JP2003145897A - Image processor with optional unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus attached removably with a removable optional unit in which both attachment of the optional unit to the apparatus body and on/off of power supply to the optional unit can be judged appropriately and these states can be informed to a user. SOLUTION: Specified data is written in an optional unit 3 attached removably to the body 2 of the processor and read out therefrom. A control section 4 makes a decision that the optional unit 3 is not attached when the data thus read out is first data different from specified data, and that the optional unit 3 is attached but its power is not turned on when that data is second data different from the specified data. The body 2 of the processor passes and receives data through the memory 14 of the optional unit 3. Decision results from the control section 4 is informed through an informing section 5.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a copier / facsimile / printer multifunction machine, etc., which is equipped with an optional unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of determining whether or not an optional unit is mounted and whether the optional unit is powered on or off.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image processing apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a copier / facsimile / printer complex machine, an optional unit for adding an additional function to the function of the image processing apparatus is provided. What can be worn is known. As a specific example of such an image processing apparatus, a detachable LAN interface unit, a two-line modem unit, or the like may be attached to a copy / facsimile / printer multifunction machine.

In an image processing apparatus equipped with such an option unit, various kinds of operation control such as transmission of an operation instruction signal to the option unit is carried out. It is necessary to know. However,
In general, the option unit is often supplied with power from the main body of the image processing apparatus. Therefore,
In such a case, if the option unit is attached to the main body of the device, power will be supplied without fail.Therefore, on the side of the main body of the device, it is necessary to determine whether or not the option unit can operate. It is only necessary to know whether or not the option unit is attached to the apparatus main body.

[0004]

However, in the case where the option unit has a structure in which power is not supplied from the main body of the apparatus but is supplied independently of the main body of the apparatus, it differs from the above case. . In other words, in such a case, as the case where the option unit is not operable, the case where the option unit is not attached to the device body, and the option unit is attached to the device body but its power is on. There are two cases: no. Therefore, in this case, in order to enable the user of the image processing apparatus to take appropriate measures, it is necessary to determine which case causes the option unit to be inoperable. It is necessary to properly notify.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image processing apparatus having a detachable option unit, whether or not the option unit is attached to the apparatus body and the power of the option unit is turned on and off. While being able to make an appropriate judgment on both sides,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device capable of notifying a user of those states.

[0006]

The concrete means for solving the above technical problems are as follows. That is, the image processing apparatus including the option unit according to claim 1 writes predetermined data to the option unit that is detachable from the apparatus body, and
When the data is read from the option unit and the read data is the first data different from the predetermined data, it is determined that the option unit is not mounted, and the read data is the predetermined data. In the case of the second data different from the data, the option unit is equipped with a control unit that determines that the power is not turned on.

An image processing apparatus provided with an option unit according to a second aspect is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the apparatus main body transfers data via a memory of the optional unit, and the apparatus main body. The controller of (1) writes predetermined data to the memory and reads the data from the memory.

An image processing apparatus provided with the option unit described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the configuration described in claim 1 or 2, it is provided with an informing section for informing a result of the judgment by the control section. It is a thing.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An image processing apparatus 1 having an option unit 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection between an apparatus main body 2 of an image processing apparatus 1 and an option unit 3. Here, the image processing device 1 is for inputting image data,
A device that can perform transmission, printout, etc., such as a facsimile machine, a copying machine, a printer, or a copy / facsimile machine that is a combination of these.
Various devices such as a multifunction printer are applicable.

As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 2 of the image processing apparatus 1 has a control section 4, a notification section 5, a printing section 6, and an external interface 7. The control unit 4 is a component for controlling the operation of the apparatus body 2. The control unit 4 is an arithmetic processing unit that performs operation control of each component of the apparatus main body 2 and communication processing with the option unit 3 via the external interface 7 and the like.
cessing unit) 8 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) which is a read-only memory for storing various programs such as operation programs necessary for control processing by the MPU 8.
9 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10 that is a writable and readable memory that temporarily stores various data acquired by the operation of the apparatus body 2 and the like. .

The notifying unit 5 is a component for notifying the user of items necessary for operation setting such as the operation state and setting state of the image processing apparatus 1, and whether or not the option unit 3 is attached to the apparatus main body 2. Also, the result of the judgment by the control unit 4 regarding the power on / off state of the option unit 3 is notified. The notification unit 5 is, here, the display unit 1.
1 and a buzzer 12 are provided. Display 11
Is composed of a liquid crystal display device and an LED lamp,
This liquid crystal display device can display various character information and graphic information. The buzzer 12 can emit a predetermined notification sound or voice to call the user's attention.

