JP2000049808A - External storage device and data processing unit having infrared ray communication function and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow plurality of data processing units to share an external storage device in common without using a cable. SOLUTION: A control section 210 of an infrared ray interface storage device 200 transmits a communication state signal to an infrared ray data processing unit 100 at a prescribed interval via an infrared ray data transmission reception section 220 during communication. A control section 110 of an infrared ray data processing unit 100 discriminates whether or not an infrared ray data transmission reception section 120 receives the communication state signal before the access to the infrared ray interface storage device 200. Before a request of access, the control section 110 detects whether or not the infrared ray interface storage device 200 is used by other processing unit and controls data transmission. Thus, plurality of the infrared ray data processing units 100 share the infrared ray interface storage device 200 in common.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an external storage device, a data processing device, and a communication system having an infrared communication function of transmitting and receiving data using infrared rays, and more particularly to a plurality of data processing devices and one storage device as an external device. The present invention relates to an external storage device, a data processing device, and a communication system having an infrared communication function that enables transmission and reception of data to and from a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a personal computer as a data processing device and an external storage device are arranged as shown in FIG.
The interface board 901 was set on the personal computer 900 and connected to the external storage device 903 via the cable 902 to transfer data. Therefore, there is a problem in that the movement range and the installation location of the external storage device are restricted.

[0003] Further, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of aesthetics and management to stretch such a cable vertically and horizontally. Therefore, various data transfer methods using infrared rays have been developed.

In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-30527, infrared rays are used for data transmission and reception between data processing apparatuses, and a communication control signal used for data processing is temporarily converted to infrared rays. Transfer to the other party. Thereafter, only when the communication control signal is changed, the communication control signal is converted into infrared rays and transferred.

In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-161889, a switch for switching functions provided in a composite printer is provided in a composite printer having a built-in printer function and facsimile function. Then, the switch is used to switch to a target function of the multifunction printer, and then data is converted from an external data processing device into infrared rays and transferred.

[0006]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H07-27139, only a communication control signal and data used for data processing are converted into infrared rays and transmitted, so that a plurality of data When the processing device tries to transmit and receive data almost simultaneously, there is a problem that the data is confused and the data transmission and reception are not performed correctly.

In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 8-161889, a data processor transmits data after switching to a target function by a switch provided in a multifunction printer. That is, the data processing apparatus using the composite printer is known in advance. Therefore, if there are a plurality of data processing devices using a certain external device and it is not known in advance which data processing device will use the external device, the data may be confused if the plurality of data processing devices transmit data almost simultaneously. However, there is a problem that data transmission and reception are not performed correctly.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to enable a plurality of data processing devices to share an external device and perform data transmission and reception without using a cable.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an external storage device having an infrared communication function according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an external storage device having a plurality of data processing devices having an infrared communication function. An apparatus, comprising: storage means for storing data; transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the data processing apparatus; and a request signal received by the transmitting / receiving means from the data processing apparatus is a data write request. Request determining means for determining whether the request is a read request, and when the request determining means determines that the request is a write request, the data transmitted from the data processing device is stored in the storage means, and the request is determined to be a read request. And control means for returning the data stored in the storage means via the transmission / reception means.

According to the present invention, the external storage device can transmit and receive data to and from the data processing device without using a cable.

[0011] The control means may include means for transmitting, via the transmission / reception means, a communication-in-progress signal indicating that communication is in progress at predetermined intervals while the transmission / reception means is communicating with one data processing device. Comprising.

According to the present invention, the external storage device can notify the data processing device that is not communicating that the communication is being performed. The external storage device can control data transmission / reception processing of the data processing device. Therefore, the external storage device can support a plurality of data processing devices.

A data processing device having an infrared communication function according to a second aspect of the present invention is a data processing device for communicating with an external storage device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein Means for responding and waiting for the start of communication.

According to the present invention, the data processing device can detect that the external storage device is communicating with another data processing device, and can control data transmission and reception.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus having an infrared communication function, a transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data using an external storage device and infrared rays, and a command for accessing the external storage device. Command issuing means for issuing a command, and after the command issuing means issues the command, measures a predetermined time, and after measuring the predetermined time, sends a request signal for requesting access to the external storage device via the transmitting / receiving means. Requesting means for transmitting, and whether or not the transmitting / receiving means has received a busy signal from the external storage device indicating that it is communicating with another data processing device while the requesting means is measuring a predetermined time. Determining means for determining whether or not, when the determining means determines that the transmitting and receiving means has received a signal during communication, the control means for further requesting the request means, further waiting for transmission of the request signal, Characterized in that it comprises.

