Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

An information processing apparatus includes an update information acquisition unit configured to acquire firmware for updating a device included in the information processing apparatus and device configuration information indicating a determination of whether firmware update is required for each of a plurality of combinations, each combination including a candidate of a transmission destination of the information processing apparatus and the device; a destination information acquisition unit configured to acquire destination information indicating a transmission destination of the device; and an update unit configured to, in a case where the device configuration information of the device used in the transmission destination of the acquired destination information indicates that update of the firmware is required, perform update of the firmware of the device based on the firmware for the update.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium. Background Technology

[0002] Some devices include a main body and an operating device, each of which has a central processing unit (CPU) installed, and programs are to be installed. For example, to improve the possibility of ensuring consistency between programs installed in two or more information processing devices included in the device, Patent Document (PTL) 1 discloses a technique for updating various applications installed in the operating device in an image forming apparatus including a main body and an operating device, each of which includes a CPU.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-021286 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] In a device comprising an operating unit and a main unit, the operating unit includes an integrated circuit (IC) for controlling a touch panel and another IC for controlling wireless communication such as Bluetooth. Both the operating unit and the main unit include independently operating systems such as an operating system (OS). The operating unit includes various devices for controlling the touch panel, and the IC for controlling the touch panel controls operations on the touch panel. The firmware of the devices included in the operating unit can be updated. These devices are not necessarily distributed by the same vendor, and the firmware needs to be appropriately applied to the device. Furthermore, firmware updates are subject to constraints such as "operation is not allowed during updates," "updates take several minutes," and "the operating unit needs to be restarted for re-initialization after the update," resulting in significant downtime for the operator. Firmware can be updated to the latest version using tools before the device leaves the factory. However, in the market, when the device on the operating unit side malfunctions, it is required to update the target device without tools using the existing firmware update structure. Therefore, it is currently difficult to completely avoid the aforementioned downtime. On the other hand, the configuration of effective devices in the devices used in different regions can vary depending on the model and the sending location. However, according to existing technologies in this field, firmware updates do not take into account the possibility that effective device configurations may differ depending on the device model and the sending location. As a result, firmware updates are performed on devices that do not require them, thus generating unnecessary downtime and reducing efficiency.

[0008] Solution to the problem

[0009] In view of the above problems, the purpose of this disclosure is to improve the efficiency of updating the firmware of a device included in the operating means of the device.

[0010] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0011] This disclosure improves the efficiency of updating the firmware of a device, including in the operating mechanism of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0012] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and its many incidental advantages and features can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [ Figure 1 ]

[0014] Figure 1 It is a block diagram representing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0015] [ Figure 2 ]

[0016] Figure 2 It is a block diagram representing the functional structure of the operating device.

[0017] [ Figure 3 ]

[0018] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the process performed by the operating device when obtaining the update package file.

[0019] [ Figure 4 ]

[0020] Figure 4 It is a block diagram representing the structure of the update package file.

[0021] [ Figure 5 ]

[0022] Figure 5 It is a block diagram representing the structure of firmware-related data stored in the auxiliary storage device.

[0023] [ Figures 6A to 6C (Figure 6)

[0024] Figure 6 A to Figure 6C (Figure 6) is a flowchart of the firmware update process of a device.

[0025] [ Figure 7 ]

[0026] Figure 7 It is a diagram that represents the structural information of the device.

[0027] [ Figure 8]

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the structure of the device control firmware version list.

[0029] [ Figure 9 ]

[0030] Figure 9 This is an example of a display showing an updated screen.

[0031] [ Figure 10 ]

[0032] Figure 10 This is an example of a screen showing the update completion screen.

[0033] [ Figure 11 ]

[0034] Figure 11 This is an example of a screen displaying a failed update.

[0035] The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope. The drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale unless explicitly labeled. Similarly, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components in multiple views. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In describing the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, definitive terminology is used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the definitive terminology chosen so far, and it should be understood that each definitive element includes all technical equivalents that have similar functionality, operate in a similar manner, and obtain similar results. Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes hardware resources such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, a network interface 16, an SD card slot 17, and an operating device 20.