The printing unit 6 is a component for printing out predetermined image data, character data and the like on recording paper. In the present embodiment, similarly to the notification unit 5, the control unit 4 prints and outputs the result of the determination by the control unit 4 regarding whether or not the option unit 3 is attached and the power-on / off state of the option unit 3. Thus, the user is also notified of the result of the determination.

The external interface 7 is a connection portion for the option unit 3 when the option unit 3 is attached to the apparatus main body 2, and is connected to the memory 14 of the option unit 3 via the external wiring 13. Here, the external interface 7 and the memory 14 of the option unit 3 are connected by an external wiring 13 as a data bus made up of a 16-bit wide signal line. Therefore, the external interface 7 uses the external wiring 13
It has 16 terminals 15 for connecting with. A predetermined pull-up voltage Vp necessary for data transfer is applied to each terminal 15 of these external interfaces 7. The MPU 8 of the control unit 4 writes and reads predetermined data to and from the memory 14 of the option unit 3 via the external interface 7 and the external wiring 13. Although omitted in FIG. 1, in addition to the data bus, the external wiring 13 includes
Signal lines for address bus, read / write, chip select, etc. are included.

The respective constituent parts of the apparatus body 2 as described above are
They are communicably connected to each other via a bus 23. Further, each component of the apparatus main body 2 is supplied with power via the power supply circuit 16. Further, although not shown, the apparatus main body 2
Has various components such as a reading unit, an operating unit, a modem, and an image memory in order to perform various functions as the image processing apparatus 1 such as the above-described facsimile apparatus and copying apparatus.

The option unit 3 is the image processing apparatus 1
It is a unit that is added to the function of (1) and is detachable from the apparatus main body 2. In addition, in the present embodiment, the option unit 3 has a power supply circuit 17 that is separate from the apparatus main body 2 and is independently supplied with power. Here, as an example of the option unit 3, a case where a LAN interface unit is attached to the apparatus main body 2 of the image processing apparatus 1 will be described. The option unit 3 includes a unit controller 18 and an L
It has an AN interface 19 and a memory 14.

The unit controller 18 is a component for controlling the operation of the option unit 3. The unit controller 18 includes an MPU 20 that is an arithmetic processing unit that performs operation control of each component of the option unit 3 and communication processing with the apparatus main body 2 via the memory 14, and the MPU 20.
A ROM 21 that is a read-only memory that stores various programs such as an operation program necessary for control processing by the PU 20, and a write that temporarily stores various data acquired by the operation of the option unit 3 And a RAM 22 which is a readable memory. Also, the LAN interface 19
Is a LAN (not shown) of the apparatus main body 2 of the image processing apparatus 1.
This is an interface for connecting to (Local Area Network).

The memory 14 is a dual port storage device for relaying data shared by the device body 2 and the option unit 3, and the device body 2 and the option unit 3 are connected.
The data is transferred via the memory 14. That is, the apparatus main body 2 writes the operation signal for the option unit 3 and the content of the data to be transmitted via the LAN into the memory 14, and the unit controller 18 reads the content written in the memory 14 and reads the option unit 3 from the content. The operation processing of is performed. On the other hand, the option unit 3 writes the operation signal to the device body 2 and the contents of the data received via the LAN in the memory 14, and the control unit 4 reads the contents written in the memory 14 to operate the device body 2. Perform processing, etc. Further, the control unit 4 of the apparatus main body 2 writes predetermined data in the memory 14 for determining whether or not the option unit 3 is attached and whether or not the power of the option unit 3 is turned on and off, and the predetermined data. The data of is read. As such a memory 14, here, a CMOS is used.
(Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor) memory is used. However, the structure of the memory 14 is not limited to this, and a memory having another structure can be used.

The respective constituent parts of the option unit 3 as described above are connected to each other via a bus 24 so that they can communicate with each other. The option unit 3 is
The present invention is not limited to the AN interface unit, but is for adding an additional function to the function of the image processing apparatus 1 and is a unit detachable from the apparatus body 2, for example, a two-line modem unit. The present invention can be applied to other optional units such as a printer board unit and a printer board unit.

Next, the operation processing of the image processing apparatus 1 having the option unit 3 according to this embodiment will be described. The control unit 4 of the apparatus main body 2 of the image processing apparatus 1 writes predetermined data to the memory 14 of the option unit 3 and reads the data from the memory 14, and the read data is predetermined. If the read data is the second data different from the predetermined data, it is determined that the option unit 3 is not attached. Performs the process of determining that the power is on but is not on.

