JPH1178171A - Printer, recording agent supply, and control program updating method for printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automate version up by inputting version information to a printer and updating a control program stored in the printer if the version information inputted from a recording agent supply is more up-to-date than the version information stored in the printer. SOLUTION: When a toner cartridge 200 is shipped from a shop or a factory, a program version up data is stored in a nonvolatile memory 201 built in the toner cartridge 200 using the download utility of a host computer 300. On the other hand, a control section 102 in a printer 100 examines the program version up data in the toner cartridge 200 at the time of turn on power and updates a control program stored in the printer 100 with a control program inputted from the toner cartridge 200 if that data is more up-to-date thus performing version up of the printer control program.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer device, a recording material supply device, and a method of updating a control program of a printer device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a laser beam printer, an ink jet printer, a copying machine, a plotter, etc. The present invention relates to a printer device, a printing material supply device, and a method for updating a control program of a printer device, which print image information by acting on the printer device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional printers employ a configuration in which a program for controlling the printer is rewritable in a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. Since the program is incorporated in the rewritable nonvolatile memory, the program can be changed to a new version after the product is shipped. The version upgrade data is stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk and downloaded to a printer via a host computer.

[0003]

However, the above-described conventional apparatus has the following problems.

In order to change the printer program to a new version, a user or a service technician at a store operates a download utility of a host computer connected to the printer, and sends the program upgrade data to the printer for reading. It is necessary to perform an operation to make the operation complicated. Further, it is impractical for a service technician of a dealer to visit a user to upgrade the version of all the shipped products, which requires a lot of trouble and cost, and is not practical.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a recording material supply device which detachably supplies a recording material to a printer stores the version information of a control program to solve the above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer device, a recording material supply device, and a method for updating a control program of a printer device that have been solved.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, which operates under the control of a control program stored in a storage means and is detachably provided. In a printer device that performs printing by consuming a recording material supplied from a device, an information storage device that stores version information of a control program stored in the storage device, and a device that is installed from the attached recording material supply device. Another control program to be controlled and information input means for inputting version information of the other control program, and comparing the version information stored in the information storage means with the version information input from the information input means, When the version information input from the information input means is newer, a program for updating the contents of the storage means with the other control program. Characterized in that it comprises a beam update means.

Here, in the apparatus according to the present invention, the information storage means further stores model information of the apparatus, and the information input means stores the model information of the apparatus which can use the recording material supply means. It is also possible to provide a determination means for determining whether each model information indicates the same model by inputting the information, and update the control program by the program updating means when it is determined that the model information indicates the same model.

Here, in the device according to the present invention, the information storage means may be a nonvolatile memory.

Here, in the apparatus according to the present invention, the recording material supply means may be a toner cartridge.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording material which is detachably attached to the printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects and supplies a recording material consumed by the printer. The supply device is characterized in that a control program for controlling the printer device and information storage means for storing version information of the control program are provided so as to be readable by the printer device.

Here, in the device according to the present invention, the information storage means may be a non-volatile memory.

Here, in the apparatus according to the present invention, the recording agent may be a toner.

In order to achieve the above object, in the method according to the present invention, the apparatus operates under the control of a control program stored in a storage means, and stores version information of the control program stored in the storage means. A method for updating a control program of a printer device that includes an information storage unit for storing and consumes a recording agent supplied from a detachable recording agent supply unit to perform recording. An information acquisition step of reading out the stored version information of the control program and inputting another version of the control program and the other control program for controlling the apparatus from the attached recording material supply unit; Compare both version information obtained in the step, and check that the version information input from the recording material supply means is newer. Sometimes, characterized in that it comprises a program update step of updating the contents of said storage means in said other control programs.

Here, in the method according to the present invention, the information storage means further stores model information of the apparatus, and in the information obtaining step, the model information is further stored from the information storage means. And reading model information of an apparatus that can use the recording agent supply unit from the attached recording agent supply unit, and determining whether each model information represents the same model. The program updating step may be performed when it is determined that

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A printer and a toner cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a detailed block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a printer device;
Reference numeral 00 denotes a toner cartridge that is detachably attached to the printer device 100, and is configured so that a user can easily replace it. The toner cartridge 200 supplies toner, which is a consumable item, to the printer device 100, and the printer device 1
00 performs recording by consuming toner. Reference numeral 300 denotes a host computer, which is connected to the printer device 100 by a connection cable 400.

The printer 100 comprises the following blocks, which are connected to each other by an internal bus 110.

That is, an input unit 101 inputs data from a host computer. 102 is memory 1
03, a control unit including the CPU 104, which controls the operation of the entire printer apparatus 100.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a ROM, which is a printer
0 stores a maintenance program for upgrading the version of the control program. A rewritable nonvolatile memory 106 stores a printer control program. Reference numeral 108 denotes an NVRAM (non-volatile memory), which stores model information of the printer device 100 and the non-volatile memory 108.
The version information of the currently stored printer control program is stored in. Non-volatile memory 106, NVRAM
The storage contents of 108 are retained even when the power is turned off.

