JP2003091427A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely update the firmware of an information processor (printer) without increasing the workload of an operator or increasing costs, and to surely set special specifications as necessary. SOLUTION: A server printer retrieves a client printer (the other printer) in the same device kind as its own device, and at the time of succeeding in the retrieval of the client printer, the server printer detects the version of the firmware of the client printer, and compares the version with the version of its own firmware, and at the time of recognizing that the version of its own firmware is older as the compared result, the sever printer informs an operator of information promoting the update of the firmware when any specific specification is not set, and both the information promoting the update of the firmware and information indicating that it is necessary to set the specific specifications when the specific specifications are set with display or printing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile machine, a scanner, a digital camera or the like, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus having a communication means for communicating with an external device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method of updating software of an information processing device as a released product has been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-309261 discloses a method of sending software from an information processing device as a server machine to an information processing device as a client machine to update (version up).

[0003]

However, in such a method, in the information processing device as the server machine,
The operator has to input the information about the information processing device as the client machine and the information about the software, which is troublesome.
Further, in order to realize the above-mentioned method, it is necessary that the information processing apparatus as the server machine has a function for sending software to the information processing apparatus as the client machine, which increases the cost accordingly. I will end up.

Therefore, the applicant first performs a process of searching for another information processing apparatus (information processing apparatus as a client machine) of the same model as the own apparatus via the communication means, and then the other information processing apparatus described above. If you can search for, the version of the firmware (software) of the information processing device is detected, the version of the firmware is compared with the version of the firmware of your machine, and the version of the firmware of your machine is determined from the comparison result. When recognizing that the cost is higher, the operator (user) is notified (notified) by displaying or printing information urging the firmware update or information indicating the version of the own firmware (firmware to be updated). Information is transmitted to the other information processing device and displayed or printed to operate. By notifying the over data, proposes an information processing apparatus in which the firmware update to Unagaseru so the operator (information processing apparatus as a server machine) (see Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-146952).

According to such an information processing apparatus, the operator does not need to input information regarding other information processing apparatuses or information regarding firmware, which saves labor. Further, it is possible to reliably update the firmware of another information processing device without having a function for sending the firmware, that is, without increasing the cost.

[0006] However, in the market, special specifications according to individual user requirements, that is, specifications in which a user-specific specification (for example, a mode for printing characters uniquely defined by the user) is added to the basic specifications (general-purpose mode). Alternatively, there is an information processing device whose specifications are partially modified. These information processing devices may be equipped with firmware that is completely different from the standard, but in many cases, the standard software operates with the special specifications so that the special software operates by changing the specification settings after the firmware is installed. Built-in software to realize the function to execute. In the case of an information processing device that requires special settings (settings of special specifications) for performing such special-specific operations,
If you simply update the firmware, the standard operation will be executed, so special settings must be made at the same time when you update the firmware.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, without increasing the work burden on the operator,
Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to ensure that the firmware of the information processing apparatus can be updated without increasing the cost, and at the same time that the setting of special specifications can be performed as needed.

[0008]

The present invention provides an information processing apparatus having a communication means for communicating with an external device,
In order to achieve the above object, it is characterized as follows. An information processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is a special specification setting means for setting a special specification for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a special operation, and another model of the same model as the own machine via the communication means. Other device search means for searching the information processing device, version detection means for detecting the firmware version of the information processing device when the other information processing device can be searched by the means, and other means detected by the means If the version comparison means for comparing the firmware version of the information processing apparatus with the firmware version of the own machine and the comparison result by the means recognizes that the firmware version of the own machine is lower, If the above-mentioned special specifications are not set by the setting means, the information prompting the firmware update is displayed. Provided is information notifying means for notifying, by displaying or printing, information for urging firmware update and information indicating that the setting of the special specifications is required when the special specifications are set by the special specification setting means. It is a thing.

An information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising:
If the special specification setting unit has not set the special specification, the specific information of the other information processing apparatus and the information indicating the firmware version of the other information processing apparatus are also set by the special specification setting unit. When the special specifications are set, the specific information of the other information processing apparatus, the information indicating the firmware version of the other information processing apparatus, and the information indicating the setting method of the special information are also displayed or printed, respectively. It is a means to notify by.

