JP5600972B2 - Buffer device and information processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a buffer device and an information processing device.

  As is well known, various buffer devices may be arranged in a communication network or the like. For example, a print buffer (printer buffer) is disposed between a personal computer (PC) and a printing machine, and by taking in print data transmitted from the PC, the PC is quickly released from the printing process, Make it available for work.

  For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a print buffer that stores print data input from a computer by direct memory access and processes a control command included in the data.

JP-A-7-149001 JP 2002-77501 A

  On the other hand, in an image processing apparatus or a multi-function machine having various functions such as a scanner function and a fax function, there is a possibility that the memory is insufficient. In the case of an inexpensive device, the size of the storage area existing in the image processing apparatus is small, and when a plurality of high-resolution images are read, the storage area becomes insufficient and reading may be interrupted. In some cases, all the image information read up to that point is discarded, and it is necessary to read the document again from the beginning.

  In order to avoid this possibility, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 discloses a technique for continuing processing using the memory of the host PC when the remaining memory of the multifunction peripheral decreases during image reading by the scanner. When using a print buffer connected between a PC and a multifunction peripheral, it is conceivable to use this print buffer to solve the memory shortage, but there is no such proposal in the prior art.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, the present invention aims to solve various information processing (scanners) in a multifunction device in addition to a function as a printer buffer in a state where the device is connected between the multifunction device and the PC. It is an object of the present invention to provide a buffer device that can also be used as a memory in the event of a memory shortage during processing, fax processing, or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, a buffer device according to the present invention is provided in a first connection unit and a second information processing device for connection to a connection unit provided in the first information processing device. A second connection unit for connecting to the connection unit; a storage unit for storing information; and print data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus via the first connection unit; First processing means for temporarily storing in the storage unit and transmitting to the second information processing apparatus via the second connection unit in accordance with the progress of the printing process in the second information processing apparatus And when the storage capacity in the information processing is insufficient in the second information processing apparatus, information that cannot be stored in the second information processing apparatus is received via the second connection unit, and the storage The second information processing apparatus after temporarily storing Definitive in accordance with the progress of information processing printing, and second processing means for replying to the second connecting portion and the second information processing apparatus via, in the storage unit in the process by the first processing means And setting means for setting a ratio between a capacity for storing data and a capacity for storing information in the storage unit in the processing by the second processing means .

  Thus, in the buffer device according to the present invention, the print data transmitted from the first information processing device (hereinafter referred to as the first device) is temporarily stored and then stored in the second information processing device (hereinafter referred to as the second device). In addition to the function as a printer buffer to transmit, it also has a function of temporarily receiving information from the second device, temporarily storing it, and returning it again. Therefore, in addition to the normal printer buffer function, it is possible to realize a multi-function buffer device that can cope with memory shortage of the second device.

Further, since a means for setting a ratio between the capacity of the temporary storage as the printer buffer and the capacity of the temporary storage of information from the second device is provided, the capacity ratio can be flexibly set to limit the storage capacity. The above two functions can be effectively performed by effectively utilizing the above.

  In addition, when a transmission request for the usage status of the storage unit is received from the first information processing device, a reply unit that returns the usage status of the storage unit to the first information processing device may be provided.

  As a result, it is possible to obtain information on the usage status of the storage unit of the buffer device from the first device side, so that a highly reliable buffer device that can see the internal status can be realized.

  In addition, when a save command is received from the second information processing apparatus, a save unit that saves the information stored in the storage unit may be provided.

  Thus, by storing the information in the storage unit, a highly reliable buffer device can be realized.

  The first connection unit and the second connection unit may be USB connection units.

  Thus, it is possible to realize a buffer device that achieves the above two buffer functions while effectively utilizing the convenience of USB connection.

  Further, a mounting unit for mounting the external storage unit, and a storage unit for storing information stored in the storage unit in the external storage unit mounted on the mounting unit may be provided.

  As a result, an external storage unit can be mounted on the buffer device, and the storage capacity of the buffer device is supplemented by the storage capacity of the external storage unit, thereby requiring a large amount of storage capacity for the above two functions. Even in this case, a buffer device that reliably achieves the above two buffer functions can be realized.

