Image processing apparatus, image processing system, and control method and control program for image processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and a control method and a control program for the image processing apparatus which can increase the degree of freedom of firmware update.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus 10 comprises a main body, an acquisition processing unit, and an update processing unit 172. The main body has an image processing function. The acquisition processing unit individually acquires update programs UP1 to UP10 for at least some pieces of firmware FW1 to FW10 among a plurality of pieces of firmware FW1 to FW10 for use in control of the main body. The update processing unit 172 individually updates the pieces of firmware FW1 to FW10 on the basis of the update programs UP1 to UP10. The plurality of pieces of firmware FW1 to FW10 are classified into pieces of independent firmware not associated with the other pieces of firmware and related firmware associated with the other pieces of firmware. The update processing unit 172 individually updates the pieces of firmware corresponding to the pieces of independent firmware.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and a control method and control program for an image processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] As a related technology, there is known an image processing device (image forming device) such as a printer, copier, or multifunction device, in which each function is realized by firmware (program) control in order to increase added value by increasing functionality (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this related technology, since it is difficult to realize perfect firmware from the beginning, the firmware is configured to be updateable even after it has been sold or delivered to a user.

[0003] Firmware is updated, for example, by the image processing device downloading an update program stored in a server device via a network such as the Internet. Generally, an image processing device has multiple pieces of firmware installed, so update programs for all of these pieces of firmware are downloaded at the same time, and all of these pieces of firmware are updated at the same time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-234330 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration of the related art described above, the image processing device downloads update programs for all of the multiple firmware in a lump, which causes problems of large communication traffic and network load. In addition, since all of the multiple firmware are updated in a lump, the image processing device may be unavailable for a long time during the update. Furthermore, for example, in the case of firmware that is preferably updated promptly in relation to security or vulnerability, a problem may arise in that the firmware cannot be updated until an update program for the other firmware is released in order to update the firmware at the same time as the other firmware.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, an image processing system, and a control method and control program for an image processing device that can improve the degree of freedom in updating firmware. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body, an acquisition processing unit, and an update processing unit. The main body has an image processing function. The acquisition processing unit acquires an update program for at least some of a plurality of firmware used to control the main body, individually for each of the firmware. The update processing unit updates the firmware individually based on the update program. The plurality of firmware are classified into independent firmware that is not related to other firmware, and related firmware that is related to other firmware. The update processing unit individually updates the firmware that corresponds to the independent firmware.

[0008] An image processing system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the image processing device described above, and a distribution device that distributes the update program.

[0009] A control method for an image processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes obtaining an update program for at least some of a plurality of firmware used to control a main body having an image processing function, the firmware being classified into independent firmware that is not related to other firmware and associated firmware that is related to other firmware, and individually updating the firmware that corresponds to the independent firmware based on the update program.

[0010] A control program relating to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the following operations for at least some of a plurality of firmware used to control a main body having an image processing function, the firmware being classified into independent firmware that is not related to other firmware and associated firmware that is related to other firmware: individually obtaining an update program for each of the firmware; and individually updating the firmware that corresponds to the independent firmware based on the update program. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing device, an image processing system, and a control method and control program for an image processing device that can improve the degree of freedom in updating firmware. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process related to updating firmware of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process related to updating firmware of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process related to updating firmware of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process related to updating firmware of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process related to updating firmware of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall configuration of image processing device First, the overall configuration of an image processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] The image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a scanning function for acquiring image data from an original, a printing function for forming an image based on image data, a facsimile function, and a copy function. The image processing device 10 only needs to have an image processing function including at least one of a function for forming an image and a function for acquiring image data, and may be a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copy machine, or the like.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the image processing device 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feed unit 14, a display unit 15, an operation unit 16, a control unit 17, and a communication unit 18. The automatic document feeder 11 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and is therefore indicated as "ADF" in Fig. 1, and will also be referred to as "ADF 11" in the following description. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the image processing device 10 includes a main body 101. The ADF 11, the image reading unit 12, the image forming unit 13, the paper feed unit 14, the display unit 15, the operation unit 16, the control unit 17, and the communication unit 18 are provided in the main body 101.

