Apparatus, update execution program, and update system

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a device, an update execution program, and an update system that can set an optimal reservation time for firmware update. [Solution] The device 30 of the present invention comprises an extraction unit 42 that extracts, from the reception history of fax information included in job information received from another device 50, a time when no fax information is being received and that is equal to or longer than the update time T required for the firmware update, as free time; a registration unit 44 that registers the scheduled time when the firmware update is to begin; a determination unit 43 that can determine the scheduled time based on the free time and registers the scheduled time in the registration unit 44; and an update execution unit 45 that can execute the firmware update when the scheduled time registered in the registration unit 44 arrives.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to firmware updates for devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Multifunction devices and printers have mechanisms for updating firmware. Firmware updates can also be scheduled. For example, Patent Document 1 below proposes a technology that reduces the load by staggering the scheduled firmware update times for each device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5539129 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with multifunction devices and printers, firmware updates are typically scheduled when a request is received from an external device (e.g., a server), meaning the person performing the update cannot predict when the update request will be received. Even if the firmware update time is set in advance, it may differ between the device user and the administrator who plans the update, potentially resulting in downtime for the user when the update is performed. Furthermore, it is difficult for administrators to specify appropriate schedule times for each device based on its operating status, taking into account incoming faxes and other external signals.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a device, an update execution program, and an update system that can set an optimal reservation time for a firmware update. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The device disclosed herein includes an extraction unit that extracts, from the reception history of specific information included in job information received from other devices, a time when the specific information is not received and that is equal to or longer than the update time required for the firmware update as free time; a registration unit that registers a scheduled time for the start of execution of the firmware update; a determination unit that can determine the scheduled time based on the free time and registers the scheduled time in the registration unit; and an execution unit that can execute the firmware update when the scheduled time registered in the registration unit is reached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a device, an update execution program, and an update system that are capable of setting an optimal reservation time for a firmware update. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an update system including an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the device, server, and terminal device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a timing chart showing the timing of firmware update in the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart showing an update execution process in the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a flowchart showing a reservation execution process in the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart showing a reservation time setting process in the device of FIG. 1; [Figure 7] 2 is a flowchart showing a free time extraction process in the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a job execution history in the device of FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation time setting screen in the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 3 is a flowchart showing a reservation time determination process in the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an execution time selection screen in the device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an optional setting screen in the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a reservation time overwrite process in the device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a device 30 and an update system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the update system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the device 30, the server 10, and the terminal device 20. Note that in the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] (About the overall configuration of the update system) 1, the update system 1 includes a device 30 and a server 10. The device 30 is capable of communicating with other devices 50 via a network and is capable of receiving information from other devices 50. The device 30 is also capable of communicating with a terminal device 20 used by a user of the device 30 via the network.

[0011] The other devices 50 are devices that can communicate with the device 30 via a network. Examples of the other devices 50 include devices that can send and receive various types of output data, such as facsimiles that can send and receive image data such as scanned documents and photographs, personal computers that can send output data such as documents and photographs, and terminal devices such as tablet terminals. In addition, the terminal device 20 used by the user of the device 30 is included in the other devices 50 in that it is connected to the device 30 so as to be able to send image data and the like. The other devices 50 and the device 30 may be connectable via an internet line or a telephone line.

[0012] In the following description, data transmitted from another device 50 to device 30 and that can be received by device 30 may be referred to as "job information." Furthermore, among the job information, data transmitted from a facsimile may be referred to as "FAX information," and output data transmitted from a terminal device may be referred to as "output information."

[0013] The server 10 is managed by a service provider who manages maintenance and the like for the device 30. The server 10 and the device 30 are connected via a network such as the Internet, and are capable of sending and receiving information.

