JP2006236235A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which an HDD can be protected when a main power supply is disconnected with more inexpensive configuration. <P>SOLUTION: At power stoppage, the power supply of a minimum configuration for finishing writing in the hard disk is backed up to prevent an error when making a write access to the hard disk. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to HDD protection when a main power supply is turned off during HDD access in a multi-function system equipped with an HDD.

  Along with the recent digitalization of copiers, multi-function machines that combine multiple functions such as the function to perform facsimile transmission / reception using scanners and printers of copiers, and the function to perform PDL (Page Description Language) printing have been put into practical use. Has been. Such a multifunction machine is configured to execute not only a single function such as a copy function, a facsimile function, and a PDL print function, but also a function that combines a plurality of functions such as facsimile transmission of a PDL developed image. Further, such a multi-function device is configured so that the function of the multi-function device is also used by a computer device or the like by connecting the multi-function device via a LAN (local area network). Also, it has a function of sending an image read by a scanner as an attachment to an e-mail address converted to a PDF file, for example.

  In such a multi-function peripheral, the printer control program is shared for the copying function, the PDL printing function, the facsimile printing function, etc., and the reader is used for the copying function, the facsimile reading function, the scanner function, etc. By sharing a part of the control program, the capacity of the control program for realizing various functions can be reduced, and a desired function can be realized economically and simply.

  Further, such a multi-function peripheral has an image storage unit such as a large-capacity hard disk or semiconductor memory for storing image data. The image storage unit includes image data read by a scanner, developed PDL image data, facsimile data. An image input job for inputting received document data, etc., and an image output job for reading out image data stored in the image storage unit for printing out, facsimile transmission, or image transfer to a computer device via a network And a desired function can be provided.

  It is also possible to realize a box function for temporarily storing image data by using a part of a large-capacity hard disk for storing image data and reading the image data at a desired timing. In order to realize this box function, for example, 100 boxes are prepared in the fixed area of the hard disk, and the user designates a box number when capturing image data from a computer connected to the multi-function peripheral. Image data can be saved. It is possible to set whether or not to perform password verification for each box and to set the name of the box.

  A hard disk is currently used as a storage medium for this type of box function. In the hard disk, for example, when the main power supply is interrupted during writing (for example, a power failure), a defective medium area (hereinafter referred to as a defective sector) in which data cannot be written or read may occur. If image data is written or read with this defective sector as it is, the image data written in the defective area may be lost, or an incomplete image may be reproduced. It may cause a situation that a timeout occurs and a service call is issued. In an expensive system such as a server, a backup power source in the event of a power failure is prepared, and it is possible to cope with unexpected main power shut-off.

As a conventional example, for example, Patent Document 1 can be cited.
JP 7-160596 A

  However, there are some low-priced machines that cannot have an expensive backup system such as a server, so it is desired to protect the HDD when the main power supply is cut off with a cheaper configuration.

  A hard disk controller having a backup power source, a determination unit for determining whether or not the hard disk is write-accessed, and an AC power supply interruption detection means. When the AC power supply interruption detection means detects the interruption, the hard disk and the hard disk controller are switched by a switching circuit. An image forming apparatus comprising an HDD controller, wherein a part of the power source is switched to the backup power source, and the hard disk controller sets a signal connected to the HDD in a high impedance state.

  By using the HDD controller of the present invention, HDD write errors can be prevented with a minimum backup capacity.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 2 shows a network system configured according to this embodiment.

  Reference numeral 200 in the figure denotes an Internet communication network. A web server 201 is connected to the Internet 200 and provides a specific service to Internet users. Reference numeral 202 denotes an electronic money server that performs a settlement process between a financial institution and a consumer client. A service provider 204 performs a connection process between the personal user terminal and the Internet 200. A firewall 203 connects the inside of the LAN 2011 shown below and an external communication network (Internet 200), and performs security management and the like. Reference numeral 210 denotes each of the device management servers 211 to 214 and 220 connected via the LAN 2011. Reference numeral 211 denotes a file server, which allows a plurality of users connected via a LAN to share data.

