JP4835323B2 - Information processing apparatus, printing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a printing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Conventionally, as an information processing apparatus, when a USB device is connected and the power of this device is turned on, the transfer speed of the connected USB device is grasped and a bus reset signal is issued to start communication with the USB device. The thing is proposed (for example, refer patent document 1). In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, after the USB device is connected to the information processing apparatus, the initialization of the controller included in the USB device is completed, and then the USB device transmits the power on and the transfer speed. Even if the information processing device detects power-on and issues a bus reset signal to pull up the signal, the USB device is already ready for communication, and the USB device and the information processing device communicate normally. Can start.
JP-A-11-288338

  By the way, in the information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, for example, when a USB device that receives power supply from the information processing apparatus is connected and the USB device is turned on, a signal is output for some reason. The signal becomes unstable and, in fact, a signal with the D + side pulled up must be output, but the signal with the D− side pulled up may be output for a moment. In such a case, on the information processing apparatus side, the corresponding transfer speed of the USB device is set incorrectly, and subsequent communication may not be performed normally.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides an information processing apparatus, a printing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of more reliably setting a transfer speed corresponding to a connected device. With the goal.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

The information processing apparatus of the present invention
A connection means for connecting a power supply line to a connected device and connecting the connected device so that information can be exchanged;
When a connection device is connected to the connection means, or when an off signal of the connection device connected to the connection means is input, a first signal and a second signal relating to a transfer rate corresponding to the connection device connected Signal acquisition means for acquiring any of the signals from the connection device via the connection means,
Supply control means for stopping power supply to the connection device via the connection means when the off signal is input;
When the signal acquired by the signal acquisition means is the first signal, it is determined that the connected device is compatible with the first transfer rate, and the signal acquired by the signal acquisition means is the second signal. Transfer speed determination means for determining that the connected device is compatible with a second transfer speed different from the first transfer speed;
When the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit is the first signal, even if the supply control unit stops the power supply to the connection device due to the input of the off signal, the connected device is operable. The determination that the transfer speed determination means determines using the signal acquired by the signal acquisition means after that the connected device off signal is output to the signal acquisition means and the supply control means so as to be maintained or in this state A transfer rate setting means for setting a transfer rate between the connected devices based on the result; and
It is equipped with.

  In this information processing apparatus, when a connection device is connected to the connection unit or when an off signal of the connection device connected to the connection unit is input, the first transfer rate corresponding to the connection device connected is first. One of the signal and the second signal is acquired via the connection means, and when the off signal is input, the supply of power to the connected device is stopped, and when the acquired signal is the first signal, the connected device It is determined that it corresponds to the first transfer rate, and when the acquired signal is the second signal, it is determined that the connected device is compatible with a second transfer rate different from the first transfer rate, and acquired. When the signal is the first signal, even if the power supply to the connected device is stopped, the operable state of the connected device is maintained or the off signal is output to the connected device in such a state. Setting the transfer speed between the connected connection device based on the determined determination result using the signal. That is, when the first signal is acquired, an off signal is output so that the operable state of the connected device is maintained, or in such a state, a signal related to the transfer speed is reacquired from the connected device, and the reacquired signal is acquired. The transfer speed between the connected devices is set based on the above. In this way, it is possible to suppress the output of the same signal again by outputting the off signal while the operable state of the connected device is maintained, and to reconfirm the signal output from the connected device. The transfer rate corresponding to the selected device can be set more reliably. Here, the “first signal related to the transfer rate supported by the connected device” may be a signal that is acquired less frequently than the second signal, or may be a signal that is not scheduled to be acquired. In this way, it is possible to confirm whether or not the first signal that is unlikely to be acquired is correct.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when the transfer rate setting unit outputs an off signal to the connected device so that the operable state of the connected device is maintained, the supply control unit inputs the off signal. Even if the power supply to the connection device is stopped by the above, an off signal to the connection device connected to the connection means is output to the signal acquisition means and the supply control means for a predetermined time during which the connection device is operable. It may be a thing. By so doing, it is possible to reacquire a signal relating to the transfer rate from the connected device while maintaining the operable state of the connected device relatively easily.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the connection unit may prevent the supply of power to the connection device from being stopped even if the supply control unit inputs the off signal and stops supply of power to the connection device. The power may be supplied by a power supply line different from the power supply line controlled by the control means. In this way, it is possible to re-acquire a signal related to the transfer rate from the connected device in a state where the operable state of the connected device is reliably maintained.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the connection unit may be connected to a USB device as the connection device, and the transfer speed determination unit may receive the second signal from the connection device to which the signal acquisition unit is connected. When acquired, the USB device may be determined to be compatible with a second transfer speed that is higher than the first transfer speed. A USB device is connected to an information processing apparatus, receives power supply from the information processing apparatus, and frequently inputs and outputs information, and therefore, the significance of applying the present invention is high. In addition, it is possible to set the second transfer speed higher than the first transfer speed more reliably.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the transfer rate setting means may be configured such that the signal acquired by the signal acquisition means after the connection device that operates with the power supplied via the connection means is connected to the connection means. Is the first signal, the supply control means maintains the operable state of the connected device even if the supply control means stops the power supply to the connected device due to the input of the off signal. An off signal to the connected device may be output to the signal acquisition unit and the supply control unit. When connecting a connection device that operates with the power supplied from the connection means, the power state of the connection device is not stable and a signal such as noise is often output. Here, when a connected device that operates with the power supplied from the connection means is connected, a transfer speed signal is re-acquired from the connected device, so the transfer rate corresponding to the connected device is set more efficiently and reliably. can do.