A RAM 107 stores image data to be printed. 109 is a printer engine,
As a result, a permanent visible image is formed on a recording paper or the like. The toner cartridge 200 is mounted on the printer engine 109. The toner cartridge 200 has a nonvolatile memory 2
01, which stores program version update data of a control program of the printer device 100. This nonvolatile memory 201 includes NVRAM
Can be used.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the printer device, toner cartridge, and host computer of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a printer device;
Reference numeral 0 denotes a replacement toner cartridge that is detachable from the printer device 100, 201 denotes a nonvolatile memory built in the toner cartridge 200, and 300 denotes a host computer.

When the toner cartridge 200 is shipped from a store or a product manufacturing factory, the nonvolatile memory 201 built in the toner cartridge 200 is used by using the download utility of the host computer 300.
The program version update data is stored in the storage section.
The program upgrade data is data for rewriting a control program stored in the non-volatile memory 106 of the printer device 100 to a new one.

The toner cartridge 200 containing the non-volatile memory 201 storing the program upgrade data can be replaced by the user himself.
Alternatively, a serviceman may replace the battery at the time of maintenance service. When the printer device 100 is started, the version upgrade data stored in the nonvolatile memory 201 is read.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the toner cartridge 200.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 200a denotes a toner cartridge main body; 201, a rewritable nonvolatile memory; and 202, a contact for electrically connecting the printer device 100 and the nonvolatile memory 201. The contact 202 is connected to a terminal 201a of the non-volatile memory 201, and is arranged so as to come into contact with the contact on the printer 100 when the toner cartridge 200 is mounted on the printer 100 (not shown). Version upgrade data can be input through 110.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the program upgrade data stored in the nonvolatile memory 201 built in the toner cartridge 200.

The program upgrade data is composed of at least the following three parts.

First, a part 41 represents a model code which is corresponding model information. Next, the part 42 represents a version code. The part 43 represents the program data body of the version indicated by the version code 42 of the model indicated by the model code 41. This program data 43
This is program data to be written as a new control program in the non-volatile memory 106 of the printer device 100 by a process described below.

FIG. 5 shows the NVRAM of the printer 100.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of data stored in a storage unit;

First, reference numeral 51 denotes a model code which is model information of the printer 100. The part 52 represents a version code. This version code 52
Represents the version information of the printer control program currently stored in the nonvolatile memory 106 of the printer device 100.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for storing program version-up data in the toner cartridge 200 in advance.

The process of FIG. 6 is a process of storing the program version-up data in the nonvolatile memory 201 of the toner cartridge immediately before the product is shipped at the store or the toner cartridge manufacturing factory. This processing is performed by connecting a host computer having a download utility to the printer device (see FIG. 1) and setting a toner cartridge to be shipped in the printer device.

In step S60, the download utility of the host computer 300 is operated to
The host computer 300 issues a maintenance command to the printer device 100, and proceeds to step S61.

In step S61, the printer 1
00 receives a maintenance command. Then, the processing of the printer apparatus 100 is performed by the printer control program stored in the nonvolatile memory 106 by the ROM 10
The processing shifts to the processing of the maintenance program stored in 5. Then, the process proceeds to step S62.

In step S62, since the process has shifted to the maintenance program, the printer 100 receives the program version upgrade data (model code, version code,
Control program) to load the toner cartridge 20
0 in the non-volatile memory 201.

The toner cartridge 200 having been subjected to the above processing is packed in a box and shipped.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an update process in which the printer control program of the printer device 100 is upgraded when the user replaces the toner cartridge. The control unit 102 of the printer device 100 controls this process.

When the power of the printer 100 is turned on, the control unit 102 processes the contents of the maintenance program, checks the program upgrade data of the toner cartridge 200, and if necessary, upgrades the printer control program. The processing shifts to the control program.

In step S70, the maintenance program stored in the ROM 105 is executed, and the model code 41 and the version code 42 of the program upgrade data stored in the nonvolatile memory 201 of the cartridge 200 are read and input.
Go to 71.

In step S71, the NVRAM 10
8 to read and acquire the model code 51 and the version code 52 of the printer device 100 stored in
Go to 72.

In step S72, in step S70
The model code 41 from the toner cartridge 200 read in step S71 is compared with the model code 51 of the printer apparatus 100 read in step S71. Here, if the two model codes 41 and 51 match, it is determined that the toner cartridge 200 of the same model is mounted, and step S
Go to 73. On the other hand, if they do not match, a model of a different model is installed, and no version upgrade is performed.

In step S73, step S70
The version code 42 from the toner cartridge 200 read in step S71 and the printer device 1 read in step S71
Compare the current version code 52 of 00. Here, the toner cartridge 20 input in step S70
If the version code 42 starting from 0 indicates a newer value than the version of the version currently stored in the nonvolatile memory 106, the process proceeds to step S74. on the other hand,
If it is not newer, the current printer control program of the printer device 100 is a newer version and does not need to be upgraded. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S75 to shift the process to the printer control program.

