Image processing apparatus and firmware updating method

Abstract

To reliably advance update processing regardless of the timing at which mounting of an external storage device storing firmware for update is recognized.SOLUTION: When an external storage device 3 is mounted during the start-up of an application, a control unit 111 holds information indicating that the external storage device 3 is mounted, and checks the type of a file stored by the external storage device 3. After the start-up of the application, the control unit 111 holds the information indicating that the external storage device 3 is mounted, and when the external storage device 3 stores firmware for update, upon input, by a user, of an instruction to permit update to an input receiving unit 12, performs update processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a firmware updating method. [Background technology]

[0002] Image processing devices such as multifunction peripherals equipped with scanner, printer, copy, and fax functions store firmware that controls the hardware that realizes each function in read-only memory (ROM). The firmware stored in the ROM is updated to the latest firmware as needed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an image processing device, method, and program that conveniently realizes updating of firmware including a communication processing program with an external terminal. Patent Document 2 describes an information processing device, information processing method, and program that maintains security by disabling write control when updating software while the runtime verification function is enabled, and restarting the device after the software update is complete to perform startup verification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-068414 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-005338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When updating firmware by reading the update firmware from an external storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, the attachment of the external storage device is detected during the boot process executed by turning on the image processing device, and the update process is performed when the attachment is detected.

[0006] However, if the attachment of the external storage device is not detected during the boot process due to a delay in the detection of the attachment of the external storage device, the update process will not be performed. Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not describe a method for solving this problem.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to reliably proceed with update processing regardless of the timing at which the attachment of an external storage device that stores update firmware is recognized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image processing device of the present invention comprises a memory unit that stores an application corresponding to the function and firmware that controls the operation of the image processing device, a control unit that controls operation in accordance with the firmware and the application, an external storage device connection unit that sends a detection signal to the control unit when an external storage device is attached and exchanges data with the external storage device, and an input reception unit that receives instructions from a user, wherein the control unit executes a boot process when the image processing device is powered on, and then launches a predetermined application, and when the control unit receives the detection signal from the external storage device detection unit while the application is running, it retains information indicating that the external storage device has been attached, and after the predetermined application is launched, if the control unit retains the information indicating that the external storage device has been attached and the external storage device stores update firmware, when the input reception unit receives an instruction input to perform an update of the firmware, it performs a process of overwriting the firmware area stored in the memory unit with the update firmware stored in the external storage device. .

[0009] In addition, the image processing device of the present invention comprises a memory unit that stores an application corresponding to the function and firmware that controls the operation of the image processing device, a control unit that controls operation in accordance with the firmware and the application, and an external storage device connection unit that sends a detection signal to the control unit when an external storage device is attached and exchanges data with the external storage device, wherein the control unit performs a boot process when the image processing device is powered on, then masks interrupt requests from the external storage device when the external storage device is attached, launches a predetermined application, and after the launch of the predetermined application is completed, unmasks the interrupt requests from the external storage device, and after the launch of the predetermined application is completed, receives the detection signal from the external storage device connection unit and, if the external storage device stores update firmware, when the input accepting unit accepts an instruction input to perform an update of the firmware, performs a process of overwriting the firmware area stored in the memory unit with the update firmware stored in the external storage device.

[0010] The firmware update method of the present invention is a firmware update method for an image processing device that stores applications corresponding to functions and firmware that controls operation, and includes the steps of: executing a boot process by turning on the image processing device, and then launching a predetermined application; if a detection signal is received from an external storage device detection unit while the application is running, retaining information indicating that the external storage device has been attached; after launching the predetermined application, retaining information indicating that the external storage device has been attached and if the external storage device stores update firmware, accepting an instruction input to perform an update of the firmware; and updating the firmware using the update firmware when an instruction input to perform the update is received.

[0011] In addition, the firmware update method of the present invention is a firmware update method for an image processing device that stores applications corresponding to functions and firmware that controls operation, and includes the steps of: performing a boot process by turning on the image processing device, and then masking interrupt requests from the external storage device when the external storage device is attached; launching a predetermined application; unmasking interrupt requests from the external storage device after the launch of the predetermined application has been completed; receiving the detection signal from the external storage device connection unit after the launch of the predetermined application has been completed, when the external storage device is storing update firmware, accepting input of an instruction as to whether or not to update the firmware; and, upon accepting input of an instruction to perform the update, updating the firmware using the update firmware. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the update process can be reliably carried out regardless of the timing at which the attachment of the external storage device that stores the update firmware is recognized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image processing device. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing after the image processing apparatus is turned on. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing after the image processing apparatus is turned on. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing after the image processing apparatus is turned on. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing after the image processing apparatus is turned on. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The image processing apparatus in this embodiment is an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copier, or a multifunction device equipped with multiple functions such as a facsimile or a scanner.

