JP4819652B2 - Connection device control apparatus and control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a connected device control apparatus and a control method for controlling a connected device according to the type of connected device.

  When connecting a connection device (for example, an operation panel unit) to a controller of a main body device (for example, an image forming apparatus), as shown in FIG. 9, there is always a relationship between the controller and the operation panel (connection device). I had to be in one relationship. Generally, the connection part (interface part) between a connection apparatus and a main body differs for every connection apparatus. That is, for example, the operation panel P1 includes seven connection pins, the operation panel P2 includes nine connection pins, and the operation panel P3 includes sixteen connection pins. ) Physically connected to the main body (controllers C1 to C3) (connections (1) to (3)). For this reason, it was necessary to connect a connection apparatus and a main body on a one-to-one basis for each connection apparatus. That is, for example, when the connected device is the operation panel P1 of the image forming apparatus, when only the configuration of the operation panel is changed from the operation panel P1 to the operation panel P2, the connection target on the main body side is changed along with the change of the operation panel. It will be necessary to develop a new controller. For this reason, the development cost has increased when developing a new model by changing the connected device.

  Therefore, there is a technique in which a plurality of types of operation panels P4 and P5 can be connected to one controller C4 by using a standard interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) as shown in FIG. For example, the controller C4 and the operation panels P4 and P5 are each provided with a standard interface control circuit (standard control circuit 31) such as USB, and a standard interface 32 such as USB, so that one controller C4 has a plurality of types of operation panels P4 and P5. Can be connected.

  However, when a standard interface such as a USB is used, it is necessary to provide a control circuit (standard control circuit 31) for the standard interface on both the controller C4 side and the operation panels P4 and P5 side. There was a problem that it would increase the cost.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the controller C5 includes all the interfaces of the plurality of types of operation panels P6 and P7, so that a plurality of types of operation panels can be connected to one controller without using a standard interface. Become. Further, there is a method of making the interface common by making the interface of the controller an interface including all the signals of a plurality of types of operation panels. For example, in the case of the controller C5 in FIG. 3, one operation panel interface having 16 pins is used as the interface of the controller C5.

  However, the controller C5 shown in FIG. 11 has a problem that the number of physical interfaces increases and the number of patterns on the board constituting the controller also increases, resulting in an increase in cost.

  Thus, even if the measures described in FIGS. 9 to 11 are taken, it is not easy to reduce the development cost of the controller, and further improvements are desired. As an example similar to these techniques, there is an image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, for example. In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the function of the line terminal of the control means connected by the asynchronous serial communication line (UART) to the device interface that can connect the expansion peripheral device and the jig in common Has been switched.

JP 2001-353937 A

  However, the above-described prior art also has a problem that the development cost and production cost of the controller are increased because the device configuration of the image forming apparatus is complicated. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, there is a technique for connecting and controlling different types of connection devices while the connection portion on the controller side is a common standard. In such an image forming apparatus, the controller side recognizes the connected device and determines the setting of the connection unit.

  However, in such an image forming apparatus, various problems arise in order to recognize the connected device by completing the activation of the controller side (FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)) simultaneously with the activation of the image forming apparatus (power ON). . For example, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 12, there is a time lag (time t1 shown in FIG. 12) due to various factors between the start timing of the image forming apparatus and the start timing of the FPGA. That is, in the image forming apparatus, when the controller power is turned on, the reset is released first, and then the type of the operation panel (connected device) is identified, and then the FPGA (control unit) is connected based on the identification result. Switch. As a result, there is a time lag (time t1) between the start of the controller and the completion of switching of the control means.

  During the time lag period (time t1) from when the image forming apparatus is activated until the FPGA is completely activated, since the FPGA cannot accurately determine the connected device, a common connection unit (physical interface unit) with the connected device on the controller side is configured. The function of the connecting pin is not assigned correctly. In other words, in the time lag period, the signal function of the operation panel interface of the controller is not accurately assigned to the function corresponding to the connected operation panel. In this state, for example, if connection switching is performed from the connected device a to the connected device b, the controller or the operation panel may be damaged.

