JP2003030132A - Multifunction machine and data transfer control method of multifunction machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the performance of a multifunction machine which is equipped with a bus transferring data, etc., a plurality of function parts having interfaces for data transmission and reception connected to the bus, and a controller totally controlling the respective function parts through the bus and allows the respective function parts to communicate with other function parts through the bus, by effectively using the bus. SOLUTION: Each function part inputs program information including receiving capability information regarding the reception capability of other function parts from the controller and performs data transfer to other function parts according to the program information. The use of bus is so controlled that when the data transfer to other function parts is performed through the bus, the data transfer is carried out according to the receiving capability information. The receiving capability information is data representing the amount of continuous reception through the bus, held by the respective function parts, and sent to the controller. The receiving capability information value is varied according to the use state of the bus, that the controller decides.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-function peripheral and a data transfer control method for the multi-function peripheral. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-function peripheral and a multi-function peripheral that efficiently transfer data between a plurality of functional units that communicate with each other via a bus. Machine data transfer control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, networking has progressed, and printers have become printers incorporated in a network from local printers. Further, by combining with a conventional copying machine, a printer controller is incorporated in the copying machine. A multi-function machine that can be used as both a copying machine and a printer on a stand is on the market.

With the compounding of such devices, the amount of communication data between the devices inside the compounded device has increased, and the data path has become more complicated.

[0004]

The configuration of the multi-function peripheral in which various devices are incorporated is such that data is transferred between the internal devices via a common bus. These common buses are devised so that each device sequentially occupies the bus and does not impair the balance and performance of the system.

For example, when transferring data to a receiver device, the sender device acquires the bus and then transfers the data in a predetermined burst length. After the data transfer, the system is balanced by opening the bus so that other devices can sequentially use the bus and prevent one device from monopolizing the bus. This predetermined burst length is determined as a length that can be supported by any device connected to the bus.

However, even when there is no request from the other device to use the bus, the bus is released at a predetermined burst length regardless of the transfer (reception) capability of the receiving device, and the continuation is continued. In order to transfer data by using the bus acquisition request, it is necessary to acquire the bus and then transfer the data in order from the request to acquire the bus again, and it takes time to reacquire the bus. This resulted in a decline and hindered effective use of buses.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bus for transferring data and the like, a plurality of functional units having a data transmission / reception interface connected to the bus, and a plurality of functional units. To provide a multi-function peripheral including a controller that controls a functional unit via a bus to improve the performance by effectively using the bus, and a data transfer control method for the multi-function peripheral.

[0008]

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides a bus for transferring data and the like, and a data transmission / reception interface connected to the bus. A plurality of functional units, a controller that integrally controls the functional units via the bus,
Each of the functional units executes communication with the other functional unit via the bus. In a multifunction peripheral, each functional unit receives from the controller the reception capability of the other functional unit. Means for inputting program information including capability information, and means for executing data transfer to other functional portions in accordance with the program information,
When the data is transferred from each of the functional units to the other functional unit via the bus, the use of the bus is controlled so that the data transfer can be executed based on the reception capability information. To do.

The invention described in claim 2 is the same as claim 1.
The multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of functional units internally holds reception capability information regarding its own reception capability, and transfers the reception capability information to the controller according to an instruction from the controller. It is characterized by.

The invention described in claim 3 is the same as claim 1
2 is a multi-function peripheral, further comprising a bus arbiter connected to the controller and each of the functional units to determine a bus master of the bus, and the functional unit that has become the bus master is The bus arbiter is controlled so as to enable the output control of the data based on the reception capability information when executing the output control to the specific functional part.

The invention according to claim 4 is the same as claim 3
2. The multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, wherein one of the functional units is a network controller that is controlled by an external host computer via a network, and is different from a bus arbiter that controls the bus. An information processing unit having another bus controlled by a bus arbiter,
A bus bridge that is connected to the bus of the information processing unit and the bus that is connected to the controller, and a bus that is coupled to the respective bus arbiters and that controls bidirectional transmission via the bus bridge. A control unit comprising a bus control unit controlled by the network controller and the information processing unit, the bus control unit being controlled by the network controller The data received from the computer via the network is sent to the information processing unit via the bus bridge, and under the control of the information processing unit, one of the functional units To send data to each of the buses
It is characterized by connecting with an arbiter.

