JP2004094301A - Update method of software incorporated in processing device, update control device, and update device - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus having a multi-CPU configuration can flexibly update application software (app shift) used by each CPU.
A multi-CPU configuration including a CPU 100 incorporating a common operation system OS is provided. The application software used by the CPU 100 is rewritten to update the function of the circuit module. When rewriting the application software for the CPUs 100 of a plurality of circuit modules, the application software used by each of the one and the other CPUs 100 is sent to one of the circuit modules, and the one of the CPUs 100 rewrites the application software for both. At this time, one of the CPUs 100 in charge of updating the program rewrites the application software for both using a common rewriting program, or rewrites the application software in a time-division manner for both to rewrite the application software in parallel.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of updating application software incorporated in a device such as an image forming device having a printing function, and an update control device and an update device used to execute the software update method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses having a printing function, such as printer apparatuses and copying apparatuses, are used in various fields. Today, color image forming apparatuses are being used as various expression means for users. For example, a color page printer using an electrophotographic process (xerography) has attracted attention in terms of high quality image quality or high speed printing.
[0003]
On the other hand, in terms of printing functions, those requiring relatively small print output (for example, several to several tens of sheets per job), such as personal use at home and business use at office, and bookbinding. And a relatively large-scale (for example, one job is several thousand sheets or more) print output required in the printing industry. Many of the former, which require relatively small print output (except for stencil printing, for example), receive print data and output printed matter without generating a copy. On the other hand, in the latter case where a relatively large-scale print output is required, conventionally, a composition is generated based on print data, and a printed matter is output using the generated composition.
[0004]
However, today, due to changes in the printing process due to the spread of DTP (DeskTop Publishing / Prepress), the so-called "digital revolution of printing", "direct printing" or "on-demand printing" (hereinafter, on-demand printing) for printing directly from DTP data Has been noted. In this on-demand printing, the pre-press process is performed without generating intermediate products such as paper printing (printing paper) such as photosetting in conventional printing (for example, offset printing), block printing, screen negative, screen positive, and PS plate. A mechanism (CTP; Computer To Print or Paper) of outputting a printed matter based on only electronic data by completely digitizing is adopted. In response to this demand for on-demand printing, attention has been paid to a printing function using an electrophotographic process.
[0005]
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an image forming system including an example of a conventional image forming apparatus.
[0006]
This image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a DFE (Digital Front End Processor) device that is a terminal device that sends print data to the image forming apparatus 1 and instructs printing.
[0007]
The image forming apparatus 1 records an image on a predetermined recording medium by using an electrophotographic process, and includes an IOT (Image Output Terminal) module 2, a feed (feed) module (FM), and an output module. 7, a user interface device 8, and a connection module 9 for connecting the IOT module 2 and the feed module 5.
[0008]
The DFE device has a printer controller function, and receives print data described in a page description language (PDL) that can freely control enlargement, rotation, deformation, and the like of figures, characters, and the like from a client terminal, This print data is converted into a raster image (RIP processing; Raster Image Process), and the RIP-processed image data and print control information (job ticket) such as the number of prints and the paper size are sent to the image forming apparatus 1 to perform image formation. The image forming apparatus 1 controls the print engine and the sheet transport system of the apparatus 1 to execute the printing process. That is, the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled by the printer controller function of the DFE device.
[0009]
The print data includes four colors including the basic colors for color printing, namely, yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K) (hereinafter collectively referred to as YMCK). The minute is sent to the image forming apparatus 1.
[0010]
The user interface device 8 supports an easy-to-understand dialogue between the operator and the image forming apparatus 1. In order to improve such operability, the user interface device 8 is provided with a color display 8a including a touch panel and a color display 8a. A hard control panel 8b is provided, and a support arm 8c is set up on a base machine (apparatus main body; in this example, a connection module 9) as shown in the figure, and is mounted thereon.
[0011]
The IOT module 2 has an IOT core unit 20 and a toner supply unit 22. The toner supply unit 22 is provided with a toner cartridge 24 for YMCK for color printing.
[0012]
The IOT core unit 20 includes a print engine (printing unit) 30 having an optical scanning device 31 and a photosensitive drum 32 for each color corresponding to the above-described color components. In a so-called tandem configuration. Further, the IOT core unit 20 includes an electric system control storage unit 39 that stores an electric circuit for controlling the print engine 30 or a power supply circuit for each module.
[0013]
Further, the IOT core unit 20 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 32 to the intermediate transfer belt 43 by the primary transfer unit 35 (primary transfer) as an image transfer method, and then transfers the toner image to the secondary transfer unit 45. A method of transferring (secondary transfer) the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 43 to the printing paper is used. In such a configuration, an image is formed on each of the photosensitive drums 32 with each of the Y, M, C, and K color toners, and the toner images are multiplex-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 43, and then transferred onto a predetermined print sheet, thereby forming a color image To get
[0014]
For example, in the print engine 30, first, the optical scanning device 31 scans and exposes the surface to be scanned on the charged photosensitive drum 32 with laser light modulated by image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 32. I do. The electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by a developing device 34 to which toners of respective colors of YMCK are supplied, and the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 43 by a primary transfer device 35.
[0015]
In accordance with the transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 43, the feed module 5 pulls out the printing paper from the paper tray 52 and transfers it to the first transport path 47 of the IOT module 2. The first transport path 47 has a positioning function (Regi / Aligner), and supplies the printing paper to the secondary transfer unit 45 by adjusting the writing position of the received printing paper.
[0016]
The image (toner image) transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 43 is transferred onto the sheet conveyed from the feed module 5 at a predetermined timing, and further conveyed to the fixing unit (Fuser) 70 on the second conveying path 48. The fixing device 70 fuses and fixes the toner image on the paper. Thereafter, the sheet is temporarily held in a stacker (discharge tray) 74 or immediately passed to the sheet discharge processing device 72, and discharged to the outside of the apparatus through a predetermined end process as needed. At the time of double-sided printing, the printed paper is pulled out from the paper discharge tray 74 to the reversing path 76 and passed to the reversing conveyance path 49 of the IOT module 2.
[0017]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, today, there is a demand for higher speed, higher performance, and more functions of the image forming process (printing process). For example, a printer controller provided in a DFE apparatus has a high-speed / high-performance CPU, enables high-speed data generation utilizing the speed of a print engine, and supports high-speed full-color printing that supports total productivity from a print instruction to a print output. A system that enables a system corresponding to color printing of 100 to 200 sheets / min or more is being proposed.
