JP2008071077A - Image forming device, firmware update method for image forming device, and program for making computer execute the method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve service property to a user while reducing the work load of service by updating firmware of an image forming device on the user side. <P>SOLUTION: When a firmware version is updated by a service from a manufacturer by use of an operation part 30 of the image forming device in updating the version of firmware of the image forming device, a CPU 72 copies the current firmware (Ver1) to a nonvolatile memory 73, and updates the current firmware (Ver1) by use of firmware (Ver2) in an SD card inserted to a memory card slot 29. When the user starts update processing of the updated firmware (Ver2), the CPU 72 copies the firmware (Ver2) to the nonvolatile memory 73, and updates the firmware (Ver2) by use of the firmware (Ver1) in the nonvolatile memory 73, whereby the image forming device can be operated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with firmware, a firmware updating method for the image forming apparatus, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

  Conventionally, when downloading firmware including an OS for update from an external device such as a management device and updating the OS, even if the update fails due to a power shutdown or the like, the failure occurs when the system is restarted after the power is turned on A communication device and its remote management system that can easily and reliably be determined are disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-318871 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, when a firmware having a version different from the firmware of the currently activated device is activated, the firmware in the device is updated by mounting a recording medium containing the update firmware. Or, the service has to perform the task of updating the firmware in the apparatus via the network. For this reason, there has been a problem that the user cannot easily start another version of firmware.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and after the service has updated the currently activated firmware, the user can update again with the version of the firmware before the update, or from among the multiple versions of firmware. Start up by selectively updating or updating the current firmware using another version of firmware saved in advance, improving serviceability to users while reducing the service workload. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be executed, a firmware update method for the image forming apparatus, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus equipped with firmware, the update start detecting means for detecting the start of firmware update processing, and the update When the start detection unit detects the start of the update process, the update detection unit includes a non-volatile recording medium that stores a copy of the current firmware and a firmware update unit that performs the update process of the current firmware. The current firmware is newly updated using the firmware stored in the recording medium.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when a copy of the current firmware is copied to the non-volatile recording medium, the already stored firmware is left as it is. Thus, when the current firmware is newly updated using the firmware stored in the nonvolatile recording medium, the desired firmware is selected from a plurality of firmware and updated.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the nonvolatile recording medium stores firmware of a version different from the current firmware and is stored in the nonvolatile recording medium. The present invention is characterized in that the current firmware is updated using the firmware.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a firmware update method for an image forming apparatus equipped with firmware, wherein an update start detection step for detecting the start of firmware update processing and detection of the start of firmware update processing are detected. A firmware storage step for storing a copy of the current firmware in a non-volatile recording medium; and a firmware update step for performing an update process of the current firmware, wherein the current firmware is updated and stored in the non-volatile recording medium It is characterized in that the current firmware is newly updated using the firmware.

  A program according to claim 5 causes a computer to execute the firmware update method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, when the start of the firmware update process is detected by the update start detection unit, a copy of the current firmware is stored in the nonvolatile recording medium, and the current firmware update is performed by the firmware update unit. Thereafter, the current firmware is newly updated using the firmware stored in the nonvolatile recording medium. As described above, after the firmware is updated by the service, the user can update and start the firmware again with the version of the firmware before the update, thereby reducing the service workload and improving the serviceability to the user. Play.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, when the current firmware is copied to the nonvolatile recording medium, the firmware that has already been saved is copied and saved on the nonvolatile recording medium. A desired firmware is selected from a plurality of firmware, and the current firmware is updated. In this way, the user selects from among multiple versions of firmware, updates the current firmware using it, and starts up, thereby reducing the service workload and improving the serviceability to the user. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, firmware having a version different from the current firmware is stored in advance in the nonvolatile recording medium, and the current firmware is updated using the firmware. As described above, the user himself / herself can update the current firmware using a new version of firmware at an arbitrary timing and start up, thereby improving the serviceability to the user.

