Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and control program

Abstract

To reduce the time and effort for an operator who updates software of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A multifunctional machine 2 comprises: an access unit 213 that accesses a communication control program PA that is stored in advance in a server device 1 and controls the communication between the server device 1 and the multifunctional machine 2; an acquisition unit 214 that acquires the communication control program PA from the server device 1; and an execution unit 215 that executes the communication control program PA to make available a program stored in a first memory 11B of the server device 1 as a distributed file system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for updating printer software. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-154988 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, there is a demand for reducing the amount of work required by the operator when updating software in an image forming device such as a printer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming device according to one aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem includes an access unit that accesses a communication control program that is pre-stored in an information processing device and controls communication between the information processing device and the image forming device, an acquisition unit that acquires the communication control program from the information processing device, and an execution unit that makes the program stored in the memory unit of the information processing device available as a distributed file system by executing the communication control program.

[0006] Another aspect of a method for controlling an image forming device that solves the above problem includes an access step for accessing a communication control program that is pre-stored in an information processing device and controls communication between the information processing device and the image forming device, an acquisition step for acquiring the communication control program from the information processing device, and an execution step for making the program stored in the memory unit of the information processing device available as a distributed file system by executing the communication control program.

[0007] A control program according to yet another aspect that solves the above problem causes a processor provided in an image forming device to function as an access unit that accesses a communication control program that is pre-stored in an information processing device and controls communication between the information processing device and the image forming device, an acquisition unit that acquires the communication control program from the information processing device, and an execution unit that makes programs stored in a memory unit of the information processing device available as a distributed file system by executing the communication control program. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a second control unit of the multifunction peripheral. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, the configuration of a communication control system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication control system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication control system 100 includes a server device 1 and a plurality of multifunction peripherals 2.

[0011] The server device 1 is communicably connected to a plurality of multifunction peripherals 2 via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet. In this embodiment, the network NW is the Internet, but is not limited to this. The network NW may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0012] When the server device 1 receives an access to the communication control program PA from each of the multiple multifunction peripherals 2, the server device 1 permits the multifunction peripherals 2 to download the communication control program PA. The communication control program PA is stored in the server device 1 in advance. Furthermore, when the server device 1 receives request information RQ from each of the multiple multifunction devices 2, it permits the download of the extended control program PB. The server device 1 corresponds to an example of an "information processing device." The server device 1 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0013] The multifunction devices 2 include, for example, a multifunction device 2A, a multifunction device 2B, and a multifunction device 2C. Each of the multifunction devices 2 accesses a communication control program PA that is stored in advance in the server device 1 and controls communication between the server device 1 and each of the multifunction devices 2, and downloads the communication control program PA. Furthermore, each of the multifunction devices 2 executes the downloaded communication control program PA, thereby enabling the extended control program PB stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 to be used as a distributed file system. The first memory 11B corresponds to an example of a "storage unit." The extended control program PB corresponds to an example of a "program stored in a storage unit." An example of a "distributed file system" is NFS (registered trademark) (Network File System). The multifunction device 2 corresponds to an example of an "image forming device." The multifunction device 2 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0014] In this embodiment, a case where there are three multifunction devices 2 will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. There may be one or two multifunction devices 2. Furthermore, there may be four or more multifunction devices 2.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the server device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 1 according to this embodiment. 2, the server device 1 includes a first control unit 11, a first operation mechanism 12, and a first communication interface 13. The first control unit 11 controls each unit of the server device 1. The first operation mechanism 12 and the first communication interface 13 are each connected to the first control unit 11 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The server device 1 is equipped with, for example, Linux (registered trademark) as an OS (Operating System).

[0016] The first control unit 11 includes a first processor 11A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a first memory 11B such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The first memory 11B stores a first control program PG1.

[0017] The first processor 11A may be configured with multiple processors or may be configured with a single processor. The first processor 11A may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each unit described below. That is, the first processor 11A may be configured with the first control program PG1 installed as a hardware circuit. In this case, the first processor 11A may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like. In the following description, the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 to realize various functions of the first control unit 11.

