JP4949889B2 - Sub-control device and information processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sub-control device and an information processing device.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus (information processing apparatus) such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) equipped with a communication interface connector such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) as an additional option has been proposed. In many cases, such a communication interface connector is additionally provided on the front surface of the apparatus which is easy for the user to operate. An image forming apparatus (information processing apparatus) such as an MFP is configured to include a main control apparatus that controls the entire apparatus and a sub-control apparatus such as an operation panel unit that controls an operation panel. Many. Furthermore, in general, the main control device that controls communication is often arranged on the back side of the device. That is, in an image forming apparatus (information processing apparatus) having a main control device and a sub control device, when a communication interface connector is provided on the front surface of the device, communication is performed from the main control device disposed on the back surface of the device to the front surface of the device. An interface cable (hereinafter referred to as a communication I / F cable) needs to be wired. More specifically, a method is required in which the communication I / F cable is once pulled out of the device and routed to the front side, or an extension communication I / F cable is wired in the device in advance. .

  However, the former is likely to interfere with the use of the communication I / F cable outside the device, and the latter is equipped with an additional communication I / F cable even in the standard state. There is a problem of increasing the equipment cost.

  On the other hand, adopting a general-purpose interface for the user such as Ethernet (registered trademark), IEEE1394, or USB between the main control device and the sub-control device is redundant as communication control within the device, but the communication speed Benefits such as high speed, abundant design know-how, and reduction of design man-hours by adopting general-purpose parts are also expected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, when the main control device 1001 and the sub control device 1002 are connected by a general-purpose interface, the main control device 1001 and the sub control device 1002 are connected one-to-one. It is considered that a branch device 1003 for branching a communication line is mounted in advance, and a connector 1004 for outputting the branched communication line to the outside is mounted. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the I / F expansion unit 2000 equipped with a communication interface connector 2001 such as USB is connected to the connector 1004 of the sub-control device 1002. With this configuration, when the communication interface connector 2001 has an optional configuration that can be used by the user, the communication cable 2002 of the I / F expansion unit 2000 is connected to the optional connector 1004 of the sub-control device 1002 to perform communication. Using the interface connector 2001, the user can access the communication interface with the main control device 1001.

  However, the following problems arise when a general-purpose interface is output to the outside to be an option that can be used by the user. That is, a branch device (1003 in FIG. 8) for branching a communication line that is connected in a one-to-one relationship between the main control device and the sub control device is installed in the basic configuration in advance, and the branched communication line is connected to the outside. When the connector (1004 in FIG. 8) for outputting to the standard is mounted in a standard state, the cost of the basic component machine is increased.

  Therefore, in order to solve the problem about such branch addition of communication lines, in Patent Document 1, each unit has a communication line, and a connector that can be separated between the communication lines is arranged. Describes how to connect the communication line from the extension unit.

Japanese Patent No. 3665226

  However, in the case of a system such as an in-vehicle network described in Patent Document 1, it is effective to add an optional unit by using a communication cable included in each unit, but it is relatively small like an image forming apparatus. In the system, problems such as an increase in man-hours at the time of option expansion and an increase in the difficulty of winding the cable occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an expansion unit having an external connector for connecting an expansion device can be arranged in the vicinity of a sub-control device as an expansion option, which increases the cost of the basic configuration. It is an object to provide a sub-control device and an information processing device that can be suppressed.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes a main control device that controls the entire device, and a sub-control that is connected to the main control device via a communication cable and communicates with the main control device. In the information processing apparatus including the apparatus, the sub control apparatus is connected to the first connector to which the main control apparatus is connected via the communication cable and the expansion unit having an external connector for connecting an expansion device. A control device connected to the main controller via the first connector, and a control device connected to the first connector and the second connector, respectively. Switch means for designating whether or not to use the expansion unit connected to the second connector. In the control device, determining means for determining whether or not the expansion unit is connected, when said expansion unit is determined not to be connected, the communication between the expansion device and the main control device the a is the transfer rate transfer interval of each transfer unit, wherein as compared with the transfer rate when the expansion unit is determined to be connected, set by lengthening the transfer interval to drop the transmission rate e Bei and a transfer rate setting means, said transfer rate setting means, the case where the extension unit even if it is determined not to be connected, said expansion unit is determined not to be connected If the user setting is made to increase the transfer rate compared to the transfer rate, the transfer rate when the extension unit is determined to be connected is determined. To set the door.

