JP2004094493A - Storage medium processor and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily edit a memory card by a PC when outputting an image recorded in the memory card by a digital camera or the like by inserting the memory card into a memory card reader provided in a device having the memory card reader, reading the image by a control part in a printer and printing the image. <P>SOLUTION: This storage medium processor is provided with a control part for controlling image information, a first interface means for connecting external information processor to the control part, a storage medium reading/writing means for reading/writing a predetermined storage medium, a second interface means for connecting the control part to the storage medium reading means, and an access control means for setting a first semaphore in either the external information processor or the control part, and for permitting only the external information processor or the control part in which the first semaphore is set to perform access to the predetermined storage medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a storage medium processing device and a control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, semiconductor memory cards have attracted attention as storage media for digital cameras and the like, and reading and writing of the memory cards by a PC (personal computer) is required. Therefore, each company has developed a memory card reader / writer for reading and writing a memory card with a PC.
[0003]
In addition, there is a demand for a device including a printer, such as a printer, a copy, and a facsimile, to output an image of a digital camera, and the number of printers, a copy, and a facsimile having a memory card reader is increasing.
[0004]
When outputting an image recorded on a memory card with a digital camera or the like, as described above, the memory card is inserted into a memory card reader provided in the printer, and the control unit in the printer reads and prints the image.
[0005]
Further, since devices having such a printing function are used as printers of a PC, many devices have an interface with the PC. In such a situation, there is a demand to read and write the memory card from the memory card PC.
[0006]
In this case, the memory card may be accessed from both the built-in control unit of the printer and an externally connected PC.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When accessed from both the control unit in the printer and an external PC, various problems occur.
[0008]
For example, there is a case where an image file is deleted from a PC while an image is being printed by a printer.
[0009]
Therefore, the conventional printer prohibits writing from the PC in the first place. However, in this case, there is a problem in that the memory card cannot be edited from the PC, which is inconvenient.
[0010]
As another solution, there is a conventional example in which a mode for outputting an image and a mode for reading and writing from a PC are switched.
[0011]
However, this conventional example has a problem that the operation is complicated.
[0012]
According to the present invention, when an image recorded on a memory card is output by a digital camera or the like, the memory card is inserted into a memory card reader provided in a device having a memory card reader, and the image is read and printed by a control unit in a printer. In this case, it is an object of the present invention to provide a storage medium processing device and a control method thereof, in which a memory card can be edited from a PC and the operation thereof is easy.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a control unit for controlling image information, a first interface unit for connecting an external information processing apparatus and the control unit, a storage medium read / write unit for reading / writing a predetermined storage medium, the control unit and the storage unit A second interface unit for connecting a medium reading / writing unit, and a first semaphore set to one of the external information processing device and the control unit, and only to a person having the first semaphore set. , An access control means for permitting access to the predetermined storage medium.
[0014]
Embodiments and Examples of the Invention
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage medium processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015]
The storage medium processing device 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a display unit 14, a USB host control unit 15, a USB function control unit 16, a CPU bus 17, a recording unit 18, a card reader unit 19, Having.
[0016]
The CPU 11 is a system control unit, and controls the entire storage medium processing device 10.
[0017]
The ROM 12 stores a control program executed by the CPU 11, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In the above embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 12 performs software control such as scheduling and a task switch under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 12.
[0018]
The RAM 13 is configured by a DRAM (dynamic RAM) or the like, stores program control variables and the like, stores set values, management data of the storage medium processing device 10, and the like, and is provided with various work buffer areas.
[0019]
The display unit 14 includes an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), and the like, and is a display unit that displays an operation status, a status status, and a card reader status of the storage medium processing device 10.
[0020]
The USB host control unit 15 is a control unit for performing communication according to a protocol defined by the USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication standard. The USB communication standard is a standard capable of performing bidirectional data communication at high speed, and a plurality of hubs or functions (slaves) can be connected to one host (master). The USB host control unit 15 has a host function in USB communication.
