermined number of times, the image forming apparatus is provided with means for changing and rewriting the firmware with new contents. To do.

In order to achieve the second object, the third means is such that, in the second means, when the firmware change request command is not received a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, the firmware received so far is received. The feature is that the number of change request commands is cleared.

In order to achieve the third object, the fourth means is such that, in the second means, the command for the number of times to start the firmware change is not received, but the firmware change request command has already been received. Then, a predetermined number of times,
When the next firmware change request command is not transmitted from the host computer, the number of request commands currently received is decremented.

In order to achieve the fourth object, the fifth means is a firmware change capable of recognizing an operator ID in an image forming apparatus connected to a host through an interface and having its own firmware program in a flash ROM. When the request command is sent from the host, it has an independent reception counter for each ID, and increments the reception counter corresponding to the ID each time a firmware change request command is received from each ID It is characterized in that a means for permitting and changing the firmware is provided.

Also to achieve the fourth object, the sixth means is connected to the host through an interface,
Flash ROM of own firmware program
In the image forming apparatus built in, when a host sends a firmware change request command that can also recognize an operator ID, it has an independent reception counter for each ID,
It is characterized in that it is provided with means for permitting the firmware change from each ID, and at the same time making the change, clearing the firmware change request command reception counters of all the IDs.

[0015]

According to the first means, when the CPU of the printer engine of the image forming apparatus receives the first firmware change request command, the CPU recognizes the operator ID, and thereafter, the same operator ID as the first time is used. Flash firmware R
Even if the firmware change request command of another operator ID is transmitted until the content of OM is changed, the reception is rejected.

According to the second means, when the CPU of the printer engine of the image forming apparatus receives a command for changing the firmware in the flash ROM of the image forming apparatus from the host a predetermined number of times, the CPU of the printer engine changes the firmware to new contents. ,rewrite.

In the third means, when the CPU of the printer engine of the image forming apparatus does not receive the firmware change request command a predetermined number of times within the predetermined time in the second means, the firmware received up to that time. Clears the number of software change request commands.

In the fourth means, the CPU of the printer engine of the image forming apparatus does not receive the command of the number of times to start the firmware change in the second means, but has already received the firmware change request command. In the state, if the next firmware change request command is not transmitted from the host computer a predetermined number of times, the number of request commands currently received is decremented.

In the fifth means, the CPU of the printer engine of the image forming apparatus has an independent reception counter for each ID when a firmware change request command capable of recognizing the operator ID is sent from the host, and each CPU has a reception counter. The reception counter corresponding to the ID is incremented each time the firmware change request command is received from, and the firmware change is permitted and changed from the one having reached the predetermined number.

According to the sixth means, the CPU of the printer engine of the image forming apparatus has an independent reception counter for each ID when a firmware change request command capable of recognizing an operator ID is transmitted from the host, and each CPU has a reception counter. The firmware change request command reception counters of all IDs are cleared at the same time as the firmware change is permitted.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a laser printer according to an embodiment. In the figure, the laser printer basically comprises an image forming unit 1, a paper feeding unit 2, and a paper discharging unit 3. The image forming unit 1 includes an optical writing system (optical scanning device) 1
0 and an image forming system 20. The image forming system 20 includes known electrophotographic process devices such as a photosensitive drum 21, a developing device 22, a transfer device 23, a fixing device 24, a cleaning device 25, and a charging device 26. ing. The optical writing system is a known laser writing system including a laser generator and a polygon mirror.

The paper feeding unit 2 includes two paper feeding cassettes 31, 3
2 and a large-volume sheet feeding unit 33 provided in the lower stage thereof, and the sheets fed from these cassettes or units are fed to the transfer device 23 after being timed by the registration rollers 34. ing.

The paper discharge unit 3 conveys the paper, on which the image is fixed by the fixing device 24, to the upper side, and the upper paper discharge unit 35 and the lower paper discharge unit 36.
The sheet is discharged to the front or is conveyed by switching the path downward by the switching claw 33, and the sheet is conveyed again to form an image on the back surface of the sheet. Since these are known mechanisms, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 2 shows a laser printer 100 according to the embodiment.
2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of FIG. In the figure, the printer 100 includes a controller unit 200 that performs interface control with a host computer and edits and controls data with images, a machine control, a writing control, a paper passing control,
And a printer engine (hereinafter, simply referred to as “engine”) unit 300 that monitors the printer status.

