Control device, computer program for control device, and control method

Abstract

To provide a control apparatus and a control method for efficiently testing operation of an image processing apparatus before updating specific firmware.SOLUTION: A method includes: an item selection process T30 which selects, before updating specific firmware stored in an image forming apparatus, one or more test items corresponding to use status information indicating a status of use of the image processing apparatus (MFP 10) from among a plurality of test items for testing operation of the image processing apparatus; and an update execution process T36 which updates the specific firmware, in a test process T32 for testing operation of the MFP before updating the specific firmware, when normal operation of the image processing apparatus is confirmed by using new specific firmware (T34 YES). In the test process, tests are executed according to the one or more test items selected from among the multiple test items in the item selection process, and tests according to the other test items than the selected one or more test items are not executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device for updating specific firmware stored in an image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a server that distributes firmware for an image forming apparatus. The server prepares a virtual device that emulates the image forming apparatus. The server executes a functional test of the firmware on the virtual device, and if there are no problems, causes the image forming apparatus to download the firmware.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a technology for efficiently testing the operation of an image processing apparatus before updating specific firmware.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The control device disclosed herein includes: an item selection unit that selects one or more test items from a plurality of test items for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating specific firmware stored in the image processing device, the test unit that selects one or more test items that are suitable for usage information indicating the usage status of the image processing device; and an update execution unit that, in a test process for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating the specific firmware, executes an update process for updating the specific firmware when it is confirmed that the image processing device operates normally using the new specific firmware, wherein in the test process, a test is executed according to the one or more test items selected from the plurality of test items, and no tests are executed according to test items other than the one or more test items among the plurality of test items.

[0006] According to the above configuration, tests are performed according to one or more test items selected considering the usage status of the image processing device, and tests are not performed according to one or more test items out of the multiple test items. By not performing tests according to one or more test items, the operation of the image processing device can be efficiently tested before updating a specific firmware.

[0007] A control method for realizing the above-described control device, a computer program for the above-described control device, and a computer-readable recording medium for storing the computer program are also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This shows the configuration of the communication system. [Figure 2] This shows a sequence diagram of the specific processes implemented by the communication system. [Figure 3] This section presents specific examples of item optimization processes. [Figure 4] This section presents specific examples of item optimization processes. [Figure 5] This shows a sequence diagram of the specific processes implemented by the communication system. [Figure 6] This section presents specific examples of item optimization processes. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) Communication system 2 comprises two multifunction devices (hereinafter referred to as "MFPs") 10 and 100, and a server 200. The two MFPs 10 and 100 are multifunction devices with functions such as printing, scanning, and faxing. The two MFPs 10 and 100 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 4. LAN 4 is a wired or wireless network. LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. Server 200 is located on the Internet 6. Note that LAN 4 may be connected to one MFP, or three or more MFPs, not just two.

[0010] (Configuration of MFP10 and 100; Figure 1) The model of MFP10 is indicated by the model name MN1. MFP10 comprises a LAN interface 20 and a control unit 30. Hereafter, "interface" will be referred to as "I / F". LANI / F20 is an I / F for performing communication via LAN4 and is connected to LAN4. MFP10 can communicate with MFP100 and server 200 on the Internet 6 via LANI / F20.

[0011] The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to the program 40 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc.

[0012] Memory 34 also stores firmware 42. Firmware 42 is stored, for example, in a non-volatile area within memory 34. The non-volatile area is, for example, an area within ROM (Read Only Memory). Firmware 42 is the firmware used in the MFP model MN1 and differs from the firmware used in other MFP models. Firmware 42 has been revised by the MFP10 vendor, and is currently version 1.

[0013] The MFP100 model also has the model name MN1. The MFP100 also stores firmware version 1, version 42.

[0014] (Server 200 configuration; Figure 1) Server 200 provides firmware to the MFP. Server 200 is installed, for example, by the vendor of MFP 10. Server 200 comprises a network interface 220 and a control unit 230. The network interface 220 is an interface for performing communication over the Internet 6 and is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 comprises a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The CPU 232 performs various processes according to the program 240 stored in the memory 234.

