JP6589834B2 - COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system including an image forming apparatus including a nonvolatile memory and a wireless communication apparatus that reads data from the nonvolatile memory of the image forming apparatus.

  A mobile communication terminal usually includes a battery (secondary battery). During use, the battery voltage gradually decreases. Eventually, the voltage of the battery decreases so that the mobile communication terminal cannot be used. Even if the power switch is pressed, the portable communication terminal does not operate. In such a state, data in the telephone book of the mobile communication terminal cannot be checked. Patent Document 1 describes an example of a technique for reading information such as a telephone directory even when a mobile communication terminal is not turned on.

  Specifically, Patent Document 1 includes a first storage unit that stores predetermined information during normal operation, and a detachable non-volatile second storage unit that detects the remaining battery level and detects the remaining battery level. There is described a portable communication terminal that stores predetermined information stored in the first storage means in the second storage means when it is detected that is lower than a predetermined value. With this configuration, even when the mobile communication terminal cannot be used, the same or substantially the same data as the data held by the mobile communication terminal is to be extracted from another device (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0014]). .

JP 2005-217621 A

A non-volatile memory is mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine, a copier, a printer, or a facsimile machine. Various data (information) is stored in the nonvolatile memory . Data stored in the non-volatile memory is read out as necessary. The read data is used and viewed. For example, maintenance information such as the total number of printed sheets may be stored in a nonvolatile memory. A service person who performs maintenance refers to the maintenance information. Then, the service person confirms the state of the image forming apparatus.

  Here, a failure of the image forming apparatus may occur. For example, when a power supply circuit failure occurs, the image forming apparatus cannot be turned on. In addition, a failure may occur in which power is not supplied to the nonvolatile memory. Also, depending on the content of the failure, it may not be necessary to turn on the main power supply of the image forming apparatus. As described above, when a failure occurs in the image forming apparatus, there is a problem that data in the nonvolatile memory may not be read. In this case, the nonvolatile memory cannot be read until the repair is completed.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the remaining battery level is recognized. When it is detected that the remaining battery level is lower than a predetermined value, predetermined information is stored in the second storage means. There is a time margin from when the remaining battery level is detected until the remaining battery level reaches zero. That is, the process for storing the predetermined information in the second storage means has a time margin. However, failure occurs suddenly. When a failure occurs suddenly, the technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot store predetermined information in the second storage unit. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 may not solve the above problem.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention makes it possible to read data from a nonvolatile memory even when the image forming apparatus is out of order or when the main power of the image forming apparatus is turned off.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication system according to claim 1 includes an image forming apparatus and a wireless communication apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a battery, a nonvolatile memory, a first interface circuit, a power supply unit, and a switch. The non-volatile memory stores data. The first interface circuit is connected to the nonvolatile memory and transmits data. The power supply unit supplies power to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit. The switch switches between supply and stop of power supply from the battery to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit, and keeps the OFF state unless turned ON. The wireless communication device includes an antenna, a power supply circuit, a second interface circuit, a memory, and a control circuit. The power supply circuit rectifies radio waves received by the antenna to generate a DC voltage. The second interface circuit operates with power supplied from the power supply circuit. The second interface circuit is connected to the first interface circuit and communicates with the first interface circuit. The memory operates with power supplied from the power supply circuit. The control circuit operates with electric power supplied from the power supply circuit. When reading data from the nonvolatile memory, the control circuit turns on the switch, causes the battery to supply power to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit, and passes the second interface circuit through the second interface circuit. Data is read from the nonvolatile memory, and sucked data that is the read data is stored in the memory.

  According to the present invention, the data in the nonvolatile memory can be read even when the image forming apparatus is out of order or when the main power of the image forming apparatus is turned off.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing about the electric power supply in the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the radio | wireless communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the logic circuit part and switch which concern on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the reading of the data from ROM in the communication system which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The communication system 100 including the image forming apparatus and the wireless communication apparatus 2 will be described below. The image forming apparatus will be described by taking an example of a multifunction machine 1 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus). However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described below does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
First, the outline of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment.

  The multifunction machine 1 includes a control unit 11. The control unit 11 is a substrate. The control unit 11 controls each unit of the multifunction machine 1. The control unit 11 includes a CPU 11a, an image processing unit 11b, a ROM 12 (corresponding to a read only memory, a nonvolatile memory), a RAM 11c (Random Access Memory), a clock unit 11d, and a battery 13.