  According to the firmware update method of the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, when the start of the firmware update process is detected by the update start detection step, a copy of the current firmware is stored in the nonvolatile recording medium by the firmware storage step. After the current firmware is updated by the firmware update step, the current firmware is newly updated using the firmware stored in the nonvolatile recording medium. As described above, after the firmware is updated by the service, the user can update and start the firmware again with the version of the firmware before the update, thereby reducing the service workload and improving the serviceability to the user. Play.

  In addition, according to the program of the fifth aspect, there is an effect that the firmware update method for the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect can be executed by a computer.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus, a firmware updating method for the image forming apparatus, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a network system in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is connected to a network, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a mechanical schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a liquid crystal display of the operation unit of FIG. The image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 1 is a copying machine, a printer, a fax machine, or a combination machine combining them, and firmware such as a copying machine, a printer, and a fax machine is mounted.

  On the network 280, a client PC 210, an SMTP server 220 used for mail delivery, an FTP server 230 having a file transfer function, a client PC 240, a server PC 250 as a distribution server, and the like are connected. Data, maintenance management data, update program data, and the like are exchanged via the network 280. The server PC 250 can transmit image data to the fax machine 270 via the modem 260.

  The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter also referred to as ADF) 1. A document bundle placed on the document table 2 of the ADF 1 with the image surface of the document facing up is depressed from the document at the bottom by pressing the print key 34 on the operation unit 30 in FIG. The feed belt 4 feeds the contact glass 6 to a predetermined position. When the feeding of one original is completed, the number of originals is counted up by a counter (not shown).

  The reading unit 50 reads image data of a document on the contact glass 6 and generates image data. The document that has been read is discharged by the feeding belt 4 and the discharge roller 5. Further, when the document set detection sensor 7 detects that there is a next document on the document table 2, the next document is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the document read first. The feeding roller 3, the feeding belt 4, and the discharging roller 5 are driven by a conveyance motor 26 described later.

  The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 includes a first tray 8, a second tray 9, and a third tray 10, and transfer paper is stacked on each tray. The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first paper feeding device 11, the second paper feeding device 12, and the third paper feeding device 13, respectively. It is conveyed to a position where it abuts on the photoreceptor 15 by the conveyance unit 14. The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photoconductor 15 by the laser from the writing unit 57, and a latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 15. The latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor 15 becomes a toner image by passing through the developing unit 27.

  The transfer paper is conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 in accordance with the rotation of the photoconductor 15, and the toner image on the photoconductor 15 is transferred to the surface. The toner image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 17, and the transfer paper is discharged to the finisher 100 of the post-processing device by the paper discharge unit 18.

  The finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus can guide the conveyed transfer paper in the direction toward the normal paper discharge roller 102 and the direction of the staple processing unit. That is, when the direction of the switching plate 101 is switched upward, the transfer sheet is discharged to the normal discharge tray 104 side via the transport roller 103. When the switching plate 101 is switched downward, the transfer sheet is conveyed to the staple table 108 via the conveyance rollers 105 and 107.

  The transfer sheet bundle of transfer sheets transported to the staple table 108 is aligned by the paper aligning jogger 109 every time the transfer is newly discharged, and is bound by the stapler 106 upon completion of a partial copy. The bundle of transfer sheets bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completion discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

  The normal paper discharge tray 104 moves back and forth for each original or each copy section sorted by the image memory, and sorts the copy paper that is simply discharged.

  When forming an image on both sides of the transfer paper, the image forming apparatus does not guide the transfer paper on which the image is formed on one side to the discharge tray 104 side, but is guided to the reversing unit 112 via the double-sided paper input path 113, The toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 15 is transferred again via the transport unit 111 to be transported. Then, after the toner image is transferred and fixed by the fixing unit 17, the toner image is guided to the paper discharge tray 104 by the paper discharge unit 18. When images are not formed on both sides of the transfer paper guided to the reversing unit 112, the paper is guided to the paper discharge tray 104 by the paper discharge unit 18 through the reverse paper discharge conveyance path 114.

  The photosensitive member 15, the conveyor belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharge unit 18, and the developing unit 27 are driven by a main motor 25, which will be described later, and each of the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 drives the main motor 25. Transmission is driven by the paper feed clutches 22 to 24. The vertical conveyance unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor 25 by the intermediate clutch 21.

