Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing device for preventing waste resource consumption through acquiring update data to update firmware realizing a first processing element and firmware realizing a second element, in a short period of time.SOLUTION: An information processing device is provided with a first processing element realized with first firmware, a second processing element realized with second firmware, and one or a plurality of processors controlling the first processing element and the second processing element, wherein the one or the plurality of processors control the first processing element so as to acquire from an external device common part update data for updating a common part of the first firmware and the second firmware, first unique part update data to update a unique part of the first firmware, and second unique update data to update a unique part of the second firmware, and control the first processing element so as to transfer the common part update data and the second unique update data to the second processing element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a printer system in which a tandem connection is provided with means for comparing the destination and version of its own firmware with the destination and version of the other party at startup, means for sending its own firmware to the other control unit, means for receiving firmware sent from the other control unit, means for overwriting and copying the received firmware into its own firmware memory area, and means for displaying a screen for selecting which firmware to unify when a difference is detected between its own firmware and the other party's firmware, and which performs an overwrite copy of the firmware to unify it with the firmware selected by a service technician. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-036546 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When update data for updating both the firmware that realizes the first processing element and the firmware that realizes the second processing element is obtained from an external device, the update data will include data for updating the unique parts of each firmware, resulting in unnecessary resource consumption. On the other hand, when update data for updating both the firmware that realizes the first processing element and the firmware that realizes the second processing element is obtained from an external device, each update data will contain data for updating the common parts of both firmware, which will lengthen the time it takes to obtain the update data.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to obtain update data for updating firmware that realizes a first processing element and firmware that realizes a second processing element in a short period of time, thereby preventing unnecessary resource consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing device comprising a first processing element realized by a first firmware, a second processing element realized by a second firmware, and one or more processors that control the first processing element and the second processing element, wherein the one or more processors control the first processing element to acquire from an external device common part update data for updating a common part of the first firmware and the second firmware, first unique part update data for updating a unique part of the first firmware, and second unique part update data for updating the unique part of the second firmware, and control the first processing element to transfer the common part update data and the second unique part update data to the second processing element. The invention described in claim 2 is the information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors control the first processing element to decide to transfer the common part update data and the second specific part update data to the second processing element based on definition information that defines the update data that the first processing element should transfer to the second processing element. The invention described in claim 3 is the information processing device described in claim 2, wherein the one or more processors control the first processing element to generate the definition information by obtaining information from the second processing element that the second processing element requires the common part update data and the second specific part update data. The invention described in claim 4 is the information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are controlled to output information that the first processing element has entered a restart waiting state when the second processing element enters a restart waiting state after the first processing element transfers the common part update data and the second specific part update data to the second processing element. The invention described in claim 5 is the information processing device described in claim 1, further comprising a third processing element that is subordinate to the first processing element and is realized by a third firmware, and a fourth processing element that is subordinate to the second processing element and is realized by a fourth firmware, wherein the one or more processors control the first processing element to further acquire from the external device second common part update data for updating the common part of the third firmware and the fourth firmware, third unique part update data for updating the unique part of the third firmware, and fourth unique part update data for updating the unique part of the fourth firmware, control the first processing element to further transfer the second common part update data and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element, control the first processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element, and control the second processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the fourth unique part update data to the fourth processing element. The invention described in claim 6 is the information processing device described in claim 5, wherein the one or more processors control the first processing element to decide, based on definition information defining the update data to be transferred by the first processing element to the second processing element and the third processing element, to transfer the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element, and to transfer the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element. The invention described in claim 7 is the information processing device described in claim 6, wherein the one or more processors control the first processing element to generate the definition information by acquiring information from the second processing element that the second processing element or the fourth processing element requires the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data, and acquiring information from the third processing element that the third processing element requires the second common part update data and the third unique part update data. The invention described in claim 8 is the information processing device described in claim 6, wherein the one or more processors control the second processing element to decide to transfer the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the fourth processing element based on second definition information defining the update data that the second processing element should transfer to the fourth processing element. The invention described in claim 9 is the information processing device described in claim 8, wherein the one or more processors control the second processing element to generate the second definition information by obtaining information from the fourth processing element that the fourth processing element requires the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data. The invention described in claim 10 is the information processing device described in claim 5, wherein the one or more processors control the first processing element to transfer the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element, and the first processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element, and then, when the second processing element, the third processing element, and the fourth processing element enter a restart waiting state, output information that the first processing element has entered a restart waiting state. The invention described in claim 11 is the information processing device described in claim 10, wherein the one or more processors control the second processing element to enter a restart waiting state when the fourth processing element enters a restart waiting state after the second processing element transfers the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the fourth processing element, and controls the first processing element to determine that the fourth processing element has entered a restart waiting state when the second processing element enters the restart waiting state. The invention described in claim 12 is an information processing device described in any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the first processing element includes a first main control unit of a first control unit that controls a first image formation of the image forming device, the second processing element includes a second main control unit of a second control unit that controls a second image formation of the image forming device, the third processing element includes a first subordinate control unit of the first control unit, and the fourth processing element includes a second subordinate control unit of the second control unit. An invention described in claim 13 is the information processing apparatus described in claim 12, wherein the third processing element further includes an option control unit that controls an option device that is detachable from the image forming apparatus. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to obtain update data for updating the firmware realizing the first processing element and the firmware realizing the second processing element in a short period of time, thereby preventing unnecessary resource consumption. According to the invention of claim 2, the update data defined to be transferred to the second processing element can be transferred to the second processing element. According to the invention of claim 3, the update data required by the second processing element can be transferred to the second processing element. According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the restart after the update data is transferred to the second processing element will fail. According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to obtain update data for updating the firmware realizing the third processing element and the firmware realizing the fourth processing element in a short period of time, thereby preventing unnecessary resource consumption. According to the invention of claim 6, update data defined to be transferred to a second processing element can be transferred to the second processing element, and update data defined to be transferred to a third processing element can be transferred to the third processing element. According to the invention of claim 7, update data required by the second processing element or the fourth processing element can be transferred to the second processing element, and update data required by the third processing element can be transferred to the third processing element. According to the invention of claim 8, the update data defined to be transferred to the fourth processing element can be transferred to the fourth processing element. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the update data required by the fourth processing element can be transferred to the fourth processing element. According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the restart after the update data is transferred to the second processing element and the third processing element will fail. According to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the restart after the update data is transferred to the fourth processing element will fail. According to the invention of claim 12, it is possible to obtain update data for updating the firmware realizing the first main control unit, the firmware realizing the second main control unit, the firmware realizing the first slave control unit, and the firmware realizing the fourth processing element of the second slave control unit in a short period of time, thereby preventing unnecessary resource consumption. According to the invention of claim 13, it is possible to obtain update data for updating firmware that realizes an option control unit in a short time, thereby preventing unnecessary resource consumption. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a terminal device and an image forming device. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a first control unit and a second control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first stage in the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second stage in the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third stage in the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fourth stage in the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an extension of the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first stage in the solution to the second problem of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second stage in the solution to the second problem of the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third stage in the solution to the second problem of the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a solution to the third problem of the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a first main control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an arbitrary control unit subordinate to the first main control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware information collection processing. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a package transfer update process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Outline of this embodiment] This embodiment provides an information processing device including a first processing element realized by a first firmware, a second processing element realized by a second firmware, and one or more processors that control the first processing element and the second processing element. In this information processing device, the one or more processors control the first processing element to acquire, from an external device, common part update data for updating the common part of the first firmware and the second firmware, first unique part update data for updating the unique part of the first firmware, and second unique part update data for updating the unique part of the second firmware. The one or more processors then control the first processing element to transfer the common part update data and the second unique part update data to the second processing element.