  An image forming apparatus 220 such as a digital copying machine mainly has an image input / output function. In this image forming apparatus 220, 140 is an operation unit for a user to perform various operations, 10 is an image scanner for reading an image in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 140 and the personal computers 212 and 213, and 20 is a personal computer 212 and 213. Or a printer that prints data from the file server 211 on paper.

  A controller unit 30 controls input / output of image data to and from the scanner 10 and the printer 20 based on instructions from the operation unit 140 and the personal computers 212 and 213. For example, control is performed such that image data captured by the scanner 10 is stored in a memory inside the controller, output to the personal computers 212 and 213, or printed by the printer 20. A printer 214 can print image data from the personal computers 212 and 213 and the file server 211 on a recording medium. Reference numerals 212 and 213 denote personal computers connected as terminal devices. Information provided from the web server 201 can be browsed via the Internet 200, and image data can be output to the image forming apparatus 220 or the printer 214.

  The above configuration is configured such that the LAN 2011 is connected to the Internet via the firewall 203, but a configuration in which a firewall is connected via the service provider 204 may also be used.

  The appearance of the image processing apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG.

  The scanner unit 10 as an image input device irradiates a document image with a lamp, reads it with a CCD line sensor (not shown), and converts it into an electrical signal to process it as image data. The original paper is set on the original feeder 142, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 140, the feeder 2072 feeds the original paper one by one and performs an original image reading operation.

  The printer unit 20 that is an image output device is a part that converts image data into an image on paper. In the specification of this patent, the electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt will be described. An ink jet system that prints an image directly on a sheet by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from a controller (described later) inside the apparatus. The printer unit 20 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, and 2104 corresponding thereto. Further, the paper on which the image is formed is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 132.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Details of the operation will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Reference numeral 101 denotes an original platen glass on which originals fed from the automatic document feeder 142 are sequentially placed at predetermined positions. Reference numeral 102 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on the document table glass 101. Reference numerals 103, 104, and 105 denote scanning mirrors, which are accommodated in an optical scanning unit (not shown), and guide reflected light from the original to the CCD unit 106 while reciprocating. The CCD unit 106 includes an imaging lens 107 that forms an image of reflected light from an original on the CCD, for example, an image sensor 108 composed of a CCD, a CCD driver 109 that drives the image sensor 108, and the like. An image signal output from the image sensor 108 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data and then input to the controller unit 139. Reference numeral 110 denotes a photosensitive drum, which is discharged by a pre-exposure lamp 112 in preparation for image formation. A primary charger 113 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 110. Reference numeral 117 denotes an exposure unit, which is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser and exposes the photosensitive drum 110 based on image data processed by the controller unit 139 that controls image formation and the entire apparatus, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. . Reference numeral 118 denotes a developing device that contains a black developer (toner). A pre-transfer charger 119 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a sheet. Reference numerals 120, 122, 124, 142, and 144 denote paper feeding units (120 is a manual paper feeding unit), and the transfer paper is fed into the apparatus by driving the paper feeding rollers 121, 123, 125, 143, and 145. Then, the operation is temporarily stopped at the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed, and the writing start timing with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is taken and the paper is fed again. A transfer charger 127 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a transfer sheet to be fed. Reference numeral 128 denotes a separation charger that separates the transfer sheet on which the transfer operation has been completed from the photosensitive drum 110. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 110 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 111. Reference numeral 129 denotes a conveyance belt which conveys the transfer sheet on which the transfer process has been completed to the fixing device 130 and is fixed by heat, for example. Reference numeral 131 denotes a flapper that controls the transfer path of the transfer sheet after the fixing process to one of the arrangement directions of the sorter 132 and the intermediate tray 137. Reference numerals 133 to 136 denote feeding rollers which feed the transfer paper once the fixing process is completed to the intermediate tray 137 by being reversed (multiple) or non-reversed (both sides). Reference numeral 138 denotes a re-feed roller that transports the transfer paper placed on the intermediate tray 137 to the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed again.

  A sheet discharge counter 139 counts up each time the printed sheet is discharged from the main body, and the counter value is cleared when one job is completed.

  The controller unit 30 includes a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and performs the above-described image forming operation in accordance with instructions from the man-machine interface device 140.