[0040] The controller 11 is an information processing device constituting the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, including a central processing unit (CPU) 111, random access memory (RAM) 112, read-only memory (ROM) 113, hard disk drive (HDD) 114, and non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) 115. ROM 113 stores, for example, various programs and data used by the programs. RAM 112 serves as a storage area for loading programs and as a working area for executing the loaded programs. The CPU 111 executes the programs loaded into RAM 112 to perform various functions. HDD 114 stores, for example, programs and various data used by the programs. NVRAM 115 stores, for example, various setting information.

[0041] Scanner 12 is hardware (image reading device) that scans original documents to acquire image data. Printer 13 is hardware (printing device) that forms an image on printing sheet based on printing data. Modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line for sending and receiving image data via fax communication. Network interface 16 is hardware for connecting image forming apparatus 10 to a wired or wireless network such as a local area network (LAN). SD card slot 17 is used to read programs stored in SD card 80. Therefore, in image forming apparatus 10, not only programs stored in ROM 113 but also programs stored in SD card 80 can be loaded into RAM 112 for execution. Any other suitable recording medium, such as optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or universal serial bus (USB) memory, can be used in addition to or as a replacement for SD card 80. In other words, the type of recording medium corresponding to SD card 80 is not limited to a specific type. In this case, depending on the type of recording medium, any other suitable hardware can be used as a connection port to replace SD card slot 17.

[0042] The operating device 20 is an information processing device that includes, for example, input devices such as keys or buttons for receiving user input, and display and input devices such as a touch panel. In other words, this information processing device functions as the operating device 20 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the operating device 20 includes, for example, a CPU 21, RAM 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a touch panel control IC (Integrated Circuit) 24, and a wireless communication control IC 25. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores programs, for example, installed in the operating device 20. For example, the auxiliary storage device 23 can be flash memory such as an embedded multimedia card (eMMC). The RAM 22 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 23 and stores it according to the program's startup instruction. The CPU 21 implements the functions of the operating device 20 according to the program stored in the RAM 22. The touch panel control IC 24 is an IC that controls the touch panel. The wireless communication control IC 25 is, for example, an IC that controls wireless communication such as Bluetooth. The firmware of these ICs and other devices can be updated. These ICs and other devices are selected one by one from a group of devices distributed by multiple vendors and installed on the operating device 20.

[0044] The operating device 20 is connected to the controller 11 via an interface such as USB. Various data are sent from the operating device 20 to the controller 11, and written to or read from the HDD 114 of the controller 11. The operating device 20 and the controller 11 are operated by different operating systems. The operating device 20 can be operated independently using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on a touch panel.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a block diagram representing the functional structure of the operating device 20.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the operating device 20 includes an update information acquisition unit 211, a destination information acquisition unit 212, an update requirement determination unit 213, and an update unit 214. These functional units provide functions implemented by the CPU 21 executing instructions contained in one or more programs installed on the operating device 20.

[0047] The update information acquisition unit 211 acquires, for example, firmware for updating the devices included in the operating device 20, and device configuration information. In the following description, the firmware for updating the devices included in the operating device 20 may be simply referred to as "firmware for updating." Device configuration information refers to information indicating whether a firmware update is required for each of the multiple combinations of candidate destinations for the image forming apparatus 10 and each device. The destination refers to information indicating the destination of the image forming apparatus 10. The destination of the image forming apparatus 10 can be distinguished, for example, by country name, region name, customer name, etc. The destination can also be distinguished based on another classification criterion.

[0048] The destination information acquisition unit 212 acquires destination information representing the transmission destination of the image forming apparatus 10 from the controller 11. The destination information acquisition unit 212 can acquire the destination information via a network.

[0049] The update-need-to-update determination unit 213 refers to the device configuration information and determines whether each device included in the operating device 20 needs to have its firmware updated to correspond to the device used at the destination indicated by the destination information. In the following description, the destination indicated by the destination information is sometimes simply referred to as the "destination". Furthermore, the update-need-to-update determination unit 213 compares the current firmware version information stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 for each device included in the operating device 20 with the firmware version information for updating, and determines whether a firmware update is required for each device determined to need to be updated at the destination.