[0018]
In order to meet the demands for higher performance and higher speed, not only the DFE apparatus but also the image forming apparatus 1 needs to have higher speed, higher performance and more functions. For example, a demand for a four-plate tandem configuration using four color materials to be a five-plate (or more) tandem configuration using five-color (or more) color materials, 100 to 200 sheets / For example, it supports high-speed processing specifications of more than a minute. There is also a demand for appropriately switching one device according to required specifications.
[0019]
However, it is becoming difficult for the conventional image forming apparatus 1 to meet such a demand. For example, at the time of printing processing, the print engine 30 is controlled to transfer an image to print paper based on image data, and the paper transport system is controlled to feed the print paper to a transfer unit of the print engine 30; It is necessary to perform control such as controlling the fixing device 70 so as to fix the transferred toner image on the printing paper in synchronization. Performing such a synchronous control process with one control mechanism becomes more difficult as the printing speed increases.
[0020]
In such a case, the problem may be solved by, for example, dividing into a plurality of CPUs (Central Processing Units) and using a so-called multi-CPU system in which each control function is assigned to an individual CPU.
[0021]
For example, in the case of an automobile, a system divided into a CPU that controls an engine injection control system, a CPU that controls an air conditioner control system, a CPU that controls an automatic door control system, and the like have already been realized.
[0022]
However, in a conventional multi-CPU system such as an automobile, a control mechanism centering on an individual CPU is constructed by a unique architecture by different vendors (manufacturers), and specifications have been changed. When a program is required to be modified when a problem or bug is discovered, it has not always been possible to respond to the specification change efficiently. In particular, when a plurality of control systems require program correction, the tendency was strong.
[0023]
Therefore, even if the conventional concept of a multi-CPU system is applied to an image forming apparatus, it is difficult to flexibly adapt to a required specification change.
[0024]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a software capable of flexibly updating application software incorporated in a device when responding to a high-speed, high-performance, or multifunctional system. A first object is to provide an updating method.
[0025]
It is a second object of the present invention to provide an update control device and an update device used for performing the software update method of the present invention.
[0026]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the software updating method according to the present invention is a method for updating software incorporated in various processing apparatuses such as an image forming apparatus and an automobile. First, the processing apparatus controls each functional part of the apparatus. The present invention is directed to a central processing unit having a function of performing, and having a plurality of circuit modules each including a central processing unit into which a substantially common operation system is incorporated.
[0027]
When updating the software, the function of the circuit module is updated by rewriting the application software used by the central processing unit.
[0028]
Here, updating the function of the circuit module is not limited to updating the program to respond to a change in the specifications of the processing device, but also includes bug correction.
[0029]
For example, in a mode in which each of a plurality of circuit modules is mounted on a different circuit board, the circuit board is made to function as a circuit board for another functional part by rewriting the application software.
[0030]
When rewriting the application software for the central processing units of the plurality of circuit modules, the application software used by each of the one and the other central processing units is sent to one of the plurality of circuit modules, and It is desirable that the central processing unit rewrites application software for both one and the other.
[0031]
In this case, one central processing unit in charge of updating the program rewrites the application software for both the one and the other, or rewrites the application software for the one and the other substantially in parallel, using a common rewriting program. And so on.
[0032]
In addition, it is preferable that the one and the other rewrite target program patches are sent to one central processing unit in charge of the program update separately in a core portion common to both and a unique core portion for each. In this case, one central processing unit in charge of updating the program rewrites the application software for one (that is, itself) using the common core portion and the core portion unique to one, and also executes the common core portion and the other. And rewrite the application software for the other using the specific core.
[0033]
Further, when updating the program, it is preferable that the rewriting permission of the application software is implemented by hardware protection and software protection so that rewriting errors do not occur. In this case, the rewriting of the application software is permitted only when the protection of both the hardware and the software has been released.
[0034]
The program patch to be updated and the rewriting program used for rewriting may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided, or may be distributed via wired or wireless communication means, that is, downloaded. Is also good.
[0035]
In the case of downloading the update application software, a combination of an update control device, which is a device on the server side, and an update device that actually performs an update process is used.
[0036]
Specifically, a plurality of update control devices including a central processing unit having a function of controlling respective functional parts of the processing device, each including a central processing unit in which a substantially common operation system is incorporated. It is assumed that a software providing unit that transfers application software used by the central processing unit is provided to the updating device included in the processing device including the circuit module.
[0037]
The update device receives application software used by a central processing unit having a function of controlling each functional part of the processing unit, each of the central processing units having a substantially common operation system incorporated therein. It is assumed that the software receiving unit includes a software receiving unit and a software updating unit that rewrites existing software used by the central processing unit with application software received by the software receiving unit.
[0038]
Then, the function of the circuit module is updated by rewriting the existing application software incorporated in the processing device to the application software passed by the software providing unit in the updating device.
[0039]
Note that the update device is not limited to a configuration in which existing application software is rewritten with application software received from the update control device, and may be a configuration in which application software stored in a computer-readable storage medium is rewritten with application software provided. Good. That is, the software receiving unit is not limited to the one that receives the application software from the update control device, and may be one that reads the application software from the storage medium.
[0040]
[Action]
In the above software update method, the application used by the central processing unit is intended for an apparatus having a plurality of circuit modules each including a central processing unit in which a substantially common operation system is incorporated. The function of the circuit module is updated by rewriting the software. The control mechanism is built with a common architecture by a central processing unit that incorporates a substantially common operation system, so if there is a specification change, etc., it can respond to the specification change efficiently. become. When responding to a specification change, the effect is particularly high when the program update target portion extends to a plurality of control systems.
[0041]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0042]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an image forming system including one embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a system configuration, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a connection example in relation to details of a user interface device.
[0043]
The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a DFE device which is a terminal device that sends print data to the image forming apparatus 1 and instructs printing.
[0044]
The image forming apparatus 1 records an image on a predetermined recording medium by using an electrophotographic process (xerography), and a fixing device provided in an IOT module 2 of a conventional apparatus is output to an output (Exit) module 7. It has a relocated configuration.
[0045]
That is, the image forming apparatus 1 in this image forming system includes an IOT module (IOT main body) 2, a feed (sheet feeding) module 5, an output module 7, and a user interface device 8 such as a personal computer (PC). The feed module 5 may have a multi-stage configuration. If necessary, a connecting module for connecting the modules may be provided.
[0046]
Further, a finisher (finisher: post-processing device) module may be further connected to the subsequent stage of the output module 7. Examples of the finisher module include a stapler that stacks sheets and binds one or two or more corners of the sheet, or a punching mechanism that punches a filing hole. and so on. It is desirable that this finisher module can be used even in an off-line state in which the connection with the user interface device 8 is cut off.
