JP2015098160A - Information processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing unit capable of recognizing automatically that data in a removable memory device with a radio communication function mounted on own device are updated from the outside.SOLUTION: An information processing unit includes: a connection part to which a removable memory device is connected; and an inspection part for inspecting repeatedly whether a change is generated or not, for example, new data are stored into a storage content of the removable memory device connected to the connection part, or existing data are changed, while the removable memory device is connected to the connection part.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that reads data in a mounted removable storage device.

  There is a technique in which a file is transmitted from a portable terminal to an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) by wireless communication to perform printing (see Patent Document 1). Here, when the portable terminal and the MFP are connected by wireless communication, the portable terminal needs to be connected to the same local network as the MFP. In order to connect to the same local network as the MFP, it is necessary to acquire an IP (Internet Protocol) address for the same network as the MFP. In particular, in an environment where IP addresses are managed without using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), it is necessary to apply for and obtain an IP address from an administrator, which is troublesome.

  Further, even if the IP address for the portable terminal is acquired, the connection cannot be made without knowing the IP address of the MFP in order to connect to the MFP. Usually, the IP address of the MFP can often be confirmed only from the screen for the administrator. In this case, the user of the portable terminal must inquire the administrator for the IP address of the MFP.

  By the way, in January 2012, SD (Secure Digital) card standardization organization SD Association announced the formulation of Wireless LAN SD standard with built-in wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connection function. As a result, when an SD card compliant with this standard (hereinafter referred to as a wireless SD card) is used, the wireless SD card itself has a wireless communication function even if the device in which the wireless SD card is mounted does not have a wireless communication function. Because it has a built-in card, the contents of the wireless SD card can be read and written by wireless communication from a portable terminal or the like. The wireless SD card is a storage device that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body (removable).

  Usually, a wireless SD card is used to acquire an image taken with a digital camera or the like with a portable terminal. That is, an image obtained by photographing with a digital camera is stored in a wireless SD card mounted on the digital camera, and a portable terminal reads the image stored in the wireless SD card by wireless communication.

  However, it is also possible to save (write) a file from a portable terminal to a wireless SD card by wireless communication. Therefore, when a wireless SD card is attached to the MFP, a file can be stored in the wireless SD card by wireless communication from a portable terminal, and the file in the wireless SD card can be read and printed by the panel operation of the MFP. . In this case, it is not necessary to acquire an IP address or the like or to connect the MFP and the portable terminal by wireless communication, so that high convenience for connection can be obtained.

  By the way, normally, the MFP also uses a removable storage device (for example, a general-purpose SD card) that does not have a wireless function. Conventionally, the MFP communicates with the removable storage device only when the removable storage device is mounted to create a list of documents and thumbnail images in the removable storage device. Panel display is performed using this list and thumbnail images without performing communication with the apparatus. This is because before the wireless SD card appeared, the contents stored in the removable storage device could not be changed from outside the MFP (such as writing a new file) while the removable storage device was mounted on the MFP. Therefore, the communication with the removable storage device for the panel display is sufficient if it is performed only when the removable storage device is mounted.

  Therefore, in the conventional configuration in which communication with the removable storage device is performed only when the removable storage device is attached to the MFP, data in the wireless SD card attached to the MFP from the outside other than the MFP is obtained by wireless communication. When there is a change (such as writing a new file), there is a problem that the MFP cannot recognize that the change has occurred.