  The CPU 11a performs various calculations and processes. The image processing unit 11b performs image processing on the image data. The image processing unit 11b generates image data used for printing and transmission. The ROM 12 and RAM 11c store data and programs related to control. The ROM 12 is a flash memory 26. The ROM 12 is readable and writable. The timer unit 11d is a real time clock. That is, the timer unit 11d is a clock. The battery 13 supplies power to the timer unit 11d. Even when the multifunction machine 1 is in the main power OFF state, the battery 13 operates the timer unit 11d. The timer unit 11d always operates. For example, the battery 13 is a button battery and a primary battery.

  The multi-function device 1 includes an HDD 14 (Hard Disk Drive). The HDD 14 is a large capacity storage device. The HDD 14 is communicably connected to the control unit 11. The multifunction device 1 includes a nonvolatile storage device (ROM 12, HDD 14) and a volatile storage device (RAM 11c). The CPU 11a performs calculations and processing based on programs and control data stored in the ROM 12 and the HDD 14. The CPU 11a controls each part of the multifunction machine 1.

  The multi-function device 1 includes a document conveying unit 15 and an image reading unit 16. The control unit 11 causes the document feeding unit 15 to transport the set document. The document transport unit 15 transports documents one by one to a reading position (a feed reading contact glass, not shown). The control unit 11 causes the image reading unit 16 to read the document. The image reading unit 16 reads a transported document or a document set on a placement reading contact glass (not shown). The image reading unit 16 generates image data.

  The multifunction machine 1 includes an operation panel 17. The operation panel 17 includes a display panel 17a, a touch panel 17b, and hard keys 17c. The display panel 17a displays a setting screen, various messages, and an operation image. The operation image is, for example, a button, a key, or a tab. The touch panel 17b is provided for the display panel 17a. The hard key 17c is an operation key such as a start key. The operation panel 17 receives user settings. The control unit 11 recognizes the content set on the operation panel 17.

  The multifunction device 1 includes a printing unit 18. The printing unit 18 includes a paper feeding unit 18a, a paper transport unit 18b, an image forming unit 18c, and a fixing unit 18d. During printing, the control unit 11 causes the paper supply unit 18a to supply paper. The control unit 11 transports the paper to the paper transport unit 18b. The control unit 11 causes the image forming unit 18c to form a toner image based on the image data. The control unit 11 causes the image forming unit 18c to transfer the toner image onto the conveyed paper. The control unit 11 causes the fixing unit 18d to heat and press the sheet on which the toner image is transferred. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper. The paper after fixing is discharged out of the machine.

  The control unit 11 is connected to the communication unit 110. The communication unit 110 includes a communication connector and a communication control chip. The communication unit 110 communicates with the computer 200 and the FAX apparatus 300 via the network 400. The computer 200 is a PC or a server. The communication unit 110 receives print data (image data and print settings). The control unit 11 causes the printing unit 18 to perform printing based on the printing data (printer function). The communication unit 110 can transmit image data to the computer 200 or the FAX apparatus 300 (transmission function).

  The multifunction device 1 includes a first interface circuit 19. The wireless communication device 2 can be connected to the first interface circuit 19. The first interface circuit 19 includes a connector and a communication control circuit. The connector of the first interface circuit 19 can be connected to a connector of the wireless communication device 2 or a cable connected to the wireless communication device 2. The first interface circuit 19 and the wireless communication device 2 perform data communication.

  The multifunction device 1 includes a connection unit 111. Connection unit 111 includes a socket and a communication control circuit. The portable storage device 500 is inserted into the socket. The portable storage device 500 is a USB memory or a memory card. The control unit 11 communicates with the portable storage device 500 via the connection unit 111. The control unit 11 can write data to the portable storage device 500 connected to the connection unit 111. The control unit 11 can read data in the portable storage device 500 connected to the connection unit 111.

(Power supply in MFP 1)
Next, power supply in the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of power supply in the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment.

  First, the multifunction device 1 is provided with a main power switch 10s for turning on / off the main power. The user operates the main power switch 10s. The main power switch 10 s is provided on the operation panel 17 or the side surface of the multifunction device 1.