[0017] The ADF 11 transports an original document whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 12. The ADF 11 includes an original document setting unit, a plurality of transport rollers, an original document pressing unit, and a paper ejection unit.

[0018] The image reading unit 12 reads an image from a document and outputs image data corresponding to the read image. The image reading unit 12 includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like.

[0019] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method based on image data output from the image reading unit 12. The image forming unit 13 also forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from an information processing device external to the image processing device 10, such as a personal computer. The image forming unit 13 has four image forming units corresponding to four colors, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and the like. The image forming unit 13 may be configured to form an image on a sheet by an image forming method other than the electrophotographic method, such as an inkjet method, for example.

[0020] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet using toner as a developer. When the image forming unit 13 forms an image by an inkjet method, ink (another example of a developer) is supplied instead of toner. Examples of toner supplied to the image forming unit 13 include toner of multiple colors, such as C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). After the image is formed in the image forming unit 13, the sheet is discharged (supplied) to an extension device or the like for post-processing.

[0021] The paper feed unit 14 supplies a sheet to the image forming unit 13. The paper feed unit 14 has a paper feed cassette, a manual feed tray, a sheet transport path, a plurality of transport rollers, etc. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet supplied from the paper feed unit 14. The sheet supplied to the image forming unit 13 is paper as an example, but is not limited to paper and may be, for example, a resin film, etc.

[0022] The display unit 15 is a user interface for presenting (displaying) information to a user in the image processing device 10. The display unit 15 displays various information in response to a control instruction from the control unit 17. As an example in the present embodiment, the display unit 15 includes a liquid crystal display, and displays a display screen including various information on the liquid crystal display.

[0023] The operation unit 16 is, for example, a user interface for accepting operation input by a user to a display screen displayed on the display unit 15. The operation unit 16 accepts various operations by a user, for example, by outputting an electrical signal according to the user's operation. As an example in this embodiment, the operation unit 16 has a switch, a touch panel, or the like.

[0024] Furthermore, the image processing device 10 may include, in addition to or instead of the display unit 15 and the operation unit 16, for example, an audio output unit and an audio input unit, etc., as a user interface.

[0025] The control unit 17 mainly comprises a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories, and performs overall control of the image processing device 10. In the image processing device 10, the one or more processors execute programs to realize the functions of the control unit 17. In this embodiment, as an example, the control unit 17 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0026] The program may be pre-recorded in one or more memories, or may be provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by recording it in a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer system, such as a memory card or an optical disk. The one or more processors are composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit. Furthermore, the computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. The control unit 17 may be a control unit provided separately from a main control unit that comprehensively controls the image processing device 10.

[0027] The communication unit 18 is an interface that executes data communication between the image processing device 10 and an external device connected via a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). In the present embodiment, the communication unit 18 is configured to be capable of communicating with at least the distribution device 20 (see FIG. 1).

[0028] The distribution device 20 stores an update program UP0 (see FIG. 1) for updating a plurality of pieces of firmware FW0 (see FIG. 1) used to control the main body 101 of the image processing device 10. The distribution device 20 is, for example, a server device connected to the Internet. The distribution device 20 distributes the update program UP0 to the image processing device 10. In other words, the image processing device 10 is configured to be able to receive the update program UP0 from the distribution device 20 by communicating with the distribution device 20 via the communication unit 18.

[0029] The image processing device 10 and the distribution device 20 constitute an image processing system 100 (see FIG. 1). In other words, the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes the image processing device 10 and the distribution device 20 that distributes the update program UP0.

[0030] The image processing device 10 further includes a storage unit etc. The storage unit includes one or more non-volatile memories, and stores information such as control programs for causing the control unit 17 to execute various processes in advance.

[0031] [2] Control unit configuration Next, each functional unit included in the control unit 17 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 1. The control unit 17 has an acquisition processing unit 171, an update processing unit 172, and a storage unit 173. That is, the image processing device 10 has the acquisition processing unit 171, the update processing unit 172, and the storage unit 173 as functions of the control unit 17.