  Patent Document 2 describes an image forming apparatus that prints a file in a wireless SD card attached to its own apparatus in accordance with a user instruction received from an operation panel. The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2 reads the contents of a wireless SD card that is being mounted in accordance with the operation received on the operation panel, and updates the contents that have changed compared to when the card is mounted. Thus, even if the contents of the wireless SD card are updated after being mounted, the updated file can be read (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-202331 A JP 2011-034551A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the contents of the wireless SD card are read in accordance with the user's instruction, which is troublesome. For example, when printing a newly added file, both an operation of transmitting the file from the portable terminal and an operation of designating a file by specifying the file on the image forming apparatus side are required. When printing a newly added file immediately, the user must know that the file has been added to the wireless SD card.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and can automatically recognize that data in a removable storage device with a wireless communication function attached to its own device has been updated from the outside. An object is to provide a processing apparatus.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] a connection unit to which a removable storage device is connected;
While the removable storage device is connected to the connection unit, an inspection unit that repeatedly inspects changes in the storage contents of the removable storage device connected to the connection unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising:

  In the said invention, the test | inspection of the change of the memory content of the removable storage device connected to the own apparatus is repeatedly performed. As a result, even when a removable storage device with a wireless communication function is mounted and the stored contents are changed from an external device, the change can be automatically detected and dealt with.

  In addition, regardless of whether or not the removable storage device has a wireless communication function, the inspection of changes in the stored contents is repeatedly performed, so it is not necessary to check whether or not the removable storage device has a wireless communication function, and processing is performed according to the check result. It is not necessary to switch between the two, and the process is shared and simplified.

[2] A determination unit that determines whether the removable storage device connected to the connection unit has a wireless communication function,
The information processing apparatus according to [1], wherein the inspection unit repeatedly performs the inspection only when a determination result of the determination unit indicates that a wireless communication function is present.

  In the above invention, since the storage contents of the removable storage device having no wireless communication function are not changed from the external device, the above-described inspection is repeated only when the removable storage device having the wireless communication function is connected. Run. When a removable storage device that does not have a wireless communication function is connected, repeated inspections are prohibited.

[3] When a removable storage device is newly connected to the connection unit, a list of data stored in the removable storage device or a thumbnail image is generated, and a change in the storage content of the removable storage device causes the inspection unit to The information processing apparatus according to [1] or [2], further comprising: a list creation unit that updates the list or the thumbnail image when detected by.

  In the above invention, when a removable storage device is newly connected, a list of data or thumbnail images stored in the removable storage device is generated. When a change in the storage contents of the removable storage device is detected, the list or thumbnail image is updated in accordance with the change. For example, when new data is added, the data is added to the list, or a thumbnail image corresponding to the data is generated. Since the update is performed when the change is detected, for example, the waiting time until the update is completed can be omitted as compared with the case where the update is performed by performing the above-described inspection after receiving the user's operation. In particular, the generation of thumbnail images is effective because it takes a certain amount of time.

[4] A storage unit;
An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
A control unit for controlling the image formation;
With
When the image forming unit performs image formation based on data stored in the removable storage device, the control unit reads and stores data stored in the removable storage device in the storage unit, The information processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the image forming unit performs image formation based on data stored in the storage unit.

  In the above invention, when image formation is performed based on data stored in the removable storage device, the data stored in the removable storage device is read out and stored in the storage unit, and the data stored in the storage unit Based on the above, image formation is performed. When executing image formation while reading data from a removable storage device, if the data is changed (for example, deleted) from an external device during image formation, the image formation will be hindered and the process will be interrupted However, since the image formation is performed based on the data stored in the storage unit of the own apparatus, even if the data in the removable storage device is changed during the image formation, the above-described interruption or the like can be avoided.

[5] An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet;
A control unit for controlling the image formation;
When the inspection unit detects that new data is additionally stored in the removable storage device, the control unit determines whether the additional stored data includes a print instruction, and prints The information according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein when the instruction is included, the image forming unit is caused to form an image based on data to be printed designated by the print instruction. Processing equipment.

  In the above invention, when it is detected that new data is additionally stored in the removable storage device, if the additionally stored data includes a print instruction, the image is based on the print target data specified by the print instruction. Form. Thus, image formation is executed even when the user does not perform an operation related to the print instruction on the information processing apparatus. The print target data specified by the print instruction may be data already stored in the removable storage device, data newly stored together with the print instruction, or data stored in the information processing apparatus. .