According to the present invention, the data processing device is
It is possible to detect that the external storage device is communicating with another data processing device. Therefore, a plurality of data processing devices can share one external storage device.

The control means may further comprise means for causing the request means to measure a predetermined time when the determination means determines that the transmission / reception means has received the communicating signal.

When the determining means determines that the transmitting / receiving means has received the busy signal, the control means causes the request means to measure a predetermined time, and after the measurement, transmits the request signal to the external storage device. The apparatus may further include means for repeatedly performing the operation of performing the operation until the communication signal is no longer received during the measurement of the predetermined time.

A communication system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a communication system including at least two data processing devices and an external storage device commonly used by the data processing devices. The data processing device includes: a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives data to / from another device using infrared rays; an instruction issuing unit that issues an instruction for accessing the external storage device; and the instruction issuing unit issues an instruction. Thereafter, measure a predetermined time, during the measurement of the predetermined time, from the external storage device, determine whether or not the transmitting and receiving means has received a communicating signal indicating that it is communicating with another data processing device, A process of transmitting a request signal for requesting access to the external storage device via the transmission / reception means when it is determined that it has not been received, and measuring a predetermined time when it is determined that it has been received; Comprising a requesting means for re-executing, and
The external storage device is a memory, and performs communication using the infrared ray with the data processing device, a communication means for transmitting a communication signal during communication, in response to a request signal received by the communication means, Control means for storing data received by the communication means in the memory, and transmitting data read from the memory to the data processing device via the communication means.

According to the present invention, the data processing device is
It is possible to detect whether or not the external storage device is communicating with another data processing device, and to control transmission and reception of data. Therefore, a plurality of data processing devices can share one external storage device.

[0021]

Next, an infrared data processing device and an infrared interface storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The infrared data processing device is provided in a terminal device such as a personal computer. The infrared interface storage device is used by an external personal computer, and infrared is used to transmit and receive data between the infrared interface storage device and the infrared data processing device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the infrared interface storage device and the infrared data processing device.

The infrared data processing device 100 includes a control unit 1
10 and an infrared data transmission / reception unit 120.

The control unit 110 controls the infrared data processing device 1
In response to an instruction from a personal computer equipped with an external data processor 00, operations related to transmission and reception of infrared data performed in the infrared data processing apparatus 100 are controlled.

The infrared data transmission / reception section 120 transmits a write request signal (write request signal) for requesting data writing to the infrared interface storage device 200. Then, the infrared data transmitting / receiving unit 120 converts the data to be stored in the infrared interface storage device input from the personal computer into serial data, emits infrared light, and transmits the data to the infrared interface storage device 200. Further, the infrared data transmission / reception unit 120 transmits a data read request signal (read request signal) to read data from the infrared interface storage device 200. Then, the infrared data transmission / reception unit 120 receives the infrared data transmitted from the infrared interface storage device 200 in response to the transmitted read request signal, converts the infrared data into parallel data, and outputs the parallel data to the personal computer.

The infrared interface storage device 200 includes:
It comprises a control unit 210, an infrared data transmission / reception unit 220, and a data storage unit 230.

The control unit 210 controls operations performed in the infrared interface storage device 100. For more information,
This will be described in the following description of the infrared data transmission / reception processing.

The infrared data transmission / reception section 220 receives a data write request signal from the infrared data processing device 100 and receives write data. Then, the received data is converted from serial to parallel and output to the data storage unit 230. Further, the infrared data transmitting / receiving unit 220
Receives the read request signal transmitted from the infrared data processing apparatus 100, reads data from the data storage unit 230, and converts the data from parallel to serial. Then, the converted serial data is converted into an infrared signal and transmitted to the infrared data processing device 100.

The data storage unit 230 stores and holds parallel data input / output from the infrared data transmission / reception unit 220. Further, data storage section 230 outputs the stored data to infrared data transmission / reception section 220.

Next, the transmission and reception processing of infrared data performed by the infrared interface storage device 200 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 2 shows an infrared interface storage device 2.
10 is a flowchart illustrating an infrared data transmission / reception process performed by the data transmission unit 00.

First, the infrared data receiving section 220 receives the infrared data transmitted from the infrared data processing device 100 (Step 301).