Hereinafter, the operation processing of the image processing apparatus 1 will be described more specifically with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation processing of the image processing apparatus 1 shown in this flowchart is performed under the control of the MPU 8 of the control unit 4 according to the operation program 7 stored in the ROM 9.

First, it is judged whether or not the power of the apparatus main body 2 is turned on (S1). When the power of the apparatus main body 2 is not turned on (S1: NO), the image processing apparatus 1
Since the operation of is not performed, it waits as it is. When the power of the device body 2 is turned on (S1: Y
ES), the control unit 4 of the apparatus main body 2 writes predetermined data in the memory 14 of the option unit 3 (S2). In the present embodiment, two pieces of data as such predetermined data, that is, D1 = # 555.
5 and D2 = # AAAAA are written to different addresses in the memory 14, respectively. Where data D
Both 1 and D2 are four-digit hexadecimal 16-bit data. Then, D1 = # 5555 is data in which odd bits are high level and even bits are low level (# 5 = “0101”). In D2 = # AAAA, the odd bits are low level data and the even bits are high level data (# A = “1010”). As described above, the two data D1 and D2 are written as the predetermined data when the option unit 3 is not attached or when the option unit 3 is attached but the power is not turned on. Is two pieces of data D1 and D2
Are the same data (D1 = D2 = # FF
This is to increase the certainty of the determination by the control unit 4 by making it possible to easily distinguish it from FF or D1 = D2 = # 0000).

Next, the control section 4 of the apparatus main body 2 reads the data D1 and D2 written in the process S2 from the memory 14 of the option unit 3 (S3).
The process of reading data from the memory 14 is the process S
In step 2, the data D1 and D2 are written without judging whether the data D1 and D2 have been written normally.

The contents of the data D1 and D2 read from the memory 14 are predetermined data, that is, D1 =
It is determined whether or not # 5555 and D2 = # AAAA (S4). Data D1 read from the memory 14
And the contents of D2 are D1 = # 5555, D2 = # AAA
If it is A (S4: YES), the control unit 4 performs the normal processing as it is (S5). This is memory 14
The contents of the data D1 and D2 read from D1 = #
If 5555 and D2 = # AAAA, the process S2
Writing data D1 and D2 in step S3 and processing S3
It means that the reading of the data D1 and D2 in step 2 was normally performed.
This is because it can be determined that the is normally mounted on the apparatus main body 2 and the power of the option unit 3 is turned on.

On the other hand, the data D read from the memory 14
The contents of 1 and D2 are predetermined data, that is, D1 = #
5555, if D2 is not #AAAA (S4: N
O), and then, the contents of the read data D1 and D2 are the first data different from the predetermined data, that is, D
It is determined whether or not 1 = D2 = # FFFF (S6). This is because the option unit 3 is the device body 2
This is because it can be determined whether or not it is attached to the. That is, when the option unit 3 is not attached to the apparatus main body 2, the impedance of the external wiring 13 on the option unit 3 side becomes very high, and no current flows to the option unit 3 side.
The voltage of each terminal 15 of the external interface 7 becomes equal to the pull-up voltage Vp. Therefore, in the read data D1 and D2, all the bits in all the digits become high level, and D1 = D2 = # FFFF, which is the first data different from the predetermined data. Option unit 3
It can be determined that is not installed.

Therefore, when the contents of the data D1 and D2 read from the memory 14 are D1 = D2 = # FFFF (S6: YES), the option unit 3
Informs that it has not been normally mounted on the apparatus body 2 (S7). As such a notification method, specifically, a method of displaying that fact on the display device of the display unit 11, a method of issuing a predetermined notification sound or the like by the buzzer 12, and a printing unit 6
In that case, there is a method of printing out that effect on a recording paper, or a method of combining these.

On the other hand, the data D read from the memory 14
If the contents of 1 and D2 are not D1 = D2 = # FFFF (S6: NO), then the read data D
It is determined whether the contents of 1 and D2 are the second data different from the predetermined data, that is, D1 = D2 = # 0000 (S8). This is because it is possible to judge whether or not the case where the option unit 3 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 but the power is not turned on. That is, when the option unit 3 is not supplied with power, the memory 14 is not supplied with power either. In that case, in the memory 14 including the CMOS memory, the impedance of the input / output port becomes very small due to its structure, the current due to the pull-up voltage Vp flows to the option unit 3 side, and the voltage at each terminal of the external interface 7 becomes extremely small. It becomes low. Therefore, in the read data D1 and D2, all the bits in all digits are at low level, and D1 = D2 = # 0000, so this is set as the second data different from the predetermined data. When it becomes, it can be determined that the option unit 3 is mounted but the power is not turned on.

