JPH0497495A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To unnecessiate a complicated instructing operation by automatically reading out each control software selected based on a discriminated result by the discriminating means of an input/output device in a host computer from a storage means. CONSTITUTION:Inquiry information is transmitted from a host computer 1 to each input/output device (a hard disk 2, a scanner 3, a printer 4), and by analyzing individual response information from each input/output device 2-4, the input/output device to be connected with an input/output bus is automatically discriminated by the discriminating device (the host computer 1). And based on the discriminated result, an automatic read-out means (the host computer 1) reads out each selected control software from the storage means in the host computer 1, and an optimum system starting environment is set automatically. Thus, the complicated instructing operation is unneeded, and it is possible to read in control information corresponding to each input/output device 2-4 automatically.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image processing system that performs image processing by converting an image read by optical scanning into an electrical signal.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in an image processing system consisting of a host computer and a plurality of input/output devices connected to the host computer, the host computer uses control software to control specific input/output devices. The control software for each input/output device was selected in advance and configured to be loaded into the memory of the host computer.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, in the above conventional example, the operator has to select appropriate control software according to the various input/output devices connected to the host computer, and the operator has to select appropriate control software according to the various input/output devices connected to the host computer. There was a problem in that it required a thorough knowledge of control software.

This invention was made to solve the above problems, and when a host computer is started, a command is issued to the input/output devices connected to the input/output bus to identify each connected input/output device. By doing so, it is an object of the present invention to obtain an image processing system that can automatically read control information corresponding to each input/output device.

[Means for Solving the Problems] An image processing system according to the present invention includes a storage means for storing control software corresponding to each input/output device, and an inquiry information sent from a host computer to each input/output device. an identification means for automatically identifying the input/output device connected to the input/output bus by interpreting the individual response information from each input/output device, and each control software selected based on the identification result by this identification means. This apparatus is provided with automatic reading means for automatically reading data from the recording means to the host computer.

[For use] In this invention, the host computer sends inquiry information to each input/output device, interprets individual response information from each output device, and connects the input/output device to the input/output bus. is automatically identified by the identification means, the automatic reading means automatically reads each selected control software from the storage means into the host computer based on the identification result, and automatically sets an optimal system startup environment. is possible.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing system showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which 1 is a host computer for system control, 2 is a hard disk serving as an external memory, and the system A control program, an input/output device control program, image information, etc. are stored. 3 is a document reading device (scanner) that converts the document information of the document placed on the document table into an electrical signal using an image pickup device such as a CCD, and 4 is a device such as a laser beam printer that records the information based on the electrical signal. This is a high-speed printer that records images on materials. 5 is the host computer 1. Hard disk 2. This is an SC8 bus that electrically connects the scanner 3 and printer 4.

The image processing operation will be explained below.

The identification code (■D) of host computer 1 is “
O”, and the identification code (ID) of hard disk 2 is “1”.
”, the identification code (■D) of the scanner 3 is set as “2j”, and the identification code (ID) of the printer 4 is set as “3”.

The host computer 1 first acquires the right to use the SC3I bus 5 and selects the scanner 3 with the identification code "2". Next, host computer 1 sends the REA command to SC.
3I bus 5 to the scanner 3. Scanner 3 reads the original placed on the original table and sends the original image to S.
The data is transferred to the host computer 1 via the C5I bus 5. The host computer 1 stores this document image in its internal memory. Similarly, in order to save the original image, the host computer 1 selects the hard disk 2 with the identification code "1", transfers the original image in the internal memory of the host computer 1 to the pigeon disk 2 via the SC3I bus 5, and writes it. .

In addition, in order to print out the original image, the host computer 1 selects the printer 4 with the identification code "3" and scans the original image in the internal memory of the host computer 1.
The data is transferred to the printer 4 via the SI bus 5 and printed out.

In the image processing system configured in this way, a system can be constructed in which up to eight input/output devices are connected from the host computer 1 to each individual's output devices (in this embodiment, a hard disk 2, a scanner 3, a printer 4, etc.) automatically transmits inquiry information to the input/output device, interprets the individual response information from each input/output device, and automatically identifies whether the input/output device is connected to the input/output bus (in this embodiment, by the function of the host computer 1). Once identified, the automatic reading means (in this embodiment, based on the function of the host computer 1) automatically reads each selected control software from the storage means to the host computer based on the identification result, and creates an optimal system startup environment. can be set automatically.