  The configuration of the operation unit 140 is shown in FIG. The LCD display unit 1032 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits position information to the controller unit 30 when a displayed key is pressed. This will be described later with reference to FIG. The numeric keypad 1028 is used when inputting numbers such as the number of copies. A start key 1029 is used when starting a document image reading operation. A stop key 1030 is used to stop an operation in operation. A reset key 1031 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

  Reference numeral 1023 denotes a guide key. When the key function is not understood, an explanation of the key is displayed. Reference numeral 1024 denotes a copy mode key which is pressed when copying. Reference numeral 1025 denotes a fax key which is pressed to make settings related to fax. A file key 1026 is pressed to output file data. Reference numeral 1027 denotes a printer key, which is used to make settings relating to print output from an external device such as a computer.

  Reference numeral 1031 denotes a voice guide key, which can be set by pressing the key when performing voice guidance, and can be canceled by pressing again to turn off the setting.

  A speaker 501 outputs a voice guide through the speaker. Reference numeral 502 denotes a handset that can be used to input voice or listen to a voice guide.

  FIG. 6 is a basic screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel 140.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes an extended function key. When this key is pressed, a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, frame erasing setting, or the like is entered. An image mode key 1002 enters a setting mode for performing shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking on a copy image. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a user mode key, which can register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen for each user. Reference numeral 1004 denotes an applied zoom key, which enters a mode for independently scaling the X and Y directions of a document, and a zoom program mode for calculating a scaling factor from the document size and copy size. Reference numerals 1005, 1006, and 1007 denote an M1 key, an M2 key, and an M3 key, which are pressed when calling each mode memory. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a call key, which is pressed to call the copy mode that was previously set. An option key 1009 sets an optional function such as a film projector for copying directly from a film. Reference numeral 1010 denotes a sorter key for setting modes such as sort output and group output. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a document mixed loading key which is pressed when setting A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size documents together in the document feeder. Reference numeral 1012 denotes an equal magnification key which is pressed when the copy magnification is set to 100%. Reference numerals 1014 and 1015 denote a reduction key and an enlargement key, respectively, which are pressed when performing regular reduction or enlargement. Reference numeral 1016 denotes a zoom key which is pressed when performing non-standard reduction or enlargement in increments of 1%. A sheet selection key 1013 is pressed when selecting a copy sheet. The density keys 1018 and 1020 are darkly copied every time 1018 is pressed, and lightly copied every time 1020 is pressed. Reference numeral 1017 denotes a density display. When the density key is pressed, the display changes to the left and right. Reference numeral 1019 denotes an AE key which is pressed when a document having a dark background such as a newspaper is copied for automatic density adjustment. Reference numeral 1021 denotes a HiFi key, which is pressed when copying a document having a large halftone density such as a photographic document. Reference numeral 1022 denotes a character emphasis key which is pressed when it is desired to make a character stand out when copying a character document.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the scanner 10 and the printer 20 in the image forming apparatus.

  A CPU 751 controls the entire scanner 10 and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 753 (ROM) storing a control program. The CPU address bus and data bus are connected to each load via a circuit comprising a bus driver and an address decoder 752. Further, it is connected to the CPU of the controller unit 30 and performs communication.

  Reference numeral 754 denotes a random access memory (RAM) as a main storage device used as input data storage, a working storage area, or the like. Reference numeral 755 denotes an I / O interface, and each load of devices such as a motor 756, a lamp 757, and a paper detection sensor 758 for detecting a sheet to be conveyed is driven. Connected to.

  The image data read by the CCD unit 106 is transferred to the controller 30.

  Next, reference numeral 701 denotes a CPU that controls the printer 20, and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 703 (ROM) storing a control procedure (control program). The address bus and data bus of the CPU 701 are connected to each load through the bus driver circuit and address decoder circuit of 702. Reference numeral 704 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used as a storage area for input data, a working storage area, or the like. Reference numeral 705 denotes an I / O interface, and motors 707, clutches 708, solenoids 709 for driving the paper feed system, transport system, and optical system, and paper detection sensors 710 for detecting the transported paper. Connected to each load of the device. The developing device 118 is provided with a toner residual detection sensor 711 that detects the amount of toner in the developing device, and its output signal is input to the I / O port 705. A high voltage unit 715 outputs a high voltage to the above-described primary charger 113, developing device 118, pre-transfer charger 119, transfer charger 127, and separation charger 128 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 701.