[0032] Furthermore, the control unit 17 implements multiple pieces of firmware FW1 to FWn (where "n" is any natural number). When the multiple pieces of firmware FW1 to FWn are not particularly distinguished from one another, each of the firmware FW1 to FWn is referred to as "firmware FW0." In this disclosure, "firmware" refers to software for controlling a computer system (control unit 17) incorporated in the main body 101 of the image processing device 10, and refers to software that is incorporated in the main body 101 in a state where the software is written in advance into an integrated circuit such as a ROM. Firmware FW0 has a function of managing basic control of the main body 101 having an image processing function.

[0033] The acquisition processing unit 171 executes an acquisition process to acquire an update program UP0. The update program UP0 is a computer program used to update multiple pieces of firmware FW0 used to control the main body 101. When distinguishing between multiple update programs UP0, they are called "update programs UPn" (where "n" is an arbitrary natural number). In this embodiment, the program used to update firmware FWn is called update program UPn, and as an example, update program UP5 is used to update firmware FW5 (see FIG. 3).

[0034] In this embodiment, the acquisition processing unit 171 downloads the update program UP0 from the distribution device 20 and acquires the update program UP0 by the communication unit 18 communicating with the distribution device 20 via a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN. That is, the acquisition processing unit 171 acquires the update program UP0 from the distribution device 20 by a download method.

[0035] The storage unit 173 stores the update program UP0. The storage unit 173 is a memory area of ​​one or more non-volatile memories that is allocated for storing the update program UP0. The update program UP0 acquired (downloaded) by the acquisition processing unit 171 is stored (memorized) in the storage unit 173. The storage unit 173 may be provided in a memory unit outside the control unit 17.

[0036] The update processing unit 172 executes an update process for updating the firmware FW0 based on the update program UP0. Specifically, the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FW0 implemented in the control unit 17 based on the update program UP0 stored in the storage unit 173. Here, the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FWn using the update program UPn, so that, as an example, the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FWn using the update program UP2 (see FIG. 3). The update program UP0 used by the update processing unit 172 for the update may be deleted (erased) from the storage unit 173 after the update is completed.

[0037] Incidentally, as a related technology of this type of image processing device 10, there is known an image processing device in which each function is realized by firmware (program) control in order to increase added value by increasing the number of functions. In this related technology, since it is difficult to realize perfect firmware from the beginning, the firmware is configured to be updateable even after it has been sold or delivered to a user. Firmware is updated, for example, by the image processing device downloading an update program stored in a server device via a network such as the Internet. Generally, an image processing device has multiple pieces of firmware installed, and therefore update programs for all of these pieces of firmware are downloaded at the same time, and all of these pieces of firmware are updated at the same time.

[0038] In the configuration of the related art described above, the image processing device downloads update programs for all of the multiple firmware in a lump, which causes problems of large communication traffic and network load. In addition, since all of the multiple firmware are updated in a lump, the image processing device may be unavailable for a long time during the update. Furthermore, for example, in the case of firmware that is preferably updated promptly in relation to security or vulnerability, a problem may arise in that the firmware cannot be updated until an update program for the other firmware is released in order to update the firmware at the same time as the other firmware.

[0039] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, an image processing device 10 that can improve the degree of freedom in updating the firmware FW0 is realized by using the configuration described below.

[0040] That is, the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes a main body 101, an acquisition processing unit 171, and an update processing unit 172. The main body 101 has an image processing function. The acquisition processing unit 171 acquires an update program UP0 for at least some firmware FW0 among a plurality of firmware FW0 used to control the main body 101, for each firmware FW0. The update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FW0 individually based on the update program UP0.

[0041] In short, the acquisition processing unit 171 that acquires (downloads) the update program UP0 is configured to be able to acquire the update program UP0 individually for each firmware FW0 for at least a part of the firmware FW0 among the multiple firmwares FW1 to FWn. As an example, the acquisition processing unit 171 is able to acquire the update program UP1 (see FIG. 3) for updating firmware FW1 among the multiple firmwares FW1 to FW10 (see FIG. 3) individually, that is, acquire only the update program UP1 separately from the other update programs UP2 to UP10 (see FIG. 3).

