JP3477819B2 - Image reading device and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading device having a plurality of interfaces and an information processing system including the reading device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image reading apparatus called an image scanner has been known. In this image reading apparatus, an image of an original is read, and the read image information is transferred to a computer (for example, a personal computer) via a predetermined interface. , Workstation) and the like.

By the way, in information processing devices such as computers, there are a plurality of types of computer systems according to a plurality of different types of architectures.
Now, it is assumed that there is a computer according to the first architecture (hereinafter, referred to as a first computer) and a computer according to the second architecture (hereinafter, referred to as a second computer). Then, from the image scanner (hereinafter, simply called a scanner),
When transferring data to the second computer, it becomes necessary to use different types of interfaces. Specifically, for example, an interface called a parallel interface is used for the first computer and SCSI (Smal) is used for the second computer.
l Computer System Interfa
ce) will need to be used.

However, the conventional scanner has only one type of interface. For example, the scanner designed for the first computer has a configuration having only a parallel interface, and the scanner designed for the second computer has a configuration having only a SCSI interface.

On the other hand, in offices, etc.,
In many cases, a plurality of different types of computers such as a second computer are mixed. Therefore, in such a case, the user has to purchase two types of scanners corresponding to the first and second computers. Therefore, the convenience and versatility of the scanner have been extremely reduced.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, the inventor of the present invention is developing a scanner having a plurality of types of interfaces. Specifically, we are developing a scanner that has both a parallel interface and a SCSI interface. Scanners are less frequently used than monitors and keyboards. Therefore, even if a plurality of types of interfaces are provided for the scanner in this way and connection to a plurality of computers etc. is made through these plurality of interfaces, no problem occurs in a normal use state.

However, in some cases, one scanner may be simultaneously accessed by a plurality of computers. For example, when the first computer and the scanner are in the access state, the second computer requests the scanner for access. In such a situation, the second computer becomes incapable of communicating with the scanner, so that no response is returned from the scanner side. Second
On the computer side, since the response from the peripheral device is monitored by the built-in timer, if the response does not come within the predetermined set time, a timeout error will occur. There is also a risk of causing the second computer to hang up if the second computer does not have such a timeout function.

If the above situation occurs, the user of the second computer will have to wait until the time-out setting time is exceeded. Then, after waiting for such a long time, an error message indicating that communication is impossible is displayed on the monitor. In this case, the user cannot know the cause of the communication failure. That is, it is impossible to know whether the communication is impossible because the scanner is being accessed by another computer, or the communication is not possible because the scanner itself is in an error state or the power is not turned on. As described above, the user of the second computer has to wait for a long time and also give up communication with the scanner without knowing the cause of the error.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of interfaces for an image reading apparatus and access from a plurality of information processing apparatuses. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device and an information processing system including the image reading device, which can prevent a situation such as communication failure.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent a situation such as communication failure from occurring when a plurality of information processing devices are accessed, and to inform the information processing device of the cause thereof. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device capable of performing the above and an information processing system including the image reading device.

[0011]

To achieve SUMMARY OF and act above objects, the present invention forms the read image data by a predetermined reading operation, connects the read image data via a predetermined interferon over scan Image reading apparatus for transferring data to the information processing apparatus, the plurality of bidirectional input terminals provided corresponding to each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses and for transferring data to and from the information processing apparatus. when the <br/> Taaffe over scan, the first interface of the plurality of bidirectional interface is in access state by the information processing apparatus, an image to the information processing apparatus connected via the other interface Means for reporting that the reading device is busy in a form corresponding to the other interface.

The image reading apparatus of the present invention is provided with a plurality of bidirectional interfaces corresponding to each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses for transferring the read image data. Thereby, for example, a plurality of information processing apparatuses having different architectures can be connected to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, and bidirectional data transfer can be performed with the plurality of information processing apparatuses. Further, according to the present invention, when one interface is in the access state by the information processing apparatus, it is notified to the information processing apparatus connected via the other interface that the image reading apparatus is in the busy state. To be As a result, the information processing apparatus connected via another interface can perform processing corresponding to this busy state, and effectively prevents a situation such as a timeout error or hangup due to communication failure. can do. Then, in this case, the busy state is transmitted in a form according to the interface, for example, a form conforming to the first interface for the first interface and a second form for the second interface.
It is performed in a form conforming to the interface of. As a result, the busy state can be accurately transmitted to each of the information processing devices having different architectures.

Further, the present invention is, by the transmission of the previous SL busy, characterized in that the data transmission is inhibited with the information processing apparatus connected via the other interface.

According to the present invention, by transmitting the busy state, data transfer between the information processing apparatus connected through another interface and the image reading apparatus of the present invention is prohibited. This effectively prevents an information processing device connected via another interface from receiving erroneous data or transmitting this erroneous data to the image reading device. To be done.

Further, the present invention is, before Symbol plurality of bidirectional interface includes a first interface for performing data transfer by handshake scheme using a plurality of signals, said first interface at said other interface In one case, the busy signal is transmitted by one of the plurality of signals.

According to the present invention, the plurality of bidirectional interfaces provided in the image reading apparatus include a first interface for performing data transfer by a handshake method using a plurality of signals, for example, a parallel interface. When the first interface is the other interface, a busy signal is transmitted by using one of a plurality of signals, for example, a busy signal. In the first interface, data transfer is performed by the handshake method by controlling a plurality of signals between the information processing device and the image reading device. Therefore, if one signal of the plurality of signals is controlled to be active, for example, the busy state can be effectively transmitted to the information processing device connected via another interface.

