Image processing device, image processing method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a storage medium. An image processing apparatus is provided with a module that holds identification information that can specify a subscriber who has contracted for a specific mobile communication. The image processing apparatus: if software needs to be updated, provides a message that indicates a predetermined time slot and that the image processing apparatus must be in a state in which the specific mobile communication can be used to download software for the update, and downloads the software for the update in the predetermined time slot using the specific mobile communication. The predetermined time slot is at least a portion of a time slot determined in dependence on the contract for the specific mobile communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device, an image processing method and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Information processing devices such as smart phones and portable terminals released in recent years can access the Internet through the operator network by means of a SIM card installed in the device. Here, "SIM" is an abbreviation for "subscriber identity module". Therefore, even in an environment where the Internet is not equipped or the device itself is not connected to the Internet, the Internet can be easily accessed. For example, due to security issues or errors (bugs) in firmware or applications (hereinafter collectively referred to as software), it may be necessary to update the software. In this case, the software of the information processing device can be kept up to date by obtaining and applying information about software updates via the operator network. If a security problem or error occurs, it is preferable to update the software as soon as possible. Therefore, it is possible to consider updating the software at the application appointment time as in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. H10-289146 or updating the software before the power of the information processing device is about to be cut off.

[0003] On the other hand, telecommunications companies that provide SIM cards, known as carriers, often adopt strategies such as reducing communication charges during late-night time slots when the carrier network is not frequently used in order to increase the number of customer contracts.

[0004] If a firmware update is necessary due to a security issue or software error as described above, the manufacturer may be required to bear the communication costs. To minimize these costs, software updates should be performed during late-night hours, when communication costs are low. However, depending on the information processing device, power may not be turned on during these hours. Furthermore, using the technology described in Japanese Patent Publication No. H10-289146, the software is updated at the moment the user turns off the power, thus failing to reduce communication costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and provides an image processing apparatus that updates software while suppressing the communication cost burden on manufacturers.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to the present invention, there is provided an image processing device, which is provided with a module for maintaining identification information, and the identification information is capable of specifying a subscriber who has signed a contract for a specific mobile communication. The image processing device includes: a providing unit, which is configured to: if the software needs to be updated, provide a message indicating a predetermined time slot and that the image processing device must be in a state in which the specific mobile communication can be used to download the software for the update; and a control unit, which is configured to download the software for the update in the predetermined time slot using the specific mobile communication, wherein the predetermined time slot is at least a part of the time slot determined depending on the contract for the specific mobile communication.

[0007] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a software updating system.

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus.

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of a server and an image forming apparatus.

[0011] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4C is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI of the image forming apparatus.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a sequence of overall processing of the software updating system.

[0013] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating a software update flow for an image forming apparatus.

[0014] Figure 7 1 is a diagram illustrating a flow of power-off processing of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 1 is a diagram illustrating a software update flow of the image forming apparatus in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments, image forming device 102 will be described as an example of an image processing device used in a software updating system. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the appended claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to achieving the present invention. Identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals and symbols, and therefore their description will not be repeated.

[0017] [First embodiment]

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a software updating system. The software updating system in this embodiment includes a software management server 101 (hereinafter referred to as a management server) that provides services on the Internet. Furthermore, the software updating system includes an image forming device 102 that obtains software from the management server 101 via a carrier network.

[0019] The management server 101 is a server for managing software to be applied to the image forming apparatus 102. The term "software" refers to firmware or applications that can be applied to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0020] The management server 101 provides software in response to an acquisition request from the image forming apparatus 102. Meanwhile, the software managed by the management server 101 is not limited to firmware or applications, and may include software setting values ​​and the like.

[0021] Image forming device 102 is a multifunction machine that integrates multiple functions, such as a scanner, printer, fax machine, and file transfer functions, into a copier. By applying software managed by management server 101, image forming device 102 can enable functions that are initially unavailable or additional functions based on application. Furthermore, image forming device 102 has a SIM card installed and can access management server 101 on the Internet via a carrier network. In other words, image forming device 102 in this embodiment serves as an example of an image processing device equipped with a module that stores identification information that can specify subscribers who have signed a specific mobile communication contract.