[0015] 1 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of an image processing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The image processing device 1 includes a control unit 11, an input receiving unit 12, an image reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 15, a communication unit 16, an external storage device connection unit 17, etc.

[0016] The input receiving unit 12 includes hard keys such as a decision key for confirming various operations and settings, a start key, and a display unit 121. The display unit 121 includes, for example, an LCD, and displays an operation screen, messages, etc. The display unit 121 may also include a touch panel.

[0017] The image reading unit 13 includes a scanner and the like, and reads an image of a document to obtain image data. The image forming unit 14 prints, on paper, the image data obtained by the image reading unit 13 and the image data received by the communication unit 16 from an external device, etc.

[0018] The storage device 15 is, for example, an HDD or the like, and is a large-capacity storage device that stores image data, various programs, data tables, etc. The storage device 15 may be configured as an HDD or an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The communication unit 16 is configured as a communication module or the like, and transmits and receives various data to and from external devices such as servers via a network.

[0019] The external storage device connector 17 is a socket (a slot or USB port interface) to which the external storage device 3 is connected, and when the external storage device 3 is attached, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit 111, which will be described later.

[0020] The external storage device 3 is a storage capable of saving large amounts of data, such as an SD (Secure Digital) card, a USB memory, etc. The external storage device 3 is used by being attached to the external storage device connector 17, and the control unit 111 stores various data in the HDD 15 and the external storage device 3.

[0021] The control unit 11 is composed of a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM, etc. The processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 11 functions as a control unit 111 when the processor executes a control program stored in the ROM, etc. The control unit 111 controls the overall operation of the image processing device 1.

[0022] The control unit 11 further includes a nonvolatile memory 112 (storage unit). The nonvolatile memory 112 stores firmware that controls the operation of the image processing device 1 and applications that realize various functions.

[0023] The firmware stored in the nonvolatile memory 112 may be updated for the purpose of functional expansion or improvement. In the image processing device, the firmware is updated when the attachment of an external storage device is detected during the boot process executed by powering on the image processing device. In the case of an image processing device other than that of this embodiment, there is a problem in that the update process is not performed if the attachment of an external storage device is not detected during the boot process due to a delay in the detection of the attachment of the external storage device, for example.

[0024] Therefore, in the image processing device 1 according to this embodiment, even if the external storage device connection unit 17 detects the external storage device 3 after the boot process of the image processing device 1 has been executed, the image processing device 1 executes a process to proceed to firmware update process at an appropriate timing. This process will be described using the following embodiment. First Embodiment

[0025] In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which the external storage device connection unit 17 detects the attachment of the external storage device 3 during the startup of an application that is executed after the boot process of the image processing device 1. Figures 2 and 3 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of processing after the image processing device 1 is powered on in the first embodiment.

[0026] When the image processing device 1 is powered on, the control unit 111 starts the boot process (S11). During the boot process, if the external storage device 3 is attached to the external storage device connector 17 and the control unit 111 receives a detection signal from the external storage device connector 17 (S12; YES), the control unit 111 proceeds to the update process (S21). The update process is a process in which the firmware stored in the external storage device 3 is used to overwrite the firmware previously installed in the image processing device 1.

[0027] In the update process, the control unit 111 changes the mode of the image processing device 1 from normal mode (a mode in which a process for starting up the image processing device 1 is performed) to update mode (a mode in which a firmware update process is performed), and then restarts the image processing device 1. After the restart, the control unit 111 reads the update firmware from the external storage device 3 and overwrites the corresponding firmware area stored in the nonvolatile memory 112, thereby updating the firmware.

[0028] During the boot process, if the control unit 111 does not receive a detection signal from the external storage device connection unit 17 (S12; NO, S13; YES), i.e., if the external storage device 3 is not attached to the external storage device connection unit 17, the control unit 111 starts activating a predetermined application (S14). If the external storage device 3 is attached to the external storage device connection unit 17 during application activation and the control unit 111 receives a detection signal from the external storage device connection unit 17 (S15; YES), the control unit 111 retains connection information indicating that the external storage device 3 has been attached to the external storage device connection unit 17 (S16) and checks the type of file stored in the external storage device 3 (S17). The control unit 111 does not execute an application or open a file stored in the external storage device 3 during application activation.

[0029] When the application startup is complete (S18; YES), if the control unit 111 does not retain the above connection information (S19; NO), it causes the image processing device 1 to perform normal operation, i.e., to execute each function based on the started application in accordance with instructions from the user (S20).

[0030] On the other hand, if the control unit 111 determines that the connection information is held (S19; YES) and that firmware for update is stored in the external storage device 3 (S22; YES), it causes the display unit 121 to display a selection screen prompting the user to input an instruction as to whether or not to perform an update. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the display unit 121 at this time.