[0018] The first memory 11B has a nonvolatile storage area that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The first memory 11B may include, for example, a ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) as the nonvolatile storage area. The first memory 11B may also include a volatile storage area that constitutes a work area that temporarily stores programs executed by the first processor 11A and data to be processed. The first memory 11B may also include, for example, a random access memory (RAM) as the volatile storage area.

[0019] The first operation mechanism 12 includes an input means such as an operation switch or a touch panel provided on the server device 1, detects a user operation, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the first control unit 11. Based on the input from the first operation mechanism 12, the first control unit 11 executes a process corresponding to the user operation.

[0020] The first communication interface 13 is a communication interface that communicates with each of the multifunction peripherals 2 in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The first communication interface 13 includes a connector for connecting an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable and an interface circuit for processing signals transmitted through the connector. The first communication interface 13 is an interface board having a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to a main board on which the first processor 11A and the like of the first control unit 11 are mounted. Alternatively, the connector and interface circuit that constitute the first communication interface 13 are mounted on the main board of the first control unit 11.

[0021] 2, the first control unit 11 includes a reception unit 111, a first communication control unit 112, and a first program storage unit 113. These units are realized by, for example, the first processor 11A executing the first control program PG1, through cooperation of software and hardware. In other words, the first processor 11A executing the first control program PG1 causes the first control unit 11 to function as the reception unit 111 and the first communication control unit 112. The first processor 11A also executes the first control program PG1, causing the first memory 11B to function as the first program storage unit 113.

[0022] The first program storage unit 113 stores in advance a communication control program PA and an extension control program PB. The communication control program PA is downloaded to each of the multifunction peripherals 2 by the first communication control unit 112. The communication control program PA constitutes, for example, a part of the Linux (registered trademark) kernel. The extension control program PB executes extension functions FNB that extend the basic functions FNA of the multifunction device 2. The extension functions FNB include a copy function FNB1, a scan function FNB2, and a facsimile function FNB3. The basic function FNA is a print function, that is, the basic function FNA allows the multifunction device 2 to function as a printer.

[0023] The extended control program PB includes a copy control program PB1, a scan control program PB2, and a facsimile control program PB3. Each of the copy control program PB1, the scan control program PB2, and the facsimile control program PB3 is executed as a distributed file system by each of the multifunction devices 2 in response to request information RQ.

[0024] The copy control program PB1 executes the copy function FNB1, that is, the copy control program PB1 causes the multifunction device 2 to function as a copy machine. The scan control program PB2 executes the scan function FNB2, that is, the scan control program PB2 causes the multifunction device 2 to function as a scanner. The facsimile control program PB3 executes the facsimile function FNB3, that is, the facsimile control program PB3 causes the multifunction device 2 to function as a facsimile.

[0025] The receiving unit 111 receives request information RQ from each of the multifunction devices 2. The request information RQ is information requesting execution of any one of the copy control program PB1, the scan control program PB2, and the facsimile control program PB3.

[0026] When the receiving unit 111 receives request information RQ from each of the multifunction peripherals 2, the first communication control unit 112 executes the extended control program PB corresponding to the request information RQ as a distributed file system. For example, if the request information RQ is information requesting execution of the copy control program PB1, the first communication control unit 112 causes the copy control program PB1 to execute processing in the same manner as when the copy control program PB1 is stored in each of the multifunction devices 2. That is, the copy control program PB1 is read and executed by the second processor 21A of each of the multifunction devices 2, and outputs instructions to each component of each of the multifunction devices 2. For example, the copy control program PB1 causes the scanner mechanism 26 of each of the multifunction devices 2 to read an image formed on a document. The copy control program PB1 also causes the print mechanism 25 to print the image read by the scanner mechanism 26 onto a recording medium.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the multifunction device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment. The multifunction device 2A, the multifunction device 2B, and the multifunction device 2C have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the multifunction device 2A, the multifunction device 2B, and the multifunction device 2C, each of the multifunction device 2A, the multifunction device 2B, and the multifunction device 2C may be referred to as the multifunction device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction device 2 includes a second control unit 21, a second operation mechanism 22, a second display mechanism 23, a second communication interface 24, a printing mechanism 25, a scanner mechanism 26, and a facsimile mechanism 27. The second control unit 21 controls the operation of each unit of the multifunction device 2. Each of the second operation mechanism 22, the second display mechanism 23, the second communication interface 24, and the printing mechanism 25 is configured to be able to communicate with the second control unit 21. The multifunction device 2 is equipped with, for example, Linux (registered trademark) as its OS.

