JP2006231697A - Image forming apparatus and firmware rewriting method - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a technique for switching a control flow of an engine controller in accordance with characteristics of a consumable unit such as a property of toner in order to improve image quality and the like while suppressing a memory capacity for storing firmware.
An image forming apparatus comprising: a rewritable memory that stores firmware composed of a plurality of modules; and a control unit that executes a printing process based on the firmware stored in the memory. The forming apparatus is configured such that a consumable unit having storage means for storing at least one of the modules is detachable, and the control means is stored in a storage means provided in the consumable unit set in the image forming apparatus. When a module (unit-specific module) that defines the control content specific to the consumable unit is stored, the firmware is rewritten in units of unit-specific modules.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of rewriting firmware.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine, for example, two controllers connected to each other via a communication interface are known (see Patent Document 1). In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when an image signal is supplied to the main controller from an external device such as a host computer or a built-in scanner, the main controller analyzes the image signal and performs various image processing. After that, the image processed signal (for example, video signal) is supplied to the engine controller. The engine controller has a CPU as a central processing unit and a rewritable nonvolatile memory (flash ROM, EEPROM, etc.) for storing firmware. When the above signal is received, it is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Based on the firmware, the engine unit is controlled to form an image corresponding to the image signal on a sheet such as copy paper, transfer paper, paper and OHP transparent sheet.

  Here, the firmware is stored in a rewritable non-volatile memory because the reason is to flexibly cope with future function additions and version upgrades. That is, when it is necessary to add a function or upgrade the version, a firmware with the added function is newly created, and the old firmware is rewritten and updated with the new firmware.

  When rewriting firmware, generally, a service person or the like connects a predetermined apparatus for an administrator and an image forming apparatus, and transmits new firmware from the predetermined apparatus to the main controller of the image forming apparatus. Next, when the communication function of the firmware in the engine controller is used and communication is performed between the main controller and the engine controller via the communication interface, the firmware in the nonvolatile memory of the engine controller is updated. There are many.

On the other hand, when a small storage unit in which firmware (control program) is stored in the toner bottle is mounted and the toner bottle is set in the image forming apparatus, the firmware is transferred from the small storage unit to the image forming apparatus. There has also been proposed a method of updating (Patent Document 2). According to such a method, firmware can be upgraded simply by setting a toner bottle, so there is an advantage that it is not necessary to call a service person or the like and the user does not need to be aware of the upgrade itself.
JP-A-8-161231 JP 2004-191783 A

  Depending on the characteristics of the unit set in the apparatus, for example, if it is a development unit, the control contents of the engine controller (such as the calculation flow of the set potential on the photoreceptor and the stirring operation flow) depending on the properties of the toner If it can be switched to a unique one, it is considered that appropriate control can be executed and the print image quality can be improved.

  Here, simply, if the firmware is configured in advance so as to include a control flow corresponding to all the features, it is possible to realize the switching as described above.

  However, for example, in the case of a developing unit, various modes such as toner properties and unit structure differences can be taken for each color, so let's configure the firmware to include all control flows corresponding to those combinations for the four colors of CMYK. Then, the size of the firmware becomes very large.

  In this case, not only the capacity of the in-device memory for storing the firmware increases, but also when the firmware is stored in the memory provided in the toner bottle or the like and rewritten as in Patent Document 2, the memory A problem arises in that the capacity of the battery also increases.

  Therefore, conventionally, even if the properties of the toner are different, the control flow of the engine controller is not switched, and at most, the parameter value in the same control flow is changed according to the properties of the toner. .

  Therefore, the present invention is a technology that can switch the control flow of the engine controller in accordance with the characteristics of the consumable unit such as the nature of the toner in order to improve the print image quality while suppressing the memory capacity for storing the firmware. The purpose is to provide.

  An image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes a rewritable memory that stores firmware composed of a plurality of modules, and a control unit that executes print processing based on the firmware stored in the memory. The image forming apparatus is configured such that a consumable unit including a storage unit that stores at least one of the modules is detachable, and the control unit includes a consumable unit set in the image forming apparatus. When the module that defines the control content specific to the consumable unit is stored in the storage means (hereinafter referred to as “unit specific module”), the firmware is rewritten in units of the unit specific module. .