[0042] Moreover, the update processing unit 172 that updates the firmware FW0 is configured to be able to individually update the firmware FW0 based on the update program UP0. As an example, the update processing unit 172 is able to individually update the firmware FW1 out of the multiple firmware FW1 to FW10 (see FIG. 3) based on the update program UP1 (see FIG. 3), that is, to update only the firmware FW1 separately from the other firmware FW2 to FW10 (see FIG. 3).

[0043] In this way, the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment can individually acquire (download) the update program UP0 for at least a part of the firmware FW0 and individually update the firmware FW0. Therefore, it is possible to realize the image processing device 10 that can improve the degree of freedom in updating the firmware FW0.

[0044] As a result, the image processing device 10 can reduce the amount of communication and the network load when acquiring (downloading) the update program UP0, compared to the case where the update program UP0 is downloaded for all of the multiple firmware FW0 at once. Also, since the time required for updating can be shortened compared to the case where all of the multiple firmware FW0 are updated at once, it is possible to reduce the downtime during which the image processing device 10 cannot be used. Furthermore, for example, in the case of firmware FW0 that is preferably updated promptly in relation to security or vulnerability, it is possible to take measures against security or vulnerability quickly by updating the firmware FW0 first without waiting until the update program UP0 of the other firmware FW0 is released. Furthermore, the image processing device 10 can reduce the storage capacity of the storage unit 173 required for storing the update program UP0, compared to the case where the update program UP0 is acquired for all of the multiple firmware FW0 at once.

[0045] [3] Method for controlling image processing device Hereinafter, a control method for the image processing device 10, including an acquisition process and an update process, which are executed mainly by the control unit 17 in the image processing device 10, will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. Figures 3 to 7 diagrammatically show operations related to the acquisition (downloading) of update programs UP1 to UP10 and the update of firmware FW1 to FW10.

[0046] As an example, it is assumed here that firmware FW1 to FW10 are implemented in the control unit 17 of the main body 101. These multiple firmware FW1 to FW10 are updated using multiple corresponding update programs UP1 to UP10, respectively.

[0047] As a premise, the multiple firmwares FW0 implemented in the main body 101 are classified into "independent firmware" that is not related to other firmware, and "related firmware" that is related to other firmware. In other words, firmware FW0 as independent firmware is not related to other firmware FW0 in terms of its function, and can realize its function independently. On the other hand, multiple firmwares FW0 as related firmware operate in relation to each other, and therefore affect each other's functions in some way.

[0048] Basically, the firmware FW0 classified as related firmware is grouped into a set, and the update program UP0 is acquired (downloaded) and updated in set units. As an example, if it is assumed that the firmware FW7 and the firmware FW8 are related firmware that are related to each other, the image processing device 10 basically simultaneously acquires two update programs UP7 and UP8 for updating the two firmware FW7 and FW8, and simultaneously updates the two firmware FW7 and FW8.

[0049] The process relating to updating the "independent firmware" and the process relating to updating the "related firmware" will be described below.

[0050] [3.1] Independent firmware update First, the process of updating independent firmware will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In the example of Fig. 3, it is assumed that all of the multiple firmware FW1 to FW10 are "independent firmware".

[0051] In this embodiment, as described above, the acquisition processing unit 171 can acquire an update program UP0 for each firmware FW0 for at least a part of the firmware FW0 among the plurality of firmwares FW1 to FWn. Furthermore, the update processing unit 172 can update the firmware FW0 individually based on the update program UP0. Therefore, the control method of the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes acquiring an update program UP0 for each firmware FW0 for at least a part of the firmware FW0 among the plurality of firmwares FW0 used to control the main body 101 having an image processing function, and updating the firmware FW0 individually based on the update program UP0.

[0052] Here, when firmware FW0 is classified as "independent firmware" or "related firmware", the update processing unit 172 individually updates firmware FW0 corresponding to independent firmware. Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 3, if all of the multiple firmware FW1 to FW10 are "independent firmware", all of the multiple firmware FW1 to FW10 are individually updated. The determination of whether firmware FW0 is "independent firmware" or "related firmware" is performed by at least one of the distribution device 20 and the main body 101 (control unit 17) of the image processing device 10.