  The information processing apparatus used as the second information processing apparatus connected by USB to the buffer apparatus via the second connection unit may be configured so that the second processing unit in the buffer apparatus Information that cannot be stored in the second information processing apparatus may be transmitted, and transmission / reception means for receiving the information from the second processing means may be provided.

  As a result, after the USB device is connected to the buffer device having the two functions as described above, information that cannot be stored in the memory is not stored in the buffer device at the time of information processing, and is temporarily stored there. An information processing apparatus provided with a means for replying can be realized. That is, it is possible to configure an information processing apparatus that can realize a function for dealing with a memory shortage in information processing by using the buffer device with a highly convenient USB connection.

The block diagram of the information processing system containing the buffer apparatus in embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of copy processing. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of a FAX transmission process. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of a FAX reception process. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for print processing. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of a memory use ratio setting process. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of a buffer information transmission process.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a personal computer 2 (PC), a printer buffer 3, and a multifunction device 4.

  The PC 2 includes a CPU 200, a RAM 201, a ROM 202, a USB port 203, an input unit 204, and a display unit 205. The CPU 200 performs various commands such as a print start command and information processing. The RAM 201 functions as a work area for the CPU 200 and stores various information. The ROM 202 stores programs used for various information processing of the CPU 200.

  The USB port 203 is provided for connection with a printer buffer 3 described later. The input unit 204 includes various operation keys, switches, and the like, and accepts an input including a command input by a user such as printing start. The display unit 205 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and displays various types of information for the user.

  The printer buffer 3 includes a buffer memory 300, a USB I / F circuit 301, a USB I / F circuit 302, a CPU 303, a RAM 304, a ROM 305, and a slot 306. The buffer memory 300 temporarily stores information transmitted from the PC 2 or the multifunction device 4 as will be described later. The USB I / F circuit 301 and the USB I / F circuit 302 are used for connection to the PC 2 and the multifunction device 4, respectively.

  The CPU 303 performs various commands such as a storage (storage) command to the buffer memory 300 and information processing. The RAM 304 functions as a work area for the CPU 303 and stores various information. The ROM 305 stores programs used for various information processing of the CPU 303. The slot 306 is equipped to detachably mount the external storage medium 307.

  The MFP 4 includes a CPU 401, a RAM 402, a ROM 403, an EEPROM 404, a USB port 405, an input unit 406, a display unit 407, a scanner unit 408, a scanner buffer 409, a printer unit 410, a print buffer 411, a FAX unit 412, a FAX buffer 413, a network. An interface (I / F) 414 is provided.

  The CPU 401 performs various commands such as image processing commands and information processing. The RAM 402 functions as a work area for the CPU 401 and stores various types of information. The ROM 403 stores programs used for various information processing by the CPU 401. The EEPROM 404 stores information such as the telephone number of the other party in the FAX function as a rewritable memory.

  The USB port 405 is provided for connection with the printer buffer 3. The input unit 406 includes various operation keys, switches, and the like, and accepts an input including a command input by the user such as a copy start. The display unit 407 is composed of, for example, an LCD and displays various types of information for the user.

  The scanner unit 408 feeds a document by, for example, a method using an automatic document feeder (ADF) or a flat bed method in which a document is placed on a contact glass, and an image is read from the surface by a reading module. Read. A scanner buffer 409 is arranged as a memory for storing the read image.

  The printer unit 410 receives image data to be printed, and performs a printing process by fixing the ink supplied from the equipped ink cartridge to the surface of the printing paper using a print head. A print buffer 411 is provided for temporary storage of data to be printed.

  The FAX unit 412 is connected to the FAX line 10 and executes FAX transmission and reception with another FAX apparatus 11 through the FAX line 10. A FAX buffer 413 is provided for temporary storage of FAX data during FAX transmission / reception.

  The scanner buffer 409, the print buffer 411, and the FAX buffer 413 may be formed in a predetermined area on the RAM 402, for example. A network interface (I / F) 414 is connected to the communication network 12 and transmits / receives various information to / from other information processing apparatuses 13 through the network.