  In addition, the multifunction machine 1 includes a power supply unit 10. The power supply unit 10 is connected to a commercial power supply (outlet). One end of the power cord is plugged into an electrical outlet. The other end of the power cord is connected to the power supply unit 10. As a result, the power of the commercial power supply is input to the power supply unit 10. The power supply unit 10 includes a primary power supply unit 10a and a secondary power supply unit 10b. The primary power supply unit 10a converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source and generates a DC voltage. For example, the primary power supply unit 10a generates DC 24V for the motor. For example, the primary power supply unit 10a is a switching power supply including a transformer, a transistor, a diode, and a capacitor.

  The secondary power supply unit 10b converts (steps down) the DC voltage generated by the primary power supply unit 10a. When the main power supply is in the ON state, the secondary power supply unit 10b operates. When the main power supply is OFF, the secondary power supply unit 10b does not operate. The secondary power supply unit 10b generates a plurality of types of DC voltages such as DC5V, 3.3V, 2.5V, and 1.8V. The secondary power supply unit 10b includes a plurality of power conversion circuits 10c for generating a plurality of types of voltages. For example, the power conversion circuit 10c is a DCDC converter. The secondary power supply unit 10b includes circuits and elements included in the first interface circuit 19, the control unit 11, the HDD 14, the document conveying unit 15, the image reading unit 16, the operation panel 17, the printing unit 18, the communication unit 110, and the connection unit 111. The voltage required for the operation of the is generated.

  When the main power source is ON, the voltage generated by the primary power source unit 10a or the secondary power source unit 10b is the first interface circuit 19, the control unit 11 (CPU 11a, image processing unit 11b, ROM 12, RAM 11c), HDD 14, document transport. , The image reading unit 16, the operation panel 17, the printing unit 18, the communication unit 110, and the connection unit 111. When the main power supply is OFF, the first interface circuit 19, the control unit 11 (CPU 11 a, image processing unit 11 b, ROM 12, RAM 11 c), HDD 14, document conveying unit 15, image reading unit 16, operation panel 17, printing Power supply to the unit 18 and the communication unit 110 is stopped.

(Wireless communication device 2)
Next, an example of the wireless communication device 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the wireless communication device 2 according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless communication device 2 includes an antenna 21, a power supply circuit 22, a modulation circuit 23, a demodulation circuit 24, a control circuit 25, a memory 26, a second interface circuit 27, and a logic circuit unit 28. For example, the modulation circuit 23, the demodulation circuit 24, the control circuit 25, and the memory 26 are integrated. The wireless communication device 2 conforms to the RFID standard. The wireless communication device 2 can also be used as an RFID tag (RF tag). The wireless communication device 2 can communicate with the reader / writer 600 via the antenna 21.

  The antenna 21 receives a radio wave transmitted from the reader / writer 600. In other words, it receives radio waves in the frequency band used for wireless communication. For example, the antenna 21 is a pattern coil. The antenna 21 and the power supply circuit 22 are connected. The power supply circuit 22 is a DC power supply. A rectifier circuit 22a and a voltage stabilization circuit 22b are included. The rectifier circuit 22a rectifies the radio wave received by the antenna 21. For example, the rectifier circuit 22a is a diode bridge. The voltage stabilization circuit 22b is a circuit that keeps the DC voltage generated by the rectifier circuit 22a constant or substantially constant.

  At the start of communication, the reader / writer 600 transmits an unmodulated radio wave (carrier wave) for a predetermined time. This radio wave is a radio wave for supplying energy necessary for the operation of the modulation circuit 23, the demodulation circuit 24, the control circuit 25, the memory 26, the second interface circuit 27, and the logic circuit unit 28. The reader / writer 600 starts transmission of information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of transmission of radio waves.

  The voltage generated by the rectifier circuit 22 a and stabilized by the voltage stabilization circuit 22 b is supplied to the modulation circuit 23, the demodulation circuit 24, the control circuit 25, the memory 26, the second interface circuit 27, and the logic circuit unit 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the modulation circuit 23, the demodulation circuit 24, the control circuit 25, the memory 26, the second interface circuit 27, and the logic circuit unit 28 operate based on the power supplied from the power supply circuit 22.

  The modulation circuit 23 is a circuit that places data to be transmitted from the antenna 21 on a carrier wave (radio wave). In communication with the reader / writer 600, an amplitude modulation method, a frequency modulation method, a phase modulation method, or a modulation method combining a plurality of signals can be employed. The modulation circuit 23 performs modulation according to the adopted modulation method. Data (radio waves) modulated by the modulation circuit 23 is transmitted from the antenna 21.

