JP2007201796A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

In an image forming apparatus, a program to which a new function is added can be easily used without disturbing normal use.
A trial program is downloaded from a terminal device 2 via a network 2 and executed without using software of the image forming apparatus 1. The trial program can refer to the user setting information, and can also refer to the alternative user setting information via the network. The trial program can process the user's image data, and can also refer to the alternative image data via the network for processing. The user can easily try the trial program without affecting the normal operation program.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that can download and execute a trial program.

  Recent image forming apparatuses have a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a network function. In addition, it also has a mechanism for customizing each function according to individual user requests and a mechanism for easily adding new functions. In addition, a method for requesting development of an application desired by a user via the Internet and a method for acquiring a new application program via a network have been proposed. Below are some examples of prior art related to this.

  The “adaptive communication terminal device” disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not need to change the hardware configuration even when a new function is added, and does not increase the cost. After the program corresponding to the function designated by the operator is downloaded from the host computer connected via the network, the designated function is executed.

  The “application development mediation system” disclosed in Patent Document 2 can reduce the development cost and the user's labor for selecting a supplier when the user outsources the development of an application for an image forming apparatus to an application development vendor. System. If the application development mediation server receives the development consignment condition from the user client device, it transmits the development consignment condition to the vendor client device. The application development mediation server selects a vendor based on each development consignment condition returned in accordance with the development consignment condition, and enables downloading of the application on condition that payment of consideration is made.

  The “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 3 is a highly productive apparatus that can efficiently develop each application software corresponding to a printer, a copy, a facsimile apparatus, and the like. The common part of each application is bundled as an application service and a common system service. This application service, common system service, and general-purpose OS form a platform. A printer application, a copy application, and various applications are installed on this platform.

The “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 4 has improved program development efficiency. The program input screen data is transmitted to the client terminal via the network, the program input to the client terminal is received, and the received program is executed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-240540 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-049703 JP 2002-082806 JP JP 2004-185594 A

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus has the following problems. In order to ascertain the user's demands, it is necessary to present some samples or allow the user to try out a prototype. In order to receive feedback from the user, it is essential to operate the prototype on the actual machine. For that purpose, it is necessary to prepare an actual machine separately, install the prototype in the user's actual machine, try it, and restore the program after the trial.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems, and when a program with a new function is operated in an image forming apparatus, the new function can be easily tried without affecting the normal use of the user. Is to do so. In other words, new functions can be added without changing the software inside the device so that the customer can make a demonstration.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, in the present invention, the image forming apparatus loads a program storage unit that stores a program for normal operation and a program load that downloads a trial program via a network in accordance with a predetermined specific operation input. Means, a volatile program storage means for storing the trial program, a program execution means for controlling the execution of the trial program, and a program for normal operation is loaded from the program storage means to the program storage means in response to a normal startup operation. And a normal starting means that is executed by the program executing means. That is, the entire software with new functions is downloaded from a host computer connected via a network, and then the software is operated only by the downloaded software without using the software inside the device.

  By configuring as described above, the work necessary for the demonstration for the user is reduced, the proposal of a new function to the user becomes easy and reliable, and more feedback from the user can be reflected. In other words, since it is possible to operate the image forming apparatus using a completely different program without affecting the programs installed in the image forming apparatus, multiple samples and prototypes can be quickly created. It becomes possible to make the user try it without trouble. In addition, it is not necessary to prepare special equipment separately, and it is possible to temporarily borrow equipment installed at the user's site and conduct a demonstration. It becomes easy.

  In addition, it is possible to carry out a demonstration of new functions, etc. by taking over the environment that the user normally uses for FAX destination information and copy conditions, etc., so that new settings before using the user for trial are not required. At the same time, it is possible to make the user try on the same conditions as normal use, and it is easy for the user to demonstrate new functions and the like. In addition, new functions can be demonstrated with settings that are different from the environment the user normally uses for fax destination information and copy conditions, etc., so that users can try out with multiple environment settings. The setting work is simplified, the comparison by the user can be performed in a short time, and it becomes easy for the user to demonstrate a new function or the like.