In step S74, the program data 43 of the program upgrade data stored in the toner cartridge 200 is written in the rewritable nonvolatile memory 106 to update the original control program, and the flow advances to step S75. In other words, by performing step S74, the upgrade of the printer control program stored in the nonvolatile memory 106 of the printer device 100 has been completed.

In step S75, the process shifts to the printer control program stored in the rewritable nonvolatile memory 106, and the process as the printer starts.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printer refers to the upgrade data stored in the built-in memory of the toner cartridge attached at the time of starting the apparatus, and if the version is newer, updates the printer program. Update to version. That is, at the time of replacement of the toner cartridge, which is a consumable, the user can automatically change the program of the printer device to a new version without being conscious of upgrading the program.

Therefore, it is not necessary for the service technician at the dealer to go to the product shipping destination for upgrading. In addition, since the upgrade data is stored in the rewritable nonvolatile memory built into the toner cartridge, the upgrade data can be written immediately before the product is shipped from the store, so that the toner cartridge storing the latest upgrade data can be sold. .

In the above-described example, the nonvolatile control memory is built in the toner cartridge. However, similarly, the nonvolatile control memory is built in the ink cartridge of the ink consumed when the printer is used, and the upgrade data is stored therein. It may be written.

The method of the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the method of the present invention can also be applied to a case where the method is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading out a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the method of the present invention into a system or an apparatus, the system or apparatus can receive the effects of the method of the present invention. Become.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a recording material supply apparatus readable from a control program for controlling a printer and an information storage means for storing version information of the control program. Attach to the device, input the version information to the printer device,
The version information stored in the printer is read and compared, and when the version information input from the recording material supply device is newer, the control program stored in the storage means of the printer device is updated with the control program input from the recording material supply device. Therefore, the user can upgrade the control program of the printer device to a new version when the user replaces the recording material supply device such as a toner cartridge, which is a consumable, without being aware of the upgrade of the control program. . In addition, the serviceman at the store does not need to go to the product shipping destination for the version upgrade. The version upgrade information is stored in the information storage means provided in the recording agent supply device such as a toner cartridge. Since the version upgrade information can be written immediately before, there is an effect that a toner cartridge or the like storing the latest version upgrade information can be sold.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a detailed block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a printer device, a toner cartridge, and the like of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between host computers.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a toner cartridge.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of program version upgrade data stored in a nonvolatile memory of the toner cartridge.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing data stored in the NVRAM of the printer device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing program upgrade data in a toner cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an update process in which a printer control program of the printer is upgraded when a toner cartridge is replaced.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 printer device 101 input unit 102 control unit 103 memory 104 CPU 105 ROM 106, 201 non-volatile memory 107 RAM 108 NVRAM 109 printer engine 200 toner cartridge 300 host computer 400 connection cable

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A printer device that operates under the control of a control program stored in a storage unit and that performs printing by consuming a recording agent supplied from a detachable recording agent supply unit. Information storage means for storing version information of a control program being executed; information input means for inputting, from the attached recording material supply means, another control program for controlling the apparatus and version information of the other control program; Comparing the version information stored in the information storage means with the version information input from the information input means,
A printer updating means for updating the contents of the storage means with the other control program when the version information inputted from the information input means is newer. 2. The information storage means further stores apparatus type information, and the information input means further inputs apparatus type information of an apparatus which can use the recording material supply means, and each type information represents the same model. 2. The printer device according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether the control program is the same model, wherein the control unit updates the control program when the control program is determined to represent the same model. 3. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the information storage unit is a nonvolatile memory. 4. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein said recording material supply means is a toner cartridge. 5. A recording material supply device which is detachably attached to the printer device according to claim 1 and supplies a recording material to be consumed by the printer device, wherein the control device controls the printer device. Information storage means for storing version information of the program and the control program,
A recording material supply device provided so as to be readable by the printer device. 6. The recording material supply device according to claim 5, wherein said information storage means is a nonvolatile memory. 7. The recording material supply device according to claim 5, wherein the recording material is a toner. 8. An information storage device that operates under the control of a control program stored in a storage device and stores version information of the control program stored in the storage device. A method for updating a control program of a printer device that performs recording by consuming a supplied recording material, wherein the version information of the control program stored in the storage unit is read from the information storage unit, and the installed recording material is read. From the supply means, an information acquisition step of inputting another control program for controlling the apparatus and version information of the other control program, and comparing both the version information acquired in the information acquisition step, and inputting from the recording material supply means. If the version information obtained is newer, the contents of the storage means are updated by the other control program. Control program updating method of the printer apparatus characterized by comprising a program updating step of. 9. The information storage unit further stores device type information of the apparatus. In the information obtaining step, the device type information is further read out from the information storage unit, and from the mounted recording material supply unit, Acquiring model information of an apparatus that can use the recording material supply means, and determining whether each piece of model information represents the same model, and executing the program updating step when it is determined that the model information represents the same model. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the updating is performed.