  The demodulation circuit 24 is a circuit that extracts information (signal) placed on a carrier wave from radio waves received by the antenna 21. In other words, the demodulation circuit 24 reads a signal transmitted from the radio wave modulated by the reader / writer 600. The extracted signal is input to the control circuit 25. The extracted signal includes an instruction. The extracted signal may include data to be stored in the memory 26.

  The control circuit 25 is a circuit that controls the operation of the wireless communication device 2. For example, the control circuit 25 includes a plurality of logic circuits. The control circuit 25 recognizes the content of the signal extracted by the demodulation circuit 24. The control circuit 25 recognizes an instruction (instruction, request) included in the extracted signal. When a data write command is included, the control circuit 25 stores the data included in the extracted signal in the memory 26 in a nonvolatile manner. In the case of a data read command, the control circuit 25 reads the commanded data from the memory 26 and causes the modulation circuit 23 to modulate the data. As a result, data instructed from the antenna 21 is transmitted.

  The second interface circuit 27 is connected to the first interface circuit 19. The second interface circuit 27 communicates with the first interface circuit 19. The logic circuit unit 28 is a part for turning on / off a switch 1s provided in the multi function device 1 (details will be described later).

(Communication system 100)
Next, the communication system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment.

  The communication system 100 includes a multifunction device 1 (image forming device) and a wireless communication device 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-function device 1 includes a ROM 12 (nonvolatile memory), a battery 13, a first interface circuit 19, a power supply unit 10, and a switch 1s.

  The ROM 12 stores information (device information D1) related to the multifunction device 1 (see FIG. 1). The ROM 12 stores information regarding the origin of the multifunction device 1 as device information D1. For example, the source information is information such as a serial number, model name, and model number. The ROM 12 stores information related to the life of the multifunction device 1 as device information D1. Information relating to the lifetime of the multifunction device 1 includes the total number of printed sheets, the total number of originals conveyed, the total number of read sheets, and the total operating time. The total number of printed sheets is the total number of sheets printed by the printing unit 18. The cumulative number of originals conveyed is the total number of originals conveyed by the original conveying unit 15. The total number of read sheets is the total number of documents read by the image reading unit 16. The accumulated operation time is the accumulated time during which the main power supply of the multifunction device 1 is turned on. The CPU 11a causes the ROM 12 to update the value of the total number of printed sheets every time a print job is executed. Further, the CPU 11a causes the ROM 12 to update the values of the cumulative number of originals conveyed and the total number of read sheets each time a job involving reading of the original is executed. The device information D1 may include information on consumables such as the remaining amount of toner and the remaining amount of paper. The device information D1 may include a history of executed jobs.

  The device information D1 is useful for maintenance of the multifunction device 1. The device information D1 can be output. When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 17, the control unit 11 outputs device information D1. For example, the control unit 11 causes the printing unit 18 to have the device information D1. The control unit 11 displays the device information D1 on the display panel 17a. Alternatively, the control unit 11 causes the communication unit 110 to transmit the device information D1 toward a predetermined computer. The service person (maintenance person in charge) can refer to the device information D1.

  The state of the multifunction device 1 can be confirmed from the device information D1. When a failure occurs in the multifunction device 1, it may be desired to check the device information D1. The device information D1 can be a clue to elucidate the cause of the failure. However, when a failure occurs in the multifunction device 1, the device information D1 may not be output. For example, when a failure occurs in the control unit 11, the multifunction device 1 may not be activated. In some cases, the multifunction device 1 may not react while frozen. In addition, since a failure has occurred in the power supply unit 10, all or part of the power supply to each part of the multifunction device 1 may stop. In these cases, the device information D1 may not be output.

  Further, the registration information D2 may be stored in the ROM 12 of the multifunction machine 1 (see FIG. 1). The registration information D2 is information that the user inputs and registers on the operation panel 17. For example, the registration information D2 is address book data or user data. The address book data is data in which a destination name is associated with an address (destination). Usually, a plurality of combinations of destination names and addresses are stored. The user data is data that defines who can use the multifunction device 1. A user name, a login password, etc. are determined for each user who is permitted to use.

  When a failure occurs, the multifunction device 1 may be replaced. It is troublesome to input registration data into a new multifunction device 1 from the beginning. It is convenient if the registration data is output and can be transferred to the new multifunction device 1. In the multifunction device 1, registration data can be output to the portable storage device 500 (USB memory 26) connected to the connection unit 111. When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 17, the control unit 11 causes the connection unit 111 to write registration data. However, when a failure occurs in the multifunction device 1, the registration information D2 may not be output to the portable storage device 500.