  For example, a case where two types of operation panels A and B are connected to the controller will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a function list of connection terminals when two types of operation panels A and B are connected to the controller. In FIG. 13, when attention is paid to the signal of the seventh pin, the operation panel B is O (output), whereas the operation panel A is I (input). As described above, even with the same connection pin, different functions may be defined by the operation panel A and the operation panel B (input / output definitions are different).

  In such a case, when the connection from the connection device b to the connection device a is switched, the seventh connection pin needs to be switched from output to input when viewed from the controller side. However, as described above, the activation of the FPGA is not completed simultaneously with the activation of the image forming apparatus. For this reason, in the time lag period (time t1) when the function assignment of the connection part is not completed, the function of the seventh connection pin is not fixed, and the signal input from the newly connected device a and the controller side The output batting. In other words, when the seventh pin is set to output to the connected device and the signal of the connected device newly connected to the interface is set to output to the controller, the outputs collide with each other.

  This signal batting causes a very serious problem such as physical destruction of the IO cell and failure of the controller or operation panel. In this way, when the connection device to the controller is switched and the controller and the connection device are connected, there is a problem that the controller and the connection device are destroyed when the connection device is switched.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and with a simple configuration, easily controls a plurality of types of connected devices, and prevents damage to the own device and connected devices when switching connected devices. It is an object of the present invention to obtain a connected device control apparatus and a control method capable of achieving the above.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is connected to a connection device to be connected via a connection terminal, and the type of the connection device sent from the connected connection device is determined. In a connected device control apparatus that controls a connected device according to the type of connected device connected from among a plurality of types of connected devices based on the connected device identification signal to be identified, Identification means for identifying the type, control means for controlling the operation of the connected device when the connected device operates according to the type of the connected device identified by the identifying means, and the connection terminal among the connection terminals Signal input / output settings for connection terminals with different input / output settings. Te, characterized in that it comprises a and an input-output setting control means for setting control to maintain the input to output setting signal to the connected device start from its own device until the completion of the control means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the connected device control apparatus according to the first aspect, the control means has a programmable logic.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the connected device control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the programmable logic sets a plurality of control circuits for controlling the connected device and a plurality of set control circuits. The connection device is controlled by selectively switching a control circuit corresponding to the type of the connection device identified by the identification means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the connected device control apparatus according to the second aspect, the programmable logic is responsive to the type of the connected device identified by the identifying means as a control circuit for controlling the connected device. The control circuit is set, and the connected device is controlled using the set control circuit.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the connected device control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising network interface means for connecting to an external communication apparatus via a communication network, The interface unit receives a control parameter used when the control unit controls the connection device from the external communication device, and the control unit uses the control parameter received by the network interface unit. It is characterized by performing control of.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the connected device control apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the network interface means stores circuit information relating to the setting of the control circuit used when the programmable logic sets the control circuit. In addition to receiving from the external communication device, the programmable logic sets the control circuit using circuit information received by the network interface means.

  Further, the invention according to claim 7 connects from a plurality of types of connection devices based on a connection device identification signal for identifying the type of the connection device sent from the connection target connection device connected via the connection terminal. In the control method of the connected device control apparatus for controlling the connected device according to the type of the connected device, an identification step of identifying the type of the connected device based on the connected device identification signal, and the connection among the connection terminals When a connection terminal having a different input / output setting for a signal defined by the type of the connected device is connected, a signal input / output setting for the connection terminal having a different input / output setting is used to control the connected device. An input / output setting control step for controlling the input / output setting of the signal from the own device to the connected device until input is completed, and the identified connection Depending on the type of device, characterized in that it comprises a control step for controlling the operation of the connected device when the connected device is operated.

  According to the present invention, when the input / output setting of the signal defined in the connection terminal differs depending on the type of the connected device, the input / output setting of the signal from the own device to the connected device side is input until the start of the control means is completed. Since the setting control is performed so as to be maintained, signal batting can be prevented, and when the connected device is switched and controlled, damage to the own device or the connected device can be prevented with a simple configuration.

  Exemplary embodiments of a connected device control apparatus and a control method according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the connected device control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The connected device control device 1 is a controller such as an image forming device, for example, and is a device that is connected to the connected device 2 and controls the operation of the connected device 2. The connection device 2 is, for example, an operation panel unit connected to the controller.