[0014] The server 10 is equipped with a server control unit 11. The server control unit 11 has, as its hardware configuration, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), all of which are not shown. The CPU is a well-known computing means that controls the overall operation of the server 10. The RAM functions as a work area when the CPU processes information. The ROM stores various programs and data. In this hardware configuration, the CPU performs calculations according to a predetermined program, and the server control unit 11 is configured with functional blocks corresponding to the loaded program. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the server control unit 11 is configured with an update program transmission unit 12.

[0015] The update program transmission unit 12 transmits a program related to the firmware update to the device 30. In the following description, the program related to the firmware update may be simply referred to as an "update program." The update program can also be considered firmware update information indicating that the firmware update can be executed.

[0016] The terminal device 20 is a client terminal used by a user. The terminal device 20 is capable of transmitting output information to the device 30. In the update system 1 of this embodiment, the terminal device 20 is a personal computer. However, the terminal device 20 may be another client terminal. For example, the terminal device may be a client terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0017] The terminal device 20 includes a terminal control unit 21, a terminal communication unit 22, a terminal operation unit 23, and a terminal display unit 24.

[0018] The terminal control unit 21 has a hardware configuration that includes a CPU, RAM, and ROM (not shown). The CPU controls the overall operation of the terminal control unit 21. The RAM functions as a work area when the CPU processes information. The ROM stores various programs and data. In this hardware configuration, the CPU performs calculations according to a predetermined program, and the terminal control unit 21 is configured with functional blocks corresponding to the loaded program.

[0019] The terminal communication unit 22 transmits and receives various types of data. The terminal operation unit 23 is a user interface that accepts user operations. The terminal operation unit 23 may be any device that can accept user operations, such as a touch panel, a mouse, or a keyboard. The terminal display unit 24 is a display device that can display various types of information.

[0020] (Configuration of image forming device) The device 30 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a multifunction device that has multiple functions, such as a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function. Based on data (job information) received from another device 50, the device 30 can print an image related to the data on a medium such as copy paper.

[0021] The apparatus of the present disclosure is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, but can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a facsimile machine or a printer.

[0022] 2, the device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a printing unit 34, a scanning unit 35, and a control unit 40. The device 30 is also capable of communicating with the server 10 and other devices 50 via a network.

[0023] The communication unit 31 receives various data including job information from other devices 50. The communication unit 31 connects to the server 10 and other devices 50 via a network to send and receive information. For example, the device 30 can communicate with the server 10 via an Internet line. For example, the device 30 can communicate with other devices 50 via an Internet line, a telephone line, or a LAN (Local Area Network). The device 30 may also be able to communicate via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0024] The printing unit 34 is capable of printing an image related to the job information on a medium such as copy paper. Various printing methods can be selected for the printing unit 34. For example, the printing method for the printing unit 34 can be inkjet, laser, thermal transfer, etc.

[0025] The scanning unit 35 reads an image (original) and outputs it as image data. The scanning unit 35 is configured by a general scanner (image input device).

[0026] The display unit 33 is a display device that can display various information and can be configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL panel, or the like.

[0027] The operation unit 32 accepts user operations. The operation unit 32 includes, for example, task keys for executing tasks such as sending a fax, scanning an image, and starting a copy, as well as a stop key for canceling an operation. Note that the operation unit 32 may be provided with various task buttons as hardware keys, or may be provided as a touch panel on which various task buttons are displayed on the display unit 33.

[0028] The control unit 40 controls the overall operation of the device 30. The control unit 40 has a hardware configuration including a CPU, RAM, and ROM (not shown). The CPU is a well-known computing means and controls the overall operation of the server 10. The RAM functions as a work area when the CPU processes information. The ROM stores various programs and data.

[0029] In such a hardware configuration, the CPU performs calculations in accordance with a predetermined program (update execution program), and functional blocks corresponding to the loaded program are configured in the control unit 40. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 40 is configured with a job execution unit 41, an extraction unit 42, a determination unit 43, a registration unit 44, an update execution unit 45, and a storage unit 46.

[0030] Next, the functions of each component included in the device 30 will be described.