The invention described in claim 5 is the same as claim 1.
The multifunction peripheral according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reception capability information is data representing an amount of continuous reception via the bus.

The invention according to claim 6 is the same as claim 5
In the multi-function peripheral, the one of the functional units is a printer unit that prints out, and the information processing unit inputs and processes data including page description language data,
The processed image data is transmitted to the printer unit via the bus bridge, and the printer unit prints the sent image data on a desired paper.

The invention described in claim 7 is the same as claim 1.
7. The multifunction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the functional unit includes at least a scanner unit, a printer unit, a FAX unit connected to a telephone line, and a network controller unit connected to a network, and each of the buses. Is a parallel bus.

The invention described in claim 8 is the same as claim 3
7 is a multi-function peripheral, the information processing unit further includes a hard disk device, and the controller controls the network controller according to information from the network controller, and is sent. Data from the network controller to the bus
The data is transferred to the hard disk device via a bridge.

The invention according to claim 9 is a bus for transferring data and the like, a plurality of functional units provided with a data transmission / reception interface connected to the bus, and each functional unit via the bus. A controller for performing integrated control, wherein each of the functional units is a data transfer control method for a multi-function peripheral that executes communication with the other functional unit via the bus, wherein the controller is provided for each functional unit. On the other hand, a reception capability information transfer step of transferring program information including reception capability information regarding the reception capability of each functional unit via the bus is provided, and each functional unit is transferred in the reception capability information transfer step. A program information input step for inputting program information, and data transfer to another functional unit according to the program information input in the program information input step. Using the bus so that each of the functional units can execute data transfer based on the reception capability information when transferring data to the other functional unit via the bus. It is characterized by controlling.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the data transfer control method for a multi-function peripheral according to the ninth aspect, wherein the controller further receives each of the plurality of functional units. A reception capability transfer request step for requesting transfer of reception capability information regarding capability, wherein each of the functional units receives the reception capability transfer request from the controller, and receives the reception capability information held therein by the reception capability information. And a step of transferring to the controller.

The invention according to claim 11 is the data transfer control method for a multi-function peripheral according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the multi-function peripheral is connected to the controller and each of the functional units. A bus arbiter for determining a bus master of the bus is further provided, and the functional unit that has become the bus master, when executing output control to another specific functional unit, stores data based on the reception capability information. The bus arbiter is controlled so as to enable output control.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the data transfer control method for a multi-function peripheral according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, wherein the reception capability information is continuously provided via the bus. It is characterized in that it is data representing the amount to be received.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a multi-function peripheral device, that is, a multifunction machine, to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, 101 is a host computer, and 102 is a copying machine multifunction machine, which are connected via a high-speed network 103. Again 1
Reference numeral 04 is a telephone line, and the FAX unit 20 in the multifunction machine
Connected to 7.

The inside of the square frame of the multi-function peripheral 102 of the copying machine shown in FIG.
It is a figure showing a schematic block and explaining the internal composition.

The CPU 225 is a CPU that controls the function of the copying machine.
In addition, it also serves as a controller that controls the overall operation of the multifunction peripheral. In addition, a unit connected to the bus 201, for example, the operation unit unit 202, CP
U unit 225, scanner unit 203, network controller unit 208, printer unit 204, image processing unit 205, image memory
Unit 206, FAX unit 207, etc. are on bus 2
01 has a data transmission / reception interface, and executes each function. The CPU 225 is adapted to execute initialization processing inside the CPU after power-on, and then sequentially perform initialization of each unit described above via the bus 201. Each unit described above is provided with a register indicating the burst length that is accepted by itself from another unit via the bus 201, and the CPU 225, as a controller that controls each unit in an integrated manner, sets the value of the register during the initialization process. By reading
Each unit can detect the burst length of data that can be received. The operation of the CPU 225 as the controller at this time is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In step S402, the data indicating the receiving capability of each unit, that is, the burst length data is stored in the CPU 225.

The above-mentioned burst length is, for example, 8 bursts for the image processing unit 205, the FAX unit 207, the network controller 208, 16 bursts for the scanner unit 203 and the image memory unit 206, and 32 bursts for the printer unit 204. Has become.

