JP2005348125A - Image processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing unit capable of reducing burdens on a user, when the user uses the image processing unit having a versatile function by utilizing a USB device. <P>SOLUTION: When the USB device is connected to an external bus connection means 60 in the image processing unit 10, the external bus connection means 60 detects the connection of the USB device for notifying a USB device recognition means 30. The USB device recognition means 30 for receiving the notification designates the type of the connected USB device. A screen selection means 40 and a machine state transition means 50 select a screen corresponding to the designated USB device for automatic display, and automatically perform the transition of a machine state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus to which a USB device can be connected.

  In recent years, some image processing apparatuses such as digital multifunction peripherals have various functions such as functions as a printer and a facsimile machine in addition to functions as a copying machine. The operation of the user who handles such various functions is complicated, burdensome, and inconvenient.

  By the way, USB (Universal Serial Bus) has become widespread, and devices that can use this USB are increasing. The USB has a characteristic that a device can be inserted and removed while the power of the apparatus is turned on.

  Various devices have been proposed that reduce the burden of user operation associated with device connection by using this characteristic to handle the presence or absence of USB device connection as a type of user operation.

  For example, there is an image communication apparatus that switches between a printer mode and a facsimile mode depending on the presence or absence of a USB connection. In addition, there is a print system in which when a digital camera and a printer are connected by USB, an image file name captured by the digital camera is displayed on a display screen of the printer (see Patent Document 1 or 2).

JP 2003-152933 A JP 2001-290612 A

  In the above image communication apparatus, the mode switching is limited to the printer mode and the facsimile mode, and there is only one mode selection. In the above print system, devices that can be connected via USB are limited to digital cameras only.

  Even if information based on the presence / absence of connection of a USB device is used for a single purpose as described above, since the functions of the device itself are limited in the device as described above, a user who uses USB as the device is used. The burden was reduced appropriately.

  However, since the image processing apparatus has various functions, even if information based on the presence / absence of connection of the USB device is used for a single purpose, only a limited range can be improved, and the user's burden is sufficiently increased. Could not be reduced.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problems, and provides an image processing apparatus that can reduce the burden on the user when using an image processing apparatus having various functions by utilizing a USB device. It is for the purpose.

The invention according to claim 1 is a connection detection means (60) for detecting that a USB device is connected;
A USB device recognition unit (30) for recognizing the type of the USB device when the connection detection unit (60) detects the connection of the USB device;
Screen selection means (40) for selecting a screen corresponding to the type of USB device recognized by the USB device recognition means (30);
An image processing apparatus comprising: display means (18) for displaying the screen selected by the screen selection means (40).

  According to the above invention, when a USB device is connected to the image processing apparatus via the USB cable, the image processing apparatus displays a screen corresponding to the type of the USB device on the display means (18).

  USB is a so-called master / target type interface with a clear division of roles between a USB host and a USB device. Here, the image processing apparatus to which the USB device is connected functions as a USB host.

  A USB device is a device (peripheral device) that has a connection terminal for a USB device and can be connected to a USB host via a USB cable. Examples include an external memory (70), a maintenance device (71), a keyboard (72), and a digital camera (73).

  The connection detection means (60) acquires device information for specifying the type of the device from the connected USB device.

  The USB device recognition unit (30) identifies the device type indicated by the device information by comparing the device information acquired by the connection detection unit (60) with the information included in the embedded device driver. It has become.

  The device driver may be incorporated directly into the image processing apparatus or may be incorporated with a so-called plug and play function.

  The screen selection means (40) registers the USB device type and the ID number assigned to the corresponding screen in advance in association with each other, and the screen corresponding to the USB device type recognized by the USB device recognition means is displayed first. It is good to comprise so that it may select based on the registration content of.

  For example, when a keyboard (72) is connected, a screen for accepting various inputs from the keyboard (72) is selected, and when a digital camera (73) is connected, an image file input screen or an image to be printed out is selected. A screen for selecting a file is selected.