[0021]
The USB function control unit 16 controls communication of a USB interface, performs protocol control according to the USB communication standard, converts data from a USB control task executed by the CPU 11 into a packet, and converts the data into a packet. Then, a USB packet is transmitted, and conversely, a USB packet from an external information processing terminal is converted into data and transmitted to the CPU 11.
[0022]
The recording unit 18 is a printing device including a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or the like, and prints color image data or monochrome image data on a printing member. In addition, it communicates with the USB host control unit 15 using a protocol defined by the USB communication standard, and thus has a USB function function.
[0023]
The card reader unit 19 has various memory card interfaces, and reads and writes the memory card. In addition, it communicates with the USB host control unit 15 using a protocol defined by the USB communication standard, and thus has a USB function function.
[0024]
The components 11 to 16 are interconnected via a CPU bus 17 managed by the CPU 11.
[0025]
That is, the CPU 11 is an example of a control unit that controls image information, and the card reader unit 19 is an example of a storage medium reading and writing unit that reads and writes a predetermined storage medium. The USB interface 21 is an example of a first interface unit that connects the external information processing device and the control unit. The USB interface 22 is an example of a second interface unit that connects the control unit and the storage medium read / write unit.
[0026]
The CPU 11 sets a first semaphore in one of the external information processing device and the control unit, and controls access to the predetermined storage medium only to a user in which the first semaphore is set. It is an example of access control means to permit.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the external information processing device 30 constituting the storage medium writing system.
[0028]
The external information processing device 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an internal storage device 34, an external storage device 35, an external storage disk 36, an operation unit 37, a display unit 38, a communication unit 39, a USB It has a host control unit 40 and a CPU bus 41.
[0029]
The CPU 31 controls the overall operation of the external information processing device 30 via the CPU bus 41 according to a program read from the ROM 32, the RAM 33, or the programs stored in the internal storage device 34 and the external storage device 35. I do.
[0030]
The ROM 32 stores a control program for the CPU 31 and the like.
[0031]
The RAM 33 temporarily stores programs and image data, and operates the external information processing device 30 at high speed.
[0032]
The internal storage device 34 stores an operating system, various application programs, image data, and the like. The internal storage device 34 includes application software, printer driver software, scanner driver software, facsimile driver software for transmitting and receiving various control commands and data to and from the storage medium processing device 10 including the character data processing step in this embodiment. USB class driver software and USB bus driver software for each function are installed.
[0033]
Normally, these application software and driver software receive data from another computer readable medium in which they are stored by using an external storage disk 36 (floppy (registered trademark) disk, CD-ROM medium, or the like), and output the external storage device 35 Install by controlling. Further, it is also possible to receive the application software and the driver software in the communication unit 39 (network or modem) via the communication line L1 and install them in the internal storage device 34.
[0034]
The operation unit 37 controls a keyboard and a mouse (not shown) as means for inputting instructions from the operator. When starting execution of printing, a keyboard and a mouse of the operation unit 37 are usually used.
[0035]
The display unit 38 performs various displays for the operator. When printing is started by the external information processing apparatus 30, a confirmation dialog or the like is displayed on the display unit 38 to prompt the operator to input. During the execution of the printing operation, information indicating the printing status is provided to the operator.
[0036]
The communication unit 39 is connected to a network (not shown), and performs connection to an Internet provider and communication of data, image information, and the like with a partner communication device via the communication line L1.
[0037]
A known method is used for connection to the network and the communication line L1, and will not be described in detail.
[0038]
The USB host control unit 40 controls communication of a USB interface, converts data from the CPU 31 into a packet according to the USB communication standard, transmits a USB packet to the storage medium processing device 10, and conversely, The USB packet from the storage medium processing device 10 is converted into data and transmitted to the CPU 31. The communication control method uses a known method and will not be described in detail.
[0039]
Next, a procedure for outputting an image in the memory card by the storage medium processing device 10 will be described.
[0040]
A program corresponding to this procedure is recorded in the ROM 12, and the CPU 11 executes this program.