[6] The information processing apparatus according to [5], wherein the additionally stored data is a file including both the print instruction and the data to be printed.

  In the above invention, the additionally stored data is a file, and the data to be printed and the print instruction are included in one file. For example, in the case of a PDF (Portable Document Format) file, a description relating to a print instruction is included in the first page.

[7] The print instruction is issued by the first file,
The information processing apparatus according to [5], wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on a second file designated by the print instruction.

  In the above invention, the file containing the print instruction and the file designated as the print target by the print instruction are separate files. The second file specified as the print target by the print instruction of the first file may be a file saved in the removable storage device or a file saved in the information processing device.

[8] A power saving control unit that switches the power mode of the information processing apparatus to a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode,
The power saving control unit switches to the normal mode when the inspection unit detects that new data is additionally stored in the removable storage device in the state of the power saving mode. The information processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7].

  In the above invention, the information processing apparatus can switch the power mode between the normal mode and the power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, and new data is added to the removable storage device in the power saving mode. When it is detected that the data has been stored, the mode is switched to the normal mode. When new data is additionally stored, there is a high possibility that an operation will be received from the user or a job will be executed immediately after that, so it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user for the return by immediately returning to the normal mode. can do.

[9] A power saving control unit that switches the power mode of the information processing apparatus to a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode,
The power saving control unit performs switching from the normal mode to the power saving mode when a standby state continues for a specified time, and the inspection unit detects that new data is additionally stored in the removable storage device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the specified time is extended when the information is received.

  In the above invention, switching from the normal mode to the power saving mode is performed when the standby state continues for a specified time, and when it is detected that new data is additionally stored in the removable storage device, the specified time is extended. To do. If new data is additionally stored, there is a high possibility of receiving an operation from a user or executing a job immediately after that. Therefore, by extending the specified time, the possibility of entering the power saving mode before receiving an operation on the additionally stored data is reduced.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, even if the removable storage device attached to the own apparatus has a wireless communication function and the stored contents are updated from the outside, the update is automatically recognized. Can respond.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention, a wireless SD card, and a portable terminal. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the portable terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on a portable terminal, when connecting with a wireless SD card by wireless communication. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the image forming apparatus updates a list of files in accordance with the update of the stored contents of the wireless SD card. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed when a portable terminal transmits the printing instruction of a file and this file to a wireless SD card. It is a figure which shows the example of the description content of the first page of a PDF file containing a printing instruction. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an image forming apparatus performs printing according to a file in a wireless SD card. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image forming apparatus after the SD card is mounted.

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

  FIG. 1 shows a wireless SD card 35 that functions as a removable storage device, an image forming apparatus 10 that functions as an information processing apparatus according to the present invention, and a portable terminal 40 that performs wireless communication with the wireless SD card 35. .

  The wireless SD card 35 is a removable storage device that can be carried around, and is detachably wired to the external memory connection unit 21 (see FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 10. The wireless SD card 35 can be wirelessly connected to the portable terminal 40 by wireless communication such as a LAN (Local Area Network). A device connected to the wireless SD card 35 by wire (image forming device 10) and a wireless device connected by wireless communication (portable terminal 40) can read and write data in the storage area of the wireless SD card 35. .

  The portable terminal 40 is a terminal that can be carried around. The portable terminal 40 reads and writes data from and to the wireless SD card 35 that is wirelessly connected by wireless communication in accordance with instructions received from the user. In the embodiment of the present invention, file format data (hereinafter referred to as a file) is read and written.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is a copy job that optically reads a document and prints a duplicate image on a recording sheet, a scan job that saves the image data of the read document as a file, or transmits it to an external device, from a PC This is a so-called multi-function machine having a function of executing a job such as a print job (print job) for printing an image related to the transmitted data on a recording paper and outputting the image. In the embodiment of the present invention, a wireless SD card 35 is detachably connected to an external memory connection unit 21 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later (hereinafter, wired connection is referred to as mounting). The image forming apparatus 10 can read the stored content of the attached wireless SD card or write new data (file).