  3 includes a liquid crystal display 31 with a touch panel, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a print key 34, a preheat key 35, a reset key 36, an initial setting key 37, a copy key 38, a copy server. There are keys 39 and the like. The liquid crystal display 31 displays a function key, the number of copies, and a message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG.

  When the initial setting key 37 of the operation unit 30 in FIG. 3 is pressed, the initial state of the machine can be arbitrarily customized. For example, it is possible to set the size of the paper stored in the machine, or to arbitrarily set the state set when the mode clear key of the copy function is pressed.

  In addition, by pressing the initial setting key 37 of the operation unit 30, an application or the like that is preferentially selected when there is no operation for a certain period of time, or a transition time to low power according to the International Energy Star plan is set. And a time for shifting to the auto-off / sleep mode can be set.

  When the preheating key 35 in FIG. 3 is pressed, the image forming apparatus shifts from the standby state to the power reduction state, and the fixing temperature is lowered or the display of the operation unit 30 is turned off. The preheating state means a low power state as referred to in the International Energy Star Program.

  In order to cancel the preheating state, the off state / sleep state, and shift to the standby state, the preheating key 35 is pressed again.

  By pressing the copy key 38, the copy function can be used. The copy server key 39 is used to edit existing stored image data (copy mode setting, printing, deletion). Details of the copy server will be described later.

  The scanner application key 41 is used when document data is stored in a storage device inside the apparatus, or when an input image read by a scanner, stored image data, or the like is transmitted to the outside.

  4 showing one display example of the liquid crystal display 31 of the operation unit 30 in FIG. 3, when the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal display 31 with a touch panel, the key is reversed in black and clearly indicates the selected function. . Further, when specifying the details of the function, a more detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key (for example, a scaling value or the like for the scaling key in FIG. 4). Thus, since the liquid crystal display 31 uses a dot display, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display according to the time.

  The display of the liquid crystal display 31 shown in FIG. 4 is a message area for displaying a message such as “Ready to copy” or “Please wait” in the upper center, and an automatic paper selection for automatically selecting a transfer sheet immediately below it. The key indicates the paper feed tray status corresponding to the number of paper feed trays, and a key for manually setting the paper feed tray is displayed for each paper feed tray. Below that, the same magnification key to set the magnification to the same magnification, the paper designation magnification key to set the magnification by specifying the paper, the magnification key to set the enlargement / reduction magnification, both sides to set the duplex mode Key, cover / interleaf key for setting the cover / interleaf mode, edit key for setting the binding margin mode, etc., connection mode key for printing out a large number of printing operations over a digital copier network, etc. Is provided.

  Further, in the upper right area of the liquid crystal display 31, a copy number display section for displaying the set number of copies, a sort key for designating processing for arranging copies in order of pages one by one immediately below, a process for sorting the copies for each page. A stack key for designating a stack key, a staple key for designating a process for binding the sorted parts one by one, and the like are provided.

(Control part)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit centering on the main controller of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The main controller 20 in FIG. 5 controls the entire image forming apparatus. The main controller 20 includes an operation unit 30 for performing display for an operator, function setting input control from the operator, control of a scanner, control for writing a document image in an image memory, control for image formation from the image memory, and the like. A distributed control device such as a processing unit (IPU) 49 and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 1 is connected. Each distributed control device and the main controller 20 exchange machine states and operation commands as necessary.

  The main controller 20 is connected to a main motor 25 and various clutches 21 to 24 necessary for paper conveyance. The main controller 20 is also connected with a network I / F 28 through which the image forming apparatus exchanges data via the network 280, and a memory card slot 29 through which an SD card is inserted from the outside to exchange data. Has been.

  Returning to FIG. 2 again, the document image reading process and the image writing process in the image forming apparatus will be described. The reading unit 50 shown in FIG. 2 includes a contact glass 6 on which an original is placed and an optical scanning system. Further, the optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically operated at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. In this way, the original image is finally read by the CCD image sensor 54 of the reading unit 50, converted into an electrical signal, and processed. The optical scanning system described above is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown).

