JP2006157808A - Picture input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture input device enabling a stable operation even if a user simultaneously connects a plurality of IFs by mistake in equipment having the plurality of IFs. <P>SOLUTION: The picture input device has a light source, a photodetector group, a data storage means, a plurality of data communication means, a host environment and a data-communication effectivating means. The IFs of a previously connected data communication system are effectivated, and the validation of the IFs of other communication systems is inhibited. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image input apparatus such as a scanner or a copier that supports a plurality of communication methods.

In recent years, with the spread of personal computers and higher functionality, editing of full-color images, OCR, etc. can be processed at high speed. Along with this, flatbed type image scanner devices that can easily input images even for beginners have become widespread. In addition, higher-speed communication interfaces have appeared and communication methods have been diversified. An image input device such as a scanner is not limited to an example, and a device corresponding to a plurality of interfaces has come out (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-27200 A

  However, in spite of having a plurality of communication interfaces, most scanner devices connect each interface device to a separate host PC, and operations from the plurality of host PCs are not permitted.

  This is because, since the image reading unit itself of the product has only one physical set, naturally, a plurality of reading operations cannot be performed simultaneously.

  This is because it is necessary to perform exclusive control of communication, etc., leading to complicated control and increased cost.

  Therefore, the current scanner device has a plurality of interfaces, but simultaneous connection to a plurality of hosts using this is prohibited.

  However, there are multiple connection connector ports for connectable interfaces, and if the user accidentally connects these interfaces to multiple or the same host PC at the same time, the internal circuit will be confused and it will not operate normally. There is a bug that I said.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the object of the present invention is to stably operate a device even when a user mistakenly connects cables to a plurality of interface connectors. An object of the present invention is to provide an image input device capable of performing the above.

  The present invention has achieved the above object by the following technical configuration.

  A light source for irradiating a document; a light receiving element group for reading the document irradiated by the light source; a storage means for temporarily storing data input from the light receiving element group; and A plurality of data communication methods for transferring stored image data; a host environment to which the image input device is connected; and communication enabling means for enabling communication according to each of the data communication methods. And a control means for controlling the data communication method connected when the image input apparatus is connected to the host environment by the enabling means and prohibiting the other communication methods from being enabled. An image input apparatus characterized by that.

  In the present invention, even when a cable is mistakenly connected to a plurality of interface connectors by a user, if one interface connection is activated in order to stably operate the device, the other interface is activated. Immediately, the problem is solved by prohibiting it.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image input apparatus capable of stably operating a device even when a cable is mistakenly connected to a plurality of interface connectors by a user.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a document, 102 denotes a lens, and 103 denotes a light receiving element group that converts an image formed by the lens 102 into an electrical signal. Reference numeral 104 denotes an image processing circuit that processes a read signal and binarizes it, and 105 denotes a line buffer. Reference numerals 106-1 and 106-2 denote interface circuits used for communication with external devices, and 107 denotes a line buffer control circuit that controls the line buffer 105 for each color light source. 108 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), 113 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), 114 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), and instructs the line buffer control circuit 107 of the number of storage lines. The data is transmitted to the external device by the interface circuit 106-1 for USB 2.0 and the interface circuit 106-2 for USB 2.0.

  Reference numeral 109 denotes an internal light source LED ON / OFF control circuit, and reference numeral 111 denotes an internal light source LED. The RAM (113) stores temporarily read image data. A control processing program such as reading is embedded in the ROM (114). Reference numeral 112 denotes an external device such as a computer connected to the interface circuit (106). Reference numeral 115 denotes a motor and a motor control circuit connected to the CPU. Reference numeral 116 denotes an interface detection circuit for detecting whether the communication interface to which the scanner is connected is USB or IEEE1394.

  FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the image input apparatus in this embodiment.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes a frame, 202 denotes a sensor unit, 203 denotes a reference axis serving as a reference for moving the sensor unit in the sub-scanning direction, 204 denotes an operation belt connected to the sensor unit 202 to operate along the reference axis, and 205 denotes a stepping motor , 206 is a gear group for transmitting the drive from the motor to the belt.