Hereinafter, specific operations will be described using the scanner 3 as an example of an input/output device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the scanner 3 shown in FIG. 1.

In the figure, 71 is a central processing unit (CPU) consisting of a microcomputer. Reference numeral 72 denotes a ROM (read only memory) in which a program for controlling the scanner is written in advance, and the CPU 71 performs control operations based on the program in the ROM 72 . 73 is a RAM (random access memory), which is used as a working memory of the CPtJ71. Reference numeral 74 denotes an image sensor composed of a CCD, which has a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a row, and converts the document information of the original into an electrical signal.

75 is a CCD driver circuit, and the image sensor 7
This is for driving 4. 76 is an amplifier for converting the analog signal output from the image sensor 74 into a digital signal. An image processing circuit 78 performs image processing such as shading correction, enlargement, reduction, negative/positive inversion, and cropping of the digital image signal output from the A/D converter 77. Reference numeral 79 denotes a buffer RAM, which is an image memory for a plurality of lines that stores the image signal output from the image processing circuit 78 in units of one main scanning line.

80 is a 5C3I controller for performing SC3I communication with the host computer 1 via the SC3I bus 94, such as transmitting image signals, receiving commands, and transmitting status. A timing circuit 81 generates timing signals for the CCD driver circuit 75 and the image processing circuit 78.

82 is an address controller, and the image processing circuit 7
The address when writing the image signal output from 8 to the buffer RAM 79, and the address from the buffer RAM 79 to the SC3I
An address for reading out the image signal is generated in the controller 8o. 83 is a CPU bus, which connects the CPU 71 and the ROM 72 . RAM73. Image processing circuit 78. The timing circuit 81, address controller 82, etc. are electrically connected.

84 is a fluorescent lamp for illuminating the original.

85 is a power source for lighting the fluorescent lamp 84,
The fluorescent lamp 84 is turned on and off according to instructions from the CPU 71.

A motor 86 moves the image sensor 74 in the sub-scanning direction. 87 is a motor driver for driving the motor 86. Reference numeral 88 is a home position detection sensor for detecting the reading start position. Reference numeral 89 denotes a motor for rotating the document feed roller of the automatic document feeder. 90 is a motor driver for driving the motor 89. 91 is a document sensor for detecting a document. . 92 is a reading position detection sensor for detecting the leading edge of the document. 093 is a cover sensor for detecting whether the cover of the automatic document feeder is opened or closed. An SC3I bus 94 electrically connects the host computer 1 and the scanner 3, and corresponds to the SC3I bus 5 shown in FIG.

Next, the SC3I bus selection processing operation will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating the selection processing operation of the 5C3I bus 94 shown in FIG. In addition, 5C
Up to eight devices can be connected to the 3I bus 94 at the same time, and the devices can be selected using the signals BSY, SEL, and DBO to DB.
Perform according to 7.

First, the device (inishek) that has acquired the right to use the SC3I bus 94 waits for time t1 to elapse (timing (
a)).

Next, the initiator selects “0” corresponding to the device he/she wants to select.
” to “7” are output to signals DBO to DB7 (timing (b)).

Next, the initial shake is performed at the elapse of time t22 (timing (
C)) Set signal SEL.

Then, when the selected device (target) has the signal SEL set and detects its own identification code in the signals DBO to DB7, it responds by setting the signal BSY (timing (d)).

Subsequently, after time t3 has elapsed since the initial shake detects the target signal BSY (timing (e)), the inishake detects the signal S
Reset EL.

The device selection is completed by the above sequence. Individually, the target is 250 m5ec in the selection of the inishake
If no response is made with the signal BSY within the time limit, the selection is deemed unsuccessful.

The automatic selection process for each input/output device software will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic selection processing procedure for each control software for input/output devices connected to the 5C3I bus 5 shown in FIG. In addition, (1
) to (8) indicate each step.