  The writing unit 57 shown in FIG. 2 includes a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, a mirror 60, and the like. Inside the laser output unit 58, a laser diode as a laser light source and a motor are driven at a constant speed. A rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror) is provided. Then, the laser beam output from the writing unit 57 is directly applied to the photoconductor 15 that is an image forming system. Although not shown, a beam sensor for generating a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position where a laser beam near one end of the photoconductor 15 is irradiated.

(Image processing unit)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an image processing unit (IPU) in the control unit of FIG. Reflection of light emitted from the exposure lamp 51 shown in FIG. 2 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 54. In FIG. 6, the electrical signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 54 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 61, and after the image signal is subjected to shading correction by the shading correction unit 62, the MTF is converted. The MTF correction and the γ correction are performed by the γ correction unit 63.

  Thereafter, the selector 64 switches whether to supply the image data input via the print composition unit 71 to the scaling circuit 77 or to the image memory controller 65. The image signal that has passed through the scaling circuit 77 is enlarged / reduced in accordance with the scaling ratio, and sent to the writing unit 57. On the other hand, the image memory controller 65 and the selector 64 are configured to be able to input and output image signals in both directions.

  In addition to the image data input from the reading unit 50 to the IPU 49, image data supplied from the outside via the I / O port 67, for example, a personal computer or the like, although not specifically shown in FIG. It is assumed that a function of selecting input / output of a plurality of data is also provided so that data input from the data processing apparatus can be processed. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is connected to the network via an I / O port 67. As the communication means, it is conceivable to use a TCP / IP communication protocol that is widely used as a standard protocol of the Internet.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has a network configuration as shown in FIG. 1, and includes machine configuration information and operation status of each image forming apparatus connected to the network, or a control command such as a remote output command. , Send / receive image data and destination address book data to / from a setting command or an external server.

  Further, a CPU 68 for setting the image memory controller 65 or controlling the reading unit 50 and the writing unit 57, and a ROM 69, a RAM 70, an NV-RAM 74 and the like for storing those programs and data are provided. Further, the CPU 68 can write and read data to and from the image memory 66 via the image memory controller 65.

  The image sent to the image memory controller 65 as a document image is sent to the image memory 66 after the image data is compressed by an image compression device (not shown) in the image memory controller 65. The reason why the image is compressed is that data of 256 gradations corresponding to the maximum image size can be written in the image memory 66 as it is, but the amount of image memory used for one original image becomes very large. This is because the limited image memory can be effectively used by compressing the image.

  Also, by compressing the image, it is possible to store a large amount of document image data at a time, and the stored document image data can be output in page order as a sorting function. In this case, when the image is output, the data in the image memory 66 can be output while being sequentially expanded by using the expansion device in the memory controller 65. Such a function is generally called “electronic sort”. It is.

  Further, by using the function of the image memory 66, it is possible to sequentially read a plurality of document images into an area obtained by dividing the area of one transfer sheet in the image memory 66. For example, four original images are sequentially written in an area divided into four equal parts for one transfer paper in the image memory 66, whereby the four originals are combined into one transfer paper image and combined. An output can be obtained. Such a function is generally called “aggregate copy”. The image stored in the image memory 66 is accessible from the CPU 68. For this reason, it is possible to process the contents of the image memory 66, and for example, it is possible to perform image thinning processing, image clipping processing, or the like.

  When the contents of the image memory 66 are processed, the contents of the image memory 66 can be processed by writing data into the register of the memory controller 65. The processed image is held in the image memory 66 again. The image memory 66 is divided into a plurality of areas according to the size of the image data to be processed, and a configuration capable of simultaneously executing input / output of image data is employed. In order to be able to execute input and output of image data in parallel in each divided area, two sets of address and data lines for reading and writing are connected to the interface with the memory controller 65. Thereby, a parallel operation of outputting (reading) an image from the area 2 while inputting (writing) the image to the area 1 is possible. Of course, the image memory 66 may be provided with a separate hard disk (HD) 75 to store a large amount of image data. In addition, by using the HD 75, an external power source for holding data becomes unnecessary, and image data can be held permanently. In order to read and hold a plurality of standard originals (format originals) with a scanner, such an HD 75 is generally used.

