JP2002321431A - Image forming device, optional device connected for use, and control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which is not affected by the level of an operator, wherein programs can be rewritten even under a status wherein communication is not available, a proper program rewriting means can be selected depending on a trouble status, and a safer rewriting of programs becomes possible; to provide an optional device; and a control system. SOLUTION: This image forming device has a storage means which stores a program, a rewriting means which rewrites the program, a judging means which judges a trouble status, a range setting means which sets the range for the rewriting depending on the trouble status, and a rewriting means which performs the rewriting of the program conforming to the set range. In this case, the method to rewrite the program can be selected based on an operator rank, and/or the method to rewrite the program can be selected depending on the trouble status, and/or the rewriting of the program can be performed by setting the range for the rewriting based on the operator rank.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a program version control and an optional apparatus to be connected and used. More specifically, the version upgrade range is determined in advance and the version upgrade is performed. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a system to operate, an optional apparatus to be connected and used, and a control system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Consider a case where an optional device is controlled by a control board on which a CPU and a program are mounted.

When an error occurs in an optional device and a function must be added to the optional device, (1) a storage medium such as a ROM is replaced.

(2) Rewriting the entire program by communication.

[0005] The above two methods have been common.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-97221 proposes a method of transmitting a program to a flash memory through communication and upgrading the version.

[0007]

Problem 1: A storage medium such as a ROM had to be prepared simply to change a program.

Problem 2: When the user rewrites the entire program, an inconvenience in which the option itself becomes inoperable due to an operation error or power-off during rewriting is relatively likely to occur.

Problem 3: Which part of the software should be upgraded when the user upgrades the version,
Users without prior knowledge could not upgrade due to indecision.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and allows an operator without prior knowledge to safely rewrite a program, and a method of rewriting a program is selected depending on whether the operator is a serviceman or a normal operator. It is possible to rewrite the program safely, even if communication is not possible, and to rewrite the program, depending on the trouble situation, select the appropriate program rewriting means, and limit the rewriting range by the rank of the operator. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of rewriting a safer program, an optional device to be connected and used, and a control system.

[0011]

The present invention can solve the above-mentioned problems by providing the following constitution.

(1) storage means for storing a program;
Rewriting means for rewriting a program, determining means for determining a trouble situation, range setting means for setting a range to be rewritten according to the trouble situation, and rewriting means for rewriting a program according to the set range, Image forming device and optional device to be connected and used.

(2) storage means for storing a program;
Rewriting means for rewriting the program, determining means for determining the rank of the operator, selecting means for selecting a method for rewriting the program based on the operator rank,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a rewriting means for rewriting a program according to a selected means;

(3) storage means for storing a program;
Rewriting means for rewriting a program, determining means for determining a trouble situation, selecting means for selecting a method for rewriting a program according to a trouble situation, rewriting means for rewriting a program based on a selected result,
An image forming apparatus and an optional apparatus to be connected and used.

(4) storage means for storing a program;
Rewriting means for rewriting a program, determining means for determining an operator rank, setting means for setting a rewriting range based on the operator rank, and rewriting means for rewriting a program according to the set range;
An image forming apparatus and an optional apparatus to be connected and used.

(5) storage means for storing a program;
It has a rewriting means for rewriting a program, a judgment means for judging a trouble situation, and a judging means for judging a rank of an operator. A rewriting range is set according to the trouble situation, and the program is rewritten according to the set range. And / or judge the rank of the operator, select a method of rewriting the program based on the operator rank, rewrite the program according to the selected method, and / or rewrite the program according to the trouble situation. It is possible to select a rewriting method and rewrite a program according to the selected method, and / or set a rewriting range based on an operator rank and rewrite a program according to the set range. Characteristic control system.

That is, means for storing a program, means for rewriting a program, means for determining a trouble situation,
Means for setting a range to be rewritten according to a trouble situation;
The operator has means for rewriting the program in accordance with the set range. When the operator inputs the trouble status according to the operation guide displayed on the operation panel, the program rewrite range is automatically set, and the specified range is set. Version upgrade is performed.

As a result, a user without prior knowledge can surely upgrade the version.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing a main configuration of an image forming apparatus and an optional device to be connected and used in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a main configuration of a control system in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main configuration of a control system in the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the second embodiment. Is a flowchart showing an operation in the third embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation in the fourth embodiment.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of an image forming apparatus and an optional device to be connected and used in Embodiment 1.

In FIG. 1, 1 is an image forming apparatus (main body), 2 is an electrophotographic processing unit, 3 is a paper transport path, 4 is an image forming control board, 5 is an image forming unit CPU, and 6 is a paper feed option. Communication, 7 is communication with a paper discharge option, 8 is a paper feed option, 9 is a paper feed option control board, 10 is a paper feed option CPU, 11 is a paper presence sensor (hereinafter referred to as a sensor), 12 is a paper discharge option, 13 is a discharge option control board, 14 is a discharge option CPU, and 15 to 17 are
This is a tray full load detection sensor.