  In these cases, the multifunction device 1 alone cannot read information (data) stored in the ROM 12. In other words, the data in the ROM 12 cannot be output by a normal output method. Therefore, in the communication system 100, the data stored in the ROM 12 can be read (sucked out) using the wireless communication device 2. Therefore, the multifunction device 1 is provided with a first interface circuit 19. As shown in FIG. 4, the first interface circuit 19 is connected to the ROM 12. The first interface circuit 19 can transmit data stored in the ROM 12.

  The wireless communication device 2 is provided with a second interface circuit 27. The second interface circuit 27 can be connected to the first interface circuit 19. The second interface circuit 27 can communicate with the first interface circuit 19. The second interface circuit 27 can receive the data transmitted from the first interface circuit 19 (data read from the ROM 12).

  Here, it is preferable that data in the ROM 12 can be taken out even when the power supply to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19 is stopped. Therefore, the multifunction device 1 can supply power from the battery 13 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19.

  The battery 13 is connected to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19 via the switch 1s. Specifically, the battery 13 is connected to the input terminal of the switch 1s. The output terminal of the switch 1 s is connected to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19. The switch 1s is kept off unless turned on. When the switch 1 s is in the ON state, power is supplied from the battery 13 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19. When the switch 1 s is OFF, power is not supplied from the battery 13 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19. That is, the switch 1 s switches between supply and stop of power from the battery 13 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19.

  As described above, when there is no problem in the main power ON state, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19. As shown in FIG. 4, the output of the power supply unit 10 is connected to a conducting wire from the switch 1 s to the ROM 12. In other words, the output of the power supply unit 10 is connected to the output of the switch 1s. The switch 1 s prevents power (current) supplied from the power supply unit 10 from flowing into the battery 13. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19, the switch 1s is kept in the OFF state.

  A diode D <b> 3 is provided between the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19 and the power supply unit 10. The diode D <b> 3 prevents power (current) from the battery 13 from flowing into the power supply unit 10. When the switch 1s is turned on while the power supply unit 10 is not supplying power, the diode D3 prevents backflow.

  In addition, the wireless communication device 2 includes a logic circuit unit 28. The logic circuit unit 28 outputs a control signal S3 for controlling the switch 1s. The logic circuit unit 28 receives the first signal S1 and the second signal S2. The logic circuit unit 28 changes the level of the control signal S3 according to the levels of the first signal S1 and the second signal S2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first signal S <b> 1 is a voltage that the power supply unit 10 applies to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19. As shown in FIG. 4, the voltage between the power supply unit 10 and the diode D3 is input to the logic circuit unit 28 as the first signal S1. When the main power supply of the multifunction device 1 is OFF, the first signal S1 is at a low level. When the main power supply of the multifunction device 1 is ON, the first signal S1 is at a high level. Even if the main power supply of the multifunction device 1 is turned on, if a failure occurs, the first signal S1 may be at a low level.

  The second signal S2 is a signal output from the control circuit 25. The control circuit 25 inputs the second signal S2 of the first level to the logic circuit unit 28 during the reading period from the reception of the reading command until the reading of data is completed. The control circuit 25 inputs the second signal S2 of the second level to the logic circuit unit 28 outside the reading period. In this way, when the radio wave received by the antenna 21 includes a read command of data in the ROM 12, the control circuit 25 sets the level of the second signal S2 to the first level. Details of the first level and the second level will be described later.

  When the first signal S1 is at the low level and the second signal S2 is at the first level, the logic circuit unit 28 outputs the control signal S3 that turns on the switch 1s. The logic circuit unit 28 outputs a control signal S3 for turning off the switch 1s when the first signal S1 is at a high level and when the second signal S2 is at a second level.

  That is, when the power supply unit 10 supplies power to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19, the logic circuit unit 28 does not turn on the switch 1s. Thereby, the current from the power supply unit 10 does not flow into the battery 13. The shortening of the life of the battery 13 can be prevented. Only when the power supply unit 10 does not supply power to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19 and the control circuit 25 determines that the data can be read from the ROM 12, the logic circuit unit 28 sets the switch 1s to the ON state. To do.