The CPU 225 uses the burst length information received by each unit during these initialization processes to receive each unit and for each unit the data transfer that unit performs to each other unit. Can be programmed and controlled.

The outline of the copying machine multifunction machine 102 and
The operation of a normal copying machine will be described.

The operation unit 202 is usually arranged on the outer surface of the copying machine so that it can receive various operations from a user outside the copying machine or display various information such as error information to the user. Has become. When the user presses the operation button of the operation unit 202, an interrupt signal is transmitted from the operation unit 202 via the bus 201.
It is sent to the CPU 225. The CPU 225 is the operation unit 20.
When the interrupt signal from 2 is accepted, the contents of the request can be known by reading the status register of the operation unit 202. The CPU 225 can perform necessary control on each unit based on a request from the operation unit 202.

For example, when the copy button is pressed,
As described above, the CPU 225 detects the request by the interrupt, and programs the operation unit 202 to issue a command to each unit necessary for the copy operation and transfer the processing parameter. At this time, at the same time, each burst length obtained by the initialization process and accepted by each unit is set in the operation unit 202. The operation unit 202 is
When a command and processing parameters are burst-transferred from the operation unit 202 to other necessary units, the CPU
The transfer control is executed based on the burst length set by. The operation unit 202 executes command issuance and processing parameter transfer to each unit based on the program received from the CPU 225. In this way, a detailed command or a processing parameter is directly issued from the operation unit without using the CPU 225, that is, burst transfer by DMA is performed, so that the efficiency of the processing is improved.

The copy command and its associated processing parameters are transferred to the operation unit 202 via the bus 201.
From the operation unit 202 to the other units when the respective units acquire the bus 201 and the buses are crowded during the burst transfer from the unit to the units necessary for the copy operation. Program the burst length of 8 bursts. According to this program, from the operation unit 202 to each unit,
Transfer is performed in 8 bursts. This releases the bus every 8 bursts and balances the system so that one unit does not monopolize the bus and another unit can use the bus without interruption.

In the above-mentioned operation, FIG.
25 is a flowchart showing an outline of a program process for operating each functional unit with respect to each functional unit.
Shows a flowchart for outputting the result processed by each unit in response to a command received from the CPU 225.

In step S501 of FIG. 5, a program including a request command and processing parameters for a specific unit is set. Next, the CPU 225 uses the bus 2
01, that is, it is determined whether or not a bus acquisition request is issued from another unit, and if the bus is vacant, the process proceeds to step S503. If not, the process proceeds to step S504. move on. Step S503
Then, the "reception ability of each other unit" sent to that functional unit
Information is obtained from each functional unit and set using the stored reception capability information. Further, in step S504, the "reception capability of each of the other units" information to be sent to the functional unit is set to predetermined information.

Step S503 or step S50
After step 4, the process proceeds to step 505, where the set program information and the reception capability information of each functional unit are sent to the functional unit via the bus 201.

Upon receiving the command from the CPU 225, the unit transfers the processed data to the designated transfer destination from the CPU 225 according to the receiving capability information of the transfer destination. At this time, step S601 in FIG.
The bus arbiter 209 is controlled as shown in FIG. When it becomes a bus master, steps S602 and 603 are executed to execute the transfer process.

FIG. 2 shows the bus 20 in FIG.
2 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where 1 is not vacant and 8 bursts are set as the "reception capability of each of the other units" information to be sent to the functional unit, and a data transfer is performed every 8 bursts on the bus 201. is there. CLK is the bus 201
Is a synchronous clock indicating the timing of, and all signals are synchronous with this synchronous clock. AD is a 32-bit wide address bus and data bus,
When the signal ADEN is Low, the address, that is, the address indicating the transfer destination of the data is output, and when the DEN is Low, the data to be transferred is output.
Outputting address and data. COM is the signal AD
When EN is Low, it indicates a command for the data transfer cycle, is transmitted to the transfer destination, and when DEN is Low, it represents a byte enable which indicates which byte in the data width of 32 bits is valid. Here, the command for the transfer cycle represents burst transfer, single transfer, read, write, etc. to the transfer destination, and the transfer destination performs the transfer process corresponding to this command.

