JP4640408B2 - Printer and printer operation method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printer and a method for operating the printer .

  Conventionally, a stand-alone printer (hereinafter referred to as a stand-alone printer) is known. The stand-alone printer directly (that is, a host device) receives data in the first external storage device from a first external storage device (for example, a portable recording medium used in a digital camera or the like, hereinafter referred to as a portable recording medium). Can be read and printed. A stand-alone printer can be connected to a host device in the same way as a normal printer.

  By the way, generally, it is required to create a backup of data in the first external storage device because the free storage area in the first external storage device has decreased. However, conventionally, a stand-alone printer can read data from the first external storage device without going through the host device, but backs up data in the first external storage device without going through the host device. Cannot be created. Specifically, for example, the host device reads data from the first external storage device and stores the read data by itself, or a second external storage device (for example, connected to itself) (for example, A backup of the data in the first external storage device cannot be created unless the read data is written to an MO drive in which an MO (Magnetic Optical disk) is inserted.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to create a backup of data in a first external storage device that can be read by a stand-alone printer without using a host device.

The printer according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a first interface connectable to the first external storage device, a first interface connectable to the second external storage device, and a first interface connectable to the first external storage device. An interface, a second interface different from the first interface connectable to a second external storage device, and a third interface separate from the first and second interfaces connectable to a host device. And the control means for controlling the first, second and third interfaces, wherein the control means is connected to the first external storage device to the first interface, and When the second external storage device is connected to the second interface, the first and second interfaces are controlled without passing through the host device. Backup control means for transferring data from one external storage device to the second external storage device; the first external storage device is connected to the first interface; and the host is connected to the third interface. First host access control means for controlling the first and third interfaces to enable the host device to access the first external storage device when a device is connected; The first host access control means prohibits the host apparatus from writing data to the first external storage device while the backup control means is transferring data.

  The “first external storage device” or “second external storage device” is, for example, a portable recording medium (for example, a memory card or an IC) that can be detachably attached to a so-called external hard disk, digital camera, or digital camera. Card), or a recording medium drive device that can be connected to the host device using the same communication port as the communication port used when connecting to the first or second interface. The “first interface” or the “second interface” is, for example, a portable recording medium drive device (for example, a card reader / writer such as a memory card or an IC card) that can read and write data on a portable recording medium. It is.

  In a preferred embodiment, when the first external storage device is connected to the first interface and the host device is connected to the third interface, the control means uses the first and third interfaces. It further comprises first host access control means for controlling and enabling the host device to access the first external storage device. The first host access control means prohibits the host device from writing data into the first external storage device while the data in the first external storage device is being transferred to the second external storage device. . Here, “prohibiting the host device from writing data into the first external storage device” means prohibiting the host device from writing data into the first external storage device at all, This includes at least one of prohibiting only overwriting of data in the external storage device and prohibiting the host device from accessing the first external storage device itself.

  In a preferred embodiment, when the second external storage device is connected to the second interface and the host device is connected to the third interface, the control means sets the second and third interfaces. The apparatus further comprises second host access control means for controlling and enabling the host device to access the second external storage device. The second host access control means prohibits the host device from writing data in the second external storage device while the data in the first external storage device is being transferred to the second external storage device. To do. Here, “prohibiting the host device from writing data into the second external storage device” means prohibiting the host device from writing data into the second external storage device at all, This includes at least one of prohibiting only overwriting of data in the external storage device and prohibiting the host device from accessing the second external storage device itself.

  In a preferred embodiment, the control means includes a first external storage device connected to the first interface, a second external storage device connected to the second interface, and a host device connected to the third interface. Is connected, it controls the first, second, and third interfaces to allow the host device to access the first external storage device, but the host device is the second external storage device. It makes it impossible to access the device. Here, for example, the second external storage device corresponds to a lower-level device in a predetermined communication system composed of a higher-level device and a lower-level device, while the host device that cannot access the second external storage device is described above. Corresponds to the host device in the communication system. In other words, if this embodiment is expressed abstractly, for example, “in the same communication system, the upper device and the lower device exist without being linked to each other”.