  The image forming apparatus 10 of the present invention repeatedly inspects changes in the stored contents of the mounted wireless SD card 35. As a result, it is possible to automatically recognize that the stored content of the wireless SD card 35 attached to the device itself has been updated from the outside. Note that when the wireless SD card 35 is newly installed, the image forming apparatus 10 generates a list of data (files) or thumbnail images stored in the wireless SD card 35 and displays the display unit 31 (see FIG. 2). To display. Thereafter, when a change is detected by the above-described inspection, the list or thumbnail image is updated.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 11 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a nonvolatile memory 14, a hard disk device 15, an image processing unit 16, an image reading unit 17, a printer unit 18, A facsimile communication unit 19, a network communication unit 20, an external memory connection unit 21, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 22, and an operation panel 30 are provided.

  The CPU 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. In addition, the CPU 11 functions as a control unit that controls the display content of the operation panel 30 and an inspection unit that inspects changes in the storage content of the wireless SD card 35 connected to the external memory connection unit 21.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 12, and each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 11 executing various processes according to these programs. The ROM 12 stores a program for the CPU 11 to execute a series of controls of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The RAM 13 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 11 executes processing based on a program, an image memory for storing image data, and the like.

  The nonvolatile memory 14 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information.

  The hard disk device 15 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores an OS program, various application programs, user information, print data, image data, job history, and the like.

  The image processing unit 16 performs processing such as image enlargement / reduction, rotation, rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like. In the embodiment of the present invention, a thumbnail image of data (file) stored in the wireless SD card 35 is generated.

  The image reading unit 17 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. The image reading unit 17 sequentially, for example, a light source that irradiates light on the document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a line-by-line reading position in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit for moving, a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit for converting an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data And so on.

  The printer unit 18 has a function of forming an image corresponding to image data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. Other methods may be used for image formation.

  The facsimile communication unit 19 performs a function of transmitting / receiving image data to / from an external device having a facsimile function through a public line.

  The network communication unit 20 performs a function of communicating data with an external device wirelessly connected through a network such as a LAN.

  The ADF 22 functions as an automatic sheet feeder that continuously feeds a plurality of documents to the document table of the image reading unit 17 when reading an image. It is possible to set about 30 originals at a time, and it is possible to save the trouble of setting the original on the original table each time the original is read.

  The external memory connection unit 21 includes a connector for wire-connecting the SD card, and the SD card mechanically connected to the connector is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 10 by wire. When the SD card is inserted, the CPU 11 determines whether the SD card is an SD card having a wireless communication function (wireless SD card 35) or a normal SD card having no wireless communication function.

  The operation panel 30 includes a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32. The operation unit 32 includes a switch unit 33 such as a start button and a return button, and a touch panel unit 34. The display unit 31 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 performs control of display contents displayed on the operation panel 30 and control related to reception of operations by the operation panel 30.

  The touch panel unit 34 is provided on the display unit 31. The touch panel unit 34 detects a touch position (coordinate position) on the display unit 31 pressed with a touch pen or a finger. The CPU 11 recognizes a flick operation, a drag operation, and the like from the continuously detected touch position change (operation information).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 has a CPU 41 that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 40 in an integrated manner. The CPU 41 includes a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a nonvolatile memory 44, a hard disk device 45, a network communication unit 46, and an operation display unit 50 through a bus.

  The CPU 41 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. In addition, the CPU 41 functions as a control unit that controls the display content of the operation display unit 50.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 42, and each function of the portable terminal 40 is realized by the CPU 41 executing various processes according to these programs. The ROM 42 stores a program for the CPU 41 to execute a series of controls of the portable terminal 40.

  The RAM 43 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 41 executes processing based on a program.

  The nonvolatile memory 44 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information.

  The hard disk device 45 is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device, and stores files such as image files and document files in addition to OS programs and various application programs.