The control unit 210 controls the infrared data processing device 1
00 is a data read request (R. read) of the data stored in the data storage unit 230 or a data write request to the data storage unit 230 (W.
Is determined (step 302).

When it is determined that the infrared data from the infrared data processor 100 is a read request (Step 302; Read), the control unit 210
And outputs a data read control signal to the terminal (step 303).
The data storage unit 230 outputs the stored parallel data to the infrared data transmission / reception unit 220 (step 30).
4).

The infrared data transmitting / receiving section 220 converts the parallel data from the data storage section 230 into serial data (Step 305).

The control unit 210 includes an infrared data transmitting / receiving unit 2
An infrared data transmission control signal is output to the terminal 20 (step 306).

The infrared data transmission / reception unit 220 includes the control unit 2
The control signal from the infrared data processing device 10
The serial data is transmitted as infrared data to "0" (step 307), and the infrared data transmission / reception processing ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the infrared data from the infrared data processing apparatus 100 is a write request (step 302; write), the control section 210 outputs an infrared data reception control signal to the infrared transmission / reception section 220 (step 302). Step 308).

The infrared data transmission / reception unit 220 includes the control unit 2
Infrared data is received in accordance with the control signal from 10 (step 309). And the infrared data transmitting / receiving unit 2
20 converts the received serial data into parallel data (step 310) and outputs the data to the data storage unit 230.

The control section 210 outputs a data write control signal to the data storage section 230 (step 311), and the data storage section 230 stores and holds the parallel data from the infrared data transmission / reception section 220 (step 312). ,
The infrared data transmission / reception process ends.

Further, a specific circuit configuration and functions of the infrared data processing device 100 and the infrared interface storage device 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 3 shows a specific circuit configuration of the infrared data processing device 100 and the infrared interface storage device 200.

First, the infrared data processing device 100 will be described.

The infrared data transmitting / receiving unit 120 includes an infrared module 121, a modulation circuit 122, and a demodulation circuit 123.
And a parallel / serial conversion circuit (PS) 124;
It comprises a serial / parallel conversion circuit (SP) 125, a transmission buffer 126, and a reception buffer 127.

The transmission buffer 126 temporarily stores data input from the personal computer, and
The instruction is output to the parallel / serial conversion circuit 124 according to the instruction of 0.

Parallel / serial conversion circuit (PS) 1
24 converts the data from the transmission buffer 126 from parallel to serial.

The modulation circuit 122 modulates the serial data converted by the parallel / serial conversion circuit 124 into infrared data and outputs the infrared data to the infrared module 121.

The infrared module 121 includes a light emitting diode, and emits infrared light according to the infrared data from the modulation circuit 122. In addition, the infrared module 121
It includes a photodiode and receives infrared data transmitted from the infrared interface storage device 200.

The demodulation circuit 123 includes the infrared module 12
1 demodulates the received infrared data into serial data and outputs the serial data to a serial / parallel conversion circuit 125.

Serial / parallel conversion circuit (SP) 1
25 converts the serial data from the demodulation circuit 123 into parallel data and outputs the parallel data to the reception buffer 127.

The reception buffer 127 temporarily stores the parallel data from the serial / parallel conversion circuit 125,
Output to a personal computer according to an instruction from the control unit 110.

The control unit 110 includes a transmission / reception control circuit 111
, A data control circuit 112, and a clock control circuit 113
It is composed of

The transmission / reception control circuit 111 controls data transmission / reception with the infrared data transmission / reception unit 200.

The data control circuit 112 controls input / output of data between the infrared data transmitting / receiving section 120 and the personal computer.

The clock control circuit 113 connects a clock line to the infrared data transmitting / receiving section 120 and a personal computer, and controls the operation of the infrared data transmitting / receiving section 120.

Next, the infrared interface storage device 20
0 will be described.

The infrared data transmitting / receiving section 220 has the same configuration as the infrared data transmitting / receiving section 120 of the infrared data processing apparatus 100.

The parallel / serial conversion circuit (P-
S) 224, modulation circuit 222, infrared module 22
1, demodulation circuit 223, serial / parallel conversion circuit (S
-P) 225 has the same function as the corresponding circuit of the infrared data transmitting / receiving unit 120.

The transmission buffer 226 temporarily stores data input from the data storage unit 230 according to an instruction from the control unit 210, and performs parallel / parallel storage according to an instruction from the control unit 210.
Output to the serial conversion circuit 224.