  The connected device control apparatus 1 includes an interface unit 11, a control unit 12, a connected device identification unit (identification unit) 13, a control circuit switching unit 14, an input / output setting control unit 15, and a connected device information extraction unit 16. Yes.

  The interface unit 11 is connected to the connection device 2 that is an external device, and is connected to the control unit 12, the input / output setting control unit 15, and the connection device information extraction unit 16. The control circuit switching unit 14 is connected to the connected device identifying unit 13 and the control unit 12, and the connected device identifying unit 13 is connected to the connected device information extracting unit 16.

  The interface unit 11 is a communication interface that transmits and receives signals to and from the connection device 2, and includes one type of communication interface regardless of the type of connection device. The interface unit 11 receives, for example, a signal (identification signal) (connected device identification signal) for identifying the connected device 2 from the connected device 2.

  The input / output setting control means 15 performs a startup process of the connected device control apparatus 1. When the signal input / output definition (connection pin setting) of the interface differs depending on the type of the connected device, the input / output setting control means 15 controls the connected device with the connection pin having a different signal input / output definition set to “input”. The apparatus 1 is started up. When the signal input / output definition of the interface varies depending on the type of connected device, the input / output setting control means 15 sets the input / output setting of the corresponding interface signal on the output side until the switching of the control circuit means of the control means 12 is completed after power-on. Maintain a state that is not set to.

  The control means 12 performs reset release processing (processing permission after confirming that stable power supply is performed after power-on) of the connected device control apparatus 1 and control of the connected device 2. The control means 12 has a plurality of control circuit means X1 to Xn (n is a natural number), and selects one of the control circuit means X1 to Xn according to the type of the connected device identified by the connected device identification means 13. Then, the control circuit is switched to the selected control circuit means.

  The connected device information extracting unit 16 extracts the identification signal input to the interface unit 11 and inputs it to the connected device identifying unit 13. The connected device identifying unit 13 identifies the type of the connected device 2 based on the identification signal from the connected device information extracting unit 16 and identifies the type of the connected device 2. The connected device identification unit 13 inputs the specified type of the connected device 2 to the control circuit switching unit 14.

  The control circuit switching unit 14 switches the control circuit of the control unit 12 to any one of the control circuit units X1 to Xn based on the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying unit 13. For example, when the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying unit 13 is the operation panel A, the control circuit switching unit 14 switches to the control circuit unit corresponding to the operation panel A.

  Note that when the connected device 2 is, for example, an operation panel of an image forming apparatus, the types of operation panels of the image forming apparatus include those having only a key switch / LED control function, those having an LCD, and those having a touch panel. Any of these may be used.

  Below, the operation | movement procedure of the connection apparatus control apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the connected device control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  When the power source of the main body (image forming apparatus or the like) is turned on (step S10), an identification signal for identifying the connected device 2 is output from the connected device 2. For example, when a common power source is supplied to the connected device control apparatus 1 (controller) and the connected device 2, the connected device 2 outputs an identification signal distinguished by H / L. This identification signal is sent to the connected device control apparatus 1, and the connected device control apparatus 1 receives the identification signal from the interface means 11. When the interface unit 11 receives the identification signal from the connected device 2, the control unit 12 performs a reset release process of the connected device control apparatus 1 (step S20).

  When the interface unit 11 receives the identification signal from the connection device 2, the input / output setting control unit 15 determines whether there is a connection pin having a different signal input / output definition of the interface depending on the type of the connection device. If there is a connection pin whose interface signal input / output definition differs depending on the type of connected device, the input / output setting control means 15 starts up with the input / output setting of the interface signal of the corresponding connection pin set to the input side. In other words, of the connection device 2 connected to the connection device control apparatus 1, input / output of this interface signal to an interface having different settings (input, output, input / output) defined as interface signal input / output. The setting is set to “input” and the connected device control apparatus 1 is started up (step S30).