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

  FIG. 1 shows a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first interface (not shown) and a second interface (not shown) that is independent of the first interface. For example, a host device 7 such as a personal computer is connected to the first interface by, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus). On the other hand, an external storage device 50 connected by, for example, USB is connected to the second interface.

  The external storage device 50 is, for example, a so-called external hard disk, a rewritable or non-rewritable recording medium (for example, CD-R, CD-RW, MO, etc.) drive, a digital camera, or the like.

  The printer 1 has an operation panel 3 for a user to give various commands to the printer 1 by operating buttons, and a slot 4 for inserting a memory card 5. The memory card 5 is a recording medium itself or a recording medium set in a card holder that fits the interface of the printer 1 (for example, a memory card conforming to the PCMCIA standard) and is detachable.

  The printer 1 can function as a stand-alone machine or as a peripheral device of the host device 7.

  When functioning as a stand-alone machine, the printer 1 receives an image file (for example, an image file compressed in JPEG format) from the memory card 5 inserted into the slot 4 in response to a command from the user via the operation panel 3. Hereinafter, it is possible to read the JPEG image file directly (that is, without going through the host device 7), open the read JPEG image file, and print the image in the JPEG image file (hereinafter referred to as “stand-alone printing”). ”). Stand-alone printing includes two types of printing modes, index printing and normal printing. In the index print, when a command for executing an index print is received from the user via the operation panel 3, all the JPEG image files recorded in the memory card 5 are sequentially read and opened, and the image is displayed in the opened JPEG image file. A number (a number for identifying an image) is assigned, and images in all JPEG image files are printed together with the image number in a list format. Normal printing is the image number entered by the user when receiving an instruction for executing the normal printing from the input of the image number of the user-desired image and the number of copies of the image among the index printed images. Is read and opened, and the images in the JPEG image file are printed by the number of prints input by the user.

  On the other hand, when the printer 1 functions as a peripheral device of the host device 7, it receives a print image from the host device 7 and prints it, or the host device 7 stores the memory card 5 in response to a request from the host device 7. In other words, access is permitted, that is, in response to a request from the host device 7, a JPEG image file is read from the memory card 5 and sent to the host device 7, or a JPEG image file received from the host device 7 is stored in the memory card. 5 or rewriting the JPEG image file in the memory card 5 to the JPEG image file received from the host device 7.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the printer 1.

  As shown in this figure, the printer 1 includes a HUB 31 that is an interface with the host device 7 and a stand-alone printing unit 41 that can execute the stand-alone printing described above. The stand-alone printing unit 41 includes a storage class USB device controller 350, a printer class USB device controller 330, a USB host controller 250, a card reader / writer 35, a print processing unit 33, and a card access control unit 470.

  When communication is performed between the host device 1 and the card reader / writer 35 via the HUB 31, the storage class USB device controller 350 uses the card reader / writer 35 as a storage class (more precisely, a USB mass storage class). ) To the host device 7. As a result, the host device 7 can know the contents of the memory card 5 attached to the card reader / writer 35 under the control of the card access control unit 470 described later, and the memory card 5 Can read and write JPEG image files.

  The printer class USB device controller 330 connects the print processing unit 33 to the host device 7 as a printer class when communication is performed between the host device 1 and the print processing unit 33 via the HUB 31. Accordingly, the host device 7 transmits command data including a print image to the print processing unit 33 under the control of a card access control unit 470 described later, and causes the print processing unit 33 to print the print image. Can do.

  For example, when the user instructs the printer 1 to create a backup of a JPEG image file in the memory card 5 via the operation panel 3, the USB host controller 250 controls the card access using the external storage device 50 as a storage class. Connected to the unit 470. As a result, the printer 1 is USB-hosted and connected to the external storage device 50, and the card access control unit 470 causes the card reader / writer 35 to read all or part of the JPEG image file in the memory card 5. The JPEG image file can be transferred to the external storage device 50, and a backup of the JPEG image file in the memory card 5 can be created in the external storage device 50 (that is, the memory card without going through the host device 1). 5 can create a backup of the JPEG image file in 5).