[0050] For devices that are determined to need updating at the destination, update unit 214 performs firmware updates based on the firmware for updating.

[0051] The following describes the process performed by the operating device 20.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the process performed by the operating device 20 when an update package file is obtained. The update package file refers to a library file that stores a data set (i.e., a file set) for updating the firmware of the operating device 20. Figure 3 The processing can be performed based on operator actions, or it can be performed automatically when the updated package file is newly stored in a designated storage area.

[0053] In step S101, the update information acquisition unit 211 acquires the update package file. The update package file can be downloaded from a designated server via a network, or it can be acquired from a USB memory connected to the USB port of the controller 11 or from an SD card 80 inserted into the SD card slot 17 of the controller 11.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a diagram representing the configuration of the update package file. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the update package file p1 includes a group of files such as system image p11, system version information p12, device configuration information p13, touch panel firmware image p14, touch panel firmware image p15, and other device control firmware image p16.

[0055] System image p11 is a file that stores the firmware image of the operating system (OS) that operates on the operating device 20. In the following description, the OS will be referred to as "system".

[0056] System version information p12 is a file that stores a string representing the version information of system image p11. In the following description, the string is referred to as "system version information".

[0057] Device configuration information p13 is a file that stores device configuration information, which indicates whether each transmission destination is required for each device (in this embodiment, touch panel control IC24 and wireless communication control IC25) that can be firmware updated in the operating device 20.

[0058] Touch panel firmware images p14 and p15 are files that store the firmware image used to control the touch panel control IC 24.

[0059] Other device control firmware image p16 is a file group storing firmware images for controlling devices other than the touch panel control IC 24 (devices capable of firmware updates). In this embodiment, the device capable of firmware updates other than the touch panel control IC 24 is the wireless communication control IC 25. Therefore, in this embodiment, other device control firmware image p16 is a file storing firmware images for controlling the wireless communication control IC 25.

[0060] Firmware images used to control various devices can uniquely identify the device type, vendor information, and firmware version information through their filenames. For example, the filename of the touch panel firmware image p14 is... Figure 4 The filename is "Touchpanel_VendorA_1.0.0.img" (within parentheses). In this filename, "Touchpanel" indicates that the device type corresponding to this firmware image is a touch panel control IC 24. "VendorA" indicates that the firmware image is provided by a vendor named "VendorA" for the touch panel control IC 24. "1.0.0" indicates the version of this firmware image. Therefore, the vendor of the touch panel control IC 24 corresponding to the two firmware images p14 and p15 is different. That is, touch panel firmware image p14 corresponds to the touch panel control IC 24 provided by vendor A, and touch panel firmware image p15 corresponds to the touch panel control IC 24 provided by vendor B. In other device control firmware image p16, for the same device type, multiple vendor firmware images may be included. Which vendor's device is used for a given device type varies depending on the operating device 20. Therefore, in order to accommodate multiple operating devices 20, firmware images from multiple vendors (all vendors that can be device providers) are included in a single update package file p1.

[0061] In order to ensure that the version of each firmware image is consistent with the version of the operating device 20, a single update package file p1 contains a firmware image corresponding to the system involved in the system version information p12 contained in the single update package file p1.

[0062] In step S102, the update information acquisition unit 211 decompresses the update package file p1 into the auxiliary storage device 23. As a result, the filenames of the files stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 before the update are overwritten.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a block diagram representing the structure of firmware-related data stored in auxiliary storage device 23. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the auxiliary storage device 23 stores, for example, system m1, current system version m2, device configuration information m3, touch panel firmware image m4, touch panel firmware image m5, other device control firmware images m6, device control firmware version list m7, and an update flag m8.

[0064] As described above, system m1 is the OS of operating device 20.

[0065] The current system version m2 is the version information of system m1.

[0066] In step S102, the update information acquisition unit 211 updates system m1 based on system image p11. Additionally, the update information acquisition unit 211 overwrites the current system version m2 with the system version information contained in system version information p12. Furthermore, the update information acquisition unit 211 overwrites the touch panel firmware images p14 and p15, and the other device control firmware image p16, onto the touch panel firmware images m4 and m5, and the other device control firmware image m6, respectively.