The reception buffer 227 outputs the parallel data from the serial / parallel conversion circuit 225 to the data storage unit 230 and the control unit 210.

The data storage unit 230 stores the data in the reception buffer 22.
7 is stored. In addition, the data storage unit 230 outputs the stored data to the transmission buffer 226 according to an instruction from the control unit 210.

The configuration of the control unit 210 is the same as the configuration of the control unit 110 of the infrared data processing device 100.

The transmission / reception control circuit 211 controls data transmission / reception between the infrared data processing device 100 and the infrared data transmitting / receiving unit 220.

The data control circuit 212 controls data input / output between the infrared data transmission / reception unit 220 and the data storage unit 230.

The clock control circuit 213 connects a clock line to the infrared data transmission / reception unit 220 and the data storage unit 230, and controls the operations of the infrared data transmission / reception unit 220 and the data storage unit 230.

Next, the circuit operation of the infrared data processing device 100 and the infrared interface storage device 200 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The operation performed in each device is controlled by a control unit provided in each device.

When the infrared data processing device 100 reads data stored in the infrared interface storage device 200.

The transmission / reception control circuit 111 of the infrared data processing apparatus 100 outputs a data read (read) request signal transmission instruction to the infrared module 121 according to an instruction from the personal computer.

The infrared module 121 transmits a data read request signal to the infrared interface storage device 200 according to an instruction from the transmission / reception control circuit 111.

The infrared data transmission / reception section 220 of the infrared interface storage device 200
Infrared data as a read request signal from 00 is received by the infrared module 221.

The demodulation circuit 223 includes the infrared module 22
1 demodulates the received infrared data into serial data and outputs the serial data to the serial / parallel conversion circuit 225.

The serial / parallel conversion circuit 225 converts the serial data from the demodulation circuit 223 into parallel data and outputs the parallel data to the reception buffer 227.

The reception buffer 227 temporarily stores the parallel data from the serial / parallel conversion circuit 225.

The transmission / reception control circuit 211 includes the reception buffer 2
27 from the data stored in the infrared data processing device 10.
A data read request from 0 is confirmed, and the confirmed information is output to the data control circuit 212 and the clock control circuit 213.

The data control circuit 212 and the clock control circuit 213 receive information from the transmission / reception control circuit 211 and
The data requested by the infrared data processing device 100 is output from the data storage unit 230 to the transmission buffer 226 as parallel data.

The transmission buffer 226 is provided in the data storage unit 23
The parallel data from 0 is output to the parallel / serial conversion circuit 224.

The parallel / serial conversion circuit 224 converts the parallel data from the transmission buffer 226 into serial data and outputs the serial data to the modulation circuit 222.

The modulation circuit 222 modulates the serial data from the parallel / serial conversion circuit 224 into infrared data and outputs the infrared data to the infrared module 221.

The infrared module 221 includes the modulation circuit 22
In accordance with the infrared data from 2, infrared light is emitted and the data is transmitted to the infrared data processing device 100.

The infrared data processing device 100 receives the infrared data from the infrared interface storage device 200 by the infrared module 121.

The demodulation circuit 123 is connected to the infrared module 12
1 demodulates the received infrared data into serial data and outputs the serial data to a serial / parallel conversion circuit 125.

The serial / parallel conversion circuit 125 changes the serial data from the demodulation circuit 123 into parallel data and outputs the parallel data to the reception buffer 127.

The reception buffer 127 temporarily stores the parallel data from the serial / parallel conversion circuit 125.

The transmission / reception control circuit 111 includes the reception buffer 1
It detects that data has been received from the infrared interface storage device 200 from the data stored in 27 and outputs the detected information to the data control circuit 112 and the clock control circuit 113.

The data control circuit 112 and the clock control circuit 113 receive information from the transmission / reception control circuit 111 and
The data stored in the reception buffer 127 is output to the personal computer, and the data read is completed.

On the other hand, when the infrared data processing device 100 writes data to the infrared interface storage device 200.

The transmission / reception control circuit 111 of the infrared data processing apparatus 100 outputs a data write request signal transmission instruction to the infrared module 121 according to an instruction from the personal computer.

The infrared module 121 transmits a data write request signal to the infrared interface storage device 200 according to an instruction from the transmission / reception control circuit 111.

The transmission buffer 126 temporarily stores data to be written into the infrared interface storage device 200 input from the personal computer, and outputs the data to the parallel / serial conversion circuit 124 according to an instruction from the transmission / reception control circuit 111.