  In addition, since demos of new functions and the like can be performed using image data that is normally used by the user, comparison in terms of usability and the like for the user is facilitated, and feedback from the user is easily obtained. In addition, since it is possible to make a trial using a plurality of conditions using data different from the image data or the like normally used by the user, it is easy to obtain feedback from the user. Furthermore, it becomes easy to change specifications and operations of prototypes on the spot in response to user requests and to discuss details of specifications and functions while making timely modifications to samples.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that downloads a trial program with a new function from a terminal device via a network and operates only with the downloaded trial program without using software inside the apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of a conventional apparatus. The part for downloading and executing the trial program is different from the conventional apparatus. For a conventional image forming apparatus, see Patent Document 2 and the like. FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus and the terminal device. FIG. 1B is a layout diagram of programs for normal operation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 1C is a program layout diagram in a state where a new function application program (trial program) is loaded. The application program is a new function application, and NCS, SRM, and OS are also modified.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a multi-function machine having a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a network function. The terminal device 2 is, for example, a notebook PC. The network 3 is a LAN or the Internet, but may be a simple interconnection means. The program storage means 4 is a secondary storage device such as a ROM or HDD or SD card in which a set of normally used software is stored. The program storage means 5 is a main storage device used during operation, and is a ROM or a RAM. The program loading means 6 is means for loading a trial program via a network. This is realized by an execution program stored in the ROM. The host I / F 7 is means for communicating with the terminal device via the network.

  The program execution means 8 is means for controlling execution of the application program. This is realized by an execution program stored in the ROM. Download means 9 is means for downloading a trial program to the image forming apparatus via a network. The program storage means 10 is a storage device in which a set of trial program software is stored. The user setting storage means 11 is a secondary storage device such as NVRAM or HDD or SD card that holds user setting information. The user data storage means 12 is a secondary storage device such as an HDD or an SD card that holds user image data and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the platform includes a general-purpose OS, an SRM (System Resource Manager) having an SCS (System Control Service), and various control services. The general-purpose OS executes each control service and application software on the platform in parallel as processes. SRM, together with SCS, controls the system and manages resources, and performs arbitration according to requests from higher layers that use engines, memory, HDD files, and host I / O hardware resources such as scanners and printers. To control execution. The SCS performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, and interrupt application control.

  Control services include ECS (Engine Control Service), MCS (Memory Control Service), OCS (Operation Panel Control Service), FCS (FAX Control Service), and NCS (Network Control Service). ECS controls engines such as monochrome line printers, color line printers, and other hardware resources, and performs image reading and printing operations, status notifications, jam recovery, and the like. The MCS performs memory control. The OCS is a module that controls an operation panel serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control. NCS is a module group for providing services that can be used in common for applications that require network I / O.

  The application includes a printer application that is a printer application, a copy application that is a copy application, a fax application that is a facsimile application, a scanner application that is a scanner application, and a net file application that is a net file application. Have

  FIG. 2 is a functional conceptual diagram of the image forming apparatus and the terminal device in the embodiment of the present invention. An image forming apparatus 1 and a terminal device 2 are connected via a network 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for downloading the software set stored in the program storage means of the terminal device to the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the storage location of user setting information and image data.

  The function and operation of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, an overview of the functions of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal device 2 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the host I / F 7 and the network 3. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a program load unit 6, a program storage unit 4, a program storage unit 5, and a program execution unit 8. The terminal device 2 includes download means 9 and program storage means 10. When the image forming apparatus 1 is activated by a normal method, a program stored in the program storage unit 4 of the image forming apparatus 1 is loaded into the program storage unit 5 and, as shown in FIG. The platform and an application program such as a printer application can be operated, and normal processing is performed.

  When it is necessary to execute a trial program in a demonstration or the like, the program loading means 6 is activated when a predetermined special input operation is performed. A set of trial programs running on the image forming apparatus 1 is downloaded from the terminal device 2 connected via the host I / F 7. When the download is completed, as shown in FIG. 1C, a platform such as OS + and a new function application (trial program) can be operated, and execution of the trial program is started. If only the terminal device 2 is prepared, the program stored in the program storage means 10 of the terminal device 2 can be used to operate the image forming apparatus 1 with a program having a new function, and a new function is added. You can try the program.