First, the host computer 1 prepares an identification code variable N in RAM for internal work and sets it to "0" (1) Next, the host computer 1 uses the identification code storage variable N as indicated by the above sequence. Select the device (2). Next, the host computer 1 waits for a maximum of 250m5ec for a response from the selected device3).
If NO, it is assumed that there is no input/output device corresponding to this identification code, and the process proceeds to step (7) onward.
If S, the host computer 1 sends an I NQU IRY command, which will be described later, to the selected device (4). Next, the host computer 1 receives sense data as a response from the input/output device (5). The host computer 1 interprets the returned sense data and determines that the device is the scanner 3, for example.

Next, since the host computer 1 was able to identify the connected input/output device or the scanner 3 in step (4), it reads the control software for the scanner 3 from the hard disk 2 into the main body memory (6). Add “1” to code storage variable N (7
). Then, the host computer 1 determines whether the identification code storage variable N is "7" or less (8), and if YES, returns to step (2) and continues the automatic selection process;
In other words, the process ends assuming that the control software for all input/output devices has been read into the main body memory.

FIG. 5 shows I in the image processing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the format of an NQUIRY command.

As you can see from this diagram, the INQUIRY command:
It consists of 6 bytes from byte rOJ to byte "5", and byte "0" is set with 12hf (hexadecimal number) indicating the INQUIRY command. Also, part-time job “4”
The allocation length indicates the length of sense data returned from other input/output devices.
Set Length (36)).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the format of sense data returned from the input/output device connected to the 5C3I bus 5 shown in FIG. 1. Note that the format of the INQUIRY command and sense data is common to each input/output device.

As can be seen from this figure, bit BIT of byte rOJ
O-BIT4 is a peripheral device type (Peri
pheral Device Type) allows the device type of the device to be specified. Bytes "8" to "15" are the vendor identification field, where the manufacturer's name is set, and bytes "16" to "15" are the vendor identification fields.
“31” is the product identification [P
The model name is set in the Product Identification field. Also, part-time job “32”
~ “35” is the product revision (Product
The revision field indicates the revision number. Thereby, the host computer 1 can select the control software for the scanner from company A, the scanner control software from company B, and more precisely. Note that this embodiment corresponds to the case where the information is set as an ASCII character string.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of the peripheral device type shown in FIG. 6.

As can be seen from this figure, for example, in the case of scanner 3, "06" is entered. The host computer 1 is a peripheral device type (Peripheral Device type).
The input/output device can be determined based on the input/output device (Type) and appropriate control software can be selected.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention includes a storage means for storing control software corresponding to each input/output device, and a storage means for storing control software corresponding to each input/output device, and a storage means for storing control software corresponding to each input/output device. An identification means for automatically identifying the input/output device connected to the input/output bus by interpreting individual response information from the output device, and hosting each control software selected based on the identification result by the identification means from the storage means. Since the computer is equipped with an automatic readout means that automatically reads the data, it is no longer necessary to perform complicated instruction operations such as selecting an operator or appropriate control software according to the various human output devices that can be connected to the bus. By simply connecting the desired input/output device to the image processing system, the optimal control software required for the constructed image processing system is automatically loaded and the system startup environment can be set.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing system showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the scanner shown in FIG. 1, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart explaining the selection processing operation of the SC3I bus shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic selection processing procedure for each control software for input/output devices connected to the I bus.
FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining the format of the NQU I RY command, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the format of sense data returned from the input/output device connected to the SC3I bus 5 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of the peripheral device type shown in FIG. 6; In the figure, 1 is a host computer, 2 is a hard disk,
3 is a scanner, 4 is a printer, 5 is a SC map)

Claims (1)

[Claims] In an image processing system in which a host computer performs image processing by controlling a plurality of input/output devices connected via the same input/output bus, a storage means for storing control software corresponding to each input/output device; Identification means for automatically identifying input/output devices connected to the input/output bus by interpreting individual response information from each input/output device in response to inquiry information sent from the computer to each input/output device; , automatic reading means for automatically reading each control software selected from the storage means into the host computer based on the identification result by the identification means.