[0031] When the user operates button 91 indicating permission to update and inputs an update instruction to input reception unit 12 (S23; YES), control unit 111 causes display unit 121 to display a selection screen prompting input of an instruction as to whether or not to perform an update immediately. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the display on display unit 121 at this time. When the user operates button 93 indicating permission to perform an update immediately and inputs an update execution instruction to input reception unit 12 (S24; YES), control unit 111 performs update processing (S26).

[0032] When the user operates button 94, indicating that an update should not be performed immediately, to input an instruction not to perform the update to input receiving unit 12 (S25; NO), control unit 111 does not perform the update process until input receiving unit 12 receives an input instructing that an update should be performed (S25; YES).

[0033] Furthermore, when the external storage device 3 does not store the update firmware (S22; NO), or when the user operates the button 92 to indicate that the update is not to be performed and inputs an instruction to reject the update into the input receiving unit 12 (S23; NO), the control unit 111 does not perform the update process and causes the image processing device 1 to perform the above-mentioned normal operation (S20).

[0034] Here, if the external storage device 3 does not store update firmware suitable for the image processing device 1, for example, if it stores an older version of update firmware or if it stores update firmware for another model of image processing device (S22; NO), the control unit 111 may cause the display unit 121 to display an error message indicating that the update firmware is not suitable.

[0035] If the external storage device 3 stores update firmware but does not perform an update in response to a user instruction (S23; NO), the control unit 111 causes the image processing device 1 to perform normal operation and causes the display unit 121 to display a list of files stored in the external storage device 3. Furthermore, if the control unit 111 determines that the external storage device 3 stores predetermined binary files or predetermined programs that are not used by general users (i.e., that are used only by service personnel of the image processing device 1), the control unit 111 does not cause the display unit 121 to display information indicating these. In this case, when the control unit 111 determines that a file or program other than the predetermined binary file or predetermined program is stored in the external storage device 3, the control unit 111 causes the display unit 121 to display information indicating the file or program other than the predetermined binary file or predetermined program.

[0036] As described above, the control unit 111 performs the update process in a timely manner even when the external storage device 3 storing the update firmware is attached to the external storage device connector 17 after the boot process of the image processing device 1. This allows the update process to proceed reliably regardless of the timing at which the attachment of the external storage device storing the update firmware is recognized. <Second embodiment>

[0037] In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the external storage device connection unit 17 detects the attachment of the external storage device 3 after the launch of an application that is launched after the boot process of the image processing device 1. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of processing after the image processing device 1 is powered on in the second embodiment. The contents of processes S11 to S13 and process S21 are the same as those explained in the first embodiment, so explanations will be omitted.

[0038] When the boot process is completed (S13; YES), the control unit 111 performs a process of masking (not accepting) an interrupt request from the external storage device 3 that occurs when the external storage device 3 is attached to the external storage device connector 17 (S31), and in this state, starts a predetermined application (S32). In other words, while the application is running, the control unit 111 does not perform any process related to the external storage device 3 even if the external storage device 3 is attached to the external storage device connector 17.

[0039] When the application startup is complete, the control unit 111 unmasks the interrupt request from the external storage device 3 (S33), and if no detection signal is received from the external storage device connection unit 17 (S34; NO), it causes the image processing device 1 to perform the above-mentioned normal operation (S35).

[0040] On the other hand, when the control unit 111 receives a detection signal from the external storage device connection unit 17 (S34; YES), it checks the type of file stored in the external storage device 3 (S36). When the control unit 111 determines that the external storage device 3 stores update firmware (S40; YES), it causes the display unit 121 to display a selection screen prompting the user to input an instruction as to whether or not to perform an update (FIG. 4).

[0041] When the user operates button 91 indicating permission to update and inputs an update instruction to input receiving unit 12 (S41; YES), control unit 111 displays a selection screen on display unit 121 prompting input of an instruction as to whether or not to perform an update immediately (FIG. 5). When the user operates button 93 indicating permission to perform an update immediately and inputs an instruction to perform an update to input receiving unit 12 (S42; YES), control unit 111 performs predetermined processing to proceed with the update (S43).

[0042] The predetermined process for proceeding to the update is (i) canceling the acceptance of a job such as printing transmitted from an external device to the image processing device 1, or (ii) completing the execution or cancellation of an already accepted job. In the case of (ii), the control unit 111 may determine whether to execute or cancel the job depending on the type of job. Alternatively, in the case of (ii), the control unit 111 may cause the display unit 121 to display a list of jobs, and execute or cancel the job according to an instruction to execute or cancel the job input to the input receiving unit 12 by a user operation.

[0043] Furthermore, when the user operates button 94, indicating that an update will not be performed immediately, to input an instruction not to perform the update to input receiving unit 12 (S42; NO), control unit 111 will not perform the update process until input receiving unit 12 receives an input instructing to perform the update (S46; NO).When the user operates button 93, indicating that an update will be performed immediately, to input receiving unit 12 receives an input instructing to perform the update (S46; YES), control unit 111 performs processing to proceed with the update (S43).