[0067] Furthermore, in step S102, the touch panel firmware images p14, p15, and other device control firmware image p16 are copied to the auxiliary storage device 23 only as touch panel firmware images m4, m5, and other device control firmware image m6. Through this copying, the firmware stored in each device is not updated. A device's firmware update is achieved by performing a firmware update process on that device according to the processing steps described later.

[0068] The device control firmware version list m7 is a file containing a list of the current firmware version information for each device (before the firmware update process is executed). Each time a firmware update process is performed, the version information obtained from the device at that time is recorded in the device control firmware version list m7.

[0069] The update flag m8 is a file used in the device's firmware update process. At this time, the update information acquisition unit 211 initializes the update flag m8, making its content empty.

[0070] Figures 6A to 6C (Figure 6) is a flowchart for firmware update processing of the device. Figures 6A to 6C The flowchart in Figure 6 is executed, for example, when the operating device 20 is started along with the start of the image forming apparatus 10. Alternatively, it can be started according to the operator's operation. Figures 6A to 6C The processing shown in Figure 6.

[0071] In step S201, the destination information acquisition unit 212 acquires destination information from the controller 11. The destination information is stored, for example, in the NVRAM 115 of the controller 11.

[0072] In step S202, the update decision unit 213 determines whether it is necessary to update the firmware of each device included in the operating device 20 based on the obtained destination information and device configuration information m3, so as to use the device at the destination, thereby determining the candidate device for firmware update.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration information m3 for the device. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the device configuration information m3 indicates whether a firmware update is required for each combination of "sending destination" and "device". The combination of "sending destination" and "device" represents a group of "devices" installed on the operating device 20 corresponding to the "sending destination", and "required or not" indicates whether a firmware update is needed in that combination. Depending on the sending destination, the valid devices may differ. For example, in a particular sending destination, Bluetooth (registered trademark) may not be permitted for security reasons. That is, the necessity of a device firmware update varies depending on the sending destination.

[0074] The update decision unit 213 retrieves the value (device type) of the "device" in the device configuration information m3 where the "send destination" matches the "send destination" retrieved in step S201 (hereinafter referred to as the "object row"). The list of device types obtained in this way is a list of device types currently installed on the operating device 20 (referred to as the "installed device list").

[0075] In step S203, the update-whether-to-update determination unit 213 refers to the update-in-progress flag m8 to confirm whether there is firmware being updated. The update-in-progress flag m8 is a file recorded at the start of the update, representing the filename of the firmware image being updated and the data indicating that an update based on that firmware image is in progress. If no firmware is being updated, the update-in-progress flag m8 is empty. The update-whether-to-update determination unit 213 confirms whether there is firmware being updated by checking whether the update-in-progress flag m8 is empty.

[0076] If there is no firmware being updated (the content of the update flag m8 is empty) (step S204: No), the update-to-determine unit 213 sequentially sets each device in the installed device list as a processing object and performs the processing after step S205. In the following description, the processing object is referred to as an "object device", and any one of the object devices is called an object device.

[0077] In step S205, the decision-making unit 213 updates the decision-making unit based on the device configuration information m3 (refer to...). Figure 5 The "Yes / No" value of the row (object row) corresponding to the target device in the ) determines whether the firmware of the target device needs to be updated.

[0078] If the value of "Yes / No" is "No" ("No" in step S206), it is not necessary to update the firmware of the target device. Then, the process proceeds to step S210. For example, if a version update of system m1 is required but a firmware update of the device is not required, the value of "Yes / No" is set to "No".

[0079] On the other hand, if the value of "yes or no" is "yes" (step S206: yes), in step S207, the update determination unit 213 obtains the current firmware version information of the target device from the device control firmware version list m7.

[0080] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the device control firmware version list m7. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the device control firmware version list m7 contains the firmware version information currently applied to each device.

[0081] As will be described later, the firmware version information currently applied to each device can also be obtained from each device. However, by storing the firmware version information currently applied to each device as a device control firmware version list m7 in the auxiliary storage device 23, the process of obtaining version information from each device can be omitted, thus shortening the startup time of the operating device 20.

