JP2010087662A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader which can be used just by being connected to an information processor such as a personal computer. <P>SOLUTION: When a computer device 2 is connected through a USB cable K1 to the USBI/F 61 of a scanner 3, the computer device 2 is provided with an access function to the normal storage area 40 of a FLASH ROM 34 based on a mass storage class standard by a USB mass storage 62. Then, the CPU 111 of the computer device 2 reads the execution file 200 of an application program stored in an application program storage area 41 for which a part of the normal storage area 40 of the FLASH ROM 34 is allocated, develops it in a RAM 112, and activates the application program. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus including a scanner unit that reads an image on a print medium and acquires image data.

  Conventionally, in order to control a peripheral device such as a printer or a scanner on a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a “personal computer”), it is common to install dedicated software called a “driver” of the peripheral device. Here, “installation” refers to reading the driver from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM in which the driver is stored or a manufacturer's homepage and writing it to a nonvolatile storage unit such as a hard disk drive in a personal computer. .

For example, in Patent Document 1 below, by establishing a connection between a printer key and a personal computer, the necessary printer driver is automatically installed on the personal computer, while the connection between the printer key and the personal computer is released. As a result, an example of a technique for configuring a part of the printer driver to be uninstalled and improving convenience when the printer driver is installed is described (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-113968 A (paragraphs (0029) to (0057), FIGS. 2 to 19)

However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1 described above, the user must select a storage medium such as a printer key in which the driver of the peripheral device to be used is stored, and install the driver, which makes installation work complicated. The problem of being still unresolved.
Also, even if the peripheral device is convenient to carry, it cannot be used unless the installation process is completed by connecting the storage medium storing the peripheral device driver each time it is connected to the personal computer from the viewpoint of security. For this reason, there is a problem that the user is strongly given an impression that the peripheral device is not easy to use.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image reading apparatus that can be used simply by connecting to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. .

  In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to claim 1 is provided with a communication unit that communicates with an information processing apparatus, and a scanner unit that reads an image on a print medium and acquires image data. Application storage means for storing an application program for causing the scanner means to function, instruction file storage means for storing an instruction file including operating conditions for operating the scanner means generated by the application program, and the instructions An update detection means for detecting that the instruction file stored in the file storage means is updated, and an update instruction when the instruction file is detected to be updated via the update detection means. The scanner means is operated based on the operating conditions included in the file. Scanner drive control means for controlling to acquire image data, data file storage means for storing a data file containing the image data acquired by the scanner drive control means, and the information processing apparatus via the communication means Storage control means for controlling the application storage means, the instruction file storage means, and the data file storage means to function as an external storage device of the information processing apparatus when in a communication state; It is characterized by.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device according to the first aspect, the application program includes a state check program for checking a state of the image reading device and a check result obtained by the state check program. A notification program for notification.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein a main body state checking unit for checking a state of the main body and a state notification file including a check result by the main body state checking unit are stored. Status notification file storage means, and the storage control means stores the status notification file storage means in the external storage of the information processing apparatus when it is in communication with the information processing apparatus via the communication means. The state check program is controlled to function as an apparatus, and the state check program includes a state detection program for checking the state notification file stored in the state notification file storage unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the state check program is a data error detection program for detecting an error in the image data included in the data file. The notification program notifies that there is an error in the image data when the data error detection program detects an error in the image data.

  An image reading apparatus according to claim 5 stores a setting file including setting information of the scanner unit set by the application program in the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A setting file storage unit, and the application program includes a setting file update program for updating the setting file stored in the setting file storage unit when the execution of the application program is terminated. The setting file storage means is controlled to function as an external storage device of the information processing apparatus when the information processing apparatus is in communication with the information processing apparatus via the communication means.

  Furthermore, an image reading apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the storage control unit is configured to perform a USB mass storage function on the information processing apparatus. It is characterized by controlling.