[0047]
The image forming apparatus 1 can be freely replaced in module units. In particular, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has the IOT module 2 and the output module 7 configured as separate modules. If only one of the print engine 30 and the fixing device 70 constituting the main part of the above can be changed, it is sufficient to replace only one of them.
[0048]
The DFE device includes a front-end processor (FEP). The DFE apparatus and the image forming apparatus 1 are connected by a DDI (Direct Digital Interface) which is an original interface. The front-end processor FEP converts the data from the client (Client) into raster data by ROP (Raster Operation) processing by the front engine (RIP processing), compresses the converted raster image, and performs image processing. A printer controller function that performs a print control function depending on the forming apparatus 1 is provided. A DDI board for interfacing with the image forming apparatus 1 is mounted on the DFE apparatus, and a ROP processing unit, a printer controller, and the like are arranged on this board.
[0049]
RIP processing and compression processing are compatible with high-speed processing so that the IOT module 2 can support high-speed processing. For example, the DFE device's printer controller is equipped with a high-speed / high-performance CPU, enabling high-speed data generation utilizing the speed of the print engine, and supporting high-speed full-color printing that supports total productivity from printing instructions to printing. It is something. For example, a system corresponding to color printing of 100 sheets / min or more is enabled.
[0050]
The user interface device 8 includes an input device such as a keyboard 81 and a mouse 82, and has a GUI (Graphic User Interface) unit 80 for receiving an instruction input while presenting an image to the user on the display surface of the CRT 84, and a main body thereof. The system 83 includes a Sys (system control) unit 85 that performs a connection interface function and a control function between each module of the image forming apparatus 1 and the DFE device.
[0051]
Unlike the conventional device shown in FIG. 8, the user interface device 8 is directly mounted on the device main body (in this example, the connection module 9). The functions of the soft buttons and the hard control panel 8b using the touch panel in the conventional device are replaced by a keyboard 81 and a mouse 82. Of course, also in the present embodiment, a touch panel may be combined with the display surface of the user interface device 8.
[0052]
Control software for operating the image forming apparatus 1 is incorporated in the user interface device 8. The user interface device 8 is connected to a DFE device having an image processing function, and for example, prints RIP (Raster Image Process) -processed print data and print control information such as the number of prints and paper size. And causes the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the requested print processing.
[0053]
The print data includes four colors (YMCK), which are a combination of three basic colors for color printing, yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). Further, in addition to the four colors, a fifth color component, for example, gray (G) may be included.
[0054]
The control software of the user interface device 8 receives print control information (print command) from the DFE device via the interface unit in the image forming device 1 and controls the image forming device 1 via the Sys unit under the control of the DFE device. Control the printing operation. In addition, for example, by using the RIP-processed data stored in the DFE device, such as outputting a plurality of copies by collation setting or reprinting when another copy is desired after printout, efficient high-speed processing is possible. Output is enabled.
[0055]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an IOT module 2, a first feed (feed) module (FFM; First Feeder Module) 5, a second feed module (SFM; Second Feeder Module) 6, an output module 7, and a user interface device 8. And
[0056]
The IOT module 2 and the first feed module 5 are connected by a first connection module 9a, and the first feed module 5 and the second feed module 6 are connected by a second connection module 9b. Further, the IOT module 2 and the output module 7 are directly connected.
[0057]
For example, there is a need for higher performance and higher speed of the image forming apparatus. However, when the print engine supports five colors or more, the fixing unit becomes complicated and large, so that the print engine and the fixing unit are the same. It would be difficult to house it in an IOT module.
[0058]
Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the IOT module 2, the two feed modules 5 and 6, and the output module 7 are formed as separate units so that the main body (the IOT module 2 ) Can be minimized to improve scalability. In the figure, the output module 7 may be further divided into a fixing module and a paper discharge module, as indicated by a dashed line at the center of the output module 7.
[0059]
The first feed module 5 and the second feed module 6 are provided with a group of pickup rollers (54 and 64, respectively) for pulling out printing paper from the paper trays (52 and 62, respectively). The first connection module 9 a is provided with a transport roller group 92 that delivers the print paper transported from the first feed module 5 or the second feed module 6 toward the transport path of the IOT module 2.
[0060]
The output module 7 includes a fixing device 70 for fixing the image transferred to the printing paper by the IOT module 2, a paper discharging processing device 72 for performing a paper discharging process on the printing paper on which the image transfer is completed, A paper discharge tray 74 for temporarily storing paper without discharging it to the outside of the apparatus, and a reversing path 76 for returning printed paper to the IOT module 2 in a reversed state are provided. The fixing device 70 has a high-speed driving specification so as to be able to cope with the high-speed processing of the IOT module 2.
[0061]
The paper discharge processing device 72 may have a finisher function such as a simple stapling process, for example. The paper ejection processing device 72 can be used even in an off-line state in which the connection with the user interface device 8 is cut off.
[0062]
The IOT module 2 has an IOT core unit 20 and a toner supply unit 22. In the toner supply unit 22, a toner cartridge 24 for YMCK for color printing is mounted as a standard set. Further, in addition to the four colors, a gray G toner cartridge 24 as a fifth color component can be mounted.
[0063]
The IOT core unit 20 has a so-called tandem configuration in which print engines (print units) 30 for each color corresponding to the above-described color components are arranged in a line in the sheet conveyance direction. The developing device 34 of the print engine 30 is supplied with toner (colored powder) as a developer from a toner cartridge 24 via a supply path (not shown) (for example, a reserve tank).
[0064]
Each print engine 30 corresponding to the color material color takes into account, for example, the relationship between the dark decay and the characteristics of each toner or the difference in the effect of the color mixture of other toners on the black toner. The arrangement order is determined (the illustrated example is merely an example).
[0065]
Further, the toner cartridge 24 and the photosensitive drum 32 are configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body. Further, in order to take a stronger measure against improper products than the conventional known method, an optical member for transmitting / receiving laser light or infrared light is used for transmitting an electric signal between the toner cartridge 24 or the like and the main body. In addition, non-contact (detachable connecting) using optical transmission technology is adopted.
[0066]
Optical transmission components are generally more difficult to obtain or more expensive than circuit components that use radio waves, and therefore their implementation is less than fraud countermeasures using radio waves (eg, US Pat. No. 6,181,885). Would be difficult. Particularly, a member using a laser beam such as a semiconductor laser has a strong tendency.
[0067]
Therefore, the countermeasures against fraudulent products are more robust than the method using radio waves. Further, since there is no contact, the mounting work of the toner cartridge 24 and the like is easy. Further, in the countermeasures against fraudulent products using the radio wave technology, problems such as EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) and EME (Electro Magnetic Emission) may occur, but such problems do not occur in optical transmission.