  At this time, the input / output setting control means 15 starts up the connected device control apparatus 1 based on the function of the connection terminal and the initial value information (initial value setting information 101 described later) set for each type of operation panel. Perform processing.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the initial value setting information. The initial value setting information 101 is an information table in which connection pin functions (functions set for connection terminals) for each operation panel, initial values (initial input / output settings), and the like are set for each connection pin. Here, as an example of the connection between the connection device 2 and the connection device control device 1, for example, a case where the connection pin between the connection device 2 (operation panel A, B) and the connection device control device 1 is 10 pins is shown. Yes.

  In the initial value setting information 101, if the input / output definition is different between the case where the operation panel A is connected to the interface of the controller and the case where the operation panel B is connected (the fifth to eighth pins, the tenth pin in FIG. 3). ), “Initial values” of connection pins having different input / output definitions are set as inputs (inputs from the controller to the operation panel). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the input / output definition is different between the operation panel A and the operation panel B (connection pins having different input / output definitions), the “initial value” is set to “input” from the controller side. In the state, the connected device control device 1 and the connected device 2 start up. The input / output of signals for each connection pin is switched by an I / O cell of a device such as an ASIC (Application Specific IC) incorporating the control circuit means X1 to Xn of the control means 12, for example.

  When the interface unit 11 receives the identification signal from the connected device 2, the connected device information extracting unit 16 extracts the identification signal input to the interface unit 11 and inputs it to the connected device identifying unit 13. The connected device identifying unit 13 identifies the type of the connected device 2 based on the identification signal from the connected device information extracting unit 16, and specifies the type of the connected device 2 (step S40). The connected device identification unit 13 inputs the specified type of the connected device 2 to the control circuit switching unit 14.

  Based on the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying unit 13, the control circuit switching unit 14 changes the control circuit of the control unit 12 to any one of the control circuit units X1 to Xn (control according to the type of the connected device 2). Circuit means). For example, when the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying means 13 is the operation panel A (step S40, A), the control circuit is switched to the control circuit means corresponding to the operation panel A (step S50).

  For example, when the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying means 13 is the operation panel B (step S40, B), the control circuit is switched to the control circuit means corresponding to the operation panel B (step S60). . Thereafter, when activation of the controller side is completed after a predetermined time has elapsed, the function of the connection pin is finally determined based on the model signal input from the connection device 2.

  As described above, the connected device control apparatus 1 includes a plurality of control circuit means corresponding to a plurality of types of connected devices, and switches and uses the control circuit means according to the type of the connected device connected. Devices can be connected to and controlled by the same interface means of the same controller. Further, when the input / output definition is different between the operation panel A and the operation panel B, the connected device control apparatus 1 is started up with the “initial value” set to “input” from the controller side. It is possible to prevent the output signals of the connected device control apparatus 1 (controller) and the connected device 2 from colliding with each other during the time lag period (time t1) described in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent failure of the connected device control device 1 and the connected device 2.

  Each of the plurality of control circuit means may be configured as an individual control circuit, or may be configured such that all control circuits are built in one device such as an ASIC.

  In the present embodiment, the identification signal is transmitted from the connected device 2 to the connected device control apparatus 1 when the power is turned on. However, the connected device information extracting means 16 identifies the connected device 2 when the power is turned on. A signal may be requested, and an identification signal may be transmitted from the connected device 2 to the connected device control apparatus 1 in response to this request.

  In the present embodiment, the case where there are two types of connection devices 2 has been described. However, even if there are three or more types of connection devices 2, the input of identification signals and control circuit means according to the types of connection devices 2 exist. The connected device control apparatus 1 can easily control the connected device 2.

  Thus, according to the first embodiment, each connected device 2 can be easily controlled and controlled even when a plurality of types of connected devices 2 are connected to the same interface of the same controller. It is possible to prevent an adverse effect (signal collision) associated with the switching of the control circuit means of the means 12. Therefore, the connected device control apparatus 1 can control a plurality of types of connected devices 2 with a simple configuration, and can prevent a failure of the connected device control apparatus 1 itself and the connected device 2.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the control means 12 is configured using programmable logic, and the control circuit programmed by the programmable logic is switched according to the type of the connected device 2.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the connected device control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Among the constituent elements in FIG. 4, constituent elements that achieve the same functions as those of the connected device control apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The connected device control apparatus 1 includes an interface unit 11, a connected device identification unit 13, a control circuit switching unit 14, an input / output setting control unit 15, a connected device information extraction unit 16, a programmable logic (control unit) 51, and a data storage unit 52. I have.