  The printing apparatus of the present invention includes an information processing apparatus according to any one of the above, a print processing unit capable of printing an image on a print medium using a colorant, and an image based on information acquired from the information processing apparatus. Print control means for controlling the print processing means to print on a print medium. Since a printing apparatus is often connected to a connected device such as an external storage device (for example, a USB memory or a memory card) to acquire information for printing, it is highly meaningful to apply the present invention.

The information processing method of the present invention includes:
An information processing method using an information processing apparatus including a connection unit that is connected to a power supply line to a connection device and is capable of exchanging information with the connection device,
(A) when a connection device is connected to the connection means or when an off signal of the connection device connected to the connection means is input, a first signal relating to a transfer rate corresponding to the connected connection device; Acquiring any one of the second signals from the connection device via the connection means;
(B) stopping the power supply to the connection device via the connection means when the off signal is input;
(C) When the signal acquired in step (a) is the first signal, it is determined that the connected device is compatible with the first transfer rate, and the signal acquired in step (b) is the first signal. Determining that the connected device is compatible with a second transfer rate different from the first transfer rate when there are two signals;
(D) When the signal acquired in the step (a) is the first signal, the operation of the connected device is performed even if the power supply to the connected device is stopped by the input of the off signal in the step (b). Based on the determination result determined in the step (c) using the signal acquired in the step (a) after the off signal of the connected device is output so that the possible state is maintained or in the state Setting a transfer speed with the connected device,
Is included.

  In this information processing method, when the connection device is connected to the connection means or when an off signal of the connection device connected to the connection means is input, the first transfer rate corresponding to the connection device connected is first. One of the signal and the second signal is acquired via the connection means, and when the off signal is input, the supply of power to the connected device is stopped, and when the acquired signal is the first signal, the connected device It is determined that it corresponds to the first transfer rate, and when the acquired signal is the second signal, it is determined that the connected device is compatible with a second transfer rate different from the first transfer rate, and acquired. When the signal is the first signal, even if the power supply to the connected device is stopped, the operable state of the connected device is maintained or the off signal is output to the connected device in such a state. Setting the transfer speed between the connected connection device based on the determined determination result using the signal. That is, when the first signal is acquired, an off signal is output so that the operable state of the connected device is maintained, or in such a state, a signal related to the transfer speed is reacquired from the connected device, and the reacquired signal is acquired. The transfer speed between the connected devices is set based on the above. In this way, it is possible to suppress the output of the same signal again by outputting the off signal while the operable state of the connected device is maintained, and to reconfirm the signal output from the connected device. The transfer rate corresponding to the selected device can be set more reliably. In this information processing method, various aspects of the information processing apparatus described above may be adopted, and steps for realizing each function of the information processing apparatus described above may be added.