  The CPU of the image input apparatus that has received the scan command from the external device drives the motor 205 and drives the belt via the gear group 206. As a result, the sensor unit 202 moves in the sub-operation direction along the reference axis 203 and reads an image.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes a board, 208 denotes a USB connection connector, 209 denotes an IEEE 1394 connection connector, 210 denotes a flat cable for connecting the sensor unit 202 and the board 207, and 211 denotes a connector for connecting an AC adapter as an external power source. .

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sensor for reading one line, an LED lighting section, and a motor pulse timing in reading at 1200 dpi, which is the basic resolution of the scanner.

  Reference numeral 301 denotes a reading reference signal for one color. This is a mechanism for making data for one line by sequentially reading the three colors of RED, GREEN, and BLUE.

  Reference numeral 302 denotes a lighting section of each color LED set according to the reference signal.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes a motor drive control signal. The one-color reading reference signal x3 is set to be driven by one line and two pulses in synchronism with one line reading time.

The one-color reference signal (301) can be variably set by USB and IEEE 1394 of the communication system, and the actual setting value is 8.6 / 3 msec for USB.
In IEEE1394, 5.3 ÷ 3 msec is set. In accordance with this, the LED lighting section is set, and the motor reference signal (303) generated in synchronism with this is also changed in the same manner.

  As a result, a synchronization signal or the like necessary for a reading speed that fully utilizes the communication speed of the connected communication method is generated.

  FIG. 4 shows a dialog displayed when the scanner is connected to the host.

  FIG. 4A shows a dialog displayed when the scanner and the host are connected using USB communication.

  As a result, the USB communication is validated, and it is clearly shown to the user that even if the IEEE1394 connection is later made invalid.

  FIG. 4B shows a dialog displayed when the scanner and the host are connected using IEEE1394 communication. As a result, the IEEE 1394 communication is validated, and it is clearly shown to the user that it will be invalidated even if the USB connection is made later.

  FIG. 4C shows a dialog displayed when the scanner and the host are connected using IEEE1394 during USB communication. Thus, since the USB communication is being performed, the user is clearly informed that the IEEE 1394 connection is invalidated.

  FIG. 4D is a dialog displayed when the scanner and the host are connected using USB during IEEE1394 communication. Thus, since the IEEE1394 communication is being performed, it is clearly indicated to the user that the USB connection is invalidated.

  In this way, it is possible to easily recognize which interface is enabled by the user by clearly indicating to the user.

  A control method when the scanner is connected will be described with reference to the flowchart 1 of FIG.

  First, when the scanner is connected, it is determined whether the host and the scanner are already connected (F101). If already connected, the process proceeds to the already connected process. This will be described later using the flowchart 2.

  Next, the communication system is detected (F102), and it is determined whether the connection is IEEE1394 or USB (F103). (F104) After that, it is determined whether or not the mode is a mode for displaying a message at the time of connection. A dialog box indicating that this is displayed (F106).

  If the communication method is determined to be USB, the IEEE1394 communication, which is the other interface, is invalidated. (F107) Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is a mode for displaying a message at the time of connection. (F108) If the mode is a display mode, “USB is connected and IEEE1394 connection is invalidated” in FIG. A dialog box indicating that this is displayed (F109).

  Next, a case where the connection is already established by another communication will be described using the flowchart 2.

  If it is connected, the communication method is detected (F201), and it is determined whether it is IEEE1394 or USB connection (F202). If it is determined that it is IEEE1394, it is determined whether it is a mode for displaying a message at the time of connection. (F203) If the mode is a display mode, a dialog box indicating "already communicating with IEEE1394 and invalid USB connection" of FIG. 4-3c is prepared (F204).

If it is determined that the connected communication method is USB, it is determined whether or not it is a mode for displaying a message at the time of connection (F205). And use the dialog box indicating "Invalid USB connection". (F206)
FIG. 5 shows a user interface for reading with this scanner.

