Image processing device and control method for the image processing device

Abstract

To improve the flexibility of firmware updates. [Solution] The image processing device 100 comprises an acquisition processing unit 171 and an update processing unit 172. The acquisition processing unit 171 acquires an update program UP1 for the firmware FW1 implemented in the main unit 101. If the firmware FW1 is a specific firmware that cannot be unconditionally updated based on the update program UP1, the update processing unit 172 updates the specific firmware based on the update program UP1 when certain conditions are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a control method for an image processing apparatus. Background Art

[0002] As related art, an information processing apparatus is known that executes a notification related to an update when the version of firmware currently held by a communication apparatus such as a printer is not the latest firmware version (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This information processing apparatus prompts the user to perform an operation for executing the update by issuing the notification. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-085781 Summary of Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, in image processing apparatuses such as those shown in the related art described above, custom firmware may be used. The custom firmware is edited, for example, by a maintenance person in charge of the image processing apparatus, and cannot be unconditionally updated to official firmware. For this reason, there is a problem that the custom firmware cannot be updated to the official firmware until the maintenance person performs the update work, and the degree of freedom in firmware update is low.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and a control method for an image processing apparatus that can improve the degree of freedom in firmware update. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an acquisition processing unit and an update processing unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires an update program for firmware implemented in the main unit. If the firmware is a specific type of firmware that cannot be unconditionally updated based on the update program, the update processing unit updates the specific firmware based on the update program when certain conditions are met.

[0007] A control method for an image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes obtaining an update program for firmware implemented in the main body of the image processing apparatus. The control method for the image processing apparatus includes updating the specific firmware based on the update program when certain conditions are met, provided that the firmware is a specific firmware that cannot be unconditionally updated based on the update program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing device that can improve the degree of freedom in updating firmware, and a control method for the image processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the first operation unit in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the second operation unit in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of functional information used in the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of determining the update target using functional information in an image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] [1] Overall configuration of the image processing device First, the overall configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0012] The image processing device 100 according to this embodiment is, for example, a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a scanning function to acquire image data from a document, a printing function to form an image based on the image data, a facsimile function, and a copying function. The image processing device 100 only needs to have an image processing function that includes at least one of the functions to form an image and the function to acquire image data, and may be a printer, scanner, facsimile device, or copier, etc.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the image processing device 100 includes an ADF 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a display unit 15, an operation unit 16, a control unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and an external I / F 20. The ADF 11 is an automatic document transport device and is an abbreviation for Auto Document Feeder. The external I / F 20 is an abbreviation for External Interface.

[0014] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the image processing device 100 includes a main body 101. The ADF 11, image reading unit 12, image forming unit 13, paper feeding unit 14, display unit 15, operation unit 16, control unit 17, storage unit 18, communication unit 19, and external I / F 20 are all provided on the main body 101.

[0015] The ADF 11 conveys a document whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 12. The ADF 11 includes a document setting section, a plurality of conveyance rollers, a document presser, a paper discharge section, and the like.

[0016] The image reading unit 12 reads an image from a document, and outputs image data corresponding to the read image. The image reading unit 12 includes a document platen, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like.

[0017] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method based on image data output from the image reading unit 12. The image forming unit 13 also forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from an information processing apparatus external to the image processing apparatus 100, such as a personal computer. The image forming unit 13 includes four image forming units corresponding to four colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and the like. The image forming unit 13 may be configured to form an image on a sheet by an image forming method other than the electrophotographic method, such as an inkjet method.

[0018] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet using toner as a developer. When the image forming unit 13 forms an image by an inkjet method, ink (another example of the developer) is supplied instead of toner. Examples of the toner supplied to the image forming unit 13 include toners of a plurality of colors including C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). The sheet after image formation in the image forming unit 13 is discharged (supplied) to an extended device or the like for post-processing.

[0019] The sheet feeding unit 14 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 13. The sheet feeding unit 14 includes a sheet feeding cassette, a manual feed tray, a sheet conveyance path, a plurality of conveyance rollers, and the like. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 14. The sheet supplied to the image forming unit 13 is paper as an example, but is not limited to paper, and may be, for example, a resin film or the like.