The invention according to claim 2 is a connection detection means (60) for detecting that the USB device is connected,
A USB device recognition unit (30) for recognizing the type of the USB device when the connection detection unit (60) detects the connection of the USB device;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a machine state transition unit (50) for transitioning the machine state of the image processing apparatus to a machine state corresponding to the type of the USB device recognized by the USB device recognition unit (30). It is.

  According to the above invention, when a USB device is connected to the image processing apparatus via the USB cable, the image processing apparatus shifts to a machine state corresponding to the type of the USB device.

  The machine state refers to the state of the image processing apparatus when a specific function is selected, and includes, for example, a printer mode, a facsimile mode, and a maintenance mode.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the USB device recognized by the USB device recognition unit (30) is the maintenance device (71), the machine state transition means (50) sets the machine state to the maintenance mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein transition is performed.

  According to the above invention, when the maintenance device (71) is connected to the image processing device, the machine state is shifted to the maintenance mode. Thereby, a user operation for changing to the maintenance mode can be omitted. The maintenance mode refers to a special machine state when a person having a specific authority such as a service person performs maintenance on the image processing apparatus.

The invention according to claim 4 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by having both a USB host function and a USB device function.

  According to the above invention, the image processing apparatus can selectively use the USB host function and the USB device function depending on the connected apparatus.

  For example, when a USB device device such as a digital camera (73) or a maintenance device (71) is connected to the image processing device, the image processing device functions as a USB host.

  On the other hand, when a USB host device such as a terminal device or a personal computer (74) is connected to the image processing device, the image processing device functions as a USB device.

  According to the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the type of the connected USB device is recognized and a screen corresponding to the type is automatically displayed. Therefore, if a plurality of types of USB devices to be connected are prepared, By simply connecting the USB device, it is possible to automatically shift to a screen suitable for the purpose and reduce the operation burden on the user who uses the image processing apparatus having various functions.

  Also, in the case of automatically transitioning to a machine state corresponding to the type of the connected USB device, it is possible to automatically transition to a machine state suitable for the purpose simply by connecting the target USB device. It is possible to reduce the operation burden on the user who makes the transition to the state.

  In particular, the operation to transition to the maintenance mode is often complicated to eliminate general users, etc., so that the connection of the maintenance device is detected and the transition to the maintenance mode automatically is performed. The operational burden on service personnel can be greatly reduced.

  An image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral functions as a USB device such as a document reading unit and a printing unit that can function as a USB device, and an image data storage unit and a high-performance CPU (central processing unit). Therefore, if the image processing apparatus is configured to be a USB host or USB device, the capabilities of the image processing apparatus can be fully utilized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing apparatus 10 includes a scanner function for reading an original image, a copy function for reading an original image and forming a duplicate image on the recording paper, a printer function for forming an image corresponding to print data on the recording paper, and an original image It is configured as a so-called digital multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function for transmitting / receiving images and a transfer function for transferring image data.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 as main parts as a control unit that performs overall control of the operation. Circuit. The ROM 12 stores programs executed by the CPU 11 and various fixed data. The RAM 13 functions as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 11 executes a program, and a page memory that stores at least one page of image data for performing a rotation process or the like.

  Further, the reading unit 14, image processing unit 15, facsimile unit 16, communication control unit 17, display operation unit 18, printer unit 19, image storage unit 20, and external bus connection means 60 are connected to the CPU 11 through a bus.

  The reading unit 14 functions to read a document image and capture corresponding image data. The reading unit 14 includes a light source that irradiates the document, a line image sensor that reads the document for one line in the width direction thereof, a moving unit that moves the reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document, and reflected light from the document. And an optical path made up of a lens and a mirror for guiding the light to a line image sensor. The line image sensor is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The analog image signal output from the line image sensor is A / D converted and captured as digital image data.

  The image processing unit 15 performs a function of compressing / decompressing image data, a function of enlarging / reducing an image, a function of rotating an image, and the like. The facsimile unit 16 is a part that functions as a facsimile machine. It fulfills the function of compressing / decompressing image data with a compression method compatible with facsimile and the function of controlling various communication procedures for facsimile transmission / reception.