  The image signal output from the CCD unit 106 is subjected to image processing, which will be described later, by the controller unit 30 and outputs a control signal 117 of the laser unit according to the image data. Laser light output from the laser unit 117 irradiates and exposes the photosensitive drum 110, and a light emission state is detected by a beam detection sensor 713 serving as a light receiving sensor in a non-image area. 705 is input.

  A block diagram of the controller unit is shown in FIG. The controller unit 30 is connected to the scanner 10 which is an image input device and the printer 20 which is an image output device, and on the other hand, is connected to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 to input / output image information and device information. It is a controller. A CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 2002, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, image data, software counter values, and the like. An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface unit with an operation unit (UI) 140 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 140 to the operation unit 140. Further, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 140 to the CPU 2001. A network 2010 is connected to the LAN 2011 and inputs / outputs information. A Modem 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information. The voice input / output unit 500 performs control for outputting voice to the speaker, outputting voice to the handset, and inputting voice. A real-time clock or the like is used for the time measuring unit 2200, and the time is measured as a calendar. The scanner / printer communication I / F is an I / F for communicating with the CPUs of the scanner 10 and the printer 20. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007.

  An Image Bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts a data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008. A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 connects the scanner 10 and the printer 20 which are image input / output devices to the controller 30 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 performs compression / decompression processing of JPEG for multi-value image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

  Hereinafter, each block in the controller unit 30 shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080. The image bus I / F controller 2081 is connected to the image bus 2008 and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation with a spatial filter. For example, the editing unit 2083 recognizes a closed region surrounded by a marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shading, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed region. A scaling unit 2084 performs enlargement and reduction by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image when changing the resolution of the read image. The scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). A table 2085 is table conversion performed to convert image data, which is read luminance data, into density data. Binarization 2086 binarizes multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing.

  The processed image data is transferred to the image bus via the image bus controller 2081 again.

  The configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2091 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090. A resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data coming from the network 2011 or the public line 2051 to the resolution of the printer 20. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs processing to smooth out jaggies of the image data after resolution conversion (roughness of an image appearing at a black and white border such as an oblique line).

  The configuration of the image compression unit 2040 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2041 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, timing control for exchanging data with the input buffer 2042 and the output buffer 2045, and an image compression unit 2043. Control mode setting. The processing procedure of the image compression processing unit is shown below.

  Settings for image compression control are performed from the CPU 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 2041 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image compression (for example, MMR compression and JBIG expansion) for the image compression unit 2043. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2041. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. The received image data is temporarily stored in the input buffer 2042, and the image is transferred at a constant speed in response to an image data request from the image compression unit 2043. At this time, the input buffer determines whether image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, reads the image data from the image bus 2008, and reads the image compression unit 2043. When it is impossible to write an image on the screen, control is performed so as not to transfer data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as handshaking). The image compression unit 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This is because several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing to be performed, and several lines of image data are prepared in order to compress the first one line. This is because the image cannot be compressed unless it is empty. The image data subjected to the image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045. The output buffer 2045 performs handshaking with the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043 and transfers the image data to the image bus I / F controller 2041. The image bus I / F controller 2041 transfers the transferred compressed (or expanded) image data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the necessary number of pages is completed) or until a stop request is issued from this image compression unit (when an error occurs during compression and expansion). It is.

  The configuration of the image rotation unit 2030 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2031 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus sequence, control to set a mode or the like in the image rotation unit 2032, and timing to transfer image data to the image rotation unit 2032 Take control. The processing procedure of the image rotation unit is shown below.

  Settings for image rotation control are performed from the CPU 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 2031 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 makes settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction / angle, etc.) to the image rotation unit 2032. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2041. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. Here, the size is 32 bits and the image size to be rotated is 32 × 32 (bits), and when transferring image data on the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits ( The image to be handled is assumed to be binary).

As described above, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 (bit) image, it is necessary to transfer the unit data described above 32 times, and it is necessary to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses. (See Figure 13)
The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written in the RAM 2033 so that it is rotated at a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the first transferred 32-bit image data is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. The image is rotated by reading in the X direction at the time of reading.