[0031] Based on the job information, the job execution unit 41 controls the operation of the printing unit 34. Under the control of the job execution unit 41, an image related to the job information is printed on copy paper or the like.

[0032] The extraction unit 42 extracts, from the reception history of the fax information (specific information) included in the job information received from the other device 50, the time when no fax information is received and that is equal to or longer than the update time T required for the firmware update, as free time.

[0033] The determination unit 43 can determine a reservation time based on available time, and registers the reservation time in the registration unit 44 .

[0034] The registration unit 44 registers the scheduled time when the firmware update is to start.

[0035] The update execution unit 45 (execution unit) is capable of executing the firmware update when the reserved time registered in the registration unit 44 arrives.

[0036] The device 30 can set an optimal reservation time for a firmware update. More specifically, the device 30 can extract a time period (free time) when no faxes are received as a time period with a low risk of downtime during a firmware update, and set an optimal reservation time for a firmware update. Therefore, the device 30 can reduce the risk of downtime occurring when a firmware update is performed while a fax is being received. In particular, the device 30 can appropriately perform a firmware update while minimizing the impact of faxes not being received by performing the firmware update during times when faxes are not being received.

[0037] Furthermore, when scheduling and executing a firmware update, the user of the device 30 and the administrator who plans the firmware update may have different schedules. Therefore, if the administrator plans the firmware update without considering the operating hours of the device 30, downtime may occur for the user when the firmware update is executed. While it is possible to mitigate downtime to some extent by specifying a time other than operating hours as the execution time for the firmware update, it is difficult for the administrator to specify an appropriate reservation time for each device based on the operating status of external devices, such as receiving faxes. In contrast, the device 30 can automatically extract times when faxes are not being received and set the reservation time. This allows the administrator to set the optimal firmware update reservation time without having to understand the operating status of each device, thereby reducing downtime.

[0038] Although the device 30 of this embodiment has been described as extracting free time based on the time during which no fax information is received, the device of this disclosure is not limited to this embodiment and may extract free time based on other information in the job information. For example, the device of this disclosure may extract free time based on the time during which no output information is received in the job information. Furthermore, the device of the present invention may extract free time based on the time during which neither fax information nor output information is received in the job information. In other words, the device of the present invention can be used to extract free time from any job information, not just fax information, as long as it receives the job information.

[0039] The storage unit 46 stores update programs. The storage unit 46 stores programs for operating the device 30 and various data. The storage unit 46 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. Note that the storage unit 46 may also include a volatile memory.

[0040] In the device 30, if there is no extraction history of free time in the most recent week (first period), the determination unit 43 can determine a new reservation time by taking over the reservation time already registered in the registration unit 44.

[0041] With the above configuration, the device 30 can extract free time based on the most recent fax reception history, and can extract appropriate free time.

[0042] Although the device 30 of the present embodiment has been described as extracting free time based on a one-week fax reception history, the device of the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the device of the present disclosure may reference a job execution history, such as a fax reception history, for a period (first period) shorter than one week, or may reference a job execution history longer than one week. For example, the device of the present disclosure may reference a job execution history for a period of, for example, three days, as long as the time period during which the job execution is determined to some extent. The period for referencing the job execution history may also be, for example, one month.

[0043] In the device 30, when there are multiple available times in the upcoming week (first period), the determination unit 43 can determine the reservation time by prioritizing the largest available time.

[0044] With the above configuration, the device 30 can set a more appropriate reservation time for firmware update.

[0045] In the device 30, the reservation time registered in the registration unit 44 can be changed by user operation.

[0046] With the above configuration, the device 30 can flexibly set the reserved time for firmware update according to the user's situation.

[0047] The update system 1 includes a device 30 capable of receiving job information from another device 50, and a server 10 that transmits a firmware-related program to the device 30. The update system 1 includes an extraction unit 42 that extracts, from a reception history of FAX information (specific information) included in the job information, a time during which no FAX information is received and that is equal to or longer than the update time required for the firmware update, as free time, and a determination unit 43 that can determine a scheduled time for starting execution of the firmware update based on the free time. The device 30 also includes a registration unit 44 that registers the scheduled time, and an update execution unit 45 (execution unit) that can execute the firmware update when the scheduled time registered in the registration unit 44 arrives.