An information processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the information notifying means is
When it is recognized from the comparison result by the version comparison means that the firmware version of the own machine is higher, the specific information of the other information processing apparatus and the information indicating the firmware version of the own machine are displayed or displayed by printing. It is equipped with a means to do. The information processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 4 is, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, when it is recognized from the comparison result by the version comparison means that the firmware version of the own machine is higher, An information processing apparatus comprising: an information transmitting unit that transmits information for prompting a firmware update to the other information processing apparatus by the communication unit as notification information. An information processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, in which the information transmitting unit transfers information indicating the firmware version of the own apparatus to the other information processing apparatus by the communication unit as notification information. It is a means of transmitting.

An information processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus having a communication means for communicating with the information processing apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, for causing the information processing apparatus to perform a special operation. When the notification information is received from the information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 by the communication means, the special specification setting means does not set the special specification by the special specification setting means. The above-mentioned notification information, and when the above-mentioned special specifications are set by the above-mentioned special-specification setting means, the above-mentioned notification information and information indicating that the above-mentioned special specifications need to be set are displayed or printed, respectively. A notification means is provided. An information processing apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein when the special specification is set in the information notifying means by the special specification setting means, the special specification setting method. Is also used as means for notifying by displaying or printing.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network using a printer as an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. 3 in network 3
Client computers 2a, 2b, 2c, printers 1a, 1b, 1c of the same type, and a printer 1d of a different model are connected. Here, the printer of the same model means a printer that operates with the same control program.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the control system of the printers 1a to 1c of FIG. Printer 1
a to 1c are the data processing unit 11, the printing unit 12, and the operation unit 1.
3 is a laser printer. Data processing unit 11
Is a controller, a personal computer (P
The print data is received from the client computers 2a, 2b, 2c such as C) via the network 3, video data which is print image data is created, and the video data is transferred to the printing unit (engine) 12. Further, a print start control command is issued to the printing unit 12, the status of the printing unit 12 is monitored, and if an error occurs, the operation unit 13
Controls the entire printer, such as displaying error information on the display panel.

The printing unit 12 is an engine that actually prints (image formation) various information such as information to be notified to the user on a sheet as a physical medium. The operation unit 13 is an operation panel having an operation key group for inputting various kinds of information, and also serves as a display panel (consisting of an LED and an LCD display) for displaying various kinds of information such as information to be notified to the user. . Since the hardware configuration of the control system of the printer 1d is substantially the same as that of the printers 1a to 1c, its illustration and description will be omitted.

On the other hand, the client computers 2a, 2
Each of b and 2c creates document data for printing by application software, converts the document data into print data which can be interpreted by the printer by the printer driver, and then prints the print data via the network 3 to the printers 1a to 1d. Send it to one of them for printing.

FIG. 5 shows the printers 1a-1c shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a data processing unit 11 of FIG.
The data processing unit 11 includes a CPU 21, a program flash ROM 22, a font ROM 23, and a work RAM.
24, NVRAM 25, network I / F 26, host buffer 27, panel I / F 28, video I / F 2
9, a video memory 30, and an engine I / F 31. The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that totally controls the entire data processing unit 11 according to a control program stored in the program flash ROM 22. The program flash ROM 22 is a non-volatile memory, stores the control program of the data processing unit 11, and the firmware in the control program is updated (upgraded) as necessary.

Here, the firmware is a program for controlling the operation of an optional unit such as the printer main body or a sorter, a finisher, etc., and may be requested by the customer or the printer may be improved (for example, installation or change of the optional unit). , Will need to be updated. Further, the CPU 21 operates according to the basic program (a part other than the firmware) in the control program in the program flash ROM 22, so that the functions according to the present invention (other device searching means, version detecting means, version comparing means, information notifying means, And functions as an information transmitting means).

The font ROM 23 stores font information necessary for printing and is used when printing characters. The work RAM 24 is a volatile memory, and CP
This is a work area used when the U21 stores temporary information. The NVRAM 25 is a non-volatile memory that can retain the contents even when the power of the printer is turned off, and is used to retain the setting information of the printer.

The network I / F 26 is an interface (communication means) for communicating with other printers or client computers which are external devices via the network 3. The host buffer 27 is a reception buffer for temporarily storing data received from another printer or a client computer via the network 3. The panel I / F 28 is an interface with the operation unit (operation panel) 13, displays information to be notified to the user on the operation unit 13, and receives key input information from the user from the operation unit 13.