  According to this configuration, only the unit specific module of the consumable unit currently set is stored in the memory included in the image forming apparatus as the control content specific to the consumable unit. Accordingly, it is possible to switch the control flow of the printing process based on the unit specific module while greatly reducing the capacity of the memory for storing the firmware, thereby improving the print image quality. Further, since the above-mentioned rewriting can be performed if at least the unit-specific module of the consumable unit is stored in the storage unit of the consumable unit, the capacity can be greatly suppressed.

  Preferably, the control means determines whether to rewrite the firmware for each unit specific module using the unit specific module stored in the storage means provided in the consumable unit based on the characteristics of the consumable unit. It is characterized by doing.

  Preferably, the control means determines whether to rewrite the firmware for each unit specific module using the unit specific module stored in the storage means included in the consumable unit based on the version of the unit specific module. It is characterized by doing.

  Preferably, the control means stores a module (unit common module) defining control contents common to a plurality of consumable units in a storage means provided in the consumable unit A set in the image forming apparatus. If it is, the firmware is rewritten in units of unit common modules.

  Preferably, the control means determines whether to rewrite the firmware for each unit common module using the unit common module stored in the storage means provided in the consumable unit based on the version of the unit common module. It is characterized by doing.

  The consumable unit of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising a rewritable memory that stores firmware composed of a plurality of modules, and a control unit that executes print processing based on the firmware stored in the memory. A consumable unit configured to be detachable, which stores a module that defines control contents specific to the consumable unit, which is referred to when the control unit rewrites firmware in units of unit-specific modules. A storage means is provided.

  The firmware rewriting method of the present invention is a method for rewriting firmware of an image forming apparatus stored in a rewritable memory, and the firmware is composed of a plurality of modules, and is consumed in the image forming apparatus. When a module (hereinafter referred to as a “unit-specific module”) that defines the control content unique to the consumable unit is stored in the storage means provided in the consumable unit, the unit-specific A step of determining whether to rewrite firmware using a module, and a step of rewriting firmware in units of unit specific modules using the unit specific module when it is determined to rewrite. It is characterized by.

  The firmware rewriting method of the present invention can be implemented by a computer, and a computer program therefor is installed in a memory in an image forming apparatus through various media such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network. Can be loaded.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the control flow of the engine controller can be switched according to the properties of the toner or the like in order to improve the image quality and the like while suppressing the memory capacity for storing the firmware.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. In this image forming apparatus, when an image signal is given to the main controller 11 of the control unit 1 from an external device such as the host computer 100, the main controller 11 analyzes the image signal and performs various image processing. The image processed signal is supplied to the engine controller 12. Then, the engine controller 12 controls each unit of the engine unit EG based on the firmware stored in the flash memory 123, and corresponds to the image signal on the sheet S such as a copy sheet, a transfer sheet, a sheet, and an OHP transparent sheet. Form an image. This image forming apparatus uses a function of superposing four color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) to form a full color image, and uses only black (K) toner. A function to form a monochrome image.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the engine unit EG includes a photosensitive unit 2, a rotary developing unit 3 (a yellow developing unit (hereinafter referred to as “Y developing unit”) 3Y, and a magenta developing unit (“M developing unit”). 3M, cyan development unit (“C development unit”) 3C, black development unit (“K development unit”) 3K, etc.), intermediate transfer unit 4, fixing unit 5, exposure unit 8, firmware reading unit 10A, 10B etc. are comprised. Of these, the units 2, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K, 4, 5, and 8 are detachable from the apparatus main body 6, and each unit is mounted on the apparatus main body 6 and the photoconductor. The photosensitive member 21 of the unit 2 rotates in the arrow direction D1 in FIG. The Y developing unit 3Y, the M developing unit 3M, the C developing unit 3C, and the K developing unit 3K store toner that is a consumable, and the photosensitive unit 2 also deteriorates over time. Can be grasped as a consumable unit.