[0082] In step S208, the update-whether-to-update determination unit 213 determines whether the current firmware version information of the target device is consistent with the system version information m12. In this embodiment, when the firmware is updated along with the system version upgrade, the firmware version information is consistent with the system version information m12. Therefore, if the current firmware version information of the target device is consistent with the system version information m12 ("Yes" in step S209), it is not necessary to update the firmware of the target device. Then, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0083] In step S210, the update decision unit 213 determines whether all devices in the installed device list have been processed. If there are unprocessed devices ("No" in step S211), in step S212, the update decision unit 213 sets the next device in the installed device list as the target device and repeats the processing of step S205 and subsequent steps.

[0084] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current firmware version information of the target device is inconsistent with the system version information m12 (i.e., the firmware of the target device has not been updated in accordance with the system version information m12) (step S209: No), in step S213, the update decision unit 213 obtains from the target device the vendor name (hereinafter referred to as "VENDOR") and firmware version information (hereinafter referred to as "CUR_VER") of the firmware currently applied to the target device. In short, this information (VENDOR and CUR_VER) is stored in the target device itself.

[0085] In step S214, the decision-making unit 213 is updated in the auxiliary storage device 23 (see... Figure 5 The system retrieves device control firmware images (hereinafter referred to as "object firmware images") with filenames that include the name of the object device (referred to as "object device name" in the following description) and vendor information. The object device name is the name of the object device type. For example, if the object device name is "touch panel" and the "vendor" is "vendor A", then the system searches for firmware images with filenames that include both "touch panel" and "vendor A". In this case, in Figure 5 In this context, the touch panel firmware image m4 corresponds to the firmware image under discussion.

[0086] In step S215, the update decision unit 213 obtains version information (hereinafter referred to as "UPDATE_VER") from the filename of the object firmware image.

[0087] In step S216, the update decision unit 213 compares CUR_VER (the current firmware version obtained from the target device) and UPDATE_VER (the version of the firmware image of the target device in the update package file p1).

[0088] If CUR_VER and UPDATE_VER are determined to be the same ("Yes" in step S217), the firmware image in the update package file p1 has already been applied to the target device. Therefore, it is not necessary to update the firmware of the target device. In step S218, the update-to-determine unit 213 overwrites the version information corresponding to the target device in the device control firmware version list m7 with CUR_VER. Then, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is determined that CUR_VER and UPDATE_VER are not the same ("No" in step S217), in step S219, update unit 214 begins updating the firmware of the target device. In step S220, update unit 214 writes the filename of the target firmware image to the update flag m8.

[0090] In step S221, the update unit 214 displays an update screen on the touch panel of the operation device 20.

[0091] Figure 9 This is an example of a display showing an updated screen. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the update screen 510 includes, for example, information about the target device and information about the progress of the update.

[0092] In step S222, the update unit 214 uses the data stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 (see reference 222). Figure 5 The object firmware image in the configuration updates the firmware of the object device, applying the object firmware image to the object device. For example, in the case where the object device name is "Touch Panel" and the "Supplier" is "VendorA", Figure 5 The touch panel firmware image m4 is applied to the touch panel control IC 24 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0093] When the update is complete, in step S223, the update unit 214 obtains the current (i.e., after the update is complete) firmware version information (hereinafter referred to as "NEW_VER") applied to the target device from the target device.

[0094] In step S224, update unit 214 verifies whether NEW_VER and UPDATE_VER are the same. In other words, update unit 214 verifies whether the object firmware image is correctly applied to the object device. In short, update unit 214 determines whether the update was successful based on the object firmware image. As a result, update failures due to, for example, device defects can be correctly detected.

[0095] If NEW_VER and UPDATE_VER are determined to be the same (in the case of a successful update) ("Yes" in step S225), in step S226, update unit 214 deletes the filename written in step S220 from update flag m8 to clear the contents of update flag m8. In step S218, update unit 214 rewrites the version information corresponding to the target device in the device control firmware version list m7 to NEW_VER. Then, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0096] When all devices included in the list of installed devices that are to be processed have been processed ("Yes" in step S211), in step S228, the update unit 214 determines whether the firmware of any of the devices included in the list of installed devices has been updated.