For example, when transferring a copy command, parameters and the like from the operation unit 202 to the scanner unit 203, at the clock indicated by, the address indicating the scanner unit 203 is indicated to AD along with the activation of ADEN, indicating burst transfer. Command is COM
Is output to. From the clock indicated by, the data is output to AD with the activation of DEN, and the burst transfer of data is being performed. At this time, for example,
At the same time, when there is a data transfer request from the network controller 208, arbitration is performed at the clock after transferring the 8 bursts of data, and the bus 201 is passed to the network controller 208 and the network is transmitted at the clock.・ Controller 20
From 8, the address indicating the transfer destination unit is output to AD along with the activation of ADEN, and the command indicating the burst transfer is output to COM. The data is output to AD with the activation of DEN at the clock, and the burst transfer is performed. From the operation unit 202 to the scanner unit 203
When the transfer of the command and parameter to is not completed, the data transfer request is issued again, the bus is acquired by the clock arbitration, and the burst transfer is performed again from the clock.

However, when the CPU determines that the bus acquisition request has not been issued from another unit, that is, when the CPU determines that the bus is empty, as shown in FIG.・
The address indicating the unit 203 and the command indicating the burst transfer are output from COM, and from the clock indicated by, the data is output to AD along with the activation of DEN, and 16 burst transfer can be performed. There is.

In the embodiment, in the above case, 16 bursts for the scanner unit 203, 32 bursts for the printer unit 204, and the image processing unit 2
Each unit is programmed so that data is transferred with a burst length of 8 bursts for 05 and 16 bursts for the image memory 206. As described above, as long as the bus is vacant, the bus is efficiently used by transferring data in a burst length that can be received by the other unit.

Receiving the command, each unit starts each functional process in the copy operation. Although not shown, the scanner unit 203 starts scanning a document placed on the document table, and the read image data is sequentially transferred to the image processing unit 205 via the bus 201. At this time, the command sent from the operation unit and the processing parameters are programmed so that the transfer is performed in 8 bursts. Image processing unit 20
In 5, the editing process selected and selected by the user through the operation unit 202, the process according to the process parameter such as the sharpening of the image, and the like are transferred again to the printer unit 204 via the bus 201. Also in this case, the command sent from the operation unit and the processing parameter are programmed so that the transfer is performed in a maximum of 32 bursts. As described above, the burst length programmed by the CPU changes depending on the usage efficiency of the bus 201. Printer
The unit 204 prints the transferred image data on a desired paper to obtain a copy output.

Further, the editing process contents selected and set by the user in the image processing unit 205 or the bus 201
Depending on the usage efficiency of, by sending to the image memory 206 once via the bus 201 and passing through the memory 206,
Scanner unit 203 and printer unit 204
May be programmed to achieve a synchronous alignment of. In this case, of course, as described above, as long as there is a free space on the bus 201, to be precise, when the CPU 225 makes such a decision, the other unit can receive the data, which enables efficient transfer. The burst length is programmed to transfer data, and the image data is transferred via the bus in accordance with the program.

To operate as a FAX, a desired document is set in the scanner unit 203 and a transfer destination telephone number is input from the operation unit 202, or a telephone number stored in a memory in the operation unit (not shown) is input. By reading and pressing the start button, the CPU 225 can
1 is interrupted, and the CPU 225 programs the operation unit 202 to transfer commands and parameters to necessary units. As described above, the transfer to each unit transfers commands and parameters in a long burst length that can be received by each unit, if possible.

A command is input from the operation unit 202 to the scanner
When burst transfer is performed to the unit 203, the image processing unit 205, the image memory 206, and the FAX unit 207 via the bus 201, each unit interprets the received command and starts operation. The image data read by the scanner unit 203 is stored in the CPU 2
Bus 201 with burst length programmed by 25
And is sequentially transferred to the image processing unit 205. In the image processing unit 205, appropriate processing such as image compression is performed, and the data is transferred to the image memory 206 via the bus 201 with the burst length programmed by the CPU 225.
It is temporarily stored. The FAX unit 207 sequentially receives image data from the image memory 206 via the bus 201 and transfers images while matching the transfer speed of the telephone line.