  The photoconductor unit 2 contains a photoconductor 21, a charging unit 22, and a cleaning unit 23, which are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 6 integrally. The charging unit 22 is applied with a charging bias from a charging bias generation unit (not shown), and can uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 21. The cleaning unit 23 is provided on the upstream side of the charging unit 22 in the rotation direction D1 of the photosensitive member 21. The cleaning unit 23 scrapes off toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 21 after the primary transfer. The surface of the body 21 can be cleaned.

  The light beam L is irradiated from the exposure unit 8 toward the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 21 charged by the charging unit 22. The exposure unit 8 is electrically connected to a laser driver (not shown) provided in the engine controller 12, and is controlled according to a drive signal supplied from the laser driver, so that the light beam L is applied onto the photosensitive member 21. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the photoconductor 21 by exposure.

  The electrostatic latent image formed in this way is developed with toner by the rotary developing unit 3. The rotary developing unit 3 is determined in advance by rotating each developing unit (Y developing unit 3Y, M developing unit 3M, C developing unit 3C, K developing unit 3K) provided rotatably around the axis, and each developing unit. And a mechanism unit 33 for positioning at a plurality of positions (for example, a development position with respect to the photosensitive member 21 and a communication position with the firmware reading unit 10A).

  When one of the developing units is positioned at the developing position by the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3, the toner stored in the unit housing of the developing unit is conveyed while being carried on the developing roller 31. Then, by applying a predetermined developing bias to the developing roller 31, the toner carried / conveyed by the developing roller 31 adheres to the photosensitive member 21, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized. In this way, a toner image of the selected color is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 21.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which the K developing unit 3K is positioned at the developing position, and the developing roller 31 provided in the K developing unit 3K is disposed to face the photoconductor 21.

  The toner image developed by the developing unit 3 as described above is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 of the intermediate transfer unit 4 in the primary transfer region TR1. That is, the intermediate transfer unit 4 includes an intermediate transfer belt 41 that is stretched over a plurality of rollers, and a drive unit (not shown) that rotationally drives the intermediate transfer belt 41, and transfers a color image to the sheet S. In this case, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive member 21 are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 to form a color image. On the other hand, when a single-color image is transferred to the sheet S, Only the black toner image formed in this step is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 to form a single color image.

  In this image forming apparatus, in order to detect the density of the patch image, the patch sensor PS is disposed to face one roller around which the intermediate transfer belt 41 is stretched.

  The image thus formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is secondarily transferred onto the sheet S taken out from the cassette 9 in a predetermined secondary transfer region TR2. Then, the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred is introduced into a fixing unit 5 including a heater (not shown), and the toner is fixed to the sheet S by applying pressure while heating. The sheet S on which an image has been formed in this manner is conveyed to a discharge tray provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 6.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as each developing unit, for example, a developing unit to which a small IC chip 32 is attached by a screw, an adhesive, or the like can be used. Similarly, the photoconductor unit 2 to which the IC chip 32 is attached can be used.

  In the IC chip 32, a part of firmware is stored in an internal semiconductor circuit. In the present embodiment, the firmware includes a first part that is not a rewrite target (hereinafter referred to as “first firmware part”) and a second part that is a rewrite target (hereinafter referred to as “second firmware part”). In addition, the second firmware portion includes a module that defines control content common to a plurality of consumable units (hereinafter referred to as “unit common module”), and a module that defines control content unique to each consumable unit ( Hereinafter, the module includes a plurality of modules (refer to FIG. 2). The IC chip 32 stores a “unit-specific module of a consumable unit to which the IC chip 32 is attached” among the modules constituting the second firmware portion.

Specifically, the “control content unique to the consumable unit” is determined according to the characteristics of the consumable unit (consumable properties and structural characteristics; hereinafter referred to as “unit characteristics”). Means that For example, in the case of a developing unit, equations for obtaining an optimum potential bias and an optimum transfer bias to be applied to the developing unit and the photosensitive unit 2 (temperature, humidity, laser irradiation part potential V _L , non-irradiation part potential V _0, etc. are variables) ), Optimal laser power, formula for predicting V _L , developing unit agitation operation algorithm, contents of control table, and correction contents for these formulas due to secular change, etc. ) Etc. Therefore, by determining the control contents according to the properties of the toner, it is possible to realize optimum control and improve the print image quality.