[0053] Specifically, the acquisition processing unit 171 can acquire (download) the multiple update programs UP1 to UP10 from the distribution device 20 individually, that is, at different timings, and store them in the storage unit 173. Furthermore, the update processing unit 172 can update the multiple firmware FW1 to FW10 individually, that is, at different timings, using the corresponding update programs UP1 to UP10. As an example, when updating only firmware FW1 of the multiple firmware FW1 to FW10, the acquisition processing unit 171 acquires only the update program UP1 from the distribution device 20 and stores it in the storage unit 173, and the update processing unit 172 updates only firmware FW1 using the update program UP1.

[0054] As a result, even if unreleased update programs UP3 to UP9 exist among the multiple update programs UP1 to UP10, the image processing device 10 can first acquire only the released update programs UP1, UP2, and UP10 and update only the corresponding firmware FW1, FW2, and FW10, as shown in Fig. 3. An "unreleased update program" here means, for example, an update program that is still under development and is not in a state where it can be distributed from the distribution device 20, and is indicated by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in Fig. 3 etc.

[0055] As a result, the communication volume and network load when acquiring (downloading) the update program UP0 can be reduced compared to the case where a plurality of update programs UP1 to UP10 are downloaded at once. Also, the time required for updating can be shortened compared to the case where all of the plurality of firmware FW1 to FW10 are updated at once, so that the downtime during which the image processing device 10 cannot be used can be reduced. Furthermore, for example, if it is preferable to update the firmware FW1, FW2, FW10 promptly in relation to security or vulnerability, it is possible to take measures against security or vulnerability quickly by updating only the firmware FW1, FW2, FW10 first without waiting for the release of the update programs UP3 to UP9.

[0056] Here, the acquisition processing unit 171 selects the update program UP0 to be acquired so that the capacity of the storage unit 173 that stores the update program UP0 is sufficient. That is, the acquisition processing unit 171 selects (determines) which of the released update programs UP1, UP2, and UP10 to acquire so that the total capacity (data amount) of the update program UP0 acquired from the distribution device 20 is equal to or smaller than the free capacity of the storage unit 173.

[0057] As an example, if the combination of update programs UP1 and UP2 can be stored within the free space of the storage unit 173, the acquisition processing unit 171 acquires the combination of these update programs UP1 and UP2, and the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FW1 and FW2. In addition, if the capacity (amount of data) of the released update program UP0 dynamically increases, the acquisition processing unit 171 selects which of the update programs UP1, UP2, and UP10 to acquire based on the changed capacity of the update program UP0. This makes it possible to reduce the memory capacity of the storage unit 173 required to store the update program UP0.

[0058] [3.2] Related firmware updates Next, the process of updating related firmware will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. In the example of Figures 4 to 7, it is assumed that, among the multiple firmware FW1 to FW10, firmware FW2 to FW4 are a set of "related firmware" that are related to each other, firmware FW7 and FW8 are a set of "related firmware" that are related to each other, and the remaining firmware FW1, FW5, FW6, FW9 and FW10 are "independent firmware."

[0059] [3.2.1] First Example When updating related firmware, as shown in FIG. 4, the update processing unit 172 waits for two or more update programs UP2 to UP4 corresponding to the two or more firmware FW2 to FW4 that are related to each other to be acquired, and then updates the firmware FW2 to FW4 corresponding to the related firmware in a lump.

[0060] That is, as shown in Fig. 4, even if there are unreleased update programs UP3 to UP9 among the multiple update programs UP1 to UP10, the image processing device 10 can first acquire only the released update programs UP1, UP2, and UP10. However, the firmware FW2 corresponding to the update program UP2 is related firmware, and the update programs UP3 and UP4 corresponding to the firmware FW3 and FW4 related thereto are unreleased. Therefore, the update processing unit 172 updates only the firmware FW1 and FW10, and suspends the update of the firmware FW2 until the update programs UP3 and UP4 are released and acquired. Thereafter, as soon as all the update programs UP2 to UP4 are acquired, the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FW2 to FW4 collectively.