Further, when the present invention is, before Symbol plurality of bidirectional interface includes a second interface having a plurality of bus phases, the second interface is the other interface, the bus phase Is transferred to the status transfer phase of the plurality of bus phases, thereby transferring the busy state.

According to the present invention, the plurality of bidirectional interfaces provided in the image reading device include a second interface having a plurality of bus phases, eg, an SCS.
I interface and the like are included. Then, when the second interface is the other interface, the busy state is transmitted by shifting the bus phase to the status transmission phase. In the second interface, interface control such as data transfer and device status transfer is performed by shifting the bus phase to a data transfer phase, a status transfer phase, and the like. Therefore, the second
If the interface is a different interface, the bus phase can be transferred to the status transmission phase, so that the busy state can be effectively transmitted to the information processing device connected via the other interface. .

Further, the present invention includes the feature that the data regarding the content of the busy to the information processing device connected via a front SL other interfaces are transferred through bidirectional of the other interface To do.

According to the present invention, not only the busy state is transmitted to the information processing apparatus connected via another interface, but also data relating to the contents of the busy state is transmitted. That is, whether the interface 1 is in the busy state because it is in the access state, or whether the scanner itself is in the error state or because the power is not turned on is in the busy state is transmitted. Accordingly, the information processing apparatus can perform processing according to the content of the busy state, and can display the content of the busy state on a monitor or give a sound, for example.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that data relating to the waiting time of the busy state with respect to the information processing device connected via a front SL other interfaces are transferred through bidirectional of the other interface And

According to the present invention, not only the busy state is transmitted, but also the data regarding the waiting time in the busy state is transmitted to the information processing apparatus connected via another interface. As a result, the information processing apparatus can display, for example, the time until the busy state is released, for example, on a monitor or give a sound.

Further, the present invention is formed by including a picture image reader and a plurality of the information processing apparatus, connecting the said image reading device and a plurality of information processing apparatus through a plurality of bidirectional interface In the information processing system described above, the information processing device connected via the other interface and transmitted the busy state interrupts access to the image reading device.

According to the present invention, when one interface is in the access state, it is transmitted to the information processing apparatus connected via the other interface that the image reading apparatus is in the busy state. Then, the information processing device to which the busy state is transmitted suspends access to the image reading device. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the information processing apparatus from causing a situation such as a time-out error or a hang-up, and it is also possible to prevent erroneous data transmission / reception.

Further, the present invention is formed by including a picture image reader and a plurality of the information processing apparatus, connecting the said image reading device and a plurality of information processing apparatus through a plurality of bidirectional interface In the information processing system described above, the information processing apparatus connected via the other interface and transmitted with the busy state, sends the information to the image reading apparatus in order to obtain information about the content of the busy state. It is characterized in that the access is made again by retrieving.

According to the present invention, when one interface is in the access state, it is transmitted to the information processing apparatus connected via the other interface that the image reading apparatus is in the busy state. Then, the information processing apparatus to which the busy state has been transmitted re-accesses the image reading apparatus in order to obtain information regarding the content of the busy state. This allows the information processing apparatus to know whether the interface 1 is in the busy state because it is in the access state, or whether the scanner itself is in the error state or the power is not turned on and thus is in the busy state. .

[0027]

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below. 1. First Embodiment (1) Description of Entire Apparatus FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a scanner according to the present embodiment when viewed from the front side. This scanner includes a document table 10, a document cover 12, a carriage 14, a power switch 62 and the like. Here, on the document table 10, documents such as photographic paper, photographs, and printed matter to be read are arranged.
Further, the document cover 12 is used to block external light when reading, for example, a one-sheet document. Further, a sensor for reading an image and a fluorescent lamp are attached to the carriage 14, and they are used for moving the image during reading operation to read the image.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the scanner as seen from the rear side. As shown in FIG. 2B, the power connector 18 and the SCS are provided on the back side of the scanner.
I connector 20, 22, optional control connector 24,
A bidirectional parallel connector 26 is provided. Here, the SCSI connectors 20 and 22 are connectors for connecting the scanner and the computer via a SCSI cable. This enables connection between the scanner and the computer based on the SCSI interface standard. The bidirectional parallel connector 26 is a connector for connecting the scanner and the computer via a parallel interface cable. This makes it possible to connect the scanner to the computer based on the parallel interface standard. The option control connector 24 is a connector for connecting an optional device of the scanner.

Now, the conventional scanner is SC according to the architecture of the computer to which the scanner is connected.
One of the SI connectors 20 and 22 or the bidirectional parallel connector 26 is provided.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, the scanner of this embodiment has both the SCSI connectors 20 and 22 and the bidirectional parallel connector 26. With such a configuration, a plurality of types of computers, for example, a computer according to the first architecture (first computer) and a computer according to the second architecture (second computer) are both provided to the scanner. Can be connected.

FIG. 3 shows the scanner 1 and the first and second scanners of this embodiment.
An example of an information processing system including the second computers 40 and 42 and the scanner 1, the first and second computers 40 and 42, and the like connected to each other through a predetermined interface is shown.

In FIG. 3, the scanner 1 and the first computer 40 are connected via a parallel interface. Specifically, the bidirectional parallel connector 26 of the scanner 1 (see FIG. 2B) and the first computer 4
The bidirectional parallel connector 41 of 0 is connected by the parallel interface cable 50.