(Logic circuit part 28 and switch 1s)
Next, an example of the logic circuit unit 28 and the switch 1s according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the logic circuit unit 28 and the switch 1s according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the logic circuit unit 28 includes a NOT circuit 29 (inverter) and an AND circuit 210. The AND circuit 210 is a two-input type. The NOT circuit 29 and the AND circuit 210 also operate based on the voltage generated by the power supply circuit 22.

  The first signal S1 is input to the input terminal of the NOT circuit 29. The NOT circuit 29 inverts the level of the first signal S1 (S1 ′). The output of the NOT circuit 29 is input to one terminal of the AND circuit 210. The second signal S2 is input to the other terminal of the AND circuit 210. In the present description, the first level of the second signal S2 is the high level. The second level of the second signal S2 is a low level. The output of the AND circuit 210 is the output of the logic circuit unit 28. The output of the logic circuit unit 28 is input to the switch 1s. In other words, the output of the AND circuit 210 is the control signal S3 of the switch 1s.

  Note that a NOR circuit may be used instead of the AND circuit 210. In this case, the NOT circuit 29 is not necessary. The first level of the second signal S2 is set to the low level. The second level is a high level.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a field effect transistor T1 (FET) can be used for the switch 1s. A battery 13 is connected to the drain of the FET. The ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19 are connected to the source of the FET. The output of the logic circuit unit 28 (AND circuit 210) is input to the gate of the FET. That is, the control signal S3 is input to the gate of the switch 1s.

  When the control signal S3 is at a high level, the switch 1s is turned on. When the control signal S3 is at the low level, the switch 1s is turned off. FIG. 5 shows a truth table showing the relationship between input and output to the logic circuit section 28. The truth table shows possible combinations of inputs to the NOT circuit 29 and the AND circuit 210 and the output of the AND circuit 210 for each combination.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the first signal S1 is at a high level, the control signal S3 is at a low level. That is, the switch 1 s is not turned on while power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19.

  Even when the first signal S1 is at the low level, the switch 1s is maintained in the OFF state when the second signal S2 is at the low level. That is, while power is not supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19, the logic circuit unit 28 (AND circuit 210) does not turn on the switch 1s unless a read command is received. Unless necessary, no current flows from the battery 13 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19. Therefore, there is no wasteful consumption of the battery 13 power. Further, when the first signal S1 is at the low level and the second signal S2 is at the high level, the switch 1s is turned on. That is, when it is satisfied that power is not supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19 and that a read command is received, the logic circuit unit 28 turns on the switch 1s.

(Flow of reading data from ROM 12)
Next, an example of a flow of reading data from the ROM 12 in the communication system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of reading data from the ROM 12 in the communication system 100 according to the embodiment.

  The start of FIG. 6 is the time when a data read command from the ROM 12 is received from the reader / writer 600. That is, it is the time when the control circuit 25 recognizes the reception of the data read command from the ROM 12 based on the output of the demodulation circuit 24.

  The data read command includes a signal designating data to be read out of the data stored in the ROM 12. For example, the data read command includes a signal indicating the location (address) of the ROM 12 where the device information D1 and the registration information D2 are stored.

  When data is read from the ROM 12 using the wireless communication device 2, the main power source of the multifunction device 1 may be turned off. Data can be read even if a failure occurs in which power is not supplied to the ROM 12. Conventionally, when a failure occurs, there is a case where it is confirmed in which path of the power supply path an abnormality has occurred. However, in the communication system 100, when a failure occurs in the multifunction device 1, it is not necessary to confirm which part is supplied with power when the main power is turned on. Even when it is desired to read the data in the ROM 12 when there is no failure, the main power source of the multifunction device 1 may be turned off.

  First, since the control circuit 25 has received the data read command, the control circuit 25 sets the second signal S2 to the high level (step # 1). Since the first signal S1 is at the low level, the logic circuit unit 28 (AND circuit 210) outputs the control signal S3 at the high level (step # 2). As a result, the switch 1s changes from the OFF state to the ON state (step # 3). Thus, when data is read from the ROM 12, the control circuit 25 turns on the switch 1s. Then, the control circuit 25 causes the battery 13 to supply power to the ROM 12 and the first interface circuit 19 (step # 4).

  The second interface circuit 27 instructs the first interface circuit 19 to read data (step # 5). This instruction includes data indicating which data is read out of the data stored in the ROM 12. In other words, the second interface circuit 27 instructs the first interface circuit 19 to read data. For example, the storage location (address) of device information D1 and registration information D2 is designated. Based on this designation, the first interface circuit 19 recognizes the data to be read.