The controller 200 is a host I / F 2 that interfaces with a host (host machine) 400.
01, a program ROM 202 in which programs of the CPU 205 are stored, a font ROM 203 in which fonts for printing are stored, a panel I / F 204 for interfacing with the operation panel 500, a CPU 205 as a central control unit, and data processed by the CPU 205. A RAM 206 and an option RAM 207 that are written and rewritten, and an engine I / F 208 that interfaces with the engine 300.

The engine 300 includes a CPU 301 as a central processing unit, a ROM 302 in which a program for the CPU 301 is stored, and a flash ROM in which the program resides.
(FLASH ROM) 303, RAM 304 having a buffer register function, readable / writable EPROM 305 for recording maintenance cycles, interrupt control circuit 306 for controlling each interrupt state, sensor 307, and an input port for fetching the state of this sensor 307. 308, CPU for various motors 309 and clutch 310 in the printer
Output port 31 for outputting a control signal from 301
1, etc., which are connected to the CPU 301 by a bus,
The controller I / F 312 and the option I / F 313 are further connected to the bus, and the CPU 301 is connected to the engine I / F 213 of the controller 200 via the controller I / F 312 and the option I / F 310.
Is connected to the option 600 via. Further, the font cartridge 700 is bus-connected to each component of the controller 200.

The operation of the laser printer 100 will be briefly described below. One of the paper feed trays 31, 32 and 33 is manually or automatically selected, and the paper feed roller 38 is selected.
The sheet fed out by is temporarily stopped at the position of the registration roller 34. The state at this time is the registration sensor 39.
Detected by. The surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is previously charged by the charging device 26 from the optical scanning device 10 and the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 is irradiated with the laser beam, and a potential difference is generated between the irradiated portion and the non-irradiated portion. The toner on the developing roller, which is evenly attached, is placed on the photosensitive drum 21 to develop the toner. On the other hand, the registration roller 3
The paper stopped by the photosensitive drum 21
The image written in is restarted at a timing to transfer it to the paper, and the transfer device 23 transfers the image to the paper. When the transfer is completed, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 is removed by the cleaning device 25. Further, the transfer sheet onto which the image has been transferred is fixed by the fixing device 24 with heat and pressure, and the transfer tray 35,
It is discharged to the 36 side.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing the overall control procedure of the printer. In this overall control, first
When the power is turned on, initialization of each state is performed in step S301. Below, printer (hereinafter "engine")
Called. ) And controller interface control,
Engine 30 for maintenance request and error occurrence
0 engine status check module for checking the internal state of itself (step S302), engine-controller I / F module (step S30)
3) The engine-option O / F module (step S304) and the print control sequence module (step S305) are executed, and thereafter, the processes of the modules of steps S302 to S305 are repeated.

On the other hand, an interrupt module as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 4 is provided for time monitoring and control for performing each processing independently of the main sequence of FIG.
This routine is entered every predetermined time set by the CPU 301 of the engine 300, and necessary processing is performed (step S
401-402).

In FIG. 5, when the first firmware change request command is received, the operator ID is recognized, and thereafter, the firmware change request command having the same operator ID as the first time is received, and the flash ROM of the flash ROM is received. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a firmware change request command check module that refuses reception even if a firmware change request command of another operator ID is transmitted until the contents change.

In this process, first, the host machine 400
When a command is input from the host I / F 201 via the host (YES in S501), the type of the command is confirmed (S501).
502), if this command is not a firmware change request command (NO in S502), return from this module, and if this command is a firmware change request command (YES in S502), send this command Check the operator's ID [che
ck ID] (S503), and if all the firmware change request command reception counters are 0, in other words, if it is the first firmware change request command (YES in S504), the operator ID at that time
(Hereinafter, referred to as “FID”) is stacked (S50
5) The counter (hereinafter, referred to as “C $ COMMAND”) that manages the number of times the firmware change request command is received is incremented (S506).

On the other hand, when the firmware change request command from the second time onward is received in the determination of step S504, the transmitted operator ID is checked, and che
If ckID ≠ FID (NO in S507), return, and if chech ID = FID (YE in S507)
S) and increment C $ COMMAND (S50
8), C $ COMMAND allows the firmware to be changed a predetermined number of times, and the preset number of times the firmware change request command is received (hereinafter, “C @ CHANGE”).
Called. ) Is not reached, the process returns (S509
NO), C $ COMMAND is a predetermined number of times C @ CHAN
If it has reached GE (YES in S509), FID and C $ COMMAND are cleared, the firmware change request is enabled, or a change operation is performed (S510).