[0011] Furthermore, this embodiment provides an information processing device further including a third processing element that is subordinate to the first processing element and realized by a third firmware, and a fourth processing element that is subordinate to the second processing element and realized by a fourth firmware. In this information processing device, one or more processors control the first processing element to further acquire from an external device second common part update data for updating the common parts of the third firmware and the fourth firmware, third unique part update data for updating the unique part of the third firmware, and fourth unique part update data for updating the unique part of the fourth firmware. Then, the one or more processors control the first processing element to further transfer the second common part update data and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element, control the first processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element, and control the second processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the fourth unique part update data to the fourth processing element.

[0012] Here, the information processing apparatus may be any apparatus that processes information, but in the following, an image forming apparatus that forms an image in eight colors will be described as an example. Moreover, the first to fourth processing elements may be elements that perform any processing. However, in the following, the first processing element will be described as an example of a first main control unit that controls the entire part of the image forming device that forms images in four colors, and the second processing element will be described as an example of a second main control unit that controls the entire part of the image forming device that forms images in another four colors. Therefore, the first firmware will be described as an example of firmware that realizes the first main control unit, and the second firmware will be described as an example of firmware that realizes the second main control unit. In the following, the third processing element will be described as an example of a first slave control unit that controls a first image forming unit that forms images in four colors of the image forming device, and the fourth processing element will be described as an example of a second slave control unit that controls a second image forming unit that forms images in another four colors of the image forming device. Therefore, the third firmware will be described as an example of firmware that realizes the first slave control unit, and the fourth firmware will be described as an example of firmware that realizes the second slave control unit.

[0013] [Overall configuration of image formation system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of the terminal device 9 and the image forming device 2. As shown in FIG. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2, and a server 8 and a terminal device 9 connected to the image forming apparatus 2 via a communication line 5. The communication line 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is a line used for data communication between the apparatuses, and examples of the communication line 5 include the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), and a local area network (LAN). The communication line 5 may be either wired or wireless, and may be a combination of both. An example of the wireless LAN is WiFi (registered trademark).

[0014] The image forming apparatus 2 includes, in a single housing 3, a first image forming section 10 and a second image forming section 20 that are two image forming sections that together form an image on a single sheet of paper S, a first control section 100 that controls the first image forming section 10, and a second control section 200 that controls the second image forming section 20. In the image forming apparatus 2, the first control section 100 also controls a sheet transport device 40 that transports the sheet of paper S. The image forming apparatus 2 is an example of an information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 2 will be described in detail later.

[0015] The server 8 stores a firmware package (hereinafter simply referred to as a "package") for updating firmware that operates in the image forming apparatus 2. The server 8 can be, for example, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, etc. The server 8 is an example of an external device.

[0016] The terminal device 9 instructs the image forming apparatus 2 to form an image in eight colors on the paper S. Examples of the terminal device 9 include a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a tablet terminal, a multi-function mobile phone (a so-called "smartphone"), a mobile phone (a so-called "feature phone"), a personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like.

[0017] (Image forming device) The image forming device 2 includes a first image forming section 10 that forms an image on a sheet S as an example of a recording material, and a second image forming section 20 that forms an image on the sheet S. The image forming device 2 also includes a sheet holding section 30 that holds the sheet S, and a sheet conveying device 40 that conveys the sheet S held by the sheet holding section 30 to the first image forming section 10, etc. The image forming device 2 also includes a fixing device 50 that heats and pressurizes the toner image formed on the sheet S to fix it, a sheet stacking section 60 that stacks the sheet S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 50 to form an image, and a user interface (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "UI") 70 that displays information, etc. The image forming device 2 also includes a first control section 100 that controls the first image forming section 10, the sheet conveying device 40, the fixing device 50, etc., and a second control section 200 that controls the second image forming section 20.

[0018] The first image forming section 10 includes four image forming units 11 arranged in parallel at regular intervals and forming toner images of the colors of toners, which are an example of color materials stored therein. Each image forming unit 11 includes a photoconductor drum 12 that holds a toner image, a charger 13 that charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 12, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) print head 14 that exposes the photoconductor drum 12 charged by the charger 13 based on image data for each color to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 12. Each image forming unit 11 also includes a developer 15 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 12, and a drum cleaner 16 that cleans the photoconductor drum 12 after transfer. In the four image forming units 11 according to this embodiment, the developer 15 stores yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, respectively, and forms toner images of the respective colors. Hereinafter, the color configuration of the toner stored in the four image forming units 11 of the first image forming section 10 (e.g., yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)) may be referred to as the "first color configuration."

[0019] Furthermore, the first image forming section 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 17 onto which the toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drums 12 of the image forming units 11 are transferred in a multi-layered manner. The first image forming section 10 also includes a primary transfer roll 18 which sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner images of each color formed on each image forming unit 11 onto the intermediate transfer belt 17, and a secondary transfer roll 19 which collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the toner images of each color transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 in a superimposed manner onto the paper S.

[0020] The second image forming section 20 includes four image forming units 21, an intermediate transfer belt 27, a primary transfer roll 28, and a secondary transfer roll 29, similar to the first image forming section 10. Each image forming unit 21 includes a photoconductor drum 22, a charger 23, an LED print head 24, a developer 25, and a drum cleaner 26, similar to the image forming unit 11. The four image forming units 21 according to this embodiment each include a developer 25 that stores white, gold, silver, and clear toner, and forms a toner image of each color. The color of the toner stored in the developer 25 of each image forming unit 21 is not limited to the above colors. For example, it may be red, blue, or green. Hereinafter, the color configuration of the toner stored in the four image forming units 21 of the second image forming section 20 (for example, white, gold, silver, and clear) may be referred to as a "second color configuration."

[0021] The paper transport device 40 includes an upper roll 41 and a lower roll 42 that are arranged vertically apart from each other, and a transport belt 43 that is stretched across the upper roll 41 and the lower roll 42. The paper transport device 40 also includes a supply roll 44 that supplies the paper S held in the paper holding section 30 toward the transport belt 43, and a transport roll 45 that is arranged between the supply roll 44 and the transport belt 43. The paper transport device 40 also includes a plurality of sensors 46 that detect the passage of the paper S being transported.

[0022] The fixing device 50 includes a heating roll 51 that heats the conveyed paper S, and a belt module 52 that is pressed against the heating roll 51 to form a pressure section between the heating roll 51 and the belt module 52. The fixing device 50 fixes the toner image to the paper S by applying pressure and heat to the paper S on which the toner image has been formed in the pressure section. The UI 70 is configured with a touch panel or the like that combines a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display with a position input device such as a touch pad, and receives information from the user and displays the information to the user.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 2 configured as above operates as follows. The four-color toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 12 of the image forming unit 11 of the first image forming section 10 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 by the primary transfer roll 18, and a superimposed toner image in which the four color toners are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, this superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is transported to a secondary transfer section in which a secondary transfer roll 19 is disposed, as the intermediate transfer belt 17 moves.

[0024] When the superimposed toner image of the first image forming unit 10 is transported to the secondary transfer unit, paper S is supplied from the paper holding unit 30 to the secondary transfer unit in time with the transport. The superimposed toner images are then secondarily transferred all at once to the transported paper S by a transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 19 at the secondary transfer unit. Hereinafter, the superimposed toner image formed by the first image forming unit 10 may be referred to as the "first image I1."

[0025] Meanwhile, the other four color toner images formed on the photoconductor drums 22 of the image forming units 21 of the second image forming section 20 are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 by the primary transfer roll 28, and a superimposed toner image in which the other four color toners are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 27. Then, this superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is transported to a secondary transfer section in which a secondary transfer roll 29 is disposed, as the intermediate transfer belt 27 moves.

