JP3857598B2 - Data transfer method, device control module using the data transfer method, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention uses a data transfer method and the data transfer methodDeBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device control module and an image forming apparatus.DeThe present invention relates to a vice control module and an image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there has been known an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a multifunction peripheral) in which the functions of each apparatus such as a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner are housed in one casing. This multi-function apparatus is provided with a display unit, a printing unit, an imaging unit, and the like in one casing, and four types of software corresponding to a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner, respectively. Operates as a copy, facsimile and scanner.
[0003]
Such a compound machine receives a packet from a computer connected via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) and performs processing related to image formation. USB transfer methods include bulk-out transfer, bulk-in transfer, control transfer, isochronous transfer, and interrupt transfer.
[0004]
In USB bulk-out transfer, data to be transferred from a computer as a host to a multi-function peripheral as a peripheral device is divided into maximum packet sizes and transferred. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of USB bulk-out transfer. FIG. 9A shows an example of bulk-out transfer in the full speed mode. FIG. 9B shows an example of high-speed mode bulk-out transfer.
[0005]
In USB bulk-out transfer, data transferred from a computer to a multi-function device is divided into packets having a maximum packet size (64 bytes, 512 bytes) and transferred. Therefore, if the data transferred from the computer to the multi-function peripheral is an integer multiple of the maximum packet size, the last packet is a packet with the maximum packet size. If the data transferred from the computer to the multi-function device is not an integral multiple of the maximum packet size, the last packet is a short packet less than the maximum packet size.
[0006]
The multi-function apparatus sequentially stores received packets in an area called a block on the memory (hereinafter simply referred to as a block). The multi-function device generates an interrupt when it receives data that satisfies one block or when it receives a short packet, and the data received in an area called a descriptor (hereinafter simply referred to as a descriptor) in the memory. By writing back the information, it was possible to access the received data by software.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the receiving-side multi-function device generates an interrupt when receiving data satisfying one block or when receiving a short packet. Therefore, even if the multi-function device does not satisfy one block and receives the packet with the maximum packet size last, it cannot identify the end of the data and does not generate an interrupt. As a result, the multi-function device cannot write back the received data information to the descriptor even if the packet of the maximum packet size is received last without satisfying one block, and the software accesses the received data. There was a problem that could not.
[0008]
Therefore, the sending computer needs to identify the end of the data by continuously transferring the 0-byte NULL packet when the last packet has the maximum packet size, but does not transfer the NULL packet. There was also a problem.
[0009]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a packet data transfer method and a data transfer method thereof that can accurately and quickly identify the end of data transferred from a transmission side to a reception side. UseDeIt is an object to provide a vice control module and an image forming apparatus.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to receiving a packet divided into a maximum packet size or less from an external computer and storing it in a memory, and the packet stored in the memory is a predetermined data A data transfer method for an image forming apparatus that enables software access to data stored in the memory when the amount of data is stored or when a packet smaller than the maximum packet size is stored in the memory, Monitoring the packet stored in the memory, and if the result of the monitoring is that the packet storage in the memory has not been stored for a predetermined time, it is determined that the storage of the data in the memory is completed, and the data stored in the memory An access phase that allows software access toThe monitoring step includes: a first monitoring step for monitoring whether a packet is stored in the memory at every first monitoring time; and if the result of the monitoring is that a packet is stored in the memory A second monitoring stage for monitoring the storage of packets in the memory every second monitoring time shorter than the first monitoring time;It is characterized by having.
[0011]
In such a data transfer method, the packet stored in the memory is monitored, and it is determined that the storage in the memory is completed when the packet has not been stored in the memory for a predetermined time. Therefore, even if the transferred data is an integral multiple of the maximum packet size and the last packet is the maximum packet size, the end of the data can be accurately identified.
[0013]
  Also,In such a data transfer method, after confirming that a packet is stored in the memory, by monitoring the storage of the packet in the memory every second monitoring time shorter than the first monitoring time, The end of data can be quickly identified even if the packet is the maximum packet size.
[0014]
  Claims2In the invention according to the first aspect, the first monitoring step acquires a data amount of the packet stored in the memory from a register provided in a packet input unit of the image forming apparatus, and the memory according to the acquired data amount. Is stored at every first monitoring time, and the second monitoring step obtains the data amount of the packet stored in the memory from the register at each second monitoring time. The storage of the packet in the memory is monitored according to the change in the acquired data amount.
[0015]
In such a data transfer method, since the data amount of the packet stored in the memory can be acquired from a register provided in the packet input means, the storage of the packet in the memory can be monitored according to the change in the acquired data amount.
[0016]
  Claims3In the invention according to the present invention, the access step includes a determination step for determining that the storage of data in the memory is completed if the packet has not been stored in the memory for a predetermined time, and the result of the determination is stored in the memory And storing the packet information for enabling access to the data by software in the memory.
[0017]
In such a data transfer method, if there is no packet stored in the memory for a predetermined time, it is determined that the data storage in the memory is completed, and the data stored in the memory can be accessed by software. it can.
[0018]
  Claims4According to the invention, the packet input means includes a device control element and an interface control element.
[0019]
In such a data transfer method, the packet input means can be composed of a device control element and an interface control element.
[0020]
  Claims5According to the invention, the device control element is a USB device control element, and the interface control element is an interface control element between a USB and a PCI bus.
[0021]
In such a data transfer method, the device control element can be constituted by a USB device control element, and the interface control element can be constituted by an interface control element between the USB and the PCI bus.
[0022]
  Claims6According to the invention, the packet information includes an address on a memory in which the data is stored and a data amount of the data stored in the memory.
[0023]
In such a data transfer method, packet information can be constituted by an address on a memory where data is stored and a data amount of the data stored in the memory.
[0030]
  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, a claim7The invention according toA packet divided into the maximum packet size or less is received from an external computer and stored in the memory, and when the packet stored in the memory reaches a predetermined amount of data or a packet smaller than the maximum packet size is stored in the memory. A device control module of an image forming apparatus that enables software access to data stored in the memory when the data is stored, a monitoring unit that monitors packets stored in the memory, and a result of the monitoring, Determining that the storage of data in the memory has been completed if the packet has not been stored in the memory for a predetermined time, and having access means for enabling access to the data stored in the memory by software, and The monitoring means monitors whether a packet is stored in the memory at every first monitoring time. A second monitoring unit that monitors storage of the packet in the memory every second monitoring time shorter than the first monitoring time if a packet is stored in the memory as a result of the monitoring; And monitoring means.
[0031]
In such a device control module, the packet stored in the memory is monitored, and it is determined that the storage in the memory is completed when the packet is not stored in the memory for a predetermined time. Therefore, even if the transferred data is an integral multiple of the maximum packet size and the last packet is the maximum packet size, the end of the data can be accurately identified.
[0033]
  Also,In such a device control module, after confirming that the packet is stored in the memory, the storage of the packet in the memory is monitored at every second monitoring time shorter than the first monitoring time. The end of data can be quickly identified even if the packet is the maximum packet size.
[0034]
  Claims8In the invention according to the first aspect, the first monitoring unit obtains the data amount of the packet stored in the memory from a register provided in the packet input unit of the image forming apparatus, and the memory according to the obtained data amount. The second monitoring means obtains the data amount of the packet stored in the memory from the register for each second monitoring time. The storage of the packet in the memory is monitored according to the change in the acquired data amount.
[0035]
In such a device control module, since the data amount of the packet stored in the memory can be acquired from a register provided in the packet input means, the storage of the packet in the memory can be monitored according to the change in the acquired data amount.
[0036]
  Claims9According to the invention, the access means determines that the storage of the data in the memory is completed if the packet has not been stored in the memory for a predetermined time, and the result of the determination stores the data in the memory. And storing means for storing packet information for enabling access to data by software in the memory.
[0037]
In such a device control module, the access means can be composed of a determination means and a storage means.
[0038]
  Claims10According to the invention, the device control module is a USB device driver.
[0039]
In such a device control module, the device control module can be configured by a USB device driver.
[0040]
  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, a claim11The invention according toImage processing hardware including at least one of a printer unit and a scanner unit, one or more image processing applications for performing image processing using the image processing hardware, an operating system, and operating on the operating system, An image forming apparatus having a program that is accessed and commonly used by the one or more image processing applications, the memory storing a packet divided into a maximum packet size received from an external computer; The packet stored in the memory is monitored, and when the packet stored in the memory reaches a predetermined amount of data, a packet less than the maximum packet size is stored in the memory, or the packet is stored in the memory. When there is no predetermined time, data to the memory A device control module that enables software to access data stored in the memory, and the device control module determines whether a packet is stored in the memory. Monitoring is performed every monitoring time, and if a packet is stored in the memory, storage of the packet in the memory is monitored every second monitoring time shorter than the first monitoring time.
[0041]
  In such an image forming apparatus, the packet stored in the memory is monitored, and it is determined that the storage in the memory is completed when the packet is not stored in the memory for a predetermined time. Therefore, even if the transferred data is an integral multiple of the maximum packet size and the last packet is the maximum packet size, the end of the data can be accurately identified.
  Further, in such an image forming apparatus, after confirming that the packet is stored in the memory, by monitoring the storage of the packet in the memory every second monitoring time shorter than the first monitoring time, Even if the last packet is the maximum packet size, the end of the data can be quickly identified.
[0042]
  Claims12The invention according to the present invention is characterized by further comprising transfer means for transferring a packet received from an external computer to a memory and storing the data amount of the packet transferred to the memory.
[0043]
In such an image forming apparatus, since the data amount of the packet transferred to the memory can be stored, the transfer of the packet to the memory can be monitored according to a change in the stored data amount.
[0044]
  Claims13According to the invention, the transfer means includes a transfer control unit that controls DMA transfer, and a register that stores a data amount of a packet transferred to the memory.
[0045]
In such an image forming apparatus, the transfer unit can be configured by a transfer control unit and a register.
[0048]
  Claims14In the invention according to the first monitoring time, the device control module acquires a data amount of the packet stored in the memory from the register, and determines whether the packet is stored in the memory according to the acquired data amount. If the packet is stored in the memory, the data amount of the packet stored in the memory is acquired from the register every second monitoring time, and the change in the acquired data amount is obtained. The storage of the packet in the memory is monitored.
[0049]
In such an image forming apparatus, since the data amount of the packet transferred to the memory can be acquired from the register, the transfer of the packet to the memory can be monitored according to the change in the acquired data amount.
[0050]
  Claims15The device control module determines that the storage of data in the memory is completed if the packet has not been stored in the memory for a predetermined period of time, and accesses the data stored in the memory by software. Packet information for enabling is stored in the memory.
[0051]
In such an image forming apparatus, it may be determined that storage of data in the memory is completed if the packet has not been stored in the memory for a predetermined time, and the data stored in the memory can be accessed by software. it can.
[0052]
  Claims16According to the invention, the packet information includes an address on a memory in which the data is stored and a data amount of the data stored in the memory.
[0053]
In such an image forming apparatus, packet information can be constituted by an address on a memory in which data is stored and a data amount of data stored in the memory.
[0054]
  Claims17According to the invention, the device control module is a USB device driver.
[0055]
In such an image forming apparatus, the device control module can be configured by a USB device driver.
[0056]
  Claims18The invention according to the invention is characterized in that the device control module performs the processing by calling a function in which processing content is described.
[0057]
In such an image forming apparatus, the device control module can perform processing by calling a function.
[0058]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0059]
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a compound machine according to the present invention. The compound machine 1 is configured to include a monochrome line printer 11, a color line printer 12, a hardware resource 13 such as a scanner or a facsimile, a software group 20, and a compound machine starting unit 50. The software group 20 is configured to have an application 30 and a platform 40.
[0060]
The platform 40 interprets a processing request from the application 30 and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, and a system resource that manages one or more hardware resources and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service A manager (hereinafter referred to as SRM) 43 and an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) 41 are configured.
[0061]
The control service includes a system control service (hereinafter referred to as SCS) 42, an engine control service (hereinafter referred to as ECS) 44, a memory control service (hereinafter referred to as MCS) 45, an operation panel control service (hereinafter referred to as OCS) 46, and a fax. It is configured to have one or more service modules such as a control service (hereinafter referred to as FCS) 47 and a network control service (hereinafter referred to as NCS) 48.
[0062]
The platform 40 is configured to have an application program interface (hereinafter referred to as API) that can receive a processing request from the application 30 using a predefined function.
[0063]
The OS 41 is an operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 40 and the application 30 in parallel as processes.
[0064]
The process of the SRM 43 performs system control and resource management together with the SCS 42. For example, the process of the SRM 43 is a host that uses hardware resources of an engine such as a scanner unit and a printer unit, a memory, a hard disk device (HDD) file, and a host I / O (centro interface, network interface, IEEE 1394 interface, RS232C interface, etc.). Arbitration is performed according to the request from the layer, and execution control is performed.
[0065]
Specifically, the SRM 43 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource can be used. Notify the higher layer. Further, the SRM 43 performs use scheduling of hardware resources in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly executes requested contents such as paper conveyance and image forming operation, memory allocation, file generation, etc. by a printer engine.
[0066]
The process of the SCS 42 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, and interrupt application control. The process of the ECS 44 controls the engine of the monochrome line printer 11, the color line printer 12, and the hardware resource 13.
[0067]
The MCS 45 process acquires and releases image memory, uses a hard disk drive (HDD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like. The process of the OCS 46 controls an operation panel serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control.
[0068]
The FCS 47 process includes facsimile transmission / reception using the PSTN or ISDN network from each application layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. Provide an application to do.
[0069]
The NCS 48 process provides a service that can be used in common for applications that require network I / O. Data received from each network from the network side is distributed to each application, and data from the application is distributed. Mediates when sending to the network side.
[0070]
The application 30 performs processing specific to each user service related to image forming processing such as a printer, copy, facsimile, and scanner. The application 30 includes a printer application 31 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL, PCL) and a postscript (PS), a copy application 32 that is a copy application, and a fax application 33 that is a facsimile application. , A scanner application 34 that is a scanner application, a net file application 35 that is a network file application, and a process inspection application 36 that is a process inspection application.
[0071]
The multi-function apparatus activation unit 50 is executed first when the multi-function apparatus 1 is powered on, and activates the application 30 and the platform 40. For example, the multi-function apparatus activation unit 50 reads the control service or application program from the flash memory, and transfers each read program to a memory area secured on the SRAM or SDRAM to activate it.
[0072]
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of the compound machine according to the present invention. 2 is configured to include a controller board 60, an operation panel 70, a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as FCU) 80, a USB device 90, an IEEE 1394 device 100, and an engine unit 110. The
[0073]
The operation panel 70 is directly connected to the ASIC 62 of the controller board 60. Further, the FCU 80, the USB device 90, the IEEE 1394 device 100, and the engine unit 110 are connected to the ASIC 62 of the controller board 60 through a PCI bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect bus) or the like.
[0074]
The controller board 60 includes a CPU 61, an ASIC 62, an SRAM (Static RAM) 63, an SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) 64, a flash memory 65, and an HDD 66. The controller board 60 is configured to connect the CPU 61, SRAM 63, SDRAM 64, flash memory 65, HDD 66 and the like to the ASIC 62.
[0075]
The CPU 61 performs overall control of the compound machine 1. The CPU 61 starts and executes the SCS 42, SRM 43, ECS 44, MCS 45, OCS 46, FCS 47, and NCS 48 that form the platform 40 on the OS 41 as processes, and the printer application 31, the copy application 32, and the fax application that form the application 30. 33, the scanner application 34, the net file application 35, and the process inspection application 36 are activated and executed.
[0076]
The ASIC 62 is an IC for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing. The SRAM 63 and the SDRAM 64 constitute a memory in the present invention. Virtual memory areas such as kernels and processes are mapped to the physical memory areas of the SRAM 63 and the SDRAM 64.
[0077]
The flash memory 65 stores each application, the control service, and each program such as the SRM 43 constituting the application 30 or the platform 40. The HDD 66 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. The operation panel 70 is an operation unit that accepts an input operation from an operator and performs display for the operator.
[0078]
Such a compound machine 1 receives data from a computer as a host connected via, for example, a USB and performs processing related to image formation. Hereinafter, an example in which data is transferred from the computer connected via USB to the multi-function apparatus 1 will be described. For example, USB bulk-out transfer is used for data transfer from the computer to the MFP 1. USB bulk-out transfer transfers data divided into packets by repeating a token phase, a data phase, and a handshake phase.
[0079]
Here, processing of the multi-function apparatus 1 when a packet is received by USB bulk-out transfer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the data reception process.
[0080]
The USB device control unit 91 receives the packet divided into the maximum packet size and transmits the received packet to the serial interface engine 93 of the USB-PCI interface control unit 92. The serial interface engine 93 stores the received packet in the reception buffer 94.
[0081]
When transmitting data to a computer connected via USB, the serial interface engine 93 receives the packet stored in the transmission buffer 95 and transmits it to the computer.
[0082]
A direct memory access controller (hereinafter referred to as DMAC) 97 provided in the PCI interface 96 receives a packet stored in the reception buffer 94, and receives the received packet as one on the SDRAM 64 via the PCI bus and the ASIC 62. The data is stored in the block 120 described above. A transfer data count register 98 provided in the PCI interface 96 counts the data amount of packets transferred to the PCI bus via the PCI interface 96.
[0083]
For example, the transfer data count register 98 updates the data amount of the packet transferred to the PCI bus via the PCI interface 96 every time the packet is transferred to the PCI bus. When data satisfying one block 120 is received or when a short packet is received, an interrupt is generated, and the USB device driver in the kernel writes back the received data information to one or more descriptors 121 on the SDRAM 64. The received data information includes, for example, the amount of data stored in one block 120 and the address where the data is stored. Note that the block 120 and the descriptor 121 have a one-to-one correspondence.
[0084]
When the information of the received data is written back to the descriptor 121, the data stored in the block 120 can be accessed by software. When the received data information is written back to the descriptor 121, the count of the transfer data count register 98 is cleared. That is, the transfer data count register 98 counts the data amount of data stored in one block.
[0085]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, if the data transferred from the computer to the MFP 1 is an integer multiple of the maximum packet size, the last packet is a packet with the maximum packet size. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a packet with the maximum packet size is received last.
[0086]
For example, when transferring 640 bytes of data from the computer to the MFP 1 using USB bulk-out transfer, the computer divides the 640 bytes of data into 64 bytes of the maximum packet size and generates 10 packets. . In this case, data transferred from the computer to the MFP 1 is an integral multiple of the maximum packet size of 64 bytes, and the last packet is a packet of the maximum packet size (64 bytes). The generated packets are transferred from the computer to the multi-function device 1 one packet at a time.
[0087]
The multi-function device 1 sequentially stores the received packets in one block 120 of the SDRAM 64. Here, description will be made assuming that the block 120 has an area of 4 kbytes. By the way, an interrupt occurs when data satisfying one block 120 is received or when a short packet is received.
[0088]
In other words, no interruption occurs even if the packet having the maximum packet size is received last without satisfying one block 120. In the case of FIG. 4, since the packet of the maximum packet size is received lastly in a state where one block 120 is not satisfied, no interruption occurs and the end of data cannot be identified.
[0089]
Therefore, in the multi-function apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the USB device driver in the kernel performs the processing as shown in FIG. 5 so that the packet of the maximum packet size is finally received without satisfying one block 120. Make it possible to identify the end of the data.
[0090]
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an example of timeout processing in bulk-out transfer. In FIG. 5, in step S10, the USB device driver initializes a monitoring time interval and a timeout time. For example, the monitoring time interval is set to 100 ms and the timeout time is set to 500 ms. Further, the process of step S10 is performed when the multi-function apparatus 1 is activated.
[0091]
Progressing to step S11 following step S10, the USB device driver starts a timer. Progressing to step S12 following step S11, the USB device driver refers to the timer activated in step S11 to determine whether or not the monitoring time has come.
[0092]
If it is determined that it is not the monitoring time (NO in S12), the USB device driver repeats the process in step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the monitoring time is reached (YES in S12), the USB device driver proceeds to step S13, and reads the count value of the transfer data count register 98 as a monitoring target. That is, the USB device driver reads the data amount of the packet transferred to the PCI bus via the PCI interface 96.
[0093]
Progressing to step S14 following step S13, the USB device driver determines whether or not the count value of the transfer data count register 98 has changed as a monitoring target. That is, the USB device driver determines whether or not packet transfer to one block 120 has started.
[0094]
If it is determined that the count value of the transfer data count register 98 has not changed (NO in S14), the USB device driver proceeds to step S12 and repeats the processes of steps S12 to S14. On the other hand, when it is determined that the count value of transfer data count register 98 has changed (YES in S14), the USB device driver proceeds to step S15.
[0095]
In step S15, the USB device driver resets the monitoring time interval and the timeout time. It is assumed that the monitoring time interval set in step S15 is shorter than the monitoring time set in step S10. The reason for this is to quickly identify the end of the data by shortening the monitoring time interval. For example, when the monitoring time interval set in step S10 is 100 ms, the monitoring time interval is set to 10 ms in step S15.
[0096]
Progressing to step S16 following step S15, the USB device driver refers to the timer activated in step S11 to determine whether or not the monitoring time has come. If it is determined that the monitoring time has not come (NO in S16), the USB device driver repeats the process of step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined that the monitoring time is reached (YES in S16), the USB device driver proceeds to step S17, and reads the count value of the transfer data count register 98 as a monitoring target.
[0097]
Progressing to step S18 following step S17, the USB device driver determines whether or not the count value of the transfer data count register 98 has been changed as a monitoring target. That is, the USB device driver determines whether or not the packet transfer to one block 120 is continued.
[0098]
If it is determined that the count value of transfer data count register 98 has changed (YES in S18), the USB device driver proceeds to step S15 and repeats the processes in steps S15 to S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no change in the count value of transfer data count register 98 (NO in S18), the USB device driver proceeds to step S19.
[0099]
In step S19, the USB device driver refers to the timer started in step S11 and determines whether or not the timeout time has been reached. That is, the USB device driver determines whether or not there is no packet transfer to one block 120 for a predetermined time.
[0100]
If it is determined that the timeout time has not been reached (NO in S19), the USB device driver proceeds to step S16 and repeats the processes in steps S16 to S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timeout period has been reached (YES in S19), the USB device driver proceeds to step S20 and stops the timer started in step S11.
[0101]
Progressing to step S21 following step S20, the USB device driver performs a data end acquisition process for acquiring the data amount of data stored in one block 120 and the address where the data is stored. Progressing to step S22 following step S21, the USB device driver updates the descriptor 121 as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0102]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the descriptor update process. When an interrupt occurs, descriptor update processing is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. In step S30, packets are sequentially stored in one block 120 on the SDRAM 64.
[0103]
In step S31, data satisfying one block 120 is stored or a short packet is stored, so that an interrupt occurs, and the USB device driver stores the data amount of the data stored in one block 120 and the data. Are stored in the descriptor 121.
[0104]
Therefore, in step S32, the data amount of data stored in one block 120 and the address where the data is stored are written back in the descriptor, and the block 120 can be accessed by software.
[0105]
On the other hand, when no interrupt occurs, descriptor update processing is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. In step S40, packets are sequentially stored in one block 120 on the SDRAM 64. However, since a packet having the maximum packet size is received last without satisfying one block 120, no interruption occurs.
[0106]
In step S41, it is determined that the data transfer has been completed when there is no packet to one block 120 for a predetermined time (timeout time in FIG. 5) by the time-out process in FIG. The amount of stored data and the address where the data is stored are stored in the descriptor 121.
[0107]
Accordingly, in step S42, the data amount of the data stored in one block 120 and the address where the data is stored are written back to the descriptor, and the block 120 can be accessed by software.
[0108]
The flowchart of FIG. 5 is implemented by functions such as those shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a description example of a function (main function) that realizes timeout processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a description example of a function (subroutine) that realizes timeout processing. 7 and 8 is the same as the process of the flowchart of FIG. 5, and thus the same reference numerals as those of the flowchart of FIG.
[0109]
Therefore, by using the data transfer method of the present invention, when the last packet is the maximum packet size, the end of the data can be identified accurately and quickly even if the 0-byte NULL packet is not transferred from the transmission side. Is possible.
[0110]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the packet stored in the memory is monitored, and when the packet is not stored in the memory for a predetermined time, it is determined that the storage in the memory is finished, so that the last packet is stored. Even if is the maximum packet size, the end of data can be identified accurately and quickly.
[0111]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a compound machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of a compound machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of data reception processing;
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of receiving a packet with the maximum packet size last.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timeout processing in bulk-out transfer.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of descriptor update processing;
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a description example of a function (main function) that realizes timeout processing;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a description example of a function (subroutine) that realizes timeout processing;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of USB bulk-out transfer.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Fusion machine
11 Black and white line printer
12 Color line printer
13 Hardware resources
20 software groups
30 applications
40 platforms
41 Operating System (OS)
42 System Control Service (SCS)
43 System Resource Manager (SRM)
44 Engine Control Service (ECS)
45 Memory Control Service (MCS)
46 Operation Panel Control Service (OCS)
47 Fax Control Service (FCS)
48 Network Control Service (NCS)
50 Fusion machine starting part
60 Controller board
61 CPU
62 ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)
63 SRAM (Static RAM)
64 SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)
65 flash memory
66 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
70 Operation Panel
80 Fax control unit (FCU)
90 USB devices
91 USB device controller
92 USB-PCI interface controller
93 Serial interface engine
94 Receive buffer
95 Transmission buffer
96 PCI interface
97 Direct Memory Access Controller (DMAC)
98 Transfer data count register
100 IEEE 1394 devices
110 Engine part
120 blocks
121 Descriptor

Claims (18)

A packet divided into the maximum packet size or less is received from an external computer and stored in the memory, and when the packet stored in the memory reaches a predetermined amount of data or a packet smaller than the maximum packet size is stored in the memory. A data transfer method of an image forming apparatus that enables software access to data stored in the memory when
A monitoring step of monitoring packets stored in the memory;
As a result of the monitoring, if there is no packet stored in the memory for a predetermined time, it is determined that data storage in the memory has been completed, and an access stage that enables software access to the data stored in the memory; and Have
The monitoring step includes a first monitoring step of monitoring whether a packet is stored in the memory every first monitoring time;
As a result of the monitoring, if a packet is stored in the memory, a second monitoring step of monitoring the storage of the packet in the memory every second monitoring time shorter than the first monitoring time. A data transfer method characterized by comprising: In the first monitoring step, the data amount of the packet stored in the memory is acquired from a register provided in the packet input unit of the image forming apparatus, and the packet is stored in the memory according to the acquired data amount. Is monitored every first monitoring time,
  In the second monitoring step, the data amount of the packet stored in the memory is acquired from the register every second monitoring time, and the packet is stored in the memory according to the change in the acquired data amount. The data transfer method according to claim 1, wherein monitoring is performed. The access step includes a determination step of determining that the storage of data in the memory is completed if the packet has not been stored in the memory for a predetermined period of time.
  As a result of the determination, a storage step of storing packet information for enabling access by software to the data stored in the memory;
The data transfer method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: 3. The data transfer method according to claim 2, wherein the packet input means includes a device control element and an interface control element. 5. The data transfer method according to claim 4, wherein the device control element is a USB device control element, and the interface control element is an interface control element between a USB and a PCI bus. 4. The data transfer method according to claim 3, wherein the packet information includes an address on a memory where the data is stored and a data amount of the data stored in the memory. A packet divided into the maximum packet size or less is received from an external computer and stored in a memory, and when the packet stored in the memory reaches a predetermined amount of data or a packet smaller than the maximum packet size is stored in the memory A device control module of an image forming apparatus that enables software access to data stored in the memory when
  Monitoring means for monitoring packets stored in the memory;
  As a result of the monitoring, if there is no packet storage in the memory for a predetermined time, it is determined that the data storage in the memory is completed, and an access unit that enables software access to the data stored in the memory; Have
  The monitoring means for monitoring whether a packet is stored in the memory for each first monitoring time; and
  A second monitoring means for monitoring the storage of the packet in the memory every second monitoring time shorter than the first monitoring time if a packet is stored in the memory as a result of the monitoring;
A device control module comprising: The first monitoring unit acquires the data amount of the packet stored in the memory from a register provided in the packet input unit of the image forming apparatus, and acquires the acquired data. Monitoring whether a packet is stored in the memory according to the amount of data every first monitoring time,
  The second monitoring means obtains the data amount of the packet stored in the memory from the register every second monitoring time, and stores the packet in the memory according to a change in the acquired data amount. The device control module according to claim 7, wherein the device control module is monitored. The access means is a determining means for determining that the storage of data in the memory is completed if there is no storage of the packet in the memory for a predetermined time;
  Storage means for storing in the memory packet information for enabling software access to the data stored in the memory as a result of the determination;
The device control module according to claim 7, comprising: The device control module according to claim 7, wherein the device control module is a USB device driver. Image processing hardware including at least one of a printer unit and a scanner unit, one or more image processing applications for performing image processing using the image processing hardware, an operating system, and operating on the operating system, An image forming apparatus having a program that is accessed and commonly used by the one or more image processing applications,
  A memory for storing a packet divided into a maximum packet size received from an external computer;
  The packet stored in the memory is monitored, and when the packet stored in the memory reaches a predetermined amount of data, a packet smaller than the maximum packet size is stored in the memory, or the packet is stored in the memory A device control module that determines that the storage of data in the memory is complete when there is no predetermined time, and enables access by software to the data stored in the memory,
  The device control module monitors whether a packet is stored in the memory at every first monitoring time, and if a packet is stored in the memory, every second monitoring time shorter than the first monitoring time. And an image forming apparatus for monitoring the storage of packets in the memory. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a transfer unit that transfers a packet received from an external computer to a memory and stores a data amount of the packet transferred to the memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transfer unit includes a transfer control unit that controls DMA transfer, and a register that stores a data amount of a packet transferred to the memory. The device control module acquires the data amount of the packet stored in the memory from the register, and monitors whether the packet is stored in the memory according to the acquired data amount for each first monitoring time,
  If a packet is stored in the memory, the data amount of the packet stored in the memory is acquired from the register every second monitoring time, and the packet to the memory is changed according to the change in the acquired data amount. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein storage of the image is monitored. The device control module determines that the storage of data in the memory is completed if the packet has not been stored in the memory for a predetermined time, and enables the software stored in the data stored in the memory to be accessed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein packet information is stored in the memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the packet information includes an address on a memory in which the data is stored and a data amount of the data stored in the memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the device control module is a USB device driver. The device control module calls a function describing the processing contents. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processing is performed.

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