  In step # 6, the first interface circuit 19 reads (reads) the instructed data from the ROM 12. The first interface circuit 19 transmits the read data (suction data) to the second interface circuit 27 (step # 7).

  The control circuit 25 stores the suction data (data received by the second interface circuit 27) in the memory 26 (step # 8). Then, the control circuit 25 confirms whether or not reading of all the commanded data has been completed (step # 9).

  When reading of all data has not been completed (No in step # 9), the flow returns to step # 6. When the reading of all data is completed, the control circuit 25 notifies the first interface circuit 19 of the completion of reading (step # 10). The control circuit 25 causes the second interface circuit 27 to transmit a completion notification. As a result, the first interface circuit 19 stops access to the ROM 12.

  The control circuit 25 sets the second signal S2 to the low level (step # 11). As a result, the logic circuit unit 28 (AND circuit 210) outputs a low level control signal S3 (step # 12). As a result, the switch 1s changes from the ON state to the OFF state (step # 13). Finally, the control circuit 25 causes the modulation circuit 23 to modulate the suction data, and transmits the modulated suction data from the antenna 21 (step # 14 → end). That is, the suction data is passed to the reader / writer 600 so that it can be used outside.

As described above, the communication system 100 according to the embodiment includes the image forming apparatus and the wireless communication apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus includes a nonvolatile memory, a first interface circuit 19, a power supply unit 10, and a switch 1s. The non-volatile memory stores data. The first interface circuit 19 is connected to a non-volatile memory and transmits data. The power supply unit 10 supplies power to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit 19. The switch 1s switches between supply and stop of power supply from the battery 13 to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit 19, and keeps the OFF state unless the switch is turned ON. The wireless communication device 2 includes an antenna 21, a power supply circuit 22, a second interface circuit 27, a memory 26, and a control circuit 25. The power supply circuit 22 rectifies the radio wave received by the antenna 21 to generate a DC voltage. The second interface circuit 27 operates with electric power supplied from the power supply circuit 22. The second interface circuit 27 is connected to the first interface circuit 19 and communicates with the first interface circuit 19. The memory 26 operates with power supplied from the power supply circuit 22. The control circuit 25 operates with electric power supplied from the power supply circuit 22. When reading data from the non-volatile memory, the control circuit 25 turns on the switch 1 s to cause the battery 13 to supply power to the non-volatile memory and the first interface circuit 19, and is non-volatile via the second interface circuit 27. The data is read from the memory, and the suction data that is the read data is stored in the memory 26.

  As a result, the data in the nonvolatile memory can be read (taken out) from the image forming apparatus in the failed state. Even when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off, the data in the nonvolatile memory can be read from the image forming apparatus. Further, the sucking data can be held by the wireless communication device 2. When reading data, the main power supply of the image forming apparatus may be turned off. The data in the nonvolatile memory can be read regardless of the degree and state of the failure of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, the wireless communication device 2 includes a modulation circuit 23. The control circuit 25 causes the modulation circuit 23 to modulate the sucked data and causes the antenna 21 to transmit the modulated sucked data. As a result, the suction data can be output (transmitted) so that it can be used by other devices. The device that has received the output suction data can use the suction data. For example, confirmation, browsing, display, and printing of the contents of the suction data can be performed.

  When the antenna 21 receives a command to read data from the nonvolatile memory, the control circuit 25 turns on the switch 1s to supply power from the battery 13 to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit 19. Read the suction data from the non-volatile memory. Thereby, the user can take out the suction data from the nonvolatile memory at a desired timing. The timing for turning on the switch 1s can be controlled. Power can be supplied from the battery 13 to the non-volatile memory and the first interface circuit 19 only when data is read from the image forming apparatus. Therefore, useless consumption of the power of the battery 13 can be suppressed.