  The USB port 203 of the PC 2 and the USB I / F circuit 301 of the printer buffer 3 are connected by a USB cable 500. The USB port 405 of the multifunction machine 4 and the USB I / F circuit 302 of the printer buffer 3 are connected by a USB cable 501.

  As described above, the USB connection is employed between the PC 2 and the printer buffer 3 and between the printer buffer 3 and the multi-function device 4, but this may be another connection method such as a parallel connection or a serial connection. Since the system of FIG. 1 uses USB connection, a so-called plug and play function can be executed.

  That is, by plugging in the USB connection between the PC 2 and the printer buffer 3 and between the printer buffer 3 and the multifunction device 4, the printer buffer 3 that is a USB client device, the manufacturer ID of the multifunction device 4, the product ID, A serial number or the like is transmitted to the PC 2, and the PC 2 automatically searches for and installs a necessary driver.

  The information processing system 1 executes copying (copying) processing, image processing, FAX transmission / reception processing, printing processing, and the like based on the above-described apparatus configuration. The processing procedure is shown in FIGS.

  First, FIG. 2 shows a processing procedure in the case of copy processing. In FIG. 2, the processing on the printer buffer 3 side is shown on the left side of the drawing, and the processing on the multifunction device 4 side is shown on the right side of the drawing. The processing of FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3 to 5 described later may be programmed and stored in, for example, the ROMs 202, 305, and 403. Then, these programs are called and the processing on the printer buffer 3 side is automatically processed by the CPU 303, the processing on the multifunction device 4 side is performed by the CPU 401, and the processing on the PC 2 side is automatically processed by the CPU 200, except for user operations. That's fine.

  In the process of FIG. 2, it is assumed that a copy instruction is given from the user to the multifunction device 4 in step S110. This may be done using the input unit 406. In step S <b> 120, the multifunction machine 4 executes (starts) a scanning process by the scanner unit 408.

  Next, in S130, it is determined whether or not the scanner buffer 409 of the multifunction device 4 is full of memory (insufficient free space). If the memory is full (S130: YES), the process proceeds to S140. If the memory is not full (S130: NO), S130 is repeated until the memory is full. When the processing proceeds to S140, the scanner buffer 409 has no free space, so image data newly obtained by the scanner processing after that time is sent to the printer buffer 3.

  The printer buffer 3 sequentially receives the image data in step S10. The printer buffer 3 sequentially stores the image data in the buffer memory 300 in S20.

  On the multifunction device 4 side, image processing is sequentially performed on image data temporarily stored in the scanner buffer 409 after S140 (or after S120). For example, the CPU 401, the RAM 402, and the ROM 403 may be used as the image processing unit, and the image processing program stored in the ROM 403 may be activated, and the CPU 401 may develop and execute the image data in the RAM 402. Specific contents of the image processing may be, for example, light / dark correction, color correction, and the like. The image processing may be performed by moving the image data to the RAM 402 each time a predetermined amount of image data is accumulated in the scanner buffer 409, for example.

  In the multifunction device 4, when the scanner buffer 409 is vacated due to the progress of image processing, an image data transmission request is transmitted to the printer buffer 3 side in S145. The printer buffer 3 receives it at S25, and returns the image data stored in the buffer memory 300 to the multi-function device 4 at S30.

  The multifunction machine 4 receives the image data returned from the printer buffer 3 in S150. The received image data may be stored in the scanner buffer 409. As the image processing proceeds, the image data in the scanner buffer 409 may be sequentially transferred to the image processing unit, and the image processing may be executed in S160.

  In step S <b> 170, the image data for which image processing has been completed is sent to the print buffer 411 and the printer unit 410 executes print processing. The above is the processing of FIG.

  Next, FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure in FAX transmission. In FIG. 3, S110 and S170 in FIG. 2 are replaced with S115 and S175, respectively. Hereinafter, parts different from FIG. 2 will be described.