According to the present invention, when it is determined that the extension unit is not connected , the extension unit is connected at a transfer rate that is a transfer interval for each transfer unit of communication between the main controller and the extension device . and compared to the transfer rate when it is determined, by setting to drop long to transfer rate transfer interval, to reduce the influence of the communication processing load on the processing other than the communication according to the control device of the sub-controller There is an effect that it is possible. Even when it is determined that the expansion unit is not connected, when the user setting is set to increase the transfer rate compared to the transfer rate when it is determined that the expansion unit is not connected. By setting the transfer rate when it is determined that the expansion unit is connected, the transfer rate of the expansion unit can be achieved at the setting desired by the user and for users other than the setter Can prevent a reduction in the throughput of the sub-control device.

  Exemplary embodiments of a sub-control device and an information processing device according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is an example in which a digital copying machine which is an image forming apparatus is applied as an information processing apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital copying machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a digital copying machine 100 generally includes a main control device (system controller) 101, an operation panel unit 102 as a sub-control device, an image processing unit 104, and a device control unit (engine). I / O controller) 105, scanner unit 106, plotter unit 107, and power supply control unit 110.

  The main control device 101 is connected to the image processing unit 104, the device control unit 105, and the power supply control unit 110 via a control line 111, and the main control device 101 is an overall device of the digital copying machine 100. Performs management, print data input / output, and data processing. Further, the main control device 101 performs data communication with the operation panel unit 102 via the communication interface 103 to provide device information to the operation panel unit 102, instruct screen drawing data, or a touch panel from the operation panel unit 102. Receives input information by operation and key operation. The main control device 101 that controls such communication control is disposed on the back of the digital copying machine 100.

  The operation panel unit 102 which is a sub-control device performs display screen drawing processing, input processing from a touch panel and keys, and the like, and exchanges data with the main control device 101 via the communication interface 103.

  The image processing unit 104 processes the scan data read by the scanner unit 106 according to a user instruction or according to the characteristics of the digital copying machine 100. The image processing unit 104 outputs the processed image data to the plotter unit 107. These image data are exchanged through the image bus 108.

  A scanner unit 106 and a plotter unit 107 are connected to the device control unit 105 via a control line 109. The image forming operation on the transfer sheet is performed under the control of the device control unit 105 according to an instruction from the main control device 101, and the timing control of the scanner unit 106 and the plotter unit 107, the fixing temperature control, and the like are performed.

  The power control unit 110 supplies necessary power to each unit.

  Next, the configuration of the main control device 101, the operation panel unit 102 which is a sub-control device, and the communication interface 103 between them will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  First, the configuration of the main control device 101 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the main control device 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, and the CPU 1 communicates with the operation panel unit 102 and controls the main control device 101 as a whole. The communication control device 2 connected to the CPU 1 is responsible for controlling the communication interface with the operation panel unit 102 at a physical signal level. The main control apparatus 101 is provided with a connector 3 connected to the communication control device 2. A communication cable 103 is connected to the connector 3.

  Next, the configuration of the operation panel unit 102 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel unit 102 also includes a microcontroller (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) 4 including a CPU. Control is performed. The CPU 4 is connected with a connector (first connector) 5 for connecting the communication cable 103 and an external output connector (second connector) 6. That is, the communication cable 103 is connected to the main control device 101 and connected to the connector 5 of the operation panel unit 102. In the operation panel unit 102, the connector 5 is connected to a communication I / F terminal (not shown) of the CPU 4. The CPU 4 has a plurality of I / F systems of the same communication method, and is connected to the connector 6 from a communication I / F terminal (not shown) of another system.