[0022] Figure 2 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102. The image forming apparatus 102 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a reading device 203, a printing device 204, a storage device 205, a user input device 206, a UI display device 207, a network device 208, and a host bus 200.

[0023] The CPU 201 controls each process in the present embodiment. The RAM 202 provides a work area for the CPU 201. The reading device 203 reads an image. The printing device 204 prints an image. The storage device 205 (which can be an HDD, an NVRAM, or the like) stores programs or various setting values. The user input device 206 is a device for a user to input a command. The UI display device 207 displays a screen. The network device 208 communicates with other devices through a network. The main bus 200 connects each component.

[0024] The network device 208 can connect to the Internet through an operator network through a SIM card built in the image forming apparatus 102, and can access, for example, the management server 101. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the image forming apparatus 102 is configured so that the CPU 201 controls various devices through the main bus 200. Further, the UI display device 207 can also function as the user input device 206, such as a touch panel display.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the server and the image forming apparatus. The software update system is constituted by the management server 101 and the image forming apparatus 102. Meanwhile, the hardware configuration of the management server 101 is the same as that of a general computer, and thus a description thereof will be omitted. Figure 3 Each functional unit illustrated in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU of the management server 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 each having, by executing a control program.

[0026] The management server 101 is a server that manages software of the image forming apparatus 102, and includes a device management unit 300, a SIM information management unit 301, a content management unit 302, a UI control unit 303, and a communication unit 304.

[0027] The device management unit 300 manages information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses 102 connected to the management server 101. Table A illustrates an example of device information managed by the device management unit 300.

[0028] Table A

[0029]

[0030] Table A is a device information table managed by the SIM information management unit 301 of the management server 101. In the device information table, a device ID, firmware information, application information, and a SIM contract are managed.

[0031] The device ID is an identifier for uniquely specifying the image forming apparatus 102. The device ID is, for example, a serial number of the image forming apparatus 102. Meanwhile, the device ID may be a universally unique identifier (UUID) or the like as long as the image forming apparatus 102 can be specified.

[0032] The firmware information is information such as version information about firmware applied to the image forming apparatus 102 .

[0033] The application information is information about applications installed in the image forming apparatus 102. Examples of the stored application information include application names, application version information, etc. Meanwhile, without being limited thereto, an identifier for specifying an application, such as an application ID, may be managed together with the application information.

[0034] The SIM contract is information about the type of contract that allows the SIM card installed in image forming device 102 to communicate. The SIM contract can be managed as a single contract for each carrier that provides the SIM card, or it can be multiple contracts for each carrier. The contract information managed by the SIM contract is the master key of the SIM contract information table, which will be described later in SIM information management unit 301. While the SIM contract in Table A is represented by a short string, this is not limited to this, and a key such as a UUID can also be used. In this manner, the SIM in this embodiment is an example of a specific mobile object, and the SIM contract is an example of a contract for specific mobile communications.

[0035] The information managed in Table A is assumed to be registered when the image forming apparatus 102 is delivered to the user, but the information is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the information managed in the device information table is not limited to the items in Table A, and the number of items can be increased or decreased as needed. For example, the model information of the image forming apparatus 102 can be managed.

[0036] Will describe again Figure 3 The SIM information management unit 301 manages information about the SIM installed in the image forming apparatus 102. Table B shows an example of SIM management information managed by the SIM information management unit 301.

[0037] Table B

[0038]

[0039] Table B is a SIM information table managed by the SIM information management unit 301 of the management server 101. In the SIM information table, SIM contract, area information, midnight time (start), and midnight time (end) are managed.

[0040] The SIM contract is information on a kind of contract that allows the SIM card installed in the image forming apparatus 102 to communicate. The SIM contract can be managed as one contract of each operator that provides the SIM card, or can be multiple contracts of each operator. Meanwhile, the SIM contract in Table B is represented by a short string, but is not limited thereto, and a key such as a UUID can be used.

[0041] The region information is information indicating with which region operator in the world the SIM is contracted.

[0042] The midnight time (start) is the start time of the midnight charge in the case where the operator sets the communication cost to be low as the midnight charge in the SIM contract. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, it is described in 24-hour system. In addition, if the midnight time (start) is managed, it is managed in local time according to the region managed by the region information.