[0048] With the above configuration, the update system 1 can set an optimal reservation time for firmware update.

[0049] Although the device and update system of the present embodiment illustrate an example in which the extraction unit and determination unit are provided in the device, the device and update system of the present disclosure are not limited to this embodiment. Specifically, the update system of the present disclosure may include the extraction unit and determination unit in a server. Furthermore, the update system of the present disclosure may include the extraction unit and determination unit in storage such as a network-attached storage (NAS) managed by the organization to which the user belongs.

[0050] (Firmware update execution timing) Next, the execution timing of firmware update in the device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a timing chart showing the timing of firmware update in the device 30.

[0051] In the device 30 of this embodiment, the user can select the timing of the firmware update from either immediate execution, in which the firmware update is performed when an update program (firmware update information) indicating that the firmware update can be performed is received, or scheduled execution, in which the firmware update is performed at a scheduled time.

[0052] With the above configuration, the device 30 can flexibly set the timing of firmware updates according to the user's circumstances.

[0053] The execution timing of the firmware update will be described in further detail. In the device 30 of this embodiment, for example, the user can select either immediate execution or scheduled execution by operating the operation unit 32. As shown in Fig. 3, in the device 30, the user can select either immediate execution, in which the firmware update is executed when the update program is received from the server 10 (update program reception time A1), or scheduled execution, in which the firmware update is executed when the scheduled time arrives (scheduled time arrival time A2).

[0054] If immediate execution is set, the device 30 starts the firmware update when it receives the update program from the server 10 (update program reception time A1). The device 30 also completes the firmware update after an update time T has elapsed since the start of the firmware update.

[0055] If scheduled execution is set, device 30 stores (copies) the update program in storage unit 46 when it receives the update program from server 10 (time A1 when the update program is received), and then starts the firmware update when the scheduled time arrives (time A2 when the scheduled time arrives). Furthermore, device 30 completes the firmware update after update time T from the start of the firmware update.

[0056] Note that the device disclosed herein may be capable of executing a firmware update at a timing other than when an update program is received or when a scheduled time arrives. For example, the firmware update may be executed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the device received the update program. For example, when the device receives the update program, a message may be displayed on a display unit or the like indicating that a firmware update is possible and that execution of the firmware update at a later timing is selectable (such as "Notify later" or "Execute later"), allowing the user to select execution of the firmware update at a later timing.

[0057] (Processing in image processing device) Next, each process executed by the device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing update execution processing in the device 30. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing reservation execution processing in the device 30. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing reservation time setting processing in the device 30. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing free time extraction processing in the device 30. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a job execution history in the device 30. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation time setting screen in the device 30. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing reservation time determination processing in the device 30. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an execution time selection screen in the device 30. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an optional setting screen in the device 30. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing reservation time overwrite processing in the device 30.

[0058] (Update execution process) First, the update execution process executed by the device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The update execution process is started when the device 30 receives an update program.

[0059] In step S100, the device 30 performs a process of determining whether scheduled execution is selected as the execution timing of the firmware update from among immediate execution and scheduled execution. If the device 30 determines that scheduled execution is selected (step S100=Yes), it proceeds to step S300, and if the device 30 determines that scheduled execution is not selected (step S100=No), it proceeds to step S200.

[0060] In step S200, the device 30 performs an immediate execution process. In this process, the device 30 (execution unit) performs a process to start the execution of the firmware update. In this way, if immediate execution is selected in the device 30, the firmware update starts when the device 30 receives the update program (update program reception time A1). When the process of step S200 ends, the device 30 ends the update execution process.