  In the image reading apparatus according to claim 1, when communication with the information processing apparatus is established via the communication unit, an application storage unit that stores an application program for causing the scanner unit to function, and the scanner unit are operated. An instruction file storage unit that stores an instruction file that includes operating conditions for the data and a data file storage unit that stores a data file that includes image data function as an external storage device of the information processing apparatus.

  As a result, the information processing apparatus reads the application program stored in the application storage unit of the image reading apparatus, develops it in the memory, sets the operating condition for operating the scanner unit, and includes an instruction file including the operating condition. Is written in the command file storage means, the image reading apparatus can be operated under the set operating conditions.

  In addition, since the data file including the image data acquired by the image reading apparatus is stored in the data file storage unit, the information processing apparatus can acquire the image data from the data file storage unit. Therefore, even if an application program for causing the scanner unit of the image reading apparatus to function is not installed in the information processing apparatus, the image reading apparatus can be simply connected to the information processing apparatus via the communication unit. Can be used. Further, the information processing apparatus can erase the application program developed in the memory after using the application program.

  According to another aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the information processing apparatus reads the application program stored in the application storage unit of the image reading apparatus and develops the application program in the memory, thereby executing the state check program. It is possible to check the state of Further, the information processing apparatus can notify the check result of the state of the image reading apparatus by executing the notification program. Thereby, the user can easily check the state of the image reading apparatus.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the third aspect, since the state notification file including the check result obtained by checking the state of the main body is stored in the state notification file storage unit, the information processing apparatus receives the state notification file from the state notification file storage unit. A status notification file including check results can be acquired. Further, the information processing apparatus executes the state detection program developed in the memory, thereby checking the state notification file and then executing the notification program to notify the user of the state of the main body of the image reading apparatus. It becomes possible.

  In the image reading apparatus according to claim 4, the information processing apparatus can detect an error in the image data by executing the data error detection program after obtaining the image data from the data file storage unit. It becomes. In addition, the information processing apparatus executes the notification program to promptly notify the user that there is an error in the image data when the data error detection program is executed to detect an error in the image data. It becomes possible.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the information processing apparatus, when finishing the execution of the application program, includes the setting information of the scanner unit set by the application program stored in the setting file storage unit. Update the file. Accordingly, when the image reading apparatus is connected to another information processing apparatus via a communication unit, the other information processing apparatus can set the setting conditions desired by the user by reading the setting file. .

  Furthermore, in the image reading apparatus according to the sixth aspect, since the control is based on the USB mass storage function of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard driver of a general operating system (OS) such as Windows (registered trademark), The image reading apparatus can be used simply by connecting to the information processing apparatus via the USB connector.

  Hereinafter, an image reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on a specific embodiment.

First, a schematic configuration of the image reading system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image reading system 1 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image reading system 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to a computer apparatus 2 as an example of an information processing apparatus composed of a personal computer or the like, and the computer apparatus 2 via a USB cable K1. It consists of a scanner 3.

The computer device 2 includes a host controller 4, a display device (for example, CRT, LCD, etc.) 5, a keyboard 6, a mouse 7, and the like. The mouse 7 may be replaced with a joystick or a trackball.
The scanner 3 that reads an image on the paper 9 and acquires image data is provided with a power button 51 on the upper surface of the main body 3A.

Next, circuit configurations of the scanner 3 and the computer apparatus 2 constituting the image reading system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram showing circuit configurations of the scanner 3 and the computer apparatus 2 constituting the image reading system 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner 3 and the computer apparatus 2 are interface-connected by USB interfaces (USB I / F) 61 and 121 via a USB cable K1.

  Here, the scanner 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a FLASH / ROM 34, an input / output interface 35, and the like. The CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, FLASH / ROM 34, and input / output interface 35 are connected to each other via a bus line 36 to exchange data with each other.