[0026] When the superimposed toner image of the second image forming unit 20 is transported to the secondary transfer unit, the paper S onto which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred in the first image forming unit 10 is supplied to this secondary transfer unit in time with the transport. Then, in the secondary transfer unit, the superimposed toner image of the second image forming unit 20 is secondarily transferred collectively onto the superimposed toner image on the paper S onto which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred in the first image forming unit 10, by a transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 29. Hereinafter, the superimposed toner image formed by the second image forming unit 20 may be referred to as the "second image I2."

[0027] Thereafter, the paper S onto which the superimposed toner image, which is a superimposed toner image of the first image forming unit 10 and the superimposed toner image of the second image forming unit 20, has been electrostatically transferred, is transported to the fixing device 50. The toner image on the paper S transported to the fixing device 50 is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 50, and is fixed onto the paper S. Then, the paper S with the fixed image thereon is transported to the paper stacking unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0028] For example, a document creation application on the terminal device 9 generates instructions for forming an image of an original M created using the application on a sheet of paper S. The printer driver acquires the image formation instructions output from the application and converts them into commands in a format that can be analyzed by the image forming device 2. More specifically, after acquiring an instruction for image formation of the document M outputted from an application, for example, the printer driver takes into consideration the respective characteristics of the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 and converts the instruction into a first image formation instruction which is a command for forming an image in the first image forming unit 10 and a second image formation instruction which is a command for forming an image in the second image forming unit 20. Then, the printer driver outputs the first image formation instruction and the second image formation instruction to the first control unit 100.

[0029] As a result, the first control unit 100 controls the first image forming unit 10 based on the first image formation instruction, and the first image forming unit 10 forms a first image I1 using toner of the first color configuration. The second control unit 200, which has received a second image formation instruction from the first control unit 100, controls the second image forming unit 20 based on the second image formation instruction, and the second image forming unit 20 forms a second image I2 using toner of the second color configuration. Thereafter, the image forming device 2 forms the first image I1 and the second image I2 on one sheet S by superimposing them on each other.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 2 in the present embodiment. (First control unit 100) The first control unit 100 includes a first main control unit 110 that controls the operation of the first image forming unit 10, the paper conveying device 40, the fixing device 50, etc., and a first subordinate control unit 120 that controls the operation of these devices under the control of the first main control unit 110.

[0031] The first main control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, a storage unit 114 such as a semiconductor memory, and a communication unit 115 used for communication with an external device. The communication unit 115 can be exemplified as a communication interface (communication I / F). The ROM 112 stores a basic program (operation system) executed by the CPU 111, various settings, and the like. The CPU 111 uses the RAM 113 as a working area and executes programs read from the ROM 112 or the storage unit 114. The CPU 111 executes the programs to realize the functions of the first main control unit 110 described below.

[0032] The first main control unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from the first subordinate control unit 120, the second control unit 200, and the UI 70 via the communication unit 115. Furthermore, the first main control unit 110 receives an image formation instruction from the outside, for example, the terminal device 9, via the communication unit 115. The first main control unit 110 analyzes the received image formation instruction.

[0033] The first main control unit 110 also performs predetermined image processing on the received image data. The first main control unit 110 converts the data into YMCK data, which are the reproduction colors of the first image forming unit 10, that is, the colors of the toner of the first image forming unit 10 (yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)), and outputs the data. This YMCK data is composed of Y color data, M color data, C color data, and K color data separated for each color. In addition, the first main control unit 110 notifies the first slave control unit 120 of the size and material of the paper S related to the received image formation instruction. In addition, the first main control unit 110 transfers the received image formation instruction to the second control unit 200.

[0034] Like the first main control unit 110, the first slave control unit 120 includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a storage unit 124, and a communication unit 125. The CPU 121 uses the RAM 123 as a working area, and executes a program read from the ROM 122 or the storage unit 124, thereby realizing the functions of the first slave control unit 120 described below. The first slave control unit 120 exchanges control information with the first master control unit 110, and controls the exposure, development, and transfer processes in the first image forming unit 10, the feeding and transport of the paper S in accordance with the transfer timing by the paper transport device 40, and the fixing of the toner image by the fixing device 50.

[0035] The first slave control unit 120 also acquires information that an error has occurred, such as the toner in the first image forming unit 10 running out of toner or a paper jam in the paper conveying device 40. The first slave control unit 120 notifies the first master control unit 110 of the error information. The first master control unit 110 notifies the user of the error information by displaying the error information on the display panel of the UI 70. Then, for example, if the error is a toner shortage, the first slave control unit 120 acquires information that the error that has occurred has been resolved when the toner is replenished. Also, for example, if the error is a paper jam, the first slave control unit 120 acquires information that the error that has occurred has been resolved when the paper jam is resolved. Then, the first slave control unit 120 notifies the first master control unit 110 that the error has been resolved. The first master control unit 110 notifies the user of the error that the error has been resolved by displaying the error on the display panel of the UI 70.

[0036] The first control unit 100 is an example of a first control unit that controls the first image formation of the image forming apparatus.

[0037] (Second control unit 200) The second control unit 200 includes a second main control unit 210 that controls the operation of the second image forming unit 20, and a second slave control unit 220 that controls the operation of the second image forming unit 20 under the control of the second main control unit 210. The second main control unit 210 transmits and receives information to and from the first main control unit 110 via a connection line 150.

[0038] The second main control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a storage unit 214 such as a semiconductor memory, and a communication unit 215 used for communication with external devices. The ROM 212 stores a basic program (operation system) executed by the CPU 211, various settings, and the like. The CPU 211 uses the RAM 213 as a working area and executes programs read from the ROM 212 or the storage unit 214. The CPU 211 executes the programs to realize the functions of the second main control unit 210 described below.

[0039] The second main control unit 210 transmits and receives information to and from the second subordinate control unit 220, the first control unit 100, and the UI 70 via the communication unit 215. The second main control unit 210 also performs predetermined image processing on the received image data. The second main control unit 210 converts the data into white data, gold data, silver data, and clear data, which are the reproduction colors of the second image forming unit 20, that is, the toner colors of the second image forming unit 20 (white, gold, silver, and clear), and outputs the converted data. In addition, the second main control unit 210 notifies the second slave control unit 220 of the size and material of the paper S related to the received image formation instruction.

[0040] Second slave control unit 220 includes a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, a storage unit 224, and a communication unit 225. CPU 221 uses RAM 223 as a working area, and executes programs read from ROM 222 or storage unit 224, thereby realizing the functions of second slave control unit 220 described below. The second slave control unit 220 exchanges control information with the second main control unit 210, and controls exposure, development, transfer, and the like in the second image forming unit 20. The second slave control unit 220 also acquires information that an error has occurred in the toner in the second image forming unit 20 due to the toner being out of toner. The second slave control unit 220 notifies the second main control unit 210 of the error information. The second main control unit 210 notifies the user of the error information by displaying it on the display panel of the UI 70. Then, for example, if the error is due to the toner being out of toner, when the toner is replenished, the second slave control unit 220 acquires information that the error that has occurred has been resolved. Then, the second slave control unit 220 notifies the second main control unit 210 that the error has been resolved. The second main control unit 210 notifies the user of the error that has been resolved by displaying it on the display panel of the UI 70.

[0041] The second control section 200 is an example of a second control section that controls the second image formation of the image forming apparatus.