The video I / F 29 outputs the video data (print image data) stored in the video memory 30 to the printing unit 1.
This is an interface for sending to 2. Video memory 30
Is a memory that stores video data in page units. The engine I / F 31 is an interface that issues a control command to the printing unit 12 and fetches a status that is status information of the printing unit 12.

FIG. 6 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of the operation unit 13 of FIG. 5, and only parts relating to the present invention are denoted by reference numerals. This operation unit (operation panel) 13
Also serves as a display panel. 13a's "Saving
The portion written as "Earth (saving earth)" is a mode indicator light using an LED for notifying (notifying) the user (operator) of the resource-saving printing mode, and is capable of blinking.

13b, "Update Firmware"
The part written as "e (update firmware)" is a warning light that uses an LED to notify the user that the firmware needs to be updated. The version number of the firmware is shown in the frame of this warning light. Can also be displayed. An LCD display 13c can display various information in a character string. A key operation group 13d is used for setting various specifications (modes) such as setting special specifications for causing the printer to perform special operations. This key operation group 13d is CP
With U21, it functions as a special specification setting means.

Hereinafter, each of the printers 1a to 1 of this embodiment will be described.
The process according to the present invention in c will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7. 1 and 2
3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing relating to the present invention in each printer 1a-1c. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining operations of the printers 1a to 1c as a client printer and a server printer. The CPU 21 of each of the printers 1a to 1c starts up when the power is turned on, and starts operating as a server printer. The printer that has started to operate as the server printer is the server printer 200 shown in FIG.

The server printer 200 first searches for another printer of the same model type (same model) as the own printer via the network 3 (step S1). At this time, when a broadcast message (predetermined protocol data) for inquiry about model information is transmitted (broadcast) to all other printers on the network 3, the model information is returned from each printer (step). Therefore, by analyzing each model information, it is possible to determine the printer of the same model as the own machine. For example, the server printer 200 is the printer 1
If it is a, since the other printers 1b and 1c are of the same model, by analyzing the model information returned from each of the printers 1b to 1d, the printer of the same model as the own machine can be discriminated. , 1c can be recognized as being the same model as its own machine.

Here, all the printers of the same model type as the own machine that can be searched operate as client printers. The printer operating as the client printer is the client printer 100 shown in FIG. It is also possible to transmit a corresponding broadcast message to all the other printers on the network 3 so that only the printer of the same model returns a response, and recognize the printer that has returned the response as the same model. For example, if the server printer 200 is the printer 1a, since the other printers 1b and 1c are of the same model, the printers 1b and 1c send a response, and the printers 1b and 1c are of the same model. Can be recognized as It is also possible to search for the model of another printer using the directory service.

When the server printer 200 completes the search process in step S1 and can find a printer of the same model type as its own machine, the server printer 200 continues to operate as a server printer and finds a printer of the same model type as its own machine. After additionally registering all the printers as the client printer 100 in the client printer list in the NVRAM 25 (step S
2), it is checked whether or not the processing for all client printers 100 (the processing of steps S4 to S13) has been completed (step S3). However, since the processing for one client printer 100 has not yet been performed, each client printer 100 is not yet processed. Firmware version request information (RE) requesting a firmware version from any of the printers 100 (according to a preset priority order).
Q FIRMWARE VERSION) is transmitted (step S4).

Although illustration is omitted, if a printer of the same model as the own machine cannot be found, the operation as the server printer is immediately ended and the operation as the client printer is started. That is, the client printer 100 shown in FIG. 7 is obtained. Client printer 10
0 indicates the firmware version request information (REQ FIRMWARE VERSION) from the server printer 200.
When N) is received, the firmware version information (RES FIRMWARE VERSION) indicating the version of the own firmware is transmitted to the server printer 200 (steps S15 and S18). For example, "RE
S FIRMWARE VERSION "1.2.3""
To send.

The server printer 200 receives firmware version information (RES FIRMWARE VERSION) indicating the version of the firmware from one of the client printers 100 (the client printer 100 that has received the firmware version request information).
By receiving N), the firmware version of the client printer 100 is recognized (detected).
Then, the firmware version is compared with the firmware version of the own machine, and when it is recognized from the comparison result that the firmware versions of the own machine and the client printer 100 are the same (step S5), step S3 is performed. Return to.