[0015] Memory 234 also stores the firmware table 250. The firmware table 250 is a table that manages the firmware used by each model of MFP. The firmware table 250 stores the model name, firmware version, and test item information in association with each other. The test item information is a table that stores, for each of multiple test items, the test item itself and condition information indicating the conditions under which the operation indicated by the test item should be performed. Details of the condition information will be described later with reference to Figure 3.

[0016] The MFP 10 executes a test process (see T32 in FIG. 2) for testing the operation of the MFP 10 before updating the firmware 42. The above-mentioned plurality of test items indicate a plurality of operation items that can be executed in the test process. For example, in the test process, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) operation can be executed. The Wi-Fi operation includes, for example, test communication via a path (e.g., a wireless LAN) according to the Wi-Fi method. The Wi-Fi method is, for example, a wireless communication method based on the IEEE (abbreviation for The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and standards conforming thereto (e.g., 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, etc.). The test process may also include other operations other than the Wi-Fi operation. Details of other operations will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0017] (Specific process; FIG. 2) Referring to FIG. 2, the specific process realized by the communication system 2 will be described. Note that the main bodies of the following processes are the CPU 32 operating according to the program 40 of the MFP 10 and the CPU 232 operating according to the program 240 of the server 200. Hereinafter, for the sake of easy understanding, each device (e.g., the MFP 10, etc.) will be described as the main body without describing each CPU as the main body. In addition, each MFP 10 and server 200 execute communication with other devices via the LAN I / F 20, network I / F 220, LAN 4, and the Internet 6. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the description of "via the LAN I / F 20 (network I / F 220, LAN 4, or the Internet 6)" will be omitted.

[0018] In T10, the MFP 10 transmits a confirmation signal for confirming the existence of the latest version of the firmware 42 to the server 200. The confirmation signal includes the model name MN1 of the MFP 10. The confirmation signal is transmitted to the server 200, for example, periodically.

[0019] When the server 200 receives a confirmation signal from the MFP 10 at T10, at T12, it identifies the latest version stored in association with the model name MN1 included in the confirmation signal from the firmware table 250. For example, the latest version is version 2.

[0020] At T14, as a response to the confirmation signal, the server 200 transmits a signal indicating the latest version to the MFP 10.

[0021] When the MFP 10 receives a signal indicating the latest version from the server 200 at T14, at T20, it determines whether to update the firmware 42. Specifically, the MFP 10 determines that the firmware 42 should be updated when the latest version received from the server 200 indicates a number larger than the current version of the firmware 42. In this case, since the latest version 2 indicates a number larger than the current version 1, the MFP 10 determines that the firmware 42 should be updated (YES at T16). On the other hand, if the latest version indicates a number less than or equal to the current version, the MFP 10 determines that the firmware 42 should not be updated (NO at T16). In this case, the processing after T22 described below is not executed, and the processing of FIG. 2 ends.

[0022] In this case, the MFP 10 determines that the firmware 42 should be updated and proceeds to the processing at T22. At T22, the MFP 10 transmits a download request to the server 200 requesting the download of the latest firmware 42. The download request includes the model name MN1 of the MFP 10.

[0023] When server 200 receives a download request from MFP10 at T22, it identifies the information stored in the firmware table 250 that is associated with the model name MN1 included in the download request (i.e., the latest version 2 and test item information TI1). At T24, server 200 sends the latest version 2 firmware 42 and test item information TI1 to MFP10 as a response to the download request.

[0024] When MFP10 receives a response to a download request from server 200 at T24, it executes item optimization processing at T30. Item optimization processing is a process to optimize the actions that should be performed in the test process. In item optimization processing, one or more test items (hereinafter referred to as "one or more suitable items") that match the current settings of MFP10 are selected from among multiple test items indicated by the test item information TI1 received from server 200. A specific example of item optimization processing will be described later with reference to Figure 3.

[0025] In T32, the MFP10 performs one or more operations (hereinafter referred to as "one or more target operations") indicated by one or more compliance items as a test process. In this embodiment, the test process is performed using a specific area different from the non-volatile area in memory 34. The version 2 firmware 42 received from server 200 in T24 is temporarily stored in the specific area.