  In the printer 1, the host device 7 cannot access the external storage device 50 at all. As a result, it is possible to prevent the backup created in the external storage device 50 from being erased or rewritten by mistake.

  Now, other components in the printer 1 will be described in detail.

  The card reader / writer 35 is communicably connected to the host device 7 via the HUB 31 via USB (that is, connected to the HUB 31 via USB). The card reader / writer 35 reads a JPEG image file from the memory card 5 according to the content of the button operation on the operation panel 3 and passes it to the print processing unit 33 or from the memory card 5 according to a request from the host device 7. The file is read and sent to the host device 7. Further, the card reader / writer 35 receives a write request to the memory card 5 from the host device 7, receives a JPEG image file from the host device 7 under the control of the card access control unit 470, and sends it to the host device. 7 is written in the memory card 5 according to the request from The card reader / writer 35 receives a write request from the host device 7 to the memory card 5 and that the JPEG image file received from the host device 7 has been written to the memory card 5. Notify

  The print processing unit 33 is connected to the host device 7 via the HUB 31 so as to be able to communicate with the USB (that is, connected to the HUB 31 via the USB). The print processing unit 33 receives a JPEG image file from the card reader / writer 35 or a print image from the host device 7 and processes and prints the received image according to a predetermined procedure. Specifically, when a JPEG image file is received (that is, when stand-alone printing is executed), the print processing circuit 33 decompresses (decompresses) the JPEG image file and displays it in the RGB color system. An image is acquired, and the color system RGB of the acquired image is converted into a color system CMY (or CMYK) that can be displayed by the printer 1 (so-called color conversion), and the image converted into the CMY color system is halftoned Then, printing is performed by a predetermined method (for example, an interlace method). When the print processing circuit 33 receives the print image, the print image is processed and printed by the procedures of color conversion and halftoning. When the stand-alone printing (that is, index printing or normal printing) is completed, the print processing circuit 33 notifies the card access control unit 470 to that effect (that is, index printing end or normal printing end).

  The card access control unit 470 can identify the content of the button operation on the operation panel 3 (that is, the content of what command the user has issued to the printer 1), and the host device 7 determines the card reader / writer 35. Access to the memory card 5 is controlled. Specifically, the card access control unit 470 does not read the memory card 5 from the host device 7, that is, the host device 7 reads a JPEG image file from the memory card 5 via the card reader / writer 35. Permission is always granted because there is no risk of system problems even if permission is always granted. The card access control unit 470 receives a write request from the host device 7 to the memory card 5, that is, the host device 7 writes a JPEG image file to the memory card 5 via the card reader / writer 35 as shown in FIGS. Control as shown in

  3 to 5 show a processing flow of the card access control unit 470 when the host device 7 controls writing to the memory card 5.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the card access control unit 470 recognizes that the button operation for executing the index print is performed on the operation panel 3 (step S1), the memory card 5 from the host device 7 is displayed. That the host apparatus 7 does not write any JPEG image file to the memory card 5 (that is, the host apparatus 7 cannot write any JPEG image file to the memory card 5). Hereinafter, this is referred to as “a write-protected state of the host device 7”) (S2). Thereafter, the JPEG image file in the memory card 5 is read in order and index printing is performed (S3, S4). When the end of index printing is notified from the print processing unit 33 (YES in S5, S6), card access The control unit 470 cancels the write prohibition state of the host device 7 (S7). That is, after this step S 7, the host device 7 can write the JPEG image file to the memory card 5 via the card reader / writer 35.

  When the card access control unit 470 recognizes that any button operation, for example, the button input of the image number has been performed on the operation panel 3 (S8), the host device 7 stores the JPEG image file in the memory card 5 Is completely prohibited (S9). Thereafter, if no button operation is performed on the operation panel 3 until a predetermined time elapses (YES in S14), the card access control unit 470 cancels the write prohibition state of the host device 7 after step S9 (S15). ).