The register (FLAG $ FW_CHANGE) for managing the status of the firmware change request is made up of 8 bits as shown in FIG. 6, and the 0 bit is turned on when the first firmware change request command is received, It is assigned to a flag (F_CH_TIME) that remains on while monitoring the time when a command is sent. Further, C $ COMMAND is set in the RAM 304 area.

FIG. 7 shows that when a host sends a firmware change request command that can also recognize an operator ID, it has an independent reception counter for each ID and corresponds to the ID every time the firmware change request command is received from each ID. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for incrementing a reception counter for permitting firmware change from a count that has reached a predetermined number of times and making a change.

In this process, first, the host machine 400
When the command is input from the host I / F 201 via the host I / F 201 (YES in S701), the command type is confirmed, and if it is not the firmware change request command (NO in S702), the command returns and the firmware change request command is received. If (YES in S702), check the ID of the operator who transmitted this command [chedk ID].
(S703), a counter C $ that manages the number of times the firmware change request command corresponding to the confirmed ID is received
COMMAMD_N (where N is the ID whose change is permitted)
Means a counter owned by. ) Is incremented (S704). If C $ COMMAMD_N reaches C @ CHANGE a predetermined number of times (Y in S705).
ES), permit firmware change (S706), C
Clears $ COMMAMD_N (S707). C @ CHANGE is a flag indicating the number of times the firmware change request command can be changed, and the number is a constant and is set in advance.

FIG. 8 shows that when a host sends a firmware change request command that can also recognize an operator ID, it has a reception counter for each ID independently and permits the firmware change from each ID and makes the change. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for simultaneously clearing the firmware change request command reception counters of all IDs.

In this process, first, the host machine 400
When the command is input from the host I / F 201 via the host I / F 201 (YES in S801), the command type is confirmed, and if it is not the firmware change request command (NO in S802), the process returns and the firmware change request command is received. If (YES in S802), check the ID of the operator who sent this command [chedk ID].
(S803), a counter C $ for managing the number of times the firmware change request command corresponding to the confirmed ID is received
COMMAMD_N (where N is the ID whose change is permitted)
Means a counter owned by. ) Is incremented (S804). If C $ COMMAMD_N has reached C @ CHANGE a predetermined number of times (Y in S805).
ES), permitting firmware change (S806), counter C $ COMMMAM held by all operator IDs
D_N is cleared (S807). The process of FIG. 8 is the same as the process of FIG. 7 except for step S807.

FIG. 9 shows that when a host sends a firmware change request command capable of recognizing an operator ID, it has an independent reception counter for each ID and permits the firmware change from each ID and makes the change. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for simultaneously clearing the firmware change request command reception counters of all IDs.

In this process, first, the host machine 400
When the command is input from the host I / F 201 via the host I / F 201 (YES in S901), the command type is confirmed, and if it is not the firmware change request command (NO in S902), the command returns and the firmware change request command is received. If (YES in S902), C $ COMAND is incremented (step S903). Then, if the value of this counter does not reach the predetermined number of times for permitting the change of the firmware in the image forming apparatus, in other words, C @ CHANGE, it returns (NO in S904), and if it reaches, the check counter C $ COMAND. Is cleared and the firmware change is permitted (S905).

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a control procedure for changing the firmware in the flash ROM of the image forming apparatus to a new content firmware and rewriting the firmware when the command is received a predetermined number of times from the host.

In this process, first, the host machine 400
Command is input via the host I / F 201 (YES in S1001), the type of command is confirmed,
If it is not a firmware change request command (S100
2) returns NO, and if the command is a firmware change request command (YES in S1002), C $ COMAND
Is incremented (S1003). Then, if the firmware change request command received at this time is the first time, that is, if C $ COMMAND = 1,
A flag for monitoring the time after the first firmware change request command is received (hereinafter, "C $ FW_L
IMIT ". ) Is cleared and a flag indicating that the firmware change request command is being received (hereinafter referred to as “F_CH
_TIME ". ) Is turned on (S1005).