  The program of the present invention is for causing one or more computers to realize each step of the information processing method described above. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by a single computer or if each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, each step of the information processing method described above is executed, so that the same effect as the information processing method can be obtained. It is done.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a printer 20 representing an example of the present invention. The printer 20 of the present embodiment includes a network interface (I / F) 26 that can transmit and receive information between a main controller 21 that controls the entire apparatus and an external device connected to a LAN as an electric communication line, for example. A printer unit 30 that prints an image on the recording paper S, and a memory card 50 and an optical disk (DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, etc.) that can be connected to and disconnected from a USB device as a peripheral device. And a USB device 40 for exchanging information. The main controller 21 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 22 and includes a ROM 23 that stores various processing programs and a RAM 24 that temporarily stores data and stores data. The main controller 21 is connected to a printer ASIC 32 and the like via a bus 28. The RAM 24 is provided with a print buffer area (not shown) for storing print data.

  The printer unit 30 includes a printer mechanism 31 and a printer ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 32. The printer mechanism 31 includes an ink cartridge 34 that individually stores ink of each color such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, a pressure generator 35 that applies pressure to each ink supplied from the ink cartridge 34, and a pressure generator 35. An ink discharge port 36 for discharging the pressurized ink onto the recording paper S and a transport roller 38 for transporting the recording paper S are provided. The pressure generating unit 35 employs a method in which a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize the ink. The pressure generator 35 may employ a method in which ink is pressurized with bubbles generated by applying voltage to a heating resistor (for example, a heater) to heat the ink. The printer ASIC 32 is an IC chip having a function of controlling the printer mechanism 31, and develops print data in the print buffer provided in the RAM 24 into raster data and prints the developed data on the recording paper S. The printer mechanism 31 is controlled.

  The USB device 40 includes a HUB 41 having ports 1 to 4, a card reader 42 capable of mounting / removing a memory card 50, which is a portable storage medium, in a slot 42 a serving as a mounting unit, a USB memory 47, an external storage, for example An external connection terminal 46 to which a USB device such as a device (for example, an external HDD) can be connected, an internal drive 48 that is a drive capable of writing and erasing data on an optical disk such as a DVD-RW, and the entire USB device 40 are controlled. A USB host controller 40a, and a shared memory 49 that can be accessed by the USB host controller 40a and the CPU 22 and can temporarily store information are provided. The HUB 41 includes a HUB controller 41a that controls the HUB 41. The card reader 42 is connected to the port 1, the external connection terminal 46 is connected to the port 2, the internal drive 48 is connected to the port 3, and the port 4 is empty. It is a port and is a device that mediates exchange of information between these connected devices and the USB host controller 40a. When a USB device is newly connected to the external connection terminal 46, the HUB controller 41a acquires a signal related to the transfer speed corresponding to the USB device, and supplies power from the USB host controller 40a to the port to which the USB device is connected. When the stop command is received, the power supply to the port is stopped, the transfer speed information (speed information) of the port is reset, and a signal related to the corresponding transfer speed of the USB device connected to the port is acquired. It has a function. Further, the HUB controller 41a detects whether the USB device connected to the HUB 41 is compatible with full speed or low speed based on the acquired signal, and connects the USB device to the HUB 41. It has a function of monitoring the disconnection of the USB device from the HUB 41. Between the HUB 41 and the USB host controller 40a, a power supply line (VBUS) for supplying power from the USB host controller 40a to a device connected to each port of the HUB 41 and a “D +” signal for transmitting a “D +” signal Four lines of a line, a “D−” signal line for transmitting a “D−” signal, and a GND line connected to the ground potential are connected. Similarly, between the port 1 of the HUB 41 and the card reader 42, and between the port 3 of the HUB 41 and the built-in drive 48, a power supply line, a “D +” signal line, a “D−” signal line, and a GND line are also provided for each port. These four lines are connected. The external connection terminal 46 is connected to three lines of the “D +” signal line, the “D−” signal line, and the GND line from the port 2 of the HUB 41, and a power supply line from the port 4 of the HUB 41. It is connected. Therefore, even if the HUB controller 41a stops the power supply to the port 2 in response to a command from the USB host controller 40a, the power is supplied from the port 4 to the USB device connected to the external connection terminal 46. It has become. When it is desired to stop power supply to the USB device actually connected to the port 2, the USB host controller 40a may output a command to the port 4 to stop power supply to the HUB controller 41a.