  When the card access control unit 470 recognizes that the button operation for executing the normal printing has been performed after step S8 (S10), the host device 7 writes the JPEG image file into the memory card 5. This is completely prohibited (S2). Thereafter, the JPEG image file in the memory card 5 is read and normal printing is performed (S11, S12). When the normal print end is notified from the print processing unit 33 (YES in S13, S6), card access control is performed. The unit 470 cancels the write prohibition state of the host device 7 after step S2 (S7).

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the card access controller 470 is notified from the card reader / writer 35 that the host device 7 has received a write request to the memory card 5 (S20), the operation panel 3 Is prohibited from accepting the button operation (that is, the button cannot be operated) (S21). Thereafter, when the card access control unit 470 is notified from the card reader / writer 35 that the writing of the JPEG image file received from the host device 7 to the memory card 5 is completed (YES in S22), the card access control unit 470 performs step S21 and subsequent steps. The state in which the button cannot be operated is released, that is, the operation panel 3 is allowed to accept the button operation (S23).

  When the printer 1 receives a command (hereinafter referred to as a “card backup command”) to store all or part of the JPEG image files in the memory card 5 in the external storage device 50 from the user, The access control unit 470 controls the host device 7 to access the memory card 5 as follows.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow of control of writing to the memory card 5 of the host device 7 performed when a card backup command is issued to the printer 1.

  When a card backup command is issued to the printer 1 (Y in S30), the card access control unit 470 controls the host device 7 so that it cannot write any JPEG image file to the memory card 5, that is, The host device 7 starts a write-inhibited state (S31). Also, the internal status information indicating the current internal printer status (or progress status of a series of operations for card backup) stored at a predetermined location inside the printer is switched to information indicating that the card backup processing is in progress. It is done.

  Subsequently, the size of the file transferred by the card backup process (that is, one or more JPEG image files transferred to the external storage device 50 and hereinafter referred to as a transfer source file) and the external to be the transfer destination of the transfer source file The free storage capacity of the storage device 50 is calculated (S31, S32). Then, the calculated size of the transfer source file is compared with the free storage capacity of the external storage device 50 (S34).

  As a result of the comparison, if the free storage capacity is smaller than the size of the transfer source file (N in S34), it is determined that card backup cannot be performed, and the user is notified of this (for example, the host device 7). Alternatively, a message indicating that the free storage capacity of the external storage device 50 is insufficient is displayed on the operation panel 3), and the card access control unit 4700 cancels the write prohibited state of the host device 7 (S38). .

  On the other hand, if the comparison result in S34 shows that the free storage capacity is equal to or larger than the size of the transfer source file (Y in S34), the transfer source file (that is, the JPEG image file subject to card backup in the memory card 5) is externally stored. Transfer to the device 50 starts, that is, card backup processing is started (S35).

  During the card backup process (N in S36), the card access control unit 4700 maintains a state where the host device 7 cannot write data to the memory card 7 (S37). That is, the write-inhibited state of the host device 7 continues until the card backup process is completed.

  After a while from step S35, when the card backup process is completed (Y in S36), the card access control unit 4700 allows the host device 7 to write data to the memory card 7 (S38). That is, when the end of the card backup process is detected, the write prohibition state of the host device 7 is released (S37). At the same time, the internal state information described above is switched to information indicating the end of card backup processing.

  As described above, according to the embodiment described above, the USB host cost roller 250 is provided in the printer 1, and the USB host controller 250 allows the printer 1 to communicate with the external storage device 50 using the external storage device 50 as a storage class. . Thereby, the JPEG image file in the memory card 5 mounted on the printer 1 is transferred to the external storage device 50, and a backup of the JPEG image file in the memory card 5 can be created in the external storage device 50. (That is, a backup of the JPEG image file in the memory card 5 can be created without going through the host device 7 (that is, without using the host device 7)).