[0068]
The IOT core unit 20 transports the intermediate transfer belt 43, the secondary transfer unit 45, and the printing paper toward the secondary transfer unit 45, and has a first transport path 47 having a positioning function (Regi / Aligner) and a secondary transfer. The second transport path 48 transports the printed printing paper that has passed through the unit 45 toward the output module 7, and transports the printing paper that has been printed on one side and then inverted by the output module 7 toward the transport path 50. And a reversing conveyance path 49 to be used. The first transport path 47 has a positioning function (Regi / Aligner).
[0069]
Also, the tandem print engine 30 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 43 in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 43 on the most upstream side in the belt transport direction (the right side of the yellow Y print engine 30 in the figure). A cleaner 44 for removing (cleaning) an image is provided.
[0070]
The IOT core unit 20 has a high-speed printing specification including a motor capable of driving at a higher speed than the motor used in the conventional image forming apparatus 1. Further, the IOT core unit 20 has a high-speed driving specification in which an internal circuit is driven using a high-frequency clock.
[0071]
A print engine 30 in the IOT core unit 20 includes an optical scanning device 31, a photosensitive drum 32, and a ROS having various members for an electrophotographic process, similarly to those used as a printing function part such as a printer or a copier. (Raster Output Scanner) -based print engine (marking engine). The print engine 30 has a high-speed drive specification corresponding to a high-speed circuit.
[0072]
The optical scanning device 31 reflects and deflects laser light (laser beam) emitted from a semiconductor laser (not shown) toward a photosensitive drum 32 which is an example of a photosensitive member by a polygon mirror (rotating polygon mirror) (not shown). Then, the laser light modulated by the image information is imaged on the surface to be scanned on the photosensitive drum 32 by a lens group (not shown).
[0073]
In forming an image, first, the photosensitive drum 32 rotating at a constant speed is charged to a predetermined polarity and a predetermined voltage by the charger 33. Next, the printing paper is pulled out one by one from the paper trays 52 and 62 by the pickup roller groups 54 and 64 at a predetermined timing, and fed to the secondary transfer unit 45 via the connection module 9a and the first transport path 47. .
[0074]
When the leading edge of the printing paper is detected by a leading edge detector (not shown), the laser beam is modulated by an image signal (for example, 8 bits for each pixel and each color component) in the optical scanning device 31 and driven by a scanner motor from a semiconductor laser. After the light is emitted toward the polygon mirror and reflected by the polygon mirror, the light is guided to the photosensitive drum 32 through the lens group, and scans the photosensitive drum 32.
[0075]
On the other hand, the signal from the tip detector is output as a vertical synchronization signal to a recording control unit (not shown) that controls the optical scanning device 31. Further, when the main scanning detector detects the laser beam, it outputs a beam detect signal serving as a horizontal synchronization signal to the recording control unit. Then, the image signal is sequentially transmitted to the semiconductor laser in synchronization with the beam detect signal.
[0076]
As a result, the laser beam reflected and deflected by the polygon mirror of the optical scanning device 31 scans the photosensitive drum 32 charged by the primary charger 33 via the lens group, thereby selecting the image portion or the background portion. To form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 32.
[0077]
The electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by a developing device 34 to which toner of each color of YMCK or G is supplied, and this toner image is adsorbed on an intermediate transfer belt 43 by a primary transfer device 35. Multiple transfer is performed sequentially. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 32 after the primary transfer is collected from the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 by the cleaner 36.
[0078]
The image (toner image) transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 43 is then transferred onto the sheet conveyed from the first feed module 5 or the second feed module 6 via the first connection module 9a, and The paper is conveyed to the output module 7 by the two conveyance paths 48. Then, the toner image is fused and fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 70 of the output module 7. Thereafter, the sheet is temporarily held in the sheet discharge tray 74 or immediately passed to the sheet discharge processing device 72, and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus through a predetermined finishing process as needed. At the time of double-sided printing, the printed paper is pulled out from the paper discharge tray 74 to the reversing path 76 and passed to the reversing conveyance path 49 of the IOT module 2.
[0079]
The IOT core unit 20 shown in FIG. 2 is of a one-belt type intermediate transfer IBT (Intermediate Belt Transfer) type having one intermediate transfer belt 43, but is not limited thereto. A two-belt system having two belts or a system in which the toner image on the photosensitive drum 32 is directly transferred to printing paper without an intermediate transfer member may be used.
[0080]
When the IBT method is adopted, the design is made in consideration of advantages / disadvantages of the one belt and the two belts. For example, the one-belt system has advantages such as easy belt drive control and little deterioration in image quality, but has a long belt length (for example, about 4 m) and requires labor for replacement (for example, two-person work, etc.). ), The maximum unit width is large (for example, about 2 m), the carrying-in / out property is inferior, and the belt requires module rigidity.
[0081]
On the other hand, the two-belt method has a short belt length (for example, about 2 m), is easy to replace, is relatively easy to operate at high speed, has good expandability (speed increasing property), and has a small maximum unit width (for example, 1 m). Degree), and the like. However, there is a risk of image quality deterioration, the position control (alignment) control of the two belts is required, the height of the apparatus (M / C height) is increased (for example, slightly more than 1 m), and the run cost impact of having two belts is required. There are disadvantages such as the above problems.
[0082]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a circuit module of the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. Here, FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a main part related to a circuit module, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 to which FIG. 3A is applied. is there.
[0083]
As described with reference to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that each module is formed as a separate unit so that a module around the main body (IOT module 2) such as a feed module and a fixing unit is changed. Changes can be minimized to improve scalability. In accordance with this, the circuit configuration is also designed to improve expandability by dividing a printed wiring board (PWB) corresponding to each module.
[0084]
Therefore, first, as shown in FIG. 3A, each board PWB includes a CPU (central processing unit; central processing unit) 100 having a main information processing function and an arithmetic processing function of each unit in each board. An I / O unit 200 which is an input / output interface unit for driving a function operation unit (hereinafter referred to as a device) which operates according to a dedicated function unit of each module such as a circuit unit and a motor in each module. ing. The CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 constitute a circuit module having minimum components.
[0085]
The CPU 100 is configured by a logic circuit (hardware logic) whose processing content can be updated by software such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a RAM (random access memory) as a peripheral part thereof. ), A volatile semiconductor memory (ROM), a read only memory (ROM), a memory controller, and the like, so that the printing process and the input / output process in the image forming apparatus 1 can be reprogrammed. By doing so, in addition to being able to flexibly respond to software bug correction, a module different from the image forming apparatus 1 that is assumed in advance is required to change specifications for high speed, high performance, and multifunction. Even when connected to the IOT module 2, it is possible to respond flexibly.