  After the 32 × 32 (bit) image rotation (writing to the RAM 2033) is completed, the image rotation unit 2032 reads the image data from the RAM 2033 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image to the image bus I / F controller 2031.

  The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008 by continuous addressing.

  Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the necessary number of pages is completed).

  The configuration of the device I / F unit 2020 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2021 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the device I / F unit 2020. In addition, control signals to the scanner 10 and the printer 20 are generated. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 10 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008. The serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 2023 arranges the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order or decomposes and converts the image data into a data width that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. The parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion 2024 decomposes the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 or arranges the image data in order, and converts the image data into a data width that can be stored in the print buffer 2025. A print buffer 2025 temporarily stores image data sent from the image bus 2008 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the printer 20.

  The processing procedure at the time of image scanning is shown below. The image data sent from the scanner 10 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 10. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when the image data is 32 bits or more in the buffer, the image data is sent from the buffer to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 2023 in the first-in first-out manner. Is transferred to the image bus 2008 through the image bus I / F controller 2021. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the image data in the buffer is first-in-first-out, sent from the buffer to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 2023, converted into serial image data, and then converted into serial image data through the image bus I / F controller 2021. Transfer on 2008.

  The processing procedure at the time of image printing is shown below. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion 2024, and the number of input data bits of the printer 20 Are stored in the print buffer 2025. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE 1394, serial image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller and sent to the parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion 2024 to determine the number of input data bits of the printer 20. It is converted into image data and stored in the print buffer 2025. Then, in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the printer 20, the image data in the buffer is sent to the printer 20 in a first-in first-out manner.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing details of the voice input / output unit 500.

  The voice input / output unit 500 outputs a voice data input from the CPU 2001 via the system bus 2007 from the speaker 501 or the handset 502 and a voice data input from the handset 502 to the CPU 2001 of the controller unit 30. It consists of a circuit that inputs via the system bus 2007.