  The communication control unit 17 has a function of communicating with a telephone line or various networks. The display operation unit 18 includes a liquid crystal display having a touch panel on the surface and various operation switches, and has a function of performing various guidance displays and status displays for the user and receiving various operations from the user.

  The printer unit 19 functions to form and output an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process. The printer unit 19 is configured as a so-called laser printer having a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. ing.

  The image storage unit 20 is a large-capacity storage device for storing compressed image data, facsimile data, print data, and the like. Here, a hard disk device (HDD) is used.

  The external bus connection means 60 functions as a connection detection means for detecting the connection of a USB device or USB host connected through an external serial bus. The external bus connection means 60 has a USB host connection terminal and a USB device connection terminal.

  The CPU 11 functions as a USB device recognition unit 30, a screen selection unit 40, and a machine state transition unit 50. The USB device recognition unit 30 functions to recognize the type of USB device or USB host detected by the external bus connection unit 60. The screen selection unit 40 has a function of selecting a screen to be displayed on the display operation unit 18 according to the type of USB device recognized by the USB device recognition unit 30.

  The machine state transition unit 50 performs a function of transitioning to a machine state corresponding to the type of USB device recognized by the USB device recognition unit 30. The machine state refers to the state of the image processing apparatus 10 when a specific function is selected. For example, there are a maintenance mode, a printer mode, and a facsimile mode.

  Examples of USB devices connected to the image processing apparatus 10 through the external serial bus include an external memory 70, a maintenance device 71, a keyboard 72, and a digital camera 73. In addition, USB hosts connected to the image processing apparatus 10 through an external serial bus include information processing apparatuses such as a terminal apparatus (not shown) and a personal computer 74.

  The external memory 70 includes one for backing up data stored in the image storage unit 20 and one for performing a function of identifying a user and authenticating access rights by connecting. The maintenance device 71 is a maintenance PC or a portable computer for a serviceman to perform maintenance work. The keyboard 72 is an input device for operating the image processing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 2 shows the flow of operation when a USB device is connected to the external bus connection means 60. When the USB device is connected to the USB device connection terminal of the external bus connection means 60, the external bus connection means 60 detects that the USB device is connected (step S101). Examples of the USB device supported by the image processing apparatus 10 include an external memory 70, a maintenance apparatus 71, a keyboard 72, and a digital camera 73.

  The external bus connection unit 60 notifies the USB device recognition unit 30 of the CPU (control unit) 11 that the USB device has been connected (step S102). This notification includes device information for specifying the type of the connected USB device.

  Various device drivers are incorporated in the CPU 11 in advance, and information representing the USB device targeted by each device driver is registered in each device driver. The USB device recognition unit 30 identifies the type of the USB device connected this time by collating this information with the device information included in the notification received from the external bus connection unit 60 (step S103). .

  Further, when a device driver corresponding to the connected USB device is not incorporated in the CPU 11 in advance, the device driver may be incorporated by a plug and play function. The screen selection unit 40 and the machine state transition unit 50 in the CPU 11 perform control specific to the USB device specified by the USB device recognition unit 30 (step S104). Controls unique to the USB device include those that select a screen corresponding to the connected USB device and display it on the display / operation unit 18, and those that change to a machine state corresponding to the connected USB device.

  For example, if the connected USB device is the digital camera 73, the screen selection means 40 selects an image file input screen, a screen for selecting an image file to be printed out, etc., and displays them on the display operation unit 18. .

  If the connected USB device is the maintenance device 71, the machine state transition means 50 transitions the machine state of the image processing apparatus 10 to a maintenance mode corresponding to the maintenance device 71.

  FIG. 3 shows an operation flow when the USB device is removed from the external bus connection means 60. When the USB device is removed from the USB device connection terminal of the external bus connection means 60, the external bus connection means 60 detects that the USB device has been removed (step S201).