  The control circuit switching unit 14 is connected to the connected device identification unit 13, the programmable logic 51, and the data storage unit 52, and the programmable logic 51 is connected to the control circuit switching unit 14 and the interface unit 11.

  The programmable logic 51 is a programmable LSI (Large Scale Integration), and performs reset release processing of the connected device control apparatus 1 and control of the connected device 2. The programmable logic 51 performs programming for controlling each connected device, and controls each connected device by switching the control circuit according to the type of the connected device 2. The programmable logic 51 stores information stored in the data storage means 52 (data used when programming for controlling the connected device and is set for each type of the connected device 2) (circuit information described later) Y1 to Ym) are used for programming to control each connected device 2.

  The data storage means 52 stores circuit information Y1 to Ym (m is a natural number) as data used when the programmable logic 51 performs programming for controlling the connected device. The data storage means 52 stores circuit information corresponding to the type of connected device for each type of connected device.

  The control circuit switching unit 14 here has a function of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the programmable logic 51. The control circuit switching means 14 uses the circuit information Y1 to Ym stored in the data storage means 52 to control each connected device 2 (control circuit means Z1 to Zm corresponding to the circuit information Y1 to Ym). Is programmed in the programmable logic 51. For example, when the connected device 2 to be connected is the operation panel A or the operation panel B, the control circuit switching unit 14 causes the programmable logic 51 to program the control circuit units corresponding to the operation panels A and B.

  Next, an operation procedure of the connected device control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the connected device control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When the power source of the main body (image forming apparatus or the like) is turned on (step S110), an identification signal for identifying the connected device 2 is output from the connected device 2. This identification signal is sent to the connected device control apparatus 1, and the connected device control apparatus 1 receives the identification signal from the interface means 11. When the interface unit 11 receives the identification signal from the connected device 2, the control unit 12 performs a reset release process of the connected device control apparatus 1 (step S120).

  Then, the CPU of the control circuit switching means 14 extracts circuit information Y1 to Ym from the data storage means 52, and uses the circuit information Y1 to Ym to correspond to each connected device 2 (corresponding to the circuit information Y1 to Ym). Control circuit means for controlling the connected device). In other words, the CPU of the control circuit switching unit 14 sets the programmable logic 51 based on the circuit information Y1 to Ym (configuration data) (steps S130 and S140). Hereinafter, a series of operations until the setting of the programmable logic 51 is completed is referred to as a configuration operation in the embodiment.

  After the configuration operation of the programmable logic 51 is completed, the input / output setting control unit 15 determines whether there is a connection pin having a different signal input / output definition of the interface depending on the type of the connected device. If there is a connection pin whose interface signal input / output definition differs depending on the type of connected device, the input / output setting control means 15 starts up with the input / output setting of the interface signal of the corresponding connection pin set to the input side. In other words, of the connection device 2 connected to the connection device control apparatus 1, input / output of this interface signal to an interface having different settings (input, output, input / output) defined as interface signal input / output. The setting is set to “input” and the connected device control apparatus 1 is started up (step S150).

  At this time, the input / output setting control means 15 performs the start-up process of the connected device control apparatus 1 based on the function of the connection terminal set for each type of operation panel and the initial value information (initial value setting information 101). Do.

  When the interface unit 11 receives the identification signal from the connected device 2, the connected device information extracting unit 16 extracts the identification signal input to the interface unit 11 and inputs it to the connected device identifying unit 13. The connected device identifying unit 13 identifies the type of the connected device 2 based on the identification signal from the connected device information extracting unit 16, and identifies the type of the connected device 2 (step S160). The connected device identification unit 13 inputs the specified type of the connected device 2 to the control circuit switching unit 14.

  The control circuit switching unit 14 switches the control circuit unit of the programmable logic 51 to a control circuit corresponding to the type of the connected device 2 based on the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying unit 13. For example, when the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying means 13 is the operation panel A (step S160, A), the control circuit is switched to the control circuit means corresponding to the operation panel A (step S170).