[0097] If a firmware update has been performed on a certain device ("Yes" in step S229), the update unit 214 displays an update completion screen indicating that the update is complete on the touch panel of the operating device 20, and then waits for a certain period of time in step S230.

[0098] Figure 10 This is an example image showing a screen displaying a completed update. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the update completion screen 520 includes the name of the device whose firmware was updated, as well as the firmware version information before and after the update.

[0099] After a certain period of standby, in step S231, the update unit 214 restarts (reboots) the operating device 20. The operator does not need to perform operations to restart the operating device 20 (such as turning the power on or off). Therefore, the operator's workload is reduced.

[0100] If it is determined that no device firmware will be updated (step S229: No), the update unit 214 notifies the controller 11 that the processing is complete in step S232. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 is subjected to normal startup processing.

[0101] On the other hand, if it is determined that NEW_VER and UPDATE_VER are different (in the case of update failure) (No in step S225), the update unit 214 displays an update failure screen indicating update failure on the touch panel of the operation device 20, and waits for a certain period of time in step S227.

[0102] Figure 11 This is an example of a screen displaying a failed update. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the update failure screen 530 includes the name of the firmware that failed to update (e.g., the filename of the firmware image) and a message indicating that the operating device will be restarted. By referring to the update failure screen 530, the operator can visually confirm the firmware that failed to update. This allows the operator to subsequently receive appropriate support from the supplier of the image forming apparatus 10, etc.

[0103] After a certain period of standby time, in step S231, the update unit 214 restarts (restarts) the operating device 20.

[0104] Regardless of whether the firmware update is successful, the operating device 20, which restarts by executing the process in step S231, begins to restart. Figures 6A to 6C The processing shown in Figure 6.

[0105] If the firmware update is successful (i.e., if the operating device 20 restarts after the process in step S231 following the process in step S230), steps S205 and subsequent steps are executed. However, steps S219 and subsequent steps are not executed. Therefore, since no device firmware has been updated ("No" in step S229), steps S232 and S233 are executed.

[0106] On the other hand, in the event that the firmware update fails (i.e., the operating device 20 is restarted after the processing in step S231 following step S227), the update flag m8 referenced in step S203 records the filename of the firmware image of the failed firmware update. Therefore, in this case ("Yes" in step S204), in step S234, the update unit 214 sets the firmware image associated with the filename recorded in the update flag m8 as the "object firmware image", sets the device associated with that filename as the "object device", and executes the processing in step S219 and subsequent steps to re-execute the firmware update process for the object device. In this way, by managing the success or failure of the firmware update through the update flag m8, it is possible to detect if the firmware update is interrupted due to unexpected events such as power outages, and even if such an interruption occurs, the update can be restarted.

[0107] As described above, according to this embodiment, only devices that require firmware updates for use with the destination indicated by the destination information obtained from the controller 11 are considered for firmware updates. This prevents unnecessary firmware updates based on the model of the image forming apparatus 10, the destination, etc. As a result, the efficiency of firmware updates for devices included in the operating device 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 is improved. More specifically, the time required to update such firmware can be reduced, and downtime caused by firmware updates can be minimized.

[0108] This embodiment is applicable to any device other than the image forming apparatus 10, as long as such devices include an information processing device used as an operating device. This embodiment can be applied to devices such as projectors, interactive whiteboards (IWB; electronic whiteboards with blackboard functionality capable of mutual communication), output devices such as digital signage, head-up displays (HUD) devices, industrial machines, imaging devices, sound collection devices, medical devices, networked home appliances, notebook personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, smartphones, tablet terminals, game consoles, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, wearable PCs, and desktop PCs.

[0109] Each function of the above embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuit systems. "Processing circuit" as used herein includes a programmable processor that performs each function via software, such as a processor implemented by electronic circuitry, and devices such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and circuit modules known in the art configured to perform the functions.

[0110] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit this disclosure. Therefore, many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. For example, within the scope of this disclosure, elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with and / or substituted for each other.

