Patent ID: 6513113
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An apparatus for forming images on paper sheets, the apparatus comprising:a) an image forming unit configured to form images on paper sheets; b) a central processing unit (CPU) configured to be booted based on a boot program stored in a selected boot device, and to control an operation of the image forming unit; c) a flash memory configured to store executable programs that are executable by the CPU; d) a connector configured to receive an IC card; e) an IC card detecting unit configured to assert a detection signal in response to an insertion of the IC card into the connector; f) an operation unit configured to assert a selection signal in response to a user operation of the operation unit; and g) a boot selector configured to select either (1) the IC card or (2) the flash memory, as the selected boot device, wherein: 1) the boot selector is configured to select the IC card as the selected boot device, in response to a concurrent assertion of the detection signal and the selection signal; and 2) the boot selector is configured to select the flash memory as the selected boot device, absent the concurrent assertion of the detection signal and the selection signal.