[0061] In step S300, the device 30 performs a reservation execution process. In this process, the device 30 (execution unit) performs a process of executing a firmware update when the reserved time arrives. Details of the reservation execution process will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. When the process of step S300 ends, the device 30 ends the update execution process.

[0062] (Reservation execution process) Next, the reservation execution process executed by the device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0063] In step S301, the device 30 performs a process of checking the data volume required for the firmware update. Specifically, the device 30 performs a process of checking the data volume of the update program transmitted from the server 10.

[0064] In step S302, the device 30 performs a process of checking the free space in the storage unit 46.

[0065] In step S303, device 30 performs a process to determine whether or not copying (downloading) the update program is possible. If device 30 determines that copying the update program is possible (step S303=Yes), it proceeds to step S304, and if it determines that copying the update program is not possible (step S303=No), it proceeds to step S310.

[0066] In step S304, the device 30 performs a process of storing (copying) the update program transmitted from the server 10 in the storage unit 46.

[0067] In step S305, the device 30 performs a reservation time setting process. In this process, the device 30 sets a reservation time. Details of the reservation time setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0068] In step S306, the device 30 calculates the time until the reserved time arrives, and sets the timer to that time.

[0069] In step S307, the device 30 performs a process to determine whether the reserved time has arrived (whether the timer is 0). If the device 30 determines that the reserved time has arrived (step S307=Yes), it proceeds to step S308, and if it determines that the reserved time has not arrived (step S307=No), it repeats this process until the reserved time arrives. In other words, the device 30 waits without proceeding to the next process until the reserved time arrives.

[0070] In step S308, the device 30 performs a process to determine whether a job is being executed. Specifically, the device 30 determines whether a job, such as receiving a FAX, receiving image data, or outputting image data, is being executed. If the device 30 determines that a job is not being executed (step S308=No), it proceeds to step S309. If the device 30 determines that a job is being executed (step S308=Yes), it repeats this process until the job is completed. In other words, the device 30 waits until the job is completed without proceeding to the next process.

[0071] In step S309, the device 30 performs a process of determining whether the available time has expired. Specifically, the device 30 determines whether the end time of the available time registered as the execution time for the firmware update (see step S305-2-6) has passed. If the device 30 determines that the available time has expired (step S309=Yes), it proceeds to step S310, and if it determines that the available time has not expired (step S309=No), it proceeds to step S312.

[0072] In step S310, the device 30 performs a process of determining whether to change to immediate execution. If the device 30 determines to change to immediate execution (step S310=Yes), the process proceeds to step S312, and if the device 30 determines not to change to immediate execution (step S310=No), the process proceeds to step S311.

[0073] In step S311, the device 30 performs a process to cancel the scheduled execution. Specifically, the device 30 displays a message (update error) on the display unit 33 indicating that the firmware update cannot be executed. When the process of step S311 ends, the device 30 ends the scheduled execution process.

[0074] In step S312, the device 30 performs a process to execute the firmware update. Specifically, the device 30 performs a process to install the update program stored in the storage unit 46. When the process of step S312 ends, the device 30 ends the reservation execution process.

[0075] As described above, in the case of scheduled execution, the device 30 performs a process of storing (copying) the update program in the storage unit 46 when the update program is received. Furthermore, if there is sufficient free space in the storage unit 46 when copying the update program, the device 30 stores (writes) the update program in the storage unit 46. On the other hand, if there is no free space or the storage unit 46 does not have enough free space, the device 30 immediately executes the firmware update. Furthermore, if the device 30 fails to copy the update program or fails to immediately execute the update program, the device 30 notifies the user that the scheduled execution has failed. Note that if the storage unit 46 of the device 30 is equipped with nonvolatile memory such as an HDD or SSD, the device 30 stores the update program in the nonvolatile memory. Also, if the storage unit 46 of the device 30 is not equipped with nonvolatile memory such as an HDD or SSD, the device 30 stores (copies) the update program in volatile memory. Furthermore, if the device 30 is in operation, such as during job execution, when the scheduled time arrives, the device 30 executes the firmware update after the control of the operation is terminated.