Further, when it is recognized from the above comparison result that the firmware version of the own machine is higher (step S6), the client printer having a lower firmware version than the own machine (hereinafter also referred to as "low version client printer"). Information 100 that prompts the firmware update (version upgrade) to 100, and indicates the version of the firmware to be updated, which is the version of the own machine (REQ FI).
RMWAREUPGRADE “x.x.x”) is transmitted as notification information (step S12). For example, "RE
Q FIRMWAREUPGRADE "2.0.4""
To send. At this time, the specific information of the own device (network address, model name, current firmware version number, etc.) is also transmitted as notification information. It should be noted that the information for prompting the firmware update (version upgrade) and the information indicating the firmware version to be updated may be separately transmitted.

Next, the specific information of the low version client printer 100 (network address, model name,
The user is informed of the information indicating the current firmware version number) and the version of the firmware to be updated (the version of the own firmware). That is, such information is sent to the printing unit 12 as notification information and printed (recorded) on paper (physical medium) as human-readable message information (step S).
13). In this embodiment, steps S12 and S
Although each of the processes of 13 is performed, only one of the processes may be performed. In this case, prohibition (suppression) of the other process may be set in advance so that the other process is not performed. Further, in step S13, the corresponding notification information can be displayed on the LCD display 13c of the operation unit (operation panel) 13.

Low Version Client Printer 100
Is notification information from the server printer 200, that is, information (REQ FIR) indicating the firmware version to be updated by prompting the firmware update.
MWAREUPGRADE “x.x.x”) and the specific information of the server printer 200 are received, the presence or absence of the special specification setting is checked, and if the special specification is not set (the special specification setting is invalid), the firmware is updated. Prompting information (Update Firmware)
e) is displayed by turning on the warning light 13b of the operation unit 13, and information (for example, "2.0.4") indicating the firmware version to be updated is also displayed in the frame of the warning light 13b (step S16, S1
9, S22).

Subsequently, the received specific information of the server printer 200 (network address, model name, current firmware version number, etc.) and the version of firmware to be updated (server printer 20
Information indicating the firmware version of 0) is sent to the printing unit 12 as notification information, and is printed (recorded) on paper (physical medium) as human-readable message information (step S23). In this embodiment, both the processes of steps S22 and S23 are performed, but only one of the processes may be performed. In this case, the prohibition of the other process may be set in advance so that the other process is not performed. Further, in step S22, the corresponding notification information can be sent to the printing unit 12 and printed on paper as human-readable message information.
Further, in step S23, the corresponding notification information is displayed on the operation unit 1.
It can also be displayed on the LCD display 13c of No. 3.

Low Version Client Printer 100
When the special specification is set (special specification setting is valid), the LCD display 13 of the operation unit 13 indicates that the special specification is necessary in addition to the display processing similar to step S22.
The process of displaying on c is also performed (step S20). next,
In addition to the printing process similar to step S23, a process of sending information indicating a special specification setting method (precautions when updating the firmware) to the printing unit 12 as notification information and printing it on paper as human-readable message information Is performed (step S21). In this embodiment, both of the processes of steps S20 and S21 are performed, but only one of the processes may be performed. In this case, the prohibition of the other process may be set in advance so that the other process is not performed. Further, in step S20, the corresponding notification information can be sent to the printing unit 12 and printed on paper as human-readable message information. Furthermore, in step S21, the corresponding notification information can be displayed on the LCD display 13c of the operation unit 13.

On the other hand, when the server printer 200 recognizes from the comparison result that the version of the firmware of its own is lower (step S6), it checks whether or not the special specification is set, and the special specification is determined. If it is not set (special specification setting is invalid), the information (Update Firmware) that prompts the firmware update
re) is displayed by turning on the warning light 13b of the operation unit 13, and the firmware of the client printer (hereinafter, also referred to as "high version client printer") 100 having a higher firmware version than its own device is displayed in the frame of the warning light 13b. The information indicating the version of the firmware to be updated, which is the version of the above, is also displayed (steps S7 and S10).