  In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 is operated using only the program stored in the program storage means 10 of the terminal device 2 without using the program stored in the program storage means 4 of the image forming apparatus 1. be able to. The downloaded program is stored in the RAM of the program storage unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1. Since it is written only in the volatile program storage means 5 and is not stored in the HDD of the program storage means 4 or the like, it is erased when the power is turned off, and can be restored to the normal operation if it is started again by a normal method. . In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 can be operated using a completely different program without affecting the programs installed in the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the work required for the demonstration for the user is reduced, and the proposal of a new function to the user can be easily and reliably performed.

  Next, the procedure for downloading the trial program will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, in a state before downloading, the program storage unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1 is loaded with a normal program stored in the program storage unit 4. If it is started without any special operation, a normal program is loaded and a normal operation can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when a predetermined special input operation is performed on the image forming apparatus 1, the program loading unit 6 is activated. The program loading means 6 issues a download request to the terminal device 2. The download means 9 of the terminal device 2 sends out OS +. In this way, the OS + operating on the image forming apparatus 1 is downloaded from the terminal device 2 connected via the host I / F 7. The image forming apparatus 1 loads OS + into the volatile program storage unit 5. After OS + is downloaded, the program execution means 8 starts executing OS +. OS + requests the terminal device 2 for the program of the platform. The download means 9 of the terminal device 2 sends out the platform program. In this way, the program constituting the platform is downloaded.

  The OS + starts the execution of the platform program and requests the terminal device 2 for the application program. The download means 9 of the terminal device 2 sends out a new function application program. The image forming apparatus 1 loads the program for the new function application into the program storage unit 5. OS + starts executing the program of the new function application. In this way, the new function application program is downloaded to the image forming apparatus 1, and the image forming apparatus 1 starts to operate according to the new function application program (trial program).

  Next, a method for referring to user setting information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A shows a reference path for user setting information. When the NCS + performs a network-related setting, the user setting information stored in the user setting storage unit 11 is referred to when the setting normally used by the user is used as it is. In this way, when the program stored in the program storage unit 10 of the terminal device 2 operates on the image forming apparatus 1, the user setting stored in the user setting storage unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1. Operates according to information. As a result, a program having a new function can be operated in a state in which the environment settings normally used by the user are inherited.

  When using settings other than those normally used by the user, the alternative user setting information stored in the terminal device 2 is referred to. In this way, when the program stored in the program storage unit 10 of the terminal device 2 operates on the image forming apparatus 1, the user setting stored in the user setting storage unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation is performed using the alternative user setting information supplied from the terminal device 2 without using the information. As a result, a program having a new function can be operated in a state in which settings different from the environment that the user normally uses are performed. If a plurality of alternative user setting information is prepared in advance, it is possible to try conditions based on various settings.

  Switching between the reference destination of the setting information referred to by the NCS +, which is normally used by the user or an alternative in the terminal device 2, may be performed in accordance with an operator operation instruction or image formation. A method in which the contents of instructions are stored in the device or the terminal device may be used, or a method in which the instruction contents are determined in advance in the program may be used. Alternatively, the source code set, library, and compiling means necessary for generating the NCS + execution program are installed in the terminal device 2 and the source code is generated using an editor or the like that operates on the terminal device 2. After modification, use the compile means to generate an NCS + execution program. In this way, it is possible to easily change the NCS + setting information reference destination.

  Next, a method for referring to image data will be described with reference to FIG. When the new function application processes image data, the image data stored in the user data storage means 12 is referred to when processing image data normally used by the user. By doing so, the image data stored in the user data storage means 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the program stored in the program storage means 10 of the terminal apparatus 2 operates in the image forming apparatus 1. Process. As a result, it is possible to operate a program having a new function using the image data normally used by the user as it is.