[0086]
Further, the CPU 100 mounted on each board can control other circuit parts by a common operating system OS (Operating System), and a substantially common software architecture is established in relation to other circuit boards. Functions as an embedded operating system unit. Also, the I / O unit 200 can control a device driver for driving a device corresponding to a module-specific function part under a common OS. In addition, the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 are mounted on a dedicated motherboard (Mother Board) for each module as a daughter board (Daughter Board). The CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 may be mounted on a common daughter board, or may be mounted on different daughter boards.
[0087]
By doing so, the software module including the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 can be shared, and only one type of software module board PWB as a spare part can be used (when the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 are individual daughter boards). ), And only installing (incorporating) a processing software module suitable for each module by software update on the CPU board. In addition, software (OS or application) and I / O mapping can be changed for the same software module board by downloading software to the FPGA, and one type of software module board can be used for any module or in a module. It can be used anywhere, and it can be increased or decreased freely. As described above, by adopting the method of replacing or increasing or decreasing the circuit board, the image forming apparatus 1 having expandability can be realized.
[0088]
As a connection form between the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 and the devices, as shown in “Part 1” of FIG. 3A, the connection is made to the input device or the output device via the I / O unit 200. There is a form in which the I / O unit 200 and the device are connected via a buffer as shown in "Part 2". In any connection mode, it is possible to connect to two or more devices. In addition, the master / slave relationship between two or more devices can be freely set. Further, the master / slave relationship of each CPU 100 can be freely set between the substrates.
[0089]
In the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2, a circuit module for each module is provided corresponding to modularization for expansion from individual product optimization to expansion, and the technique (CPU 100 + I) shown in FIG. (O / 200 unit + device configuration) to which the number of circuit module substrates can be increased or decreased. The functional units, the CPU 100, and the I / O unit 200 are mounted on dedicated boards PWB, and the individual boards are configured to be detachable on the motherboard. As described above, by adopting the method of increasing or decreasing the number of circuit boards, the image forming apparatus 1 having expandability can be realized.
[0090]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a GUI & Sys section is prepared on the user interface device 8 side, and a user interface circuit and a daughter board PWB for the CPU 100 and the I / O section 200 are provided there. Further, the IOT core unit 20 includes a marking unit MK related to the printing process, a CPU 100 for controlling the marking unit MK, a daughter board PWB for the I / O unit 200, and a sheet feeding control unit PH for controlling the feed modules 5 and 6. A CPU 100 for controlling this and a daughter board PWB for the I / O unit 200 are provided.
[0091]
The output module 7 includes a fixing unit for controlling the fixing unit, a daughter board PWB for the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 for controlling the fixing unit, a discharge unit (EXIT) for performing a discharge process, and a control unit for controlling the same. And a daughter board PWB for the I / O unit 200 are provided. The feed modules 5 and 6 are provided with a feeder unit for driving a feed motor and the like, and a CPU 100 for controlling the feeder unit and a daughter board PWB for the I / O unit 200. Further, as a spare, a substrate for an extension module is prepared. For example, an IBT control unit and a CPU 100 for controlling the IBT control unit and a daughter board PWB for the I / O unit 200 are provided so as to correspond to switching of the intermediate transfer member system (IBT system).
[0092]
FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating a method of updating software in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be divided into modules so that it is possible to appropriately meet the needs of higher-function, higher-speed apparatuses. For example, a four-tandem configuration is changed to five or more, or high-speed processing of 200 or more sheets per minute is performed. At this time, in some cases, it is necessary to update software incorporated in each module so as to respond to a bug fix or a change in module specifications, but how to efficiently update the software becomes a problem.
[0093]
Although the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is divided into modules and has a multi-CPU configuration in practice, the software is efficiently updated by using a CPU equipped with a common OS. Take a mechanism to do it.
[0094]
Specifically, the application is rewritten for the modularized board PWB, thereby changing to a board PWB having a different function. As a result, a simple response to a specification change is realized. Also, when there are a plurality of update target modules, instead of sending individual update programs to the individual modules, the individual update programs are collectively downloaded to one module, and the other modules are referred to as “common”. Update control using the “rewrite program”. This is an advantage of using a CPU equipped with a common OS. In other words, the rewriting program is common because of the common OS (same architecture), and the other can be updated in one place.
[0095]
The "common rewriting program" may be written in the program ROM of each module, or may be included in a part of the update program. In the former case, it is not necessary to include the rewriting program as part of the update program, but the ROM area is compressed. On the other hand, in the latter case, it is necessary to include a rewrite program as part of the update program each time an update is performed. However, since there is no need to prepare a rewrite program for other modules, the communication load is reduced, and A new rewriting program that is convenient for updating can also be used.
[0096]
It is also desirable to take soft protection in addition to hard protection as a countermeasure against erroneous rewriting or updating of a program memory such as a flash ROM. That is, the update cannot be performed unless both protections are released. The monitoring may be realized by an arbitrary module CPU using a common program, or may be centrally managed by one predetermined module CPU.
[0097]
Further, for example, a program patch to be updated or a rewriting program used for rewriting may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided, or may be delivered or downloaded via a wired or wireless communication unit. It may be. In the case of downloading the update application software, a combination of the update control device 160, which is a device on the server side, and the update device that actually performs the update process is used. In this case, the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 may have a function of a software update unit, and a peripheral circuit (for example, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory controller) may function as a main part of the update apparatus. . Alternatively, an updating device may be provided independently of the image forming apparatus 1.
[0098]
For example, the CPU 100 and peripheral circuits having a common operation system incorporated therein and having a function of controlling each functional part of the image forming apparatus 1 function as the updating device 170. Then, as shown in FIG. 4A, an update control device 160 including a software providing unit 162 that transfers application software used by the CPU 100 to the CPU 100 functioning as a main part of the update device 170 is provided as a server-side device. prepare.
[0099]
Further, on the image forming apparatus 1 side, a communication I / F section 89 which is an example of a software receiving section that receives application software used by the CPU 100 from the update control apparatus 160 is provided.
[0100]
In such a configuration, the CPU 100 itself having the function of the software update unit receives the existing software used by the CPU 100 from the update control device 160 by the communication I / F unit 89 which is an example of the software reception unit. The function of the circuit module is updated by rewriting the application software.
[0101]
For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the update target is a GUI unit and an IOT core unit, a communication from a wired LAN using a general-purpose communication protocol is performed via a communication I / F unit 89 provided in the user interface device 8. First, individual update programs for the GUI unit and the IOT core unit are collectively downloaded to the GUI unit 80 first. The GUI unit 80 updates the software for the CPU 100 of the IOT core unit 20 using the rewriting program after updating the software for the CPU 100 itself using the rewriting program included in the updating program for the GUI unit 80. I do.