  The network communication unit 46 functions to communicate data with the wireless SD card 35 through a network such as a LAN.

  The operation display unit 50 includes a display unit 51 and an operation unit 52. The operation unit 52 includes a switch unit 53 such as a start button and a return button and a touch panel unit 54. The display unit 51 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and fulfills a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like.

  The touch panel unit 54 is provided on the display unit 51. The touch panel unit 54 detects a touch position (coordinate position) on the display unit 51 pressed with a touch pen or a finger. The CPU 41 recognizes a flick operation, a drag operation, a multi-touch operation, and the like from a continuously detected change in touch position.

  Next, a connection procedure between the mobile terminal 40 and the wireless SD card 35 will be described. FIG. 4 shows a screen displayed on the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal 40 when connecting the mobile terminal 40 and the wireless SD card 35.

  First, the user attaches the wireless SD card 35 to the image forming apparatus 10. Next, a dedicated application is launched on the portable terminal 40, and a screen showing a list 60 of devices capable of wireless communication with the portable terminal 40 is displayed on the display unit 51. The card 35 is selected (S1).

  When the connection destination is selected, the portable terminal 40 displays the password input screen 61 and accepts the password input (S2). When a preset password is input to the wireless SD card 35 and authentication by the password is completed, wireless communication is established with the wireless SD card 35 (S3). After the establishment, a mark 62 indicating that wireless communication has been established is displayed in the portion indicating the wireless SD card 35 in the list 60 described above.

  After establishing wireless communication with the wireless SD card 35, the portable terminal 40 can change the stored content of the wireless SD card 35, such as writing a new file or deleting a file. The image forming apparatus 10 to which the wireless SD card 35 is attached repeatedly inspects changes in the stored contents of the wireless SD card 35 and detects changes in the stored contents due to the changes.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which the list of files being displayed on the display unit 31 is updated when the image forming apparatus 10 detects a change in the stored contents of the attached wireless SD card 35. In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 generates a list of files based on thumbnail images from the stored contents of the wireless SD card 35 when the wireless SD card 35 is attached, and displays the file list on the display unit 31. Thereafter, the change in the stored contents of the wireless SD card 35 is repeatedly inspected. When the image forming apparatus 10 rewrites the stored contents of the wireless SD card 35, or when the stored contents of the wireless SD card 35 are rewritten by wireless communication from an external apparatus, the image forming apparatus 10 stores the stored contents in the above-described inspection. Is detected and the list is updated.

  In FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 10 displays a list of thumbnail images of File1 and File2 on the display unit 31 as a list of files, and File3, which is a new file, is wirelessly received from the outside on the wireless SD card 35. Detected that it was added by communication. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 10 updates the list of thumbnail images being displayed on the display unit 31 by generating and adding the thumbnail images of the File 3.

  As described above, when the stored content of the attached wireless SD card 35 is changed from an external device such as the portable terminal 40, the image forming apparatus 10 is displaying on the display unit 31 according to the changed content. Update the list of files. Since the image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly inspects changes in the stored contents after the wireless SD card 35 is mounted and detects a change in the stored contents, the list of files is updated. Therefore, the waiting time until the data list is updated can be omitted as compared with the case where the inspection is performed and updated. In particular, the generation of thumbnail images is effective because it takes a certain amount of time.

  The change in the stored content is inspected by the image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly polling the stored content of the wireless SD card 35 and comparing the stored content obtained by the polling with the stored content obtained by the previous polling. The change in the stored content is inspected every time a certain time elapses, such as every 20 seconds. Further, the power consumption of the mounted wireless SD card 35 is monitored, and when there is a change in power consumption, it is determined that the stored content of the wireless SD card 35 has been changed and the inspection is executed. Good.

  When the SD card is inserted, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the SD card is a wireless SD card 35 or a normal SD card having no wireless communication function. Only when it is determined that the wireless SD card 35 is present, the above-described change in stored contents is inspected. As a result, when a normal SD card having no wireless communication function is inserted, the inspection is not performed, and accordingly, power consumption can be reduced.