  Next, a case where an I / F expansion unit 200 as shown in FIG. 2 is additionally installed as an expansion option will be described. The I / F expansion unit 200 is for adding a communication interface connector (external connector) 20 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). Such an I / F expansion unit 200 is configured such that the external connector 20 is disposed on the front surface of the digital copying machine 100 so that the user can easily operate.

  In addition to the external connector 20, the I / F extension unit 200 includes a connector 21 for outputting a communication line to the outside.

  As described above, when the external connector 20 of the I / F expansion unit 200 has an optional configuration that can be used by the user, the communication cable 210 is connected to the connector 6 of the operation panel unit 102 as shown in FIG. The connector 21 of the I / F expansion unit 200 is connected through the connector. As a result, the connector 6 is connected to the I / F expansion unit 200 via the communication cable 210 and communicates with the external connector 20.

  In the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102, a dip switch (not shown) is provided as a switch means for designating whether to use the I / F expansion unit 200 connected to the connector 6. By setting the dip switch of the CPU 4 as described above, it is possible to set whether or not to open the communication interface connector (external connector) 20 of the added I / F expansion unit 200 to the user.

  Next, the operation of the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 will be described. If the CPU 4 is not set to open the communication interface connector (external connector) 20 of the added I / F expansion unit 200 to the user, the CPU 4 communicates with the communication system connected to the communication interface connector (external connector) 20. By not performing the process, the user cannot use the communication interface connector (external connector) 20.

  On the other hand, when the setting is made to open the communication interface connector (external connector) 20 of the added I / F expansion unit 200 to the user, the CPU 4 communicates with the communication system connected to the communication interface connector (external connector) 20. Processing is performed, and communication relay processing with the CPU 1 of the main control device 101 is performed. As a result, the user can use the communication interface connector (external connector) 20 of the added I / F expansion unit 200.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the CPU 4 is provided with the dip switch as the switch means for designating whether or not to use the expansion unit 200 connected to the connector 6, and the I / F expansion is performed by switching the dip switch. If the setting for opening the external connector 20 of the unit 200 to the user is not made, communication processing is not performed for the communication system connected to the external connector 20. As a result, when the expansion unit 200 having the external connector 20 for connecting the expansion device is added, it is not necessary to separately wire a communication cable from the main control device 101 to the expansion unit 200. Since it is not necessary to install a branch device in the basic configuration for branching a communication line that is connected one-to-one between the device and the sub control device, the expansion unit 200 can be placed in the vicinity of the sub control device 102 as an expansion option. The cost increase in the basic configuration can be suppressed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 serves as a branch device that branches the communication line that connects the main control device 101 and the operation panel unit 102 in a one-to-one relationship. . In this case, there is a problem that the influence of the communication processing load on the processing other than the communication related to the CPU 4 becomes large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the influence of the communication processing load on processes other than the communication related to the CPU 4 is reduced.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of communication processing in the CPU 1 of the main control apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 1 of the main control device 101 checks the device configuration in the initial setting operation when the power is turned on according to a program stored in a memory (not shown) or the like (step S1).

  As a result of checking the device configuration, if it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected to the operation panel unit 102 (No in step S2: determination means), the CPU 1 follows the program according to the I / F expansion unit 200. The transfer interval for each transfer unit that is communicated to the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 is increased to lower the transfer rate, and communication is relayed when the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected (hub operation). In order to reduce the processing load on the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 (sub control device), a setting in which the transfer interval for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 is extended is stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown). Save (step S3) and communicate with the operation panel unit 102 at a transfer interval corresponding to the set value (step S3). Flop S4). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state in which the transfer rate for the operation panel unit 102 is changed. As shown in FIG. 4, when the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected by decreasing the transfer rate by increasing the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicating with the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device). It is possible to reduce the processing load on the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 that relays communication (performs a hub operation).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is connected to the operation panel unit 102 as a result of the device configuration check (Yes in step S2: determination means), the CPU 1 follows the program to expand the I / F. Extending the transfer interval for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 for the purpose of increasing the transfer rate by shortening the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicating for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 of the unit 200 The setting of “none” is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S5), and communication is performed with the operation panel unit 102 at a transfer interval corresponding to the set value (step S4).