The scanner 1 and the second computer 42 are connected via the SCSI interface. However, in this example, the scanner 1 and the second computer 42
A hard disk controller 44 for controlling the hard disk 46 is interposed between the and. Therefore, in this case, the SCSI connector 20 of the scanner 1 (see FIG. 2B)
reference. (Connect a terminator to the SCSI connector 22)
And the SCSI connector 47 of the hard disk controller 44 are connected by the SCSI cable 52. And the other SC of the hard disk controller 44
SCSI of SI connector 48 and second computer 42
The connector 43 is connected by a SCSI cable 54. As a result, the scanner 1 and the second computer 42
And will be connected via the SCSI interface.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the scanner 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner 1 includes a CPU 60, a ROM 62, a RAM 64, an image processing unit 66, a light source control unit 68, a light source 70, and a photoelectric conversion unit 7.
4, motor control unit 76, interface control unit 80,
The parallel interface 82 and the SCSI interface 84 are included.

Here, the CPU 1 uses the address bus 8 based on a program or the like stored in advance in the ROM 62.
6. Control processing of the entire device is performed via the data bus 88. In this case, the CPU 1 forms a work area in the RAM 64 and performs the above control processing on this work area. Further, the light source control unit 68 controls lighting of the light source 70 according to an instruction from the image processing unit 66. When reading the original 72, the light source 7
0 (carriage 14) is moved by a motor built in the apparatus, and the motor control in this case is performed by the motor control unit 76. Then, the light emitted from the moving light source 70 is applied to the original 72 set on the scanner. Then, the light reflected by the original 72 is input to the photoelectric conversion unit 74 and converted into an electric signal by the photoelectric conversion unit 74. Then, the converted electric signal is sent to the image processing unit 6
6 is input, and predetermined image processing is performed. This completes the process of reading characters, pictures, etc. on the original 72.

The read image data formed by the above processing is temporarily stored in the RAM 64. And
The read image data stored in the RAM 64 is C
It is output to the interface control unit 80 using the DMA function of the PU 60 or the like. In this case, the interface control unit 80 has a built-in switching unit 81. Then, for example, when the parallel interface 82 is in the access state, the image data read from the RAM 64 is output to the first computer 40 via the parallel interface 82 by the switching process of the switching unit 81. On the other hand, for example, when the SCSI interface 84 is in the access state, the image data read from the RAM 64 is SC by the switching process of the switching unit 81.
It is output to the second computer 42 via the SI interface 84. The interface controller 80
Controls the bus connected to the parallel interface 82 and the SCSI interface 84.

As described above, in the scanner 1 of this embodiment, the plurality of computers 4 having different architectures are provided by providing the scanner 1 with the plurality of interfaces 82 and 84.
0, 42 can be connected. And scanner 1
Is less frequently used than monitors, keyboards, etc.
In this way, one scanner 1 is connected to a plurality of computers 4
Even if the configuration is such that 0 and 42 are connected and shared, no problem occurs in a normal use state. However, in some cases, 1
A situation may occur in which one scanner 1 is simultaneously accessed by a plurality of computers 40, 42, which causes communication failure, and the above-mentioned timeout problem and hang-up problem may occur. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to solve this problem, means for preventing such a situation such as a communication disabled state is provided.

The communication disabled state and the like in this embodiment are prevented by the CPU 60, the interface controller 80, and the like. That is, first, the plurality of interfaces 82,
Any of the interfaces of the computer 40,
It is determined by 42 whether or not it is in the access state. This determination is made by the access state determination flag stored in the RAM 64, for example. Then, it is assumed that it is determined that the parallel interface 82 is in the access state now.
Then, the interface controller 80 controls the data transfer via the parallel interface 82, and the SCSI interface 84
To a second computer 42 connected via
It is reported that the scanner 1 is busy. On the contrary, when it is determined that the SCSI interface 84 is in the access state, the interface control unit 80
Controls the data transfer via the SCSI interface 84, and informs the first computer 40 connected via the parallel interface 82 that the scanner 1 is busy. In this case, the busy state is transmitted in a form conforming to each interface as described later. As a result, a situation such as a communication disabled state caused by simultaneous access from a plurality of computers 40 and 42 is prevented, and problems such as timeout and hang-up are solved.

In this embodiment, a parallel interface 82 and a SCSI interface 84 are considered as a plurality of interfaces. Although a specific operation procedure in this case is shown in FIG. 12 which will be described later, first, the parallel interface and the SC will be described below.
An overview of the SI interface will be explained.

(2) Description of parallel interface FIG. 4 (A) shows the pin arrangement of the (bidirectional) parallel interface in this embodiment, and FIG. 4 (B) shows the signals and input / output assigned to each pin. The direction and function of the signal is indicated.

The #STROBE signal (# indicates that it is active at the L level) is an input signal to the scanner and is used when reading and sending data. The DATA signal is a bidirectional data signal. Also,
Both the #ACK signal and the BUSY signal are output signals from the scanner, and the #ACK signal becomes L level when the scanner receives data and the next data can be received, for example. Further, the BUSY signal becomes H level when the scanner cannot receive the data because the scanner is receiving the data, is performing the reading operation, or the like. Also, DI
The R signal is an input signal to the scanner and indicates the input / output direction of the DATA signal. The parallel interface in the present embodiment uses the #STOROBE signal,
This is performed by a handshake method using a BUSY signal or the like.