The parallel / serial conversion circuit 124 converts the parallel data from the transmission buffer 126 into serial data, and outputs the serial data to the modulation circuit 122.

The modulation circuit 122 modulates the serial data from the parallel / serial conversion circuit 124 into infrared data and outputs the infrared data to the infrared module 121.

The infrared module 121 includes the modulation circuit 12
In accordance with the infrared data from 2, infrared light is emitted and the data is transmitted to the infrared interface storage device 200.

The infrared data transmission / reception section 220 of the infrared interface storage device 200
The process from receiving the write request signal from 00 and the data to be written to the data storage unit 230 by the infrared module 221 to temporarily storing the data in the reception buffer 227 is the same as the above-described data read.

The transmission / reception control circuit 211 includes the reception buffer 2
27 from the data stored in the infrared data processing device 10.
The data write request from 0 is confirmed, and the confirmed information is output to the data control circuit 212 and the clock control circuit 213.

The data control circuit 212 and the clock control circuit 213 receive information from the transmission / reception control circuit 211,
The data stored in the reception buffer 227 is output to and stored in the data storage unit 230, and the data write is completed.

As described above, the data is stored in the external storage device using infrared rays without connecting the personal computer and the external storage device with a cable, and the data stored in the external storage device is read. be able to.

Next, an infrared interface storage device and an infrared data processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The infrared interface storage device 200 according to the second embodiment is used by a plurality of personal computers 401, 402, 403, and 404 as shown in FIG. At this time, the plurality of personal computers can share the data stored in the infrared interface storage device 200 using the infrared light 410.

These personal computers are:
Each is provided with one infrared data processing device 100.

The infrared data processing device 100 and the infrared interface storage device 200 have the same configuration as that shown in the first embodiment.

However, the transmission / reception control circuit 111 of the infrared data processing apparatus 100 has a function of waiting for a certain period of time before transmitting a data read or data write request signal in addition to the function shown in the first embodiment. Having. Then, during the standby time, when a signal indicating that communication with another infrared data processing device is being received from the infrared interface storage device 200 is not received, a function of transmitting a request signal is provided.

On the other hand, the infrared interface storage device 20
The transmission / reception control circuit 211 receives a data write or data read request signal from the infrared data processing apparatus 100 in addition to the functions described in the first embodiment.
A function of returning a request confirmation signal indicating that the request signal has been received, and a function of transmitting a communication-in-progress signal indicating that communication with the infrared data processing apparatus 100 is in progress (for example, temporarily interrupting data transmission / reception). (However, the method of transmitting the signal during communication is arbitrary.) Further, it has a function of transmitting an end signal indicating that data write or data read has ended.

The meaning and function of these signals will be described later in the description of operation.

FIG. 5 shows an infrared interface storage device 2.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of infrared data transmission / reception processing performed in 00.

First, the infrared data receiving section 220 receives infrared data from the infrared data processing device 100 (step 501).

The control unit 210 controls the infrared data processing device 1
Whether the infrared data from 00 is a request to read data stored in the data storage unit 230,
It is determined whether the request is a request to write data into the data storage unit 230 (step 502).

If it is determined that the infrared data from the infrared data processor 100 is a read request (step 502; read), the control unit 210
A request acknowledgment signal indicating that the data read request has been confirmed is transmitted to the infrared data processing apparatus 100 that has transmitted the data read request using the step S21.
3).

Then, the control unit 210 controls the data storage unit 23
0 to output a data read control signal (step 50).
4), the data storage unit 230 outputs the stored parallel data to the infrared data transmission / reception unit 220 (Step 505).

The infrared data transmitting / receiving section 220 converts the parallel data from the data storage section 230 into serial data (step 506).

The control unit 210 includes the infrared data transmitting / receiving unit 2
An infrared data transmission control signal is output to the terminal 20 (step 507).

The infrared data transmission / reception section 220 includes the control section 2
The control signal from the infrared data processing device 10
Then, the serial data is transmitted as infrared data to 0 (step 508).

After the transmission of the infrared data is completed, control unit 210 transmits a data read end signal indicating that the data transmission is completed to infrared data processing apparatus 100 (step 509), and performs the infrared data transmission / reception processing. finish.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the infrared data from the infrared data processing apparatus 100 is a write request (step 502; write), the control unit 210 transmits a data write request using the infrared module 221. A request confirmation signal indicating that the data write request has been confirmed is sent to the infrared data processor 100 (step 510).