[0026] In T34, the MFP10 determines whether or not the T32 test process has passed. Specifically, the MFP10 determines that the test process has passed if all of the one or more target operations using the latest version 2 firmware 42 in the test process have completed successfully. On the other hand, the MFP10 determines that the test process has failed if at least one of the one or more target operations using the latest version 2 firmware 42 in the test process has not completed successfully.

[0027] If MFP10 determines that the test process has passed (YES in T34), it proceeds to T36. In T36, MFP10 updates its firmware 42. Specifically, MFP10 deletes version 1 firmware 42 from the non-volatile area. Subsequently, MFP10 stores version 2 firmware 42 in the non-volatile area. Furthermore, MFP10 deletes version 2 firmware 42 from a specific area.

[0028] In the subsequent step T38, the MFP10 notifies the administrator that the firmware update 42 is complete. For example, the MFP10 sends a message to the administrator's terminal device (e.g., a PC) indicating that the firmware update 42 is complete. Email, for example, is used to send the message.

[0029] On the other hand, if MFP10 determines that the test process has failed (NO in T34), it skips process T36 and proceeds to T38. In T38, which is executed after T34 is determined to be NO, MFP10 notifies the administrator that the firmware 42 update has failed.

[0030] (Item optimization process; Figure 3) The following describes a specific case of the T30 item optimization process shown in Figure 2. As shown in the test item information TI1 in Figure 3, the multiple operations that can be performed during the test process include, for example, Wi-Fi operation, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)-Personal operation, WPA-Enterprise operation, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) operation, function restriction operation, and panel lock operation. Note that the operations shown in Figure 3 are merely examples.

[0031] WPA-Personal operation includes test communication via a route conforming to the WPA-Personal Wi-Fi protocol (for example, a wireless LAN formed by access points that support the WPA-Personal protocol). WPA-Enterprise operation includes test communication via a route conforming to the WPA-Enterprise Wi-Fi protocol (for example, a wireless LAN formed by access points that support WPA-Enterprise) and authentication testing by an authentication server that supports WPA-Enterprise.

[0032] FTP operation includes testing the sending and receiving of files according to FTP. Feature restriction operation includes testing the feature restrictions of the MFP10. Feature restrictions are configurable features that allow setting one or more features available to each user (e.g., scanning) and one or more features unavailable to that user (e.g., printing). Testing feature restrictions is, for example, authentication testing for each user.

[0033] The panel lock operation includes testing the panel lock function. The panel lock is a function that locks operations using the MFP10's touch panel (not shown in the diagram). For example, if administrator authentication is successful, the lock is released and the user is allowed to input instructions using the MFP10's control panel. The panel lock operation includes tests such as confirming that the authentication screen for authenticating the administrator is displayed on the touch panel, and confirming that when the authentication screen is displayed overlaid on another screen, operating the touch panel does not bring the other screen to the foreground.

[0034] In test item information TI1, for example, the condition information corresponding to the test item "Wi-Fi operation" includes the setting item "Wi-Fi" and the setting value "TRUE". Here, the setting value "TRUE" is the value that permits the use of communication according to the Wi-Fi method. In other words, Wi-Fi operation is performed on the condition that the setting value corresponding to the setting item "Wi-Fi" on the MFP10 is "TRUE". If the setting value corresponding to the setting item "Wi-Fi" on the MFP10 is "FALSE", then Wi-Fi operation will not be performed. The condition information corresponding to test items other than the test item "Wi-Fi operation" in test item information TI1 also includes the setting item and setting value of the MFP10.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the current settings of MFP10 in this case. As shown in Figure 3, in this case, the setting value "TRUE" is set to allow user access to three settings: communication according to the Wi-Fi method, communication according to WPA-Personal, and panel lock. Furthermore, in this case, the setting value "FALUSE" is set to deny user access to three settings: communication according to WPA-Enterprise, file sending and receiving according to FTP, and function restrictions. Each setting value of MFP10 is entered into MFP10 by the MFP10 administrator. Each setting value of MFP10 reflects the usage status of MFP10 (for example, a situation where panel lock is used but function restrictions are not used).