[0076] (Reservation time setting process) Next, the reservation time setting process executed by the device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0077] The device 30 executes an available time extraction process (step S305-1) that extracts, from the reception history of fax information (specific information) included in job information received from other devices 50, a time when no fax information is being received and that is equal to or longer than the update time T required for the firmware update as available time; a reserved time determination process (step S305-2) that determines a scheduled time for the start of firmware update execution based on the available time and registers the scheduled time in the registration unit 44; and an update execution process (step S312) that executes the firmware update when the scheduled time registered in the registration unit 44 is reached.

[0078] The device 30 allows the optimum reservation time for firmware update to be set.

[0079] In step S305-1, the device 30 performs a free time extraction process. In this process, the device 30 extracts free time. Details of the free time extraction process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0080] In step S305-2, the device 30 performs a reservation time determination process. In this process, the device 30 performs a process of setting a reservation time. Details of the reservation time determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0081] (Free time extraction process) Next, the free time extraction process executed by the device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] In step S305-1-1, the device 30 (extraction unit 42) performs a process of extracting blank time during which no FAX information is received. Specifically, the device 30 extracts, within the most recent one-week period (first period), the time from the end of reception of FAX information to the start of reception of FAX information as blank time during which no FAX information is received.

[0083] In step S305-1-2, the device 30 (extraction unit 42) performs processing to determine whether the extracted blank time is equal to or greater than the update time T. The update time T can be set appropriately depending on the data capacity of the update program, etc. In the device 30 of this embodiment, the update time T is preset in the device 30 as an initial value. In this embodiment, the update time T is set to 30 minutes. If the device 30 determines that the extracted blank time is equal to or greater than the update time T (step S305-1-2=Yes), it proceeds to step S305-1-3, and if the device 30 determines that the extracted blank time is less than the update time T (step S305-1-2=No), it terminates the blank time extraction processing.

[0084] In step S305-1-3, the device 30 (extraction unit 42) performs a process of extracting, as free time, the blank time determined in step S305-1-2 to be longer than the update time T. When this process ends, the device 30 ends the free time extraction process.

[0085] Here, the storage unit 46 of the device 30 stores a reception history of fax information, etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the device 30 stores, as a fax reception history, the times indicating the time when the reception of the fax information started (job start time) to the time when the reception of the fax information ended (job end time) for one fax reception.

[0086] In order to set the reservation time, the device 30 scans the time periods in which fax information was received over the past week. Furthermore, the device 30 (extraction unit 42) extracts, from among the times when no faxes are received, time periods that are equal to or longer than the update time T as free time. The determination of free time is performed for each blank time period. In other words, if there are multiple blank times over the past week, a determination is made for each blank time period as to whether it is longer than the update time T.

[0087] The time period for extracting the reception history of fax information can be set by the user. For example, an operation time setting screen 500 shown as an example in Fig. 9 is displayed on the display unit 33, and the user can select the operation time and operation end time. To explain by way of example, as shown in Fig. 9, if "8:00" is set as the operation start time and "19:00" is set as the operation end time, the device 30 extracts the reception history of fax information during the set time period.

[0088] (Reservation time determination process) Next, the reservation time determination process executed by the device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] In step S305-2-1, the device 30 (determining unit 43) performs a free time acquisition process. Specifically, the device 30 performs a process of acquiring the free time extracted in the free time extraction process.

[0090] In step S305-2-2, the device 30 (the determination unit 43) performs a process of presenting candidate execution times. Specifically, the device 30 performs a process of displaying one or more candidate execution times on the display unit 33 as candidates for the execution time at which the firmware update is to be performed, by referring to the presence or absence of available time, the settings at the time of the previous firmware update, etc.