[0061] As a result, for related firmware that is not preferably updated individually, multiple pieces of firmware FW0 that are related to each other can be updated collectively, making it easier to avoid problems that would occur if only some of the related firmware were updated.

[0062] [3.2.2] Second Example FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the update processing unit 172 individually updates firmware FW0 that corresponds to related firmware.

[0063] That is, when a specific condition is satisfied, the update processing unit 172 can also individually update firmware FW0 corresponding to the related firmware. The "specific condition" referred to here can be any of a variety of conditions, but in this embodiment, it includes a condition related to the state of the main unit 101. In short, as explained in the first embodiment, multiple pieces of firmware FW0 (related firmware) that are related to each other are basically updated together, but there are cases where they can be individually updated depending on the state of the main unit 101 (presence or absence of options, the version of the OS (Operating System), etc.), for example.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when only the update programs UP3 and UP4 have been released among the multiple update programs UP1 to UP10, the image processing device 10 can first acquire only the released update programs UP3 and UP4. Here, if the main body 101 of the image processing device 10 does not have a function related to the firmware FW2, the image processing device 10 does not need to update the firmware FW2 in the first place. In this case, the firmware FW3 and FW4 corresponding to the update programs UP3 and UP4 are related firmware, and although the update program UP2 corresponding to the firmware FW2 related thereto is not yet released, the update processing unit 172 can update all of the firmware FW3 and FW4 related to each other at once. Therefore, in this case, even if the update program UP2 is not acquired, as soon as all of the update programs UP3 and UP4 are acquired, the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FW3 and FW4 at once.

[0065] This makes it possible to update some of the multiple firmware FW0 related to each other in advance without waiting for all of the multiple update programs UP0 corresponding to all of the multiple firmware FW0 related to each other, depending on the state of the main body 101. Therefore, for example, when it is preferable to quickly update the multiple firmware FW0 related to each other in relation to security or vulnerability, it is possible to quickly take measures against the security or vulnerability.

[0066] Here, in the second embodiment, the specific condition includes that the main body 101 of the image processing device 10 does not have a function related to firmware FW2. In other words, the specific condition is satisfied by the main body 101 of the image processing device 10 not having a function related to firmware FW2, and the update processing unit 172 can also individually update firmware FW3 and FW4 corresponding to the related firmware.

[0067] In this way, the specific condition includes a condition related to the function (option) of the main body 101. Examples of the "function" here include a facsimile function, a staple function, and an email function. As a result, if the main body 101 of the image processing device 10 does not have a specific function (option) in the first place, it is possible to update other related firmware (firmware FW3, FW4) first by excluding the firmware FW2 related to the function from the update target.

[0068] [3.2.3] Third embodiment FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the update processing unit 172 individually updates firmware FW0 that corresponds to related firmware.

[0069] When the version of the operating system in main body 101 changes and the partition is changed accordingly, the firmware FW0 corresponding to the related firmware cannot be updated individually. On the other hand, if only the version of the operating system in main body 101 has been updated in advance and the partition is not changed, it may be possible to update the firmware FW0 corresponding to the related firmware individually. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the specific condition includes a condition related to the version information of the operating system.

[0070] For example, at least one of the distribution device 20 and the main body 101 has partition change conditions, such as for which version of the operating system the partition will not be changed, and by comparing the version information of the operating system of the main body 101 with the specific information, it becomes possible to determine whether the firmware FW0 corresponding to the related firmware can be updated individually.

[0071] 6, it is assumed that the partition is not changed from "Ver.1" to "Ver.2" and the partition is changed from "Ver.2" to "Ver.3" with regard to the version information of the operating system of the main unit 101. In this case, the update processing unit 172 can update the mutually related firmware FW2 to FW4 individually when updating from "Ver.1" to "Ver.2", and updates them all at once when updating from "Ver.1" or "Ver.2" to "Ver.3".