  In addition, when processing image data other than those normally used by the user, the substitute image data of the terminal device 2 is referred to. By doing so, the image data stored in the user data storage means 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the program stored in the program storage means 10 of the terminal apparatus 2 operates in the image forming apparatus 1. The image data supplied from the terminal device 2 is processed without referring to FIG. As a result, it is possible to operate a program having a new function using various sample images or the like different from the image data normally used by the user. If a plurality of alternative image data are prepared in advance, the new function application can process various image data.

  Switching the reference destination of the image data processed by the new function application to the one normally used by the user or the alternative one in the terminal device 2 may be a method according to the operator's operation instruction, A method in which the contents of instructions are stored in the image forming apparatus 1 or the terminal device 2 may be used, or a method in which the contents are determined in advance by being incorporated in a program may be used. Alternatively, program source information and compile means necessary for generating a program that operates on the image forming apparatus 1 are held in the program storage means 10 of the terminal device 2. As a result, it is possible to modify or change the program operating on the image forming apparatus 1 on the terminal device 2, and the modified / changed program can be immediately used on the spot by the image forming apparatus 1. It can be operated.

  In addition, by installing in advance the terminal device 2 a set of source code and a library necessary for generating an execution program for a program that constitutes a new function application or platform, images can be changed while timely changing each program. The operation of the forming apparatus 1 can be confirmed. For example, inconvenient points and improvement hints when the user tries the new function application can be reflected on the operation of the new function application on the spot. It is also possible to customize on the spot according to the user's wish while allowing the user to try some sample versions. Although described along with the case where a new function is added, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a part of a program is replaced with a debug function for the purpose of failure analysis.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, a trial program with a new function added to the image forming apparatus is downloaded from the terminal device via the network, and the trial program downloaded without using the software inside the apparatus is downloaded. Therefore, the user can easily try the trial program without affecting the normal operation program.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is optimal as an image forming apparatus that can download and execute a trial program.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a program layout diagram of an image forming apparatus and a terminal device in an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for downloading software from a terminal device to the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a user setting information and image data reference method of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Terminal device, 3 ... Network, 4 ... Program storage means, 5 ... Program storage means, 6 ... Program load means, 7 ... Host I / F, 8 ... program execution means, 9 ... download means, 10 ... program storage means, 11 ... user setting storage means, 12 ... user data storage means.

Claims (11)

  Program storage means for storing a program for normal operation, program load means for downloading a trial program via a network in response to a predetermined specific operation input, volatile program storage means for storing the trial program, Program execution means for controlling the execution of the trial program, and normal start means for loading the normal operation program from the program storage means to the program storage means and executing the program by the program execution means in response to a normal start operation An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The image according to claim 1, further comprising user setting storage means for storing user setting information, wherein the program execution means includes means for referring to information stored in the user setting storage means by the trial program. Forming equipment.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program execution unit includes a unit that refers to alternative user setting information instead of normal user setting information via the network by the trial program.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image data storage means for storing image data, wherein the program execution means includes means for processing the image data by the trial program.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program execution unit includes a unit that refers to and processes substitute image data instead of normal image data via a network using the trial program.   In an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, the image forming apparatus includes a program storage unit that stores a program for normal operation, and a predetermined specific operation input. A program loading means for downloading a trial program from the terminal device via a network according to the above, a volatile program storage means for storing the trial program, a program execution means for controlling the execution of the trial program, and a normal activation A normal activation unit that loads a program for normal operation from the program storage unit to the program storage unit according to an operation and executes the program by the program execution unit, and the terminal device receives a download request from the image forming apparatus Depending on the image formation via the network Image forming system comprising: the downloading means for downloading the trial program location, and a program storage unit to keep storing the trial program.   The image forming apparatus includes user setting storage means for storing user setting information, and the program execution means includes means for referring to information stored in the user setting storage means by the trial program. The image forming system according to claim 6.   7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the program execution means comprises means for referring to alternative user setting information instead of normal user setting information via the network by the trial program.   7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an image data storage unit that stores image data, and the program execution unit includes a unit that processes the image data using the trial program. .   7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the program execution means includes means for processing substitute image data, which replaces normal image data, by referring to the trial program via a network.   The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the terminal device includes a source storage unit that stores program source information and a compile unit that generates an executable program based on the program source information.

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