JP3815182B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that can directly read and print data from a storage medium inserted into a slot portion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the spread of digital cameras and the like, storage media with built-in flash memory are being widely used as media for recording image data and the like. There are various types and types of data formats for this type of storage media. For example, smart media, compact flash, memory sticks, etc.
[0003]
In general, in order to print image data taken with a digital camera or the like, the digital camera or the like is connected to a personal computer, the image data is read from a storage medium via the personal computer, and the print data is transferred to a printing device as a peripheral device. Printing is performed by sending. When printing image data in this way, it is necessary to start the computer or troublesome operations on the software. However, in order to improve the usability by taking advantage of the convenience of the storage medium, there is a printing apparatus having a so-called direct printing function. .
[0004]
This direct printing function is a function in which a printing device is provided with a slot portion in which a storage medium can be inserted and removed, and the printing device reads data directly from the storage medium inserted in the slot portion and prints it. Of course, even in a printing apparatus having this type of function, it is possible to read or delete data in the storage medium in the slot portion in response to access from a personal computer.
[0005]
In addition, some printing apparatuses having this type of function include a type in which different types of storage media can be inserted into the slot portion, and the slot portion corresponds to a plurality of types of storage media.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, a printing apparatus having a direct printing function is excellent in terms of usability because it can directly read and print data on a storage medium, but there are some inconveniences in operation as pointed out below. It was.
[0007]
For example, when data is read from a storage medium by the direct printing function and printing is performed, if there is an access request to the storage medium from a personal computer and an instruction to delete the data on the storage medium is received, deletion and printing of the same resource data May cause a conflict and cause an error in the operation of the entire apparatus. On the other hand, when the direct printing function is executed while data on the storage medium is being deleted in response to an access from a personal computer, a conflict error may occur as described above.
[0008]
Alternatively, during printing by the direct printing function, even if the user knows and tries to interrupt the printing by removing the storage medium from the slot, the printing operation stops when the connection error is detected, and the connection error must be released. As a result, other operations cannot be continuously started, and there is a point to be reviewed in the user-oriented operability.
[0009]
Furthermore, even if a certain type of storage medium is inserted into the slot without a connection error, the data format of the storage medium is out of the standard and data cannot be read, or the storage does not correspond to the slot. There is a case where a medium is inserted, and even in such a state, the operation is continued as if the medium is correctly connected, and there is a possibility that the operation is not judged as an error and the operation becomes impossible.
[0010]
The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that solves operational problems associated with the direct printing function.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus connected to an external apparatus, in which a storage medium storing image data can be inserted and removed, and the slot section. Control means for controlling a direct printing function for directly reading and printing data from a storage medium inserted into the storage medium, and a function for operating and processing data on the storage medium in response to access from an external device, The means continues the printing process or the operation process without responding to an access request from the other function while printing the data of the storage medium by the direct printing function or operating the data of the storage medium by the external device. It is characterized by that.
[0012]
According to such a printing apparatus, during the printing by the direct printing function, since the data operation processing of the storage medium by the access from the external apparatus is prohibited, there is an access to the storage medium from an external apparatus such as a personal computer, for example. Even if the access content is an instruction to delete data in the storage medium, the printing operation by the direct printing function can be normally continued as it is without causing a conflict with respect to the same resource data. In addition, during operation processing of storage media data in response to access from an external device, printing by the direct print function is prohibited, so that the same resource data is not subject to conflicts and can be directly accessed from the external device. Thus, data operation processing such as reading or deleting data on the storage medium can be continued normally.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the control means requests access from another function during data processing by the direct printing function or the external apparatus. The device that has requested access is notified that the storage medium is being used.
[0014]
According to such a printing apparatus, if there is an access request from another function during data processing by the direct printing function or the external apparatus, the access request indicates that the storage medium is being used without responding to the access request. The device is notified.
[0015]
Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit reads the data directly from the storage medium in response to access from the operation unit and performs direct printing. It is characterized by making it.
[0016]
According to such a printing apparatus, when accessed from the operation unit, direct printing is performed by reading data directly from the storage medium.
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
[0022]
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
[0026]
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus as an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in this figure, the facsimile apparatus A according to the present invention includes a CPU 10, an NCU 11, a RAM 12, a modem 13, a ROM 14, an EEPROM 15, a gate array 16, a codec 17, a DMAC 18, a reading unit 21, a printing unit 22, an operation unit 23, The display unit 24, the slot unit 25, the external connection unit 26, and the like are schematically configured. The CPU 10, NCU 11, RAM 12, modem 13, ROM 14, EEPROM 15, gate array 16, codec 17, and DMAC 18 are connected to each other by a bus line 27. The bus line 27 includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control signal line. A reading unit 21, a printing unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a slot unit 25, and an external connection unit 26 are connected to the gate array 16. A public telephone line 28 is connected to the NCU 11. A personal computer B is connected to the external connection unit 26.