Therefore, when the contents of the data D1 and D2 read from the memory 14 are D1 = D2 = # 0000 (S8: YES), the option unit 3
Is attached to the apparatus main body 2 but the power is not turned on (S9). As such a notification method, the same method as in the case of the processing S8 described above can be used. On the other hand, if the contents of the data D1 and D2 read from the memory 14 are not D1 = D2 = # 0000 (S8: NO), the process returns to S2. This is the process S
If none of the conditions of S4, S6, and S8 is met, the option unit 3 is normally attached to the apparatus main body 2 and the power of the option unit 3 is turned on, but in step S2. This is because it is considered that the writing of the predetermined data was not normally performed.

In the present embodiment, the apparatus main body 2
When the power is turned on, the control unit 4 of the apparatus body 2 writes predetermined data in the memory 14 of the option unit 3 (S1), and then the option unit 3 is attached to the apparatus body 2 in step S2 and thereafter. Whether or not the power supply is turned on and off and the power on / off state of the option unit 3 are determined. However, the timing of performing such processing is not limited to this, and for example, the power supply of the apparatus main body 2 is turned on. Option unit 3
It is also possible to start the processing after S2 when the operation for is first performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the apparatus main body 2
As the first data different from the predetermined data written in the memory 14 by the control unit 4 of the above, data (D1 = D) in which all bits in all digits are formed by high level signals
2 = # FFFF), and as second data different from the predetermined data, data (D1 = D2 = # 0) in which all bits in all digits are formed of low level signals.
000). However, the contents of the first data and the second data that are different from the predetermined data are not limited to this, and it is assumed that the contents of the first data and the second data in the above embodiment are exchanged. It is also possible to carry out, and it is also possible to use completely different data other than these.

[0030]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention.
According to the image processing apparatus including the option unit according to the first aspect, the predetermined data is written to the option unit, the data is further read, and the read data is compared with the written predetermined data. By doing so, it is possible to appropriately judge whether or not the option unit is properly attached to the main body of the device and whether or not the power of the option unit is turned on, without requiring a special circuit or device configuration. be able to. In addition, it is possible to notify the user of the image processing apparatus of the result of the determination and urge the user to take appropriate measures.

According to the image processing apparatus provided with the option unit according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned effect, the apparatus main body transfers data through the memory of the optional unit, and controls the apparatus main body. By writing predetermined data to the memory and reading the data from the memory, for example, when the option unit is not properly attached to the apparatus main body, the data is read. The data becomes the data formed by the high level signal, and when the option unit is attached but the power is not turned on, the read data becomes the data formed by the low level signal. Different data may be read depending on whether the optional unit is installed or not, and whether the power is on or off. Runode, it is possible to reliably determine the control unit for these states of optional units.

According to the image processing apparatus provided with the option unit according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned effect, the option unit is provided by notifying the result of the judgment by the control section. It is possible to notify the user of the image processing apparatus whether or not the image processing apparatus is properly attached to the apparatus main body and whether or not the option unit is powered on. Therefore, the user can take appropriate measures according to the notified contents.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection between an apparatus main body of an image processing apparatus including an option unit according to an embodiment of the present invention and an option unit.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image processing apparatus including the option unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image processing device with optional unit 2 device body 3 optional units 4 Control unit of device body 5 Notification section 6 printing section 7 External interface 13 External wiring 14 memory 18 unit control section

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 HJ10 HV17                       HV32 KK02 KK06 KK35                 2H027 DA28 DA50 EE08 EE10 EF01                       GA25 GA30 GA45 GA47 GA48                       GB07 HA12 HA19 ZA09                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB16 AB38 AB51                       AC02 AC48 AC58 AD05 AE15                       AF14

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. Writing predetermined data to an option unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body,
When the data is read from the option unit and the read data is the first data different from the predetermined data, it is determined that the option unit is not mounted, and the read data is the predetermined data. In the case of the second data different from the data, the image processing apparatus provided with an option unit, characterized in that the option unit is equipped with a control unit that determines that the power is not turned on. . 2. The apparatus main body transfers data via a memory of the option unit, and the control unit of the apparatus main body writes predetermined data to the memory and from the memory. An image processing apparatus comprising the option unit according to claim 1, wherein the data is read. 3. An image processing apparatus having an option unit according to claim 1, further comprising an informing section for informing a result of the judgment made by the control section.