It is also possible to operate as a network scanner from the host computer 101 via the network 103. The network controller 208 is
It is connected to the high speed network 103 and controls a protocol for receiving data from the host computer 101. The copier multifunction peripheral 102 is designated from the host computer 101 via the network 103, and the scanner command and parameters are issued. Upon receiving the scanner command, the network controller 208 interrupts the CPU 225 via the bus 201 and notifies the host computer 101 that the command and parameters have been received. Upon receiving the interrupt notification from the network controller 208, the CPU 225 reads the status register of the network controller 208, interprets the received command, and programs the network controller 208 to transfer commands and parameters to necessary units. To do.

The network controller 208 is C
According to the program from the PU 225, the scanner unit 203, the image processing unit 205, the image memory 206
Etc., issue network scan commands and parameters via bus 201. At this time, as described above, it is programmed by the CPU 225 to transfer with a long burst length that can be received by each unit. Each unit that receives the command and parameters initiates a network scan. Although not shown, the scanner unit 203 sequentially reads the documents set on the document table,
The image processing unit 205 performs image processing instructed by the host computer 101, such as compression, and transfers the image data to the image processing unit 205 via the bus 201 with a programmed burst length.
The data is transferred to the host computer 101 while being stored in the temporary image memory 206 while being synchronized with the bus 201, the network controller 208, and the network 103 at a desired programmed burst length.

As will be described later, the network controller 208 is also used when the copier / multifunction machine operates as a network printer.

All the above-mentioned operations are performed via the bus 201, and the control such as permission and arbitration of the right to use the bus is
Control from each unit, or status
This is performed by the bus arbiter 209 that receives data, and is devised so that the bus 201 can be used efficiently.

The print data processing section will be described below.

When the multifunction peripheral 102 is designated by the host computer 101 and a print output is obtained, the edited document is converted into a file described in a page description language, and the high speed network 103 is used. It can be transferred to the copier / multifunction machine 102. Further, as will be described later in detail, the print output can be directly obtained or temporarily stored in the hard disk (HD) 211 so that the print output can be obtained at a convenient time.
The driver software installed in the host computer 101 performs conversion of these files and selection of print output.

Each unit of the print / data processing unit has a CPU (central processing unit) 212 and a ROM, respectively.
(Read-only memory) 213, work RAM
(Random access memory) 214, ASIC (image controller) 215, HD-I / F (hard disk interface) 216, HD (hard disk) 211, bus 210 and image memory 217 are components.

CPU 212 of print / data processing unit
Is for controlling execution of print data processing regarding print data from an application sent via a network. The ROM 213 stores the control program executed by the CPU 212. Work RAM 214
Stores various information and also functions as a work area for the CPU 212. The ASIC 215 is an image controller, which expands a raster image image in an image memory 217 based on a file described in a page description language and uses a bus 210, when a print output is obtained.
It has a function of transferring an image to the image memory 206 via the bus bridge 218 and the bus 201. The details of the ASIC 215 will be described later. HD-I
The / F216 controls the HD 211. The image memory 217 is for expanding raster image images connected to the ASIC 215.

CPU 212, ROM 213, work RA
The M214, the ASIC 215, and the HD-I / F 216 are each connected to the bus 210, and the bus arbiter 219 controls the permission and arbitration of the right to use the bus, so that the bus 210 can be used efficiently. Has been done.

Next, the operation of the printer having the above configuration will be described.

The image file described in the page description language, which is instructed to be printed by the host computer 101 and is sent, is received by the network controller 208 via the high speed network 103. Upon receiving the image file, the network controller 208 interrupts the CPU 225 via the bus 201 to notify that the command and the parameter have been received from the host computer 101, similarly to the above-described network scanner. . The CPU 225 that has received the interrupt notification from the network controller 208
8 status register, interprets the received command, and programs the network controller 208 to transfer the image file to the printer unit.

The network controller 208 acquires the bus according to the program, and under the control of the bus arbiter 209 and the bus control unit 220, the image file is stored in the work RAM 214 via the bus 201, the bus bridge 218, and the bus 210. Transfer and store temporarily. In the bus 210, the units configuring the printer compete with each other for the bus in many cases compared to the bus 201. Therefore, in order to maintain system balance, the burst length is fixed to 8 bursts. Of course, like the copier unit side bus 201, the burst length may be made variable according to the usage state of the bus.