Next, the procedure for transferring data from the computer to the scanner by the parallel interface of this embodiment will be described. This data transfer process is performed, for example, when a reading start command or the like is transferred from the computer to the scanner. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing on the computer side in this case, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing on the scanner side.
FIG. 9A shows a timing chart of each signal.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, on the computer side, it is judged whether the BUSY signal output from the scanner is at L level, that is, whether the scanner is busy (step A2). Next, the computer sets the DIR signal to the L level so that the computer is the output side and the scanner is the input side (step A3). When the scanner confirms this DIR = L, it sends a #ACK signal to H
Set to level (steps B2 and B3 in FIG. 6). And
After confirming # ACK = H, the computer outputs, for example, 1-byte data on the bus (step A4,
A5). After that, on the computer side, BUSY = L, #
It is determined whether ACK = H and whether the scanner is ready to receive data (step A6,
A7). Next, the computer sets # STROBE = L (step A8). As a result, the scanner side is notified that the data is output on the bus, and the scanner side confirms # STROBE = L and then sets BUSY = H,
The busy state is set (steps B4 and B5). Then, when the computer returns to # STROBE = H (step A9), after confirming this, it is determined whether DIR = L (steps B6 and B7). And DIR = H
If so, an error state is set, and if DIR = L, # ACK = L
Then, data is input (steps B8 to B1).
0). As described above, the 1-byte data output from the computer is read by the scanner side. After that, the scanner side sets BUSY = L and # ACK = H to notify that the next data can be received (steps B11 and B12). When the computer side confirms this (A10 and A11), the transfer is performed. It is confirmed whether or not there is any other data to be processed (steps A12 and B13).
Then, if there is any other data, the next 1-byte data is output (step A5).

According to the above procedure, data is transferred from the computer to the scanner (see FIG. 9A).

Next, the procedure for transferring data from the scanner to the computer will be described, which is the reverse of the above. This data transfer process is performed, for example, when the read image data or the like is transferred from the scanner to the computer. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing on the computer side in this case, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing on the scanner side, and FIG. 9B is a timing chart of each signal.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, the computer determines whether BUSY = L (step C2). When BUSY = L, the computer side makes DI
Set R = H so that the scanner is the output side and the computer is the input side (step C3). When the scanner confirms this DIR = H, it sets # ACK = L (steps D2 and D3 in FIG. 8). Then, after determining whether BUSY = L and # ACK = L, the computer sets # STROBE = L (step C4 to
6). As a result, the scanner side is requested to output the data on the bus, and the scanner side sends #STROBE
= L is confirmed and then BUSY = H is set (step D
4, D5). And the computer side is #STROBE
= H (step C7), after confirming this, D
It is determined whether IR = H (steps D6 and D7). Then, the scanner makes an error state if DIR = L, outputs 1-byte data if DIR = H, and outputs B
Return to USY = L (steps D8 to D10). And
The computer side inputs data after confirming BUSY = L and # ACK = L (steps C8 to C1).
0). As described above, the 1-byte data output from the scanner is read by the computer. After that, it is judged whether or not there is any other data to be transferred (steps C11 and D11). If there is another data, the process returns to steps C4 and D4 to transfer the next 1-byte data.

According to the above procedure, the data is transferred from the scanner to the computer (see FIG. 9B).

(3) Description of SCSI Interface Up to eight devices in total can be connected to the SCSI bus, one device of which serves as an initiator, and commands are issued to a target which is another one device. A target that issues an instruction and receives the instruction will execute the instruction. S
The CSI bus is a bidirectional bus in which any device can stand on an equal footing, and on the SCSI bus any device can be both an initiator and a target.
In data transfer in this embodiment, the computer side is the initiator and the scanner side is the target.

FIG. 10 shows the structure of the SCSI bus. The SCSI bus has eight data signals (DB0 to DB
7), one parity signal for data (DBP), and 9
It consists of book control signals. The control signals include data transfer timing control signals (REQ, ACK), bus control signals (MSG, SEL, C / D, I / O) and other control signals (BSY, ATN, RST). The data DB0 to DB7 are transferred by handshaking with REQ output by the target and ACK output by the initiator. In this case, the initiative is in the process of transferring the data and the initiator cannot transfer the data without the request of the target. Then, in the SCSI bus, the target takes the initiative not only in the data transfer but also in the management of the bus phase and the like.

In the bus phase, that is, the state of the bus, the target in control takes the bus control signal (MSG, SEL, C).
/ D, I / O). Here, there are eight types of bus phases: bus free, arbitration, selection, reselection, command, data input / output, status, and message phase. The bus-free phase is a phase in which no device is using the bus, and the arbitration phase is a phase in which each device has a right to use the bus. The selection phase is a phase in which the initiator selects a target that the initiator wants to use, and the reselection phase is a phase in which the target reconnects the initiator after disconnection. The command phase is a phase in which the target receives an instruction from the initiator, and the data input / output phase is a phase in which data is transferred. Furthermore,
The status phase is a phase for transmitting the status of the target, and the message (in, out) phase is a phase for communicating information between the target and the initiator.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure when data is transferred by SCSI in this embodiment. First, after the bus free phase, the process shifts to the arbitration phase, which device is given a bus use right, and the initiator is decided (steps E2 and E3). Next, in the selection phase, the computer that is the initiator in this embodiment selects the scanner that is the target (step E).
4). Next, the computer that is the initiator is AT
It is determined whether or not the N signal is activated, and if it is activated, the process moves to the message (out) phase (steps E5 and E6). In this case, the computer sends an identify message. Based on this message, it is determined whether the computer that is the initiator has the disconnect function (see step E10).

Next, the command phase is entered (step E7), and the command is transferred from the computer which is the initiator to the scanner which is the target. here,
The command includes, for example, a send instruction, a receive instruction, a request sense instruction, and the like. The send instruction is an instruction to transfer the data from the initiator to the target in step E16 described later, and the receive instruction is an instruction to transfer the data from the target to the initiator. The request sense command is a command that informs the initiator of the state of the target.