[0043] The midnight time (end) is the end time of the midnight charge in the case where the operator sets the communication cost to be low as the midnight charge in the SIM contract. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, it is described in 24-hour system. In addition, if the midnight time (end) is managed, it is managed in local time according to the region managed by the region information.

[0044] The example of Table B shows that the operator that provides the contract of the D plan sets the midnight two o'clock to six o'clock as the midnight time slot and provides the communication cost at a low price. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the midnight time (start) and the midnight time (end) are managed in 24-hour system, but are not limited thereto, and they can also be managed in 12-hour system. In addition, the information managed in the SIM information table is not limited to the items in Table B, and the number of items can be increased or decreased as needed. For example, the midnight time (start) and the midnight time (end) can be managed as the midnight time slot in one item.

[0045] Meanwhile, the midnight time slot in the present embodiment is an example of a predetermined time slot in which the communication cost is lower than that of other time slots among a plurality of time slots determined depending on the contract of the specific mobile communication, and more specifically, an example of a midnight charge time slot.

[0046] The content management unit 302 will be described again Figure 3 . The content management unit 302 manages the firmware or the application (hereinafter, generally referred to as software) that can be applied to the image forming apparatus 102. The content management unit 302 stores the entity of the software in the storage device 205 of the management server 101. Meanwhile, the storage device 205 accessed by the content management unit 302 can be an HDD, an NVRAM, or the like in the management server 101, or can be in an external storage device separate from the management server 101. Table C shows an example of the data managed by the content management unit 302.

[0047] Table C

[0048]

[0049] Table C is a content information table managed by the content management unit 302 of the management server 101. The content information table is composed of a content ID, a type, a version, and a file name.

[0050] The content ID is an identifier for uniquely specifying each file managed by the content management unit 302. The content ID is issued after being associated with the file during content registration. The content ID can be defined by a UUID or the like.

[0051] The type is an item indicating what type of content is managed by the content management unit 302. In Table C, firmware or application is stored. Meanwhile, the type of content is not limited to the example of Table C, and may be a type such as a setting value, for example.

[0052] The version indicates which version the target content has if a version has been assigned to the content.

[0053] The file name is the file name of the content managed in the content information table. The file name can be registered with any character string and any extension. In the example of Table C, a ZIP format file of content type + version or content ID + version is registered. However, this is not limited to this, and the string portion can also be year, month, day, hour, minute, and second, or the file format can be other than a compressed file.

[0054] Although the content information table has been described in the items in Table C in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, and the number of items can be increased or decreased as needed. For example, there may be update date and time of the content, etc.

[0055] Will describe again Figure 3 The UI control unit 303 is a functional unit in which the management server 101 provides a screen for device registration (not shown), a screen for content registration (not shown), and a screen for adding or deleting a SIM contract or the like (not shown).

[0056] The communication unit 304 communicates with the outside world via the image forming apparatus 102 or a network. For example, the communication unit 304 receives a software update confirmation request or the like from the image forming apparatus 102 via the carrier network and transmits the request to the device management unit 300. Furthermore, the communication unit 304 receives a software acquisition request from the image forming apparatus 102 and transmits a request to acquire target content to the content management unit 302.

[0057] The image forming apparatus 102 has a software management function 350 for performing update confirmation of software or acquisition and application of software with respect to the management server 101. The software management function 350 includes a communication unit 351, a UI control unit 352, and a processing unit 353.

[0058] The communication unit 351 communicates with the management server 101 via an operator network through the network device 208.

[0059] If the management server 101 notifies that software needs to be updated, the UI control unit 352 displays an update notification screen 400 (see FIG. 4). The update notification screen 400 will be described later. If the software needs to be updated, the UI control unit 352 provides a message indicating a scheduled time slot and that the software for the update must be in a state where it can be downloaded using a SIM card. Thus, the UI control unit 352 in this embodiment is an example of a providing unit configured to provide such a message. Figure 4A ). The update notification screen 400 will be described later. If the software needs to be updated, the UI control unit 352 provides a message indicating a scheduled time slot and that the software for the update must be in a state where it can be downloaded using a SIM card. Thus, the UI control unit 352 in this embodiment is an example of a providing unit configured to provide such a message.