  Further, for example, when the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying means 13 is the operation panel B (step S160, B), the control circuit is switched to the control circuit means corresponding to the operation panel B (step S180). .

  As described above, the connected device control apparatus 1 includes the programmable logic 51 capable of programming a plurality of control circuit means corresponding to a plurality of types of connected devices, and switches and uses the control circuit means according to the type of the connected device connected. Therefore, it is possible to connect and control a plurality of types of connected devices to the same interface means of the same controller.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation timing of the connected device control apparatus when the control circuit means is programmable logic. Here, a timing chart from when the power supply of the connected device control apparatus 1 (controller) is turned on to when the control circuit means is switched is shown.

  In the image forming apparatus, the programmable logic 51 is configured when the controller is powered on. Thereafter, the type of the operation panel (connected device) is identified, and the control circuit of the programmable logic 51 is switched based on the identification result.

  In the present embodiment, the input / output setting control means 15 is configured to change the control circuit of the programmable logic 51 after the configuration of the programmable logic 51 is completed when the signal input / output definition of the interface differs depending on the type of connected device. During this time (time t2), the state in which the input / output setting of the corresponding interface signal is not set to the output side (input viewed from the controller side) is maintained.

  In the present embodiment, the connected device control apparatus 1 includes the programmable logic 51.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the programmable logic 51 is provided as the control means, programming for controlling the connection device 2 in the connection device control apparatus 1 becomes possible. As described above, since the connected device control apparatus 1 includes the programmable logic 51 that can program a plurality of control circuit means corresponding to a plurality of types of connected devices, the plurality of types of connected devices 2 are connected to the same interface of the same controller. Even when connected, each connected device 2 can be easily controlled, and adverse effects (signal collision) associated with switching of the control circuit means of the control means 12 can be prevented. Therefore, the connected device control apparatus 1 can control a plurality of types of connected devices 2 with a simple configuration, and can prevent a failure of the connected device control apparatus 1 itself and the connected device 2.

  In addition, the programmable logic 51 sets a plurality of control circuits for controlling the connection device 2, and selects and switches the control circuit according to the type of the connection device from among the plurality of set control circuits. Since the control is performed, it becomes possible to easily control the connected device corresponding to the control circuit set by the programmable logic 51.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, the connected device control apparatus 1 includes the programmable logic 51 as in the second embodiment. Then, the control circuit switching unit 14 causes the programmable logic 51 to program the control circuit unit corresponding to the type of the connected device 2 connected to the connected device control apparatus 1. The connected device control apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the connected device control apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. Note that, in the connected device control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the control circuit switching unit 14 causes the programmable logic 51 to program the control circuit unit corresponding to the type of the connected device 2 in the second embodiment. Different from the connected device control apparatus 1.

  Next, an operation procedure of the connected device control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the connected device control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When the power of the main body (image forming apparatus or the like) is turned on (step S210), an identification signal for identifying the connected device 2 is output from the connected device 2. This identification signal is sent to the connected device control apparatus 1, and the connected device control apparatus 1 receives the identification signal from the interface means 11. When the interface unit 11 receives the identification signal from the connected device 2, the control unit 12 performs a reset release process of the connected device control apparatus 1 (step S220).

  When the interface unit 11 receives the identification signal from the connected device 2, the connected device information extracting unit 16 extracts the identification signal input to the interface unit 11 and inputs it to the connected device identifying unit 13. The connected device identifying unit 13 identifies the type of the connected device 2 based on the identification signal from the connected device information extracting unit 16, and identifies the type of the connected device 2 (step S230). The connected device identification unit 13 inputs the specified type of the connected device 2 to the control circuit switching unit 14.

  The CPU of the control circuit switching unit 14 extracts circuit information corresponding to the type of the connected device 2 from the data storage unit 52 based on the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying unit 13, and uses this circuit information. Then, the programmable logic 51 is programmed with control circuit means for controlling the connected device 2.