  That is, when it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected by the processing of steps S3 to S5, the I / F is compared to the case where it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is connected. A function of transfer rate setting means for setting the transfer interval to be lowered by increasing the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicating with the expansion unit 200 (expansion device) is executed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected to the operation panel unit 102, the I / F expansion unit 200 is connected to the operation panel unit 102. Compared to the case where it is determined, the operation panel unit (sub-control device) is set by increasing the transfer interval for each transfer unit to communicate with the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) and decreasing the transfer rate. ) It is possible to reduce the influence of the communication processing load on the processing other than the communication related to the CPU 4 which is the control device 102.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 serves as a branch device that branches the communication line that connects the main control device 101 and the operation panel unit 102 in a one-to-one relationship. . In this case, there is a problem that the influence of the communication processing load on the processing other than the communication related to the CPU 4 becomes large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the influence of the communication processing load on processes other than the communication related to the CPU 4 is reduced.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of communication processing in the CPU 1 of the main control apparatus 101 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 1 of the main control device 101 checks the device configuration in the initial setting operation when the power is turned on in accordance with a program stored in a memory (not shown) or the like (step S11).

  As a result of checking the device configuration, if it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected to the operation panel unit 102 (No in step S12), the CPU 1 follows the program according to the external connector of the I / F expansion unit 200. The transfer interval for each transfer unit that is communicated to the expansion device connected to 20 is increased to lower the transfer rate, and when the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected, the communication is relayed (the hub operation is performed). For the purpose of reducing the processing load on the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 (sub control device), a setting in which the transfer interval for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 is extended is stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown). (Step S13), communication with the operation panel unit 102 is performed at a transfer interval corresponding to the set value (Step S13). 4). As shown in FIG. 4, the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected by decreasing the transfer rate by increasing the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicating with the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device). In this case, the processing load on the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 that relays communication (performs a hub operation) can be reduced.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is connected to the operation panel unit 102 as a result of the device configuration check (Yes in step S12), the CPU 1 follows the program to determine the I / F expansion unit 200. Setting without extension of the transfer interval for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 for the purpose of increasing the transfer rate by shortening the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicating for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 Is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S15), and communicated with the operation panel unit 102 at a transfer interval corresponding to the set value (step S14).

  Thereafter, when the user starts communication by connecting an expansion device (for example, a USB memory) to the communication interface connector (external connector) 20 of the added I / F expansion unit 200, an operation panel that is a sub-control device During periodic communication from the unit 102 to the main control device 101, a notification of the communication possible interval for each transfer unit to the operation panel unit 102 according to the current processing load amount of the operation panel unit 102 is received (step S16). : Notification receiving means).

  When the notification of the communicable interval is received, the CPU 1 of the main control device 101 communicates with the operation panel unit 102 at the transfer interval instructed to the operation panel unit 102 as the sub control device according to the program (step S17: communication means). Specifically, when the processing load on the operation panel unit 102 is light, the communication rate to the I / F expansion unit 200 (the expansion device connected to the communication interface connector (external connector) 20) is shortened to increase the communication rate, When the processing load of the operation panel unit 102 is heavy, the communication interval to the I / F expansion unit 200 (the expansion device connected to the communication interface connector (external connector) 20) is extended, and the processing of the operation panel unit 102 is not in time. To prevent that.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication data transfer rate is changed according to the processing load during the normal operation of the operation panel unit 102 which is the sub-control device, and the influence on the processing of the operation panel unit 102 is reduced. be able to.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 serves as a branch device that branches the communication line that connects the main control device 101 and the operation panel unit 102 in a one-to-one relationship. . In this case, there is a problem that the influence of the communication processing load on the processing other than the communication related to the CPU 4 becomes large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the influence of the communication processing load on processes other than the communication related to the CPU 4 is reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of communication processing in the CPU 1 of the main control apparatus 101 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 1 of the main control device 101 checks the device configuration in the initial setting operation when the power is turned on according to a program stored in a memory (not shown) or the like (step S21).