  As will be described later, the unit specific module stored in the IC chip 32 is read by the firmware reading units 10A and 10B and sent to the engine controller 12 when the unit base firmware rewriting process is executed. Such IC chip 32 and firmware reading units 10A, 10B can be configured using conventional data carrier technology.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 11 includes a host interface 111, a CPU 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, and an engine interface 115. The main controller 11 is configured to perform communication processing with the host computer 100 through the host interface 111, and receives an image signal, a predetermined program, and the like transmitted from the host computer 100. The received image signal and the like are temporarily stored in the RAM 114.

  The CPU 112 is electrically connected to the operation panel 13 attached to the apparatus main body 6 via an input / output port (not shown). The operation panel 13 is provided with a plurality of switches 131 for the user to give various commands to the CPU 112, and a display unit 132 for displaying messages, printing status, etc. to the user. The operation panel 13 functions as a man-machine interface.

  The ROM 113 stores a program for the main controller 11 in advance, and the CPU 112 and a logic circuit (not shown) operate according to the program to perform various image processing on the received image signal. be able to. For example, RGB data indicating the gradation level of the RGB component of each pixel in the image corresponding to the image signal is converted into CMYK data indicating the gradation level of the corresponding CMYK component. In addition, after tone correction is performed on CMYK data of each pixel, halftoning processing such as error diffusion, dithering, and screen is further performed to generate, for example, 8-bit halftone CMYK data per pixel. To do. The halftone CMYK data is used to create a video signal for pulse width modulation of the exposure laser pulse of each color image, and the video signal is output to the engine controller 12 via the engine interface 115.

  On the other hand, the engine controller 12 includes a main interface 121, a CPU 122, a flash memory 123, and a RAM 124 as shown in FIG. The main interface 121 is for communicating with the main controller 11 and receives commands and data transmitted from the main controller 11 via the main interface 121.

  The flash memory 123 is a rewritable memory and stores firmware (first firmware portion, second firmware portion). However, it is desirable to store the first firmware portion that is not to be rewritten in a write protected area of the flash memory 123.

  The CPU 122 controls each part of the engine unit EG by executing the second firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123, and outputs the image signal to the sheet S such as copy paper, transfer paper, paper, and an OHP transparent sheet. Print processing for forming a corresponding image is executed. In other words, the second firm portion is configured to include a program for realizing functions necessary for normal printing processing.

  Further, the CPU 122 executes the firmware rewriting process by executing the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123.

  In the present embodiment, as firmware rewriting processing, communication is performed with the main controller 11 via the main interface 121, and the second firmware stored in the flash memory 123 based on the second firmware portion transmitted from the main controller 11. In addition to the conventional firmware rewriting process for rewriting the portion, the unit reading module 10A, 10B is controlled to control each of the developing units 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K, and each IC chip 32 included in the photosensitive unit 2, and each unit specific module The unit base firmware rewriting process of reading out and storing (rewriting) the data in the flash memory 123 can be selected and executed.

  That is, the first firmware part controls the functions necessary for each firmware rewriting process, for example, the communication function with the main controller 11, the function of controlling the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3, and the firmware reading units 10A and 10B. And a program for realizing a function of reading the unit specific module, a function of storing (rewriting) the unit specific module in the flash memory 123, and the like.

(First Example)
Hereinafter, the unit base firmware rewriting process of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce contradiction in the processing content, or can be performed in parallel (this point is other The same applies to the other examples).

  When the image forming apparatus is powered on, the CPU 122 executes the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 (S100 to S110).

  First, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the photoconductor unit 2 has been attached / detached between the previous power-off and the current power-on (S100). For example, it can be considered that a flag is set up electrically when the photoconductor unit 2 is attached or detached, and the determination is made with reference to the flag.

  If the CPU 122 determines that the photoconductor unit 2 has not been detached, the process proceeds to S104.