[0060] Here, examples of the state where it can be downloaded include a state where the power of the image forming apparatus 102 is turned on, a state where a communication mode using a specific mobile communication is enabled, and a state where a module is not removed from the image forming apparatus 102. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0061] The processing unit 353 periodically confirms whether or not the software is updated to the management server 101 through the communication unit 351. If the software is updated, the software acquisition time is acquired from the management server 101 through the communication unit 351, and the UI control unit 303 is instructed to display the update notification screen 400.

[0062] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C are diagrams exemplifying examples of a UI of an image forming apparatus. Figure 4A is an example of the update notification screen 400 displayed in the image forming apparatus 102 in the first embodiment. The update notification screen 400 is composed of an update message unit 401, an update time display unit 402, and an OK button 403.

[0063] The update message unit 401 is a functional unit that notifies the user that the software has been updated and that the power of the image forming apparatus 102 remains on for the update.

[0064] The update time display unit 402 is a functional unit that displays a late-night time slot in which the communication fee of the SIM acquired from the management server 101 is low, through the communication unit 351. In the late-night time slot, for example, the late-night time (start) and the late-night time (end) in Table B are acquired and displayed.

[0065] The OK button 403 is a button for closing the displayed update notification screen 400. If the user confirms the update notification from the image forming apparatus 102, the user presses the OK button 403.

[0066] Meanwhile, since Figure 4A The update notification screen 400 shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and the number of functional units and the like can be increased or decreased as needed. For example, there can be a list display unit that displays a list of software to be updated and the like. In addition, although the description is made based on the assumption that the update notification screen 400 is displayed on the UI display device 207 of the image forming apparatus 102 in the present embodiment, it is not limited thereto, and a screen prepared by a built-in Web server (not shown) can be displayed on a browser.

[0067] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the order of the overall processing in the software update system. Figure 5 The processing shown in FIG. 4 is managed by the processing unit 353 of the image forming apparatus 102 using an internal timer or time, and is periodically executed.

[0068] If it is time to confirm software update, the image forming apparatus 102 issues a request for software update confirmation to the management server 101 (S500). When the request is issued, the image forming apparatus 102 transmits a device ID for specifying itself and software information applied to itself. If the update confirmation request is received, the management server 101 transmits the request to the device management unit 300 through the communication unit 304. The device management unit 300 inquires the content management unit 302 of the latest version of software applied to the image forming apparatus 102 based on the update confirmation request (S501). If there is software to be updated thereafter, the fact that there is software update is returned to the image forming apparatus 102 together with the software to be updated. Meanwhile, at this time, a content ID and the like to be acquired can be returned as information on the software to be updated.

[0069] The image forming apparatus 102 that receives the fact that there is update requests the late-night time as the update time from the management server 101 (S502). Meanwhile, in order to specify the image forming apparatus 102 as the request source even when the late-night time is requested, a device ID is transmitted together.

[0070] The management server 101 that received the midnight time acquisition request transmits the request to the device management unit 300 through the communication unit 304. The device management unit 300 confirms the SIM contract of the target device based on the device ID of the midnight time acquisition request (S503). Next, the device management unit 300 acquires the midnight time (start) and the midnight time (end) corresponding to the SIM contract from the SIM information management unit 301 (S504), and returns the acquired midnight time to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0071] The image forming apparatus 102 that received the midnight time performs a software update reservation in its own device (S505). The software update processing reserved in S505 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6. Meanwhile, the update time of the update reservation at this time can be managed in, for example, the processing unit 353, or can be managed using an internal timer of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0072] Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 102 instructs the UI control unit 352 to display the update notification screen 400. Meanwhile, the time slot displayed through the update time display unit 402 is the midnight time acquired in S504.

[0073] The above is the software update confirmation processing of the software update system in the present embodiment. Meanwhile, although it has been described in the present embodiment that the own software information is transmitted during the update request, only the management server 101 needs to be able to determine the software information of the image forming apparatus 102 during the update confirmation, and is not limited thereto. For example, a method of transmitting the software information to the management server 101 separately from the update confirmation processing or a method of transmitting only the change point each time there is a change can be used. Furthermore, although it has been described in the present embodiment that the display of the midnight time slot in the image forming apparatus 102, it is not limited thereto, and the management server 101 or the image forming apparatus 102 can determine the time within the range of the midnight time slot and transmit the execution time, for example.