  The scanner 3 includes a USB interface (USB I / F) 61 for connecting an external device such as the computer device 2, and a FLASH ROM 34 based on the mass storage class standard via the USB I / F 61. A USB mass storage 62 that provides an access function to the normal storage area 40 is provided. A USB port P is connected to the USB I / F 61. When the USB connector C of the USB cable K1 is inserted into the USB port P, the computer device 2 is interfaced to enable bidirectional data communication.

  The input / output interface 35 is driven by a power button 51 for turning on / off the power, a drive circuit 53 for driving the image scanner head 52 to scan an image on the paper 9, and a paper feed motor 55. A drive circuit 56 for conveying the paper 9 and a power supply voltage detection circuit 58 for detecting a power supply voltage are connected.

  The ROM 32 stores various programs necessary for controlling the scanner 3. However, a control program for controlling to scan the image on the paper 9 to create image data, and a control program for controlling to check the power supply voltage during scanning, the operating state of the paper feed motor 55, and the like will be described later. Is stored in the FLASH ROM 34. Further, the RAM 33 temporarily stores various calculation results calculated by the CPU 31.

  Then, the CPU 31 executes the control program 37 stored in the FLASH / ROM 34 as will be described later, thereby operating the drive circuits 53, 56, etc., and scanning the image on the paper 9 to obtain image data. In addition, the operating state of the scanner 3 can be checked.

  Further, the FLASH ROM 34 is controlled to scan the image on the paper 9 to create image data, and check the power supply voltage during scanning, the operating state of the image scanner head 52 and the paper feed motor 55, and the like. A control program 37 and a normal storage area 40 and the like are provided. The normal storage area 40 includes an application program storage area 41, an instruction file arrangement area 42, a data file arrangement area 43, a status notification file arrangement area 44, a setting file arrangement area 45, and the like.

  In the application program storage area 41, a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH ROM 34 is fixedly allocated, and an execution file 200 (see FIG. 3) of the application program is stored. The application program is software developed as a dedicated editor for the scanner 3.

  The instruction file arrangement area 42 is a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH ROM 34, and stores the instruction file 202 (see FIG. 3). The instruction file 202 is generated by the application program, includes a scanner instruction command, and further includes data on scanning conditions of the scanner 3 set by the application program.

  The data file arrangement area 43 is a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 and stores the data file 203 (see FIG. 3). The data file 203 includes image data created by reading an image on the paper 9.

  The status notification file arrangement area 44 is a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH ROM 34, and stores the status notification file 204 (see FIG. 3). The status notification file 204 includes check results obtained by checking the power supply voltage status of the scanner 3, the operating status of the image scanner head 52, the paper feed motor 55, and the like.

  The setting file arrangement area 45 is a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 and stores the setting file 201 (see FIG. 3). The setting file 201 is generated by the application program, and is used by the user in the application program (reading resolution, color or monochrome, photo mode or text mode, document size, etc.) Including setting information indicating the above.

  Therefore, the CPU 31 controls the control program 37 of the FLASH / ROM 34, the application program storage area 41 provided in the normal storage area 40, the instruction file arrangement area 42, the data file arrangement area 43, the status notification file arrangement area 44, and the setting file arrangement area. 45 can be accessed, and the data stored in each of the arrangement areas 42 to 45 can be referred to and changed.

  When the computer apparatus 2 is connected to the scanner 3 via the USB cable K1, the application program storage area 41, the instruction file arrangement area 42, the data file arrangement area provided in the normal storage area 40 of the FLASH ROM 34 43, the status notification file arrangement area 44, the setting file arrangement area 45, and the like can be mounted as new memory areas.

  On the other hand, the computer apparatus 2 includes a display device controller 115 to which a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an HDD 114, and a display device 5 are connected. The CPU 111, the RAM 112, the ROM 113, the HDD 114, and the display device controller 115 are connected to each other via a bus line (not shown). As will be described later, a setting window for setting image reading conditions of the scanner 3, an error display of the scan result, and a scanner 3 abnormal operation states, that is, failure states and the like can be displayed on the display device 5.