  In the process of FIG. 3, the multifunction device 4 receives a FAX transmission command from the user in S115. Thereby, the scanner processing and the like after S120 are executed. As in the process of FIG. 2, when the image data read by the scanner process cannot be entered into the FAX buffer 413 (S130: NO), it is transmitted to the printer buffer 3 (S140).

  Then, if there is free space in the FAX buffer 413 due to the subsequent processing, image data is returned from the printer buffer 3 (S145, S150). Then, after image processing is performed, FAX transmission is performed in S175. The image data transmitted by FAX is transmitted to another FAX apparatus 11 via the FAX line 10.

  Next, FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 4 shows a processing procedure in FAX reception. 4 replaces S110 and S120 in FIG. 2 with S125. Hereinafter, parts different from FIG. 2 will be described.

  In the process of FIG. 4, the part where the scanner unit 408 performs the scanner process in the process of FIG. 2 is changed to a process of FAX reception by the FAX unit 412. Therefore, in the multifunction device 4, after starting FAX reception in step S125, it is determined in S130 whether or not the FAX buffer 413 has run out of free space (S130: YES), and received in the printer buffer 3. Fax data is transmitted sequentially.

  If the FAX buffer 413 of the multifunction machine 4 becomes empty due to the subsequent processing, FAX data is returned from the printer buffer 3 (S145, S150). After image processing, FAX data is printed in S170.

  Next, FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 5 shows a normal function of the printer buffer 3 different from the functions shown in FIGS.

  In the process of FIG. 5, first, the PC 2 receives a print command from the user in step S200. This command may be performed by the input unit 204, for example. In response to this command, the PC 2 transmits, for example, image data or document data in the RAM 201 to the printer buffer 3 via the USB port 203 as print data in S210.

  The printer buffer 3 receives the print data via the USB I / F circuit 301 in S300. In step S310, the print data is stored in the buffer memory 300.

  In the multifunction device 4, a print data transmission request is transmitted to the printer buffer 3 in S 400 every time the print buffer 411 in the printer unit 410 has a free space. This transmission request may include information on the current free space in the printer buffer 3 and the like.

  When the printer buffer 3 receives this transmission request in S315, the printer buffer 3 transmits the print data to the multifunction device 4 in a capacity corresponding to the current free capacity in the printer buffer 3 in S320. The multifunction device 4 receives this print data in S410, and executes print processing in S420.

  In the information processing system 1, the processes shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 described above can be executed in parallel. In this case, since the single printer buffer 3 is shared by a plurality of processes, it is necessary to set how much the storage capacity of the buffer memory 300 is allocated to each process. FIG. 6 shows the setting process.

  The processing in FIG. 6 may be automatically executed by the CPU 303 of the printer buffer 3. Specifically, in the process of FIG. 6, the printer buffer 3 determines whether a plurality of processes are currently being processed in parallel in S500. If parallel processing is in progress (S500: YES), the process proceeds to S510. If parallel processing is not in progress (S500: NO), S500 is repeated.

  The printer buffer 3 sets the memory usage ratio in the buffer memory 300 in S510. For example, the memory setting ratio may be determined in advance and stored in the ROM 305 or the like, and it may be called in S510. The memory setting ratio is allocated equally to a plurality of processes, that is, for example, the capacity of the buffer memory 300 is allocated by half for two processes, and the buffer memory 300 is allocated by one third for three processes. It is also possible to allocate the capacity of the buffer memory 300 by 1 / n for n processes, such as

  Alternatively, processing priorities may be determined in advance, and settings may be made such that more capacity is allocated to processing with higher priorities. The memory setting ratio may be set by the user using the input units 204 and 406 from the PC 2 or the multifunction device 4. The setting contents by the user may be stored in the printer buffer 3 (for example, stored in the ROM 305 assuming that the ROM 305 includes the EEPROM), and may be called in S510. As a result, the limited capacity of the buffer memory 300 can be appropriately allocated and used effectively, and the plurality of processes in FIGS. 2 to 5 can be reliably processed in parallel.

  Next, FIG. 7 will be described. In the present embodiment, it may be possible to obtain and browse information (buffer information) from time to time on the usage status of the printer buffer 33 from the PC 2 or the multifunction device 4 side. The process is shown in FIG. The processing in FIG. 7 may be automatically executed by the CPU 303 of the printer buffer 3.