[0036] In the item optimization process, MFP10 compares the test item information TI1 received from server 200 with the setting values ​​currently stored in MFP10. Then, from among the multiple test items indicated by the test item information TI1, MFP10 selects one or more compliant items that correspond to condition information containing values ​​that match the setting values ​​currently stored in MFP10. In this case, the condition information corresponding to the three test items "Wi-Fi operation," "WPA-Personal," and "Panel lock operation" matches the current setting values ​​of MFP10. In this case, the three test items "Wi-Fi operation," "WPA-Personal," and "Panel lock operation" are selected as one or more compliant items.

[0037] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, tests are performed according to one or more compliance items selected considering the current settings that reflect the usage status of the MFP10 (T30, T32 in Figure 2). On the other hand, tests are not performed according to one or more test items other than the compliance items among the multiple test items indicated by the test item information TI1. By not performing tests according to one or more test items other than the compliance items, the operation of the MFP10 can be efficiently tested before updating the firmware 42.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the test item information TI1, which includes condition information, is stored in a server 200 separate from the MFP10. The test item information TI1, including condition information, can be managed centrally by the server 200. In addition, the condition information can be revised by the vendor. The vendor only needs to revise the condition information in the server 200, so the condition information can be revised more easily compared to a configuration in which the MFP10 stores the test item information TI1. Also, the test item information TI1 is received from the server 200 when the firmware 42 is updated, and is not stored in the MFP10 when the firmware 42 is not updated. This prevents the unnecessary use of the storage capacity of the MFP10.

[0039] (Correspondence) MFP10 is an example of a "control device (and image processing device)". LANI / F20 and firmware 42 are examples of a "communication interface" and "specific firmware," respectively. Server 200 and memory 234 are examples of a "server" and "memory," respectively. Multiple test items in test item information TI1 are an example of "multiple test items". The current settings of MFP10 are an example of "usage status information". One or more conforming items are an example of "one or more test items". The processes T32 and T36 in Figure 2 are examples of "test processing" and "update processing," respectively.

[0040] T30 and T36 in Figure 2 are examples of processes implemented by the "item selection unit" and the "update execution unit," respectively.

[0041] (Second example) This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that the content of the condition information included in the test item information TI1 and the content of the item optimization process are different.

[0042] (Test item information TI1; Figure 4) As shown in Figure 4, in the test item information TI1, for example, the condition information corresponding to the test item "Wi-Fi operation" includes operation information "Wifi" that indicates the operation of the MFP10. The operation information "Wifi" is a string that indicates the history of the MFP10 performing communication according to the Wi-Fi method. In other words, in the test process, Wi-Fi operation is executed on the condition that the MFP10 has a history of performing communication according to the Wi-Fi method. If the MFP10 does not have a history of performing communication according to the Wi-Fi method, the Wi-Fi operation will not be executed.

[0043] The operation information "WPA-Personal" indicates a history of communication performed in accordance with WPA-Personal, and the operation information "WPA-Enterprise" indicates a history of communication performed in accordance with WPA-Enterprise. The operation information "Wired" indicates a history of communication performed via a wired path (e.g., wired LAN). The operation information "Restriction" indicates a history of using function restrictions (e.g., user authentication execution history). The operation information "PanelLock" indicates a history of using panel lock.

[0044] (Operation history; Figure 4) Figure 4 shows the current operation history of MFP10 in this case. For example, the operation history "Copy|Panel" indicates the history of copying performed according to the operation of the panel (operating unit). Also, for example, the operation history "Print|Wifi|Application" indicates the history of printing performed according to the instruction received from the application program of the terminal device via the Wi-Fi method. Also, for example, "GetData|Wired|HTTPS" indicates the history of processing performed according to GetData received from the browser of the terminal device via a wired path. GetData is an instruction to request the setting value of MFP10 and includes information that identifies the setting value. The current operation history of MFP10 is stored in memory 34 in the form of a table as shown in Figure 4. Each operation history is described by a combination of operation information.

[0045] (Item optimization process; Figure 4) In the item optimization process of this embodiment, the MFP10 selects one or more suitable items from among multiple test items indicated by the test item information TI1, which are stored in association with condition information that contains operation information that matches the operation information included in the operation history. In this case, the current operation history of the MFP10 includes "Wifi" and "Wired". Therefore, two test items, "Wi-Fi operation" and "FTP operation", which correspond to condition information containing "Wifi" or "Wired", are selected as one or more suitable items.