If, in step S1004, C $ COMM
When AND is 2 or more, in other words, the number of times the firmware change request command is received is the second or more (S100
(NO in 4), C $ COMMAND is compared with C @ CHANGE, and if C $ COMMAND has not reached the predetermined number of times, it returns, and if it has reached (C $ COMMAND
= C @ CHANGE), C $ FW_LIMIT, F $ F
W_CHANGE and C $ COMMAND are each cleared, the firmware change is permitted, or the firmware change operation is performed (S1007). Note that C
$ FW_LIMIT is a counter that is set in the RAM 206 and manages the time from when the first firmware change request command is received. C @ LIMIT is
This is the limit time for which the firmware change request command becomes invalid and is a preset constant.

When the first firmware change request command is received, in step S1005 F $ FW_CH
Although the flag F_CH_TIME of ANGE is turned on, when this flag is turned on, C $ FW_LIMIT is incremented according to the flowchart shown in FIG. This module is a module that always flies at a preset time interval using a timer interrupt or the like, and if F_CH_TIME is not on, exits without doing anything, but if it is on (S1
(YES in 101), C $ FW_L in step S1102
After incrementing IMIT, compare whether C $ FW_LIMIT has reached the preset time (C @ CNT_LIMIT), and if so, C $ COMMM
AND is cleared (S1104). That is, after the first firmware change request command is received, if the command of the number of times that the firmware can be changed is not received within a predetermined time, the command becomes invalid.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for clearing the number of firmware change request commands received so far when the firmware change request command is not received a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time.

In this process, first, the host machine 400
Command is input via the host I / F 201 (YES in S1201), the type of command is confirmed,
If it is not a firmware change request command (S120
2) returns NO, and if the command is a firmware change request command (YES in S1202), C $ COMAND
Is incremented (step S1203). If the firmware change request command received at this time is the first time, [C $ COMMAND = 1] (S12
04) The counter C $ FW_LIMIT that monitors the time after receiving the first firmware request command is cleared, and the flag F_CH_TIME indicating that the firmware change request command is being received is turned on (S120).
5). If the firmware change request command received in step S1204 is the second or later, C $ COMMAN
If D reaches C @ CHANGE a predetermined number of times, C $ F
W_LIMIT and C $ COMMAND are cleared, and firmware change permission or change operation is executed (S1
207).

When the first firmware change request command is received, in step S1205 F $ FW_CH
Although the flag F_CH_TIME of ANGE is turned on, when this flag is turned on, C $ FW_LIMIT is incremented according to the flowchart shown in FIG. This module is a module that always flies at a preset time interval using timer interrupt or the like, and if F_CH_TIME is not on, exits without doing anything, but if it is on (S1
(YES in 301), C $ FW_L in step S1302
After incrementing IMIT, C $ FW_LIMI
Time set by T in advance (C @ CNT_LIMI
T) is compared, and if it is reached, C $ C
Decrement OMMAND, C $ FW_LIMIT
Is cleared (S1304). In addition, C $ COMMA
If there is a borrow on the MD (YE at S1305)
S), C $ COMMAND and F $ FW_CHANGE
Is cleared (S1306). That is, after the first firmware change request command is received, if the command of the number of times that the firmware can be changed is not received within a predetermined time, the command becomes invalid step by step.

[0048]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects.

That is, when the first firmware change request command is received, the operator ID is recognized, and thereafter, the firmware change request command having the same operator ID as the first time is received, and the contents of the flash ROM are changed. According to the invention of claim 1, further comprising means for rejecting the reception even if a firmware change request command of another operator ID is transmitted until the change, a firmware change request command having the same operator ID as the first predetermined number of times is issued. Flash RO if not received
Since M cannot be rewritten, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is less likely to erase the contents of the program due to a malfunction even when the program is made resident in the flash ROM.

When a firmware change request command that can recognize the operator ID is sent from the host, the ID
An independent reception counter is provided for each ID, and each time a firmware change request command is received from each ID, the reception counter corresponding to the ID is incremented, and the firmware is permitted to be changed from the number that has reached a predetermined number of times. According to the invention of claim 2, which is provided, it is possible to improve the management accuracy of a dangerous command such as replacing the firmware in order to obtain appropriate command information from a plurality of users. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of minimizing rewriting errors.