[0072] Thus, in the third embodiment, the specific condition includes that the update of the version of the operating system of the main body 101 of the image processing device 10 does not involve a change to the partition. In other words, the specific condition is met when the update of the version of the operating system of the main body 101 of the image processing device 10 does not involve a change to the partition, and the update processing unit 172 can also individually update the firmware FW2 to FW4 corresponding to the related firmware. This makes it possible to quickly take measures against security or vulnerability, for example, when it is preferable to quickly update multiple pieces of firmware FW0 that are related to each other in relation to security or vulnerability.

[0073] [3.2.4] Fourth embodiment FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the update processing unit 172 individually updates firmware FW0 that corresponds to related firmware.

[0074] 7, it is assumed that there is a main unit 101 (Ver.2) in which only firmware FW2 out of the mutually related firmware FW2 to FW4 has been updated to a version one level newer (denoted as "FW2'"). In this case, it is assumed that an update program UP0 has been released to update firmware FW2 to FW4 to firmware FW2" to FW4", which are one level newer versions, before updating firmware FW3 and FW4 to the same version as firmware FW2'.

[0075] In this situation, the update processing unit 172 can perform "pattern A" by directly updating firmware FW2' to firmware FW2", and updating firmware FW3 and FW4 collectively to firmware FW3", FW4", which is two levels newer.On the other hand, the update processing unit 172 can also perform "pattern B" by temporarily reverting firmware FW2' to the firmware FW2 before the update, and then updating firmware FW2 to FW4 collectively to firmware FW2" to FW4", which is two levels newer.

[0076] Whether or not it is possible to update only firmware FW2 individually, as in pattern A, can be determined, for example, by comparing the current firmware version with the firmware version to be updated in either the distribution device 20 or the main body 101.

[0077] In this way, in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to individually update only firmware FW2 as in pattern A. This makes it unnecessary to perform a process of restoring firmware FW0 that has already been updated to its original version, for example, and makes it possible to reduce the processing load.

[0078] [3.2.4] Judgment on whether or not to update individually As in the second to fourth embodiments, the determination as to whether the firmware FW0 corresponding to the related firmware can be updated individually is performed by at least one of the distribution device 20 and the main body 101.

[0079] For example, the distribution device 20 manages information such as which update programs UP0 (corresponding firmware FW0) are related to each other among the released update programs UP0, and partition change conditions, in a table format, for example, and uses the information to make the determination. By making the determination in the distribution device 20, it is also possible to handle dynamic changes.

[0080] Furthermore, the main body 101 of the image processing device 10 checks the presence or absence of options, and the version information of the current operating system, etc., to determine whether or not the firmware FW0 corresponding to the related firmware can be updated individually.

[0081] [3.3] Flowchart Hereinafter, an example of an operation related to updating the firmware FW0 in the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Here, steps S1, S2, etc. in the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 each indicate the number of a processing procedure (step) executed by the image processing device 10.

[0082] <Steps S1 and S2> In step S1, the image processing device 10 checks the update program UP0 of the distribution device 20. At this time, the acquisition processing unit 171 of the control unit 17 checks the released update program UP0 that is necessary for updating the firmware FW0 implemented in the main body 101. In step S2, the image processing device 10 acquires the update program UP0 confirmed in step S1. At this time, the acquisition processing unit 171 of the control unit 17 downloads the update program UP0 from the distribution device 20 to acquire the update program UP0.

[0083] <Step S3> In step S3, the image processing device 10 determines whether there is other firmware FW0 (related firmware) related to the firmware FW0 corresponding to the update program UP0 acquired in step S2. If there is related firmware (S3: Yes), the image processing device 10 shifts the process to step S4. For example, if the firmware FW0 corresponding to the update program UP0 acquired in step S2 is independent firmware, and there is no related firmware (S3: No), the image processing device 10 skips steps S4 and S5 and shifts the process to step S6.

[0084] <Steps S4 and S5> In step S4, the image processing device 10 checks whether options are installed, the version information of the current operating system, etc. Using this information, the update processing unit 172 of the image processing device 10 determines in step S5 whether a specific condition is met. If the specific condition is met (S5: Yes), the image processing device 10 shifts the process to step S6. On the other hand, if the specific condition is not met (S5: No), the image processing device 10 shifts the process to step S7.