  The external bus connection unit 60 notifies the USB device recognition unit 30 of information indicating that the USB device has been removed (step S202). The USB device recognition unit 30 notifies this information to the screen selection unit 40 and the machine state transition unit 50. Upon receiving this notification, the screen selection unit 40 and the machine state transition unit 50 restore the control state unique to the connected USB device to the original state (step S203). Even when the USB device is removed during the work, the original state is restored at that time.

  On the other hand, when a USB host is connected to the USB host connection terminal of the external bus connection means 60, the image processing apparatus 10 functions as a USB device. For example, when the personal computer 74 is connected to the image processing apparatus 10 as a USB host, the image processing apparatus 10 functions as a USB device and operates according to instructions of the connected personal computer 74.

  The functions of the image processing apparatus 10 as a USB device include, for example, a function as a storage device including an image storage unit (HDD) 20 and a function as a scanner device including a reading unit 14.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those shown in the embodiments, and there are changes and additions within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention. For example, a digital multi-function peripheral has been described as an example of an image processing apparatus, but a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine, or the like may be used.

  In the embodiment, an example of an image processing apparatus having both a USB host function and a USB device function has been described. However, an image processing apparatus having only one function may be used. In the case of having both functions, both functions may be operated in parallel, and when one function is operating, it may be limited not to operate the other function.

  However, when the USB host function and the USB device function are operated in parallel, the use of resources such as the reading unit 14 and the printer unit 19 may be adjusted so that they do not compete with each other.

  In the embodiment, the case where one USB device is connected to the image processing apparatus 10 has been described as an example. However, a plurality of USB devices may be connected to the bus at a time.

  When connecting a plurality of USB devices, it is preferable to set the function of the connected USB device to wait or forbid until the USB device connected first is removed.

  Further, when a USB device associated with an already connected USB device is newly connected, it may be set such that additional connection is permitted and corresponding processing is performed.

  For example, there is a case where an external memory 70 is additionally connected and maintenance data is backed up in a state where the maintenance apparatus 71 is connected to the image processing apparatus 10 and the machine state is transitioning to the maintenance mode.

  In addition, if the connection of a specific USB device is one of the conditions for permitting special operations such as use of the image processing apparatus 10 and maintenance work, the image processing apparatus 10 by a person who does not have the specific USB device. Can be prohibited or restricted to improve security.

  Further, it may be configured such that when a specific USB device is connected, the prohibition or restriction on the use of the image processing apparatus 10 is released, and the state transitions to a state suitable for the purpose of the specific USB device. In order to further improve the security, it may be configured to further prompt for a password after a specific USB device is connected.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation when a USB device is connected to an external bus connection unit of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation when a USB device is removed from an external bus connection unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image processing apparatus 11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Reading part 15 ... Image processing part 16 ... Facsimile part 17 ... Communication control part 18 ... Display operation part 19 ... Printer part 20 ... Image storage part 30 ... USB device recognition means 40 ... Screen selection means 50 ... Machine state transition means 60 ... External bus connection means 70 ... External memory 71 ... Maintenance device 72 ... Keyboard 73 ... Digital camera 74 ... Personal computer

Claims (4)

A connection detecting means for detecting that the USB device is connected;
A USB device recognition means for recognizing the type of the USB device when the connection detection means detects the connection of the USB device;
Screen selection means for selecting a screen corresponding to the type of USB device recognized by the USB device recognition means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: display means for displaying a screen selected by the screen selection means. A connection detecting means for detecting that the USB device is connected;
A USB device recognition means for recognizing the type of the USB device when the connection detection means detects the connection of the USB device;
An image processing apparatus comprising: machine state transition means for causing the machine state of the image processing apparatus to transition to a machine state corresponding to the type of USB device recognized by the USB device recognition means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the machine state transition unit transitions the machine state to a maintenance mode when the USB device recognized by the USB device recognition unit is a maintenance device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a USB host function and a USB device function.

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