  On the other hand, when determining that the photoconductor unit 2 has been attached / detached, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the photoconductor unit 2 includes the IC chip 32 (S101), and if not, the process of S104. Migrate to

  For example, the IC chip 32 is controlled even if a predetermined number of times is attempted by controlling the firmware reading unit 10B provided at a position where it can communicate with the IC chip 32 included in the set photoconductor unit 2 to transmit an electromagnetic wave (charge wave). When the response signal from 32 is not obtained, it can be considered that the photoreceptor unit 2 does not include the IC chip 32 (including the case where the IC chip 32 does not function normally).

  When the CPU 122 determines that the photoconductor unit 2 includes the IC chip 32, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10 </ b> B to read out the corresponding unit feature and version for the unit specific module stored in the IC chip 32. . In addition, for the consumable unit of the same type as the consumable unit including the IC chip 32 (in this case, the photosensitive unit), the unit characteristics and version of the unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 are read. Then, the two are compared (S102).

If both unit features match and the version of the photoreceptor unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 is newer or the same, the CPU 122 proceeds to the processing of S104. If they are different, or if the unit characteristics of the two are the same but the version of the unit specific module stored in the IC chip 32 is newer, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10B to change the unit from the IC chip 32 to the unit. The unique module is read, and the unit unique module stored in the flash memory 123 is rewritten for the photosensitive unit (S103).

  Specifically, the unit-specific module of the photosensitive unit already stored in the flash memory 123 is erased, and then read from the IC chip 32 and stored in the RAM 124 in units of a predetermined size (for example, 128 bytes). Then, writing to the flash memory 123 is sequentially performed to rewrite the unit specific module of the photosensitive unit.

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the developing unit has been attached / detached between the time when the power is turned off the previous time and the time when the power is turned on this time (S104). Such a determination can be performed in the same manner as in S100.

  If the CPU 122 determines that none of the developing units has been attached / detached, the CPU 122 proceeds to the processing of S110.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that any of the developing units has been detached, the CPU 122 selects one of the developing units that has been detached and controls the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3 to select the developing unit. The developed developing unit is positioned at the communication position (S105). Here, the communication position is a position where the firmware reading unit 10A can wirelessly read the development unit specific module from the IC chip 32 when the development unit to which the IC chip 32 is attached is in the communication position. is there.

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the developing unit positioned at the communication position includes the IC chip 32 (S106). If not, the process proceeds to S109. Whether or not the IC chip 32 is provided can be determined in the same manner as in S101.

  When the CPU 122 determines that the developing unit positioned at the communication position includes the IC chip 32, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10 </ b> A to correspond to the unit unique module stored in the IC chip 32. Read the version. Further, for the consumable unit of the same type as the consumable unit including the IC chip 32 (in this case, the developing unit having the same toner color), the unit characteristics and version of the unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 are read out. . Then, the two are compared (S107).

If both unit features match and the version of the unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 is newer or the same, the CPU 122 proceeds to the processing of S109, while the unit features are different. Alternatively, if the unit characteristics of the two match but the version of the unit specific module stored in the IC chip 32 is newer, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10A to control the unit specific module from the IC chip 32. And the unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 is rewritten for the developing units having the same toner color (S108). The rewriting of the module can be executed in the same manner as S103.

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether there is another developing unit attached or detached (S109). If there is, the process returns to S105 to select it, and if there is not, the process proceeds to S110.

  Next, the CPU 122 activates the second firmware portion (including the photosensitive unit specific module and each developing unit specific module) stored in the flash memory 123 (S110). As a result, the process based on the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is completed, and a normal print process can be executed.

  According to this configuration, when the unit-specific module of the consumable unit is stored in the IC chip included in the consumable unit set in the image forming apparatus, the firmware (second firmware portion) of the unit-specific module unit is stored. Since the rewriting is performed, the flash memory 123 stores only the unit specific module of the consumable unit currently set as the control content specific to the consumable unit. As a result, the control flow of the engine controller can be switched according to the properties of the toner based on the unit-specific module, while greatly reducing the capacity of the flash memory 123 for storing firmware, thereby improving the print image quality. Can be made. In addition, since the above-mentioned rewriting can be performed if at least the unit-specific module of the consumable unit is stored in the IC chip 32 of the consumable unit, the capacity of the IC chip 32 can be greatly suppressed.