[0046] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, tests are performed according to one or more compliance items selected based on the operation history reflecting the usage status of the MFP10, and tests are not performed according to test items other than one or more compliance items. By not performing tests according to test items other than one or more compliance items, the operation of the MFP10 can be efficiently tested before updating the firmware 42. The table in Figure 4 showing the current operation history of the MFP10 is an example of "operation history information".

[0047] (Third embodiment) In this embodiment, the firmware 42 of multiple MFPs is updated simultaneously. The technology of this embodiment can be applied not only to two MFPs 10 and 100, but also to three or more MFPs.

[0048] (Specific processing; Figure 5) Steps T110 to T116 are the same as steps T10 to T16 in Figure 2 of the first embodiment. The MFP10 determines that the firmware 42 should be updated (YES at T116) and proceeds to step T120.

[0049] At T120, MFP10 broadcasts a search signal to LAN4. The search signal is used to search for an MFP of the same model as MFP10 among multiple devices connected to LAN4. In this embodiment, an MFP100 of the same model as MFP10 is connected to LAN4. Therefore, at T122, MFP10 receives a response to the search signal from MFP100.

[0050] In T124, MFP10 selects a representative device from among MFP100 and MFP10, which are the sources of the response in T122. The representative device is the representative MFP that should perform the test processing. In this embodiment, MFP10 selects the MFP with the shortest operating time from the two MFP10 and 100 as the representative device. The user cannot use the MFP that is performing the test processing. Because it has the shortest operating time, it can be estimated that it is used the least frequently by the user. By selecting the MFP with the shortest operating time as the representative device, inconvenience to the user during the execution of the test processing can be minimized.

[0051] In this case, MFP10 is selected as the representative device. However, if MFP100 were selected as the representative device, the processing from T126 onward would be executed by MFP100 instead of MFP10.

[0052] At T126, MFP10 sends an information request to MFP100 requesting its current settings. At T128, MFP10 receives the current settings of MFP100 (see Figure 6) from MFP100 as a response to the information request.

[0053] T222 and T224 are the same as T22 and T24 in Figure 2. T230 is the same as T30 except that the processing content is different. The details of the item optimization processing for T230 will be described later.

[0054] T232 to T236 are the same as T32 and T34 in Figure 2 (YES) and T36. At T240, MFP10 sends a pass notification to MFP100 indicating that the test process has passed.

[0055] When MFP100 receives a pass notification from MFP10 at T240, it sends a download request to server 200 at T242, similar to the one sent at T222. At T244, MFP100 receives the latest version 2 firmware 42 from server 200.

[0056] In T246, MFP100 updates the firmware 42 stored in MFP100. In T248, MFP100 sends a completion notification to MFP10 (i.e., the representative device) indicating that the firmware 42 update is complete.

[0057] When MFP10 receives a completion notification from MFP100 via T248, T250 notifies the administrator that the firmware updates for both MFP10 and MFP100 have been completed.

[0058] For example, consider a comparative example where the T124 process is not executed, and test processing is performed on both MFP10 and MFP100. In this comparative example, the user may not be able to use both MFPs that are performing the test processing. In contrast, in this embodiment, test processing is not performed on any MFP other than the representative device. This improves user convenience. In modifications, the above comparative example may be adopted. Furthermore, if the above comparative example is adopted, the T230 item optimization process may be executed on MFP10, and one or more compliant items selected in T230 may be sent to MFP100. MFP100 may then perform test processing according to the one or more compliant items received from MFP10.

[0059] (Item optimization process; Figure 6) In the item optimization process of this embodiment, not only the current settings of MFP10 but also the current settings of MFP100 are compared with the test item information TI1. Figure 6 shows the current settings of MFP10 and MFP100. The current settings of MFP10 in Figure 6 are the same as the current settings of MFP10 in Figure 3. The current settings of MFP100 in Figure 6 are the same as the current settings of MFP10, except that the setting value corresponding to the setting item "FTP" is "TRUE".