[0020] The display unit 15 is a user interface for presenting (displaying) information to a user in the image processing apparatus 100. The display unit 15 displays various types of information in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 17. In the present embodiment, as an example, the display unit 15 includes a liquid crystal display, and displays a display screen containing various types of information on the liquid crystal display.

[0021] The operation unit 16 is, for example, a user interface for accepting a user's operation on the display screen displayed on the display unit 15. The operation unit 16 accepts various user operations by outputting electrical signals corresponding to the user's operations, for example. In the present embodiment, as an example, the operation unit 16 includes switches, keys or a numeric keypad, a touch panel, and the like.

[0022] Further, the image processing apparatus 100 may include, for example, an audio output unit and an audio input unit as a user interface, in addition to or instead of the display unit 15 and the operation unit 16.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the operation unit 16 has a first operation unit 161 and a second operation unit 162. Both the first operation unit 161 and the second operation unit 162 are implemented as one function of the operation unit 16. Note that the first operation unit 161 and the second operation unit 162 may be provided in the image processing apparatus 100 as mutually different operation units.

[0024] The first operation unit 161 accepts an operation to set the expiration date (described later) of the firmware FW1. Specifically, when the operation unit 16 (first operation unit 161) accepts an operation to switch to the first setting screen P1 (see Figure 3), which is capable of accepting an operation to set the expiration date, the first setting screen P1 is displayed on the display unit 15. The first setting screen P1 displays input boxes for entering the expiration date of the firmware FW1 (in this case, a test version of the custom firmware) in year, month, and day format. The user performs the operation to enter the desired expiration date of the firmware FW1 on the first setting screen P1. Then, the control unit 17 updates the expiration date of the firmware FW1 in accordance with the operation received by the operation unit 16 (first operation unit 161).

[0025] Furthermore, the operation to set the above expiration date may be performed, for example, by a maintenance staff member of a service provider that provides various services to the image processing device. Also, this operation may be performed only by authorized users. For example, the operation to switch to the first settings screen P1 may be performed by the user after authentication using a password or biometric authentication using a fingerprint, etc.

[0026] The second operation unit 162 accepts an operation to set the firmware FW1 update method (described later). Specifically, when the operation unit 16 (second operation unit 162) accepts an operation to switch to the second setting screen P2 (see Figure 4), which can accept an operation to set the update method, the second setting screen P2 is displayed on the display unit 15. The second setting screen P2 displays checkboxes, etc., for selecting one update method from several (in this case, four) update methods.

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 4, the checkboxes for "Storage Unit," which indicates an update method using the storage unit 18, and "Update Server," which indicates an update method using the update server 200, are displayed on the display unit 15. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 4, the checkboxes for "Update Service," which indicates an update method using the update service system 300 (described later), and "Remote Service," which indicates an update method using the remote service system 400 (described later), are also displayed on the display unit 15.

[0028] The user performs an operation to input the desired update method on the second settings screen P2. Then, when the update processing unit 172 (described later) updates the firmware FW1 when the specific conditions described later are met, it updates the firmware FW1 using the update method set on the operation unit 16 (second operation unit 162).

[0029] The control unit 17 primarily consists of a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories, and comprehensively controls the image processing device 100. In the image processing device 100, the functions of the control unit 17 are realized by one or more processors executing programs. In this embodiment, as an example, the control unit 17 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0030] The program may be pre-recorded in one or more memories, provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium readable by a computer system, such as a memory card or optical disc. One or more processors consist of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit. Furthermore, the computer system referred to herein includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. The control unit 17 may be a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that comprehensively controls the image processing device 100.

[0031] The storage unit 18 has information such as control programs for causing the control unit 17 to execute various processes pre-stored in it. In this embodiment, the storage unit 18 includes one or more non-volatile memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk), or SSD (Solid State Disk). The storage unit 18 also includes one or more volatile memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0032] In this embodiment, the storage unit 18 may store past firmware. Past firmware is firmware that was implemented in the main unit 101 before firmware FW1 implemented in the image processing device 100. For example, past firmware is the official firmware that was implemented in the image processing device 100 before it was customized by a maintenance worker.