[0041]
First, a memory card is connected to the card reader 19, and the card reader 19 reads an image from the memory card. The card reader unit 19 and the USB host control unit 15 are connected by a USB interface 22. The card reader section 19 is based on mass storage class bulk only.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, the card reader unit 19 is connected to the CPU 11 via the USB host control unit 15, but a memory card may be directly connected to the CPU bus 17, or the memory card controller IC may be connected to the CPU bus 17. And a memory card may be connected. Exclusive processing when accessing the card reader 19 will be described later.
[0043]
The image read from the memory card is stored in the RAM 13, and the CPU 11 decodes the image into uncompressed image data from the JPEG system or the like and outputs the data to the printer.
[0044]
Next, a procedure for accessing the memory card in the storage medium processing device 10 using the external information processing device 30 will be described.
[0045]
A command for accessing the memory card is issued from the external information processing device 30 via the USB host control unit 40. This uses a mass storage class-compatible storage driver incorporated in the OS, which is stored in the internal storage device 34 and read into the RAM 33, a driver that controls the USB host control unit 40, and a scheduler. Drivers that have been converted into USB packets by these drivers are sent to the storage medium processing device 10.
[0046]
In the storage medium processing device 10, the USB function control unit 16 receives the USB packet and writes the packet to the RAM 13 by the DMA controller built in the CPU 11.
[0047]
This command is analyzed by the CPU 11, and if the command is a memory card write command, the command is first sent to the card reader unit 19 via the USB host control unit 15, and the data to be written to the memory card received during and after that is transmitted. , And also sends it to the card reader unit 19.
[0048]
If the analyzed command is a status response command or a memory card read command, the command is sent to the card reader 19 as it is. The exclusive processing of the card reader unit 19 here will be described later.
[0049]
The sent command is analyzed by the controller of the card reader unit 19, and if it is a status response command, the status and the CSW command are read out, and if it is a memory card read command, the block specified by the memory card is read. The data is read and sent to the USB host control unit 15 together with the CSW.
[0050]
If the analyzed command is a write command, the CSW is sent to the USB host control unit 15 after writing data to the memory card. Since this part is generally configured to use a USB card reader sold as a PC peripheral device as it is, detailed operations are omitted.
[0051]
The USB host control unit 15 receives the read data and the CSW received from the card reader unit 19, and transfers the read data and the CSW to the RAM 13 by the DMA controller of the CPU 11, and further transfers to the USB function control unit 16 by the DMA controller of the CPU 11. I do. The USB function control unit 16 divides the packet into USB packets and transfers them to the external information processing device 30.
[0052]
In the above procedure, the external information processing apparatus 30 can use the external information processing apparatus 30 as if it were directly connected to a USB-connected memory card reader.
[0053]
Next, the exclusion process in the above embodiment will be described.
[0054]
The exclusive processing is also realized by the CPU 11 executing a program written in the ROM 12 in the storage medium processing device 10.
[0055]
A write semaphore is set for accessing the memory card from the external information processing device 30 and accessing the memory card for output by the recording unit 18 in the storage medium processing device 10.
[0056]
When writing data from the external information processing device 30 to the card reader 19, an attempt is made to acquire a write semaphore. If the acquisition of the semaphore succeeds by this attempt, or if the semaphore has already been acquired within a certain period after the writing, the writing to the card reader unit 19 is performed according to the above-described writing procedure.
[0057]
When the writing is completed and a certain period has elapsed, the semaphore is released. Except for writing, the card reader 19 can be accessed regardless of the semaphore. If the semaphore cannot be obtained, the error bit of the CSW is set to 1 and a write-disabled error is returned to the external information processing device 30.
[0058]
When the card reader unit 19 is used in the storage medium processing device 10, when the user issues an instruction to output the image of the memory card to the recording unit, first, acquisition of the write semaphore is attempted. If the semaphore cannot be obtained, the external information processing device 30 displays on the display unit 14 that the memory card is being used, and ends the processing. Alternatively, the process may wait as it is until a semaphore can be obtained.