To store in the work RAM 214,
The usage rights of the bus 201 and the bus 210 must be acquired at the same time. However, since the bus occupation time is not necessarily the same, even if requests for bus acquisition are issued at the same time, there will be a time lag until the bus acquisition occurs, waiting time will occur for either bus, and bus utilization efficiency will decline. Will end up.

The bus control unit 220 for avoiding this problem will be described below.

The bus control unit 220 is connected to the bus arbiters 209 and 219 by control lines 222 and 223, respectively, and these control lines connect the buses 201 and 21.
0 Each device acquires information such as the bus occupation time and issues a request signal for acquiring the bus.

When the network controller 208 is instructed to print and the page description language is sent as described above, the bus controller 221 sends a request signal for acquiring the bus use right to the bus control unit 220. To occur. The bus control unit 220 which receives the bus request signal 221 sequentially controls the control line 2
The bus arbiter 209, 2 is compared with the bus arbiter 209, 2 which has a longer bus occupancy time by comparing the bus occupancy time by other devices obtained from the bus arbiters 209, 2 and 223.
Issue a bus acquisition request to 19. For example, during the copy operation, the bus 201 consumes a lot of time for image transfer as described above. if,
When the bus occupation time of the bus 201 is longer than that of the bus 210, the bus control unit 220 determines that the bus arbiter 209
, And issues a bus request via the control line 222. It is obvious that the bus 201 has a large occupied time, that is, it takes time to acquire the bus. The bus arbiter 209 acquires the right to use the bus 201, and then
By the time the bus acquisition request is issued to the bus arbiter 219, the bus 210 does not occupy the bus, and the CPU 212 or the like can execute the processing of the previously sent file without interruption. ing. Further, the bus 210 is designed so that the bus acquisition time is short because the bus occupation time is short and the waiting time on the bus 201 side when acquiring the usage right of the bus 210 is short.

It is also possible to predict the acquisition time from the exclusive time of each bus and shift the time to issue a request to each.

By the above means, the page description language data is temporarily stored in the work RAM 214.

The CPU 212 refers to the page description language data temporarily stored in the work RAM 204,
215 Convert to an intermediate language that can be used, and work RA again
The data is sequentially stored in M214.

When the conversion process into the intermediate language is completed, the CPU 212 sends an image development start command to the ASIC 215, and the ASIC 215 rasterizes the image memory 217 at high speed while referring to the intermediate language stored in the work RAM 214.・ Develop images. CPU
When the CPU 212 receives an image development end interrupt from the ASIC 215, the CPU 212 sends a command to the ASIC 215 to enter the image transfer mode, and sends a bus request signal 224 to the bus control unit 220. Bus control unit 22 receiving bus request signal 224
In 0, the bus use right is sequentially acquired and the image is transferred to the image memory 206 by the procedure as described above. The images sent to the image memory 206 are sequentially transferred to the printer unit 20 when the printer unit 204 is activated.
4 and print output can be obtained.

Next, the operation of temporarily storing an image in the HD 211 will be described.

In advance, a memory area (hereinafter referred to as a memory box) is secured for each of a plurality of users in the HD 211, and an address for distinguishing each is allocated. As described above, when the user prints the document, the user can select whether to obtain the print output directly or store the document in the temporarily provided memory box. This is network 1
A plurality of users on 03 can copy one copy machine 102
This is because, when the print output is used, for example, when the print outputs are overlapped, the print trays are overlapped on the output tray and the sorting becomes complicated, or the print output may be lost due to forgetting to collect the print outputs. It is designed to be more convenient by temporarily storing the documents in the given memory box (actually, hard disk) so that the documents can be obtained at a convenient free time. . Also, when retrieving the documents stored in the memory box, the host
It can be specified from the computer 101 or the copier / multifunction machine 10
It can also be designated from the second operation unit 202.