18 is an operation panel, and 19 is
Operation panel control signal.

In the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 performs an image forming operation in accordance with a command from an external computer.

The image forming apparatus 1 calculates the number of sheets required for image formation, and executes an operation for reserving sheet conveyance information for the sheet feeding option 8 through the communication 6.

The image forming apparatus 1 executes a reservation operation of paper transport information for the paper discharge option 12 through the communication 7 in accordance with a designation from an external computer in order to define a paper discharge state.

The paper feed option 8 starts paper feed in accordance with the reservation of the paper transport information. The fed paper is fed to the paper transport path 3
Through the image forming apparatus 1. The paper feed option 8 is used when the fed paper passes the sensor 11
It is determined whether the next sheet exists.

An image is formed on the paper fed to the image forming apparatus 1, and the paper is discharged to a paper discharge option 12. In the paper discharge option 12, the conveyed paper is discharged to each tray according to the reservation. At the timing when the paper is completely carried out onto the tray, the paper discharge option 12 checks the tray full load detection sensors 15, 16 and 17 to determine whether or not a full load has occurred.

The paper feed option 8 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 through the communication 6 when the paper is out of paper. When a full load occurs, the paper discharge option 12 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the situation through the communication 7.

The image forming unit CPU 5 knows through the operation panel 18 that the operator will carry out a version upgrade operation.

The operator operates the operation panel 18
To inform the image forming unit CPU5 of the trouble situation.

The image forming unit CPU 5 determines the version upgrade range of the program according to the situation of the trouble and executes the actual version upgrade.

Referring to FIG. 2, the relationship between each CPU and input / output elements will be described.

A print command is transmitted from the external computer to the image forming unit CPU 5 through communication. Image forming unit C
The PU 5 controls the electrophotographic processing unit 2 to perform a printing process.
The image forming unit CPU 5 reserves paper transport information for the paper feed option 8 through the communication 6. Image forming unit CPU
5 reserves paper transport information for the paper discharge option 12 through the communication 7. 21, 22, 23 are I / F-
IC. These are communication buffers that allow a plurality of CPUs to connect to the same communication line.

Reference numerals 24 and 25 are terminating resistors for communication.

Reference numeral 26 denotes a buffer for the operation panel.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a communication monitor LED which is turned on while communication is being performed, and is turned off when communication is not being performed.

Reference numeral 28 denotes a power monitor LED, which is turned on when the power is on, and turned off when the power is off.

The image forming unit CPU 5 has a built-in ROM for storing programs, a RAM for executing processing, and a communication I / F for controlling communication.

Image forming unit CPU5 and paper feed option CP
U10 initializes the communication, and when the paper can be fed from the paper feed option 8, the operation panel 18 displays REA.
DY is displayed.

The paper feed option CPU 10 obtains paper transport information through the communication 6. The paper transport information includes information on the number of sheets to be fed from the sheet feed option 8.

The paper feed option CPU 10 controls the paper feed operation, and also inputs from the input port I0 whether paper is present in the paper feed option 8 and determines whether or not paper is present.

The paper feed option CPU 10 has a built-in ROM for storing programs, a RAM for executing processing, and a communication I / F for controlling communication.

The paper discharge option CPU 14 acquires the paper transport information through the communication 7. The paper transport information includes information on the number of sheets to be discharged to the tray for the discharge option 12.

The paper discharge option CPU 14 controls the paper discharge operation and reports the full load status to the input ports I1, I2, I2.
Input from 3 to determine whether full load has occurred.

The paper discharge option CPU 14 has a built-in ROM for storing programs, a RAM for executing processing, and a communication I / F for controlling communication.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming unit CPU5.

The image forming unit CPU 5 judges the current trouble situation while talking with the operator using the operation panel.

The rewriting range of the program is set according to the determined trouble situation, and then the rewriting of the program using communication is executed.

In FIG. 3, rewriting of the program is started in step S101.

In step S102, an inquiry is made as to the status of an option whose program is to be rewritten.

First, an inquiry is made as to whether the power of the corresponding option is turned on. If the power is not turned on, the program cannot be rewritten by communication, so that the user is prompted to contact a service person (step S103).

In step S104, an inquiry is made as to whether the corresponding option is executing communication.

If the communication is not performed, the program cannot be rewritten by communication, so that the user is prompted to contact a service person (step S105).

At step S106, an inquiry is made as to whether or not a READY state is set.

If it does not become READY,
Since a problem has occurred in the communication initialization processing, the program rewrite range is set to all functions including the communication initialization processing and normal paper transport control (step S107).