[0033] The communication unit 19 is an interface that performs data communication between the image processing device 100 and an external system connected via a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the communication unit 19 is configured to communicate with the external systems, which are the update server 200, the update service system 300, and the remote service system 400. The data communication may be wired communication or wireless communication. Furthermore, the data communication may be wireless communication compliant with a short-range wireless communication standard such as NFC (Near Field Communication) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0034] The update server 200 stores an update program UP1 for updating the firmware FW1 used to control the main unit 101 of the image processing device 100. The update server 200 consists of a server device connected to the same network (e.g., an intranet or LAN) as the image processing device 100. The update server 200 distributes the update program UP1 to the image processing device 100. In other words, the image processing device 100 is configured to receive the update program UP1 from the update server 200 by communicating with the update server 200 via the communication unit 19.

[0035] The update service system 300 is a system that provides the update program UP1 to users of the image processing device 100. The update service system 300 includes, for example, a server device connected to the Internet. The update service system 300 stores the update program UP1, similar to the update server 200, and distributes the update program UP1 to the image processing device 100. In other words, the image processing device 100 is configured to receive the update program UP1 from the update service system 300 by communicating with the update service system 300 via the communication unit 19.

[0036] The remote service system 400 is a system operated by a service provider that provides various services remotely to users of the image processing device 100 without requiring them to visit the installation location of the image processing device 100. The services provided by the remote service system 400 to users include a service to update the firmware FW1. The remote service system 400 includes, for example, a server device connected to the Internet. The remote service system 400, like the update server 200, stores the update program UP1 and distributes the update program UP1 to the image processing device 100. In other words, the image processing device 100 is configured to receive the update program UP1 from the remote service system 400 by communicating with the remote service system 400 via the communication unit 19.

[0037] External I / F20 has a port to which an external memory or external device is connected, and is an interface for performing data communication with the external memory or external device connected to the port. In this embodiment, the external memory includes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The external device includes, for example, a USB mass storage compatible device.

[0038] Incidentally, as a related technology, there is known to be an information processing device that issues a notification regarding an update when the current firmware version of a communication device such as a printer is not the latest firmware version. By issuing this notification, the information processing device prompts the user to perform an operation to perform the update.

[0039] In image processing devices such as those described in the related technologies above, custom firmware may be used. Custom firmware is edited, for example, by the image processing device's maintenance personnel, and cannot be unconditionally updated to the official firmware. Therefore, until the maintenance personnel perform the update work, the custom firmware cannot be updated to the official firmware, resulting in a lack of flexibility in firmware updates.

[0040] In contrast, in this embodiment, the image processing device 100 and a control method for the image processing device 100 can be realized by processing performed by the control unit 17 of the image processing device 100 described below, thereby improving the degree of freedom in updating the firmware.

[0041] [2] Configuration of the control unit The following describes in more detail each functional unit included in the control unit 17 with reference to Figure 1. The control unit 17 has an acquisition processing unit 171 and an update processing unit 172. In other words, the image processing device 100 is equipped with the acquisition processing unit 171 and the update processing unit 172 as functions of the control unit 17.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 17 implements firmware FW1. In this disclosure, "firmware" refers to software for controlling the computer system (control unit 17) incorporated into the main body 101 of the image processing device 100, and means software that has been pre-written into an integrated circuit such as ROM and incorporated into the main body 101. Firmware FW1 has the function of controlling the basic functions of the main body 101 which has image processing capabilities.

[0043] The acquisition processing unit 171 executes an acquisition process to acquire the update program UP1. The update program UP0 is a computer program used to update the firmware FW1 implemented in the main unit 101. In this embodiment, the acquisition processing unit 171 acquires the update program UP1 by downloading it from an external system through communication with an external system via a communication network such as the Internet or LAN, by having the communication unit 19 communicate with the external system. In other words, the acquisition processing unit 171 acquires the update program UP1 from an external system using a download method.

[0044] In this embodiment, for example, when the operation unit 16 receives an operation from a user to start updating the firmware FW1, the acquisition processing unit 171 executes the acquisition process. The acquisition processing unit 171 may also execute the acquisition process periodically, regardless of whether or not the above operation has been received. During the acquisition process, the acquisition processing unit 171 queries one of the external systems, either the update server 200, the update service system 300, or the remote service system 400, to inquire about the availability of available firmware.