[0028] The second control unit 21 includes a second processor 21A such as a CPU, and a second memory 21B such as a ROM or RAM, and controls each unit of the multifunction device 2. The second memory 21B stores a second control program PG2. The second memory 21B may also include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, or a semiconductor storage device such as an SSD. In the second control unit 21, the second processor 21A reads out the second control program PG2 stored in the second memory 21B and executes the processing. In other words, the second control unit 21 executes the processing through cooperation of hardware and software. The second control program PG2 corresponds to an example of a “basic control program.” The second control program PG2 also corresponds to an example of a “control program.” The second control program PG2 includes a "print control program."

[0029] The second processor 21A may be configured as a single processor, or may be configured such that a plurality of processors function as the second processor 21A. The second processor 21A corresponds to an example of a "processor."

[0030] In this embodiment, the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2 to control each unit of the multifunction peripheral 2, but this is not limiting. The second control unit 21 may include, for example, an ASIC, and the ASIC may execute processing using implemented functions. Furthermore, the second control unit 21 may include, for example, a signal processing circuit, and the signal processing circuit may execute processing by performing signal processing.

[0031] The second operation mechanism 22 includes an input means such as an operation switch or a touch panel provided on the multifunction device 2, detects an operation performed by the user on the input means, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the second control unit 21. The second control unit 21 executes a process corresponding to the user's operation based on the input from the second operation mechanism 22. The user is, for example, an administrator UP of the multifunction device 2. As shown in Fig. 1, if the multifunction device 2 is a multifunction device 2A, the user is an administrator UP1 of the multifunction device 2A. If the multifunction device 2 is a multifunction device 2B, the user is an administrator UP2 of the multifunction device 2B. If the multifunction device 2 is a multifunction device 2C, the user is an administrator UP3 of the multifunction device 2C.

[0032] The second display mechanism 23 has a display panel such as a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and performs operations such as turning on, off, and blinking the LEDs in a predetermined manner and displaying information on the display panel under the control of the second control unit 21.

[0033] The second communication interface 24 is a communication interface that communicates with the server device 1 in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The second communication interface 24 includes a connector for connecting an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable and an interface circuit for processing signals transmitted through the connector. The second communication interface 24 is an interface board having a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to a main board on which the second processor 21A of the second control unit 21 and the like are mounted. Alternatively, the connector and interface circuit that constitute the second communication interface 24 are mounted on the main board of the second control unit 21.

[0034] The second communication interface 24 is communicably connected to the first communication interface 13 of the server device 1 .

[0035] The printing mechanism 25 executes a printing function under the control of the second control unit 21. Under the control of the second control unit 21, the printing mechanism 25 prints characters, images, etc. on a printing medium such as printing paper using ink. The printing mechanism 25 includes a print head 251, a carriage 252, a scanning motor 253, and a transport motor 254 as components related to printing. The print head 251 is an inkjet type that ejects ink supplied from an ink supply unit (not shown) toward the print medium. A carriage 252 carries the print head 251 and scans in the main scanning direction. The main scanning direction intersects with the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction indicates the transport direction of the print medium. A scanning motor 253 scans the carriage 252 in the main scanning direction. A transport motor 254 transports the print medium in the transport direction.

[0036] The scanner mechanism 26 performs a scanner function. That is, the scanner mechanism 26 includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The scanner mechanism 26 reads an image formed on a document using the image sensor and generates image information.

[0037] The facsimile mechanism 27 realizes the facsimile function FNB3. That is, the facsimile mechanism 27 reads an image formed on an original document by the scanner mechanism 26 and generates image information. The facsimile mechanism 27 also transmits the image information via a telephone line to a facsimile device corresponding to a telephone number set by the second operation mechanism 22.

[0038] Next, the functional blocks of the second control unit 21 of the multifunction device 2 will be described. The second control unit 21 includes a startup unit 211, a print control unit 212, an access unit 213, an acquisition unit 214, an execution unit 215, a second communication control unit 216, and a second program storage unit 217. When the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2, the second processor 21A functions as the print control unit 212, the access unit 213, the acquisition unit 214, the execution unit 215, and the second communication control unit 216. When the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2, the second memory 21B functions as the second program storage unit 217. The second control program PG2 corresponds to an example of a "print control program."