Then, the control section 210 controls the infrared transmitting / receiving section 2
20 to output an infrared data reception control signal (step 5).
11), the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 220 receives the infrared data according to the control signal from the control unit 210 (step 5).
12).

The infrared transmitting / receiving section 220 converts the received serial data into parallel data (step 51).
3) Output to the data storage unit 230.

The control section 210 issues a data write control signal to the data storage section 230 (step 514), and the data storage section 230 stores and holds the parallel data from the infrared data transmission / reception section 220 (step 515).

After the storage of the parallel data is completed, the control section 210 transmits a data write end signal indicating that the data writing has been completed to the infrared data processing apparatus 100 (step 516), and executes the infrared data transmission / reception processing. finish.

Note that the infrared interface storage device 20
In order to prevent data from being transmitted from a plurality of infrared data processing devices at the same time, 0 indicates a communication signal indicating that communication is in progress when communicating with a certain infrared data processing device. Send at regular intervals. Then, the infrared data processing device controls transmission of the request signal and the data based on the communication signal.

The following describes the infrared interface storage device 2
The transmission and reception of a signal during communication between 00 and a plurality of personal computers and the role thereof will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing data read request processing performed by infrared data processing apparatus 100.

When the data read request processing is started, the infrared data processing apparatus 100 waits for a certain period of time, and determines whether or not to receive a communication signal from the infrared interface storage device 200 (step 601).

When it is determined that a communication signal has been received from infrared interface storage device 200 (step 60).
1; YES), and waits for a certain period of time continuously to determine whether or not to receive a communicating signal.

When no communication signal is received from the infrared interface storage device 200 (step 601;
NO), a data read request signal is transmitted to the infrared interface storage device 200 (step 602).

Thereafter, the infrared interface storage device 2
By the time the request confirmation signal from 00 is received, it is determined whether or not the in-communication signal is received (step 603).

If it is determined that the communication-in-progress signal has been received before receiving the request confirmation signal (step 603; YE
S), and return to step 601.

The communication-in-progress signal is not received (step 603;
NO), upon receiving a request confirmation signal from the infrared interface storage device 200 (step 604), subsequently receiving data from the infrared interface storage device 100 (step 605).

The infrared interface storage device 2
00 is received (step 6)
06), the data read request process ends.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a data write request process performed by the infrared data processing device 100.

Upon starting the data write request process, the infrared data processing apparatus 100 waits for a certain period of time, and determines whether or not to receive a busy signal from the infrared interface storage device 200 (step 701).

If it is determined that a communication signal has been received from the infrared interface storage device 200 (step 70)
1; YES), and waits for a certain period of time continuously to determine whether or not to receive a communicating signal.

If it is determined that no communication signal has been received from the infrared interface storage device 200 (step 701; NO), the infrared interface storage device 20
0, a data write request signal is sent (step 70).
2).

After that, the infrared interface storage device 2
By the time the request confirmation signal from 00 is received, it is determined whether or not the in-communication signal is received (step 703).

If it is determined that the communication-in-progress signal has been received before receiving the request confirmation signal (step 703; YE
S), and return to step 701.

No communication signal is received (step 703;
When the request confirmation signal is received from the infrared interface storage device 200 (step 704), the data is transmitted to the infrared interface storage device 200 (step 705).

The infrared interface storage device 2
00 is received (step 7).
06), the data write request process ends.

Next, transmission and reception of data between a plurality of personal computers and the infrared interface storage device 200 will be described along the flow of time. However, each of these personal computers has one infrared data processing device 100.

FIG. 8 shows a personal computer (PC).
(N)) starts the data read request processing, and after a certain time has elapsed, the personal computer (PC (n)
+1)) shows a communication procedure when the data write request process is started. The arrow 800 in the figure indicates the direction in which time flows.

First, the PC (n) executes a data read request process for the infrared interface storage device 200.

PC (n) waits for a certain period of time, and if it does not receive a communication-in-progress signal from infrared interface storage device 200 within this time, transmits a data read request signal to infrared interface storage device 200.

The infrared interface storage device 200
Upon receiving a data read request signal from the PC (n), the infrared data transmission / reception process is started. Until this process is completed, the infrared interface storage device 200 transmits to the personal computer other than the PC (n) at regular intervals a communication signal indicating that the communication is being performed with the PC (n). . In addition, the infrared interface storage device 200 transmits a request confirmation signal to PC (n).