[0045] In this disclosure, "available firmware" may include, for example, the latest official firmware at the time of inquiry. Official firmware is the firmware provided by the manufacturer of the image processing device 100. In addition, "available firmware" may include, for example, past official firmware that was implemented in the image processing device 100 prior to firmware FW1, which is currently implemented in the image processing device 100.

[0046] The acquisition processing unit 171 then obtains an update program UP1 from an external system, which is used to update the firmware FW1 implemented in the image processing device 100 to the available firmware, if available firmware exists. In other words, the acquisition processing unit 171 obtains the update program UP1 from an external system via download. On the other hand, if no available firmware exists, the acquisition processing unit 171 terminates the acquisition process.

[0047] The update processing unit 172 executes an update process to update the specific firmware based on the update program UP1 when the firmware FW1 is a specific firmware and the specific conditions described later are met. Furthermore, the update processing unit 172 executes an update process to update the firmware FW1 based on the update program UP1 when the firmware FW1 is not a specific firmware.

[0048] In this disclosure, "specific firmware" refers to firmware that cannot be unconditionally updated based on the update program UP1. Specifically, "specific firmware" is custom firmware. Firmware that is not "specific firmware" is official firmware.

[0049] In this disclosure, "custom firmware" refers to firmware other than the official firmware provided by the manufacturer of the image processing device 100, and is edited by a maintenance worker of a service provider that provides various services to the image processing device 100. The "custom firmware" includes a test version of the official firmware customized for investigating problems that occur in the image processing device 100. The "custom firmware" also includes an evaluation version of the official firmware customized for implementing countermeasures to resolve the above problems and verifying the effectiveness of those countermeasures. Hereinafter, the investigation of the above problems will be referred to as "testing," and the verification of the effectiveness of the above countermeasures will be referred to as "evaluation."

[0050] Furthermore, even if the above problems do not exist, "custom firmware" also includes firmware that has been customized from the official firmware to have unique features specific to the user. "Unique features" as used in this disclosure may include, for example, features that are customized from some of the features of the official firmware, or features that cannot be implemented with the official firmware. Also, "unique features" may include, for example, new features that the official firmware does not have in the first place.

[0051] First, the update processing unit 172 performs a determination process to determine whether the firmware FW1 implemented in the main unit 101 and the acquired update program UP1 are of the same type. In other words, the update processing unit 172 performs a determination process to determine whether the firmware FW1 is a specific type of firmware. In this disclosure, "type" includes, for example, the provider of the software such as firmware FW1 and update program UP1. For example, if firmware FW1 is the official firmware provided by the manufacturer of the image processing device 100, the provider of firmware FW1 is the manufacturer. Also, for example, if firmware FW1 is custom firmware customized by a maintenance worker of a service provider that provides various services to users of the image processing device 100, the provider of firmware FW1 is the maintenance worker.

[0052] For example, if both firmware FW1 and the update program UP1 are official firmware, the update processing unit 172 determines that the attributes of firmware FW1 and the type of update program UP1 are the same. In other words, the update processing unit 172 determines that firmware FW1 is not a specific firmware. On the other hand, if firmware FW1 is custom firmware and the update program UP1 is official firmware, the update processing unit 172 determines that the type of firmware FW1 and the type of update program UP1 are different. In other words, the update processing unit 172 determines that firmware FW1 is a specific firmware.

[0053] Furthermore, if available firmware exists, the acquisition processing unit 171 may acquire only the data indicating the attributes of the update program UP1 from an external system, rather than all of the data for the update program UP1. In this case, the update processing unit 172 refers to the acquired data indicating the attributes of the update program UP1 and performs a determination process. In this case, the amount of data that the update processing unit 172 needs to acquire when performing the determination process is small, making it easier to shorten the time required for the determination process.