[0039] The second program storage unit 217 stores the communication control program PA. The communication control program PA is downloaded from the server device 1 by the acquisition unit 214. The communication control program PA is stored in the second program storage unit 217 by the acquisition unit 214. The second program storage unit 217 also temporarily stores the extended control program PB. The extended control program PB is downloaded from the server device 1 by the acquisition unit 214. The extended control program PB is stored in the second program storage unit 217 by the acquisition unit 214.

[0040] The startup unit 211 is configured as a so-called "boot program" to operate first when the power of the multifunction peripheral 2 is turned on and power is supplied to the second control unit 21. For example, when the power supply of the multifunction device 2 is turned on, the startup unit 211 starts up the multifunction device 2. The startup unit 211 supplies power to each unit of the multifunction device 2. Furthermore, the startup unit 211 connects the second communication interface 24 to the first communication interface 13 of the server device 1 so as to be able to communicate with each other. In addition, the startup unit 211 causes the second processor 21A to execute the second control program PG2, causing the second processor 21A to function as a print control unit 212, an access unit 213, an acquisition unit 214, an execution unit 215, and a second communication control unit 216. Furthermore, the startup unit 211 causes the second processor 21A to execute the second control program PG2, thereby causing the second memory 21B to function as a second program storage unit 217.

[0041] The print control unit 212 executes the print function as a basic function FNA of the multifunction device 2. The print control unit 212 receives a print job from a personal computer (not shown) or the like, and executes the print job. The print control unit 212 instructs the print mechanism 25 to perform an operation corresponding to the print job, and causes the print mechanism 25 to execute the print job.

[0042] The access unit 213 accesses the communication control program PA stored in advance in the server device 1 via the second communication interface 24. For example, when the multifunction peripheral 2 is started up by the start-up unit 211, the access unit 213 accesses the communication control program PA stored in advance in the server device 1. The communication control program PA controls the communication between the server device 1 and the multifunction device 2 .

[0043] The acquisition unit 214 acquires the communication control program PA from the server device 1. In other words, the acquisition unit 214 downloads the communication control program PA from the server device 1 via the second communication interface 24. The acquisition unit 214 also stores the communication control program PA in the second program storage unit 217.

[0044] The execution unit 215 executes the communication control program PA, thereby making the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 available as a distributed file system. By making the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 available as a distributed file system, the following processing becomes possible: That is, the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 can be executed in the same way as the programs stored in the second memory 21B of the multifunction device 2.

[0045] 2, the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 include the extended control program PB. The extended control program PB also includes a copy control program PB1, a scan control program PB2, and a facsimile control program PB3.

[0046] The access unit 213 also receives a user operation on the second operating mechanism 22 and, in accordance with the received operation, accesses the extended control program PB pre-stored in the server device 1. Then, it transmits request information RQ to the server device 1, requesting permission to download the extended control program PB.

[0047] For example, when the access unit 213 receives an operation from a user instructing execution of the copy function FNB1, the access unit 213 accesses the copy control program PB1 and transmits request information RQ to the server device 1, requesting permission to download the copy control program PB1.

[0048] For example, when the access unit 213 receives an operation from a user instructing execution of the scan function FNB2, the access unit 213 accesses the scan control program PB2 and transmits request information RQ to the server device 1 requesting permission to download the scan control program PB2.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, when the access unit 213 receives an operation from a user instructing execution of the facsimile function FNB3, the access unit 213 accesses the facsimile control program PB3 and transmits request information RQ to the server device 1 requesting permission to download the facsimile control program PB3.

[0050] The acquisition unit 214 downloads the copy control program PB1, the scan control program PB2, or the facsimile control program PB3 from the server device 1. The acquisition unit 214 then temporarily stores the downloaded program in the second program storage unit 217.

[0051] The execution unit 215 executes the program acquired by the acquisition unit 214. That is, the execution unit 215 executes the copy control program PB1, the scan control program PB2, or the facsimile control program PB3.