When a firmware change request command that can recognize the operator ID is sent from the host, the ID
Each has an independent reception counter, permits the firmware change from each ID, and at the same time all I
According to the invention described in claim 3 which is provided with means for clearing the firmware change request command reception counter of D, the accuracy of control of the invention described in claim 2 can be further improved, whereby erroneous operation such as rewriting error can be achieved. By preventing the above, it becomes possible to accurately manage the version upgrade of the program.

Flash R of the image forming apparatus from the host side
When the command to change the firmware in the OM is received a predetermined number of times, the firmware is changed to new contents,
According to the invention of claim 4, which is provided with a rewriting unit,
In order to rewrite the firmware, the rewriting is performed only when the command is received a predetermined number of times, so that it is possible to minimize the risk of the program being destroyed or lost due to an erroneous operation by the operator.

If the firmware change request command is not received a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, the number of firmware change request commands received so far is cleared. The time after receiving the firmware change request command is monitored, and if the firmware change request command is not sent from the host even after the lapse of a predetermined time, the firmware change request command is invalidated to save the program. It is possible to improve safety.

Although the command for the number of times to start the firmware change is not received, if the next firmware change request command is not transmitted from the host computer a predetermined number of times while the firmware change request command has already been received, According to the invention of claim 6, which decrements the number of request commands received, a more accurate version of the program can be obtained by determining whether the currently transmitted firmware change request command is appropriate. Up management becomes possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the laser printer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overall control procedure of the laser printer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of interrupt processing of the laser printer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a control procedure of an embodiment in which a firmware change request command is received a predetermined number of times and the firmware change request command of another operator is not received until the contents of the flash ROM are changed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating contents of registers included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of an embodiment in which firmware change is permitted after the firmware change request command reaches a predetermined number.

FIG. 8: The firmware change request command from each operator reaches the predetermined number of times, the firmware change request is permitted, and the firmware change request command reception counters of all operators are cleared at the same time when the firmware is changed. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of an embodiment in which when a firmware change request command is received from the host side a predetermined number of times, the firmware is changed to new contents and rewritten.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of an embodiment for clearing the number of times of receiving the firmware change request command received so far when the firmware change request command is not received a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time.

11 is a flow chart of FIG. 10, S1005.
5 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing contents of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a control procedure of an embodiment for decrementing the number of request commands currently received when the next firmware change request command is not transmitted from the host for a predetermined time.

13 is a flow chart of FIG. 12, S1205.
5 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing contents of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Laser Printer 200 Controller 201 Host I / F 202 Program ROM 205 CPU 206 RAM 208 Engine I / F 300 Printer Engine (Engine) 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 Flash ROM 304 RAM 305 EPROM 306 Interrupt Control Circuit 312 Controller I / F

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus, which is connected to a host through an interface and has its own firmware program in a flash ROM, for recognizing a sender operator when a first firmware change request command is received. Recognizes the operator ID of
Thereafter, a means is provided for receiving a firmware change request command having the same operator ID as the first time a predetermined number of times and rejecting the reception even if the firmware change request command of another operator ID is transmitted until the content of the flash ROM is changed. An image forming apparatus characterized in that 2. A firmware change request command capable of recognizing an operator ID for recognizing a sender operator in an image forming apparatus connected to a host through an interface and having its own firmware program built in a flash ROM. When it is sent from, it has an independent reception counter for each ID, and each ID
An image forming apparatus comprising means for incrementing a reception counter corresponding to an ID each time a firmware change request command is received from the device, permitting a firmware change from the one having reached a predetermined number, and performing the change. 3. A firmware change request command capable of recognizing an operator ID for recognizing a sender operator in an image forming apparatus connected to a host via an interface and having its own firmware program built in a flash ROM. When it is sent from, it has an independent reception counter for each ID, and each ID
An image forming apparatus comprising means for permitting a firmware change from the device, and for simultaneously making the change, clearing the firmware change request command reception counters of all IDs. 4. An image forming apparatus which is connected to a host through an interface and has its own firmware program in a flash ROM, when a command for changing the firmware in the flash ROM is received from the host a predetermined number of times. An image forming apparatus comprising means for changing and rewriting new firmware. 5. The image according to claim 4, wherein when the firmware change request command is not received a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, the number of firmware change request commands received so far is cleared. Forming equipment. 6. When the firmware change request command is not received, but the next firmware change request command is not sent from the host a predetermined number of times while the firmware change request command has already been received. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the number of request commands currently received is decremented.