Thereafter, the infrared interface storage device 2
00 reads the read data according to the request of PC (n).
(N).

The infrared interface storage device 2
00 transmits a data read end signal indicating that the transmission of the read data has ended to the PC (n).

PC (n) receives the data read end signal from infrared interface storage device 200, and ends the data read request process.

On the other hand, since the PC (n + 1) receives the in-communication signal from the infrared interface storage device 200 while waiting for a certain time after starting the data write request processing, the PC (n + 1) continuously waits for a certain time. I do.

If PC (n + 1) does not receive this communication signal during standby, it transmits a data write request signal to the infrared interface storage device.

The infrared interface storage device 200
Upon receiving a data write request signal from the PC (n + 1), the infrared data transmission / reception processing is started. Until this process is completed, the infrared interface storage device 200 transmits to the personal computer other than the PC (n + 1) at a certain interval a communication signal indicating that communication is being performed with the PC (n + 1). . Further, the infrared interface storage device 200 transmits a request confirmation signal to PC (n + 1).

Upon receiving the request confirmation signal from the infrared interface storage device 200, the PC (n + 1) returns data (write data) to be written to the infrared interface storage device 200.

The infrared interface storage device 200
The write data from PC (n + 1) is stored and held, and a data write end signal indicating that the data storage and holding has been completed is transmitted to PC (n + 1).

PC (n + 1) receives this data write end signal, and ends the data write request processing.

Next, a communication procedure in the case where PC (n + 1) starts data write request processing immediately after PC (n) starts data read request processing will be described with reference to FIG. The arrow 800 in the figure indicates the direction in which time flows.

First, PC (n) starts data read request processing, and immediately thereafter, PC (n + 1) starts data write request processing.

When the PC (n) waits for a certain period of time and does not receive the in-communication signal from the infrared interface storage device 200,
To send a data read request signal.

The PC (n + 1) also waits for a certain period of time and does not receive the in-communication signal from the infrared interface storage device 200, and thus transmits a data write request signal to the infrared interface storage device 200.

The infrared interface storage device 200
Since the request signal from PC (n) is received before the request signal from PC (n + 1), a request confirmation signal is transmitted to PC (n), and PC (n) is transmitted to other personal computers. A communicating signal indicating that communication is in progress is transmitted.

Therefore, PC (n + 1) receives the busy signal after transmitting the data write request signal.
If the communication standby signal is not received during the standby for a certain period of time again, the data write request signal is transmitted to the infrared interface storage device 200 again.

The communication procedure after PC (n) receives the request confirmation signal is the same as the procedure described with reference to FIG.

The communication procedure after transmitting the data write request signal of PC (n + 1) is the same as the procedure described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the transmission of the request signal and the data of the personal computer is controlled by the infrared interface storage device 200 transmitting the busy signal at regular intervals. Therefore, an external storage device can be shared by a plurality of data processing devices.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the computer that issues a read or write instruction (access instruction) and the infrared data processing device are separate entities, but they may be integrated.

When the computer stores data in the infrared interface storage device, a file name, a directory name, and the like may be set.
In this case, the infrared interface storage device assigns a file name and a directory name and stores the data in the data storage unit 23.
Store to 0. Further, in response to a read request accompanied by a file name or the like from the infrared data processing device 100, the data with the corresponding file name is stored in the data storage unit 230.
Read from

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, infrared is used for communication between the infrared data processing device 100 and the infrared interface storage device 200. May be used.

In addition, the infrared interface storage device 20
0 may be reduced in size and made portable so that a plurality of infrared data processing devices 100 at remote locations can perform data writing and reading operations. However, in this case, the infrared interface storage device 200 includes a battery serving as a power supply.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the external storage device described above, and can be applied to a case where a plurality of data processing devices share one external device, for example, a printer, a facsimile device, or the like. .

[0166]

As described above, when a plurality of data processing devices share one external storage device, it is determined that one data processing device is communicating with the external storage device and the other data processing device is communicating with the external storage device. The device can detect. Accordingly, it becomes possible for a plurality of data processing devices to transmit and receive data to and from the external storage device without using a cable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main configuration of an infrared data processing device and an infrared interface storage device.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an infrared data transmission / reception process performed by the infrared interface storage device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of an infrared data processing device and an infrared interface storage device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of personal computers share an infrared interface storage device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating infrared data transmission / reception processing performed by the infrared interface storage device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a data read request process performed by the infrared data processing device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a data write request process performed by the infrared data processing device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when the personal computer PC (n + 1) starts data write request processing after a certain time has elapsed after the PC (n) started data read request processing. .