[0029]
The CPU 10 controls the operation of the entire facsimile apparatus. The NCU 11 is connected to the public telephone line 28 and performs network control. The RAM 12 provides a work area for the CPU 10, a storage area for various data, and the like. The modem 13 modulates or demodulates facsimile data. The ROM 14 stores data such as programs to be executed by the CPU 10 and setting values. The EEPROM 15 stores various flags and setting data. The gate array 16 functions as an interface between the CPU 10 and the units 21 to 26. The codec 17 performs encoding and decoding of facsimile data. The DMAC 18 mainly writes data to and reads data from the RAM 12.
[0030]
The reading unit 21 includes an image sensor, an LED light source, and the like, and reads images such as characters and figures from a document. The printing unit 22 prints images such as characters and graphics by, for example, an inkjet method or a thermal transfer method. The operation unit 23 includes a key switch group such as a numeric keypad and character keys, and transmits a command corresponding to a user's key operation to the CPU 10. The display unit 24 includes a display such as an LCD, and displays an operation state, operation guidance, and the like. The slot unit 25 includes a plurality of connectors for connecting a plurality of types of storage media C including a flash memory such as smart media and compact flash, and the storage media C can be inserted into and removed from the storage media C. On the other hand, it has a function as a reader / writer for reading and writing data. The external connection unit 26 includes a connection port corresponding to a standard such as a Centronics parallel interface or USB (Universal Serial Bus), for example. When the apparatus A is used as a peripheral device, data and signals with the personal computer B are used. Replace.
[0031]
Explaining the point, the facsimile apparatus A has a function of printing data as a peripheral device of the personal computer B, and also inserts a storage medium C used in a digital camera or the like into the slot unit 25 and directly inputs data from the storage medium C. Is provided with a so-called direct printing function. In the apparatus A, data operation processing such as transferring or deleting data of the storage medium C inserted into the slot section 25 in response to access from the personal computer B to the personal computer B can be performed. In the present apparatus A, it is possible to connect different types of storage media C. However, since the storage media C not corresponding to the slot portion 25 may be inserted, the storage media C has been inserted into the slot portion 25. And a function of detecting a connection error of the storage medium C in response to a signal from the sensor and displaying an error message corresponding to the error.
[0032]
In the apparatus A, in order to solve the above-described problem, for example, during printing by reading data from the storage medium C by the direct printing function, the personal computer B accesses the storage medium C, and the storage medium Even in the case of an access request for deleting C data, the CPU 10 is configured not to delete the data without responding to the access request. On the contrary, while the personal computer B is accessing the storage medium C, even if the user tries to print the data on the storage medium C by the direct printing function by the panel operation, the CPU 10 performs the printing operation without responding to the user's panel operation. It is configured not to run. That is, the configuration is such that no conflict error occurs for the same data using the storage medium C as a resource.
[0033]
In addition, during printing by the direct printing function, there is a case where the user pulls out the storage medium C from the slot unit 25 with the knowledge of the user, and the printing is interrupted. Even if a connection error is detected, the CPU 10 does not display an error message corresponding to the connection error on the display. In this case, the paper is ejected with the printing result incomplete, but after the paper is ejected, the normal standby state is set and the next printing, facsimile data transmission / reception, or scanning is performed. Can do. That is, when the user intentionally removes the storage medium C from the slot portion 25 and interrupts the direct printing, the next operation can be started as it is without performing error cancellation.
[0034]
Further, even when a certain type of storage medium C is inserted into the slot unit 25 without a connection error, the data format of the storage medium C is out of the standard and data cannot be read. Even in a state where the storage medium C is inserted into the slot 25, in the case of the storage medium C that does not correspond to the connector of the slot 25, a normal electrical signal cannot be obtained from the connector and the medium itself cannot be recognized. There is a case. In particular, in the case of smart media, there is a case in which a controller chip or the like is not built in other than the flash memory, and data is recorded with a data format format as an original standard, so that the data is properly inserted into the slot portion 25 and connected. Even if it exists, the data cannot be normally read according to the data format of the apparatus A. In preparation for such a case, the present apparatus A is configured to detect a data error not only when a connection error occurs but also when data cannot be read or when the medium itself cannot be recognized. That is, even when the storage medium C is inserted into the slot 25, if the data of the storage medium C cannot be directly printed, the CPU 10 detects a data error and displays an error message corresponding to the data error on the display. The operation according to the error is continued until the storage medium C is removed from the slot 25.