  Further, in the computer device 2, a USB interface (USB I / F) 121 for connecting a peripheral device such as the scanner 3 and a memory of the peripheral device connected via the USB I / F 121 are provided. A USB mass storage driver 122 for accessing based on the mass storage class standard is provided.

  For example, in Windows (registered trademark), which is the OS of Microsoft Corporation, “USBStor.sys” is loaded as the USB mass storage driver 112 and the memory of the peripheral device connected via the USB I / F 121 is mounted as a new memory area. To do.

  Next, the operation of the scanner 3 of the image reading system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a program for controlling the operation of the scanner 3 in accordance with the operation of the computer apparatus 2. First, the operation of the computer apparatus 2 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 11, the CPU 111 of the computer apparatus 2 connects the USBI / F 61 of the scanner 3 whose power is turned on to the USBI via the USB cable K 1. When / F121 is connected, the USB mass storage 62 of the scanner 3 is detected and a message indicating that a new USB mass storage memory can be accessed as a new memory area is displayed on the display device 5. That is, when the USB I / F 121 is connected to the USB I / F 61 of the scanner 3 whose power is turned on via the USB cable K 1, the USB I / F 61 connects the USB mass storage 62 to the USB I / F 121. Notify that you are preparing.

  Here, an example of a program selection window displayed on the display screen of the display device 5 when the scanner 3 is newly connected via the USB cable K1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a program selection window displayed on the display screen of the display device 5 when the scanner 3 is newly connected via the USB cable K1.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 111 selects whether to use an application program provided by the scanner 3 newly connected to the display screen of the display device 5 via the USB cable K1. A window 131 is displayed. The CPU 111 mounts the FLASH / ROM 34 of the scanner 3 as an F drive.

  In the program selection window 131, “use program provided by device” indicating that the application program stored in the FLASH ROM 34 of the scanner 3 is used and “do nothing” indicating that the scanner 3 is not used. "Is displayed.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3, in S <b> 12, the CPU 111 executes determination processing for determining whether or not activation of an application program of the scanner 3 is instructed.
If activation of the application program of the scanner 3 is not instructed (S12: NO), the CPU 111 ends the process. For example, when “do nothing” in the program selection window 131 shown in FIG. 4 is clicked with the mouse 7 and the OK button 132 is clicked, or when the cancel button 133 is clicked with the mouse 7, The CPU 111 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the activation of the application program of the scanner 3 is instructed (S12: YES), the CPU 111 proceeds to the process of S13. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when “use program provided by device” in the program selection window 131 is clicked with the mouse 7 and the OK button 132 is clicked, the CPU 111 proceeds to the processing of S13. To do.

  In S <b> 13, the CPU 111 accesses the application program storage area 41 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 of the scanner 3 is assigned, and stores the application program stored in the application program storage area 41. The execution file 200 is read out, loaded into the RAM 112, and activated.

  In step S14, the CPU 111 performs the following operation using the application program. That is, the setting file 201 is read from the setting file arrangement area 45 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 of the scanner 3 is assigned. Then, the CPU 111 displays a setting window for setting the usage environment of the application program based on the setting information of the application program included in the read setting file 201.

  Accordingly, the scanning conditions such as the reading resolution of the scanner 3 previously set by the user, color or monochrome, photo mode or text mode, and document size are displayed in the setting window. The user can correct / change the usage environment of the application program by correcting / changing each scan condition displayed in the setting window.

  After that, in S15, the CPU 111 stores in the RAM 112 the scanning resolution of the scanner 3 set by the user via the setting window, scanning conditions such as color or monochrome, photo mode or text mode, and document size. That is, the CPU 111 sets scan conditions for reading the image of the paper 9 of the scanner 3.

  Subsequently, in S16, the CPU 111 executes a determination process for determining whether or not to end the application program. This determination process is based on a user operation in the application program. If the application program is to be terminated (S16: YES), the CPU 111 proceeds to the process of S24 below. On the other hand, when continuing the application program (S16: NO), CPU111 transfers to the process of S17.