[0054] The update processing unit 172 then performs an update process to update the firmware FW1 implemented in the image processing device 100 based on the update program UP1 in one of the following two cases: Specifically, the update processing unit 172 performs the update process if, as a result of the determination process, firmware FW1 and the update program UP1 have the same attributes, i.e., firmware FW1 is not a specific firmware. Alternatively, the update processing unit 172 performs the update process if, as a result of the determination process, firmware FW1 and the update program UP1 are of different types, i.e., firmware FW1 is a specific firmware and satisfies specific conditions. The update program UP1 used by the update processing unit 172 for the update may be deleted (erased) after the update is completed.

[0055] In this disclosure, "specific conditions" means conditions under which the process of updating firmware FW1 based on the update program UP1 does not need to be performed by a maintenance worker who has customized firmware FW1.

[0056] In this case, when updating firmware FW1 (custom firmware) to the official firmware based on the update program UP1, the update work is basically performed by the maintenance technician who customized the custom firmware. In other words, the custom firmware is used for testing or evaluation as described above.

[0057] Therefore, if a user updates the custom firmware to the official firmware while the custom firmware is still required, the above problem may recur. Consequently, the update from custom firmware to the official firmware should only be performed after a service technician has confirmed that the above problem has been resolved, i.e., that the custom firmware is no longer needed.

[0058] Furthermore, even if the custom firmware is customized to have unique features specific to the user, the update work is generally performed by the service technician who customized the custom firmware. This is because if the user updates the custom firmware to the official firmware before the official firmware has the aforementioned unique features, the user will no longer be able to use those unique features. Therefore, the update from custom firmware to official firmware is performed only after the service technician has confirmed that the official firmware has the aforementioned unique features, meaning that the custom firmware is no longer necessary.

[0059] In contrast, in this embodiment, the update processing unit 172 can execute the update process without involving the maintenance personnel if certain conditions are met, that is, if it is not a problem for the maintenance personnel to perform the update work.

[0060] In this embodiment, the specific condition may include the expiration date of firmware FW1 (a specific firmware). Here, if firmware FW1 is customized by a maintenance technician, an expiration date may be set. The expiration date represents the period during which testing or evaluation using firmware FW1 is performed. Therefore, the expiration date indicates that testing or evaluation using firmware FW1 has been completed. In other words, if the expiration date has passed, it is not a problem if the maintenance technician does not perform the update work.

[0061] Specifically, if the specified conditions are as described above, the update processing unit 172 will execute the update process even if the firmware FW1 is a specific firmware, if the expiration date of firmware FW1 has passed. On the other hand, if the expiration date has not passed, the update processing unit 172 will not execute the update process because the specified conditions have not been met.

[0062] In this embodiment, the user can set a desired expiration date by setting the expiration date using the operation unit 16 (first operation unit 161) as described above. For example, if the user considers the test or evaluation period to be short, they can set the expiration date to be extended. This prevents the firmware FW1 from being updated unintentionally against the user's will until the set expiration date has passed.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific condition may include the fact that the update program UP1 possesses the same functions as firmware FW1 (a specific firmware). Here, when firmware FW1 is customized by a maintenance technician, user-specific functions may be included in firmware FW1. These specific functions may then be adopted in the official firmware. Therefore, if the official firmware (update program UP1) possesses the same specific functions as the custom firmware (firmware FW1), there is no problem even if the update work is not performed by the maintenance technician.

[0064] In this embodiment, the update processing unit 172 acquires functional information from an external system (update server 200, update service system 300, or remote service system 400) and determines whether a specific condition is met based on the functional information. The specific condition here is that the update program UP1 has the same functions as the firmware FW1 described above. In this disclosure, "functional information" refers to information indicating the functions of the update program UP1.

[0065] Figure 5 shows a specific example of function information. As shown in Figure 5, function information includes the function name ("Function" in Figure 5), an identifier to identify the function ("ID" in Figure 5), and supplementary information about the function ("Notes" in Figure 5) as data. For example, a function named "Function AAA" has the identifier "Func1234" and the supplementary information "For Custom XXX". "For Custom XXX" indicates that it is a function customized from the official firmware with version "XXX.XXX.XXX".