(Second embodiment)
The unit base firmware rewriting process of the second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In the second embodiment, it is assumed that not only the unit specific module but also the unit common module is stored in the IC chip 32 among the modules constituting the second firmware portion.

  When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, the CPU 122 executes the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 (S200 to S218).

  First, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the photoconductor unit 2 has been attached / detached between the time when the power is turned off the previous time and the time when the power is turned on this time (S200).

  If the CPU 122 determines that the photoconductor unit 2 has not been detached, the CPU 122 proceeds to the process of S205.

  On the other hand, when determining that the photoconductor unit 2 has been attached / detached, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the photoconductor unit 2 includes the IC chip 32 (S201), and if not, the process of S205. Migrate to

  When the CPU 122 determines that the photoconductor unit 2 includes the IC chip 32, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10B to read the version of the unit common module stored in the IC chip 32, and stores the photoconductor in the RAM 124. The data is stored in association with the unit 2 (S202).

  Next, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10 </ b> B to read out the corresponding unit feature and version for the unit specific module stored in the IC chip 32. In addition, for the consumable unit of the same type as the consumable unit including the IC chip 32 (in this case, the photosensitive unit), the unit characteristics and version of the unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 are read. Then, the two are compared (S203).

If both unit features match and the version of the photoconductor unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 is newer or the same, the CPU 122 proceeds to the processing of S205. Are different from each other, or the unit characteristics of the two match but the version of the unit-specific module stored in the IC chip 32 is newer, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10B to read from the IC chip 32. The unit specific module is read, and the unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 is rewritten for the photosensitive unit (S204).

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the development unit has been attached / detached between the time when the power is turned off the previous time and the time when the power is turned on this time (S205).

  If the CPU 122 determines that none of the developing units has been attached or detached, the CPU 122 proceeds to the process of S212.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that any of the developing units has been detached, the CPU 122 selects one of the developing units that has been detached and controls the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3 to select the developing unit. The developed unit is positioned at the communication position (S206).

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the developing unit positioned at the communication position includes the IC chip 32 (S207). If not, the process proceeds to S211.

  When the CPU 122 determines that the developing unit positioned at the communication position includes the IC chip 32, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10 </ b> A to read the version of the unit common module stored in the IC chip 32 and the RAM 124. Is stored in association with the selected developing unit (S208).

  Next, the CPU 122 reads out the corresponding unit feature and version for the unit specific module stored in the IC chip 32. Further, for the consumable unit of the same type as the consumable unit including the IC chip 32 (in this case, the developing unit having the same toner color), the unit characteristics and version of the unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 are read out. . Then, the two are compared (S209).

When both unit features match and the version of the unit specific module stored in the flash memory 123 is newer or the same, the CPU 122 proceeds to the process of S211 while the unit features are different. Alternatively, if the unit characteristics of the two match but the version of the unit specific module stored in the IC chip 32 is newer, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10A to control the unit specific module from the IC chip 32. The unit-specific module stored in the flash memory 123 is rewritten for the developing units having the same toner color (S210).

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether there is another developing unit attached or detached (S211). If there is, the process returns to S206 to select it, and if there is not, the process proceeds to S212.

  Next, the CPU 122 refers to the RAM 124 to determine whether version information of the unit common module is stored in association with the consumable unit (photosensitive unit, developing unit) (S212). If it is determined that there is not, the process proceeds to S218.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that version information is stored in association with the consumable unit (photosensitive unit, developing unit), the CPU 122 selects a consumable unit corresponding to the latest version among them (S213). ).

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the selected consumable unit is the photoconductor unit 2 (S214). If it is the photoconductor unit 2, the CPU 122 controls the firmware reading unit 10B to control the photoconductor. The unit common module is read from the IC chip 32 provided in the unit 2, and the unit common module stored in the flash memory 123 is rewritten (S215).

  On the other hand, if the selected consumable unit is a developing unit, the CPU 122 controls the mechanical unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3 to position the selected consumable unit (developing unit) at the communication position (S216). ).