In S <b> 17, the CPU 111 executes a determination process for determining whether the scanner 3 scans the image on the paper 9 in accordance with the scan condition set in S <b> 15. This determination processing is based on a user's operation of pressing either a “scan execution button” (not shown) or a “reset button” (not shown) displayed on the display screen of the display device 5 by the application program.
When the scanner 3 does not scan the image on the paper 9 according to the scanning condition set in S15, that is, when the “reset button” is clicked with the mouse 7 (S17: NO), the CPU 111 executes S15. The subsequent processing is executed again.

  On the other hand, when the scanner 3 scans the image of the paper 9 according to the scanning condition set in S15, that is, when the “scan execution button” is clicked by the mouse 7 (S17: YES), the CPU 111 executes S18. Transition to processing.

  In S18, the CPU 111 performs the following operation according to the application program. In other words, the CPU 111 receives the command file 202 including the scan command for the scanner 3, the scan resolution of the scanner 3 set in the setting window, the color or monochrome, the photo mode or the text mode, the scan condition such as the document size. Generate. Then, the CPU 111 stores the instruction file 202 in the instruction file placement area 42 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 of the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned via the USB mass storage 62 of the scanner 3. The file 202 is written, and the instruction file 202 stored in the instruction file arrangement area 42 is updated.

  Thereafter, in S19, the CPU 111 performs the following operation according to the application program. That is, the CPU 111 reads the image on the paper 9 from the data file arrangement area 43 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 of the scanner 3 is assigned, and the data file 203 includes image data created by reading the image on the paper 9. Is stored in the RAM 112. Further, the CPU 111 checks the power supply voltage state of the scanner 3, the operating state of the paper feed motor 55, and the like from the state notification file arrangement area 44 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 of the scanner 3 is assigned. The status notification file 204 including the check result is read and stored in the RAM 112.

Subsequently, in S20, the CPU 111 checks the image data included in the data file 203 to determine whether there is a data error, and whether the status notification file 204 includes the check result of the abnormal operation state. A determination process for determining whether or not is executed.
Here, the abnormal operation state is, for example, a state where the power supply voltage is 2.4 V or less, the state where the image scanner head 55 is not operated, the state where the paper feed motor 55 is stopped, or the like. It is.

  If the image data included in the data file 203 includes error data, or if the status notification file 204 includes a check result of an abnormal operation state (S20: YES), the CPU 111 determines whether or not S21. Transition to processing.

  In S <b> 21, when the image data included in the data file 203 includes error data, the CPU 111 displays on the display screen of the display device 5 that there is an error in the image data. Further, when the status notification file 204 includes an abnormal operation state check result, the CPU 111 displays on the display screen of the display device 5 that the scanner 3 has the abnormal operation state. After that, the CPU 111 proceeds to the process of S23 below.

  For example, if there is error data in the image data included in the data file 203, the CPU 111 indicates that the image is not read, the image data is truncated, the document is not set, and the like. Display on the display screen. If the status notification file 204 includes an abnormal operation state check result, the CPU 111 indicates that the power supply voltage is 2.4 V or less or the image scanner head 55 is not operating. Then, a state such as the state where the paper feed motor 55 is stopped is displayed on the display screen of the display device 5.

  On the other hand, when there is no error data in the image data included in the data file 203 and the check result of the abnormal operation state is not included in the status notification file 204 (S20: NO), the CPU 111 performs the process of S22. Migrate to In S <b> 22, the CPU 111 displays the image data included in the data file 203 on the display screen of the display device 5, and stores the image data in the HDD 114, and then proceeds to the process of S <b> 23.

  In S23, the CPU 111 executes a determination process for determining whether or not to continue the application program. This determination process is based on a user's operation of pressing either an “end button” (not shown) or a “continue button” (not shown) displayed on the display screen of the display device 5 by the application program.