[0111] The aspects of this disclosure are as follows:

[0112] First aspect

[0113] According to the first aspect, an information processing apparatus includes:

[0114] The update information acquisition unit is configured to acquire firmware and device configuration information for updating the devices included in the information processing device. The device configuration information indicates whether each of a plurality of combinations needs a firmware update. Each combination includes a candidate destination for sending to the information processing device and the device.

[0115] A destination information acquisition unit is configured to acquire destination information representing the sending destination of the device; and

[0116] The update unit is configured to update the firmware of the device based on the firmware used for updating when the device configuration information of the device used in the destination of the acquired destination information indicates that the firmware needs to be updated.

[0117] Second aspect

[0118] According to the second aspect, in the information processing apparatus described in the first aspect, the update unit is further configured to record data indicating that the firmware is being updated in a storage device when the firmware update of the device begins, and to delete the data if the update is successful.

[0119] Third aspect

[0120] According to a third aspect, in the information processing apparatus described in the second aspect, if the data is kept recorded in the storage device when the information processing apparatus is started, the update unit is configured to perform the update represented by the data.

[0121] Fourth aspect

[0122] According to the fourth aspect, in the information processing apparatus described in any one of the first to third aspects, the update unit is further configured to obtain firmware version information from the device after performing the update, and determine whether the update is successful based on a comparison between the obtained firmware version information and the firmware version information used for the update.

[0123] Fifth aspect

[0124] According to the fifth aspect, in the information processing apparatus described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, if the update is successful, the update unit is further configured to display a screen indicating that the update has been completed and to restart the information processing apparatus.

[0125] Sixth aspect

[0126] According to the sixth aspect, in the information processing apparatus described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, in the event of an update failure, the update unit is configured to display a screen indicating that the update has failed and to restart the information processing apparatus.

[0127] Seventh aspect

[0128] According to the seventh aspect, the information processing apparatus described in any one of the first to sixth aspects further includes an update-needs determination unit configured to determine, based on the device configuration information, whether it is necessary to update the firmware of the device used in the sending destination of the acquired destination information.

[0129] Eighth aspect

[0130] According to the eighth aspect, in the information processing apparatus described in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the update-need-to-determine unit is configured to further determine whether the firmware needs to be updated based on a comparison between the current firmware version information of the device stored in the storage device of the information processing apparatus and the firmware version information for the update.

[0131] Ninth aspect

[0132] According to a ninth aspect, an information processing method performed by an information processing device, the method comprising:

[0133] Obtain firmware and device configuration information for updating the devices included in the information processing device, wherein the device configuration information indicates a determination of whether each of a plurality of combinations requires a firmware update, and each combination includes a candidate destination for sending to the information processing device and the device.

[0134] Obtain destination information representing the sending destination of the device; and

[0135] If the device configuration information of the device used in the destination of the acquired destination information indicates that the firmware needs to be updated, the firmware of the device is updated based on the firmware for the update.

[0136] Tenth aspect

[0137] According to a tenth aspect, a recording medium carrying computer-readable code for controlling an information processing apparatus to perform an information processing method, the method comprising:

[0138] Obtain firmware and device configuration information for updating the devices included in the information processing device, wherein the device configuration information indicates a determination of whether each of a plurality of combinations requires a firmware update, and each combination includes a candidate destination for sending to the information processing device and the device.

[0139] Obtain destination information representing the sending destination of the device; and

[0140] If the device configuration information of the device used in the destination of the acquired destination information indicates that the firmware needs to be updated, the firmware of the device is updated based on the firmware for the update.

[0141] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention. Therefore, many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. For example, within the scope of the invention, elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments can be combined and / or substituted for each other. Any of the above operations can be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from that described above.

[0142] This disclosure can be implemented in any convenient form, such as using dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and software. This disclosure can be implemented as computer software applied by one or more networked processing devices. The processing facility can be any suitably programmed device, such as a general-purpose computer, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone (e.g., a WAP or 3G compatible phone), etc. Because this disclosure can be applied as software, each aspect of this disclosure includes computer software executable on a programmable device. The computer software can be provided to a programmable device using any conventional carrier medium (carrier method). The carrier medium is capable of handling transient carrier methods, such as electrical, optical, microwave, acoustic, or radio frequency signals carrying computer code. An example of such a transient method is TCP / IP signals carrying computer code over an IP network (e.g., the Internet). The carrier medium can also include storage media for storing processor-readable code, such as floppy disks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tape devices, or solid-state storage devices.