[0102]
In the update process for a plurality of modules, the module CPU of any one of the modules (for example, of the GUI unit 80) determines which module it is more efficient to download the update program. Download other updates to. In this case, it is preferable to download the update program for all the update target modules together with the rewrite program in a place where the update processing is heavy.
[0103]
For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the update target is the IOT core unit and the GUI unit, and the update process for the CPU 100 for the marking unit MK of the IOT core unit 20 is heavy, the communication I / F First, individual update programs for the GUI unit and the IOT core unit are collectively downloaded to the IOT core unit 20 (one circuit module) via the unit 89. Then, the CPU 100 for the marking unit MK functions as a CPU for controlling rewriting (rewriting control CPU), and after updating the application software for its own CPU 100 using the rewriting program included in the updating program for itself. By using the rewriting program, the application software for the remaining CPU (CPU of the other circuit module), that is, the application software for the paper feed control unit PH of the IOT core unit 20 and the GUI unit 80 and the Sys unit 85 is also updated.
[0104]
Further, the rewriting operation of the program for a plurality of modules may be performed in parallel in a time-division manner. Since the writing speed depends on the performance of the memory (for example, flash ROM) in which the update program is installed, the CPU (rewriting control CPU) that controls rewriting may have a waiting time (vacant time). Since the “common rewriting program” is used, no update error occurs unless the transfer destination of the program data is wrong. In addition, since software protection can be used for switching the active ROM to be updated, the rewrite control CPU can control switching of the module to be updated or an individual CPU in the module. Therefore, the update control can be performed on the other modules by the same algorithm during the idle time. If the idle time is used in this manner, the other modules can be updated substantially in parallel, so that the total update processing time can be reduced.
[0105]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the update target is the GUI unit and the IOT core unit, the individual update programs for the GUI unit and the IOT core unit are first transmitted via the communication I / F unit 89 to the GUI unit. 80 and download them all at once. The GUI unit 80 updates the software for its own CPU 100 by using the rewriting program included in the updating program for itself, and uses the rewriting program to update the CPU 100 of the IOT core unit 20 during the idle time. Update software for
[0106]
When updating a plurality of modules, the program patch to be updated of one (for itself) and the other module is divided into a “common update core” portion, which is a core portion common to both, and a unique core portion for each. It is better to send it to the “individual update core” in two parts. In this case, the circuit module portion received these rewrites the application software for itself using the common core portion and its own unique core portion, and rewrites the common core portion and other unique core portions. Use to rewrite application software for others.
[0107]
By doing so, the "common update core" portion need only be sent to one circuit module, and the communication load is reduced. Because of a common OS (same architecture), there are cases where a common part is also included in an update program patch. In such a case, the "common update core" portion needs to be downloaded only once, and the update process can be further speeded up, which is an effective means.
[0108]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the update target is a GUI part and an IOT core part, and the update program can be divided into a “common update core” part and an “individual update core”, In this case, the “common update core” portion may be downloaded only once to the GUI unit 80, and the remaining “individual update core” portions for the GUI unit 80 and the IOT core unit 20 may be collectively downloaded to the GUI unit 80.
[0109]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a substrate configuration when the example of combination of the circuit modules illustrated in FIG. 3 is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. In the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a substrate for each circuit block is arranged on a motherboard.
[0110]
When a circuit module including the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 as the minimum components as shown in FIG. 3 is combined to form the entire circuit of the image forming apparatus 1, a circuit module is separately provided according to the module configuration of the apparatus. Alternatively, any one of the plurality of circuit modules may be combined into one composite circuit module. For example, a common CPU 100 controls the operation of a plurality of circuit blocks via a plurality of I / O units 200. In this case, a connector for external connection and a switching circuit for switching a transmission destination of an electric signal are provided between each circuit block and the CPU 100 or the I / O unit 200. The switching circuit preferably uses an FPGA whose transmission destination can be programmed by software.
[0111]
Further, when the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 for each module are arranged on the substrate, the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 for the same module do not necessarily need to be mounted on the same substrate. For example, the CPU 100 for the IOT module 2 and the I / O unit 200 may be arranged on separate sub-boards, and each sub-board may be mounted on a mother board. Depending on the combination, the connection configuration of the physical interface and the logical interface of the circuit module changes.
[0112]
The logical interface between the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 for each module is preferably determined according to the load status of the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 or the module characteristics. For example, the output module 7 is hardly changed once installed and is fixed to a certain extent, whereas the finisher module has a specification change as required by the user. Should be considered. When the image forming apparatus 1 is configured, a diagnostic processing (Diagnostic) function for diagnosing a state of each unit in the apparatus is provided in addition to a system related to data processing. Regarding the system for the diagnostic processing function, it is desirable to take a mechanism for distributing the load and flexibly responding to the module change.
[0113]
For example, a supervising CPU and a supervising diagnostic unit that supervise the whole are provided. Then, an instruction from the user interface device 8 may be received by the controlling CPU to control an individual CPU (module CPU) provided in each module. In addition, the controlling CPU does not control all the module CPUs, but controls only the main module CPU by the controlling CPU. Under the control, one of the module CPUs controls the remaining module CPUs (sub-module CPUs). May be controlled. In this way, the load can be distributed. In addition, it is possible to prevent the influence of the change of the submodule in which the main CPU is not allocated to the controlling CPU.
[0114]
For example, the physical interface and the logical interface are preferably determined from the following viewpoints. First, a configuration that is not affected by a change in the configuration of the board for the IOT module 2 is aimed. In the present embodiment, in order to realize an expandable IOT configuration, a method of increasing or decreasing the number of boards is adopted. However, a method that can minimize software changes at this time, that is, an interface change is minimized. And implement a mechanism that does not. This accelerates software framing.
[0115]
In order to distribute the load, an IOT manager IM having a controlling CPU is provided. The marking unit MK (Mark) related to the printing process of the IOT module 2 is for an image (Image) generation system, and the paper feed control unit PH (paper handling) is for a paper transport system (that is, the first feed module 5 and the second feed module). 6). Then, the IOT manager IM performs such control. In such a case, the finisher module is a feed control unit PH system.
[0116]
A diagnosis processing system (Diag) for diagnosing the state of each unit in the apparatus includes a sub-diagnosis processing unit (Diag (Sub)) which is a diagnosis processing system for each board and a finisher module for coping with load distribution and module change. The main diagnostic processing unit (Diag (Main)), which is an example of the supervising diagnostic unit that aggregates the states of the sub diagnostic processing units except for the main diagnostic processing unit. This allows the main diagnostic processing unit to absorb a change in the board configuration. Further, the relationship between the main diagnostic processing unit and the sub diagnostic processing unit is patterned, and a framework of the diagnostic processing system can be formed.