In step S108, an inquiry is made as to whether the sheet can be conveyed from the option.

If the paper cannot be conveyed (a situation such as the occurrence of a large number of jams during execution applies to this case), the rewriting range of the program is set to the normal paper conveyance control and all functions. Step S109).

In step S110, paper transport from the option can be executed, but if a new function is to be added,
(A new function or the like that supports a special paper size corresponds to this case.) The rewriting range of the program is limited to a function added portion (step S111).

When the rewriting range of the program is determined in step S112, the program is rewritten by communication. And it ends in step S113.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a main configuration of a control system according to Embodiment 2. The relationship between each CPU and input / output elements will be described below.

As for the paper feed option CPU 10, a connector 29 dedicated to rewriting the program is added as compared with the case of the first embodiment. By the operation of the connector 29, the program can be rewritten even when the normal communication line is not operating.

FIG. 5 shows the image forming unit CP in the second embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of U5.

In FIG. 5, when the version upgrade is started in step S101, first, an inquiry is made as to whether the user is a serviceman (step S121).

If the service person, rewriting of a program not using communication is permitted (step S
122).

If the rewriting of the program using the connector 29 is executed without using the communication, the rewriting of the program becomes possible regardless of the situation of the option (step S123).

When communication is used, the operation is the same as that of a normal operator (from step S122 to step S102 and thereafter).

(Embodiment 3) The configuration of Embodiment 3 is similar to that of Embodiment 2.
Is the same as

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming unit CPU5.

When the power of the option is not turned on (step S102) and when the option is not communicating (step S104), the V using the connector 29 is
version-UP (step S125,
Step S126).

If optional communication is being executed, Version-UP by communication (step S11)
Execute 2).

(Embodiment 4) The configuration of Embodiment 4 is similar to that of Embodiment 2.
Is the same as

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming unit CPU5.

If the operator is a serviceman, V
The area of the area "UP" is set as the communication initialization processing, the normal paper transport control, and all functions (step S128).

If the person is not a serviceman, only Version-UP of the function addition part is permitted (step S
111).

[0076]

According to the first embodiment, a program can be safely rewritten by an operator without prior knowledge.

According to the second embodiment, a program rewriting method is selected depending on whether the user is a serviceman or a normal operator, and safe program rewriting can be performed.

According to the third embodiment, rewriting of a program can be realized even when communication is not possible. An appropriate program rewriting means can be selected depending on the trouble situation.

According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to rewrite a program more safely by limiting the rewriting range according to the rank of the operator.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a main configuration of an image forming apparatus and an optional device to be connected and used according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main configuration of a control system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main configuration of a control system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image forming apparatus (main body) 2 electrophotographic processing unit 3 paper transport path 4 image forming control board 5 image forming unit CPU 6 communication with paper feed option 7 communication with paper discharge option 8 paper feed option 9 paper feed option control board Reference Signs List 10 paper feed option CPU 12 paper discharge option 13 paper discharge option control board 14 paper discharge option CPU 15, 16, 17 tray full load detection sensor 18 operation panel 19 operation panel control signal 21, 22, 23 I / F IC 24, 25 terminal Resistance 26 Buffer 27 Communication monitor LED 28 Power supply monitor LED 29 Connector

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A storage means for storing a program, a rewriting means for rewriting a program, a judgment means for judging a trouble situation, a range setting means for setting a range to be rewritten according to the trouble situation, An image forming apparatus having rewriting means for performing rewriting, and an optional apparatus to be connected and used. 2. A storage means for storing a program, a rewriting means for rewriting a program, a judgment means for judging an operator rank, a selection means for selecting a method for rewriting a program based on an operator rank, and the selected means. Rewriting means for rewriting a program in accordance with (1). 3. A storage means for storing a program, a rewriting means for rewriting a program, a judgment means for judging a trouble situation, a selecting means for selecting a method for rewriting a program according to a trouble situation, and An image forming apparatus having rewriting means for rewriting a program, and an optional apparatus to be connected and used. 4. A storage means for storing a program, a rewriting means for rewriting a program, a judgment means for judging an operator rank, a setting means for setting a rewriting range based on an operator rank, and a program in accordance with the set range. Rewriting means for rewriting an image, and an optional device to be connected and used. 5. A rewriting means for rewriting a program, a rewriting means for rewriting a program, a judging means for judging a trouble situation, and a judging means for judging a rank of an operator, wherein a rewriting range is set according to the trouble situation. Then, the program can be rewritten according to the set range, and / or the rank of the operator is determined, a method of rewriting the program is selected based on the operator rank, and the program is rewritten according to the selected method. And / or a method of rewriting the program according to the trouble situation is selected, and the program can be rewritten according to the selected method, and / or a rewriting range is set based on the operator rank. Program rewriting according to the range A control system characterized by the following: