JPH10228415A - Memory i/f controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set a standby number of a CPU to meet an access time of each memory and to use the memory by setting a standby number at the time of access in each extension memory area and changing standby numbers in a read/write cycle in accordance with a set standby number. SOLUTION: Read/write of internal memory that is preliminarily included in a system is checked. If a RAM module is mounted on an extension RAM slot, the level of a sense signal for access time identification is examined. A printer controlling part 1000 starts graphic display processing when the start of a system and various setting of an I/O, etc., are over and the part 1000 receives print data from a host computer 3000. A CPU 13 changes a standby number whenever necessary and stores data on extension memory 21. That is, when the memory 21 is mounted, the CPU 13 discriminates the access time and size of each memory and selects a memory area to be stored in whenever necessary.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a CPU, a ROM, and a DR.
The present invention relates to a memory interface (I / F) control device in a system including a control circuit including an AM and logic for interfacing with the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the access time of a memory module used for a memory slot for expansion has been limited (for example, limited to 60 ns). Time was set to the slowest one.

[0003]

However, conventionally, when using memory modules having different access times, there is a problem that the characteristics of the device cannot be utilized to the maximum depending on the memory area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and when memories having different access times are incorporated in a system and used,
An object of the present invention is to provide a memory I / F control device that can use a memory by setting the number of CPU waits so as to match the access time of each memory.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of memory expansion slots, and presence / absence detection means for detecting presence / absence of an expansion memory module mounted in each of the slots. An access speed detecting means for detecting an access speed of the extended memory module when the presence / absence detecting means determines that the extended memory module is present, and a corresponding to the extended memory module based on information obtained by the access speed detecting means. Means for setting the number of waits at the time of access for each extended memory area to be accessed, and the number of waits in a read / write cycle according to the number of waits set by the number of waits set during read / write operation. And a standby number changing unit for changing the number of standby units.

[0006]

With the configuration described above, the attributes of the input data (the type of data: font cache, drawing data, download data from the host computer, etc. in the case of a printer controller, for example) and the frequency of use , A memory area with an appropriate access time can be selected.

[0007]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an inkjet printer suitable for applying the embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition,
The printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer, but may be a printer of another printing method.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a first output device to which the present invention can be applied, and shows a case where the output device is, for example, a laser beam printer (LBP). In the figure, 1
Reference numeral 500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes and the like), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and also stores a corresponding character pattern or A form pattern or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper. 1501 is an operation panel on which switches for operation and an LED display are arranged;
A printer control unit 1000 controls the entire LBP body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. This printer control unit 1
000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502.
A laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 in accordance with an input video signal.
Switch on / off. The laser light 1504 is swung right and left by a rotary polygon mirror 1505 and
6 is scanned and exposed. As a result, the electrostatic drum 1506
An electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed thereon. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1506, and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500 and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509 and transport rollers 1510 and a transport roller 1511 to form an electrostatic charge. It is supplied to the drum 1506. The LBP body 1500 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied, and shows a case where the output device is, for example, an ink jet recording device (IJRA). In the figure, a carriage HC that engages with a spiral groove 5004 of a lead screw 5005 that rotates via driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with forward and reverse rotation of a drive motor 5013 has a pin (not shown). Are reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An ink jet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. 500
Reference numeral 2 denotes a paper pressing plate, which presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. 5007, 50
Reference numeral 08 denotes a photocoupler, which functions as a home position detection unit for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this region and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member for supporting a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes suction means for suctioning the inside of the cap.
The suction recovery of the recording head is performed via 23. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade which can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body support plate.
17, 5019. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery of suction, which moves with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage, and the driving force from the drive motor is controlled by known transmission means such as clutch switching. .

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage comes to the home position side area. It is sufficient if the device is configured to perform a desired operation.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the second output device shown in FIG. In the figure, 17
Reference numeral 00 denotes an interface for inputting a recording signal; 1701, an MPU; 1702, a ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701, host print information, and the like;
Numeral 03 denotes a DRAM which stores various data (such as the recording signal and recording data supplied to the head). 1704
Denotes a gate array for controlling the supply of output data to the print head 1708.
It also controls data transfer between the DRAM 1701 and the DRAM 1703. Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for conveying the recording head 1708, 1709 denotes a conveying motor for conveying the recording paper, 1705 denotes a head driver for driving the recording head, 1706 denotes a motor driver for driving the conveying motor 1709, and 1707 denotes a motor driver for driving the conveying motor 1709. The carrier motor 17
10 is a motor driver that drives the motor 10.

In the above-described recording apparatus, when input information is input from a host computer 100 to be described later via the interface 1700, the input information is output between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701 as output information for printing. Is converted to Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head is driven according to the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

The MPU 1701 is an interface 1
The communication processing with the host computer 100 described below can be performed via the 700, and the host computer 100 described below can be notified of memory information and resource data of the DRAM 1703 and host print information in the ROM 1702. I have.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. Note that, as long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. The invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 3. C
The CPU 1 has the PU 1 and controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
32 stores a control program of the CPU 1 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6, the font ROM 31 of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the above-described document processing, and stores the data of the ROM 3 The ROM stores various data (for example, program data describing a sequence of the control unit, font data, and data of a fixed form) used when performing the above document processing and the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1. 5 is a keyboard controller (KB
In C), key input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown) is controlled. Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. 7 is a disk controller (DKC)
A hard disk (HD) for storing boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, edited files, etc., and a floppy disk (F).
D) controls access to the external memory 11. Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC), which controls the printer 15 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (I / F) 22.
00, and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, and outputs the W on the CRT 10.
YSIWYG is possible. Further, the CPU 1
Various registered windows are opened based on a command specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the RT 10,
Perform various data processing.

In the printer 1500, a printer CPU 13 is connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM 142 of the ROM 14 or a control program or the like stored in an external memory (expansion memory) 21. Print unit interface (I / F) that comprehensively controls access to various devices
Printing unit (printer engine) 1 connected via
7 outputs an image signal as output information. 5 and 6 are stored in the program ROM 142 of the ROM 14.
The control program of the CPU 12 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. ROM14 font ROM
141 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer without an external memory such as a hard disk, the data ROM of the ROM 14 stores information and the like used on a host computer. I remember.

The CPU 13 has an input unit (host I / F) 18
Communication processing with the host computer is enabled via the host computer 30.
00 is configured to be notified. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 13, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used for an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like. The external memory (extension memory) 21 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is a disk controller (DKC).
The access is controlled by the (extension board) 20. The external memory 21 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 1501 denotes the above-described operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be able to do so. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

According to the present invention, in the printer control system configured as described above, when an extension memory is mounted, the access time and the size of each memory are determined, and the memory area to be stored according to the attribute of the input data is determined. It is characterized by having a function of selecting at any time.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printer control unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a ROM that stores a printer control program and font data, and 402 denotes information on various printer settings and plug and play (Plug & Pl).
ay) corresponding to the device ID (Device I
D) NVRAM (Non-Volatile Memory) that stores
403 is a RAM used as a main memory of a CPU 406 described later or used as a drawing memory for a printing process of a printer.
405 is an extension RAM for use in addition to
Are RAMs 403 and 404, a CPU 406 described later, and a double buffer (Double Buffer) 409.
Is a RAM interface logic circuit (RAM I / F Logic) for exchanging data,
Reference numeral 06 denotes a CPU for performing main control, and reference numeral 407 denotes an operation panel interface (Operation Panel Interface).
I / F), and 408 is an operation panel (Opera)
409 is a RAM4
03 from the drawing memory in Bitmap (Bit Ma)
p) Double buffer (Double Buffer) for reading out data in an interleaved manner. Reference numeral 410 denotes an interface unit (Vide
o I / F Logic; 411, a parallel / serial conversion unit that converts parallel data transferred from the double buffer (Double Buffer) 409 into serial data; 412, a printer engine; Is an interface with the host computer (Host I)
/ F Logic).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a data storage method according to the embodiment of the present invention. The operation of this embodiment will be described below step by step. First, in step S1,
When the system is turned on, the program ROM (P
The initialization routine is started according to the initialization program described in the “program ROM”. Subsequent step S
In step 2, read / write (read / write) of a built-in memory built in the system is checked. And extended RAM
It is determined whether or not a RAM module (module) is mounted on the slot (step S3). If so, the level of the sense signal for identifying the access time (see FIG. 10, whether PD0 to PD3 is H or L) is checked (step S5).

FIG. 10 shows an example of the correspondence between each sense signal and the access time. In FIG. 10, the access time is 6
0 ns extended memory module, the pin number PD0
H (high) is detected in PD1 and PD2 out of ~ 3,
In the extended memory module having an access time of 70 ns, PD2 of the pin numbers PD0 to PD3 is H (high).
Is detected, and in the extended memory module having an access time of 80 ns, H (high) is detected in PD1 of the pin numbers PD0 to PD3.

In step S6, the number of waits required when the system accesses the corresponding memory is calculated and set to the management register of the extension area. When the setting of the number of waits is completed, C
PU is a dummy (dummy) read / write (rea)
d / write), and detects the capacity of the RAM module mounted in each slot. Then, the capacity information is also stored in the management register. After the detection of the capacity, the entire area is cleared to zero ("00h write"), and a series of initialization is completed.