[0059]
When the semaphore is obtained, the image in the memory card is output to the recording unit 18 according to the above procedure. When the output is completed, the write semaphore is released.
[0060]
According to the above, during the output to the recording unit 18 in the storage medium processing device 10, a read occurs from the external information processing device 30, the control of the USB host control unit 15 is performed as a separate task, and one CBW is Upon reception, the other CBW is held as received until the transmission and reception of DATA and the reception of CSW are completed.
[0061]
That is, the above embodiment has a control unit for controlling image information and the like, a first interface connecting the PC and the control unit, a card reader, and a second interface connecting the control unit and the card reader. , A write semaphore and a command semaphore are set for access from the PC and the control unit to the card reader.
[0062]
When a card reader is used from a PC, the control unit has no fear of performing writing, and thus can freely execute reading. During the writing from the PC, the contents of the memory card cannot be guaranteed, so the PC acquires the writing semaphore. If this semaphore can be obtained, it can be written to a memory card. If the semaphore cannot be obtained, there is no change in data such as output to the built-in printer, so a write-inhibited error is returned to the PC.
[0063]
At this time, writing from the PC is often divided into a plurality of times, such as writing data and then writing a FAT (file allocation table). If a semaphore is acquired by the control unit during the writing, the writing cannot be completed normally. Therefore, the semaphore is released after being held for a certain period after the writing is completed.
[0064]
In the case of the control unit, since the control unit is mainly used for outputting an image, writing is not performed.However, if the image is rewritten during the image output, a normal image cannot be output. The control unit acquires the write semaphore. If the semaphore cannot be obtained, the fact that the memory card is busy is displayed on the operation panel or the like of the apparatus, and the PC waits for the completion of writing. As described above, the exclusive processing is realized for the write processing.
[0065]
Further, a command for accessing the memory card is a set of three commands, a command called CBW, and a response called DATA, CSW, if the card reader complies with the mass storage class.
[0066]
For example, until a set of commands from the PC ends, commands from the control unit cannot be accepted regardless of the write semaphore. Therefore, before issuing a command, a command semaphore is obtained.
[0067]
Alternatively, a task having a schedule function of receiving the other process and performing the process in order may be run separately from the other processes until one of the processes is completed.
[0068]
As described above, by the two controls of the write-protection right and the command issuing right, one card reader can be used for both internal use by the control unit and external use from the PC.
[0069]
In the above embodiment, writing from the PC can be performed safely, and there is no need to execute mode switching between the case of using the PC and the case of using the device alone from the control unit.
[0070]
According to the above embodiment, one memory card reader can be used simultaneously by both the control unit inside the apparatus and the external PC, and when using both the control unit and the PC, a troublesome mode is required. No need to switch.
[0071]
Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the PC can be used as if it were independent of a PC and connected to a commercially available USB card reader.
[0072]
Further, the writing from the PC to the memory card can be performed safely without the user having to worry about the control unit connected at the same time.
[0073]
And since the PC looks like a general card reader and exclusive control of writing is performed in the device, it does not have to newly develop a device driver that realizes special commands or exclusive control, and it comes with an OS. Device driver can be used.
[0074]
By the way, conventionally, there is a method of notifying the PC of the write-protected state using a unique command system in order to realize the write-protected state. However, this conventional method has a problem that it does not operate with a general device driver built in the OS of the PC.
[0075]
According to the present invention, when the memory card must not be rewritten, such as during the output of an image in the memory card, the memory card is only processed as write-protected, and the use of the memory card is not prohibited. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a storage medium processing device and a control method thereof that can be set to a state in which the storage medium processing device does not require complicated mode switching.
[0076]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage medium processing device 60 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0077]
The storage medium processing device 60 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, a display unit 64, an operation panel 65, a USB host control unit 66, a recording unit 67, a card reader unit 68, a USB function control unit 69 , A CPU bus 71.