[0052] The execution unit 215 executes, for example, the copy control program PB1, thereby causing the multifunction device 2 to execute the copy function FNB1. Furthermore, when the execution unit 215 completes the execution of the copy function FNB1, the second control unit 21 erases the copy control program PB1 from the second program storage unit 217.

[0053] The execution unit 215 executes, for example, the scan control program PB2, thereby causing the multifunction device 2 to execute the scan function FNB2. Furthermore, the second control unit 21 erases the scan control program PB2 from the second program storage unit 217 when the execution unit 215 completes the execution of the scan function FNB2.

[0054] The execution unit 215 executes, for example, the facsimile control program PB3, thereby causing the multifunction device 2 to execute the facsimile function FNB3. Furthermore, when the execution unit 215 completes the execution of the facsimile function FNB3, the second control unit 21 erases the facsimile control program PB3 from the second program storage unit 217.

[0055] For example, when the execution unit 215 executes the copy control program PB1, the copy control program PB1 is read and executed by the execution unit 215 and outputs instructions to each component of the multifunction device 2. The execution unit 215, for example, causes each scanner mechanism 26 of the multifunction device 2 to read an image formed on a document. The execution unit 215 also causes the print mechanism 25 to print the image read by the scanner mechanism 26 onto a recording medium.

[0056] The second communication control unit 216 receives the communication control program PA from the server device 1. The second communication control unit 216 transmits the request information RQ to the server device 1. The second communication control unit 216 receives the copy control program PB1, the scan control program PB2, or the facsimile control program PB3.

[0057] Next, the processing of the second control unit 21 of the multifunction device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the multifunction device 2. First, in step S101, the startup unit 211 executes a startup process. The startup unit 211, for example, connects the second communication interface 24 to the first communication interface 13 of the server device 1 so that they can communicate with each other. The startup unit 211 also causes the second processor 21A to execute the second control program PG2, thereby causing the second processor 21A to function as a print control unit 212, an access unit 213, an acquisition unit 214, an execution unit 215, and a second communication control unit 216. The startup unit 211 also causes the second processor 21A to execute the second control program PG2, thereby causing the second memory 21B to function as a second program storage unit 217.

[0058] Next, in step S103, the second control unit 21 determines whether the startup process is complete. If the second control unit 21 determines that the startup process is not complete (step S103; NO), the process enters a standby state. If the second control unit 21 determines that the startup process is complete (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S105. Then, in step S105, the access unit 213 accesses the communication control program PA stored in advance in the server device 1 via the second communication interface 24. Next, in step S107, the acquisition unit 214 downloads the communication control program PA from the server device 1 via the second communication interface 24. Next, in step S109, the execution unit 215 executes the communication control program PA, thereby making the program stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 available as a distributed file system.

[0059] Next, in step S111, the access unit 213 determines whether or not an instruction to execute the extended control program PB has been received from the second operation mechanism 22 based on a user operation. If the access unit 213 determines that an instruction to execute the extended control program PB has not been received from the second operation mechanism 22 (step S111; NO), the process enters a standby state. If the access unit 213 determines that an instruction to execute the extended control program PB has been received from the second operation mechanism 22 (step S111; NO), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0060] Then, in step S113, the access unit 213 executes the following process: it accesses the program corresponding to the execution instruction received in step S111 from among the copy control program PB1, scan control program PB2, and facsimile control program PB3 included in the extended control program PB, and it transmits request information RQ requesting permission to download the program corresponding to the execution instruction. Next, in step S115, the acquisition unit 214 downloads from the server device 1 a program corresponding to the execution instruction. Next, in step S117, the execution unit 215 executes the program acquired by the acquisition unit 214. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0061] Step S105 corresponds to an example of an "access step." Step S107 corresponds to an example of an "acquisition step." Step S109 corresponds to an example of an "execution step."

[0062] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment includes an access unit 213 that accesses the communication control program PA that is pre-stored in the server device 1 and controls communication between the server device 1 and the multifunction device 2, an acquisition unit 214 that acquires the communication control program PA from the server device 1, and an execution unit 215 that executes the communication control program PA to make the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 available as a distributed file system.