  Next, the operation of the printer 20 of this embodiment configured as described above, first, the operation when a USB device is newly connected to the external connection terminal 46 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a transfer rate setting process routine executed by the USB host controller 40a, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a transfer rate detection process routine executed by the HUB controller 41a. In the USB device 40, the HUB controller 41a detects the transfer speed corresponding to the USB device connected to the external connection terminal 46, and the USB host controller 40a determines the communication speed with the USB device based on the detection result. Set. First, a transfer rate setting process routine executed by the USB host controller 40a will be described. This routine is stored in the USB host controller 40a, and is repeatedly executed after the printer 20 is turned on.

  When this routine is executed, the USB host controller 40a first determines whether or not a USB device is newly connected to the external connection terminal 46 (step S100). The determination as to whether or not the USB device is newly connected to the external connection terminal 46 is performed by inputting connection information stored in a memory (not shown) of the HUB controller 41a by polling. When it is determined that the USB device is not newly connected to the external connection terminal 46, this routine is terminated, and when it is determined that the USB device is newly connected to the external connection terminal 46, a port reset execution command is issued. It outputs to HUB41 (step S110). This port reset execution command is a command for initializing the port to which the USB device is connected (here, port 2). The HUB controller 41a that has received this port reset execution command resets the designated port (here, port 2). Next, the speed information stored in the memory of the HUB controller 41a is acquired (step S120), and the transfer speed corresponding to the connected USB device is determined using the acquired speed information (step S130). This speed information is information related to the transfer speed of the USB device connected to the port, which is detected and stored by the HUB controller 41a in the transfer speed detection processing routine of FIG. 3 to be described later. It was assumed that the value before reset was retained. Further, since polling for detecting the connection of a new USB device from the USB host controller 40a to the HUB controller 41a has a relatively long interval (for example, several seconds), the speed information of the newly connected USB device is obtained in step S110. At the time of output of the port reset execution command, the HUB controller 41a is already stored in the transfer speed detection processing routine described later. When it is determined that the transfer speed corresponding to the connected USB device is full speed, the communication speed with the USB device is set to full speed communication (step S140), and this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the corresponding transfer speed of the connected USB device is low speed, the power supply off / on command of the connected port 2 is output to the HUB controller 41a (step S150). This power supply off / on command will be described later. Subsequently, the port reset execution command is output to the HUB controller 41a (step S160), the speed information stored in the memory of the HUB controller 41a before the port reset is acquired (step S170), and the corresponding USB device is supported. The transfer rate is checked again (step S180). When it is determined that the corresponding transfer speed of the connected USB device is full speed, the communication speed with the USB device is set to full speed communication (step S140), and this routine is ended. On the other hand, when it is determined that the corresponding transfer speed of the connected USB device is low speed, the communication speed with the USB device is set to low speed communication assuming that the detection result is correct (step S190). This routine is terminated.

  Here, the processing of steps S120 to S190 will be described. Although the USB device 40 supports connection of a USB device (for example, a mouse or a keyboard) that supports only low speed, such a device is not planned to be connected to the external connection terminal 46. As described above, when it is determined that the low-speed device is connected to the external connection terminal 46, the USB memory 47, which is a full-speed device that operates by obtaining power supply via the external connection terminal 46, is externally connected as a USB device. When connected to the terminal 46, there is a possibility that noise or the like is output and an erroneous determination is made. Further, the HUB controller 41a has a function of resetting the speed information of the port and reacquiring the speed information when receiving an off command of the designated port. For this reason, a command to stop power supply is output to the port 2, and the HUB controller 41a is made to detect again the transfer rate corresponding to the USB device.