  If it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected to the operation panel unit 102 as a result of the device configuration check (No in step S22), the CPU 1 follows the program and the external connector of the I / F expansion unit 200 The transfer interval for each transfer unit that is communicated to the expansion device connected to 20 is increased to lower the transfer rate, and when the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected, the communication is relayed (the hub operation is performed). For the purpose of reducing the processing load on the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 (sub control device), the setting in which the transfer interval for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 is extended is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S23). Proceed to step S25.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is connected to the operation panel unit 102 as a result of the device configuration check (Yes in step S22), the CPU 1 follows the program to determine the I / F expansion unit 200. Setting without extension of the transfer interval for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 for the purpose of increasing the transfer rate by shortening the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicating for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 Is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S24), and the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S25, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the setting for increasing the transfer rate to the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) has been made by an operation from the user.

  If it is determined that the setting for increasing the transfer rate to the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) has been made by an operation from the user (Yes in step S25), the processing speed of the operation panel unit 102 is decreased. In order to increase the transfer rate by shortening the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicated to the expansion device in accordance with the program, the CPU 1 follows the program and notifies the user by displaying the above notice (step S26: notification means). As a result, the setting of no extension of the transfer interval for the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S27). This process is executed even when an expansion device (for example, a USB memory) is not connected to the communication interface connector (external connector) 20 of the added I / F expansion unit 200.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting for increasing the transfer rate to the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) has not been made by an operation from the user (No in step S25), the process directly proceeds to step S28.

  Finally, in step S28, communication is performed with the operation panel unit 102 at a transfer interval corresponding to the set value. In the case where the transfer interval for the I / F expansion unit 200 is extended, as shown in FIG. 4, the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicated to the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) is increased. By reducing the rate, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the operation panel unit 102CPU4 that relays communication (performs a hub operation) when the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected to the operation panel unit 102, the processing speed of the operation panel unit 102 is increased when the transfer rate is set to be increased. By accepting the setting to increase the transfer rate after indicating to the user that the reduction will occur and saving the setting in the nonvolatile memory of the main control device 101, the transfer rate can be increased or decreased at the setting desired by the user. Can do.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 serves as a branch device that branches the communication line that connects the main control device 101 and the operation panel unit 102 in a one-to-one relationship. . In this case, there is a problem that the influence of the communication processing load on the processing other than the communication related to the CPU 4 becomes large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the influence of the communication processing load on processes other than the communication related to the CPU 4 is reduced.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of communication processing in the CPU 1 of the main control apparatus 101 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is a condition that the communication interface connector (external connector) 20 of the added I / F expansion unit 200 is set to be open to the user. As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 1 of the main control device 101 checks the device configuration in the initial setting operation when the power is turned on according to a program stored in a memory (not shown) or the like (step S31).

  As a result of checking the device configuration, if it is determined that the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected to the operation panel unit 102 (No in step S32), the CPU 1 follows the program according to the external connector of the I / F expansion unit 200. The transfer interval for each transfer unit that is communicated to the expansion device connected to 20 is increased to lower the transfer rate, and when the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected, the communication is relayed (the hub operation is performed). For the purpose of reducing the processing load on the CPU 4 of the operation panel unit 102 (sub control device), the setting in which the transfer interval for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 is extended is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S33). Proceed to step S35.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as a result of the device configuration check that the I / F expansion unit 200 is connected to the operation panel unit 102 (Yes in step S32), the CPU 1 follows the program to determine the I / F expansion unit 200. Setting without extension of the transfer interval for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 for the purpose of increasing the transfer rate by shortening the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicating for the expansion device connected to the external connector 20 Is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S34), and the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S35, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the setting for increasing the transfer rate to the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) has been made by an operation from the user.