Subsequently, the specific information (network address, model name,
Information indicating the current firmware version number, etc.) and the firmware version to be updated (firmware version of the high version client printer 100) is sent to the printing unit 12 as notification information and printed on paper as human-readable message information ( Step S11). In addition, in this embodiment, both of the processes of steps S10 and S11 are performed, but only one of the processes may be performed. In this case, the prohibition of the other process may be set in advance so that the other process is not performed. Also, step S
It is also possible to send the corresponding notification information to the printing unit 12 at 10 and print it on paper as human-readable message information. Further, the corresponding notification information can be displayed on the LCD display 13c of the operation unit 13 in step S11.

If the special specifications are set (special specification setting is valid), the server printer 200 proceeds to step S
In addition to the display process similar to that of 10, the process of displaying on the LCD display 13c of the operation unit 13 that the special specification is necessary is also performed (step S8). Next, in addition to the print processing similar to step S11, information indicating a setting method of special specifications (precautions when updating the firmware) is also sent to the printing unit 12 as notification information and printed on paper as human-readable message information. Print processing is performed (step S
9). In addition, in this embodiment, both of the processes of steps S8 and S9 are performed, but only one of the processes may be performed. In this case, the prohibition of the other process may be set in advance so that the other process is not performed. Further, in step S8, the corresponding notification information can be sent to the printing unit 12 to be printed on paper as human-readable message information. Further, step S9
The corresponding display information is displayed on the LCD display 13c of the operation unit 13.
Can also be displayed.

The server printer 200 proceeds to step S9,
After performing the processing of S11 or S13, the process returns to step S3 to check again whether the processing for all the client printers 100 (the processing of steps S4 to S13) is completed, and the processing for all the client printers 100 is completed. If it is not completed yet, the firmware version request information (REQ FIRM) for requesting the firmware version to the next client printer 100.
WAREVERSION) (step S4),
After that, the same process as described above is repeated, but when the process for all the client printers 100 is completed, the operation as the server printer is ended and the operation as the client printer is started.

Then, the processing after step S14 (processing for information from the server printer 200) similar to the above is performed. Although illustration is omitted, the server printer 200 includes the client computers 2a, 2b, 2
Normal print processing is performed by receiving print data from either c. That is, video data is created based on the received print data, transferred to the printing unit 12, and printed.

As described above, according to the printers (server printer and client printer) of this embodiment,
The operational effects shown in the following (1) to (7) can be obtained. That is, it is possible to reliably update the firmware of the own machine without increasing the work load on the operator and without increasing the cost, and at the same time, it is possible to surely set the special specifications as necessary.

(1) When the server printer performs a process of searching for a client printer of the same type as that of its own machine, and when the client printer (corresponding client printer) can be searched, the firmware version of the client printer is detected. Then, if that version is compared with the own firmware version, and it is recognized from the comparison result that the own firmware version is lower, if no special specifications are set, the firmware is updated. When the special specification is set, the information for prompting the user is notified by displaying or printing the information for prompting the firmware update and the information indicating that the setting of the special specification is required.
Therefore, the server printer having the old version of the firmware can prompt the operator of the own machine to update the firmware of the own machine. Also, if necessary (when special specifications are set)
The setting of special specifications can be called up.

(2) In addition to the same operation as in (1), if the server printer does not have the special specifications, the specific information of the client printer and the information indicating the firmware version of the client printer are also included. When the special specifications are set, the specific information of the corresponding client printer, the information indicating the firmware version of the client printer, and the information indicating the setting method of the special specifications are displayed or printed. Therefore, in addition to the effect of (1), a server printer with an old version of firmware
It is also possible to notify the operator of the own machine of the corresponding client printer having the firmware to be updated and the version of the firmware. Further, the special specification can be set according to the information indicating the setting method of the special specification, if necessary.

(3) When the server printer recognizes that the firmware version of its own is higher from the comparison result of (1) in addition to the same operation as (2), the corresponding client printer (own device) Specific information of a client printer of the same model) and information indicating the version of the firmware of the machine itself are displayed or printed.
Therefore, in addition to the effect similar to (2), the server printer having the new version firmware can prompt the operator of the own machine to update the firmware of the corresponding client printer having the old version firmware. Also, it is possible to notify the client printer that the firmware needs to be updated and the firmware version that should be updated.