  When the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identifying unit 13 is the operation panel A (step S230, A), the control circuit switching unit 14 extracts circuit information corresponding to the operation panel A from the data storage unit 52. Then, the programmable logic 51 is set. That is, a control circuit for controlling the operation panel A is set in the programmable logic 51 (step S240).

  When the type of the connected device 2 received from the connected device identification unit 13 is the operation panel B (steps S230 and B), the control circuit switching unit 14 stores the circuit information corresponding to the operation panel B in the data storage unit 52. To set the programmable logic 51. That is, a control circuit for controlling the operation panel B is set in the programmable logic 51 (step S250).

  In this embodiment, the input / output setting control means 15 identifies the type of the connected device 2 and sets the control circuit in the programmable logic 51 when the signal input / output definition of the interface differs depending on the type of the connected device. Until the completion, the state where the input / output setting of the corresponding interface signal is not set to the output side (input viewed from the controller side) is maintained.

  Specifically, when the interface unit 11 receives the identification signal from the connection device 2, the input / output setting control unit 15 determines whether there is a connection pin whose interface signal input / output definition differs depending on the type of the connection device. To do. If there is a connection pin whose interface signal input / output definition differs depending on the type of connected device, the input / output setting control means 15 starts up with the input / output setting of the interface signal of the corresponding connection pin set to the input side.

  At this time, the input / output setting control means 15 performs the start-up process of the connected device control apparatus 1 based on the function of the connection terminal set for each type of operation panel and the initial value information (initial value setting information 101). Do.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the connected device control apparatus 1 includes the programmable logic 51, and the control circuit switching unit 14 changes the control circuit unit according to the type of the connected device 2 to the programmable logic 51. Since the programming is performed, the connected device control apparatus 1 can set only the minimum necessary control circuit means data in the programmable logic 51. Therefore, each connected device 2 can be easily controlled by the programmable logic 51 having a smaller number of gates than the connected device control apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, and the control circuit means of the control means 12 is switched. Adverse effects (signal collision) can be prevented. Therefore, the connected device control apparatus 1 can control a plurality of types of connected devices 2 with a simple configuration, and can prevent a failure of the connected device control apparatus 1 itself and the connected device 2.
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, parameters for controlling setting data (circuit information) of the programmable logic 51 and the connected device 2 from the communication device arranged outside the connected device control apparatus 1 via the communication network. (Control parameter) is transmitted to the connected device control apparatus 1 and the connected device control apparatus 1 is set using the setting data and parameters.

  The connected device control apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment is connected to a service center 8 via a network (communication network such as the Internet) 7. The service center 8 includes a predetermined communication device, and transmits setting data of the programmable logic 51 and parameters for controlling the connected device 2 to the connected device control device 1 via the network 7.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the connected device control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Among the constituent elements in FIG. 8, constituent elements that achieve the same functions as those of the connected device control apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The connected device control apparatus 1 includes an interface unit 11, a control unit 12, a connected device identification unit 13, a control circuit switching unit 14, an input / output setting control unit 15, a connected device information extraction unit 16, a data storage unit 61, and a parameter storage unit 62. A network connection means (network interface means) 63 is provided.

  The network connection unit 63 is connected to the data storage unit 61 and the parameter storage unit 62 and to the network 7. The data storage unit 61 is connected to the control circuit switching unit 14, and the parameter storage unit 62 is connected to the programmable logic 51.

  The network connection means 63 receives the setting data of the programmable logic 51 transmitted by the service center 8 and parameters for controlling the connected device 2. The network connection unit 63 stores the setting data of the programmable logic 51 received from the service center 8 in the data storage unit 61, and stores the parameters for controlling the connected device 2 received from the service center 8 in the parameter storage unit 62. Let

  The data storage unit 61 is configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores setting data of the programmable logic 51 received by the network connection unit 63. The parameter storage unit 62 is configured by a RAM or the like, and stores parameters for controlling the connection device 2 received by the network connection unit 63.

  The control circuit switching unit 14 causes the programmable logic 51 to program the control circuit using the setting data of the programmable logic 51 stored in the data storage unit 61. The programmable logic 51 controls the connection device 2 using a control circuit programmed by itself and a parameter for controlling the connection device 2 stored in the parameter storage means 62.