Next, it is judged whether or not the instruction issued in the command phase is a request sense instruction (step E8). Then, if it is a request sense command, the process moves to the data input / output phase (step E16), and if not, it moves to step E9.

Next, by the scanner which is the target,
It is determined whether the target is in an error state or the target is in a busy state (step E9). For example, when the scanner is used by the parallel interface, it is determined that the target is in the busy state. If it is determined that neither the error state nor the target busy state has occurred, it is determined whether or not the disconnection has occurred (step E10), and then the process moves to the data input / output phase (step E16). Then, the data transfer is performed based on the command set in the command phase of step E7. For example, in the case of a send instruction, the data is transferred from the computer to the scanner, and in the case of a receive instruction, the data is transferred from the scanner to the computer. Further, in the case of the request sense command, the data representing the status of the scanner is transferred to the computer.

When it is determined that the scanner is in the error state or the target busy state, the data input / output phase is not entered but the status phase is entered (step E17). As mentioned above, the target is in control of the bus phase management. Therefore, even if the initiator issues a data send instruction or a receive instruction in step E7, it is determined that the target is in the error state or the target busy state and the transition to the status phase is selected by the bus control signal. , The data input / output phase will not be entered.

When the status phase is entered,
The target scanner can send status information to the computer. Here, the status information notifies the initiator of the execution result of the command received from the initiator, and is represented by 1-byte data. For example, if the target is busy, status information indicating the target busy is sent to the initiator. Then, after passing the message phase and the bus free phase and ending the bus phase (steps E18 to E20) and newly starting the bus phase (step E1), the initiator checks why the target is in a busy state or the like. It is also possible. In this case, the target will issue the above-mentioned request sense command in the command phase of the new bus phase.

The disconnection shown in step E10 of FIG. 11 is used when the target takes a long time to execute the instruction of the initiator and wants to disconnect the connection once. In this case, step E11
The process goes to the flow from E15 to E15. Then, the target performs arbitration, and by reselection, the connection that was once disconnected is reconnected.

(4) Description of Operation Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

First, the operation of this embodiment when the SCSI interface is in the access state, that is, when the scanner is being accessed by the second computer will be described. In this case, first, the image reading command is set by the second computer (step F2). In the setting of the image reading command, various settings for the scanner such as ID request and color designation are performed as shown in steps G1 to G10 of FIG. For example, ID
The request (step G1) confirms the function level of the scanner (resolution that can be set, maximum reading area). Further, by specifying the reading area (step G10), which area of the original placed on the original plate of the scanner is read is set.

The image reading command is set by the computer transferring the command or commands and parameters to the scanner. For example, the reading area is set by transferring a command indicating the reading area specification and a parameter for specifying the actual reading area from the computer to the scanner. Regarding the ID request, the computer transfers a command or the like to the scanner, and the scanner returns a data block corresponding to the command to the computer to make the request.

When setting an image reading command by SCSI, the command and the like are transferred according to the procedure according to FIG. That is, first, step E
2 to E4 designate the second computer as the initiator and the scanner as the target. Then, in step E7, the transfer of the command is a send instruction,
That is, the transfer from the second computer to the scanner is designated. When it is determined in step E9 that the scanner is not in the error state or the target busy state, commands and the like are transferred in step E16.

When all of the image reading commands have been set in this manner, then step F in FIG.
3, the read start command is executed as shown in step G11 of FIG. By executing this read start command, the image reading of the scanner is started, and the read image data is output to the second computer.

In this case, in this embodiment, first, step F
As shown in 4, it is determined whether the scanner uses a parallel interface. When it is determined that the parallel interface is being used, the parallel interface in-use flag is set to, for example, "1" (step F5), and when it is determined that the parallel interface is not being used, the BUSY signal of the parallel interface is at the H level. (Step F6). In this case SCSI
Since the interface is used and the parallel interface is not used, the process proceeds to step F6 and the BUSY signal of the parallel interface is set to the H level. When the BUSY signal is set to H level,
As is clear from step A2 in FIG. 5, the first computer connected to the parallel interface is informed that the scanner is busy and data transfer to the scanner is prohibited.
That is, even if the first computer tries to transfer data to the scanner, the process of step A3 and the subsequent steps cannot be performed due to the determination process of step A2. As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing such a determination step in the first step of the processing in the parallel interface, it is not possible to shift to the subsequent processing, and the data between the first computer and the scanner is prevented. The transfer is prohibited. Further, in the present embodiment, further, data transfer from the scanner to the first computer side is also prohibited by step C2 in FIG. That is, not only one-way data transfer from the first computer to the scanner but also two-way data transfer including the direction from the scanner to the first computer is prohibited.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the SCSI is in the access state, the busy state is transmitted to the first computer connected via the parallel interface, and the data transfer between them is performed. Will be banned. In this case, the access state determination flag is used to determine whether or not the parallel interface is being used in step F4. This access state determination flag is set to, for example, "1" when the scanner is accessed via SCSI. For example, the second computer may execute steps E3 and E4 in FIG.
It is set to "1" when the scanner is accessed in the arbitration phase and the selection phase shown in. Since this access state determination flag is stored in the RAM 64 in the scanner,
The scanner sends this access state determination flag to the RAM 6
It is possible to make the judgment in step F4 of FIG.