[0035]
That is, the CPU 10 prohibits the data operation processing of the storage medium C by accessing from the external device (personal computer B) while printing the data of the storage medium C by the direct printing function. Accordingly, control means for prohibiting printing by the direct printing function during operation processing of data on the storage medium C is realized. In addition, while the data of the storage medium C is being printed by the direct printing function, the CPU 10 continues to perform a required operation without transmitting the connection error to the user even if a connection error of the storage medium C is detected. Even when the storage medium C is inserted into the slot 25 without a connection error, if the data of the storage medium cannot be read or the medium itself cannot be recognized, the required operation corresponding to the data error is performed. The control means to perform is realized.
[0036]
[0037]
[0038]
Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus A centering on the direct printing function will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0039]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation when performing direct printing. First, it is assumed that the user inserts the storage medium C into the slot unit 25 and instructs the start of printing by a panel operation. Then, the CPU 10 checks whether or not the storage medium C is in use based on a media status described later (S10). The media status is flag information indicating whether the storage medium C is in use or not used due to access from the personal computer B to the storage medium C or access based on the direct printing function.
[0040]
Here, when there is no access to the storage medium C and the storage medium C is not used (S10: NO), the CPU 10 determines that the medium status is in use (S11), reads the data from the storage medium C, and performs print processing. Start (S12).
[0041]
In this way, while printing the data on the storage medium C by direct printing, the CPU 10 monitors whether there is an access request for deleting the data on the storage medium C from the personal computer B (S13).
[0042]
When there is an access request from the personal computer B (S13: YES), the CPU 10 notifies the personal computer B that the storage medium C is in use without responding to the access request (S14). At this time, it may be specifically notified that direct printing is in progress. That is, during direct printing, data in the storage medium C cannot be deleted from an external device such as the personal computer B. Therefore, no conflict error occurs during direct printing.
[0043]
When the direct printing ends (S15: YES), the CPU 10 sets the media status to unused (S16) and returns to the original standby state.
[0044]
In S15, when the direct printing is not finished (S15: NO), the CPU 10 returns to S12 and continues the printing process.
[0045]
In S13, if there is no access request from the personal computer B during direct printing (S13: NO), the CPU 10 continues the printing process until S15: YES, and monitors whether there is a repeated access request during that time.
[0046]
In S10, when the storage medium C is in use (S10: YES), the CPU 10 deletes data in the storage medium C or transfers it to the personal computer B in response to an access request from the personal computer B (S10: YES). S17). That is, in this case, since there is an access to the storage medium C from the personal computer B when the start of the direct printing is instructed, the access of the personal computer B is given priority without starting the direct printing.
[0047]
In this way, during operation processing of data on the storage medium C by access from the personal computer B, the CPU 10 monitors whether or not the user has instructed the start of direct printing again (S18).
[0048]
When printing start is instructed (S18: YES), the CPU 10 displays on the display by a message or the like that the storage medium C is in use without responding to the instruction (S19). At this time, it may be specifically displayed that the personal computer B is accessing the storage medium C. That is, direct printing cannot be started while data on the storage medium C is being processed by access from the personal computer B. Therefore, a conflict error does not occur during access to the storage medium C from the outside.
[0049]
When the access from the personal computer B is completed (S20: YES), the CPU 10 moves to S16, sets the media status to unused (S16), and returns to the original standby state.
[0050]
If the access from the personal computer B is not completed in S20 (S20: NO), the CPU 10 returns to S17 and responds to the access of the personal computer B.
[0051]
If there is no direct printing start instruction during access from the personal computer B in S18 (S18: NO), the CPU 10 continues the printing process until S20: YES, and whether or not there is a repeated printing start instruction during that time. To monitor. Note that the PC access processing (S17) shown in FIG. 2 is also executed when an access request is made from the personal computer B to the storage medium C when the direct printing processing is not executed. As in S11, a predetermined PC access process is executed after the media status is in use.
[0052]
Next, an operation for detecting an error with respect to the storage medium C will be described.
[0053]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when detecting a connection error, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when detecting a data error. First, as shown in FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a connection error state according to a signal obtained from a sensor provided in the vicinity of the connector of the slot portion 25 or a panel operation of the user (S30). For example, when the user gives an instruction to start printing through a panel operation despite the state in which the storage medium C is not inserted into the slot portion 25, the CPU 10 determines that a connection error has occurred.
[0054]
In the case of a connection error as described above (S30: YES), the CPU 10 determines whether or not direct printing is in progress before dealing with the connection error (S31).
[0055]
If a connection error occurs when printing is started instead of during direct printing (S31: NO), the CPU 10 displays a message or the like on the display indicating that there is a connection error to deal with the error (S32). . At this time, a connection error may be notified by an error sound, an error message may be printed, or a connection error may be notified to the personal computer B.
[0056]
Then, after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) has elapsed (S33), the CPU 10 cancels the error display (S34) and returns to the original standby state.