  501 is a preview window, 502 is a preview button, 503 is a scan button, 504 is a clear button for clearing an image displayed in the preview area, and 505 is a switch for displaying whether or not the connection form is displayed when connected via USB and IEEE1394. When this is turned off, the dialogs of FIGS. 4-a, 4-b, 4-c and 4-d are not displayed. Reference numeral 506 denotes a reading condition setting switch group for setting the resolution for reading, the number of read bits, the size, and the like. Using these, the scanner can be controlled to obtain a read image.

  As described above, the scanner apparatus described in the present embodiment supports a plurality of USB and IEEE 1394 communication methods, and when connected, determines which communication method is used for connection and validates the connection. After that, the activation of the other interface is prohibited to prevent the establishment of a plurality of communication paths to the scanner device. As a result, even when the user accidentally connects the scanner via both interfaces, it is possible to always maintain a stable state in which no malfunction occurs.

  Also, by displaying the interface that is enabled when connected, it is possible for the user to easily recognize which interface is connected and to prevent confusion.

  In this embodiment, the USB and IEEE 1394 communication systems have been described, but naturally other communication interfaces are also within the scope of the present invention and are effective.

  The present invention is also effective for devices such as printers and digital cameras that have a plurality of interfaces, not image input devices such as scanners.

  As described above, in the image input device according to the present invention, in a device having a plurality of interfaces, the user can mistakenly activate the previously connected interface and prohibit the activation of other interfaces in advance. It is possible to provide a device that operates stably even when a plurality of interfaces are connected simultaneously.

  It is also possible to easily recognize which interface is enabled by the user by clearly indicating the processing contents at the time of connection to the user.

Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first embodiment Top view of mechanical structure of the first embodiment The figure explaining the reading timing of 1 line in the present Example 1. a, b, c, and d are diagrams showing messages when the scanner is connected in the first embodiment. The figure which showed the user interface in the present Example 1. The flowchart which showed the procedure at the time of the scanner connection in Example 1 The flowchart which showed the control procedure at the time of making a scanner connection by another interface in the already connected state in Example 1

Explanation of symbols

101 Document 102 Lens 103 Light-Receiving Element Group 104 Image Processing Circuit 105 Line Buffer 106-1 and 106-2 Interface Circuit 107 Line Buffer Control Circuit 108 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
109 N / OFF control circuit 111 Internal light source LED
112 External device 113 RAM (random access memory)
114 ROM (Read Only Memory)
115 Motor and motor control circuit 116 Interface detection circuit

Claims (5)

A light source for illuminating the document;
A light receiving element group for reading a document irradiated by the light source;
Storage means for temporarily storing data input from the light receiving element group;
A plurality of data communication methods for transferring image data stored in the storage means;
A host environment to which the image input device is connected;
Communication enabling means for enabling communication by each of the above data communication methods;
And controlling to enable the data communication method connected when the image input device is connected to the host environment by the enabling means and prohibit the other communication methods from being enabled. An image input device comprising means. A light source for illuminating the document;
A light receiving element group for reading a document irradiated by the light source;
Storage means for temporarily storing data input from the light receiving element group;
A plurality of data communication methods for transferring image data stored in the storage means;
A host environment to which the image input device is connected;
Communication enabling means for enabling communication by each of the above data communication methods;
Prohibiting means for prohibiting the activation of other communication means when communication is enabled by the communication enabling means;
An image input apparatus comprising: display means for displaying that communication has been validated and validation of another communication system has been prohibited. A light source for illuminating the document;
A light receiving element group for reading a document irradiated by the light source;
Storage means for temporarily storing data input from the light receiving element group;
A plurality of data communication methods for transferring image data stored in the storage means;
A host environment to which the image input device is connected;
Communication enabling means for enabling communication by each of the above data communication methods;
Prohibiting means for prohibiting the activation of other communication means when communication is enabled by the communication enabling means;
When one communication is enabled by the communication enabling means, and when another data communication method is used for connection, a display is displayed that indicates that the connected data communication method cannot be enabled. An image input device comprising display means. In the image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image input apparatus further comprising switching means for enabling / disabling the display means. In the image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The above data communication method is at least USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, SCSI, EPP, ECP, IR, Blue Tooth.
An image input device including any one of the above.