In this way, after the data transfer through the parallel interface is prohibited, the image reading process by the scanner is performed (step F7). This image reading process is performed by the image processing unit 66, as described above.
The read image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 64 by the light source control unit 68, the light source 70, the photoelectric conversion unit 74, and the like. After that, using the DMA function of the CPU 60,
The read image data stored in the RAM 64 is output to the interface via the interface control unit 80 (step F8). In this case, the read image data is processed by the switching processing of the switching unit 81, that is, the interface that receives the read start command, that is, the SCS.
It is output to the I interface 84. As a result, the read image data is output from the scanner to the second computer.

Thereafter, in step F9, it is determined whether or not the image reading processing is completed, the parallel interface in-use flag is cleared to "0" in step F10, and the parallel interface B is used in step F11.
The USY signal is set to L level. As a result, both the parallel interface 82 and the SCSI interface 84 are set in an accessible state.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment in the opposite case, that is, when the parallel interface is in the access state, will be described. In this case, similarly to the above, first, the image reading command is set by the first computer, and then the reading start command is executed (steps F2 and F3). Then, when the commands, parameters, etc. are transferred from the first computer to the scanner, the data transfer is performed by the procedure shown in FIGS. On the contrary, when data is sent back from the scanner to the first computer, the data transfer is performed according to the procedure shown in FIGS. As a result, data transfer conforming to the parallel interface is performed.

Next, as shown in step F4, it is determined whether or not the scanner uses the parallel interface. In this case, since the parallel interface is used, the process proceeds to step F5, and the parallel interface busy flag is set to "1". When this flag is set to "1", the CPU 60 in the scanner reads this flag and sets the scanner to the target busy state. When the scanner is set to the target busy state, the determination in step E9 of FIG. 11 shifts to the direction of YES, that is, the direction of the status phase (step E17) rather than the direction of the data input / output phase (step E16). Will be set as follows. For example, assume that the second computer accesses the scanner in this state. Then, the second computer follows the procedure of steps E2 to E7 to issue a command such as data transfer to the scanner. However, since the scanner is set to the target busy state in step E9, the data input / output phase cannot be entered, and the status phase is entered. As described above, in this embodiment, the determination step as shown in step E9, that is, the bus phase shifts to a phase other than the data input / output phase when the second computer requests access in the parallel interface use state. By providing the determination step of enabling the data transfer, the prohibition of data transfer between the second computer and the scanner is ensured. In SCSI, since the target has the initiative in the bus phase, the data transfer between the second computer and the scanner is prohibited by causing the scanner, which is the target, to perform the process of the above determination step. It becomes possible to do.

In the status phase of step E17, the status information indicating the target busy is transferred from the scanner to the second computer, and the second computer is informed that the scanner is busy. .

In this case, data can be normally transferred between the scanner and the first computer, and the read image data obtained by the processing of steps F7 to F9 is transferred to the first computer. Become. After that, by the processing of steps F10 and F11, both the parallel interface 82 and the SCSI interface 84 are set to the accessible state.

The determination in step F4 is made by the access state determination flag. This access state determination flag is set to "0", for example, when the scanner is accessed through the parallel interface. For example, when the first computer sets the #STROBE signal to the L level by the processing of steps A8 and C6 of FIGS. 5 and 7, the access state determination flag is "
Will be set to 0 ".

As described above, in the present embodiment, when one of the plurality of interfaces is in an access state by an information processing device such as a computer, the information processing device connected via another interface is Then, the fact that the scanner is busy is transmitted in a form corresponding to each interface. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation such as an incommunicable state. Further, in this case, according to the present embodiment, since the data transfer between the information processing apparatus and the scanner is prohibited, erroneous data transmission / reception is prohibited, and the normal operation of the scanner is guaranteed.

2. The interface in the scanner of the second embodiment is a bidirectional interface capable of bidirectionally transferring data, as is clear from the above description of the first embodiment. That is, in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
It is necessary to receive a command, parameter, etc. from the computer and send back the read image data etc. obtained based on the command to the computer 39. In this regard, in most printers and the like, as shown in FIG. 14B, data such as commands and characters to be printed out is sent from the computer 39 to the printer 100.
No data is sent from 0 to the computer 39. Therefore, the Centronics interface generally used in the printer is a one-way interface from the computer 39 to the printer 100.

In the second embodiment, when any one of the plurality of interfaces is in the access state, the contents of the busy state, the waiting time, etc. to the information processing device such as the computer connected via the other interface. It is an example for notifying the information of. For example, in FIG. 15A, when the first computer 40 and the scanner 1 are in the access state, data about the contents of the busy state is transferred to the second computer 42. This allows
It is possible to display a message such as "Currently the scanner is in use" on the monitor or the like of the second computer 42. Further, in FIG. 15B, when the first computer 40 and the scanner 1 are in the access state, the data regarding the waiting time is transferred to the second computer 42. As a result, a message such as "Please wait for 2 minutes" can be displayed on the monitor of the second computer 42.

The contents of the busy state, that is, the information as to why the scanner is in the busy state, can be known by the scanner itself (for example, as the information, for example, the scanner is in the error state, or the scanner is in one state). Information such as being in an access state by a computer is considered). Therefore, if these pieces of information are transferred to the other computer, it becomes possible to inform the user of these pieces of information. The scanner itself can also know the waiting time, that is, the time that the other computer has to wait for the image reading by one computer. That is, as shown in step G10 of FIG. 13 and the like, the range in which the scanner reads the document is set in advance. Therefore, if the scanner determines the waiting time based on this setting information and transfers it to the other computer, the computer can notify this information to the user.