[0042] (Regarding cooperation between the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200) After being started, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 send and receive information to each other, and the first image forming unit 10 secondarily transfers a four-color superimposed toner image onto the paper S transported by the paper transport device 40 operating under the control of the first control unit 100, and the second image forming unit 20 secondarily transfers the other four-color superimposed toner images.

[0043] Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 2 may be provided with an optional device that is detachable from the image forming apparatus 2, and the optional device may be provided with an optional control unit that controls the optional device. The optional control unit may be connected to the first main control unit 110, for example. In this case, the optional control unit may also be considered as an example of the third processing element.

[0044] FIG. 4 also shows the server 8, but the function of the image forming device 2 when downloading a package from the server 8 will be described in detail later.

[0045] [Overview of operation of this embodiment] (First issue) In the above-described image forming device 2, the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210 have most of the same functions, but not all of the functions are exactly the same. Therefore, if these are realized by one firmware, this firmware needs to include the functions of both the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210, and therefore includes functions that are unnecessary for each of the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210. Furthermore, when firmware is divided into those for the first main control unit 110 and those for the second main control unit 210, a package for updating the firmware must be prepared for each of the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210, and each must be downloaded. However, in the image forming device 2 described above, most of the functions are common to the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210, and therefore unnecessary downloads occur.

[0046] (Solution to the first problem) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a first stage in the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. In this solution, the firmware that realizes the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210 and the package on the server 8 for updating the firmware are divided into a common part, a first unique part, and a second unique part. Here, the common part is a part common to the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210. The first unique part is a part unique to the first main control unit 110. The second unique part is a part unique to the second main control unit 210.

[0047] In this solution, as shown in the figure, firmware that realizes the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210 is divided into a control common unit firmware 710, a first control unique unit firmware 711, and a second control unique unit firmware 712. Also, packages for updating the firmware that realizes the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210 are divided into a control common unit package 810, a first control unique unit package 811, and a second control unique unit package 812. In the figure, firmware may be represented as "FW" and package as "P".

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second stage in the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the server 8 downloads a control common part package 810 , a first control specific part package 811 , and a second control specific part package 812 to the first main control unit 110 and stores them in the download area 118 .

[0049] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the third stage in the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the first main control unit 110 transfers a control common part package 810 and a second control specific part package 812 to the second main control unit 210 and stores them in the download area 218.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the fourth stage in the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the first main control unit 110 updates the control common unit firmware 710 stored in the ROM area 117 with the control common unit package 810 stored in the download area 118. Also, the first main control unit 110 updates the first control unique unit firmware 711 stored in the ROM area 117 with the first control unique unit package 811 stored in the download area 128. On the other hand, the second main control unit 210 updates the control common unit firmware 710 stored in the ROM area 217 with the control common unit package 810 stored in the download area 218. Also, the second main control unit 210 updates the second control unique unit firmware 712 stored in the ROM area 217 with the second control unique unit package 812 stored in the download area 218.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an expanded example of the solution to the first problem of the present embodiment. This extended example also targets firmware (firmware that controls the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20) that realizes the first slave control unit 120 and the second slave control unit 220, which are respectively connected to the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210. In this case, the idea is the same as in Figures 5 to 8, and each package is passed to each unit after being passed to the first main control unit 110.

[0052] In this extended example, as shown in the figure, firmware that controls the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 is divided into an image formation common unit firmware 720, a first image formation specific unit firmware 721, and a second image formation specific unit firmware 722. In addition, packages for updating the firmware that controls the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 are divided into an image formation common unit package 820, a first image formation specific unit package 821, and a second image formation specific unit package 822.

[0053] Then, first, the server 8 further downloads an image formation common part package 820 , a first image formation specific part package 821 , and a second image formation specific part package 822 to the first main control unit 110 and stores them in the download area 118 .

[0054] Next, the first main control unit 110 transfers the image formation common part package 820 and the first image formation specific part package 821 to the first slave control unit 120 and stores them in the download area 128. The first main control unit 110 further transfers the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822 to the second main control unit 210 and stores them in the download area 218. The second main control unit 210 further transfers the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822 to the second slave control unit 220 and stores them in the download area 228.

[0055] Thereafter, the first slave control unit 120 updates the image formation common part firmware 720 stored in the ROM area 127 with the image formation common part package 820 stored in the download area 128. Also, the first slave control unit 120 updates the first image formation specific part firmware 721 stored in the ROM area 127 with the first image formation specific part package 821 stored in the download area 128. On the other hand, the second slave control unit 220 updates the image formation common unit firmware 720 stored in the ROM area 227 with the image formation common unit package 820 stored in the download area 228. Also, the second slave control unit 220 updates the second image formation specific unit firmware 722 stored in the ROM area 227 with the second image formation specific unit package 822 stored in the download area 228.

[0056] (Second issue) In the solution to the first problem, a package is applied to first main control unit 110, first slave control unit 120, second main control unit 210, and second slave control unit 220. Incidentally, in the above-described image forming apparatus 2, for example, a configuration is considered in which the first subordinate control unit 120 is connected to an option control unit 300 that controls an option device (not shown). In such a configuration, by applying the solution to the first problem to the option control unit 300, it is possible to apply the corresponding firmware to the option control unit 300 as well. However, the first main control unit 110 does not know whether or not the option control unit 300 is subordinate to the first slave control unit 120. Therefore, when a package for the option control unit 300 is downloaded, the first main control unit 110 must always transmit the package to the first slave control unit 120, which is a wasteful process if the option device is not attached.

[0057] (Solution to the second problem) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first stage in the solution to the second problem of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, components such as first main control unit 110, first slave control unit 120, second main control unit 210, second slave control unit 220, and option control unit 300 recognize firmware that they themselves require. Then, at startup, each component passes firmware information indicating the required firmware to a higher-level component. Specifically, as shown in speech bubble 309, option control unit 300 passes information to the first slave control unit 120 indicating that it requires option common unit firmware 730 and first option specific unit firmware 731. Also, as shown in speech bubble 229, second slave control unit 220 passes information to the second main control unit 210 indicating that it requires image formation common unit firmware 720 and second image formation specific unit firmware 722.

[0058] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a second stage in the solution to the second problem of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when a higher-level component receives firmware information from a lower-level component, the higher-level component adds information indicating the firmware required by the higher-level component to the firmware information, and passes the added information to the higher-level component. Specifically, as shown in a speech bubble 129, the first slave control unit 120 passes information to the first main control unit 110 indicating that it requires the image formation common unit firmware 720 and the first image formation specific unit firmware 721 in addition to the information passed from the option control unit 300 in Fig. 10. Also, as shown in a speech bubble 219, the second main control unit 210 passes information to the first main control unit 110 indicating that it requires the control common unit firmware 710 and the second control specific unit firmware 712 in addition to the information passed from the second slave control unit 220 in Fig. 10.

[0059] By repeating this process, each component becomes aware of the firmware required by its own lower components. For example, the first main control unit 110 recognizes that it should transmit the option common part package 830, the first option specific part package 831, the image formation common part package 820, and the first image formation specific part package 821 to the first slave control unit 120. The first main control unit 110 also recognizes that it should transmit the image formation common part package 820, the second image formation specific part package 822, the control common part package 810, and the second control specific part package 812 to the second main control unit 210. As a result, the necessary packages are transferred from the first main control unit 110 to the first slave control unit 120 and from the first main control unit 110 to the second main control unit 210.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a third stage in the solution to the second problem of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when a higher-level component transfers a received package to a lower-level component, the higher-level component refers to firmware information indicating firmware required by each lower-level component, and then transfers only those packages required by the lower-level component from the received packages to that lower-level component. Specifically, the first main control unit 110 transfers the image formation common part package 820, the first image formation specific part package 821, the option common part package 830, and the first option specific part package 831 to the first slave control unit 120. Also, the first main control unit 110 transfers the control common part package 810, the second control specific part package 812, the image formation common part package 820, and the second image formation specific part package 822 to the second main control unit 210. Furthermore, although not shown, the first slave control unit 120 transfers the option common part package 830 and the first option specific part package 831 to the option control unit 300. Furthermore, although not shown, the second main control unit 210 transmits the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822 to the second slave control unit 220.