[0044] After the process for proceeding to the update, the control unit 111 determines whether the conditions for proceeding to the update are met. When the control unit 111 determines that the conditions for proceeding to the update are met because a job is not being executed or the execution of the job has been completed (S44; YES), the control unit 111 performs the update process (S45).

[0045] Furthermore, when the external storage device 3 does not store the update firmware (S40; NO), or when the user operates the button 92 indicating that the update is not to be performed and inputs an instruction to reject the update into the input receiving unit 12 (S41; NO), the control unit 111 does not perform the update process and causes the image processing device 1 to perform the above-mentioned normal operation (S20).

[0046] Here, if the external storage device 3 does not store update firmware suitable for the image processing device 1, such as if it stores an older version of update firmware or if it stores update firmware for another model of image processing device (S40; NO), the control unit 111 may cause the display unit 121 to display an error message indicating that the update firmware is not suitable.

[0047] As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if the external storage device 3 storing the update firmware is attached to the external storage device connector 17 after the boot process of the image processing device 1 and after the application is started, the control unit 111 performs the update process in a timely manner. This allows the update process to proceed reliably regardless of the timing at which the attachment of the external storage device storing the update firmware is recognized.

[0048] Furthermore, the configurations and processes of the above-described embodiment explained using FIGS. 1 to 7 are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these configurations and processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Image processing device 11 Control Unit 111 Control Unit 112 Non-volatile memory 12 Input reception section 121 Display section 13 Image reading unit 14 Image forming unit 15 HDD 16 Communications Department 17 External storage device connector 3 External storage device

Claims

1. An image processing device, a storage unit for storing applications corresponding to functions and firmware for controlling the operation of the image processing device; a control unit that controls operation in accordance with the firmware and the application; an external storage device connection unit that transmits a detection signal to the control unit when an external storage device is attached and exchanges data with the external storage device; an input receiving unit that receives instructions from a user, The control unit a boot process is executed by powering on the image processing apparatus, and then the predetermined application is started; When the detection signal is received from the external storage device detection unit while the application is running, information indicating that the external storage device has been attached is stored; An image processing device that, after the predetermined application is launched, the control unit holds information indicating that the external storage device has been attached, and the external storage device stores update firmware, and when the input receiving unit receives an instruction input to perform an update of the firmware, performs a process of overwriting the firmware area stored in the memory unit with the update firmware stored in the external storage device.

2. An image processing device, a storage unit that stores applications corresponding to functions and firmware that controls the operation of the image processing device; a control unit that controls operation in accordance with the firmware and the application; an external storage device connection unit that transmits a detection signal to the control unit when an external storage device is attached and exchanges data with the external storage device; The control unit After booting the image processing apparatus by powering on the image processing apparatus, an interrupt request from the external storage device due to the external storage device being attached is masked, and the predetermined application is started; After the start of the predetermined application is completed, the mask of the interrupt request from the external storage device is released; An image processing device that receives the detection signal from the external storage device connection unit after the launch of the predetermined application has finished, and when the external storage device stores update firmware, performs a process of overwriting the firmware area stored in the memory unit with the update firmware stored in the external storage device when the input receiving unit receives an instruction input to perform an update of the firmware.

3. When the input receiving unit receives an input of an instruction to update the firmware while the control unit is executing or holding a job, the input receiving unit receives an input of an instruction to select whether to cancel the job and execute the update, or to execute the update after the job is completed; The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit performs the update process after executing or canceling the job in accordance with the content of the instruction received by the input receiving unit.

4. 1. A firmware update method for an image processing device that stores applications according to functions and firmware that controls operations, comprising: a step of executing a boot process by powering on the image processing apparatus, and then starting the predetermined application; When a detection signal is received from an external storage device detection unit while the application is running, storing information indicating that the external storage device has been attached; after the predetermined application is started, retaining information indicating that the external storage device has been attached and, if the external storage device stores firmware for update, receiving an instruction input to execute the firmware update; and updating the firmware using the update firmware when an instruction input to execute the update is received.

5. 1. A firmware update method for an image processing device that stores applications according to functions and firmware that controls operations, comprising: a step of masking an interrupt request from the external storage device when the external storage device is attached after boot processing is executed by powering on the image processing device; launching a predetermined application; After the start of the predetermined application is completed, unmasking an interrupt request from the external storage device; receiving the detection signal from the external storage device connection unit after the start-up of the predetermined application is completed, and when the external storage device stores update firmware, receiving an input of an instruction as to whether or not to update the firmware; updating the firmware using the update firmware when an instruction input to perform the update is received; A firmware update method comprising:

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