  Furthermore, when the image data read by the scanner is distributed externally by e-mail, the HD75 is also used for performing a series of operations such as data encoding processing, storage of address books having distribution destination data, editing, and deletion. Has been.

  Further, image data is written and read out by temporarily storing it in the image memory 66 and processing it to absorb the difference in processing speed with respect to image formation on the main body and image writing from the scanner. Further, when sending image data from the HD 75 to the writing unit 57, the image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 66 and then sent to the writing unit 57. An image path is determined by the memory controller 65 for all input / output of image data when the scanner image from the image memory 66 for storing image data and the HD 75 is sent to the writing unit 57. As described above, the CPU 68 determines the input / output of image data, whereby the memory controller 65 connected to the CPU 68 can switch the flow of image data.

(Main controller)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the main controller of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the main controller 20 controls the entire image forming apparatus, and the connected control unit 30 inputs function settings from the operator, and displays setting information and the like to the operator. On the display. The image forming apparatus is connected to the network 280 via the network interface (I / F) 28 to exchange data. These control operations are performed using the CPU 72 and the non-volatile memory 73 in the main controller 20. For example, image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, fax machines, or multi-function machines that combine them are equipped with firmware as software that performs basic hardware processing. The service was being implemented. The nonvolatile memory 73 may be any rewritable memory that does not require a power source for holding data, and for example, a flash ROM can be used. Further, as the nonvolatile storage means, an SD card inserted into the memory card slot 29 can be used instead of the nonvolatile memory 73 shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the firmware version update process can be easily performed from the user side using the main controller 20. Firmware update processing is generally performed by a manufacturer's service. For this reason, the user cannot selectively activate a desired version of firmware, or the user himself / herself cannot perform firmware update processing without using a service. Therefore, in this embodiment, the update start detection means for detecting the start of the firmware update process, the CPU 72 as the firmware update means for performing the update process of the current firmware, and a copy of the current firmware, And a non-volatile memory 73 as a non-volatile recording medium for storing a different version of the firmware.

(LCD display)
8 is a diagram showing an example of a display image on the liquid crystal display when the copy server key of FIG. 3 is pressed, and FIG. 9 shows an example of a display image on the liquid crystal display when the scanner application key of FIG. 3 is pressed. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display image on the liquid crystal display when the reading condition key in FIG. 9 is pressed, and FIG. 11 is a display on the liquid crystal display when the stored document key in FIG. 9 is pressed. It is a figure which shows the example of an image. When editing the stored image in the copy server, the copy server key 39 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed. At this time, the display screen of the liquid crystal display 31 is as shown in FIG. 8, and each image information of the image data stored in the HD 75 is displayed in the display area 150. As the image information for specifying the image data, a user ID, a document name, the number of pages, an accumulation time, and the like are displayed.

  Since the user ID is added by the printer driver of the personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, it exists only in the stored image by the printer function. The document name is added every time image data is accumulated. The number of pages indicates the number of accumulated original images. Further, the accumulation time represents the time when the image data is accumulated.

  Since the image data at this time is held in the NV-RAM 74 (see FIG. 6) which is a nonvolatile memory, the image data continues to be held even when the power is turned off. Although only three pieces of image information are displayed in the display area 150 shown in FIG. 8, image data that is not displayed is also displayed by pressing the front key 151 and the rear key 152 in FIG. It is possible. When each image data displayed in the display area 150 is pressed, the image data display portion is reversed to black and is in a selected state. It is also possible to specify a plurality of image data as a selected state.

  As an editing function for the stored image, there are functions such as “delete from list”, “print condition change”, and “document print”. For example, the selected document can be deleted by selecting the document and pressing the delete key 153 from the list of FIG. Also, a document is selected, the print condition key 154 in FIG. 8 is pressed, the print condition is set on the displayed screen, and the print key 34 in FIG. 3 is pressed to select according to the specified print condition. The stored image of the document can be printed out.