  In FIG. 5, the case where a new file is added to the wireless SD card 35 has been described as an example. However, for example, when the file stored in the wireless SD card 35 is deleted, the image forming apparatus 10 displays The thumbnail image corresponding to the file is deleted from the list of files being displayed in the section 31. When the content of the predetermined file stored in the wireless SD card 35 is changed, the thumbnail image corresponding to the predetermined file is updated so as to correspond to the changed content.

  Note that when the data relating to the print instruction is written (added and stored) in the wireless SD card 35, the image forming apparatus 10 executes printing according to the print instruction. A case where printing is performed in accordance with a print instruction will be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which a file including a new file and a print instruction for the file is transmitted from the portable terminal 40 to the wireless SD card 35. First, the user causes the portable terminal 40 to display a list of files that can be transmitted on the display unit 51 and selects a file to be transmitted to the wireless SD card 35 from the list.

  When the print button 63 is pressed while a file is selected, the portable terminal 40 transmits the selected file and a file including a print instruction for the file to the wireless SD card 35. In the figure, the print button 63 is pressed while File 2 is selected, and the print instructions for File 2 and File 2 are transmitted to the wireless SD card 35.

  When a print instruction is newly written (added and stored) from the external apparatus to the wireless SD card 35, the image forming apparatus 10 executes printing in accordance with the newly written print instruction. In FIG. 6, according to the print instruction, the newly written File 2 is printed. As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly inspects changes in the stored contents, and automatically detects a print instruction additionally stored in the wireless SD card 35. Then, printing is automatically executed according to the detected printing instruction. As a result, printing is executed without the user performing an operation related to the print instruction on the image forming apparatus 10.

  In FIG. 6, the print instruction itself is one file, but the data to be printed and the print instruction may be included in one file. FIG. 7 shows an example of a file including both data to be printed and its print instruction.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the description content of the first page of PDF file format data. “% PDF-1.2” on the first line indicates that this file is a PDF file and the version of the PDF specification to which it conforms.

  “% Print 2in1 Color” on the second line is a print instruction, “print” is a print command, “2in1” is 2in1 setting, and “Color” is color. Show. The third and subsequent lines indicate the contents of the PDF file to be printed. In this way, the data to be printed and the print instruction can be included in the same file.

  Next, a case where the image forming apparatus 10 performs printing based on a file stored in the wireless SD card 35 will be described. When the image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction to print a file in the attached wireless SD card 35, the image forming apparatus 10 reads the file, stores it in the hard disk device 15, and uses the file stored in the hard disk device 15. Execute printing.

  FIG. 8 shows a processing procedure when the image forming apparatus 10 performs printing based on a file stored in the wireless SD card 35. First, a file to be printed is read from the wireless SD card 35 and the read file is stored in the hard disk device 15.

  Thereafter, print data is created from the file stored in the hard disk device 15. Specifically, the vector information in the file is expanded into an image. Also, data of color components of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is created from color information such as RGB, and the resolution is converted so as to match the printer. Then, printing is performed based on the created printing data.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 performs printing after copying the file in the wireless SD card 35 to the hard disk device 15. When printing is performed while data is being read from the wireless SD card 35, if the data is changed (for example, deleted) from an external device during printing, printing will be hindered and processing may be interrupted. However, since printing is performed based on a file stored in the hard disk device 15 in advance, even if the data in the wireless SD card 35 is changed, the above-described interruption or the like can be avoided.

  Next, the power mode of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. The image forming apparatus 10 can switch the power mode of its own apparatus between the normal mode and the power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode. The image forming apparatus 10 switches from the normal mode to the power saving mode when a standby state such as a state where no operation is performed and a job is not executed continues for a specified time. Thereby, power consumption during the power saving mode can be suppressed.