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a communication procedure when PC (n + 1) starts data write request processing immediately after PC (n) starts data read request processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a connection example between a conventional data processing device and an external device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 infrared data processing device 110 control unit 111 transmission / reception control circuit 112 data control circuit 113 clock control circuit 120 infrared data transmission / reception unit 121 infrared module 122 modulation circuit 123 demodulation circuit 124 parallel / serial conversion circuit (PS) 125 serial / parallel conversion Circuit (S-P) 126 Transmission buffer 127 Reception buffer 200 Infrared interface storage device 210 Control unit 211 Transmission / reception control circuit 212 Data control circuit 213 Clock control circuit 220 Infrared data transmission / reception unit 221 Infrared module 222 Modulation circuit 223 Demodulation circuit 224 Parallel / serial Conversion circuit (PS) 225 Serial / parallel conversion circuit (SP) 226 Transmission buffer 227 Receiving buffer 230 Data storage unit 401 Personal computer Null computer 402 Personal computer 403 Personal computer 404 Personal computer 410 Infrared data 800 Arrow indicating the direction of progress 900 Data processing device (personal computer) 901 Interface board 902 Cable 903 External storage device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04J 14/02 H04L 13/00 309Z H04L 29/10

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An external storage device for a plurality of data processing devices having an infrared communication function, comprising: storage means for storing data; transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the data processing device; Request determining means for determining whether the request signal received from the data processing device is a data write request or a data read request; and if the request determining means determines that the request is a write request, Control means for storing the data transmitted from the device in the storage means and, when it is determined that the request is a read request, returning the data stored in the storage means via the transmission / reception means. An external storage device having a characteristic infrared communication function. 2. The control means transmits a communication signal indicating that communication is in progress via the transmission / reception means at a predetermined interval while the transmission / reception means is communicating with one data processing device. 2. The external storage device having an infrared communication function according to claim 1, further comprising means. 3. A data processing device for communicating with an external storage device according to claim 2, wherein the data processing device responds to the communication-in-progress signal,
A data processing device having an infrared communication function, comprising: means for waiting for the start of communication. 4. A transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external storage device using infrared rays; an instruction issuing means for issuing an instruction for accessing the external storage device; and wherein the instruction issuing means issues an instruction. After that, a predetermined time is measured, and after the predetermined time is measured, a request signal requesting access is
Request means for transmitting to the external storage device via the transmission / reception means; and indicating that the external storage device is communicating with another data processing device while the request means is measuring a predetermined time. Determining means for determining whether the transmitting / receiving signal has been received by the transmitting / receiving means, and transmitting the request signal to the requesting means when the determining means determines that the transmitting / receiving means has received the communicating signal. A data processing apparatus having an infrared communication function, further comprising: a control unit for making the apparatus stand by. 5. The control means further comprises means for causing the requesting means to measure a predetermined time when the determining means determines that the transmitting / receiving means has received the busy signal. 5. The data processing device having an infrared communication function according to 4. 6. The control means causes the request means to measure a predetermined time when the determination means determines that the transmission / reception means has received the communicating signal, and after the measurement, the request signal is transmitted to the external storage device. 6. The data having an infrared communication function according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: means for repeatedly executing the operation of transmitting the data during the measurement of the predetermined time until the communication signal is no longer received. Processing equipment. 7. A communication system comprising at least two data processing devices and an external storage device commonly used by said data processing devices, wherein each data processing device communicates infrared rays with another device. Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data by using the instruction issuing means for issuing an instruction for accessing the external storage device; measuring a predetermined time after the instruction issuing means issues the instruction; In the meantime, from the external storage device, it is determined whether or not the transmitting and receiving means has received a communication signal indicating that the device is communicating with another data processing device. A request signal requesting
Transmitting to the external storage device via the transmitting / receiving means,
Requesting means for re-executing a process for measuring a predetermined time when it is determined that the data has been received, wherein the external storage device communicates with the memory and the data processing device using infrared rays, and Communication means for transmitting a communication signal during communication, in response to the request signal received by the communication means, storing the data received by the communication means in the memory, and
Control means for transmitting data read from said memory to said data processing device via said communication means.