  Next, a transfer rate detection processing routine executed by the HUB controller 41a will be described. This routine is stored in the HUB controller 41a, and is repeatedly executed after the printer 20 is turned on. When this routine is started, the HUB controller 41a determines whether or not a USB device is newly connected to the external connection terminal 46 (step S200). Whether or not the USB device is newly connected to the external connection terminal 46 is determined by detecting the port 2 by polling at predetermined intervals. When it is determined that a USB device is newly connected to the external connection terminal 46, a signal (“D +” is on or “D−” is on) corresponding to the connected USB device is acquired (step S210). The obtained signal is examined (step S220). Here, it is determined that the full speed signal has been acquired when the “D +” signal of the “D +” signal line is on, and the low speed is obtained when the “D−” signal of the “D−” signal line is on. It is determined that the signal has been acquired. Subsequently, when it is determined that the full speed signal has been acquired, it is detected that the transfer speed supported by the USB device is full speed (step S230), and when it is determined that the low speed signal has been acquired, the USB device is It is detected that the corresponding transfer speed is low speed (step S240). After step S240 or after step S230, the speed information of the USB device is stored in the memory of the HUB controller 41a (not shown) (step S250).

  After step S250, or after it is determined in step S200 that a new USB device is not connected to the external connection terminal 46, the power supply of the port 2 output in step S150 of the transfer speed setting processing routine described above is performed. It is determined whether or not an off / on command is input from the USB host controller 40a (step S260). When it is determined that an off / on command for supplying power to the port 2 is not input from the USB host controller 40a, This routine ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the power supply off / on command for the port 2 is input from the USB host controller 40a, the power supply to the commanded port 2 is turned off / on (step S270). The port speed information is cleared from the memory of the HUB controller 41a (step S280), a signal related to the transfer speed corresponding to the connected USB device is acquired again (step S210), and a low speed signal is acquired from the connected USB device. It is determined again whether a full speed signal has been acquired (step S220). In step S270, the HUB controller 41a turns off the power supply to the port 2, but since the power supply line to the external connection terminal 46 is connected to the port 4, the processing in this step S210 is performed on the external connection terminal 46. This is a process of acquiring a signal related to the transfer speed corresponding to the USB memory 47 from the USB memory 47 in a state where power is supplied to the connected USB memory 47. Here, since the state in which power is supplied to the USB memory 47 connected to the external connection terminal 46 is maintained, noise and the like are output in the same manner as when the USB device is connected due to the power supply being turned on / off. Can be suppressed. As described above, when the port 2 power supply off / on command is input from the USB host controller 40 a, the USB device is formally turned off and the HUB controller 41 a is connected to the external connection terminal 46. The signal regarding the transfer rate is re-acquired from and the transfer rate supported by this device is detected again.

  Finally, the process of setting the transfer speed between the USB host controller 40a and the USB memory 47 shown in FIG. 4 will be described using a timing chart. FIG. 4 is a timing chart of processing for setting the transfer rate. The same step numbers as those shown in the transfer rate setting processing routine of FIG. 2 and the transfer rate detection processing routine of FIG. 3 are used in the following description. Here, a case will be described in which a USB memory 47, which is a full-speed device that operates with power supplied from the external connection terminal 46, is connected to the external connection terminal 46 as a USB device. When the USB memory 47 is connected to the external connection terminal 46, the HUB controller 41a detects this, and sends a signal related to the transfer speed supported by the USB memory 47 ("D +" is on or "D-" is on). Obtained from the memory 47 (time t1). Here, when the USB memory 47 is connected, the USB memory 47 should actually output the “D +” on signal, but the “D−” on signal may be output first due to noise or the like. (Time t1 to t2). In this case, the HUB controller 41a erroneously detects that the USB memory 47 is a low speed device (step S240). Immediately after this, the USB host controller 40a outputs a port reset execution command (step S110), and the HUB controller 41a receiving the command executes port reset (time t3). Subsequently, the USB host controller 40a determines that a low-speed device that is not scheduled to be connected is connected (step S130), and outputs a power supply off / on command to the port 2 (step S150, time t4). ), Prompting the detection of the corresponding transfer speed of the USB memory 47 again. Receiving this, the HUB controller 41a turns off / on the power supply to the port 2 (step S270, time t4). At this time, since the power is actually supplied from the port 4 and the power supply is not turned off, the transfer speed is detected again in a state where the generation of noise in the USB memory 47 is suppressed. Therefore, the HUB controller 41a can correctly detect that the USB memory 47 is a full speed device (step S230). Then, the USB host controller 40a issues a port reset execution command (step S160), and the HUB controller 41a receiving the command executes port reset (time t5), and the USB host controller 40a is connected to the full speed device. A determination is made (step S170), the bus state is set to full-speed communication (step S140, time t6), and this process ends. If it is determined that the low speed device is connected by detecting the transfer speed again, the bus state is set to low speed communication (step S180). As described above, when the connection of the low-speed device that is not scheduled to be connected is detected, the power supply of the port 2 is formally turned off, and the transfer speed of the connected device is detected again.