  Then, when it is detected that new data has been written to the wireless SD card 35 in the power saving mode, or when it enters a non-standby state, the mode is switched to the normal mode. When new data is written, there is a high possibility that the user will immediately receive an operation on the file or execute a job that uses the file. Therefore, the normal mode is immediately restored after the detection described above. Thus, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user until the return is completed.

  To determine whether or not the standby state has continued for a specified time, a power saving transition timer is provided to count the elapsed time since the last standby state, and the CPU 11 monitors and counts this power saving transition timer. Judgment is made based on whether or not the elapsed time has reached a specified time.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 detects that a new file has been written, the image forming apparatus 10 may extend the specified time. When the count of the power saving transition timer is reset when new data is written, it is extended in the standby state after the reset (when the new data is written, the mode is shifted to the normal mode in the power saving mode). Does not enter power saving mode until the specified time has elapsed. Therefore, it corresponds to a case where there is no operation after new data is written.

  Note that if the power saving transition timer count is not reset when new data is written, even if it is just before the power saving transition timer count reaches the specified time when new data is written If you extend the time, you can afford to move to the power saving mode for the extended time. Therefore, the possibility of entering the power saving mode from the normal mode before receiving an operation on the written data is reduced.

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 10 with the SD card attached. First, when an SD card is inserted (step S101), it is checked whether the SD card is a wireless SD card 35 or a normal SD card having no wireless function (step S102).

  If the SD card has no wireless function (step S102; No), a list of files using thumbnail images is created from the contents stored in the SD card (step S103), and the process ends. From this point onward, selection of a file to be printed is accepted based on this list, and changes in the storage contents in the SD card are not inspected.

  If it is the wireless SD card 35 (step S102: Yes), the storage content of the wireless SD card 35 is checked (step S104).

  If the check in step S104 is the first check of the stored contents of the installed SD card, or if the check is the second and subsequent checks and the stored contents have changed from the previous check (step S105; Yes), It is checked whether the current power saving mode is set (step S106). In the second and subsequent checks, if there is no change in the stored contents from the previous check (step S105; No), the process returns to step S104 and continues.

  If it is in the state of the power saving mode (step S106; Yes), a process for returning from the power saving mode to the normal power mode is performed (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S108. If it is in the normal power mode state (step S106; No), the elapsed time in the standby state counted by the power saving transition timer is reset (cleared) (step S108).

  Next, the list of thumbnail images is updated (step S109). If the check in step S104 is the first check, thumbnail images of all files are generated and a list of thumbnail images is created. If it is the second and subsequent checks, only the changes from the previous check are updated. For example, if there is an added file, a thumbnail image of the added file is generated and added to the list. If there is a deleted file, the thumbnail image of the deleted file is deleted from the list.

  Next, the contents of the file are analyzed (step S110), and it is checked whether or not there is a file including a print instruction in the analyzed file (step S111). If the check in step S104 is the first check, all files are analyzed. In the second and subsequent checks, only files that have changed compared to the previous check (added or changed files) are analyzed.

  If there is no print instruction (step S111; No), the process returns to step S104 and continues. If there is a print instruction (step S111; Yes), the hard disk device 15 (denoted as HDD in the figure) copies the file that is the object of the print instruction (step S112), and prints based on the copy file. Execute (step S113), and then return to step S104 to continue the process. When the print instruction and the print target data are separate files, the file containing the print instruction may be deleted after printing. If the data to be printed and the print instruction are included in the same file, only the print instruction portion is deleted.

  Note that the process of step S104 is executed when a new wireless SD card is inserted and every time a predetermined time elapses.

  Further, the elapsed time counted by the power saving transition timer is reset not only at step S108 but also at the end of the job, such as when printing is completed in step S113, or whenever an operation is received from the user.

  As described above, when the wireless SD card 35 is inserted, the image forming apparatus 10 creates a list of files based on thumbnail images from the stored contents of the wireless SD card 35 and displays the file list on the display unit 31. Thereafter, the inspection of the change in the stored contents of the wireless SD card 35 is repeatedly executed. When the change is detected, the list is updated according to the change. As a result, it is possible to immediately detect that the stored content of the wireless SD card 35 has been changed from an external device and reflect the change in the display.