  Further, according to the embodiment described above, the card access control unit 470 always permits the host device 7 to read the JPEG image file from the memory card 5 via the printer 1. Thus, even when the stand-alone printing is in progress, the user can read the JPEG image file into the host device 7 and perform an operation such as editing, which is convenient for the user.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the card access control unit 470 performs stand-alone printing when a button operation is performed on the operation panel 3, that is, a JPEG image file is read from the memory card 5 and printed. The host device 7 is prevented from writing a JPEG image file to the memory card 5 when there is a possibility that it will be or will be performed. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the occurrence of a negative effect on the system, such as a JPEG image file being stand-alone printed, being rewritten to another file by the host device 7 and causing inconsistency in the file.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the host device 7 can write data to the memory card 7 while the transfer source file (JPEG image file) in the memory card 5 continues to be transferred to the external storage device 50. It is forbidden at all. As a result, the transfer source file is prevented from being rewritten to another file by the host device 7 during the card backup process, thereby causing an inconsistency in the file, and thus an error such as failure of the card backup process occurs. Can be prevented.

  In the present invention, for example, the following other embodiments are also conceivable.

  That is, the printer 1 can execute the above-described normal printing and stand-alone printing for the data in the external storage device 50 as well.

  The card access control unit 470 reads the data in the external storage device 50, transfers the read data to the memory card 5 mounted on the card reader / writer 35, and stores the data in the memory card 5. A copy (that is, a backup) of all or a part of data in the external storage device 50 can also be created.

  Further, the host device 7 may be able to access the external storage device 50. In this case, the host device 7 can read data in the external storage device 50 and write data in the external storage device 50.

  Alternatively, the host device 7 may be permitted only to read data from the external storage device 50, and the host device 7 may be prohibited from only writing data to the external storage device 50.

  In addition, when only writing data to the external storage device 50 is prohibited, all writing may be prohibited, or writing may be permitted only when a certain condition is satisfied (for example, already stored in the external storage device). Writing other than overwriting data written in the device 50 may be permitted). Control for prohibiting data writing to the external storage device 50 can be performed in the same manner as control for prohibiting data writing to the memory card 5. For example, the data in the external storage device 50 is read and printed while the data in the external storage device 50 is being transferred to the memory card 5 (that is, during the creation of a backup of the data in the memory card 5). During this time or when the operation panel 3 is operated, the card access control unit 470 prohibits writing data from the host device 7 or data in the memory card 5 to the external storage device 50.

As mentioned above, although several suitable embodiment of this invention was described, these are the illustrations for description of this invention, Comprising: It is not the meaning which limits the scope of the present invention only to these embodiment. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. For example, a file to be read from or written to the memory card 5 is not limited to a JPEG image file, but may be a text file or the like. The operation panel 3 may include not only buttons but also another input device such as a trackball. Further, the printer 1 may receive and print a JPEG image file from the host device 7 instead of a print image. Further, in steps S2 and S9 in FIG. 3, the host device 7 may be prohibited from rewriting only files already written in the memory card 5 or only files read into the printer 1 (see FIG. 3). That is, in step S2 and step S9, the card access control unit 470 does not prohibit the host device 7 from writing to the memory card 5 at all, but only a file already written in the memory card 5 exists. May allow writing other than rewriting only the file read into the printer 1).
This makes the print system even more user friendly.

1 is a diagram illustrating a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the processing flow of the card access control part 470 when controlling the writing with respect to the memory card 5 of the host apparatus 7. FIG. The figure which shows the processing flow of the card access control part 470 when controlling the writing with respect to the memory card 5 of the host apparatus 7. FIG. The figure which shows the processing flow of the card access control part 470 when controlling writing with respect to the memory card 5 of the host apparatus 7 in one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer, 3 ... Operation panel, 5 ... Memory card, 7 ... Host device, 35 ... Card reader / writer, 470 ... Card access control part, 50 ... External storage device, 250 ... USB host controller, 330 ... Printer class USB Device controller, 350... Storage class USB device controller.