[0078]
The CPU 61 is a system control unit, and controls the entire storage medium processing device 60. The ROM 62 stores a control program executed by the CPU 61, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In the second embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 62 performs software control such as scheduling and a task switch under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 62.
[0079]
The RAM 63 is constituted by a DRAM (dynamic RAM) or the like, stores program control variables and the like, stores set values, management data of the storage medium processing device 60, and the like, and is provided with various work buffer areas.
[0080]
The display unit 64 is configured by an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), and the like, and displays an operation status, a status status of the storage medium processing device 60, and a status of a card reader.
[0081]
The operation panel 65 is used to input various instructions from the user to the storage medium processing device 60. The operation panel 65 is connected to the CPU 61 via a bus or a port of the CPU 61, and includes a direction key, a determination key, a release key, and various function keys.
[0082]
The USB host control unit 66 is a control unit that performs communication using a protocol defined by the USB communication standard. The USB communication standard is a standard capable of performing bidirectional data communication at high speed, and a plurality of hubs or functions can be connected to one host. The USB host control unit 66 has a host function in USB communication.
[0083]
The USB function control unit 69 controls communication of the USB interface, performs protocol control according to the USB communication standard, converts data from a USB control task executed by the CPU 61 into a packet, and converts the data into a packet. Then, a USB packet is transmitted, and conversely, a USB packet from an external information processing terminal is converted into data and transmitted to the CPU 61.
[0084]
The recording unit 67 is a printing device including a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or the like, and prints color image data or monochrome image data on a printing member. In addition, it communicates with the USB host control unit 66 using a protocol defined by the USB communication standard, and thus has a USB function function.
[0085]
The card reader unit 68 has various memory card interfaces, reads and writes the memory card, and communicates with the USB host control unit 66 according to a protocol defined by the USB communication standard. Has functions.
[0086]
The above components 61 to 66, 69 are mutually connected via a CPU bus 71 managed by the CPU 61.
[0087]
That is, the CPU 61 is an example of a control unit that controls image information, and the USB interface 73 is an example of a first interface unit that connects an external information processing device and the control unit. The card reader unit 68 is an example of a storage medium read / write unit that reads and writes a predetermined storage medium.
[0088]
The USB interface 72 is an example of a second interface unit that connects the control unit and the storage medium read / write unit. The CPU 61 is an example of a notifying unit that notifies the external information processing apparatus that writing to the predetermined storage medium from the external information processing apparatus is not possible while the control unit is accessing the predetermined storage medium. .
[0089]
Next, the outline of the external information processing apparatus 80 constituting the storage medium writing system will be described in detail.
[0090]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the external information processing apparatus 80.
[0091]
The external information processing device 80 includes a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, an internal storage device 84, an external storage device 85, an external storage disk 86, an operation unit 87, a display unit 88, a communication unit 89, a USB A host control unit 90.
[0092]
The CPU 81 controls the overall operation of the external information processing device 80 via the CPU bus 91 according to a program read from the ROM 82, the RAM 83, or the programs stored in the internal storage device 84 and the external storage device 85. .
[0093]
The ROM 82 stores a control program for the CPU 81 and the like.
[0094]
The RAM 83 temporarily stores programs and image data, and operates the external information processing device 80 at high speed.
[0095]
The internal storage device 84 stores an operating system, various application programs, image data, and the like. The internal storage device 84 includes various control commands for the storage medium processing device 60 including the character data processing process in the second embodiment, application software for transmitting and receiving data, printer driver software, scanner driver software, facsimile driver software. In addition, USB class driver software, USB bus driver software, and the like for each function are installed. Usually, the application software and the driver software receive data from another computer-readable medium in which the application software and the driver software are stored by using an external storage disk 86 (floppy (registered trademark) disk, CD-ROM medium, or the like), and receive the external storage device. Install by controlling 85. Further, the communication unit 89 (network or modem) may receive the application software and the driver software via the communication line L2 and install the application software and the driver software in the internal storage device 84.
[0096]
The operation unit 87 controls a keyboard and a mouse (not shown) as means for inputting instructions from an operator. When starting execution of printing, a keyboard and a mouse of the operation unit 87 are usually used.