[0074] Figure 6A And Figure 6B is a diagram illustrating the software update flow of the image forming apparatus 102. Figure 6A The software update flow of the image forming apparatus 102 in the first embodiment is shown. The processing shown in Figure 6A is performed by the processing unit 353 of the image forming apparatus 102 using the time for the update reservation or the internal timer. Figure 5 is performed in S505 of

[0075] S600 is a process of determining whether the image forming apparatus 102 has received an internal event when the update reservation time has arrived. If a software update is received in the internal event, the process shifts to S601, and if the event is not a software update, the process ends.

[0076] S601 is a process of acquiring software to be updated from the management server 101. When acquiring software to be updated, the software is identified and acquired using the content ID registered during update reservation.

[0077] S602 is a process of applying the acquired software to the image forming apparatus 102. Meanwhile, if there are multiple software programs to be updated, the software programs may be collectively acquired in S601 and collectively applied in S602. Alternatively, the acquisition and update processes of S601 and S602 may be repeated as many times as the number of software programs.

[0078] In the above, according to the present embodiment, if software needs to be updated, the software of the image forming apparatus can be updated while suppressing the manufacturer's communication cost by using the late night time slot where communication charges are low.

[0079] [Second embodiment]

[0080] In the first embodiment, a software update method for an image forming device has been described. This method reduces the manufacturer's communication costs by restricting software updates to late-night time slots, when communication costs are low, and notifying the user to turn on the power during the target time slot. However, in this first embodiment, since the user is only notified to perform the update late at night, there is a possibility that the power will be turned off. In this case, software with security issues or serious errors cannot be updated.

[0081] Therefore, in this embodiment, a method of providing importance to software updates and enabling software with high importance to be updated as much as possible will be described. Meanwhile, in the second embodiment, descriptions of drawings having the same configuration and the same contents as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only drawings having different features will be described.

[0082] Table D shows an example of data managed by the content management unit 302 .

[0083] Table D

[0084]

[0085] Table D is a content information table managed by the content management unit 302 of the management server 101. In Table D, importance is added in addition to the information in Table C. Meanwhile, in the description of each column in Table D, the same contents as in Table C will be omitted.

[0086] The importance degree indicates how much each file managed by the content management unit 302 is to be updated. For example, in the case of coping with serious errors or security problems and applying them as soon as possible, the importance degree is set to high. On the other hand, in the case of optional updates in updates such as addition of new functions or coping with small errors, the importance degree is set to low. Meanwhile, in Table D, the importance degree is only high or low, but is not limited thereto, and for example, a plurality of levels can be prepared, and the importance degree can be finely assigned depending on the content.

[0087] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a power-off processing flow of the image forming apparatus 102 in the second embodiment. The power-off processing is a processing performed by pressing a power button (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 102 in a power-on state.

[0088] S700 is a processing of determining whether the image forming apparatus 102 has a software update reservation or, if there is an update reservation, whether it includes an update reservation with a high importance degree. If there is a software update reservation with a high importance degree, the processing is transferred to S701, and if there is no software update reservation or the importance degree of the update reservation is not high, the processing is transferred to S702.

[0089] S701 is a determination processing in the case where there is a reservation of a software update with a high importance degree, and determines whether the user has performed a specific operation for shutting down the image forming apparatus 102. Examples of the specific operation include an operation of pressing the power button for ten seconds or more continuously, an operation of pressing other hard keys in order before pressing the power button, an operation of pressing the power button and another button at the same time, and the like. If the specific operation is performed, the processing is transferred to S702 and shut down. On the other hand, if the specific operation is not performed, the processing ends without shutting down.

[0090] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the CPU 201 serves as an example of a power operation unit configured to determine an operation of turning on and off the power (power-on and power-off operation) of the image forming apparatus 102. The setting of the specific operation can be set in advance, but is not limited thereto, and the UI control unit 352 can display a setting screen and the user can set the specific operation on the setting screen. Thereafter, the CPU 201 determines whether the user has performed the specific operation.