(4) The server printer is (1) to (3)
In addition to the operation similar to any of the above, if it is recognized from the comparison result of (1) that the firmware version of the own device is higher, the information prompting the firmware update is transmitted as notification information to the corresponding client printer. Therefore, in addition to the effect similar to any one of (1) to (3), the client printer can call the operator of the own machine to update the firmware of the own machine. (5) In addition to the same operation as (4), the server printer
When it is recognized from the comparison result of (1) that the own firmware version is higher, the information indicating the own firmware version (firmware version to be updated) is also transmitted to the corresponding client printer as notification information. To do. Therefore, in addition to the same effect as (4), the corresponding client printer can notify the operator of the own machine of the firmware version to be updated.

(6) When the client printer receives notification information (information prompting firmware update or information indicating the firmware version of the server printer) from the server printer of (4) or (5), When the special specification is not set, the received notification information is displayed, and when the special specification is set, the received notification information and the information indicating that the special specification needs to be set are displayed or printed. Therefore, the client printer having the old version of the firmware can prompt the operator of the own machine to update the firmware of the own machine. Also, it is possible to notify the firmware version to be updated. In addition, it will be possible to call for setting special specifications if necessary.

(7) In addition to the same operation as (6), if the client printer has special specifications set, the client printer also displays or prints information indicating how to set the special specifications. Therefore, the client printer having the old version of the firmware can cause the operator of the client machine to set the special specifications according to the information indicating the setting method of the special specifications.

Although the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a printer has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and other image forming apparatuses such as a facsimile machine, as well as various information processing such as a scanner and a digital camera. It is applicable to a device.

[0047]

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the firmware of the machine can be surely updated without increasing the work load on the operator and without increasing the cost. .
At the same time, special specifications can be set as required.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an example of processing according to the present invention in each of the printers 1a to 1c in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the processing of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network using a printer as an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a control system of the printers 1a to 1c of FIG.

5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a data processing unit 11 of the printers 1a to 1c shown in FIG.

6 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of an operation unit 13 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of each of the printers 1a to 1c of FIG. 1 as a client printer and a server printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a, 1b, 1c, 1d: Printer 2a, 2b, 2c: Client computer 3: Network 11: Data processing unit (controller) 12: Printing department (engine) 13: Operation unit (operation panel) 21: CPU (central processing unit) 22: Program flash ROM

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus having a communication means for communicating with an external device, comprising: a special specification setting means for setting a special specification for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a special operation; and the communication means. Another device search means for searching for another information processing device of the same model as the own device via the device, and a version for detecting the firmware version of the information processing device when the other information processing device can be searched by the means. The detection means, the version comparison means for comparing the firmware version of the other information processing apparatus detected by the means with the firmware version of the own machine, and the comparison result by the means, the version of the own machine firmware is lower. If it is recognized that the special specifications are not set by the special specification setting means, Display or print information prompting firmware update, information prompting firmware update when the special specifications are set by the special specification setting means, and information indicating that the special specifications need to be set, respectively. An information processing device, comprising: 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the special specification setting unit does not set the special specification, the information notifying unit and the specific information of the other information processing apparatus and the special information Information indicating the firmware version of another information processing device is also set when the special specifications are set by the special specification setting means.
The specific information of the other information processing device, the information indicating the firmware version of the other information processing device, and the information indicating the setting method of the special specification are also means for notifying by display or printing, respectively. Information processing equipment. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the information notifying unit recognizes from the comparison result by the version comparing unit that the firmware version of the own device is higher, the other information An information processing apparatus comprising means for displaying or printing the processing apparatus identification information and the information indicating the firmware version of the processing apparatus. 4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the firmware version of the firmware of the own device is changed when it is recognized from the comparison result by the version comparison means that the firmware version of the own machine is higher. An information processing apparatus, comprising: an information transmitting unit that transmits information prompting an update as notification information to the other information processing apparatus by the communication unit. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information transmitting unit transmits also information indicating a firmware version of the own device as notification information to the other information processing apparatus by the communication unit. An information processing device characterized by the above. 6. An information processing apparatus having communication means for communicating with the information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a special specification for setting a special specification for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a special operation. When the notification information is received by the communication means from the information processing device according to claim 4 or 5, the notification information is transmitted when the special specifications are not set by the special specification setting means. When the special specification is set by the special specification setting means, the notification information and the information notifying means for notifying the information indicating that the setting of the special specification is necessary by displaying or printing are provided. An information processing device characterized by: 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information notifying unit also displays information indicating a method of setting the special specification when the special specification is set by the special specification setting unit. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus is a means for notifying by printing.