  The wireless communication device 2 also includes a logic circuit unit 28 that receives the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 and outputs a control signal S3 that controls the switch 1s. The first signal S1 is a voltage that the power supply unit 10 applies to the nonvolatile memory. The second signal S2 is a signal output from the control circuit 25. The control circuit 25 inputs the second signal S2 of the first level to the logic circuit unit 28 during the reading period from when the reading command is received until the reading of the sucked data is completed. The second signal S2 is input to the logic circuit unit 28. The logic circuit unit 28 outputs a control signal S3 for turning on the switch 1s when the first signal S1 is at the low level and the second signal S2 is at the first level, and when the first signal S1 is at the high level, and When the two signal S2 is at the second level, the control signal S3 for turning off the switch 1s is output. Thereby, in the image forming apparatus, the switch 1 s can be kept OFF while the power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the nonvolatile memory. Therefore, when the battery 13 and the nonvolatile memory are connected, the current supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the nonvolatile memory does not flow into the battery 13. Further, power can be supplied from the battery 13 to the non-volatile memory and the first interface circuit 19 only when reading out the suction data.

  The logic circuit unit 28 includes a NOT circuit 29 and an AND circuit 210. The first signal S1 is input to the NOT circuit 29. The output of the NOT circuit 29 and the second signal S2 are input to the AND circuit 210. The output of the AND circuit 210 is the control signal S3. The first level is a high level. The second level is a low level. When the control signal S3 is at a high level, the switch 1s is turned on, and when the control signal S3 is at a low level, the switch 1s is turned off. As a result, the logic circuit unit 28 can be configured by only the NOT circuit 29 and the AND circuit 210. The logic circuit unit 28 can be made simple and inexpensive.

  The wireless communication device 2 used in the communication system 100 is also characterized. The wireless communication device 2 can provide the wireless communication device 2 that reads (retrieves) data in the nonvolatile memory from the image forming apparatus in a failure state. Even when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off, it is possible to provide the wireless communication apparatus 2 that reads data from the nonvolatile memory from the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention can be used in a communication system including a wireless communication device and a multifunction peripheral.

100 Communication System 1 Multifunction Device (Image Forming Apparatus)
10 Power supply 12 ROM ( nonvolatile memory )
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Battery 19 1st interface circuit 1s Switch 2 Radio | wireless communication apparatus 21 Antenna 22 Power supply circuit 23 Modulation circuit 25 Control circuit 26 Memory 27 2nd interface circuit 28 Logic circuit part 29 NOT circuit 210 AND circuit S1 1st signal S2 2nd signal S3 Control signal

Claims (6)

Including an image forming apparatus and a wireless communication device,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Battery,
Non-volatile memory for storing data;
A first interface circuit connected to the non-volatile memory and transmitting data;
A power supply for supplying power to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit;
A switch for switching power supply and supply stop from the battery to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit, and maintaining an OFF state unless turned ON,
The wireless communication device
An antenna,
A power supply circuit that rectifies radio waves received by the antenna and generates a DC voltage;
A second interface circuit that operates with power supplied from the power supply circuit, is connected to the first interface circuit, and communicates with the first interface circuit;
A memory that operates with electric power supplied from the power supply circuit;
When operating with power supplied from the power supply circuit and reading data from the nonvolatile memory, the switch is turned on, the battery is supplied with power to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit, and A control circuit that reads data from the non-volatile memory via a second interface circuit and stores suction data that is the read data in the memory.
The wireless communication device includes a modulation circuit,
2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit causes the modulation circuit to perform modulation of the sucked data and causes the antenna to transmit the modulated sucked data.   When the antenna receives a command to read data from the nonvolatile memory, the control circuit turns on the switch to supply power from the battery to the nonvolatile memory and the first interface circuit. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the suction data is read from the nonvolatile memory. The wireless communication device includes a logic circuit unit that receives a first signal and a second signal and outputs a control signal for controlling the switch,
The first signal is a voltage applied to the nonvolatile memory by the power supply unit,
The second signal is a signal output from the control circuit,
The control circuit inputs the second signal of the first level to the logic circuit unit during a reading period from when the reading command is received until reading of the sucked data is completed. Input the second signal of two levels to the logic circuit section;
The logic circuit unit outputs the control signal for turning on the switch when the first signal is at a low level and the second signal is at the first level, and when the first signal is at a high level, and The communication system according to claim 3, wherein when the second signal is at the second level, the control signal for turning off the switch is output. The logic circuit unit includes a NOT circuit and an AND circuit,
The first signal is input to the NOT circuit;
The output of the NOT circuit and the second signal are input to the AND circuit,
The output of the AND circuit is the control signal,
The first level is a high level, the second level is a low level,
The communication system according to claim 4, wherein the switch is turned on when the control signal is at a high level, and the switch is turned off when the control signal is at a low level.   A wireless communication apparatus in a communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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