[0063] According to this configuration, by executing the communication control program PA stored in advance in the server device 1, the program stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 can be used as a distributed file system. Therefore, the program stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 can be used. Therefore, by updating the program stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1, it is not necessary to update the program in the multifunction device 2. As a result, the effort required of the operator when updating the program in the multifunction device 2 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 can be used, it is possible to reduce the number of programs stored in the multifunction device 2. This reduces the capacity of the nonvolatile memory of the multifunction device 2. This in turn reduces the manufacturing cost of the multifunction device 2.

[0064] Furthermore, the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment is provided with a startup unit 211 that starts up the multifunction device 2, and when the startup unit 211 starts up the multifunction device 2, the access unit 213 accesses the communication control program PA, the acquisition unit 214 acquires the communication control program PA from the server device 1, and the execution unit 215 executes the communication control program PA, thereby making the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 available as a distributed file system.

[0065] According to this configuration, when the multifunction device 2 is started, the communication control program PA is executed, thereby making it possible to use the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 as a distributed file system. Therefore, when the multifunction device 2 is started, the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 can be used. Therefore, by updating the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1, it becomes unnecessary to update the programs of the multifunction device 2. As a result, the effort required of the operator when updating the programs of the multifunction device 2 can be reduced. Furthermore, when the multifunction device 2 is started up, the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 can be used, which reduces the number of programs stored in the multifunction device 2. This reduces the capacity of the nonvolatile memory of the multifunction device 2, which in turn reduces the manufacturing cost of the multifunction device 2.

[0066] Furthermore, in the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment, the multifunction device 2 is provided with a printing mechanism 25 that performs printing, and a basic control program that executes the basic function FNA of the multifunction device 2 is pre-stored, the basic function FNA being a printing function, and the basic control program includes a printing control program that controls the printing mechanism 25.

[0067] According to this configuration, the device is provided with a printing mechanism 25 that executes printing, and a print control program that executes the printing function, which is a basic function FNA, is stored in advance. Therefore, the printing function, which is a basic function FNA, can be executed without communicating with the server device 1. Therefore, even if communication with the server device 1 is not possible, the printing function, which is a basic function FNA, can be executed. As a result, user convenience can be ensured.

[0068] Furthermore, in the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment, the first memory 11B of the server device 1 pre-stores an extended control program PB that executes an extended function FNB that extends the basic function FNA of the multifunction device 2, and the execution unit 215 executes the extended control program PB of the server device 1.

[0069] According to this configuration, by executing the extended control program PB, the extended function FNB that extends the basic function FNA can be executed. Therefore, the extended function FNB can be easily executed. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0070] In the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment, the extended functions FNB include a copy function FNB1, a scan function FNB2, and a facsimile function FNB3.

[0071] According to this configuration, the expanded functions FNB include the copy function FNB1, the scan function FNB2, and the facsimile function FNB3, so that the copy function FNB1, the scan function FNB2, and the facsimile function FNB3 can be executed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0072] The control method for the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment includes an access step of accessing a communication control program PA that is pre-stored in the server device 1 and controls communication between the server device 1 and the multifunction device 2, an acquisition step of acquiring the communication control program PA from the server device 1, and an execution step of making the program stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 available as a distributed file system by executing the communication control program PA.

[0073] According to this configuration, the control method for the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0074] The second control program PG2 of this embodiment causes the second processor 21A provided in the multifunction device 2 to function as an access unit 213 that accesses the communication control program PA that is pre-stored in the server device 1 and controls communication between the server device 1 and the multifunction device 2, an acquisition unit 214 that acquires the communication control program PA from the server device 1, and an execution unit 215 that makes the programs stored in the first memory 11B of the server device 1 available as a distributed file system by executing the communication control program PA.

[0075] According to this configuration, the second control program PG2 according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the multifunction device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0076] This embodiment shows one mode, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0077] In this embodiment, the case where the "image forming apparatus" is a multifunction peripheral 2 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The "image forming apparatus" may be, for example, a copy machine. The "image forming apparatus" may also be, for example, a so-called printer.