  When transmitting image data read by the scanner or stored image data to the outside, when the scanner application key 41 in FIG. 3 is pressed, the image data is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 31 as shown in FIG. When the reading condition key 86 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed, the display changes to the display shown in FIG. 10, and the document type, resolution, document size, density, etc. can be set for the read image data of the document from the scanner. The reading conditions set here are displayed in a reading condition display field 80 shown in FIG.

  The transmission destination can directly input the destination by designating the user displayed in the registered user display field 81 or by pressing the direct input key and using the software keyboard. Here, when the document is set on the scanner and the print key 34 is pressed, the document can be read and transmitted as an electronic image to a desired destination. When the stored document key 82 in FIG. 9 is pressed, the display is changed to that shown in FIG. Here, a list of accumulated documents is displayed. 11 is selected from the documents displayed in FIG. 11, the address is set by returning to the scanner distribution basic screen in FIG. 9, and the distribution key 87 in FIG. Can be sent to the outside. In addition to the external transmission of the stored document, the stored document can be deleted by selecting the document shown in FIG. 11 and pressing the delete key 88.

(Operation)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the firmware update processing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the firmware update process of the image forming apparatus by the service is started. First, as shown in FIG. 7, when the service performs a firmware version update process using the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus, the CPU 72 detects this and determines that the firmware update process has started ( Step S100). In addition, the service starts the firmware update processing procedure, and at the same time inserts an SD card (not shown) in which the update firmware (Ver2) is recorded into the memory card slot 29.

  The CPU 72 copies and stores the current firmware (Ver1) to the nonvolatile memory 73, which is a nonvolatile recording medium (step S101). This is to enable the image forming apparatus to operate using the firmware of the version before the update after the firmware version is updated.

  Then, the CPU 72 updates the current firmware (Ver1) using the firmware (Ver2) recorded on the SD card (step S102). After the update process, the image forming apparatus is operated with the firmware (Ver2) (step S103). This completes the update process by the service.

  Subsequently, a firmware (Ver2) update process is performed by the user. At this time, the CPU 72 in FIG. 7 detects the firmware version update processing procedure when the user performs the firmware version update processing procedure using the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus, and determines that the firmware update processing has started (step S104). .

  The CPU 72 copies and stores the current firmware (Ver2) to the nonvolatile memory 73, which is a nonvolatile recording medium (step S105). This is because it is possible to return the firmware to the version before the update after the firmware version is updated.

  The CPU 72 updates the current firmware (Ver2) using the firmware (Ver1) stored in the nonvolatile memory 73 (step S106). After the update process, the image forming apparatus can be operated with the previous version of firmware (Ver1) (step S107), and the update process by the user ends.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, after the firmware version is updated by the service (Ver1 → Ver2), the user wants to operate the image forming apparatus using the original version firmware (Ver1). The user can update the firmware to the original version (Ver2 → Ver1) and operate it. For this reason, while reducing the work load of a service, the serviceability to a user can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the firmware update processing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the firmware update process of the image forming apparatus by the service is started. First, as shown in FIG. 7, when the service performs a firmware version update process using the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus, the CPU 72 detects this and determines that the firmware update process has started ( Step S200). Here, the service starts the firmware update processing procedure, and at the same time inserts an SD card (not shown) in which update firmware (Ver3) is recorded into the memory card slot 29.

  When copying the current firmware (Ver2) to the nonvolatile memory 73 that is a nonvolatile recording medium, the CPU 72 leaves the firmware (Ver1) if the firmware (Ver1) is already stored in the nonvolatile memory 73. The current firmware (Ver2) is copied and stored in the nonvolatile memory 73 (step S201). This is to make it possible to select a version to be updated again from a plurality of versions of firmware stored in the nonvolatile memory 73 after updating the current firmware version.

  Then, the CPU 72 updates the current firmware (Ver2) using the firmware (Ver3) recorded on the SD card (step S202). After the update process, the image forming apparatus is operated by firmware (Ver3) (step S203). This completes the update process by the service.

  Subsequently, a firmware (Ver3) update process is performed by the user. At this time, the CPU 72 in FIG. 7 detects this when the user performs a firmware version update processing procedure using the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus, and determines that the firmware update processing has started (step S204). .