[0097]
The display unit 88 performs various displays for the operator. When printing is started by the external information processing apparatus 80, a confirmation dialog or the like is displayed on the display unit 88 to prompt the operator to input. During the execution of the printing operation, information indicating the printing status is provided to the operator.
[0098]
The communication unit 89 is connected to a network (not shown), and connects to an Internet provider through the communication line L2, and performs communication of data, image information, and the like with a partner communication device.
[0099]
The connection to the network and the communication line L2 uses a known method, and thus will not be described in detail.
[0100]
The USB host control unit 90 controls communication of a USB interface, converts data from the CPU 81 into a packet according to the USB communication standard, transmits a USB packet to the storage medium processing device 60, and conversely, The USB packet from the storage medium processing device 60 is converted into data and transmitted to the CPU 81. Since a known method is used as the communication control method, it will not be described in detail.
[0101]
Next, an operation of outputting an image in the memory card by the storage medium processing device 60 will be described.
[0102]
This operation is recorded in the ROM 62 and executed by the CPU 61.
[0103]
First, an image is read from a memory card connected to the card reader unit 68. The card reader unit 68 and the USB host control unit 66 are connected by a USB interface, and the card reader is based on mass storage class bulk only. In the second embodiment, the card reader unit 68 is connected to the CPU 61 via the USB host control unit 66. However, the memory card may be directly connected to the bus. The memory card may be connected to the bus.
[0104]
The image read from the memory card is stored in the RAM 63, decoded by the CPU 61 into uncompressed image data from the JPEG system or the like, and output to the printer.
[0105]
Next, an operation of accessing the memory card in the storage medium processing device 60 using the external information processing device 80 will be described.
[0106]
A command for accessing the memory card is issued from the external information processing device 80 via the USB host control unit 90. This uses a storage driver corresponding to a mass storage class, which is stored in the internal storage device 84 and incorporated in the OS read into the RAM 83, a driver for controlling the USB host control unit 90, and a scheduler. The drivers that are converted into USB packets by these drivers are sent to the storage medium processing device 60.
[0107]
In the storage medium processing device 60, the USB packet is received by the USB function control unit 66, and the packet is written to the RAM 63 by the DMA controller built in the CPU 61.
[0108]
This command is analyzed by the CPU 61, and if the command is a memory card write command, the command is first sent to the card reader 68 via the USB host controller 66, and the data to be written to the memory card received during and after that is sent. It receives it and sends it to the card reader unit 68 as well. If the command is a status response command or a memory card read command, the command is sent to the card reader unit 68 as it is.
[0109]
The transmitted command is analyzed by the controller of the card reader unit 68, and if it is a status response command, the status and CSW reception acknowledgment data are read. If the command is a memory card read command, the command is specified from the memory card. The data of the block is read out and sent to the USB host control unit 66 together with the CSW. If the command is a write command, after writing data to the memory card, a CSW command is sent to the USB host control unit. In this part, since a USB card reader sold as a PC peripheral device is generally used as it is, detailed description of the operation is omitted.
[0110]
The read data and the CSW command received from the card reader unit 68 are received by the USB host control unit 66 and transferred to the RAM 63 by the DMA controller of the CPU 61, and further transferred to the USB function control unit 69 by the DMA controller of the CPU 61. I do. The USB function controller 69 divides the USB packet into USB packets and transfers them to the external information processing device 80.
[0111]
Through the above operation, the PC can be used as if it were directly connected to a USB-connected memory card reader.
[0112]
Next, write inhibit control in the second embodiment will be described.
[0113]
When accessing the memory card from the external information processing device 80 to the storage medium processing device 60 via a USB connection, a command of a mass storage class is used. In this command, the external information processing device 80 can ask the storage medium processing device 60 about the write permission state of the memory card by using the MODE SENSE (6) / MODE SENSE (6) command. If it is necessary for the storage medium processing device 60 to be in a write-inhibited state regardless of the state of the memory card, the return value from the card reader unit 68 sets the write-inhibit bit to 1 so that the memory card is write-inhibited. The PC is notified that the state is the state.