When the application program is continued, that is, when the “continuation button” is clicked with the mouse 7 (S23: YES), the CPU 111 executes the processes after S15 again.
On the other hand, when the application program is terminated, that is, when the “end button” is clicked with the mouse 7 (S23: NO), the CPU 111 proceeds to the process of S24.

  In S24, the CPU 111 performs the following operation according to the application program. That is, the CPU 111 scan conditions for reading the image of the paper 9 of the scanner 3 stored in the RAM 112 in S15, that is, the reading resolution of the scanner 3 set by the user via the setting window, whether color or monochrome, or photo mode. The scan condition such as the text mode or the document size is read again, and the setting file 201 including the scan condition is generated.

  Then, the CPU 111 stores the setting file 201 in the setting file arrangement area 45 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 of the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned via the USB mass storage 62 of the scanner 3. The setting file 201 stored in 45 is updated.

  Thereafter, in S25, the CPU 111 ends the application program and deletes the application program from the RAM 112. Also, scanning conditions for reading the image of the paper 9 of the scanner 3 stored in the RAM 112 in S15, that is, the reading resolution of the scanner 3 set by the user via the setting window, whether color or monochrome, photo mode or text mode. Then, after deleting the scanning conditions such as the document size from the RAM 112, the processing is terminated. As a result, the application program and scan condition data do not remain in the computer apparatus 2.

  On the other hand, when connected to the computer apparatus 2 via the USB cable K1, the CPU 31 of the scanner 3 executes a program for controlling each operation of S101 to S106 described later. This program is stored in the ROM 33 and is executed by the CPU 31.

  First, in S101, the CPU 31 writes data to the instruction file arrangement area 42 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned every predetermined time (for example, about every 0.1 millisecond). .) Monitor and execute a determination process for determining whether or not the instruction file 202 stored in the instruction file placement area 42 has been updated.

When the instruction file 202 stored in the instruction file arrangement area 42 has not been updated (S101: NO), the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of S106 below.
On the other hand, when the instruction file 202 stored in the instruction file arrangement area 42 is updated (S101: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of S102.

  In S <b> 102, the CPU 31 analyzes the instruction file 202 stored in the instruction file arrangement area 42 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned. That is, the CPU 31 reads the scanning condition such as the reading resolution of the scanner 3, color or monochrome, photo mode or text mode, document size, etc. from the command file 202 and stores it in the RAM 33.

  In S103, the CPU 31 executes the control program 37 stored in the FLASH / ROM 34, and in accordance with the scan conditions stored in the RAM 33 in S102, the image scanner head 52 and the paper feed via the drive circuits 53 and 56. The motor 55 is driven to scan the image on the paper 9 and acquire image data. At the same time, the CPU 31 checks the power supply voltage during scanning via the power supply voltage detection circuit 58 and also checks the operating state of the image scanner head 52 and the paper feed motor 55.

  In S104, the CPU 31 creates a data file 203 including image data acquired via the image scanner head 52, and a data file arrangement area to which a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned. 43. Further, the CPU 31 creates a status notification file 204 including a check result obtained by checking the power supply voltage state detected via the power supply voltage detection circuit 58, the operating state of the image scanner head 52 and the paper feed motor 55, and the like. A part of the normal storage area 40 is stored in the assigned state notification file arrangement area 44.

  Subsequently, in S105, the CPU 31 finishes the drive control for reading the image on the paper 9 via the drive circuits 53 and 56, and checks the power supply voltage, the operation status of the image scanner head 52 and the paper feed motor 55, and the like. A determination process for determining whether or not the process has been completed is executed.

  The drive control for reading the image on the sheet 9 through the drive circuits 53 and 56 is not completed, or the check of the power supply voltage, the operation state of the image scanner head 52 and the sheet feed motor 55 is not completed. (S105: NO), the CPU 31 executes the processes after S103 again.