  Thereafter, when the image file is acquired from the USB memory 47 via the external connection terminal 46, the HUB 41, and the shared memory 49 based on the user's instruction at the transfer speed set in this way, the CPU 22 acquires the acquired image file. The print data converted into print data is stored in a print buffer provided in the RAM 24, and an image is printed on the recording paper S based on the print data. Here, the printing process is executed by the CPU 22 instructing the printer ASIC 32 to print an image file, and the instructed printer ASIC 32 controls the printer mechanism 31. When printing is instructed, the printer ASIC 32 develops the print data stored in the RAM 24 into raster data, drives a drive motor (not shown) to rotate the transport roller 38, and transports the recording paper S to generate pressure. By controlling the voltage to the unit 35, an image is printed on the recording paper S based on the developed raster data.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The external connection terminal 46 of this embodiment corresponds to connection means of the present invention, the HUB controller 41a corresponds to signal acquisition means, supply control means, and transfer speed determination means, and the USB host controller 40a corresponds to transfer speed setting means. The printer unit 30 corresponds to print processing means, and the CPU 22 and the printer ASIC 32 correspond to print control means. The USB device (USB memory 47) corresponds to the connected device, the “D−” signal corresponds to the first signal, the “D +” signal corresponds to the second signal, and the low speed of USB transfer is the first transfer. The full speed of USB transfer corresponds to the second transfer speed, and the recording paper S corresponds to the print medium. In this embodiment, an example of the information processing method of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the printer 20.

  According to the printer 20 of the present embodiment described in detail above, the power supply to the USB memory 47 connected to the external connection terminal 46 is turned off when the USB memory 47 as the USB device is connected to the external connection terminal 46. When a signal is input, one of the “D +” signal and the “D−” signal related to the transfer speed corresponding to the connected USB memory 47 is acquired via the external connection terminal 46, and the off signal Is input, the power supply to the USB memory 47 is stopped. When the acquired signal is a “D−” signal, it is determined that the USB memory 47 is compatible with the low speed, and the acquired signal is “D +”. ”Signal, it is determined that the USB memory 47 supports full speed higher than low speed, and the acquired signal is“ D− ”signal. When the power supply to the USB memory 47 is stopped, an off signal is output to the USB memory 47 in a state where the operable state of the USB memory 47 is maintained, and then the determination is performed using the acquired signal. Based on the result, the transfer speed with the connected USB memory 47 is set. That is, when a “D-” signal that is not scheduled to be acquired is acquired when the USB device is connected, an off signal is output while the operable state of the USB memory 47 is maintained, and the transfer rate from the USB memory 47 is related. The signal is reacquired, and the transfer speed with the USB memory 47 is set based on the reacquired signal. In this way, by outputting the off signal while the operable state of the USB memory 47 is maintained, the same signal is prevented from being output again, and the signal output from the USB memory 47 is reconfirmed. The transfer speed corresponding to the connected USB device can be set more reliably.

  Further, since the external connection terminal 46 is supplied with power from the power line of the port 4 different from the power supply line of the port 2 controlled by the HUB controller 41a, the USB memory 47 can be reliably operated. In this state, a signal related to the transfer speed can be reacquired from the USB memory 47. Furthermore, since the USB device often receives power supply from the printer 20 and inputs / outputs information, it is highly meaningful to apply the present invention. Furthermore, since a printing apparatus such as the printer 20 is often connected to a USB device such as an external storage device (for example, a USB memory 47, a memory card, or an HDD) to acquire and print information, the significance of applying the present invention is great. Is expensive.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the external connection terminal 46 is supplied with power from the power supply line of the port 4 different from the power supply line of the port 2 controlled by the HUB controller 41a. It is also possible to receive power supply from a different location, for example, USB host controller 40a, HUB controller 41a, main controller 21 or the like. Even in this case, the transfer speed corresponding to the connected USB device can be set more reliably.