[0091] The execution time candidate presentation process will be described in further detail. As described above, the device 30 refers to the fax reception history for the past week and extracts, as available time, time slots that are equal to or longer than the update time T from among the times when no fax information has been received. The device 30 of this embodiment displays a plurality of available time slots on the display unit 33 to notify the user. The user can also select one or more available time slots from the plurality of available time slots displayed (presented) on the display unit 33 by operating the operation unit 32. At this time, the device 30 of this embodiment presents the longest available time slot as selected.

[0092] For example, the device 30 displays an execution time selection screen 501, an example of which is shown in FIG. 11, on the display unit 33. The execution time selection screen 501 includes an execution time candidate display section 501a and an OK button 501b. As shown in FIG. 11, the device 30 presents a list of settable free times in the execution time candidate display section 501a of the execution time selection screen 501, and displays the longest free time (free time from 11:10 to 17:00 in the example of FIG. 11) selected in the selection field. Furthermore, when an operation to select the OK button 501b is performed with a free time selected, the device 30 determines that time as the execution time for the firmware update. Furthermore, the device 30 determines the start time of the determined free time (execution time) as the scheduled time for starting execution of the firmware update.

[0093] Here, in the device 30 of this embodiment, if there is no free time in the available time that is equal to or longer than the time required for the firmware update (update time T) (if there is no free time in the last week), it becomes impossible to set the execution time from the free time, and only a time arbitrarily set by the user (fixed setting) can be set on the optional setting screen 502. Furthermore, if there is an execution time that was set during the previous firmware update, that time is displayed as the initial value on the optional setting screen 502.

[0094] For example, if there is no available time, an optional setting screen 502, an example of which is shown in FIG. 12, is displayed on the display unit 33. As shown in FIG. 12, the optional setting screen 502 has a fixed setting display section 502a, a previous setting display section 502b, and a confirm button 502c. The fixed setting display section 502a displays a time that can be set by the user. In the device 30, the user can set the execution time of the firmware update by performing an input operation on the operation unit 32.

[0095] The previous setting display section 502b also displays the start time (reserved time) of the execution time set during the previous firmware update. If there is no reserved time set during the previous firmware update, the reserved time will not be displayed in the previous setting display section 502b, and the time will be displayed only in the fixed setting display section 502a. On the optional setting screen 502, multiple reserved times can be selected. If multiple reserved times are selected, the device 30 will attempt to update the firmware in order of closest to the current time.

[0096] In step S305-2-3, the device 30 performs a process of determining whether or not a user has performed a confirmation operation. Specifically, the device 30 performs a process of determining whether or not an operation to select the confirmation button 501b on the execution time selection screen 501 or the confirmation button 502c on the optional setting screen 502 has been performed. If the device 30 determines that the user has performed a confirmation operation (step S305-2-3=Yes), the device 30 proceeds to step S305-2-4, and if the device 30 determines that the user has not performed a confirmation operation (step S305-2-3=No), the device 30 proceeds to step S305-2-5. Note that if the selection operation of the confirmation button 501b or the confirmation button 502c is not performed and a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the user has not performed a confirmation operation.

[0097] In step S305-2-4, the device 30 performs a process of determining the start time of the free time selected by the user's operation as the reserved time. Specifically, when the confirm button is selected with free time selected on the execution time selection screen 501 or the optional setting screen 502, the device 30 performs a process of determining the selected free time as the execution time of the firmware update and determining the start time of the selected free time as the reserved time when execution of the firmware update is scheduled to begin.

[0098] In step S305-2-5, the device 30 performs a process of determining the start time of the displayed free time as the reserved time. Specifically, the device 30 performs a process of determining the free time currently presented as the most likely candidate on the execution time selection screen 501 or the optional setting screen 502 as the execution time for the firmware update, and also performs a process of determining the start time of the selected free time as the reserved time when the execution of the firmware update is scheduled to start.

[0099] In step S305-2-6, the device 30 performs a process of registering the reserved time in the registration unit 44. Specifically, the device 30 registers the free time (execution time) determined as the execution time of the firmware update in the registration unit 44, and also performs a process of registering the determined reserved time in the registration unit 44. When this process ends, the device 30 ends the reserved time determination process.