  On the other hand, when the drive control for reading the image on the sheet 9 is completed via the drive circuits 53 and 56 and the check of the power supply voltage, the operation state of the image scanner head 52 and the sheet feed motor 55 is completed (S105). : YES), CPU31 transfers to the process of S106.

  In S <b> 106, the CPU 31 executes determination processing for determining whether or not the setting file 201 stored in the setting file arrangement area 45 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned has been updated. For example, the CPU 31 monitors writing to the setting file arrangement area 45 at predetermined time intervals (for example, about every 0.1 milliseconds), and the setting file 201 stored in the setting file arrangement area 45 is updated. Determination processing for determining whether or not has been performed is executed.

If the setting file 201 stored in the setting file arrangement area 45 has not been updated (S106: NO), the CPU 31 executes the processing from S101 onward again.
On the other hand, when the setting file 201 stored in the setting file arrangement area 45 has been updated (S106: YES), the CPU 31 ends the process.

  Here, the computer apparatus 2 functions as an example of an information processing apparatus. The scanner 3 functions as an example of an image reading device. The USB port P and USB I / F 61 constitute an example of communication means. The image scanner head 52, the drive circuit 53, the paper feed motor 55, and the drive circuit 56 constitute an example of a scanner unit. The application program storage area 41 of the FLASH / ROM 34 functions as an example of application storage means. Further, the instruction file arrangement area 42 of the FLASH ROM 34 functions as an example of an instruction file storage unit.

  The data file arrangement area 43 of the FLASH / ROM 34 functions as an example of a data file storage unit. Further, the status notification file arrangement area 44 of the FLASH ROM 34 functions as an example of a status notification file storage unit. The setting file arrangement area 45 of the FLASH / ROM 34 functions as an example of a setting file storage unit. The CPU 31 functions as an example of an update detection unit, a scanner drive control unit, and a main body state check unit. The USB mass storage 62 functions as an example of a storage control unit.

  As described above in detail, in the image reading system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the computer apparatus 2 is connected to the USB I / F 61 of the scanner 3 via the USB cable K1, the mass storage is performed by the USB mass storage 62. A function of accessing the normal storage area 40 of the FLASH ROM 34 based on the class standard is provided to the computer apparatus 2.

  As a result, the CPU 111 of the computer apparatus 2 reads the application program execution file 200 stored in the application program storage area 41 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 of the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned, and expands it in the RAM 112. The application program can be activated. Further, the CPU 111 reads the setting file 201 from the setting file arrangement area 45 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 of the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned, sets the operating condition of the scanner 3, and includes a command including this operating condition. A file can be generated.

  Furthermore, the CPU 111 operates the scanner 3 under the set operation condition by writing the instruction file including the operation condition into the instruction file arrangement area 42 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 of the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned. It becomes possible. Further, the CPU 31 creates a data file 203 including image data obtained by scanning an image on the paper 9, and a data file arrangement area 43 to which a part of the normal storage area 40 in the FLASH / ROM 34 is assigned. Therefore, the CPU 111 can acquire the image data by reading the data file 203 stored in the data file arrangement area 43.

  Therefore, even if an application program for setting the operating conditions and the like of the scanner 3 is not installed in the computer device 2, the scanner 3 can be used only by connecting the scanner 3 to the computer device 2 via the USB cable K1. It becomes possible to do. Further, the CPU 111 of the computer apparatus 2 can erase the application program developed in the RAM 112 from the RAM 112 after using the application program.

  Further, the CPU 31 of the scanner 3 creates a status notification file 204 including a check result obtained by checking the power supply voltage state during the scanning of the image on the paper 9, the operating state of the image scanner head 52 and the paper feed motor 55, and the like. A part of the normal storage area 40 in the ROM 34 is stored in the assigned state notification file arrangement area 44. For this reason, the CPU 111 of the computer apparatus 2 reads and checks the status notification file 204 stored in the status notification file placement area 44, so that the status notification file 204 includes the check result of the abnormal operation state. If there is, the fact that the scanner 3 has the abnormal operating state can be displayed on the display screen of the display device 5 to notify the user.