  In the embodiment described above, the external connection terminal 46 is supplied with power by the power supply line of the port 4 different from the power supply line of the port 2 controlled by the HUB controller 41a. Like the printer 20B, the external connection terminal 46 is supplied with power from the power supply line of the port 2 controlled by the HUB controller 41a, and the USB host controller 40a is connected to the USB when the HUB controller 41a receives an off signal. Even if the power supply to the memory 47 is stopped, an off signal to the USB memory 47 connected to the external connection terminal 46 may be output to the HUB controller 41a for a predetermined time during which the USB memory 47 can operate. Specifically, even if the HUB controller 41a turns off the power supply, the power supply is turned off / on at a high speed so that the operation of the USB memory 47 does not stop. FIG. 6 is another timing chart of the process for setting the transfer rate. As shown in FIG. 6, after the USB host controller 40a determines that a low-speed device that is not scheduled to be connected is connected, it outputs a power supply off / on command to the port 2 (time t4). It prompts again to detect the corresponding transfer rate of the USB memory 47. Receiving this, the HUB controller 41a turns off / on the power supply to the port 2 (time t4). At this time, the USB memory 47 is turned off and on at a high speed so that the operable state can be maintained. Therefore, the generation of noise due to power off and on in the USB memory 47 is suppressed again. The transfer speed is detected. Therefore, the HUB controller 41a can correctly detect that the USB memory 47 is a full speed device. In this way, it is possible to re-acquire a signal relating to the transfer speed from the USB memory 47 in a state where the operable state of the USB memory 47 as the USB device is maintained relatively easily.

  In the above-described embodiment, the power supply is turned off / on when the USB device connected to the external connection terminal 46 acquires the “D−” signal regardless of whether the power supply is required. Then, it is determined whether or not a USB device that operates with power supplied from the external connection terminal 46 is connected to the external connection terminal 46, a device that operates with power supplied from the external connection terminal 46 is connected, and the HUB controller 41a. May acquire the “D−” signal, the USB host controller 40a may output an off signal for power supply to the USB device to the HUB controller 41a. When a USB device that operates with the power supplied from the external connection terminal 46 is connected, the power state of the USB memory 47 is not stable and a signal such as noise is often output. In this case, when the USB memory 47 that operates with the power supplied from the external connection terminal 46 is connected, a signal related to the transfer speed is reacquired from the USB memory 47, so that the transfer corresponding to the connected USB device is efficiently performed. The speed can be set more reliably.

  In the embodiment described above, the “D−” signal is a signal that is not scheduled to be acquired, but the “D−” signal is a signal that is acquired less frequently than the “D +” signal. Also good. In the above-described embodiment, when the “D−” signal is acquired (that is, when the connection of the raw device is detected), the power supply off signal is output to detect the transfer speed of the USB device again. However, when the “D +” signal is acquired (that is, when connection of a full-speed device is detected), a power supply off signal may be output to redetect the transfer speed of the USB device. In the above-described embodiment, the low speed device and the full speed device are detected. However, the high speed device may be detected after the full speed device is detected.

  In the above-described embodiment, the USB host controller 40a executes the transfer rate setting process routine, and the HUB controller 41a executes the transfer rate detection process routine. This routine may be executed by any controller (for example, the main controller 21).

  In the above-described embodiment, the full-color printer 20 that employs an ink jet method and uses ink as a colorant is used. However, a color laser printer that employs an electrophotographic method and uses toner as a colorant, or a thermal transfer method that employs color A color printer that uses an ink ribbon as an agent, a printer that employs a dot impact method and uses an ink ribbon as a colorant, or a monochrome printer of these may be used. Also, a printing apparatus such as a FAX machine or a copier may be used. Although the present invention has been described using the USB device 40, the present invention can be applied to any device having a similar configuration without being limited to the USB device.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a printer 20 illustrating an example of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a transfer rate setting process routine. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a transfer rate detection processing routine. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the process which sets a transfer rate. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of another printer 20B. It is another timing chart which shows an example of the process which sets a transfer rate.