[0100] (Reservation time overwrite process) Next, the reservation time overwrite process executed by the device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0101] In the device 30 of this embodiment, after a reservation time is determined after receiving an update program, the reservation time can be canceled and changed (overwritten). Furthermore, the device 30 allows the user to check the reservation time as a task on the display unit 33. The reservation time overwrite process is executed when the user issues a change instruction operation.

[0102] In step S400, the device 30 performs a process to determine whether or not an instruction to overwrite the reservation time has been issued. If the device 30 determines that an instruction to overwrite the reservation time has been issued (step S400=Yes), the process proceeds to step S401. If the device 30 determines that an instruction to overwrite the reservation time has not been issued (step S400=No), the device 30 ends the reservation time overwrite process.

[0103] In step S401, the device 30 performs a process of overwriting the reserved time. In this process, the device 30 registers the overwritten reserved time in the registration unit 44 and performs a process of resetting the timer. This sets a new scheduled time, and the firmware update will start at that time. When this process is completed, the device 30 ends the reserved time determination process.

[0104] Note that, in the device 30 of the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which displays related to firmware update execution (such as the operating time setting screen 500, the execution time selection screen 501, and the optional setting screen 502) are displayed on the display unit 33, and operations such as selection by the user are accepted by the operation unit 32. However, the device of the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. Specifically, the device of the present disclosure may be capable of displaying displays related to firmware update execution on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 20 used by the user, and accepting the user's selection operation via the terminal operation unit 23 of the terminal device 20.

[0105] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0106] Furthermore, the drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the disclosure, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configurations of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present disclosure is applicable to various devices and programs capable of executing firmware updates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Update System 10 Servers 30 equipment 31 Communications Department 40 Control Unit 42 Extraction part 43 Decision Section 44 Registration Department 45 Update execution unit (execution unit) 46 Memory section 50 Other devices T Update Time

Claims

1. an extracting unit that extracts, from a reception history of specific information included in job information received from another device, a time when the specific information is not received and that is equal to or longer than an update time required for a firmware update, as free time; a registration unit in which a reservation time at which the firmware update is scheduled to start is registered; a determination unit capable of determining the reservation time based on the available time and registering the reservation time in the registration unit; an execution unit that is capable of executing the firmware update when the scheduled time registered in the registration unit arrives; An apparatus comprising:

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein if there is no extraction history of the free time during the most recent first period, the determination unit is capable of determining the reservation time as the new reservation time by taking over the reservation time already registered in the registration unit.

3. 3 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein, when there are a plurality of free periods in the most recent first period, the determination unit determines the reservation time by prioritizing the longest free period.

4. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the reservation time registered in the registration section can be changed by a user operation.

5. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the timing of execution of the firmware update can be selected by a user from at least one of immediate execution in which the firmware update is executed when firmware update information indicating that the firmware update can be executed is received, and scheduled execution in which the firmware update is executed at the scheduled time.

6. an available time extraction process for extracting, from a reception history of specific information included in job information received from another device, a time when the specific information is not received and that is equal to or longer than an update time required for a firmware update, as available time; a reservation time determination process for determining a reservation time at which the firmware update is scheduled to start based on the available time and registering the reservation time in a registration unit; a reserved update execution process that executes the firmware update when the reserved time registered in the registration unit arrives; An update execution program that causes the device to execute the above.

7. An update system comprising: a device capable of receiving job information from another device; and a server that transmits a program related to firmware to the device, an extracting unit that extracts, from a reception history of the specific information included in the job information, a time when the specific information is not received and that is equal to or longer than an update time required for the firmware update, as free time; a determination unit capable of determining a scheduled time at which the firmware update is to be started based on the available time; Equipped with The device comprises: a registration unit in which the reservation time is registered; an execution unit that is capable of executing the firmware update when the scheduled time registered in the registration unit arrives; An update system having:

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