The printer control unit starts the drawing process when print data is received from the host computer after system startup and various settings such as I / O are completed. The CPU changes the number of waits (wait) at any time based on the data set in the above-described register (step S7), and stores the data on the memory as described below (step S7).
8).

FIG. 9 shows an example of the memory map. The access time of the built-in memory is t _INAC , each slot A, B, C
Access times are t _AAC, t _{BAC, and} t _{CAC ,} respectively.
In this case, t _AAC <t
Assume that _INAC <t _CAC <t _BAC .

The most suitable use of the memory at this time is, for example, a memory having a high access frequency such as a font cache or a burst read / write (Bu) during direct memory access (DMA) such as data developed and drawn.
Data requiring rst read / write is stored in a slot A having a short access time, and relatively infrequently used data such as download font data and form overlay data are stored in slots B and C. Thereafter, additional data read / write (read / w
write), the data is similarly allocated to the memory (step S10).

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing Embodiment 2. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the processing for storing data that exceeds the extended area of the same access time. Specifically, step S1
Steps S8 to S8 are the same, but the subsequent processing is different.
Therefore, description of steps S1 to S8 is omitted.

In step S9 ', the head address (Head Address) of the extended RAM area management register is set.
ss) / Tail Address
, An unused area of the memory of each slot is calculated in advance. The area and the size of the data to be stored are compared, and it is determined whether or not there is data having the same attribute exceeding the RAM area. FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the extended RAM area management register.

If the data exceeds the RAM area, S1
At 0 ', data is stored in an area that can be accessed continuously with the same number of cycles even in an area where the number of waits increases.

If data is already stored in the area, the data is saved after being saved in another area. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, data is moved from CASE1 to CASE2. In particular,
The data stored in slot A is moved to slot C, and the data stored in slot C is moved to slot A at the same time.

For example, rendering data is developed in the area of the slot C, but when data of one band extends outside the area, read / write (continuously) is performed in the same access cycle. read
/ Write) Copy the data to the possible slot A area and further develop the drawing data.

FIG. 11 shows a memory (built-in R) according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of the AM and the additional RAM in more detail than FIG. 5, and FIG.
t) is a diagram showing the timing of the RAM access cycle when the setting of the number is changed. In FIG. 12, as an example, the left part shows a state in which the reading of the burst number 4 is performed after one standby (one system clock), and the right part performs a single read after two standbys (two system clocks). Indicates a state in which

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention, when memories having different access times are incorporated into a system and used, the number of waits of the CPU is adjusted to match the access time of each memory. By setting and using the memory, there is an effect that the characteristics of each memory can be utilized to the maximum.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first output device (laser beam printer) to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating a configuration of a second output device (inkjet recording device) to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a second output device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a more detailed block diagram of the printer control system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating Example 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a memory according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a memory management register for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a sense signal of a memory module and an access time;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a connection form of a memory (built-in RAM and additional RAM) of the present invention in more detail than FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the timing of a RAM access cycle when the setting of the number of waits is changed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System bus 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 3000 Host computer 1500 Printer 403 Built-in RAM 404 Extended RAM 405 RAM interface logic circuit 406 CPU

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of slots for memory expansion, presence / absence detection means for detecting the presence / absence of an extension memory module mounted in each of the slots, and when the presence / absence detection means determines that the extension memory module is present An access speed detecting means for detecting an access speed of the extended memory module; and a standby number for setting a standby number at the time of access for each extended memory area corresponding to the extended memory module based on information obtained by the access speed detecting means. A memory, comprising: a setting unit; and a standby number changing unit that changes a standby number in a read / write cycle according to the standby number set by the standby number setting unit during a read / write operation. I / F control device. 2. The memory I / F control device according to claim 1, further comprising data selection means for selecting data to be stored according to an access speed of said extended memory module. apparatus. 3. The memory I / F control device according to claim 1, wherein each of said extended memory modules has display means for displaying an access speed, and said access speed detection means has a memory displayed on said display means. A memory I / F control device for detecting an access speed of a module. 4. The memory I / F control device according to claim 1, wherein said same attribute data presence / absence determining means for determining whether there is data having the same attribute exceeding an unused memory area of each of said extended memory modules, and said same attribute The memory I / F further comprises a data transfer means for transferring the data to a memory area corresponding to another extended memory module so that the data can be accessed continuously when the data presence / absence determination means determines that there is data. F control unit. 5. The memory I / F control device according to claim 4, further comprising: detecting means for detecting a capacity of an unused memory area of the extended memory module from a head address and a tail address for each of the extended memory modules, The memory I, wherein the same attribute data presence / absence determining means determines presence / absence of data based on a capacity of an unused memory area detected by the detection means and a capacity of additional data.
/ F control device.