[0117]
The diagnostic processing system performs only read / write of memory, initialization of memory, input / output (I / O) check, use of consumables, monitoring of analog amount such as sensor information (analog monitor), for example, copying this apparatus. When used as an apparatus, the presence / absence of other modules such as a scanner unit and the possibility of operation are not checked. The diagnostic processing function of the finisher module is performed by the finisher module itself. As a result, there is no change in the main diagnostic processing unit accompanying the change in the finisher. In addition, the finisher can be used offline.
[0118]
In addition, the IOT manager IM does not change the module to which the IOT manager IM responds. Therefore, for example, the IOT manager IM interfaces only with the marking unit MK, the sheet feeding control unit PH, the main diagnostic processing unit, and the Sys unit 85 of the user interface device 8. Regarding the diagnostic processing system, the IOT manager IM interfaces with the main diagnostic processing unit, but does not interface with the sub diagnostic processing unit. Thus, even if the board configuration of the diagnostic processing system is changed, the IOT manager IM does not need to make any change. As a result, the degree of abstraction of the IOT manager IM can be increased and a framework can be created.
[0119]
The feed control unit PH does not affect the IOT manager IM even when the feed modules 5 and 6 are changed, that is, does not change the IOT internal interface. Therefore, for example, the first feed module (1stFdr) 5 and the second feed module (2ndFdr) 6 interface only with the paper feed control unit PH. In this way, the framework of the IOT manager IM can be achieved.
[0120]
Even if the output module 7 is changed, the IOT manager IM is not affected. Therefore, for example, the output module 7 performs an interface only with the paper feed control unit PH. In this way, the change of the output module 7 can be absorbed by the sheet feeding control unit PH.
[0121]
From the viewpoint of the logical interface, a communication protocol suitable for reducing the harness cost, improving the reliability of communication between modules, or increasing the transmission speed is used. For example, CAN (Controller Area Network; ISO11898) is suitable. If a CAN bus using this CAN is used, commands can be transmitted simultaneously. In addition, in order to reduce the load on the interface by utilizing the advantage that this command can be transmitted simultaneously, the feed modules 5 and 6 and the output module 7 have the same interface.
[0122]
Even if the configuration of the output module (EXIT) 7 is changed, the interface of the finisher module is not affected or the load is reduced. For this reason, for example, the control of the finisher module is performed by the sheet feeding control unit PH. If the finisher module is controlled by the output module 7, information necessary for the finisher control must be transferred from the IOT manager IM to the paper feed control unit PH to the output module 7, and the interface load is large. On the other hand, if the finisher control is performed by the sheet feeding control unit PH as described above, the interface load can be reduced.
[0123]
The board configuration shown in FIG. 6 shows the above-described results. For example, the IOT module 2 includes a motherboard for the IOT manager IM, a motherboard (MOTHER) for the marking unit MK, and a paper supply control unit PH. The motherboard is arranged. Similarly, the feed modules 5, 6 and the output module 7 are provided with respective motherboards.
[0124]
An additional motherboard (Ext. MOTHER) is prepared so that an additional board for a circuit block can be mounted as required due to a change in specification or the like. The connection to the main motherboard is made by a board connector. A programmable FPGA switching circuit is provided between the CPU and the CPU. When a finisher module is mounted, a board module corresponding to the finisher module may be added.
[0125]
On the motherboard, for example, an I / O board (I / O) for an interface function between main circuits such as an IOT manager IM and a marking unit MK, a paper feed control unit PH, a feed unit or an output processing unit, and an interface with a driver A daughter board such as a function input / output switching board (I / OSEL), a board for CPU of each module, or a circuit board unique to the module such as a video board (Video) is mounted via a board connector. A CAN bus is used for a logical interface between the circuit modules.
[0126]
In this way, by adopting a circuit architecture consisting of functional module circuits corresponding to each functional part in the device, when responding to high-speed, high-performance, or multi-functional systems, the necessary modules All you have to do is replace the circuit board.
[0127]
Each of the circuit modules includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100 in which a common operation system OS is incorporated and an I / O unit 200. By rewriting the application software used by the CPU 100, the circuit The function of the module can be updated. The control mechanism of each CPU 100 is built with a common architecture by incorporating a common operating system OS, so that when there is a change in specifications, etc., it is possible to efficiently respond to the change in specifications. In particular, when responding to a specification change, if the program update target part extends to a plurality of control systems, the application program can be updated more efficiently and flexibly by using the mechanism shown in FIGS. can do.
[0128]
Note that the motherboard and the daughter board may be connected via a wire harness and a connector instead of via the board connector. Further, for example, a bus transmission path for electric transmission between the CPU board or the video board and the motherboard or between the video board and the print engine (ROS) 30 is formed of a plastic optical fiber POF (Plastic Optical Fiber) or a sheet-like. An optical transmission member such as an optical transmission bus (hereinafter referred to as an optical sheet bus) may be used.
[0129]
Here, the optical sheet bus outputs a plurality of signal lights from the opposite end by inputting signal light to an end face of a planar waveguide having a diffusion optical system and diffusing the signal light into the planar waveguide. An optical transmission member. When this optical sheet bus is used, the signal light is diffused at the end of the parallel plate and is incident on the planar waveguide, and the diffused signal light repeats total reflection on the upper and lower surfaces in the planar waveguide, and communicates with the incident portion. The light is transmitted to a number of opposing emission units.
[0130]
Therefore, unlike the application of an optical fiber based on one-to-one one-way communication, for example, 1) N-to-N transmission is performed between a plurality of nodes arranged at each of opposite ends of a planar waveguide. Multicast transmission is possible. 2) Bidirectional transmission in which transmission is performed from either direction between nodes arranged at the opposite ends of the planar waveguide is possible. 3) By laminating the planar waveguide, the transmission path can be formed. The optical sheet bus has an advantage that multi-channel transmission with multiple bits is possible.
[0131]
Further, since the core layer of the planar waveguide can be made of an optical resin sheet material such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) having a thickness of about 1 mm, the coupling with the light receiving / emitting element is easy. For example, instead of active alignment, which is implemented by monitoring the intensity of optical signals as implemented by coupling a single-mode optical fiber or optical waveguide with a light-receiving / emitting element, passive alignment is performed without driving the light-receiving / emitting element. Is possible. If this passive alignment is used, simple mounting suitable for cost reduction and mass production becomes possible.