  When it is determined that the setting for increasing the transfer rate to the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) has been made by an operation from the user (Yes in step S35), the processing speed of the operation panel unit 102 decreases. In order to increase the transfer rate by shortening the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicated to the expansion device according to the program, the CPU 1 follows the program and notifies the user (step S36). The setting of no extension of the transfer interval for the / F expansion unit 200 is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S37). This process is executed even when an expansion device (for example, a USB memory) is not connected to the communication interface connector (external connector) 20 of the added I / F expansion unit 200.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting for increasing the transfer rate to the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) has not been made by an operation from the user (No in step S35), the process directly proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, communication with the operation panel unit 102 is performed at a transfer interval corresponding to the set value. In the case where the transfer interval for the I / F expansion unit 200 is extended, as shown in FIG. 4, the transfer interval for each transfer unit communicated to the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) is increased. By reducing the rate, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the operation panel unit 102CPU4 that relays communication (performs a hub operation) when the I / F expansion unit 200 is not connected.

  Thereafter, when it is recognized that the expansion device is disconnected from the communication interface connector (external connector) 20 of the added I / F expansion unit 200 (Yes in step S39), the setting in the nonvolatile memory is cleared (step S40). ), The process returns to step S31 to return to the power-on setting.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transfer rate to the I / F expansion unit 200 (expansion device) can be increased or decreased by a setting desired by the user, and the sub-rate can be set for a user other than the setter. A reduction in the processing amount of the control device can be prevented.

  In each embodiment, the operation panel units 102, 200, 300, and 400 are applied as sub-control devices. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to, for example, a facsimile unit or a document reading unit.

  In each embodiment, the digital copying machine 100, which is an image forming apparatus, is applied as the information processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to, for example, an arcade game machine. When applied to an arcade game machine, the sub-control device is, for example, an operation panel control device or a user authentication control device.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection aspect at the time of expansion. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the flow of the communication process concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which changed the transfer rate typically. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the flow of the communication process concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the flow of the communication processing concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the flow of the communication processing concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection aspect at the time of the conventional expansion.

Explanation of symbols

4 control device 5 first connector 6 second connector 20 external connector 100 information processing apparatus 101 main control apparatus 102 sub control apparatus 103 communication cable 200 expansion unit

Claims (6)

In an information processing apparatus comprising: a main control device that controls the entire device; and a sub-control device that is connected to the main control device via a communication cable and communicates with the main control device.
The sub-control device
A first connector to which the main control device is connected via the communication cable;
A second connector to which an expansion unit including an external connector for connecting an expansion device is connected;
A control device connected to the first connector and the second connector, respectively, and connected to the main control device via the first connector;
Switch means provided on the control device and designating whether to use the expansion unit connected to the second connector;
The main controller is
Determining means for determining whether or not the extension unit is connected;
If it is determined that the extension unit is not connected , a transfer rate, which is a transfer interval for each transfer unit of communication between the main control device and the extension device, is connected to the extension unit . compared to the transfer rate when it is determined, Bei example and a transfer rate setting means for setting to drop the transfer rate by lengthening the transfer interval,
Even if it is determined that the extension unit is not connected, the transfer rate setting means sets the transfer rate in comparison with the transfer rate when it is determined that the extension unit is not connected. When the user setting to be raised is made, the transfer rate when the extension unit is determined to be connected is set.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. When the main control device starts communication with the expansion device connected to the external connector of the expansion unit, the main control device transfers each transfer unit to the expansion unit according to the processing load amount from the sub-control device. A notification receiving means for receiving a notification of the communication possible interval;
And a communication means for communicating with said expansion device connected to the external connector by the communicable distance,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 . Even if the expansion unit is determined not to be connected, said compared to the transfer rate when the expansion unit is determined not to be connected, a user sets to raise the front Kiten feed rate is made A notification means for notifying the user that the processing speed of the sub-control device is reduced,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 . If the connection of the expansion device in the external connector of the prior Ki拡 Zhang unit is released, it releases the setting of the transfer rate,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that. The extension unit can be additionally connected to the sub-control device in a state where the external connector is exposed on the front surface of the device.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the. The sub-control device is an operation panel unit having a screen display function and an operation instruction input function.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

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