[0061] (Third issue) In the solution to the second problem, a package is applied to first main control unit 110, first slave control unit 120, second main control unit 210, second slave control unit 220, and option control unit 300. In this case, the transfer of the package is completed in the order of the main control unit, the sub control unit, and the option control unit, and therefore the package becomes applicable in this order. However, if the packages are applied in the order that the packages become applicable, the timing of restarting after the package application is completed varies for each component. Therefore, it is possible that the communication between components that occurs at startup cannot be performed, and restarting the components will fail. For example, if the first main control unit 110 and the option control unit 300 attempt to restart the first slave control unit 120 while the power is off for restarting, the first slave control unit 120 cannot communicate with the first main control unit 110 and the option control unit 300, and the restart will fail. To avoid this, it is necessary to control the timing of rebooting or the timing of applying the package.

[0062] (Solution to the third problem) FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a solution to the third problem of the present embodiment. In this solution, each component is provided with a state in which it waits for restart when the download is complete (as is usually the case). Each component then enters a restart waiting state, with one of the conditions being that its lower components are in a restart waiting state. This ensures that the restart wait state will be entered starting from the lowest level component, and when first main control unit 110 finally enters the restart wait state, the entire system can be restarted.

[0063] In the figure, the first slave control unit 120 checks whether the option control unit 300 is in a restart-waiting state. Also, the second main control unit 210 checks whether the second slave control unit 220 is in a restart-waiting state. Furthermore, the first main control unit 110 checks whether the first slave control unit 120 and the second main control unit 210 are in a restart-waiting state.

[0064] [Image forming device details] Referring again to FIG. 4, a detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 for implementing the general operations shown in FIGS. 5 to 13 will be described.

[0065] (First main control unit) The first main control unit 110 acquires a package for updating firmware that realizes each component of the image forming apparatus 2 from the server 8 under the control of the CPU 111.

[0066] Here, the firmware includes firmware that realizes the first main control unit 110 and firmware that realizes the second main control unit 210. The firmware that realizes the first main control unit 110 includes a control common unit firmware 710 that is a part common to the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210, and a first control specific unit firmware 711 that is a part specific to the first main control unit 110. The firmware that realizes the second main control unit 210 includes the control common unit firmware 710 that is a part common to the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210, and a second control specific unit firmware 712 that is a part specific to the second main control unit 210. The packages include a control common part package 810 for updating the control common part firmware 710, a first control unique part package 811 for updating the first control unique part firmware 711, and a second control unique part package 812 for updating the second control unique part firmware 712.

[0067] In this case, the first main control unit 110 is an example of a first processing element. The second main control unit 210 is an example of a second processing element. The firmware that realizes the first main control unit 110 is an example of a first firmware. The firmware that realizes the second main control unit 210 is an example of a second firmware. The control common part package 810 is an example of common part update data for updating the common part of the first firmware and the second firmware. The first control unique part package 811 is an example of first unique part update data for updating the unique part of the first firmware. The second control unique part package 812 is an example of second unique part update data for updating the unique part of the second firmware. The process performed by the CPU 111 is an example of a process of controlling the first processing element to acquire the common part update data, the first unique part update data, and the second unique part update data from an external device.

[0068] The firmware further includes firmware that realizes the first slave control unit 120 and firmware that realizes the second slave control unit 220. The firmware that realizes the first slave control unit 120 includes image formation common unit firmware 720, which is a part common to the first slave control unit 120 and the second slave control unit 220, and first image formation specific unit firmware 721, which is a part unique to the first slave control unit 120. The firmware that realizes the second slave control unit 220 includes image formation common unit firmware 720, which is a part common to the first slave control unit 120 and the second slave control unit 220, and second image formation specific unit firmware 722, which is a part unique to the second slave control unit 220. The package further includes an image forming common part package 820 for updating the image forming common part firmware 720, a first image forming specific part package 821 for updating the first image forming specific part firmware 721, and a second image forming specific part package 822 for updating the second image forming specific part firmware 722.

[0069] In this case, the first slave control unit 120 is an example of a third processing element. The second slave control unit 220 is an example of a fourth processing element. The firmware that realizes the first slave control unit 120 is an example of a third firmware. The firmware that realizes the second slave control unit 220 is an example of a fourth firmware. The image formation common part package 820 is an example of second common part update data for updating the common parts of the third firmware and the fourth firmware. The first image formation unique part package 821 is an example of third unique part update data for updating the unique part of the third firmware. The second image formation unique part package 822 is an example of fourth unique part update data for updating the unique part of the fourth firmware. The process performed by the CPU 111 is an example of a process of controlling the first processing element to further acquire the second common part update data, the third unique part update data, and the fourth unique part update data from an external device.

[0070] Under the control of the CPU 111, the first main control unit 110 updates its own firmware with a package acquired from the server 8, or transfers the package acquired from the server 8 to other components.

[0071] Here, it is assumed that the package acquired from the server 8 includes a control common part package 810, a first control unique part package 811, and a second control unique part package 812. Then, the first main control unit 110 updates its own control common part firmware 710 and first control unique part firmware 711 with the control common part package 810 and the first control unique part package 811, respectively. Then, the first main control unit 110 transfers the control common part package 810 and the second control unique part package 812 to the second main control unit 210.

[0072] In this case, the process performed by CPU 111 is an example of a process of controlling the first processing element to transfer the common part update data and the second specific part update data to the second processing element.

[0073] Moreover, it is assumed that the package acquired from the server 8 further includes an image formation common part package 820, a first image formation specific part package 821, and a second image formation specific part package 822. Then, the first main control unit 110 further transfers the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822 to the second main control unit 210, and transfers the image formation common part package 820 and the first image formation specific part package 821 to the first subordinate control unit 120.

[0074] In this case, the processing performed by CPU 111 is an example of processing to control the first processing element to further transfer the second common part update data and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element, and to control the first processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element.

[0075] Under the control of CPU 111, first main control unit 110 collects firmware information indicating firmware required by the lower components from the lower components.

[0076] Here, it is assumed that the first main control unit 110 collects firmware information from the second main control unit 210 indicating that the second main control unit 210 requires the control common unit package 810 and the second control specific unit package 812. Then, the first main control unit 110 decides to transfer the control common unit package 810 and the second control specific unit package 812 to the second main control unit 210 based on this firmware information.

[0077] In this case, the firmware information is an example of definition information that defines the update data to be transferred by the first processing element to the second processing element. The process performed by CPU 111 is an example of a process of controlling to generate definition information by acquiring, from the second processing element, information that the second processing element requires the common part update data and the second specific part update data. The process performed by CPU 111 is an example of a process of controlling to cause the first processing element to decide to transfer the common part update data and the second specific part update data to the second processing element based on the definition information.