[0060] In this embodiment, first, MFP10 selects one or more test items from among multiple test items that match the current settings of MFP10, similar to the first embodiment. Next, MFP10 selects one or more test items from among the one or more test items selected using the current settings of MFP10 that correspond to condition information containing values ​​that match the current settings of MFP100. Then, MFP10 selects two or more test items as two or more conforming items, which are the one or more test items selected using the current settings of MFP10 and the one or more test items selected using the current settings of MFP100.

[0061] In the case of Figure 6, the one or more test items selected using the current settings of MFP10 are the same as in the case of Figure 3: three test items "Wi-Fi operation", "WPA-Personal", and "Panel lock operation". Also, the one or more test items selected using the current settings of MFP100 is one test item "FTP". In the case of Figure 6, four test items "Wi-Fi operation", "WPA-Personal", "FTP", and "Panel lock operation" are selected as two or more compliant items.

[0062] For example, if the technology of this embodiment is adopted in three or more MFPs, the representative device receives the current settings from each of the three or more MFPs other than the representative device (see T128 in Figure 5). That is, the representative device collects the current settings from all three or more MFPs, including the representative device. In this case, during the item optimization process, the representative device selects two or more suitable items from among multiple test items that match all of the current settings collected from the three or more MFPs. With this configuration, it is possible to select two or more suitable items considering the usage status of all MFPs of the same model connected to LAN4.

[0063] In this modified configuration, the representative device may, in the item optimization process, select two or more compatible items from among multiple test items that match at least two of the current settings collected from three or more MFPs. These at least two current settings may be determined, for example, using the operating time of each MFP, or they may be determined randomly. In this modified configuration, the number of operations performed in the test process can be reduced compared to a configuration that uses all current settings. This can improve the efficiency of the test process.

[0064] (Correspondence) The two MFP10 and 100 are an example of "multiple image processing devices". The current settings of MFP10 and MFP100 in Figure 6 are an example of "multiple usage status information". The representative device selected at T124 in Figure 5 is an example of a "representative image processing device". T230 and T236 in Figure 5 are examples of processes implemented by the "item selection unit" and the "update execution unit", respectively.

[0065] (Modified version of the third embodiment) In T124 of Figure 5, MFP10 may select the MFP with the longest operating time from the two MFPs, MFP10 and 100, as the representative device. Since it has the longest operating time, it can be estimated that it is used most frequently by users. MFPs with high usage frequency are more likely to reflect user usage patterns than MFPs with low usage frequency. In this modified example, MFP10, which is estimated to best reflect user usage patterns, can be selected as the representative device. The current settings of MFPs other than the representative device can be estimated to be the same as the current settings of the representative device, which is frequently used and best reflects user usage patterns. In this modified example, the process of collecting current settings from MFPs other than the representative device (i.e., the processes in T126 and T128) does not need to be executed.

[0066] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0067] (Modification 1) The "control device" may be another device (e.g., a server) that can communicate with the MFP10. In this modification, the other device may use the current settings received from the MFP10 to select one or more compliance items. The other device may then send an update request to the MFP10 requesting an update of the firmware 42 if the test process passes. In this modification, the process of sending an update request to the MFP10 is an example of the "update process".

[0068] (Modification 2) The "image processing device" is not limited to the MFP10, but may also be a printer, scanner, fax machine, etc.

[0069] (Modification 3) In T32 of Figure 2, the MFP 10 may delete the old firmware 42 in the non-volatile area of ​​memory 34 and store the latest firmware 42 in the non-volatile area. The MFP 10 may then use the latest firmware 42 in the non-volatile area to perform a test process. In this modification, if the test process fails, the MFP 10 may delete the latest firmware 42 in the non-volatile area and store the old firmware 42 that was left in another area of ​​memory 34 back in the non-volatile area. On the other hand, if the test process is successful, the latest firmware 42 in the non-volatile area is maintained. The MFP 10 then deletes the old firmware 42 from the other area. In this modification, the process of deleting the old firmware 42 from the other area is an example of an "update process related to updating specific firmware".

[0070] (Modification 4) The process at T128 in Figure 5 does not need to be performed, and the item optimization process may use only the current settings of the representative device. In this modification, the "collection unit" can be omitted.