[0085] <Steps S6 and S7> In step S6, the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FW0 individually based on the update program UP0 acquired in step S2. In contrast, in step S7, the update processing unit 172 suspends the update of the firmware FW0 corresponding to the update program UP0 acquired in step S2 until the update program UP0 for updating the firmware FW0 related thereto is acquired.

[0086] The above-described procedure is merely an example, and the order of the processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 may be changed as appropriate.

[0087] [4] Variations A plurality of components included in the image processing device 10 may be distributed across a plurality of housings. For example, at least one of the acquisition processing unit 171, the update processing unit 172, and the storage unit 173 may be provided separately.

[0088] Furthermore, the display unit 15 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may include a display such as electronic paper or a projector instead of or in addition to an organic EL display.

[0089] In addition, the means by which the acquisition processing unit 171 acquires the update program UP0 is not limited to downloading from the distribution device 20, but may also be downloading from other devices, or reading from a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory on which the update program UP0 is stored.

[0090] [Appendix to the invention] The following will provide an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0091] <Appendix 1> A main body having an image processing function; an acquisition processing unit that acquires an update program for each of at least some of the firmware among a plurality of firmware used to control the main body; an update processing unit that updates the firmware individually based on the update program, The plurality of firmwares are classified into independent firmwares that are not related to other firmwares and related firmwares that are related to other firmwares; The update processing unit individually updates the firmware corresponding to the independent firmware. Image processing device.

[0092] <Appendix 2> the update processing unit waits for two or more update programs corresponding to two or more firmware related to each other to be acquired, and updates the firmware corresponding to the related firmware in a batch; 2. An image processing device as described in claim 1.

[0093] <Appendix 3> the update processing unit is capable of individually updating the firmware corresponding to the related firmware when a specific condition is satisfied; 3. An image processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0094] <Appendix 4> The specific conditions include conditions regarding functions of the main body. 4. The image processing device according to claim 3.

[0095] <Appendix 5> The specific conditions include conditions regarding version information of an operating system. 5. The image processing device according to claim 3 or 4.

[0096] <Appendix 6> the acquisition processing unit selects the update program to be acquired so that the update program has a capacity that can be stored in a storage unit that stores the update program. 6. The image processing device according to claim 1,

[0097] <Appendix 7> An image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A distribution device that distributes the update program. Image processing system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 Image processing device 20. Distribution Device 100 Image Processing System 101 Main unit 171 Acquisition processing unit 172 Update processing section 173 Storage Unit UP0, UP1 to UP10 update program FW0, FW1~FW10 Firmware

Claims

1. A main body having an image processing function; an acquisition processing unit that acquires an update program for each of at least some of the firmware among a plurality of firmware used to control the main body; an update processing unit that updates the firmware individually based on the update program, The plurality of firmwares are classified into independent firmwares that are not related to other firmwares and related firmwares that are related to other firmwares; The update processing unit individually updates the firmware corresponding to the independent firmware. Image processing device.

2. the update processing unit waits for two or more update programs corresponding to two or more firmware related to each other to be acquired, and updates the firmware corresponding to the related firmware in a batch; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the update processing unit is capable of individually updating the firmware corresponding to the related firmware when a specific condition is satisfied; 3. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The specific conditions include conditions regarding functions of the main body. The image processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The specific conditions include conditions regarding version information of an operating system. The image processing device according to claim 3 .

6. the acquisition processing unit selects the update program to be acquired so that the update program has a capacity that can be stored in a storage unit that stores the update program.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2, A distribution device that distributes the update program. Image processing system.

8. Acquiring an update program for at least a part of a plurality of firmwares used for controlling a main body having an image processing function, the firmwares being classified into independent firmwares not related to other firmwares and related firmwares related to other firmwares; and and individually updating the firmware corresponding to the independent firmware based on the update program. A method for controlling an image processing device.

9. Acquiring an update program for at least a part of a plurality of firmwares used for controlling a main body having an image processing function, the firmwares being classified into independent firmwares not related to other firmwares and related firmwares related to other firmwares; and updating the firmware corresponding to the independent firmware individually based on the update program; A control program for causing one or more processors to execute the above.

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