[0064]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, each functional unit has means for inputting program information including receiving capability information regarding the receiving capability of another functional unit from the controller, and the program information. According to the above, each functional unit includes means for executing data transfer to another functional unit, and when data is transferred from each functional unit to another functional unit via the bus, data transfer is performed based on the reception capability information. Since the use of the bus is controlled so that the bus can be executed, the bus can be effectively utilized and the performance of the compound machine can be improved. That is, as long as the bus has a free space, the bus can be effectively used by performing data transfer with the longest burst length.

According to a second aspect of the invention, each of the functional units internally holds the reception capability information regarding its own reception capability, and transfers the reception capability information to the controller according to an instruction from the controller. Because I chose
It is possible to change the bus usage status of the multi-function peripheral simply by changing the reception capability information of each functional unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a bus arbiter for determining the bus master of the bus.
Since the functional unit that has become the master controls the bus arbiter so as to enable the output control of the data based on the reception capability information when executing the output control to the other specific functional unit, the arbitration Cycles can be reduced and transfer rates can be improved.

According to another aspect of the present invention, one of the functional units is a network controller which is controlled by an external host computer via a network.
In addition to the bus arbiter that controls the bus,
An information processing unit having another bus controlled by the arbiter, a bus bridge connected to the bus of the information processing unit and a bus connected to the controller, and a bus bridge connected to each bus arbiter. A bus control unit for controlling bidirectional transmission via a network controller and a bus control unit controlled by the information processing unit, and the bus control unit is controlled by the network controller. Data from the external host computer via the network to the bus
The bus and arbiter are connected to each other so that the data is sent to the information processing unit via the bridge and the data is sent from the information processing unit to one of the function units under the control of the information processing unit. When transferring data between the two buses, it is possible to execute the transfer between the buses while making effective use of each bus.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the reception capability information is data representing the amount of continuous reception via the bus, and has the effect of reducing meaningless arbitration cycles.

According to a sixth aspect, one of the functional units is a printer unit for printing out, and the information processing unit inputs and processes data including page description language data and processes the processed image data. Since the image data is transmitted to the printer unit via the bus bridge and the image data sent is printed on a desired paper, even if the multifunction machine is copying, for example, an external application The generated print job can be accepted and processed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the functional unit includes at least a scanner unit, a printer unit, a FAX unit connected to a telephone line, and a network controller unit connected to a network, and each of the buses is parallel. It is a bus, and can therefore be a multifunction machine having a copy function, a FAX function, and a printer function.

According to claim 8, the information processing unit further comprises a hard disk device, and the controller controls the network controller in accordance with the information from the network controller to send the transmitted data to the network controller. Since the data is transferred from the controller to the hard disk drive via the bus bridge, for example, when a print request from the outside is received during a large amount of copying, the data is temporarily stored and the free time is set at a convenient time. It will be possible to get the documentation.

The invention described in claims 9 to 12 also
It has the corresponding effect in each of the above-cited claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a multifunction machine to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how data is transferred every 8 bursts in a bus 201 when the bus is busy.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which data is transferred every 16 bytes when a bus acquisition request is not issued from another unit on the bus 201, that is, when the bus is vacant.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing that the controller inputs the reception capability from each functional unit (unit) following the initialization process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of a program process in which the controller causes each functional unit (unit) to operate each functional unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing when each functional unit (unit) transfers data to another functional unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 host computer 102 Copier Multifunction machine 103 network 104 telephone lines 201 bus 202 Operation unit 203 Scanner unit 204 printer unit 205 image processing unit 206 Image memory unit 207 FAX unit 208 Network Controller Unit 209 Bus Arbiter 210 bus (print data processing unit) 211 HD (hard disk) 212 CPU (print data processing unit) 213 ROM 214 Work RAM 215 ASIC 216 HD-I / F 217 image memory 218 Bus Bridge 219 Bus Arbiter 220 bus control unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 13/38 330 G06F 13/38 330A 5K032 H04L 12/40 H04L 12/40 Z H04N 1/00 H04N 1 / 00 C F-term (reference) 5B014 EB01 FA04 FB04 GC12 GC14 GD07 GD18 GD23 GD32 HA02 HC05 HC08 5B021 AA19 BB01 CC06 DD18 5B061 BA01 BB08 BB16 BC07 FF01 GG13 5B077 AA15 AA23 BA04 BB04 FF11 GG16 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB40 AB41 AC48 AE01 AE13 AF00 BA00 5K032 BA16 DA01 DA07 DA12