[0066] Specifically, if the specified conditions are as described above, the update processing unit 172 will execute the update process if firmware FW1 is a specific firmware and the update program UP1 has the functions that firmware FW1 possesses. On the other hand, if the update program UP1 does not have the functions that firmware FW1 possesses, the update processing unit 172 will not execute the update process because the specified conditions are not met.

[0067] Figure 6 shows a specific example of the determination process by the update processing unit 172 to determine whether or not specific conditions are met. In Figure 6, "Custom Firmware" represents the firmware FW1 (specific firmware) implemented in the image processing device 100, and "Official Firmware" represents the update program UP1. In the example shown in Figure 6, all functions except the function with identifier "Func1234" are assumed to be possessed by both firmware FW1 and the update program UP1.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 6 under <Not Updatable>, firmware FW1 has a function with the identifier "Func1234". On the other hand, the update program UP1 does not have a function with the identifier "Func1234". Therefore, the update processing unit 172 determines that the specific conditions are not met. On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 6 under <Updatable>, both firmware FW1 and the update program UP1 have a function with the identifier "Func1234". Therefore, the update processing unit 172 determines that the specific conditions are met.

[0069] In this embodiment, the update processing unit 172 adopts only one of the two conditions described above as a specific condition. However, the update processing unit 172 may adopt both of the two conditions described above as specific conditions. For example, the update processing unit 172 may decide whether or not to perform the update process when firmware FW1 is a specific firmware, as follows.

[0070] In other words, the update processing unit 172 executes the update process if the firmware FW1 has expired and the update program UP1 has the functions that firmware FW1 has. On the other hand, the update processing unit 172 does not execute the update process if either the firmware FW1 has expired or the update program UP1 has the functions that firmware FW1 has.

[0071] In this embodiment, the update processing unit 172 executes an update process to update the firmware FW1 using one of the update methods shown in the first to fourth update examples listed below. In addition, in this embodiment, the user can update the firmware FW1 using the desired update method by selecting an update method using the operation unit 16 (second operation unit 162) as described above.

[0072] <First update example> The first update example is an update example where past firmware is stored in the memory unit 18. In the first update example, the update processing unit 172 reads the past firmware stored in the memory unit 18 and updates firmware FW1 using the past firmware as the update program UP1. In other words, in the first update example, when certain conditions are met, the update processing unit 172 updates firmware FW1 using the past firmware that was implemented in the image processing device 100 before it was customized by the maintenance personnel as the update program UP1. As a result, in the first update example, the firmware implemented in the image processing device 100 is reverted to the firmware that was in place before it was customized by the maintenance personnel.

[0073] Specifically, in the first update example, when the maintenance personnel customize the firmware, they perform an operation to store the firmware before customization, i.e., the past firmware, in the storage unit 18. Alternatively, when the firmware is customized, the control unit 17 may execute a process to store the past firmware in the storage unit 18.

[0074] Subsequently, when the update processing unit 172 performs the update process to update firmware FW1, it checks whether previous firmware is stored in the storage unit 18. If previous firmware is stored in the storage unit 18, the update processing unit 172 reads the previous firmware and updates firmware FW1 using the previous firmware as the update program UP1.

[0075] If no previous firmware is stored in the memory unit 18, the update processing unit 172 may update firmware FW1 according to one of the update examples 2 to 4 described below.

[0076] In the first update example, the acquisition processing unit 171 does not need to query the external system for the availability of usable firmware when executing the acquisition process. This is because if past firmware is stored in the storage unit 18, the past firmware corresponds to usable firmware. In other words, in the first update example, the acquisition processing unit 171 executes the acquisition process by reading the past firmware from the storage unit 18.

[0077] <Second update example> The second update example is an example where the update server 200 is an external system. In the second update example, the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FW1 based on the update program UP1 obtained from the update server 200 by the acquisition processing unit 171.

[0078] In the second update example, the update server 200 is connected to the same network as the image processing device 100, such as an intranet or LAN. Therefore, in the second update example, even if the image processing device 100 is not connected to the internet, it is possible to obtain the update program UP1 and update the firmware FW1.

[0079] <3rd update example> The third update example is an example where the update service system 300 is an external system. In the third update example, the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FW1 based on the update program UP1 acquired from the update service system 300 by the acquisition processing unit 171.