[0078] Also, it is assumed that the first main control unit 110 collects firmware information from the second main control unit 210 indicating that the second main control unit 210 or the second slave control unit 220 requires any one of the control common unit package 810, the second control specific unit package 812, the image formation common unit package 820, and the second image formation specific unit package 822. Also, it is assumed that the first slave control unit 120 collects firmware information from the first slave control unit 120 indicating that the image formation common unit package 820 and the first image formation specific unit package 821 are required. Then, based on this firmware information, the first main control unit 110 decides to transfer the control common unit package 810, the second control specific unit package 812, the image formation common unit package 820, and the second image formation specific unit package 822 to the second main control unit 210. Also, based on this firmware information, the first main control unit 110 decides to transfer the image formation common unit package 820 and the first image formation specific unit package 821 to the first slave control unit 120.

[0079] In this case, the firmware information is an example of definition information that defines the update data to be transferred by the first processing element to the second processing element and the third processing element. The process performed by the CPU 111 is an example of a process of controlling the first processing element to generate definition information by acquiring information from the second processing element that the second processing element or the fourth processing element requires the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data, and acquiring information from the third processing element that the third processing element requires the second common part update data and the third unique part update data. The process performed by the CPU 111 is an example of a process of controlling the first processing element to determine, based on the definition information, to transfer the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element, and to transfer the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element.

[0080] Under the control of the CPU 111, the first main control unit 110 transfers the package to the lower components, and then when all the lower components are in a state waiting for restart, restarts the entire system or notifies the user that the first main control unit 110 itself is in a state waiting for restart.

[0081] Here, it is assumed that the first main control unit 110 transfers the control common unit package 810 and the second control specific unit package 812 to the second main control unit 210. Then, when the second main control unit 210 subsequently enters a restart waiting state, the first main control unit 110 restarts the entire system or notifies the user that the first main control unit 110 itself has entered a restart waiting state.

[0082] In this case, the processing performed by CPU 111 is an example of a control process in which, after the first processing element transfers the common part update data and the second unique part update data to the second processing element, when the second processing element enters a restart waiting state, the first processing element outputs information indicating that it has entered a restart waiting state.

[0083] Also, assume that the first main control unit 110 transfers the control common unit package 810, the second control specific unit package 812, the image formation common unit package 820, and the second image formation specific unit package 822 to the second main control unit 210, and transfers the image formation common unit package 820 and the first image formation specific unit package 821 to the first slave control unit 120. Then, when the second main control unit 210, the first slave control unit 120, and the second slave control unit 220 are in a restart waiting state, the first main control unit 110 restarts the entire system or notifies the user that the first main control unit 110 is in a restart waiting state. At that time, the first main control unit 110 cannot directly determine that the second slave control unit 220 is in a restart waiting state, but can determine this by the second main control unit 210 being in a restart waiting state.

[0084] In this case, the processing performed by CPU 111 is an example of a control processing to output information that the first processing element has entered a restart waiting state when the second processing element, the third processing element, and the fourth processing element enter a restart waiting state after the first processing element transfers the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element and the first processing element transfers the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element. Also, the processing performed by CPU 111 is an example of a control processing to cause the first processing element to determine that the fourth processing element has entered a restart waiting state when the second processing element enters a restart waiting state.

[0085] (First Slave Control Unit) Under the control of the CPU 121, the first slave control unit 120 updates its own firmware with a package obtained from the first main control unit 110, or transfers the package obtained from the first main control unit 110 to other components.

[0086] Here, it is assumed that the package acquired from the first main control unit 110 includes an image formation common part package 820 and a first image formation specific part package 821. Then, the first slave control unit 120 updates its own image formation common part firmware 720 and first image formation specific part firmware 721 with the image formation common part package 820 and the first image formation specific part package 821, respectively.

[0087] Also, although not shown, it is assumed that when the option control unit 300 is connected to the first slave control unit 120, the package acquired from the first master control unit 110 further includes an option common part package 830 and a first option specific part package 831. Then, the first slave control unit 120 transfers the option common part package 830 and the first option specific part package 831 to the option control unit 300.

[0088] Under the control of CPU 121, first subordinate control unit 120 collects firmware information indicating firmware required by the lower components from the lower components, and passes this firmware information to the upper component.

[0089] Here, although not shown, it is assumed that when the option control unit 300 is connected to the first slave control unit 120, the first slave control unit 120 collects firmware information indicating that the option control unit 300 requires the option common part package 830 and the first option specific part package 831 from the option control unit 300. Then, the first slave control unit 120 adds to this firmware information a message indicating that it requires the image formation common part package 820 and the first image formation specific part package 821, and passes the firmware information to the first main control unit 110. Then, the first slave control unit 120 decides to transfer the option common part package 830 and the first option specific part package 831 to the option control unit 300 based on this firmware information.

[0090] Under the control of CPU 121, first subordinate control unit 120 transfers the package to the lower components, and then when all the lower components are in a restart waiting state, notifies the upper component that it has entered a restart waiting state.

[0091] Although not shown, it is assumed here that when the option control unit 300 is connected to the first slave control unit 120, the first slave control unit 120 transfers the option common part package 830 and the first option specific part package 831 to the option control unit 300. Then, when the option control unit 300 subsequently enters a restart waiting state, the first slave control unit 120 notifies the first main control unit 110 that it has entered a restart waiting state.

[0092] (Second main control unit) Under the control of the CPU 211, the second main control unit 210 updates its own firmware with the package acquired from the first main control unit 110, or transfers the package acquired from the first main control unit 110 to other components.

[0093] Here, it is assumed that the package acquired from the first main control unit 110 includes a control common part package 810 and a second control specific part package 812. Then, the second main control unit 210 updates its own control common part firmware 710 and second control specific part firmware 712 with the control common part package 810 and the second control specific part package 812, respectively.

[0094] In addition, it is assumed that the package acquired from the first main control unit 110 further includes an image formation common part package 820 and a second image formation specific part package 822. Then, the second main control unit 210 transfers the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822 to the second subordinate control unit 220.

[0095] In this case, the process performed by the CPU 211 is an example of a process of controlling the second processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the fourth unique part update data to the fourth processing element.

[0096] Under the control of the CPU 211, the second main control unit 210 collects firmware information indicating firmware required by the lower components from the lower components, and passes this firmware information to the upper components.

[0097] Here, it is assumed that the second main control unit 210 collects firmware information indicating that the second slave control unit 220 requires the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822 from the second slave control unit 220. Then, the second main control unit 210 adds to this firmware information that it requires the control common part package 810 and the second control specific part package 812, and passes it to the first main control unit 110. Then, the second main control unit 210 decides to transfer the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822 to the second slave control unit 220 based on this firmware information.

[0098] In this case, the firmware information is an example of second definition information that defines the update data to be transferred by the second processing element to the fourth processing element. The process performed by CPU211 is an example of a process of controlling the second processing element to generate second definition information by acquiring information from the fourth processing element that the fourth processing element requires the second common part update data and the fourth unique part update data. The process performed by CPU211 is an example of a process of controlling the second processing element to determine to transfer the second common part update data and the fourth unique part update data to the fourth processing element based on the definition information.

[0099] Under the control of the CPU 211, the second main control unit 210 transfers the package to the lower components, and when all the lower components are in a restart waiting state, notifies the upper component that the second main control unit 210 itself is in a restart waiting state.

[0100] Here, it is assumed that the second main control unit 210 transfers the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822 to the second slave control unit 220. Then, when the second slave control unit 220 subsequently enters a restart waiting state, the second main control unit 210 notifies the first main control unit 110 that it has entered a restart waiting state.

[0101] In this case, the processing performed by CPU 211 is an example of a process of controlling the second processing element to enter a restart waiting state when the fourth processing element enters a restart waiting state after the second processing element transfers the second common part update data and the fourth unique part update data to the fourth processing element.

[0102] (Second Slave Control Unit) Under the control of the CPU 221, the second slave control unit 220 updates its own firmware with the package acquired from the second main control unit 210, or transfers the package acquired from the second main control unit 210 to other components.