[0114]
However, depending on the OS of the external information processing apparatus 80, if the state is write-enabled at the time of connection, it is assumed that the state has not changed to write-protected halfway, and the current write-protected state is not examined. And a write command WRITE (6) / WRITE (6).
[0115]
In the case of USB, if no command is responded, the PC may freeze depending on the OS. Therefore, it is necessary to return the response (CSW) after receiving all the command (CBW) and the write data.
[0116]
However, if the data is transmitted to the card reader 68 as it is, the data is written to the memory card, and nothing is performed.
[0117]
Therefore, the command is received by the USB function control unit 69 in the storage medium processing device 60 and, as described above, is once transferred to the RAM 63 and analyzed, and in the case of a write command, the current write permission state is examined. . If the writing is permitted, the command is sent to the card reader 68 as described above.
[0118]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing data when a pseudo CSW instruction is created in the second embodiment.
[0119]
In the write-protected state, after receiving the CBW command and the data, the data is discarded, a CSW is created in a pseudo manner with the values shown in FIG.
[0120]
That is, in the second embodiment, the control unit for controlling the image information and the like, the first interface for connecting the PC to the control unit, the card reader, and the second for connecting the control unit and the card reader. Has an interface.
[0121]
If the memory card must not be rewritten, such as during output of an image in the memory card, the setting of the device is set to a memory card write-protected state. The following two methods are combined as a method of realizing this.
[0122]
In the first combination, when there is an inquiry from the PC, the current write permission state is notified. In the second combination, when a write command is actually received during write-protection, the command and data are received, and the contents are not transmitted to the card reader unit, but a pseudo-reply is sent. Return to PC.
[0123]
In this way, one memory card reader can be used simultaneously from both the control unit inside the apparatus and the external PC.
[0124]
According to the second embodiment, when the memory card must not be rewritten, such as during output of an image in the memory card, the memory card is only processed as write-protected, and the memory card is not prohibited. The state in which the memory card is always connected can be maintained, so that complicated mode switching is not required.
[0125]
Further, according to the second embodiment, in the write-protected state, a response is normally returned even if a write command comes, so that the PC is not unstable, and There is no writing.
[0126]
Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the write-protection process is performed within the command frame defined by the storage class, and no special device or device driver that realizes the write-protection process is newly developed. Then, a device driver attached to the OS can be used.
[0127]
According to the second embodiment, one memory card reader can be used simultaneously by both the control unit inside the apparatus and the external PC.
[0128]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, one memory card reader can be used simultaneously from both the control unit inside the apparatus and an external PC, and is used from each of the control unit and the PC. In addition, there is an effect that there is no need to perform troublesome mode switching.
[0129]
According to the present invention, when the memory card must not be rewritten, such as during the output of an image in the memory card, the memory card is only processed as write-protected, and the memory card is not prohibited. The state in which the memory card is connected can be provided, so that there is an effect that complicated mode switching is not required.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage medium processing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an external information processing device 30 that configures the storage medium writing system.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a storage medium processing device 60 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an external information processing apparatus 80.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing data when a pseudo CSW instruction is created in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 60 ... storage medium processing device,
11, 61 ... CPU,
12, 62 ... ROM,
13, 63 ... RAM,
14, 64 ... display unit,
15, 66 ... USB host control unit,
16, 69: USB function control unit,
17, 71: CPU bus,
18, 67: recording unit,
19: Card reader part,
21, 22, USB interface,
65 ... operation panel,
30, 80 ... external information processing device,
37, 87 ... operation unit,
39, 89 ... communication unit,
40, 90: USB host control unit.