  In the present embodiment, the setting data of the programmable logic 51 and the parameters for controlling the connected device 2 are transmitted from the service center 8 to the connected device control apparatus 1 including the programmable logic 51. Only the parameters for controlling the connected device 2 may be transmitted from the service center 8 to the connected device control apparatus 1 including the control means 12.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, since the connected device control apparatus 1 includes the data storage unit 61, the parameter storage unit 62, and the network connection unit 63, the setting data of the programmable logic 51 and the connection device 2 The parameters for performing the control can be easily and quickly rewritten to the connected device control apparatus 1. Thereby, for example, even when it is necessary to upgrade the software (such as the setting data of the programmable logic 51) of the connected device control apparatus 1, remote rewriting to the connected device control apparatus 1 is possible. Therefore, when the connection device 2 is switched and controlled, damage to the connection device control apparatus 1 and the connection device 2 can be prevented with a simple configuration.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the connection apparatus control apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the connection apparatus control apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of initial value setting information. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the connection apparatus control apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the connection apparatus control apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation timing of a connection apparatus control apparatus in case a control circuit means is a programmable logic. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the connection apparatus control apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the connection apparatus control apparatus concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a figure (1) which shows the relationship between the conventional controller and an operation panel. It is a figure (2) which shows the relationship between the conventional controller and an operation panel. It is a figure (3) which shows the relationship between the conventional controller and an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the operation timing of the conventional controller. It is a figure which shows the function list of the conventional connection terminal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Connection apparatus control apparatus 2 Connection apparatus 7 Network 8 Service center 11 Interface means 12 Control means 13 Connection apparatus identification means 14 Control circuit switching means 15 Input / output setting control means 16 Connection apparatus information extraction means 31 Standard control circuit 32 Standard interface 51 Programmable Logic 52 Data storage means 61 Data storage means 62 Parameter storage means 63 Network connection means 101 Initial value setting information

Claims (7)

Connected to the connected device via the connection terminal and connected devices connected from multiple types of connected devices based on the connected device identification signal that identifies the type of connected device sent from the connected device In the connected device control device that controls the connected device according to the type,
Identification means for identifying the type of the connected device based on the connected device identification signal;
Control means for controlling the operation of the connected device when the connected device operates according to the type of the connected device identified by the identifying unit;
In the case where the input / output setting of the signal defined in the connection terminal among the connection terminals is connected to a different connection terminal depending on the type of the connected device, the input / output setting of the signal for the connection terminal having the different input / output setting is Input / output setting control means for controlling the setting so that the input / output setting of the signal from the own device to the connected device side is maintained as input until the start of the control means is completed;
A connected device control device comprising:   The said control means has a programmable logic, The connection apparatus control apparatus of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The programmable logic sets a plurality of control circuits for controlling the connection device, and selectively switches a control circuit according to the type of the connection device identified by the identification unit from the set control circuits. The connected device control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the connected device is controlled.   The programmable logic sets a control circuit corresponding to the type of the connected device identified by the identifying means as a control circuit for controlling the connected device, and controls the connected device using the set control circuit. The connected device control apparatus according to claim 2. Network interface means for connecting to an external communication device via a communication network;
The network interface means receives control parameters used when the control means controls the connected device from the external communication device, and the control means uses the control parameters received by the network interface means. The connected device control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connected device is controlled.   The network interface means receives circuit information relating to the setting of the control circuit used when the programmable logic sets the control circuit from the external communication device, and the programmable logic is a circuit received by the network interface means. The connected device control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control circuit is set using information. A connection device according to the type of connection device connected from a plurality of types of connection devices based on a connection device identification signal that identifies the type of connection device sent from the connection target device connected via the connection terminal In the control method of the connected device control device for controlling
An identification step for identifying the type of the connected device based on the connected device identification signal;
Of the connection terminals, when the connection input / output setting of the signal defined in the connection terminal is different depending on the type of the connected device, An input / output setting control step for setting and controlling the input / output setting of the signal from the own device to the connected device side until the start of the means for controlling the connected device is completed;
In accordance with the type of the connected device identified, a control step for controlling the operation of the connected device when the connected device operates;
The control method characterized by including.

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