[0091] S702 is a shut down processing for turning off the power of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0092] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the CPU 201 serves as an example of a power operation unit configured to determine an operation of turning on and off the power (power-on and power-off operation) of the image forming apparatus 102. The setting of the specific operation can be set in advance, but is not limited thereto, and the UI control unit 352 can display a setting screen and the user can set the specific operation on the setting screen. Thereafter, the CPU 201 determines whether the user has performed the specific operation. Figure 7If a high-importance update exists in the processing flow, the processing flow ends as is unless a specific operation is performed, but the user can be notified of the presence of a high-importance software update. In addition, although the power supply of the main body of the image forming apparatus 102 cannot be turned off, the display of the UI display device 207 can be turned off or switched to a power saving mode with low power consumption.

[0093] In the above, according to the present embodiment, by making it difficult to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the importance of software update, software with high importance can be updated more often.

[0094] [Third embodiment]

[0095] In the first and second embodiments, by telling the user to keep the power on or making it difficult to turn off the power if there is a software update, software can be updated more frequently during late night hours. However, since both the first and second embodiments include a unit configured to turn off the power, it is difficult to update the software during late night hours.

[0096] Therefore, in this embodiment, a unit configured to download software in the late night time slot even when the power is turned off will be described. Meanwhile, in the third embodiment, descriptions of drawings having the same configuration and the same contents as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and only drawings having different features will be described.

[0097] Figure 6B The software update flow of the image forming apparatus 102 in this embodiment is shown. Figure 6B The processing shown in FIG is executed by the processing unit 353 of the image forming apparatus 102 at a time reserved for the update or at a time determined using an internal timer. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, some devices such as the storage device 205 of the image forming apparatus 102 and the network device 208 including a SIM card can be operated by a power source (not shown) separate from the power source of the main body. For example, the main body can ensure power supply using a power supply cable, but if power supply cannot be ensured, the storage device 205 and the network device 208 perform the update processing using a built-in battery or the like.

[0098] In this manner, in this embodiment, there are at least two power sources. That is, there are at least a first power source that operates the main body of the image forming apparatus 102 using a power cable, and a second power source such as a battery that is a power source different from the first power source and operates the processing unit 353 of the software management function 350.

[0099] Figure 6B S620 to S622 in Figure 6A S600 to S602 in are the same, so their description will be omitted.

[0100] S623 is a process of confirming whether the power of the image forming apparatus 102 is off, i.e., whether the image forming apparatus 102 including the SIM card is operated by another power source such as a battery. In S623, if the power is on, the process shifts to S622, and if the battery is driven, the process shifts to S624.

[0101] In S624, the software is not immediately updated, and a process of making a reservation for an update at the time of startup of the software only is executed. The process of making a reservation for an update at the time of startup of the software is a process of making a reservation for an update so as to update the software at the time of startup of the image forming apparatus 102, i.e., at the time of turning on the power. With this process, the software can be updated at the time of turning on the power.

[0102] Meanwhile, in Figure 6B In S624, the software is not immediately updated, and a process of making a reservation for an update at the time of startup of the software only is executed. The process of making a reservation for an update at the time of startup of the software is a process of making a reservation for an update so as to update the software at the time of startup of the image forming apparatus 102, i.e., at the time of turning on the power. With this process, the software can be updated at the time of turning on the power.

[0103] In the foregoing, according to the present embodiment, even if the power is turned off, only the device required for the process of acquiring the software is driven by the battery, and thus the process of acquiring the software only can be executed at the midnight time slot.

[0104] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0105] In the first to third embodiments, a method of acquiring the start and end times of the midnight time managed by the management server 101 as fixed values and acquiring the software in the midnight time slot in which the communication fee is low has been described. However, the midnight time slot is a value set by the carrier that provides the SIM card, and can be changed at the carrier's convenience. In this case, since the operation is executed at the time before the change, it becomes impossible to update the software in the time slot in which the communication fee is low. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a system that can cope even in the case where the carrier changes the midnight time slot will be described. Meanwhile, in the fourth embodiment, the description of the drawings having the same configuration and the same content as in the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and only the drawings having the differences will be described.

[0106] Table E shows an example of the SIM management information managed by the SIM information management unit 301.

[0107] Table E

[0108]

[0109] Table E is a SIM information table managed by SIM information management unit 301 of management server 101, and manages SIM contracts, regional information, late night time (start), late night time (end), and information sources. In the description of each column in Table E, the same items as in Table B are omitted.