Claims (18)

A control unit for controlling image information;
First interface means for connecting the external information processing device and the control unit;
Storage medium reading / writing means for reading / writing a predetermined storage medium;
Second interface means for connecting the control unit and the storage medium read / write means;
An access for setting a first semaphore in one of the external information processing device and the control unit, and permitting only the one in which the first semaphore is set to access the predetermined storage medium Control means;
A storage medium processing device comprising: In claim 1,
When the first semaphore is acquired, the access is completed, and the first semaphore is released, the control unit, the external information A storage medium processing device provided in at least one of the processing devices. In claim 1 or claim 2,
Only when the predetermined storage medium is rewritten, the external information processing apparatus acquires the first semaphore, and controls the external semaphore so that it can be read without the need for the first semaphore. Characteristic storage medium processing device. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
For a series of processing for accessing the predetermined storage medium from the external information processing device and the control unit, a second semaphore is set,
A storage medium processing apparatus that controls so that only a person who can acquire the second semaphore can exclusively access the predetermined storage medium until the series of processes is completed. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
In response to access from the external information processing apparatus and the control unit to the predetermined storage medium, a means for scheduling so as not to sandwich the other processing until one series of processing procedures is completed. Characteristic storage medium processing device. In claim 4 or claim 5,
A storage medium processing device, characterized in that when the side having no first and second semaphores attempts to access the predetermined storage medium, the storage medium processing device has display means for displaying that access is not possible. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
Image output means;
Third interface means for connecting the control unit and the image output means;
A storage medium processing device for outputting an image read from the predetermined storage medium from the image output means. In claim 7,
A storage medium processing apparatus, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third interface means is a USB. In any one of claims 1 to 8,
A storage medium processing device, wherein the second interface means and the storage medium read / write means are memory card controllers connected to a CPU bus. Controlling the image information;
A first interface step for connecting the external information processing device and a control unit for controlling image information;
A storage medium read / write step of reading / writing a predetermined storage medium;
A second interface step for connecting the control unit and the storage medium reading / writing means for reading / writing the predetermined storage medium;
An access for setting a first semaphore in one of the external information processing device and the control unit, and permitting only the one in which the first semaphore is set to access the predetermined storage medium Control phase;
A method for controlling a storage medium processing device, comprising: A control unit for controlling image information;
First interface means for connecting the external information processing device and the control unit;
Storage medium reading / writing means for reading / writing a predetermined storage medium;
Second interface means for connecting the control unit and the storage medium read / write means;
Notifying means for notifying the external information processing apparatus that writing to the predetermined storage medium from the external information processing apparatus is not possible while the control unit is accessing the predetermined storage medium;
A storage medium processing device comprising: In claim 11,
An operation unit that receives a write prohibition instruction from the user to the predetermined storage medium,
The notifying means is a means for notifying the external information processing device that writing to a storage medium from the external information processing device is not possible when receiving a write inhibit command from the operation unit. Storage medium processing device. In claim 11 or claim 12,
When a write command to the predetermined storage medium is received from the external information processing device in a state where writing is not possible, a series of writing procedures are received by the control unit, a response is returned, and the data is returned. A storage medium processing device which does not send the data to the storage medium reading / writing means. In any one of claims 11 to 13,
The storage medium processing device, wherein the notifying unit is a unit that does not notify the external information processing device of a temporary write-protection state to the predetermined storage medium inside the device. In any one of claims 11 to 14,
Image output means;
Third interface means for connecting the control unit and the image output means;
A storage medium processing device for outputting an image read from the predetermined storage medium from the image output means. In claim 15,
A storage medium processing apparatus, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third interface means is a USB. In any one of claims 11 to 15,
A storage medium processing device, wherein the second interface means and the storage medium read / write means are memory card controllers connected to a CPU bus. Controlling the image information;
A first interface step for connecting the external information processing device and a control unit for controlling image information;
A storage medium read / write step of reading / writing a predetermined storage medium;
A second interface step for connecting the control unit and a storage medium reading / writing means for reading / writing the predetermined storage medium;
A notification step of notifying the external information processing device that writing to the predetermined storage medium from the external information processing device is not possible while the control unit is accessing the predetermined storage medium;
A method for controlling a storage medium processing device, comprising:

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