In this case, since the interface of the scanner of this embodiment is bidirectional, FIG.
The processing as shown in (B) becomes possible. On the contrary,
Such processing cannot be performed by a printer or the like having a one-way interface as shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 shows a flow chart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. Steps H6 and H11 are different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, in the first embodiment, as shown in step F6 of FIG. 12, when it is determined that the parallel interface is not in use, the BUSY signal is set to the H level, whereas in the second embodiment, the BUSY signal is set to the H level. The CNT signal is set to the H level as shown in step H6 of FIG. The difference between step F11 of FIG. 12 and step H11 of FIG. 16 is also the same. Here, the CNT signal is a control signal newly provided for the parallel interface in order to realize the second embodiment. By adding this CNT signal, the data transfer procedure (computer side processing) between the computer and the scanner in the parallel interface shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 is modified as shown in FIG. That is, first, in step I2, it is determined whether or not the CNT signal is at the L level. When the CNT signal is at L level, the process proceeds to step I3, and it is determined whether or not the data transfer from the computer to the scanner. When it is determined that the data is transferred from the computer to the scanner, the data transfer process is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5 (step I4). On the contrary, when it is determined in step I3 that the data is transferred from the scanner to the computer, the data receiving process is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. 7 (step I5).

On the other hand, when the CNT signal is at the H level, the process proceeds to step I6, and the contents of the busy state and the waiting time data are received. The contents of the busy state and the waiting time data in this case are received by the normal procedure shown in FIG. Then, in step I7, the time is waited. This allows the computer to perform other processing.

First, the operation of the second embodiment when the scanner is accessed by the first computer while the SCSI interface is in the access state, that is, the scanner is accessed by the second computer will be described. In this case, after the processing of steps H1 to H3 in FIG. 16, it is determined in step H4 whether or not the scanner uses the parallel interface. In this case, since the parallel interface is not used, the process proceeds to step H6 and the CNT of the parallel interface is used.
The signal is set to H level. When the scanner is accessed by the first computer in the state where the CNT signal is set to the H level in this way, the process proceeds to step I6, as is apparent from step I2 in FIG. As a result, the first computer can receive the contents of the busy status of the scanner and the waiting time data, and can display a message to the user via the monitor or the like.

In this case, the read image data can be normally transferred between the scanner and the second computer by the processing of steps H7 to H9.
By the processing of 0 and H11, both interfaces are set in the accessible state.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment when the scanner is accessed by the second computer in the opposite case, that is, when the parallel interface is in the access state, will be described. In this case, step H1
After the processing from H3 to H3, the determination at Step H4 becomes Step H.
Moving to 5, the parallel interface busy flag is set to "1". FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the transition of the bus phase when the second computer accesses the scanner in this state.

That is, the second computer executes the step J2.
After going through the procedure (1), a command phase is entered (step J3), and a command such as a send is issued to the scanner. However, since the parallel interface busy flag is set to "1" in step H5 of FIG. 16 and the scanner is set to the target busy state, the data input / output phase cannot be entered and the status phase is entered. (Step J4). Then, after the second computer receives the status information indicating the busy state, the access by the second computer ends (steps J5 and J6).

Now, a program for driving the scanner is stored in the storage device in the second computer. Then, by the processing of this program, the second
If the computer receives the status information indicating the busy state, the computer is instructed to access the scanner again. As a result, the processing from step J7 is performed.

That is, first, after the step J8 is followed, the command phase is entered (step J9), and the second
The request sense command is issued by the computer. Then, in this case, as is apparent from step E8 in FIG. 11, the process immediately shifts to the data input / output phase (step E16). Then, in this data input / output phase, the contents of the busy state, the waiting time data, etc. are transferred from the scanner to the second computer (step J10), and thereafter the processing is terminated (step J).
11, J12). In this way, the second computer can receive the contents of the busy status of the scanner and the waiting time data, and can display a message to the user via the monitor or the like.

In this case, the read image data can be normally transferred between the scanner and the first computer by the processing of steps H7 to H9.
By the processing of 0 and H11, both interfaces are set in the accessible state.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when any one of the plurality of interfaces is in the access state by the information processing device such as a computer, the information processing device connected to the other interface is busy. It becomes possible to convey information about the contents of the state and the waiting time.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

For example, the interface according to the present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and any type of interface applicable to the scanner can be considered. For example, "IEEE P1284", which has been proposed as a next-generation bidirectional parallel interface
Of course, it can be applied to an interface called or a similar interface.

The number of interfaces provided in the image reading apparatus of the present invention is not limited to two, and three or more interfaces may be provided.

The information processing system of the present invention is shown in FIG.
Not limited to those shown in, any combination can be considered.

[0090]

According to the present invention, for example, a plurality of information processing devices having different architectures can be connected, and bidirectional data transfer can be performed with the plurality of information processing devices. As a result, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of image reading devices corresponding to information processing devices having different architectures, and the versatility and convenience of the image reading device can be improved. Further, according to the present invention, it becomes possible for an information processing apparatus connected via another interface to perform processing corresponding to the transmitted busy state, for example, causing a timeout error due to communication failure or hang-up. It is possible to effectively prevent such a situation. Thereby, the convenience of the image reading device can be further enhanced. In this case, since the busy state is transmitted in a form according to the interface, it is possible to accurately transmit the busy state to each of the information processing devices having different architectures.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent an information processing apparatus connected via another interface from transmitting / receiving erroneous data, and the normal operation of the image reading apparatus in the case of simultaneous access. It becomes possible to guarantee.

Further, according to the present invention, another interface (the first interface) is controlled by performing control such as activating one signal of the plurality of signals used for the first interface, for example, a busy signal. ), It is possible to effectively transmit the busy state to the information processing device connected via the. This makes the first
It is possible to effectively prevent a time-out error, a hang-up, and the like of the information processing device connected to the interface.