  If the image data included in the data file 203 includes error data, the CPU 111 displays on the display screen of the display device 5 that there is an error in the image data, so that the user has an error in the image data. Can be promptly notified.

  In addition, when the CPU 111 finishes executing the application program for setting the operating conditions and the like of the scanner 3, the CPU 111 generates a setting file 201 including scanning conditions for reading the image of the paper 9 of the scanner 3 stored in the RAM 112 in S15. The setting file 201 is stored in the setting file arrangement area 45 of the FLASH / ROM 34, and the setting file 201 stored in the setting file arrangement area 45 is updated.

  Thus, when the scanner 3 is connected to another computer device via the USB cable K1, the other computer device reads the setting file 201 stored in the setting file arrangement area 45 of the FLASH / ROM 34, thereby It becomes possible to set the scanning conditions of the scanner 3 desired by the user.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  For example, the computer device 2 connected to the scanner 3 by the USB cable K1 is not limited to the desktop type, but may be a tower type, an all-in-one type, a notebook type personal computer, or a large computer.

1 is a schematic configuration of an image reading system according to the present embodiment. 1 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a scanner and a computer device that constitute an image reading system. It is the flowchart which showed the program which controls operation | movement of a scanner according to operation | movement of a computer apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the program selection window displayed on the display screen of a display apparatus, when a scanner is newly connected via the USB cable.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading system 2 Computer apparatus 3 Scanner 5 Display apparatus 9 Paper 31, 111 CPU
32, 113 ROM
33, 112 RAM
34 FLASH ROM
35 Input / Output Interface 37 Control Program 40 Normal Storage Area 41 Application Program Storage Area 42 Instruction File Placement Area 43 Data File Placement Area 44 Status Notification File Placement Area 45 Setting File Placement Area 52 Image Scanner Head 55 Paper Feed Motor 61, 121 USB I / F
62 USB mass storage 122 USB mass storage driver 131 Program selection window 200 Execution file of application program 201 Setting file 202 Command file 203 Data file 204 Status notification file K1 USB cable P USB port

Claims (6)

An image reading apparatus comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an information processing apparatus; and a scanner unit that reads an image on a print medium and acquires image data.
Application storage means for storing an application program for causing the scanner means to function;
An instruction file storage means for storing an instruction file including operating conditions for operating the scanner means generated by the application program;
Update detection means for detecting that the instruction file stored in the instruction file storage means is updated;
When it is detected that the command file has been updated via the update detection unit, the scanner unit is operated based on the operation condition included in the updated command file to acquire image data. Scanner drive control means to control,
Data file storage means for storing a data file containing the image data acquired by the scanner drive control means;
The application storage means, the instruction file storage means, and the data file storage means are caused to function as an external storage device of the information processing apparatus when being in communication with the information processing apparatus via the communication means. Storage control means for controlling;
An image reading apparatus comprising: The application program is
A status check program for checking the status of the image reading device;
A notification program for notifying the check result of this state check program;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A body state check means for checking the state of the body;
Status notification file storage means for storing a status notification file including a check result by the main body status check means;
With
The storage control unit controls the state notification file storage unit to function as an external storage device of the information processing apparatus when the storage control unit is in communication with the information processing apparatus via the communication unit;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the state check program includes a state detection program for checking the state notification file stored in the state notification file storage unit. The state check program includes a data error detection program for detecting an error in image data included in the data file,
The image reading according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the notification program notifies that there is an error in the image data when the data error detection program detects an error in the image data. apparatus. A setting file storage unit for storing a setting file including setting information of the scanner unit set by the application program;
The application program includes a setting file update program for updating the setting file stored in the setting file storage means when the execution of the application program is terminated,
The storage control unit controls the setting file storage unit to function as an external storage device of the information processing apparatus when the storage control unit is in communication with the information processing apparatus via the communication unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit controls the information processing apparatus based on a USB mass storage function.

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