  The CPU 72 copies and saves the current firmware (Ver3) to the nonvolatile memory 73 which is a nonvolatile recording medium. At that time, although the firmware (Ver1, Ver2) is already stored in the nonvolatile memory 73, it is left as it is without being overwritten, and the current firmware (Ver3) is copied and stored in the nonvolatile memory 73 ( Step S205). This is because the update process can be selectively performed from a plurality of firmware versions after the firmware version is updated.

  The CPU 72 updates the current firmware (Ver3) using the firmware (Ver1) stored in the nonvolatile memory 73 (step S206). After the update, the image forming apparatus can be operated with the firmware (Ver1) (step S207), and the update process by the user ends.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, after the firmware version is updated by the service (Ver2 → Ver3), the firmware (Ver1) stored by the user in the nonvolatile memory 73 different from the original version is stored. If you want to operate the image forming device by using it, select the version to update from among multiple firmware versions without calling the service (Ver1), update the current firmware (Ver3), and then operate it be able to. For this reason, while reducing the work load of a service, the serviceability to a user can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the firmware update processing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, in FIG. 14, a firmware storage process for storing new firmware in the image forming apparatus is started by the service. As shown in FIG. 7, the service uses the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus to store a firmware (Ver2) of a version different from the current firmware (Ver1) in the nonvolatile memory 73 that is a nonvolatile recording medium ( Step S300). At this time, the service inserts an SD card (not shown) in which firmware (Ver2) of a version different from the current one is recorded in advance into the memory card slot 29 of FIG. Then, when the service starts a new firmware storing process using the operation unit 30, the CPU 72 stores the firmware (Ver 2) recorded on the SD card via the memory card slot 29 in the nonvolatile memory 73.

  After the storage process, the image forming apparatus is operated with the current firmware (Ver1) (step S301). This completes the storage process by the service. The reason why firmware different from the current firmware version can be stored in advance is that the user can freely update the firmware of the image forming apparatus.

  Thereafter, the firmware (Ver3) update process is performed by the user. When the user starts the firmware version update processing procedure using the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus, the CPU 72 in FIG. 7 detects this and determines that the firmware update processing has started (step S302).

  Here, the CPU 72 copies and stores the current firmware (Ver1) to the nonvolatile memory 73 that is a nonvolatile recording medium (step S303). Accordingly, two types of firmware (Ver1, Ver2) are stored in the nonvolatile memory 73.

  Then, the CPU 72 updates the current firmware (Ver1) using the firmware (Ver2) in the nonvolatile memory 73 (step S304). After the update, the image forming apparatus can be operated using the new version of firmware (Ver2) (step S305), and the update process by the user is completed.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, a new version of firmware is stored in the nonvolatile memory 73 in the image forming apparatus without updating the version of the firmware on which the service is currently operating. If the user wants to operate the image forming device using a firmware version (Ver2) that is different from the current firmware (Ver1), the current firmware version (Ver2) is used instead of calling the service. Firmware (Ver1) can be updated and operated. Therefore, the service workload can be reduced, and the user can freely update the firmware, thereby improving the serviceability to the user.

  In the above-described embodiment, firmware having a version different from the current firmware is fetched from the SD card or the like and the update process is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and new firmware is obtained from the network 280 via the network I / F 28. It is also possible to download and implement.

  Further, the firmware update method for the image forming apparatus as described above is created as a program executable on a computer and installed in the memory of the image forming apparatus, or the program is recorded on a compact disc (CD) or the like. It can be recorded on a medium and distributed, or downloaded via a network.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the firmware update method for the image forming apparatus, and the program for causing the computer to execute the method include, for example, a copier, a printer, a fax machine, or a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus equipped with firmware. It is suitable for an image forming apparatus that can easily perform firmware update processing such as the above, a firmware update method for the image forming apparatus, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.