Claims (15)

A first interface connectable to a first external storage device;
A second interface different from the first interface, connectable to a second external storage device;
A third interface different from the first and second interfaces connectable to a host device;
Control means for controlling the first, second and third interfaces;
With
The control means includes
When the first external storage device is connected to the first interface and the second external storage device is connected to the second interface, the first and second interfaces are controlled. Backup control means for transferring data from the first external storage device to the second external storage device without going through the host device;
When the first external storage device is connected to the first interface and the host device is connected to the third interface, the first and third interfaces are controlled to control the host First host access control means for enabling a device to access the first external storage device;
The first host access control means prohibits the host device from writing data to the first external storage device while the backup control means is transferring data.
Printer . The control means is configured such that the second external storage device is connected to the second interface,
In addition, when the host device is connected to the third interface, it is possible to control the second and third interfaces so that the host device can access the second external storage device. Further comprising second host access control means
The second host access control means writes the data to the second external storage device by the host device while the data of the first external storage device is transferred to the second external storage device. Ban,
The printer according to claim 1. A first interface connectable to a first external storage device;
A second interface different from the first interface, connectable to a second external storage device;
A third interface different from the first and second interfaces connectable to a host device;
Control means for controlling the first, second and third interfaces;
With
The control means includes
When the first external storage device is connected to the first interface and the second external storage device is connected to the second interface, the first and second interfaces are controlled. Backup control means for transferring data from the first external storage device to the second external storage device without going through the host device;
When the second external storage device is connected to the second interface and the host device is connected to the third interface, the second and third interfaces are controlled to control the host Second host access control means for enabling a device to access the second external storage device;
The second host access control means prohibits the host apparatus from writing data to the second external storage device while the backup control means is transferring data;
Printer . A first interface connectable to a first external storage device;
A second interface different from the first interface, connectable to a second external storage device;
A third interface different from the first and second interfaces connectable to a host device;
Control means for controlling the first, second and third interfaces;
With
The control means includes
When the first external storage device is connected to the first interface and the second external storage device is connected to the second interface, the first and second interfaces are controlled. Backup control means for transferring data from the first external storage device to the second external storage device without going through the host device,
The first external storage device is connected to the first interface, the second external storage device is connected to the second interface, and the host device is connected to the third interface. And controlling the first, second, and third interfaces to allow the host device to access the first external storage device, but the host device has the second external storage. Make it impossible to access the device,
Printer . The control means includes
The first external storage device is connected to the first interface, the second external storage device is connected to the second interface, and the host device is connected to the third interface. And controlling the first, second, and third interfaces to allow the host device to access the first external storage device, but the host device has the second external storage. Make it impossible to access the device,
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The third interface has a USB device controller, and can connect the printer as a USB device to a USB port of the host device.
The second interface has a USB host controller and can connect the printer as a USB host to a USB port of the second external storage device.
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The USB device controller controls communication with the host device so that the first external storage device becomes a storage class USB device when the host device accesses the first external storage device.
The printer according to claim 6. The second external storage device is a recording medium drive device that can be connected to the host device using the same communication port as that used when connecting to the second interface.
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Connecting to both the first external storage device and the second external storage device;
Reading data from the first external storage device and writing to the second external storage device without going through a host device;
A connection step connected to the host device;
Enabling the host device to access the first external storage device;
While data is being transferred from the first external storage device to the second external storage device,
Method of operating a printer and a step of the host device is prohibited to write data to the first external storage device. Enabling the host device to access the second external storage device;
While data is being transferred from the first external storage device to the second external storage device,
The printer operating method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of prohibiting the host device from writing data to the second external storage device. Connecting to both the first external storage device and the second external storage device;
Reading data from the first external storage device and writing to the second external storage device without going through a host device;
Connecting to a host device;
Enabling the host device to access the second external storage device;
While data is being transferred from the first external storage device to the second external storage device,
Method of operating a printer and a step of the host device is prohibited to write data to the second external storage device. Connecting to both the first external storage device and the second external storage device;
Reading data from the first external storage device and writing to the second external storage device without going through a host device;
Connecting to a host device;
A method of operating a printer , comprising: allowing the host device to access the first external storage device, but disabling the host device to access the second external storage device. Allowing the host device to access the first external storage device, but disabling the host device to access the second external storage device;
The printer operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: Connecting as a USB device to a USB port of the host device;
The printer operating method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of being connected as a USB host to a USB port of the second external storage device. When the host device accesses the first external storage device, controlling communication with the host device so that the first external storage device becomes a storage class USB device;
15. The method of operating a printer according to claim 14, further comprising:

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