[0057]
In S31, when a connection error occurs during direct printing (S31: YES), for example, the storage medium C is intentionally removed from the slot portion 25 to interrupt printing even though the user has started direct printing. In such a case, the CPU 10 performs a print interruption process without displaying a connection error (S35), and then returns to the original standby state. In other words, as a result of printing, the paper is ejected with the image printed halfway, but the direct printing is newly started or the facsimile data is transmitted / received without taking over the connection error state. It can be carried out.
[0058]
If there is no connection error in S30 (S30: NO), the CPU 10 detects the data error shown in FIG. As described above, this data error refers to the storage medium C depending on the data format of the apparatus A because the data format is an original standard even when the storage medium C is inserted into the slot 25. The data cannot be read, or the storage medium that does not correspond to the connector of the slot portion 25 is inserted, so that the medium itself cannot be recognized.
[0059]
When there is a data error (S40: YES), the CPU 10 displays a message or the like on the display that there is a data error to deal with the error (S41). At this time, a data error may be notified by an error sound, an error message may be printed, or a data error may be notified to the personal computer B.
[0060]
Then, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the storage medium C is ejected from the slot portion 25 (S42), and when it is determined that it is ejected (S42: YES), cancels the error display (S43) and returns to the original standby state. Return to.
[0061]
If the storage medium C is not ejected from the slot unit 25 in S42 (S42: NO), the CPU 10 repeats S41 until the storage medium C is ejected, and continues to display data errors. If an auto loading mechanism for the storage medium C is employed in the slot portion 25, the storage medium C may be automatically ejected and then may be shifted to a standby state.
[0062]
In S40, when there is no connection error and no data error (S40: NO), the CPU 10 continues to maintain the current state.
[0063]
Therefore, according to the facsimile apparatus A having the above-described configuration and operation, data deletion of the storage medium C by access from the personal computer B is prohibited during printing by the direct printing function, so that a conflict occurs with the same resource data. Therefore, the printing operation by the direct printing function can be continued normally. On the contrary, even if the data of the storage medium C is being processed according to the access from the personal computer B, the direct printing is prohibited, and the conflict of the same resource data does not occur. The data operation process can be continued normally according to the access.
[0064]
In addition, even when the user pulls out the storage medium C from the slot unit 25 while printing by the direct printing function, the same result as when the printing is interrupted can be obtained. There is no need for the user to perform release or the like, and the user-oriented operability can be improved.
[0065]
Furthermore, even when a storage medium C whose data format is not standard is inserted into the slot 25 without a connection error, or even when the medium itself cannot be recognized, a data error is detected and necessary error operation is performed. It is possible to make a transition, and there is no such thing as being inoperable without being recognized as an error.
[0066]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment.
[0067]
The printing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the facsimile apparatus A but may be configured mainly with a printing function. A specific example of the storage medium C is not limited to the above-described example, but may be other types, and is not limited to a built-in flash memory, but may be a storage medium such as a magnetic recording system or a magneto-optical storage system. It may be.
[0068]
A plurality of slot portions 25 are configured corresponding to each type of storage medium C, and a plurality of storage media C may be inserted into one slot portion via an adapter or the like.
[0069]
As an external apparatus connected to the facsimile apparatus A, a digital camera or the like may be connected in addition to the personal computer B.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the printing apparatus of the first to third aspects of the present invention, during the printing by the direct printing function, the data operation processing of the storage medium by the access from the external apparatus is prohibited. Even if there is an access to the storage medium from an external device such as, and even if the access content is a command to delete the data on the storage medium, the direct print function does not cause a conflict without causing a conflict with the same resource data. Can continue to. In addition, during operation processing of storage media data in response to access from an external device, printing by the direct print function is prohibited, so that the same resource data is not subject to conflicts and can be directly accessed from the external device. Thus, data operation processing such as reading or deleting data on the storage medium can be continued normally.
[0071]
[0072]
[0073]
[0074]
[0075]
[0076]
[0077]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus as an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation when performing direct printing.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when a connection error is detected.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when a data error is detected.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 CPU
11 NCU
12 RAM
13 Modem 14 ROM
15 EEPROM
16 Gate array 17 Codec 18 DMAC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Reading part 22 Printing part 23 Operation part 24 Display part 25 Slot part 26 External connection part A Facsimile apparatus B Personal computer C Storage medium

Claims (3)

A printing device connected to an external device,
A slot portion in which a storage medium storing image data can be inserted and removed;
Control means for controlling a direct printing function for directly reading and printing data from a storage medium inserted in the slot portion, and a function for operating and processing data on the storage medium in response to access from the external device Prepared,
The control means performs printing processing or operation processing in response to an access request from the other function while printing data on the storage medium by the direct printing function or operating data on the storage medium by the external device. A printing apparatus characterized by being continued.   The control means notifies the device that has requested access that the storage medium is being used without responding to an access request from another function during data processing by the direct printing function or the external device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit reads data directly from the storage medium and performs direct printing in response to access from an operation unit.

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