1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a network system in which an image forming apparatus of the present invention is connected to a network. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the liquid crystal display of the operation part of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit centering on a main controller of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an image processing unit in the control unit of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main controller in FIG. 5. It is a figure which shows the example of a display image of a liquid crystal display when the copy server key of FIG. 3 is pressed down. It is a figure which shows the example of a display image of a liquid crystal display when the scanner application key of FIG. 3 is pressed down. It is a figure which shows the example of a display image of a liquid crystal display when the reading condition key of FIG. 9 is pressed down. It is a figure which shows the example of a display image of a liquid crystal display when the stored document key of FIG. 9 is pressed. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a firmware update processing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; 10 is a flowchart for explaining a firmware update processing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a firmware update processing operation of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Automatic document feeder (ADF)
2 Document platen 3 Feed roller 4 Feed belt 5 Discharge roller 6 Contact glass 8 1st tray 9 2nd tray 10 3rd tray 11 1st sheet feeder 12 2nd sheet feeder 13 3rd sheet feeder 14 Vertical Conveying unit 15 Photoconductor 16 Conveying belt 17 Fixing unit 18 Discharging unit 20 Main controller 21 Intermediate clutch 22 First paper feeding clutch 23 Second paper feeding clutch 24 Third paper feeding clutch 25 Main motor 26 Conveying motor 27 Developing unit 28 Network I / F
29 Memory Card Slot 30 Operation Unit 31 Liquid Crystal Display 32 Numeric Keypad 33 Clear / Stop Key 34 Print Key 35 Preheat Key 36 Reset Key 37 Initial Setting Key 38 Copy Key 39 Copy Server Key 41 Scanner Application Key 49 Image Processing Unit (IPU)
50 Reading Unit 51 Exposure Lamp 52 First Mirror 53 Lens 54 CCD Image Sensor 55 Second Mirror 56 Third Mirror 57 Writing Unit 58 Laser Output Unit 59 Imaging Lens 60 Mirror 61 A / D Converter 62 Shading Correction Unit 63 MTF / γ Correction unit 64 Selector 65 Image memory controller 66 Image memory 67 I / O port 68 CPU
69 ROM
70 RAM
71 Print composition unit 72 CPU
73 Nonvolatile memory 74 NV-RAM
75 Hard disk (HD)
76 Print image data generator (print unit)
77 Scaling Circuit 80 Reading Condition Display Field 81 Registered User Display Field 82 Accumulated Document Key 86 Reading Condition Key 87 Distribution Key 88 Delete Key 100 Finisher 101 Switching Plate 102 Normal Discharge Roller 103 Conveyance Roller 104 Discharge Tray 105,107 Conveyance Roller 106 Stapler 108 Staple table 109 Jogger 110 Staple completed paper discharge tray 111 Double-sided transport unit 112 Reversing unit 113 Double-sided paper feed path 114 Reversed paper-feed transport path 150 Display area 151 Back key 152 Back key 153 Delete key from list 154 Print condition Key 200 Image forming apparatus 210 Client PC
220 SMTP server 230 FTP server 240 Client PC
250 server PC
260 Modem 270 Fax 280 Network

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus equipped with firmware,
Update start detection means for detecting the start of firmware update processing;
When detecting the start of the update process by the update start detection means, a nonvolatile recording medium for storing a copy of the current firmware,
Firmware update means for performing update processing of the current firmware, and after updating the current firmware, the current firmware is newly updated using the firmware stored in the nonvolatile recording medium. Forming equipment. When copying a copy of the current firmware to the non-volatile recording medium, the firmware that has already been saved is copied as it is,
2. When updating the current firmware using the firmware stored in the nonvolatile recording medium, a desired firmware is selected from a plurality of firmwares and updated. Image forming apparatus.   The non-volatile recording medium stores firmware of a version different from the current firmware, and updates the current firmware using the firmware stored in the non-volatile recording medium. Image forming apparatus. A firmware update method for an image forming apparatus equipped with firmware,
An update start detection step for detecting the start of the firmware update process;
When detecting the start of the firmware update process, a firmware storage step for storing a copy of the current firmware in a nonvolatile recording medium;
A firmware update step for updating the current firmware, and after the current firmware is updated, the current firmware is newly updated using the firmware stored in the non-volatile recording medium. Firmware update method for forming apparatus.   A program for causing a computer to execute the firmware update method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

Images