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A bus for transferring data and the like, a plurality of functional units having a data transmission / reception interface connected to the bus, and a controller for integrally controlling the functional units via the bus, Each functional unit executes communication with the other functional unit via the bus. In the multifunction device, each functional unit includes reception capability information regarding the reception capability of the other functional unit from the controller. Means for inputting program information and means for executing data transfer to each other functional unit according to the program information are provided, and data is transferred from each functional unit to the other functional unit via the bus. When transferring, the use of the bus is controlled so that data transfer can be executed based on the reception capability information. 2. Each of the plurality of functional units internally holds reception capability information regarding its own reception capability, and transfers the reception capability information to the controller according to an instruction from the controller. The multi-function peripheral according to claim 1. 3. A bus arbiter connected to the controller and each of the functional units to determine a bus master of the bus, wherein the functional unit that has become the bus master is connected to another specific functional unit. 3. The multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the bus arbiter is controlled so as to enable the output control of the data based on the reception capability information when the output control is executed. 4. One of the functional units is a network controller that receives control from an external host computer via a network, and further by a bus arbiter different from the bus arbiter controlling the bus. An information processing unit having another bus to be controlled, a bus of the information processing unit, a bus bridge connected to the bus connected to the controller, and a bus arbiter coupled to the bus bridge, A bus control unit for controlling bidirectional transmission via a bus bridge, comprising: a bus control unit controlled by the network controller and the information processing unit, wherein the bus control unit is the network. The data received from the external host computer via the network under the control of the controller. To send data to the information processing unit via the bus bridge, and to send data from the information processing unit to one of the function units under the control of the information processing unit. 4. The multi-function peripheral according to claim 3, wherein the multi-function peripheral is connected to the bus arbiter. 5. The multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the reception capability information is data representing an amount of continuous reception via the bus. 6. One of the functional units is a printer unit that prints out, the information processing unit inputs and processes data including page description language data, and the processed image data is processed by the bus bridge. Through the printer
6. The multi-function peripheral according to claim 5, wherein the printer unit prints the sent image data on a desired sheet by transmitting the image data to a unit. 7. The functional unit is at least a scanner unit,
7. The composite according to claim 1, further comprising a printer unit, a FAX unit connected to a telephone line, and a network controller unit connected to a network, each bus being a parallel bus. Machine. 8. The information processing unit further includes a hard disk device, and the controller controls the network controller according to information from the network controller to send the transmitted data to the network controller. 8. The multi-function peripheral according to claim 3, wherein data is transferred from the hard disk device to the hard disk device via the bus bridge. 9. A bus for transferring data and the like, a plurality of functional units having a data transmission / reception interface connected to the bus, and a controller for centrally controlling the functional units via the bus, Each functional unit is a data transfer control method of a multi-function peripheral that executes communication with the other functional unit via the bus, wherein the controller receives the functional unit's reception of each functional unit. A reception capability information transfer step of transferring program information including reception capability information related to capability via the bus, wherein each functional unit inputs the program information transferred in the reception capability information transfer step. , A step of executing data transfer to another functional unit according to the program information input in the program information input step, Note that each functional unit controls use of the bus so as to enable data transfer based on the reception capability information when transferring data to the other functional unit via the bus. And method for controlling data transfer in a multifunction device. 10. The controller further comprises a reception capability transfer request step for requesting each of the plurality of functional units to transfer reception capability information relating to its own reception capability. 10. The data transfer control method for a multifunction peripheral according to claim 9, further comprising the step of receiving the reception capability transfer request from the controller and transferring the reception capability information held therein to the controller. 11. The multi-function peripheral further comprises a bus arbiter that is connected to the controller and each of the functional units and determines a bus master of the bus. 11. The bus arbiter is controlled so as to enable output control of data based on the reception capability information when executing output control to a specific functional unit. Data transfer control method for multi-function peripherals. 12. The data transfer control method for a multi-function peripheral according to claim 9, wherein the reception capability information is data representing an amount of continuous reception via the bus. .