[0080] In the third update example, the update service system 300 is connected to the internet. The update service system 300 typically stores the latest update program UP1. Therefore, in the third update example, it is easy to obtain the latest update program UP1 and update the firmware FW1.

[0081] <4th update example> The fourth update example is an example where the remote service system 400 is an external system. In the fourth update example, the update processing unit 172 updates the firmware FW1 based on the update program UP1 acquired from the remote service system 400 by the acquisition processing unit 171.

[0082] In the fourth update example, the remote service system 400 is connected to the internet. The remote service system 400 typically stores the latest update program UP1. Therefore, in the fourth update example, it is easy to obtain the latest update program UP1 and update the firmware FW1. Furthermore, in the fourth update example, the user can perform the firmware FW1 update while receiving advice from the operator of the remote service system 400.

[0083] [3] Example of operation of an image processing device Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the procedure for processing performed by the image processing device 100, along with an example of the control method for the image processing device 100 in this embodiment, will be described. Here, steps S11, S12, ... represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) performed by the image processing device 100. This processing is started, for example, when the operation unit 16 receives an operation from the user to start updating the firmware FW1. Note that this processing may be started periodically, regardless of whether or not an operation from the user has been received.

[0084] <Step S11> The image processing unit 171 of the image processing device 100 executes the acquisition process. First, the acquisition processing unit 171 queries an external system to inquire about the availability of usable firmware. If the query indicates that usable firmware exists (step S11: Yes), the acquisition processing unit 171 obtains the update program UP1. Here, the acquisition processing unit 171 obtains the update program UP1 from the external system using a download method. Next, the image processing device 100 executes step S12. On the other hand, if no usable firmware exists (step S11: No), the acquisition processing unit 171 terminates the acquisition process.

[0085] <Step S12> The update processing unit 172 of the image processing device 100 determines whether the type of firmware FW1 and the type of update program UP1 have the same attributes. In other words, the update processing unit 172 determines whether firmware FW1 is a specific firmware. If these types are the same, that is, if firmware FW1 is not a specific firmware (step S12: Yes), the update processing unit 172 executes step S13. On the other hand, if these types are different from each other, that is, if firmware FW1 is a specific firmware (step S12: No), the image processing device 100 executes step S16.

[0086] <Step S13> The update processing unit 172 asks the user whether or not to update the firmware FW1 before updating it. For example, the update processing unit 172 asks the user by displaying a message such as "The firmware can be updated, do you want to update it?" on the display unit 15. The user inquiry may also be done by voice. The operation unit 16 then accepts the user's input operation to confirm whether or not to approve the firmware FW1 update.

[0087] <Step S14> If the user approves the firmware FW1 update (step S14: Yes), the update processing unit 172 executes step S15. On the other hand, if the user does not approve the firmware FW1 update (S14: No), the image processing unit 100 executes step S16.

[0088] <Step S15> The update processing unit 172 executes an update process to update firmware FW1 based on the acquired update program UP1. For example, if firmware FW1 is a test version or evaluation version of custom firmware, and the update program UP1 is the latest official firmware, the custom firmware will be updated to the latest official firmware.

[0089] <Step S16> The update processing unit 172 does not perform the update process. Therefore, the firmware FW1 implemented in the image processing device 100 is maintained. The acquired update program UP1 may be erased (deleted) or stored in the storage unit 18.

[0090] <Step S17> The update processing unit 172 determines whether or not specific conditions are met. These specific conditions include, for example, that the firmware FW1 has expired. Another specific condition is that the update program UP1 possesses the functions of firmware FW1. If the specific conditions are met (S17: Yes), the update processing unit 172 executes step S13. On the other hand, if the specific conditions are not met (S17: No), the image processing device 100 executes step S16.

[0091] In addition, during the above process, the update processing unit 172 may update the firmware FW1 without obtaining user approval. In this case, steps S13 and S14 are unnecessary.

[0092] Furthermore, the procedure described above is merely an example, and the order of the processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 7 may be changed as appropriate.