[0110] The information source manages a uniform resource locator (URL) that can obtain information about late-night time slots prepared by the operator providing the SIM card. The URL is, for example, an application programming interface (API) on the operator side, and information about late-night time slots can be easily obtained by selecting the API.

[0111] Figure 8 This figure illustrates the software update process for image forming apparatus 102 in the fourth embodiment. Late-night time update processing is periodically performed by SIM information management unit 301. The update process only requires detection of changes in the carrier's late-night hours. For example, an update event can be sent from the carrier, and this can be used as a trigger to confirm the update time.

[0112] S800 is a process of determining whether the SIM information management unit 301 has reached the periodic time of the late night time update process. If the update time has been reached, the process shifts to S801, and if not, the process ends.

[0113] S801 is a process in which the SIM information management unit 301 confirms the midnight time of the operator based on the information source managed in the SIM information table.

[0114] S802 is a process in which the SIM information management unit 301 compares the midnight time (start) and the midnight time (end) managed in the SIM information table with the time acquired in S801 and determines whether there is a change. If there is a change, the process shifts to S803, and if there is no change, the process ends.

[0115] S803 is a process in which the SIM information management unit 301 updates the midnight time (start) and the midnight time (end) managed in the SIM information table to new values. This update process can cope with even the case where the operator changes the midnight time slot.

[0116] At the same time, Figure 8 In this example, only the values ​​in the SIM information table are updated. However, depending on the time of the midnight update, the image forming apparatus 102 may have already been scheduled. Therefore, after the management information is updated, the software management function 350 of the image forming apparatus 102 can be notified of the change and the update schedule can be changed as needed.

[0117] According to the present embodiment, the management server's midnight time slot is periodically updated or updated when the operator updates the midnight time slot. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 102 software can be updated after the operator's midnight time slot is changed.

[0118] [Fifth embodiment]

[0119] In the first to fourth embodiments, a method has been described in which software is acquired during a late-night time slot when communication costs are low using a late-night time slot managed by the management server 101. However, some users may have to perform updates during the daytime rather than late at night. Therefore, in this embodiment, a system will be described in which communication costs are borne by the user (customer) and software can be updated outside of a late-night time slot. Meanwhile, in the fifth embodiment, descriptions of the drawings having the same configuration and the same contents as those in the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted, and only drawings having differences will be described.

[0120] Figure 4B 1 shows an example of the update notification screen 420 of the image forming apparatus 102 in this embodiment. The update notification screen 420 is composed of an update message unit 421, an update time display unit 422, an OK button 423, and a detail setting button 424. Figure 4B 420 to 423 and Figure 4A 400 to 403 are the same, so their description will be omitted.

[0121] The detailed setting button 424 is a button to be pressed if it is desired to edit the late night time slot shown on the update time display unit 422. If the detailed setting button 424 is pressed, the Figure 4C You can set any update time. Figure 4C If any update time is set in the display unit 422, the value of the update time display unit 422 is updated.

[0122] Figure 4C 4 is an example of a time change screen 440 displayed when the detail setting button 424 is pressed. The time change screen 440 is composed of a download time setting unit 441, a message display unit 442, an application time setting unit 443, an OK button 444, and a cancel button 445.

[0123] Download time setting unit 441 is configured to set the time (download time) for downloading software updates. In download time setting unit 441, the start time of the late-night time slot managed by management server 101 is set as an initial value. While the initial value is used to indicate the start time, this is not a limitation. Management server 101 or image forming apparatus 102 may determine a time within the late-night time slot and transmit the execution time, for example.

[0124] The message display unit 442 displays a predetermined message when the time is changed by the download time setting unit 441 and is outside the range of the late night time slot. The message display unit 442 displays the communication cost in the case of performing the setting outside the late night time slot as the predetermined message, for example, Figure 4C As in the example.

[0125] The application time setting unit 443 is a functional unit for setting the time (application time) for applying the updated software. The same value as that of the download time setting unit 441 is displayed as the initial value, indicating that the download is executed as soon as it is completed.

[0126] OK button 444 is a button for confirming changes in download time setting unit 441 and application time setting unit 443. If OK button 444 is pressed, UI control unit 352 sets processing unit 353 to download the software using the value of download time setting unit 441. Similarly, the application time of the software is set based on the value of application time setting unit 443. Thereafter, UI control unit 352 displays the download time and application time, and then displays update notification screen 420.