[0071] (Modification 5) One or more conforming items may be test items that conform to both the current settings (see Figure 3) and the usage history (see Figure 4). Generally speaking, "usage status information" may include both "current setting values" and "operation history information".

[0072] (Modification 6) Test item information TI1 may be stored in the MFP10 instead of the server 200. In this modification, the "receiving unit" can be omitted.

[0073] (Modification 7) In the third embodiment, the item optimization process may utilize the current settings of MFPs of other models, not just the current settings of the MFP of the same model. In this modification, the "multiple image processing devices" may be multiple MFPs corresponding to multiple types of models.

[0074] (Modification 8) In each of the above embodiments, the processes shown in Figures 2 to 6 are implemented by software (e.g., program 40), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0075] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0076] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A control device, An item selection unit selects one or more test items from a plurality of test items for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating specific firmware stored in the image processing device, which are compatible with usage information indicating the usage status of the image processing device. An update execution unit that, in a test process for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating the specified firmware, executes an update process for updating the specified firmware if it is confirmed that the image processing device operates normally using the new specified firmware, wherein in the test process, tests are performed according to one or more test items selected from the plurality of test items, and tests are not performed according to test items other than the one or more test items among the plurality of test items, A control device equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The control device further, The system includes a collection unit that collects the usage information from multiple image processing devices, The control device according to item 1, wherein the item selection unit selects one or more test items from among the plurality of test items that match at least two of the plurality of usage information collected from the plurality of image processing devices. (Item 3) The control device described in item 2, wherein the item selection unit selects one or more test items from among the multiple test items that are suitable for all of the multiple usage status information. (Item 4) The control device further, A control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, comprising a device selection unit that selects a representative image processing device from among a plurality of image processing devices to perform the test processing. (Item 5) The control device according to item 4, wherein the device selection unit selects the image processing device with the shortest operating time from among the plurality of image processing devices as the representative image processing device. (Item 6) The control device according to item 4, wherein the device selection unit selects the image processing device with the longest operating time from among the plurality of image processing devices as the representative image processing device. (Item 7) The control device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the usage information includes at least one of the current settings of the image processing device and operation history information indicating the operation history of the image processing device. (Item 8) The aforementioned usage information includes the current setting value, Each of the aforementioned test items is stored in memory in association with condition information indicating the conditions under which the operation represented by that test item should be performed. The control device according to item 7, wherein the item selection unit selects one or more test items from among the plurality of test items, which are stored in association with the condition information that includes a value matching the current set value. (Item 9) The aforementioned usage information includes the aforementioned operation history information, Each of the aforementioned test items is stored in memory in association with condition information indicating the conditions under which the operation represented by that test item should be performed. The control device according to item 7, wherein the item selection unit selects one or more test items from among the plurality of test items, which are stored in association with the condition information that includes an operation that matches an operation included in the operation history indicated by the operation history information. (Item 10) The control device according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein each of the aforementioned multiple test items is stored in a server different from the control device, in association with condition information indicating the conditions under which the operation shown by the test item should be performed. (Item 11) The control device is a control device included in the image processing apparatus, as described in any one of items 1 to 10. (Item 12) The image processing device is equipped with a communication interface capable of communicating with a server, The control device further, The control device according to item 11, comprising a receiving unit that receives item information indicating the plurality of test items from the server via the communication interface. (Item 13) A computer program for a control device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the control device in the following parts, namely: An item selection unit selects one or more test items from a plurality of test items for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating specific firmware stored in the image processing device, which are compatible with usage information indicating the usage status of the image processing device. An update execution unit that, in a test process for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating the specified firmware, executes an update process for updating the specified firmware if it is confirmed that the image processing device operates normally using the new specified firmware, wherein in the test process, tests are performed according to one or more test items selected from the plurality of test items, and tests are not performed according to test items other than the one or more test items among the plurality of test items, A control device that makes it function as such. (Item 14) A step of selecting one or more test items from a plurality of test items for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating specific firmware stored in the image processing device, which are suitable for usage information indicating the usage status of the image processing device. An update execution step in which, in a test process for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating the specified firmware, if it is confirmed that the image processing device operates normally using the new specified firmware, an update execution step is performed to update the specified firmware, wherein in the test process, tests are performed according to one or more test items selected from the plurality of test items, and tests are not performed according to test items other than the one or more test items among the plurality of test items, A control method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 2: Communication Systems 4: LAN 6: Internet 10: MFP 20 :LANI / F 30: Control Unit 32:CPU 34: Memory 40: Program 42: Firmware 100: MFP 200: Server 220: Network I / F 230: Control Unit 232:CPU 234: Memory 240: Program 250: Firmware Table MN1: Model name TI1: Test item information