  Specifically, it is assumed that the printer buffer 3 has received a transmission request for buffer information transmitted from the PC 2 or the multifunction device 4 in S600. At that time, the printer buffer 3 returns the buffer information to the PC 2 or the multifunction device 4 (the side that sent the transmission request) in the subsequent S610. This reply may be executed from moment to moment.

  The transmission contents are, for example, the used capacity and free capacity of the buffer memory 300 at the present time. Then, the contents may be displayed and illustrated on the display unit 205 or the display unit 407, for example, numerically or graphically.

  In the above processing, the external storage medium 307 inserted in the slot 306 may also be used. That is, the part stored in the buffer memory 300 is changed so as to be stored not only in the buffer memory 300 but also in the external storage medium 307. As a result, a larger amount of data (such as image data having a larger size) can be temporarily stored, so that the processes in FIGS. 2 to 5 can be reliably performed in parallel.

  In addition, the said Example can be suitably changed within the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention. Although FIGS. 2 to 4 show the cases of copy processing and FAX transmission / reception processing, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to all cases where memory shortage occurs in the processing of the MFP 4 alone. . Therefore, for example, when a memory shortage occurs in the image processing of S160, image data that cannot be stored may be temporarily stored in the printer buffer 3 and returned. If memory shortage occurs only in the image reading process (scanning process), it may be temporarily stored in the printer buffer 3 and returned.

  Further, the data finally obtained by the processing of FIGS. 2 to 4 may be transmitted to another information processing apparatus 13 through the communication network 12. The information stored in the buffer memory 300 may be saved by a command from the PC 2 side or the multifunction device 4 side. For example, the storage destination may be the ROM 305 (or the above-described EEPROM).

  For example, the PC 2 and the multifunction machine 4 may be any information processing apparatus that performs various types of information processing. The PC 2 and the multifunction peripheral 4 may be changed to various image processing apparatuses, peripheral devices, printer dedicated machines, FAX dedicated machines, scanner dedicated machines, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system 2 Personal computer (PC, 1st information processing apparatus)
3 Printer buffer (buffer device)
4 MFP (second information processing device)
300 Buffer memory (storage unit)

Claims (7)

A first connection part for connecting to a connection part equipped in the first information processing apparatus;
A second connection unit for connecting to a connection unit equipped in the second information processing apparatus;
A storage unit for storing information;
The print data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus is received via the first connection unit, temporarily stored in the storage unit, and then the print processing in the second information processing apparatus proceeds. In response, first processing means for transmitting to the second information processing apparatus via the second connection unit;
When a storage capacity shortage in information processing occurs in the second information processing apparatus, information that cannot be stored in the second information processing apparatus is received via the second connection unit, and the storage unit Second processing means for temporarily storing the information and returning the information to the second information processing apparatus via the second connection unit in accordance with the progress of the information processing in the second information processing apparatus;
Setting means for setting a ratio between a capacity for storing print data in the storage unit in the process by the first processing unit and a capacity for storing information in the storage unit in the process by the second processing unit;
A buffer device comprising: The said setting means sets the said ratio so that more capacity | capacitance may be allocated to the one with a higher priority among the process by the said 1st process means, and the process by the said 2nd process means. Buffer device.   The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reply unit configured to return a use status of the storage unit to the first information processing device when a transmission request for the use status of the storage unit is received from the first information processing device. The buffer device described.   4. The buffer device according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage unit that stores information stored in the storage unit when a storage command is received from the second information processing apparatus. 5.   The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein the first connection unit and the second connection unit are USB connection units. A mounting unit for mounting the external storage unit;
Storage means for storing information stored in the storage unit in the external storage unit mounted on the mounting unit;
The buffer device according to claim 1, further comprising: It is used as the second information processing device that is USB-connected to the buffer device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 via the second connection unit,
An information processing apparatus comprising: transmission / reception means for transmitting information that cannot be stored in the second information processing apparatus to the second processing means in the buffer device and receiving the information from the second processing means.

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