[0127] The cancel button 445 is a button for stopping the change of the download time setting unit 441 and the application time setting unit 443. If the cancel button 445 is pressed, the UI control unit 352 does not change anything and displays Figure 4B 420 of the update notification screen.

[0128] In this embodiment Figure 4C These are examples, and controls can be increased or decreased as needed. For example, if communication occurs during software application, a display unit similar to message display unit 442 can be prepared for the application time. Furthermore, the processing of each functional unit is described as an example and is not limited thereto. For example, in this embodiment, OK button 444 only changes the settings in image forming device 102. However, if management server 101 manages update times, etc., the time change can be notified to management server 101.

[0129] As mentioned above, Figure 4B and Figure 4CEach screen allows the user to reserve download processing at any time. Meanwhile, although the description in this embodiment is based on the assumption that the time setting screen is displayed on the UI display device 207 of the image forming apparatus 102, it is not limited to this, and a screen prepared by a built-in Web server (not shown) may be displayed on the browser.

[0130] As described above, by changing the settings of the download and application time in the image forming apparatus 102 , it is possible to update the software outside of the midnight time slot after notifying the user that the communication charges will be borne by the user.

[0131] (Other embodiments)

[0132] The embodiment(s) of the present invention may also be implemented by a computer of a system or device that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by a computer of the system or device, for example, by reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a storage device of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a Blu-ray disk (BD)). TM ), one or more of flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0133] Other embodiments

[0134] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0135] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0136] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-110377, filed Jul. 1, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. An image processing device provided with a module for storing identification information capable of specifying a subscriber who has signed a contract for a specific mobile communication, the image processing device comprising: a memory for storing instructions; as well as a processor executing the instructions, wherein the instructions cause the image processing device to: If the software needs to be updated, providing a message indicating a predetermined time slot and that the image processing apparatus must be in a state in which the software for the update can be downloaded using the specific mobile communication, and downloading software for updating in a predetermined time slot using the specific mobile communication, The predetermined time slot is at least a portion of a time slot determined depending on a contract for the specific mobile communication.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the downloadable state is at least one of a state in which the power of the image processing device is turned on, a state in which a communication mode using the specific mobile communication is enabled, and a state in which the module has not been removed from the image processing device. 3 . The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the time slot determined depending on the contract of the specific mobile communication is a midnight rate time slot.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor further executes an instruction causing the image processing apparatus to determine an on-off operation of a power source, and in, In the case of turning off power in a time slot determined depending on the contract of the specific mobile communication, the processor makes it more difficult to turn off power than in the case of turning off power in a time slot different from the time slot determined depending on the contract of the specific mobile communication.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a power supply for putting the processor into operation, The power supply includes a first power supply that puts the main body of the image processing apparatus into operation, and A second power supply that is different from the first power supply and puts the processor into operation. 6 . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor confirms a time slot determined depending on a contract of the specific mobile communication, and updates the time slot determined depending on the contract of the specific mobile communication.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor further executes an instruction causing the image processing apparatus to set a time slot for downloading software. in, The processor provides a predetermined message if the set time slot is different from a time slot determined depending on a contract of the specific mobile communication.

8. A method for controlling an image processing device provided with a module for retaining identification information capable of specifying a subscriber who has signed a contract for a specific mobile communication, the method comprising: If software needs to be updated, providing a message indicating a predetermined time slot and that the image processing apparatus must be in a state in which the software for the update can be downloaded using the specific mobile communication; and downloading software for updating in a predetermined time slot using the specific mobile communication, The predetermined time slot is at least a portion of a time slot determined depending on a contract for the specific mobile communication.

9. A non-transitory storage medium having stored thereon a computer program related to a method for controlling an image processing apparatus provided with a module for retaining identification information capable of specifying a subscriber who has signed a contract for a specific mobile communication, the method comprising: If software needs to be updated, providing a message indicating a predetermined time slot and that the image processing apparatus must be in a state in which the software for the update can be downloaded using the specific mobile communication; and downloading software for updating in a predetermined time slot using the specific mobile communication, The predetermined time slot is at least a portion of a time slot determined depending on a contract for the specific mobile communication.

Images