[0093] As described above, the image processing device 100 according to this embodiment updates the firmware FW1 based on the update program UP1 if certain conditions are met, even if the firmware FW1 is a specific firmware. Therefore, even if the firmware FW1 implemented in the image processing device 100 is custom firmware, the image processing device 100 according to this embodiment can perform the update process without the need for a maintenance person who has customized the custom firmware. Accordingly, the image processing device 100 according to this embodiment makes it easier for users to update the firmware FW1 and improves the flexibility of updating the firmware FW1 compared to a configuration in which the firmware FW1 cannot be updated without the involvement of a maintenance person.

[0094] [Differentiation] In this embodiment, the multiple components included in the image processing apparatus 100 may be distributed across multiple housings. For example, the acquisition processing unit 171 and the update processing unit 172 may be provided separately.

[0095] Furthermore, the display unit 15 is not limited to a liquid crystal display; for example, it may include an electronic paper display or a projector display in place of or in addition to an organic EL display.

[0096] Furthermore, the means by which the acquisition processing unit 171 acquires the update program UP1 is not limited to downloading from an external system, but may also include downloading from other devices or reading from a recording medium such as a USB memory stick containing the update program UP1.

[0097] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0098] <Note 1> An acquisition processing unit that acquires an update program for the firmware implemented in the main unit, If the firmware is a specific firmware that cannot be unconditionally updated based on the update program, the system includes an update processing unit that updates the specific firmware based on the update program when certain conditions are met. Image processing device.

[0099] <Note 2> The aforementioned specific conditions include the expiration date of the aforementioned specific firmware, The image processing apparatus described in Appendix 1.

[0100] <Note 3> The system further includes a first operation unit that accepts the operation to set the expiration date. The image processing apparatus described in Appendix 2.

[0101] <Note 4> The aforementioned specific conditions include the fact that the update program has the functions that the specific firmware has, An image processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0102] <Note 5> The update processing unit obtains functional information from an external system indicating the functions of the update program, and determines whether the specific conditions are met based on the functional information. The image processing apparatus described in Appendix 4.

[0103] <Note 6> The device further includes a storage unit that stores past firmware that was implemented in the main unit prior to the aforementioned specific firmware, When the update processing unit satisfies the specified conditions, it updates the specified firmware using the past firmware as the update program. An image processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0104] <Note 7> The system further includes a second operation unit that accepts an operation to set the firmware update method, The update processing unit updates the specific firmware using the configured update method when certain conditions are met. An image processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6.

[0105] <Note 8> A method for controlling an image processing device, To obtain an update program for the firmware implemented in the main body of the aforementioned image processing device, If the firmware is a specific type of firmware that cannot be unconditionally updated based on the update program, then the specific firmware will be updated based on the update program when certain conditions are met. A method for controlling an image processing device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 100 Image Processing Devices 101 Main Unit 161 1st operation section 162 2nd operation section 171 Acquisition Processing Unit 172 Update Processing Unit 18 Memory section FW1 firmware UP1 Update Program

Claims

1. An acquisition processing unit that acquires an update program for the firmware implemented in the main unit, If the firmware is a specific firmware that cannot be unconditionally updated based on the update program, the system includes an update processing unit that updates the specific firmware based on the update program when certain conditions are met. Image processing device.

2. The aforementioned specific conditions include the expiration date of the aforementioned specific firmware, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a first operation unit that accepts an operation to set the expiration date. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned specific conditions include the fact that the update program has the functions that the specific firmware has, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The update processing unit obtains functional information from an external system indicating the functions of the update program, and determines whether the specific conditions are met based on the functional information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The device further includes a storage unit that stores past firmware that was implemented in the main unit prior to the aforementioned specific firmware, When the update processing unit satisfies the specified conditions, it updates the specified firmware using the past firmware as the update program. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The system further includes a second operation unit that accepts an operation to set the firmware update method, The update processing unit updates the specific firmware using the configured update method when certain conditions are met. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A method for controlling an image processing device, To obtain an update program for the firmware implemented in the main body of the aforementioned image processing device, If the firmware is a specific type of firmware that cannot be unconditionally updated based on the update program, then the specific firmware will be updated based on the update program when certain conditions are met. A method for controlling an image processing device.

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