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the "information processing device" is the server device 1 will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "information processing device" may be, for example, a personal computer. Furthermore, the "information processing device" may be, for example, a tablet device, a smartphone, etc.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case will be mainly described in which the acquisition unit 214 downloads the extended control program PB from the server device 1 and the execution unit 215 executes the downloaded extended control program PB, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The execution unit 215 may also execute the extended control program PB in the server device 1. In this case, the process of downloading the extended control program PB from the server device 1 is not necessary, and the process of the second control unit 21 of the multifunction device 2 can be simplified.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, the OS of the server device 1 and the multifunction device 2 is Linux (registered trademark), but the embodiment is not limited to this. The OS of the server device 1 and the multifunction device 2 may be, for example, UNIX (registered trademark). Furthermore, the OS of the server device 1 and the multifunction device 2 may be, for example, Windows (registered trademark) or Mac-OS (registered trademark).

[0081] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the second processor 21A included in the multifunction device 2 executes the second control program PG2 stored in the second memory 21B, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The second control program PG2 can also be configured in the form of a recording medium on which it is recorded so as to be readable by a computer, or a transmission medium for transmitting the second control program PG2. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device, including portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media. The recording medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, or an HDD, which is an internal storage device provided in the multifunction device 2.

[0082] The functions of the second control unit 21 of the multifunction device 2 may be realized by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The second control unit 21 may further include a co-processor such as an SoC (System-on-a-Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), or an FPGA. The second control unit 21 may perform various controls by using both the CPU and the co-processor in cooperation with each other, or by selectively using one of the two.

[0083] The processing units in the flowchart of Figure 4 are divided according to the main processing content to make it easier to understand the processing of the multifunction device 2, and are not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing units in the flowchart may be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. One processing unit may also be divided so that it includes more processes. The order of the processing may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the intent.

[0084] The functional units shown in Figures 2 and 3 indicate functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. It is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is also possible to configure a single processor to execute a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other units of the server device 1 and the multifunction device 2 may also be changed as desired within the scope of the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100...communication control system, 1...server device (information processing device), 11...first control unit, 11A...first processor, 11B...first memory (storage unit), 13...first communication interface, 2...multifunction device (image forming device), 23...second control unit, 21A...second processor (processor), 21B...second memory, 22...second operation mechanism, 23...second display mechanism, 24...second communication interface, 25...printing mechanism, 26...scanner mechanism, 27...facsimile mechanism, FNA...basic function, FNB ...extended function, FNB1...copy function, FNB2...scan function, FNB3...fax function, PA...communication control program, PB...extended control program (program stored in the memory unit), PB1...copy control program, PB2...scan control program, PB3...fax control program, PG1...first control program, PG2...second control program (control program, basic control program, print control program), RQ...request information, UP, UP1, UP2, UP3...administrator.

Claims

1. an access unit that accesses a communication control program that is stored in advance in the information processing device and controls communication between the information processing device and the image forming device; an acquisition unit that acquires the communication control program from the information processing device; an execution unit that executes the communication control program to enable the program stored in the storage unit of the information processing device to be used as a distributed file system; Equipped with Image forming device.

2. a startup unit that starts up the image forming apparatus, When the startup unit starts the image forming apparatus, the access unit accesses the communication control program, the acquisition unit acquires the communication control program from the information processing device; the execution unit executes the communication control program, thereby making the program stored in the storage unit of the information processing device available as a distributed file system. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the image forming apparatus, a printing mechanism for performing printing; a basic control program for executing basic functions of the image forming apparatus is stored in advance; the basic function is a printing function, the basic control program includes a print control program that controls the print mechanism; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. the storage unit of the information processing device stores in advance an extended control program that executes an extended function that extends a basic function of the image forming device; the execution unit executes the extended control program of the information processing device; The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. The extended functions include at least one of a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. an access step of accessing a communication control program stored in advance in the information processing device and controlling communication between the information processing device and the image forming device; an acquisition step of acquiring the communication control program from the information processing device; an execution step of making the program stored in the storage unit of the information processing device available as a distributed file system by executing the communication control program; A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

7. A processor provided in an image forming apparatus, an access unit that accesses a communication control program that is stored in advance in the information processing device and that controls communication between the information processing device and the image forming device; an acquisition unit that acquires the communication control program from the information processing device; and an execution unit that executes the communication control program to enable the program stored in the storage unit of the information processing device to be used as a distributed file system; A control program that functions as a

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