  Reference numeral 501 denotes a speaker that outputs an analog signal input from the amplifier 528 as a sound. Reference numeral 502 denotes a handset that outputs an audio signal of an analog signal input from the amplifier 527, outputs an analog signal input to the sound to the amplifier 537, and outputs an on-hook / off-hook detection signal of the handset 502 to the register control unit 513. . A bus I / F control unit 511 inputs a control signal to the timing control unit 512 in order to generate read / write timings to the FIFOs 521 and 531, and exchanges audio data between the system bus 2007 and the FIFOs 521 and 531. Do. In addition, the CPU 2001 also performs an interrupt to the CPU 2001 based on the read / write to various registers of the register control unit 513 and the interrupt signal input by the interrupt generation unit 515. Reference numeral 512 denotes a timing control unit that controls read / write timing to the FIFOs 521 and 531 in accordance with a control signal of the bus I / F control unit 511, a control register of the register control unit 513, and a status register. Also, addresses indicating the write position and read position of the FIFOs 521 and 531 are held as counter registers of the register control unit 513, and count-up control is also performed. A register control unit 513 includes a bus I / F control unit 511, a timing control unit 512, an amplifier ON_OFF control unit 514, an interrupt generation unit 515, an A / D and D / A control unit 516, data conversion units 522 and 524, It includes status registers, control registers, and counter registers used by 532 and 534, the interpolation unit 523, and the thinning unit 533, and also controls these registers. As an example of this control, the status register is turned ON / OFF by the on-hook / off-hook detection signal input from the handset 502, or the status register is set when the counter register indicating the write position and read position of the FIFOs 521 and 531 reaches the FIFO size. Or setting up a status register indicating the end of processing of the voice input / output unit 500. An amplifier ON_OFF control unit 514 performs ON_OFF control of the amplifiers 527, 528, and 537 according to the control register of the register control unit 513. This control register is controlled by the CPU 2001 via the bus I / F control unit 511. Further, ON_OFF control may be performed by a status register indicating on-hook or off-hook. An interrupt generation unit 515 generates an interrupt signal when the status of the status register of the register control unit 513 changes, and outputs the interrupt signal to the CPU 2001 via the bus I / F control unit 511. Here, as an example of generating an interrupt signal, when on-hook or off-hook of the handset 502 is detected, reading / writing of the FIFOs 521 and 531 is completed, processing of the voice input / output unit 500 is completed, and the like. Reference numeral 516 denotes an A / D and D / A control unit that performs sampling frequency change, ON_OFF control, and conversion start control of the D / A conversion unit 525 and the A / D conversion unit 535 according to the control register of the register control unit 513. This control register is controlled by the CPU 2001 via the bus I / F control unit 511. Further, ON_OFF control may be performed by a status register indicating on-hook or off-hook. Reference numerals 521 and 531 denote FIFO (First In First Out), which are buffer memories for audio data. Here, the FIFO may have a double buffer configuration. Reference numerals 522, 524, 532, and 534 denote data conversion units, such as an interpolation unit 523 or a thinning-out unit 533, data widths used in data processing, FIFOs 521, 531, D / A conversion units 525, and A / D conversion units 535. Is a data conversion unit for adjusting the data width. This conversion unit becomes unnecessary when all the data is processed with the same data width. Reference numeral 523 denotes an interpolation unit which interpolates data when the sampling frequency of the audio data is smaller than the sampling frequency in the D / A conversion unit 525 and the amount of data is small. Further, the interpolation method is changed according to the control register of the register control unit 513. This control register is controlled by the CPU 2001 via the bus I / F control unit 511. Reference numeral 525 denotes a D / A converter, which converts a digital signal into an analog signal in accordance with the sampling frequency set by the A / D and D / A controller 516. Reference numerals 526 and 536 denote LPFs (Low Pass Filters), which are filters that cut high-frequency components. Here, the cut-off frequency of the LPF 526 is a frequency that is ½ or less of the sampling frequency of the D / A conversion unit 525, and the cut-off frequency of the LPF 536 is a frequency that is ½ or less of the sampling frequency of the A / D conversion unit 535. is there. Reference numerals 527, 528, and 537 are amplifiers that amplify the signal, and ON_OFF is controlled by the amplifier ON_OFF control unit 514. Reference numeral 533 denotes a thinning unit, which thins out data when the sampling frequency of audio data is smaller than the sampling frequency of the A / D conversion unit 535 and the amount of data is small. Further, the thinning method is changed according to the control register of the register control unit 513. Reference numeral 535 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal into a digital signal in accordance with the sampling frequency set by the A / D and D / A control unit 516.

  The following relates to this patent.

[Backup power supply]
Since multifunction devices must cover a wide range of price ranges, the power backup circuit during a power outage cannot be as expensive as that used in servers. Therefore, here, consider a backup circuit that can be configured as inexpensively as possible with a focus on preventing HDD write errors during power outages.

  Since the HDD has a buffer for storing transmission / reception data from the IDE bus, even if the data transfer from the HDD controller is stopped, the HDD cannot finish the write access until the data in the buffer is written to the disk. If the power is turned off while data is being written to this disk, the probability that an HDD write error will occur increases.

  For this reason, in order to prevent a write error failure when the main power is turned off during access to the HDD, the time for the HDD write access to end normally, that is, the time until the data stored in the internal buffer is written to the disk, The power supply needs to be backed up. This minimum time varies depending on the buffer size and the number of rotations in the HDD.

  Also, the minimum configuration that normally terminates HDD write access is to stop the transfer from the backup power supply circuit and the HDD controller, and the HDD resets the HDD to write the data stored in the internal buffer to the disk. The HDD controller and the HDD main body. The configuration of the HDD controller will be described below.

Therefore, in this patent, it is sufficient that the minimum configuration for preventing HDD write errors can be made in the shortest time, so that a backup power source can be configured at low cost. The backup power supply may have any configuration, but in this patent, an inexpensive backup power supply is made by using an electric double layer capacitor as much as necessary. Electric double layer capacitors are connected in series because of their low rated voltage. Furthermore, the IR drop due to the resistance increased due to the series connection is corrected by the booster circuit. (However, an HDD failure due to a write error of an HDD having such a configuration can be avoided, but since the JOB data transferred to the MFP when the main power is turned off cannot be saved, a retransmission request is issued. It is necessary to make a proper configuration.)
[Configuration of HDD controller]
The HDD controller of the present invention is configured as shown in FIG.