  Further, when a print instruction is added due to the change, printing is performed according to the print instruction. As a result, immediately after the stored contents of the wireless SD card 35 are changed, printing based on the print instruction is automatically executed.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the SD card is described as an example of the removable storage device, but the removable storage device may be other than the SD card. For example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory may be used.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is an information processing apparatus in which the external memory connection unit 21, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are extracted from the image forming apparatus 10. Also good. For example, a display device such as a photo frame that displays an image based on an image file in a mounted removable storage device may be used.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, only when the wireless SD card 35 is mounted, the change in the stored content is repeatedly inspected. However, the removable storage device is not checked whether or not it has a wireless communication function. The configuration may be such that the inspection is always repeated while is connected.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 displays a list of thumbnail images, but may be a list of file names. The list need not be displayed. Even if a file list is not displayed, for example, when a file including a print instruction is added, printing may be automatically executed according to the print instruction.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the print instruction additionally stored in the wireless SD card 35 targets only the file stored in the wireless SD card 35, but the file stored in the image forming apparatus 10 is the print target. It may be designated as a print target.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the transition is made from the normal mode to the power saving mode when the specified time has elapsed in the standby state, but the power saving mode may be shifted under other conditions such as a user operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Nonvolatile memory 15 ... Hard disk device 16 ... Image processing part 17 ... Image reading part 18 ... Printer part 19 ... Facsimile communication part 20 ... Network communication part 21 ... External memory connection part 22 ... ADF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Operation panel 31 ... Display part 32 ... Operation part 33 ... Switch part 34 ... Touch panel part 35 ... Wireless SD card 40 ... Portable terminal 41 ... CPU
42 ... ROM
43 ... RAM
44 ... Non-volatile memory 45 ... Hard disk device 46 ... Network communication part 50 ... Operation display part 51 ... Display part 52 ... Operation part 53 ... Switch part 54 ... Touch panel part 60 ... List 61 ... Password input screen 62 ... Mark 63 ... Print button

Claims (9)

A connection unit to which the removable storage device is connected;
While the removable storage device is connected to the connection unit, an inspection unit that repeatedly inspects changes in the storage contents of the removable storage device connected to the connection unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A determination unit that determines whether the removable storage device connected to the connection unit has a wireless communication function;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit repeatedly performs the inspection only when a determination result of the determination unit indicates that a wireless communication function is present. When a removable storage device is newly connected to the connection unit, a list of data or thumbnail images stored in the removable storage device is generated, and a change in the storage content of the removable storage device is detected by the inspection unit The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a list creation unit that updates the list or the thumbnail image when it is performed. A storage unit;
An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
A control unit for controlling the image formation;
With
When the image forming unit performs image formation based on data stored in the removable storage device, the control unit reads and stores data stored in the removable storage device in the storage unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit is configured to form an image based on data stored in the storage unit. An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
A control unit for controlling the image formation;
When the inspection unit detects that new data is additionally stored in the removable storage device, the control unit determines whether the additional stored data includes a print instruction, and prints 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when an instruction is included, the image forming unit performs image formation based on data to be printed designated by the print instruction. . The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the additionally stored data is a file including both the print instruction and the data to be printed. The print instruction is performed by the first file,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to form an image based on a second file designated by the print instruction. A power saving control unit that switches the power mode of the information processing apparatus to a normal mode and a power saving mode with less power consumption than the normal mode
The power saving control unit switches to the normal mode when the inspection unit detects that new data is additionally stored in the removable storage device in the state of the power saving mode. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A power saving control unit that switches the power mode of the information processing apparatus to a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode;
The power saving control unit performs switching from the normal mode to the power saving mode when a standby state continues for a specified time, and the inspection unit detects that new data is additionally stored in the removable storage device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specified time is extended when the information is received.