Claims

1. A control device, For each of the multiple image processing devices, a collection unit collects usage information indicating the usage status of the image processing device from the image processing device, An item selection unit selects one or more test items from a plurality of test items for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating specific firmware stored in the image processing device, which match at least two of the plurality of usage information collected from the plurality of image processing devices. An update execution unit that, in a test process for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating the specified firmware, executes an update process for updating the specified firmware if it is confirmed that the image processing device operates normally using the new specified firmware, wherein in the test process, tests are executed according to one or more test items selected from the plurality of test items, and tests are not executed according to test items other than the one or more test items among the plurality of test items, A control device equipped with the following features.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the item selection unit selects one or more test items from among the plurality of test items that are suitable for all of the plurality of usage information.

3. The control device further, The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a device selection unit that selects a representative image processing device from among a plurality of image processing devices to perform the test processing.

4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the device selection unit selects the image processing device with the shortest operating time from among the plurality of image processing devices as the representative image processing device.

5. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the device selection unit selects the image processing device with the longest operating time from among the plurality of image processing devices as the representative image processing device.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the usage information includes at least one of the current settings of the image processing device and operation history information indicating the operation history of the image processing device.

7. The aforementioned usage information includes the current setting value, Each of the aforementioned test items is stored in memory in association with condition information indicating the conditions under which the operation represented by that test item should be performed. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the item selection unit selects one or more test items from among the plurality of test items, which are stored in association with the condition information that includes a value matching the current setting value.

8. The aforementioned usage information includes the aforementioned operation history information, Each of the aforementioned test items is stored in memory in association with condition information indicating the conditions under which the operation represented by that test item should be performed. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the item selection unit selects one or more test items from among the plurality of test items, which are stored in association with the condition information that includes an operation that matches an operation included in the operation history indicated by the operation history information.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the plurality of test items is stored in a server different from the control device in association with condition information indicating the conditions under which the operation shown by the test item should be performed.

10. The control device is the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is included in the image processing apparatus.

11. The image processing device is equipped with a communication interface capable of communicating with a server, The control device further, The control device according to claim 10, further comprising a receiving unit that receives item information indicating the plurality of test items from the server via the communication interface.

12. A computer program for a control device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the control device in the following parts, namely: For each of the multiple image processing devices, a collection unit collects usage information indicating the usage status of the image processing device from the image processing device, An item selection unit selects one or more test items from a plurality of test items for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating specific firmware stored in the image processing device, which match at least two of the plurality of usage information collected from the plurality of image processing devices. An update execution unit that, in a test process for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating the specified firmware, executes an update process for updating the specified firmware if it is confirmed that the image processing device operates normally using the new specified firmware, wherein in the test process, tests are executed according to one or more test items selected from the plurality of test items, and tests are not executed according to test items other than the one or more test items among the plurality of test items, A computer program that functions as such.

13. A control method performed by a control device, A collection step for each of multiple image processing devices, which involves collecting usage information from the image processing device indicating the usage status of the image processing device, A step of selecting one or more test items from a plurality of test items for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating specific firmware stored in the image processing device, which match at least two of the usage information items collected from the plurality of image processing devices. An update execution step in which, in a test process for testing the operation of the image processing device before updating the specified firmware, if it is confirmed that the image processing device operates normally using the new specified firmware, an update execution step is performed to update the specified firmware, wherein in the test process, tests are performed according to one or more test items selected from the plurality of test items, and tests are not performed according to test items other than the one or more test items among the plurality of test items, A control method comprising:

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