[0103] Here, it is assumed that the package acquired from the second main control unit 210 includes an image formation common part package 820 and a second image formation specific part package 822. Then, the second subordinate control unit 220 updates its own image formation common part firmware 720 and second image formation specific part firmware 722 with the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822, respectively.

[0104] Under the control of CPU 221, second subordinate control unit 220 collects firmware information indicating firmware required by the lower components from the lower components, and passes this firmware information to the upper component.

[0105] Here, it is assumed that no optional control unit is connected to the second slave control unit 220. Then, the second slave control unit 220 passes firmware information indicating that it requires the image formation common part package 820 and the second image formation specific part package 822 to the second main control unit 210.

[0106] Under the control of CPU 221, second subordinate control unit 220 transfers the package to the lower components, and when all the lower components are in a restart waiting state, notifies the upper component that it itself is in a restart waiting state.

[0107] Here, it is assumed that no optional control unit is connected to the second slave control unit 220. Then, the second slave control unit 220 notifies the second main control unit 210 that it has entered a state of waiting for restart.

[0108] (Details of operation) FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of first main control unit 110 of image forming apparatus 2 in the present embodiment.

[0109] As shown in the figure, first, the first main control unit 110 judges whether or not a package has been received from the server 8 (step 501).

[0110] If it is determined in step 501 that a package has not been received from the server 8, the first main control unit 110 repeats step 501. If it is determined in step 501 that a package has been received from the server 8, the first main control unit 110 executes firmware information collection processing (step 502). Details of this firmware information collection processing will be described later.

[0111] Next, the first main control unit 110 executes a package transfer update process (step 503). The details of this package transfer update process will also be described later.

[0112] Thereafter, when the first main control unit 110 itself enters a state waiting for restart in this package transfer update process, it restarts the entire system (step 504). Note that, although it has been described here that the first main control unit 110 restarts the entire system, this is not limiting. The first main control unit 110 may notify the user that it has entered a state waiting for restart, and the user may restart the entire system.

[0113] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of any control unit (hereinafter, referred to as a "lower control unit") subordinate to first main control unit 110 of image forming apparatus 2 in this embodiment.

[0114] As shown in the figure, first, the lower control unit judges whether or not it has received a firmware information transfer request from its upper component (step 521).

[0115] If it is determined in step 521 that a firmware information transfer request has not been received from the upper component, the lower control unit repeats step 521. If it is determined in step 521 that a firmware information transfer request has been received from the upper component, the lower control unit executes firmware information collection processing (step 522). Details of this firmware information collection processing will be described later.

[0116] Then, the lower level control unit transmits the firmware information that has been combined and stored in the firmware information collection process to the upper level component (step 523).

[0117] Next, the lower level control unit executes a package transfer update process (step 524). The details of this package transfer update process will also be described later.

[0118] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the firmware information collection process in step 502 in Fig. 14 and step 522 in Fig. 15. In step 502 in Fig. 14, the first main control unit 110 executes the firmware information collection process, and in step 522 in Fig. 15, a lower control unit executes the firmware information collection process. However, here, the first main control unit 110 and the lower control unit are collectively referred to as a "component of interest", and the description will be given assuming that the component of interest executes the firmware information collection process.

[0119] As shown in the figure, first, the component of interest determines whether or not there are any lower-level components (step 541).

[0120] If it is determined in step 541 that a lower component exists, the target component transmits a firmware information transfer request to the lower component (step 542).The target component then receives the firmware information from the lower component (step 543).

[0121] Next, the component of interest determines whether it has received firmware information from all of its lower components (step 544). If it is determined in step 544 that firmware information has not been received from all of the lower components, the process returns to step 543. If firmware information has been received from all of the lower components in step 544, the target component combines and stores the firmware information received from all of the lower components and its own firmware information (step 545).

[0122] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 541 that the target component does not have its own lower component, the target component proceeds to step 545. In this case, however, since there is no firmware information received from a lower component, the target component stores its own firmware information in step 545.

[0123] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the package transfer update process in step 503 in Fig. 14 and step 524 in Fig. 15. In step 503 in Fig. 14, the first main control unit 110 executes the package transfer update process, and in step 524 in Fig. 15, a lower control unit executes the package transfer update process. However, here, the first main control unit 110 and the lower control unit are collectively referred to as a "component of interest", and the description will be given assuming that the component of interest executes the package transfer update process.

[0124] As shown in the figure, first, the component of interest determines whether or not there is a package to be transferred to its lower component (step 561).

[0125] If it is determined in step 561 that there is a package to be transferred to its own lower component, the target component transfers the package to the lower component (step 562) and proceeds to step 563. If it is determined in step 561 that there is no package to be transferred to its own lower component, the target component proceeds to step 563 without executing step 562.

[0126] Next, the target component determines whether or not there is a package that updates the firmware stored in its own ROM area (step 563).

[0127] If it is determined in step 563 that there is a package that updates the firmware stored in its own ROM area, the target component updates the firmware stored in its own ROM area with that package (step 564), and proceeds with the process to step 565. If it is determined in step 563 that there is no package that updates the firmware stored in its own ROM area, the target component proceeds with the process to step 565 without executing step 564.

[0128] Next, the component of interest determines whether it has transferred the package to a lower component (step 565). If it is determined in step 565 that the package has been transferred to the lower component, the target component determines whether all of the lower components to which the package has been transferred are in a restart waiting state (step 566). If it is determined in step 566 that all of the lower components are not in a restart waiting state, the target component repeats step 566. If it is determined in step 566 that all of the lower components are in a restart waiting state, the target component transitions to a restart waiting state (step 567).

[0129] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 565 that the package has not been transferred to the lower component, the component of interest moves to a restart waiting state without executing the process of step 566 (step 567).