Further, according to the present invention, by shifting the bus phase of the second interface to the status transmission phase, the information processing apparatus connected via another interface (second interface) is connected. The busy status can be transmitted effectively. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the information processing device connected to the second interface from causing a time-out error, a hang-up, and the like.

Further, according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus connected via another interface can perform processing according to the contents of the busy state, and display the contents of the busy state on a monitor or the like. It will be possible to make a sound notification. This allows the user to know the reason why the image reading device is in a busy state, and further enhances the convenience of the image reading device.

Further, according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus connected through another interface displays, for example, a time or the like until the busy state is released on, for example, a monitor or informs by sound. It becomes possible. As a result, the user can know the waiting time of the image reading device in the busy state, and the convenience of the image reading device can be further enhanced.

Further, according to the present invention, since the information processing device to which the busy state is transmitted interrupts the access to the image reading device, it is effective that the information processing device causes a situation such as a timeout error or a hangup. It is also possible to prevent erroneous data transmission / reception. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of the information processing system and guarantee normal operation.

Further, according to the present invention, whether the information processing apparatus to which the busy state is transmitted is in the busy state because one interface is in the access state, or
It is also possible to know whether the scanner itself is in an error state or in a busy state because the power is not turned on. This allows the information processing apparatus to perform processing according to the contents of the busy state, improve convenience of the information processing system, and ensure normal operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a scanner of this embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the scanner according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front side and the rear side.

FIG. 3 is an example of an information processing system including a scanner and an information processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a pin arrangement of a parallel interface, and FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining a signal assigned to each pin, an input / output direction, and a function of the signal. Is.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing on the computer side when data is transferred from the computer to the scanner in the parallel interface.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing on the scanner side when data is transferred from the computer to the scanner in the parallel interface.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing on the computer side when data is transferred from the scanner to the computer in the parallel interface.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing on the scanner side when data is transferred from the scanner to the computer in the parallel interface.

9A and 9B are timing charts of signals when data is transferred from the computer to the scanner and from the scanner to the computer in the parallel interface.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a SCSI bus.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing data transfer by SCSI in this embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

14A and 14B are diagrams for comparing and explaining directions of data transfer in an interface between a computer and a scanner and in an interface between a computer and a printer.

15 (A) and 15 (B) are diagrams for explaining a case where the contents of a busy state and a waiting time are displayed on a monitor of a computer.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a data transfer procedure between a computer and a scanner in a parallel interface.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the transition of the bus phase when the second computer accesses the scanner when the parallel interface is in the access state.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 scanner 20, 22, 43, 47, 48 SCSI connector 24 Optional control connector 26,41 bidirectional parallel connector 40 First Computer 42 Second Computer 44 hard disk controller 46 hard disk 50 parallel interface cable 52,54 SCSI cable 60 CPU 62 ROM 64 RAM 66 Image processing unit 68 Light source controller 70 light source 72 manuscript 74 Photoelectric converter 76 Motor control unit 80 Interface control unit 81 Switching unit 82 Parallel interface 84 SCSI interface

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-1-67068 (JP, A) JP-A-59-167730 (JP, A) JP-A-5-225327 (JP, A) JP-A-5- 169769 (JP, A) JP-A-63-127326 (JP, A) Actually developed 61-206355 (JP, U) Actually developed 2-95456 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 13/36 520 G06T 1/00 400 G06T 1/60

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A forming the read image data by a predetermined reading operation, the image reading apparatus for transferring the information processing apparatus connected to the read image data via a predetermined interface <br/> Fe over scan provided corresponding to each of a plurality of the information processing apparatus, a plurality of bidirectional interferon over scan for the transfer of data between the information processing apparatus, among the plurality of bi-directional interface If the first interface is in access state by the first information processing apparatus connected to the interface of the one, the image reading device busy to the second information processing apparatus connected via the other interface Means for transmitting the status in a form corresponding to the other interface, and the plurality of bidirectional interfaces are provided with a plurality of bus interfaces. It includes a second interface having a's, second
In the command phase of the plurality of bus phases, it is determined whether the command issued by the second information processing device is a request sense command, If the command issued by the information processing device is not the request sense command and the image reading device is in the busy state, the process does not shift to the data input / output phase of the plurality of bus phases, A transition is made to a status phase of a plurality of bus phases, in the status phase the second information processing apparatus is informed that the image reading apparatus is in a busy state, and in the command phase the second information processing apparatus If the instruction issued by is a request sense instruction, Shifts the input-output phase, in the data input phase, the image reading apparatus characterized by transferring the data on the contents of the busy state with respect to the second information processing apparatus. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the transmission of the busy state prohibits data transfer with the second information processing apparatus connected via the other interface. Reader. 3. The second device according to claim 1, wherein the second device is connected via the other interface.
The image reading apparatus, wherein the data regarding the waiting time in the busy state is transferred to the information processing apparatus by the other bidirectional interface. 4. The image reading device according to claim 1, and a plurality of the information processing devices, wherein the image reading device and the plurality of information processing devices are connected via the plurality of bidirectional interfaces. An information processing system formed by performing the operation, wherein the second information processing device connected via the other interface and transmitted the busy state interrupts access to the image reading device. Information processing system characterized by. 5. The image reading device according to claim 1, and a plurality of the information processing devices, wherein the image reading device and the plurality of information processing devices are connected via the plurality of bidirectional interfaces. In order to obtain information about the content of the busy state, the second information processing apparatus connected via the other interface and transmitted the busy state An information processing system, wherein the image reading device is accessed again.