  The System_bus I / F unit is connected to an internal system bus such as PCI, and exchanges data on the main memory.

  The CORE unit is connected to the System_bus I / F unit and the IDE_I / F, and performs data conversion between the System_bus I / F and the IDE_I / F.

  The IDE I / F unit is connected to the HDD and the external input / output port, and transfers data to the HDD. Further, the HDD has an HDD access flag indicating whether or not HDD access is being performed. Flag is asserted at the start of access to the HDD, and flag is deasserted at the end of access. The flag status is output from the external output port so that it can be seen from the outside. When an input signal of a certain level (for example, “0” level) is input for a certain period from the external input port, the signal connected to the CORE unit and the HDD is changed to a high impedance state according to the state of the access flag, and the CORE unit and the HDD At the same time, the reset signal is continuously output to the HDD.

  The HDD controller usually has a dual power supply configuration of the CORE unit and the IO unit, but the HDD controller of the present invention needs to have a dedicated power source for the IDE I / F unit separately from the CORE unit and the IO unit. A power supply configuration of at least two power supplies is necessary.

[Power control of HDD controller]
FIG. 17 shows a configuration around the power source of the HDD controller of the present invention.

  Normally connected to the system power supply, but switched to the backup power supply under the following conditions.

  An AC power off signal from the power controller is connected to the external input port of the HDD controller to monitor the OFF of the AC power. The access flag signal output from the external output port is connected to SW. The AC power off signal and the HDD access flag signal are connected to the SW. When the AC power is turned off during HDD access, the power supplied to the HDD controller is switched from the system power to the backup power.

[Explanation of flow when power is OFF]
The power-off flow when the main power is shut off in the multi-function device controller using the HDD controller of the invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step 1, it is continuously monitored whether the AC power supply off signal from the power supply controller becomes active. If the AC power supply off is confirmed, the process proceeds to step 2.

  In step 2, the access flag to the HDD is confirmed when the AC power is turned off. If the access flag is asserted, the process proceeds to step 3, and if the access flag is not asserted, the process ends normally.

  In step 3, the power supply of the IDE I / F unit in the HDD controller is switched from the system power supply to the backup power supply according to the condition of the AC power supply off signal and the access flag, and the process proceeds to step 4.

  In step 4, the signal connected from the HDD and the core unit to the IDE I / F unit is put into the Hi-marked and cut-off dance state, and at the same time, the HDD is reset until the backup power is turned off, and the process ends.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a voice input / output unit. It is a figure which shows the network system containing the image processing apparatus of this invention. 1 is an external view of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an operation part. It is a figure which shows a LCD display. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a scanner 10 and a printer 20 in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a controller unit. It is a figure which shows the block diagram of a scanner image processing part. 2 is a block diagram of a printer image processing unit. FIG. It is a figure which shows the block diagram of an image compression process part. It is a figure which shows the block diagram of an image rotation part. It is a figure which shows explanatory drawing of an image rotation process. It is a figure which shows explanatory drawing of an image rotation process. It is a figure which shows the block diagram of a device I / F part. It is a block diagram of a HDD controller. This is a power supply configuration around the HDD controller. It is a flowchart at the time of power supply OFF.

Claims (6)

A backup power source, a hard disk controller having a determination means for determining whether or not the hard disk is in write access, and an AC power supply interruption detection means, and when the interruption is detected by the AC power supply interruption detection means,
An image forming apparatus provided with an HDD controller, wherein a power source of a part of a hard disk and a hard disk controller is switched to the backup power source, and the hard disk controller sets a signal connected to the HDD to a high impedance state.   The HDD controller keeps resetting the hard disk until all data stored in the internal buffer of the hard disk is completely written.   The image forming apparatus is characterized in that a reset is applied from a reset IC when the AC power supply interruption detecting means detects the interruption.   The backup circuit is composed of an electric double layer capacitor and a booster circuit.   The hard disk controller has an input / output port, an input of the result of the AC power supply interruption detection means is input, and the output of the determination means is an output.   The power supply configuration of the hard disk controller is characterized in that it is divided into at least two of a control unit that performs high impedance control of signals connected to the hard disk and other parts.

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