Explanation of symbols

  20, 20B Printer, 21 Main controller, 22 CPU, 23 ROM, 24 RAM, 26 I / F, 28 Bus, 30 Printer unit, 31 Printer mechanism, 32 Printer ASIC, 34 Ink cartridge, 35 Pressure generating unit, 36 Ink discharge Exit, 38 transport roller, 40 USB device, 40a USB host controller, 41 HUB, 41a HUB controller, 42 card reader, 42a slot, 46 external connection terminal, 47 USB memory, 48 built-in drive, 49 shared memory, 50 memory card, S Recording paper.

Claims (8)

A connection means for connecting a power supply line to a connected device and connecting the connected device so that information can be exchanged;
When a connection device is connected to the connection means, or when an off signal of the connection device connected to the connection means is input, a first signal and a second signal relating to a transfer rate corresponding to the connection device connected Signal acquisition means for acquiring any of the signals from the connection device via the connection means,
Supply control means for stopping power supply to the connection device via the connection means when the off signal is input;
When the signal acquired by the signal acquisition means is the first signal, it is determined that the connected device is compatible with the first transfer rate, and the signal acquired by the signal acquisition means is the second signal. Transfer speed determination means for determining that the connected device is compatible with a second transfer speed different from the first transfer speed;
When the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit is the first signal, even if the supply control unit stops the power supply to the connection device due to the input of the off signal, the connected device is operable. The determination that the transfer speed determination means determines using the signal acquired by the signal acquisition means after that the connected device off signal is output to the signal acquisition means and the supply control means so as to be maintained or in this state A transfer rate setting means for setting a transfer rate between the connected devices based on the result; and
An information processing apparatus comprising:   When the transfer speed setting means outputs an off signal to the connection device so that the operable state of the connection device is maintained, the supply control means supplies power to the connection device by the input of the off signal. 2. The information according to claim 1, wherein an off signal to the connection device connected to the connection unit is output to the signal acquisition unit and the supply control unit for a predetermined time during which the connection device is operable even if the connection is stopped. Processing equipment.   The connection means supplies power controlled by the supply control means so that power supply to the connection device does not stop even if the supply control means inputs the off signal and stops supplying power to the connection device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied from a power supply line different from the line. The connection means is connectable with a USB device as the connection device,
The transfer speed determination means corresponds to a second transfer speed at which the USB device is faster than the first transfer speed when the signal acquisition means acquires the second signal from the connected device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is determined to be a thing.   When the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit is the first signal after the connection device operating with the power supplied through the connection unit is connected to the connection unit, the transfer rate setting unit is Even if the supply control means stops the power supply to the connection device by the input of the off signal, the operable state of the connection device is maintained or the off signal to the connection device in the state is maintained. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus outputs the signal to the signal acquisition unit and the supply control unit. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Print processing means capable of printing an image on a print medium using a colorant;
Print control means for controlling the print processing means to print an image on a print medium based on information acquired from the information processing apparatus;
Printing device with An information processing method using an information processing apparatus including a connection unit that is connected to a power supply line to a connection device and is capable of exchanging information with the connection device,
(A) when a connection device is connected to the connection means or when an off signal of the connection device connected to the connection means is input, a first signal relating to a transfer rate corresponding to the connected connection device; Acquiring any one of the second signals from the connection device via the connection means;
(B) stopping the power supply to the connection device via the connection means when the off signal is input;
(C) When the signal acquired in step (a) is the first signal, it is determined that the connected device is compatible with the first transfer rate, and the signal acquired in step (b) is the first signal. Determining that the connected device is compatible with a second transfer rate different from the first transfer rate when there are two signals;
(D) When the signal acquired in the step (a) is the first signal, the operation of the connected device is performed even if the power supply to the connected device is stopped by the input of the off signal in the step (b). Based on the determination result determined in the step (c) using the signal acquired in the step (a) after the off signal of the connected device is output so that the possible state is maintained or in the state Setting a transfer speed with the connected device,
An information processing method including:   A program for causing one or more computers to execute each step of the information processing method according to claim 7.

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