  Then, by controlling the firmware reading unit 10A, the unit common module is read from the IC chip 32 of the selected consumable unit (development unit) at the communication position, and the unit common module stored in the flash memory 123 is rewritten. (S217).

  Next, the CPU 122 activates the second firmware portion (including the photosensitive unit specific module and each developing unit specific module) stored in the flash memory 123 (S218). As a result, the process based on the first firmware portion stored in the flash memory 123 is completed, and a normal print process can be executed.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, when the unit common module is stored in the IC chip 32 of the consumable unit, the IC chip 32 of the consumable unit can be selected. The latest version of the unit common module can be read and the firmware (second firmware portion) can be rewritten in units of unit common modules.

(Other)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and applied. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the photosensitive unit 2 and the developing unit include the IC chip 32 has been described. However, only the photosensitive unit 2 or only the developing unit may include the IC chip 32. Or an IC chip in a detachable consumable unit other than the developing unit or the photosensitive unit 2 (for example, 4, 5, 8, etc., which can also be grasped as a consumable unit in that the function can be deteriorated over time). 32 may be attached and a unit specific module or the like may be read therefrom.

  For example, in the above embodiment, a four-cycle type image forming apparatus that performs development for each color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the present invention can be applied to a tandem type image forming apparatus that develops each color simultaneously. However, in this case, it is necessary to provide a firmware reading unit corresponding to each color developing unit, or to provide a mechanism for driving the firmware reading unit to a position where it can communicate with each developing unit. Further, for example, the present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus other than a laser printer, and an image forming apparatus in which an ink jet image forming apparatus, a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, a so-called dumb printer or a host-based printer is limited in firmware functions The present invention can be applied to all image forming apparatuses.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the unit base firm rewriting process in a 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the unit base firm rewriting process in a 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the unit base firm rewriting process in a 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the unit base firm rewriting process in a 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the unit base firm rewriting process in a 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control unit, 11 ... Main controller, 12 ... Engine controller, 123 ... Flash memory, 2 ... Photosensitive unit, 3 ... Rotary developing part, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K ... Developing unit, 32 ... IC chip, 33 ... Mechanism part, 10A, 10B ... Firmware reading unit

Claims (8)

A rewritable memory for storing firmware composed of a plurality of modules;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that executes a printing process based on firmware stored in the memory;
The image forming apparatus is configured such that a consumable unit having storage means for storing at least one of the modules is detachable.
In the case where the control means stores a module (hereinafter referred to as “unit-specific module”) that defines the control content specific to the consumable unit in the storage means provided in the consumable unit set in the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that rewrites firmware in unit-specific module units.   The control unit determines whether to rewrite the firmware for each unit specific module using the unit specific module stored in the storage unit included in the consumable unit based on the characteristics of the consumable unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The control means determines, based on the version of the unit specific module, whether to rewrite the firmware for each unit specific module using the unit specific module stored in the storage means included in the consumable unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The control means is common to the units when a module (unit common module) defining control contents common to a plurality of consumable units is stored in the storage means provided in the consumable unit A set in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein firmware is rewritten in units of modules.   The control means determines, based on the version of the unit common module, whether to rewrite firmware for each unit common module using the unit common module stored in the storage means included in the consumable unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. A rewritable memory for storing firmware composed of a plurality of modules;
A consumable unit configured to be attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus including a control unit that executes a printing process based on firmware stored in the memory,
Consumables comprising storage means for storing a module that defines the control content specific to the consumable unit, which is referred to when rewriting firmware in units of unit-specific modules by the control means. unit. A method of rewriting firmware of an image forming apparatus stored in a rewritable memory,
The firmware is composed of a plurality of modules,
When a module (hereinafter referred to as a “unit-specific module”) that defines the control content specific to the consumable unit is stored in the storage means provided in the consumable unit set in the image forming apparatus, the consumable unit Determining whether to rewrite the firmware using the unit specific module based on the characteristics of:
A firmware rewriting method comprising: rewriting firmware in units of unit specific modules using the unit specific modules when it is determined to rewrite. A program for causing a computer to execute the firmware rewriting method according to claim 7.

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