[0143] The functionality of embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), conventional circuitry, and / or combinations thereof configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. Processors are processing circuitry or circuits that include transistors and other circuitry. In this disclosure, circuitry, units, or devices are hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the functions. The hardware can be any hardware known in this disclosure or otherwise, programmed or configured to perform the functions. Memory stores a computer program comprising computer instructions. These computer instructions provide logic and procedures that enable hardware (e.g., processing circuitry or circuitry system) to perform the methods disclosed herein. The computer program can be implemented in known formats as a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, and / or the memory of an FPGA or ASIC.

[0144] This patent application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-008000, filed with the Japan Patent Office on January 23, 2024, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-106243, filed on July 1, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0145] List of reference numerals

[0146] 10 Image forming apparatus

[0147] 11 Controller

[0148] 12 Scanners

[0149] 13 Printers

[0150] 14 Modems

[0151] 16 Network Interfaces

[0152] 17 SD card slots

[0153] 20 Operating devices

[0154] 21 CPU

[0155] 22 RAM

[0156] 23. Auxiliary storage device

[0157] 24 Touch panel control ICs

[0158] 25 Wireless Communication Control IC

[0159] 80 SD card

[0160] 111 CPU

[0161] 112 RAM

[0162] 113 ROM

[0163] 114 HDD

[0164] 115 NVRAM

[0165] 211 Update Information Acquisition Unit

[0166] 212 Destination Information Acquisition Unit

[0167] 213 Update the decision unit

[0168] 14. Update Unit.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: The update information acquisition unit is configured to acquire firmware and device configuration information for updating the devices included in the information processing device. The device configuration information indicates whether each of a plurality of combinations needs a firmware update. Each combination includes a candidate destination for sending to the information processing device and the device. The destination information acquisition unit is configured to acquire destination information representing the sending destination of the device; as well as The update unit is configured to update the firmware of the device based on the firmware used for updating when the device configuration information of the device used in the destination of the acquired destination information indicates that the firmware needs to be updated.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The update unit is further configured to record data indicating that the firmware is being updated in a storage device when the firmware update of the device begins, and to delete the data if the update is successful.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, If the data is kept recorded in the storage device when the information processing device is started, the update unit is configured to perform the update represented by the data.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The update unit is further configured to obtain the firmware version information from the device after performing the update, and determine whether the update is successful based on a comparison between the obtained firmware version information and the firmware version information used for the update.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, If the update is successful, the update unit is further configured to display a screen indicating that the update has been completed and restart the information processing device.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, In the event of an update failure, the update unit is configured to display a screen indicating that the update has failed and to restart the information processing device.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, It further includes an update-need-to-determine unit configured to determine, based on the device configuration information, whether the firmware needs to be updated for the device used in the sending destination of the acquired destination information.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The update-need-to-determine unit is configured to further determine whether the firmware needs to be updated based on a comparison between the current firmware version information of the device stored in the storage device of the information processing device and the firmware version information used for the update.

9. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, the method comprising: Obtain firmware and device configuration information for updating the devices included in the information processing device, wherein the device configuration information indicates a determination of whether each of a plurality of combinations requires a firmware update, and each combination includes a candidate destination for sending to the information processing device and the device. Obtain destination information indicating the sending destination of the device; as well as If the device configuration information of the device used in the destination of the acquired destination information indicates that the firmware needs to be updated, the firmware of the device is updated based on the firmware for the update.

10. A recording medium carrying computer-readable code for controlling an information processing apparatus to perform an information processing method, the method comprising: Obtain firmware and device configuration information for updating the devices included in the information processing device, wherein the device configuration information indicates a determination of whether each of a plurality of combinations requires a firmware update, and each combination includes a candidate destination for sending to the information processing device and the device. Obtain destination information indicating the sending destination of the device; as well as If the device configuration information of the device used in the destination of the acquired destination information indicates that the firmware needs to be updated, the firmware of the device is updated based on the firmware for the update.

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