[0132]
As described above, by using the optical transmission member for the signal transmission interface between the substrates, it is possible to solve the problem of the electromagnetic interference EMI, the electromagnetic radiation EME, or the problem due to the waveform dulling, and to achieve a longer wiring length. be able to. In addition, if an optical sheet bus is used, it is possible to realize a higher transmission speed and an increase in the number of nodes.
[0133]
For example, when a substrate is divided to have a degree of freedom in layout, if the division is simply made, the number of signal lines for an interface increases and mounting becomes difficult. Further, since a high-speed signal runs on a metallic wire (for example, a copper wire), problems such as waveform dulling and EMI also occur. On the other hand, by using the optical transmission technology, problems such as waveform dulling and EMI are solved. In addition, the use of the optical sheet bus solves the mounting problem. Thereby, the restriction on the arrangement of the substrates is relaxed.
[0134]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a basic configuration in a case where a connector for external connection and a switching circuit of a programmable FPGA for switching a transmission destination of an electric signal are arranged between each circuit block and the CPU 100 or the I / O unit 200. It is.
[0135]
The wiring between the external connection connectors arranged between the CPU 100 and the I / O unit 200 and the individual circuit blocks such as the video circuits # 1, 2, 3 is made programmable using the switching circuit of the FPGA. As a result, it is possible to freely set an electric signal transmission destination between the CPU and the I / O. Also, by updating the application software (program updating) as necessary, even if the circuit block to be connected is not initially assumed, the switching algorithm of the transmission destination of the switching circuit according to the circuit block. Can also be set (controlled) freely.
[0136]
As described above, the present invention has been described using the embodiment. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention, and embodiments with such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0137]
Further, the above embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the means for solving the invention. Absent. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent features. Even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, as long as the effect is obtained, a configuration from which some components are deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0138]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer that uses an electrophotographic process as a print engine, which is a main part for forming a visible image on a recording medium, has been described. Is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which a visible image is formed on plain paper or thermal paper by an engine having a conventional image forming mechanism of a thermal type, a thermal transfer type, an ink jet type, or the like.
[0139]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a printing apparatus (printer) including a print engine using an electrophotographic process has been described as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to this, and may be a color copying machine, a facsimile, or the like. Any device having a so-called printing function for forming an image on a recording medium may be used.
[0140]
Further, in the above embodiment, in the image forming apparatus including the image forming unit that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium based on the input image data and outputs the image, the individual CPUs use the multi-CPU configuration. Although the method of updating a program that rewrites application software has been described, the above-described method of updating a program is not limited to an image forming apparatus, and can be applied to any apparatus that has a multi-CPU configuration. It is.
[0141]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, for an apparatus including a circuit module including a central processing unit in which a common operation system is incorporated, the application software used by the central processing unit is rewritten by rewriting the application software used by the central processing unit. The function has been updated.
[0142]
The equipment is a multi-CPU system built with a common architecture as a whole, so if there is a specification change, the fact that a common operation system is incorporated can be used, and the specification can be changed efficiently. Will be able to answer. When responding to a specification change, the effect is particularly high when the program update target portion extends to a plurality of control systems.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming system including an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a circuit module of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a software update method in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. (Part 1)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of updating software in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. (Part 2)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a substrate configuration when the connection configuration example illustrated in FIG. 3 is applied to the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration when a connector and a switching circuit are arranged between each circuit block and a CPU or an I / O unit;
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an image forming system including an example of a conventional image forming apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... IOT module, 5, 6 ... Feed module, 7 ... Output module, 8 ... User interface device, 9, 9a, 9b ... Connection module, 20 ... IOT core part, 30 ... Print engine, 31 .., An optical scanning device, 32, a photoreceptor drum, 39, an electrical system control storage section, 43, an intermediate transfer belt, 45, a secondary transfer section, 70, a fixing device, 80, a GUI section, 89, a communication I / F section ( Software receiving unit), 100 CPU, 160 updating controller, 162 software providing unit, 170 updating device, 200 I / O unit

Claims (12)

A method for updating software incorporated in a processing device that performs a predetermined process,
The processing device includes a circuit module including a central processing unit having a function of controlling each functional unit of the processing device, and each including a central processing unit in which a substantially common operation system is incorporated. And
A software updating method, wherein the function of the circuit module is updated by rewriting application software used by the central processing unit. The circuit module includes a plurality of circuit blocks performing individual functions of the circuit module, and employs a programmable switching circuit to transmit an electric signal between each of the circuit blocks and the central processing unit. 2. The software updating method according to claim 1, wherein the destination of each of the electric signals transmitted by the switching circuit is controlled by rewriting the application software. The software updating method according to claim 1, wherein the processing device includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium based on the input image data and outputs the image. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of circuit modules is mounted on a different circuit board, and the application software is rewritten so that the circuit board functions as a circuit board for another functional part. The software update method according to any one of the above. When rewriting the application software used by the central processing unit of the plurality of circuit modules, the one used by the one and the other central processing unit of the other is used for one of the plurality of circuit modules. The software update method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the application software is delivered, and the one central processing unit rewrites the application software for the one and the other. The software updating method according to claim 5, wherein the one central processing unit rewrites the application software for the one and the other using a common rewriting program. 7. The software updating method according to claim 6, wherein the one central processing unit rewrites the application software substantially in parallel with the one and the other. To the one central processing unit, the one and the other program patches to be rewritten are passed separately to a core portion common to both and a unique core portion,
The one central processing unit rewrites the application software for the one using the common core part and the core specific to the one, and performs the common core part and the core specific to the other. The software updating method according to claim 5, wherein the application software is rewritten for the other by using (1) and (2). Permitting rewriting of the application software by hardware protection and software protection, and permitting rewriting of the application software only when the protection of both the hardware and the software is released. The software update method according to claim 1, wherein: An update control device that updates software incorporated in a processing device that performs predetermined processing,
A central processing unit having a function of controlling respective functional parts of the processing unit, the processing unit including a plurality of circuit modules including a central processing unit in which a substantially common operation system is incorporated; The update device has a software providing unit that passes application software used by the central processing unit,
An update control device characterized by rewriting existing application software incorporated in the processing device with application software passed by the software providing unit. An updating device for updating software incorporated in a processing device that performs a predetermined process,
A central processing unit having a function of controlling each functional part of the processing device, each of which receives application software used by the central processing unit incorporated with a substantially common operation system;
An update apparatus comprising: a software update unit that rewrites existing software used by the central processing unit with application software received by the software reception unit. The processing device includes a plurality of circuit blocks each performing an individual function, and a programmable switching circuit that employs transmission of an electric signal between each of the circuit blocks and the central processing unit. The update device according to claim 11, wherein

Images