[0130] [Processor] In this embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). In addition, the operations of the processor in this embodiment may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0131] [Note] (((1))) a first processing element implemented by a first firmware; a second processing element implemented by a second firmware; one or more processors for controlling the first processing element and the second processing element; Equipped with The one or more processors: controlling the first processing element to acquire, from an external device, common part update data for updating a common part of the first firmware and the second firmware, first unique part update data for updating a unique part of the first firmware, and second unique part update data for updating the unique part of the second firmware; controlling the first processing element to transfer the common part update data and the second specific part update data to the second processing element; Information processing device. (((2))) The one or more processors: The information processing device according to (((1))) controls the first processing element to determine whether to transfer the common part update data and the second specific part update data to the second processing element based on definition information that defines update data that the first processing element should transfer to the second processing element. (((3))) The one or more processors: The information processing device described in (((2))) controls the first processing element to generate the definition information by obtaining information from the second processing element that the second processing element requires the common part update data and the second specific part update data. (((4))) The one or more processors: The information processing device according to (((1))), wherein, after the first processing element transfers the common part update data and the second specific part update data to the second processing element, when the second processing element enters a restart waiting state, the information processing device controls so as to output information indicating that the first processing element has entered a restart waiting state. (((5))) a third processing element that is subordinate to the first processing element and is implemented by a third firmware; a fourth processing element that is subordinate to the second processing element and is implemented by a fourth firmware; Further comprising: The one or more processors: controlling the first processing element to further acquire, from the external device, second common part update data for updating a common part of the third firmware and the fourth firmware, third unique part update data for updating a unique part of the third firmware, and fourth unique part update data for updating the unique part of the fourth firmware; Controlling the first processing element to further transfer the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the second processing element; Controlling the first processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the third specific part update data to the third processing element; controlling the second processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the fourth processing element; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , (((6))) The one or more processors: The information processing device according to ((5))), wherein the first processing element controls the first processing element to decide to transfer the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element, and to transfer the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element, based on definition information defining update data to be transferred by the first processing element to the second processing element and the third processing element. (((7))) The one or more processors: The information processing device according to (((6))), wherein the information processing device controls the first processing element to generate the definition information by acquiring from the second processing element information that the second processing element or the fourth processing element requires the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data, and by acquiring from the third processing element information that the third processing element requires the second common part update data and the third unique part update data. (((8))) The one or more processors: The information processing device according to (((6))) controls the second processing element to determine whether to transfer the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the fourth processing element based on second definition information defining update data that the second processing element should transfer to the fourth processing element. (((9))) The one or more processors: The information processing device according to (((8))), wherein the information processing device controls the second processing element to generate the second definition information by obtaining information from the fourth processing element that the fourth processing element requires the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data. (((10))) The one or more processors: The information processing device according to ((5))), wherein, after the first processing element transfers the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element, and the first processing element transfers the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element, when the second processing element, the third processing element, and the fourth processing element enter a restart wait state, the information processing device controls to output information indicating that the first processing element has entered a restart wait state. (((11))) The one or more processors: when the fourth processing element is in a restart waiting state after the second processing element transfers the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the fourth processing element, the second processing element is controlled to be in a restart waiting state; The information processing device according to (((10))), wherein, when the second processing element enters a restart waiting state, the first processing element is controlled to determine that the fourth processing element has entered a restart waiting state. (((12))) the first processing element includes a first main control unit of a first control unit that controls a first image formation of an image forming apparatus; the second processing element includes a second main control unit of a second control unit that controls a second image formation of the image forming apparatus, the third processing element includes a first subordinate control unit of the first control unit; The information processing device according to any one of ((5))) to (((11))), wherein the fourth processing element includes a second subordinate control unit of the second control unit. (((13))) The information processing device according to (((12))), wherein the third processing element further includes an option control unit that controls an optional device that is detachable from the image forming device.

[0132] According to the invention (((1))), it is possible to obtain update data for updating firmware realizing a first processing element and firmware realizing a second processing element in a short period of time, thereby preventing unnecessary resource consumption. According to the invention (((2))), update data that is defined to be transferred to the second processing element can be transferred to the second processing element. According to the invention (((3))), update data required by the second processing element can be transferred to the second processing element. According to the invention (((4))), it is possible to reduce the possibility that the restart will fail after the update data is transferred to the second processing element. According to the invention (((5))), it is possible to obtain update data for updating the firmware realizing the third processing element and the firmware realizing the fourth processing element in a short period of time, thereby preventing unnecessary resource consumption. According to the invention (((6))), update data defined to be transferred to a second processing element can be transferred to the second processing element, and update data defined to be transferred to a third processing element can be transferred to the third processing element. According to the invention (((7))), update data required by the second processing element or the fourth processing element can be transferred to the second processing element, and update data required by the third processing element can be transferred to the third processing element. According to the invention (((8))), update data that is defined to be transferred to the fourth processing element can be transferred to the fourth processing element. According to the invention (((9))), update data required by the fourth processing element can be transferred to the fourth processing element. According to the invention (((10))), it is possible to reduce the possibility that the restart will fail after the update data is transferred to the second processing element and the third processing element. According to the invention (((11))), it is possible to reduce the possibility that the restart after the update data is transferred to the fourth processing element will fail. According to the invention (((12))), it is possible to obtain update data for updating the firmware realizing the first main control unit, the firmware realizing the second main control unit, the firmware realizing the first slave control unit, and the firmware realizing the second slave control unit fourth processing element in a short period of time, thereby preventing unnecessary resource consumption. According to the invention (((13))), it is possible to obtain update data for updating firmware that realizes an option control unit in a short period of time, thereby preventing unnecessary resource consumption. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...image forming system, 2...image forming apparatus, 8...server, 9...terminal device, 10...first image forming section, 20...second image forming section, 100...first control section, 110...first main control section, 120...first subordinate control section, 200...second control section, 210...second main control section, 220...second subordinate control section

Claims

1. a first processing element implemented by a first firmware; a second processing element implemented by a second firmware; one or more processors for controlling the first processing element and the second processing element; Equipped with The one or more processors: controlling the first processing element to acquire, from an external device, common part update data for updating a common part of the first firmware and the second firmware, first unique part update data for updating a unique part of the first firmware, and second unique part update data for updating the unique part of the second firmware; controlling the first processing element to transfer the common part update data and the second specific part update data to the second processing element; Information processing device.

2. The one or more processors:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first processing element that determines whether to transfer the common part update data and the second specific part update data to the second processing element based on definition information that defines the update data that the first processing element should transfer to the second processing element.

3. The one or more processors:

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, further comprising: a processor for controlling a first processing element to generate the definition information by acquiring information from the second processing element that the second processing element requires the common part update data and the second specific part update data.

4. The one or more processors:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a processor for controlling a processing unit that performs a process for updating a common part of the processing element and a process for updating a second specific part of the processing element;

5. a third processing element that is subordinate to the first processing element and is implemented by a third firmware; a fourth processing element that is subordinate to the second processing element and is implemented by a fourth firmware; Further comprising: The one or more processors: controlling the first processing element to further acquire, from the external device, second common part update data for updating a common part of the third firmware and the fourth firmware, third unique part update data for updating a unique part of the third firmware, and fourth unique part update data for updating the unique part of the fourth firmware; Controlling the first processing element to further transfer the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the second processing element; Controlling the first processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the third specific part update data to the third processing element; controlling the second processing element to transfer the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the fourth processing element; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The one or more processors:

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the first processing element is controlled to decide to transfer the common part update data, the second specific part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth specific part update data to the second processing element, and to transfer the second common part update data and the third specific part update data to the third processing element, based on definition information defining the update data to be transferred by the first processing element to the second processing element and the third processing element.

7. The one or more processors:

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the first processing element generates the definition information by acquiring information from the second processing element that the second processing element or the fourth processing element requires the common part update data, the second specific part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth specific part update data, and by acquiring information from the third processing element that the third processing element requires the second common part update data and the third specific part update data.

8. The one or more processors:

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, further comprising: a processor for controlling a second processing element to determine whether to transfer the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the fourth processing element based on second definition information that defines the update data that the second processing element should transfer to the fourth processing element.

9. The one or more processors:

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, further comprising: a processor for controlling the second processing element to generate the second definition information by obtaining information from the fourth processing element that the fourth processing element requires the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data.

10. The one or more processors:

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein, after the first processing element transfers the common part update data, the second unique part update data, the second common part update data, and the fourth unique part update data to the second processing element, and the first processing element transfers the second common part update data and the third unique part update data to the third processing element, when the second processing element, the third processing element, and the fourth processing element enter a restart waiting state, the information processing device controls to output information indicating that the first processing element has entered a restart waiting state.

11. The one or more processors: when the fourth processing element is in a restart waiting state after the second processing element transfers the second common part update data and the fourth specific part update data to the fourth processing element, the second processing element is controlled to be in a restart waiting state; The information processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein, when the second processing element is in a restart waiting state, the first processing element is controlled to determine that the fourth processing element is in a restart waiting state.

12. the first processing element includes a first main control unit of a first control unit that controls a first image formation of an image forming apparatus; the second processing element includes a second main control unit of a second control unit that controls a second image formation of the image forming apparatus, the third processing element includes a first subordinate control unit of the first control unit; The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the fourth processing element includes a second subordinate control unit of the second control unit.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the third processing element further includes an option control unit that controls an optional device that is detachable from the image forming apparatus.

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