Electronic device

Abstract

To increase convenience when alternatively using multiple connectors in an electronic device having multiple connectors provided in mutually different positions.SOLUTION: An image forming device (10) as an electronic device includes a USB-A_DR connector 180 and a USB-B_DR connector 182 for a USB dual roll function. The USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 can be connected to a counterpart connector alternatively according to the position of a connector cover 192. In addition, a suitable communication mode is set automatically according to which of the USB-A_DR connector 180 or the USB-B_DR connector 182 is connectable to the counterpart connector. It greatly contributes to an increase in convenience when alternatively using the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to electronic devices having multiple connectors that are used alternatively. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of electronic device is a printing device disclosed in Patent Document 1. This printing device includes a first communication connector that receives print data and a second communication connector that receives setting data. One of the first communication connector and the second communication connector has a terminal disposed inside the receptacle of the other. In other words, one of the first communication connector and the second communication connector is built into the other. Therefore, when one of the first communication connector and the second communication connector is connected to a counterpart connector (external device), the other is physically unable to be connected to the counterpart connector. That is, the first communication connector and the second communication connector are alternatively (exclusively) connectable to the counterpart connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-231673 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, there are electronic devices with a USB dual role function. The electronic devices with the USB dual role function are equipped with a USB_Type-A (hereinafter referred to as "USB-A") connector and a USB_Type-B (hereinafter referred to as "USB-B") connector, and these USB-A connector and USB-B connector are used alternatively. For example, when the USB-A connector is used, the electronic device operates as a host, and therefore the host mode is set as the communication mode. On the other hand, when the USB-B connector is used, the electronic device operates as a device (peripheral), and therefore the device mode is set as the communication mode.

[0005] Therefore, considering convenience, it is desirable that the USB-A connector and the USB-B connector for the USB dual role function are also selectively connectable to the mating connector. However, since the USB-A connector and the USB-B connector are provided in different positions (in other words, in an independent state), the technology disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1 cannot be applied as a means for selectively connecting the USB-A connector and the USB-B connector to the mating connector. Also, it is desirable that an appropriate communication mode be automatically set depending on which of the USB-A connector and the USB-B connector is connectable to the mating connector.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a new electronic device that can improve convenience when selectively using a plurality of connectors provided at different positions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve this object, the electronic device according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of connectors, an alternative connection enabling means, an effective connector identifying means, and a communication mode setting means. The plurality of connectors are provided at different positions. The alternative connection enabling means enables the plurality of connectors to be alternatively connected to a mating connector, that is, enables only one of the plurality of connectors to be physically connected to the mating connector. Then, the effective connector identifying means identifies an effective connector among the plurality of connectors that is enabled to be connected to the mating connector by the alternative connection enabling means. Then, the communication mode setting means sets a communication mode corresponding to the effective connector. That is, the communication mode corresponding to the effective connector is automatically set.

[0008] The selective connection enabling means includes, for example, a transformable member that itself transforms to enable the plurality of connectors to be selectively connected to a mating connector.

[0009] In this case, the valid connector identifying means may include a state detection means and an identifying means. The state detection means detects the state of the transformable member. The identifying means identifies the valid connector based on the detection result by the state detection means, i.e., based on the state of the transformable member.

[0010] Additionally, the multiple connectors in this disclosure include, for example, a USB-A connector and a USB-B connector.

[0011] In this case, a USB dual role function may be provided. For this purpose, for example, the communication mode setting means includes a dual role controller. This dual role controller is compatible with both a host mode, which is a communication mode in which communication is performed via a USB-A connector, and a device mode, which is a communication mode in which communication is performed via a USB-B connector. When the valid connector is the USB-A connector, the communication mode setting means sets the host mode as the communication mode, and when the valid connector is the USB-B connector, sets the device mode as the communication mode.

[0012] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, a notification means may be provided, which notifies the user that the communication mode has been changed when the communication mode has been changed. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, multiple connectors provided at different positions can be selectively connected to a mating connector, and a communication mode corresponding to an active connector that can be connected to the mating connector is automatically set, which greatly contributes to improving the convenience of electronic devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an input / output unit in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing changes in the form of an input / output unit in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an electrical circuit diagram of a main portion including a dual-role controller in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a device mode switching notification screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one state of a copy operation screen in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one state of the option device setting screen in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a card reader connection guidance screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a subsequent card reader connection guidance screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a host mode switching notification screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another state of the copy operation screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another state of the option device setting screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a mode setting task in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a mode switching task in one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to an image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is a so-called multifunction peripheral (MFP) having multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, an image scanner function, and a fax function. To realize these multiple functions, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 14, an auxiliary storage unit 16, an input / output unit 18, a display unit 20, and an operation unit 22. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a control unit 100. The image reading unit 12, the image forming unit 14, the auxiliary storage unit 16, the input / output unit 18, the display unit 20, and the operation unit 22 are connected to the control unit 100. The image forming apparatus 10 includes various elements other than those shown in FIG. 1, but in this embodiment, illustration and description of elements that are not directly related to the main purpose of this disclosure will be omitted.

[0017] The image reading unit 12 is an example of an image reading means. That is, the image reading unit 12 performs image reading processing by reading an image of an original (not shown) and outputting two-dimensional read image data corresponding to the image of the original. Such an image reading unit 12 has an original placement table (not shown) on which an original is placed. In addition, the image reading unit 12 has an image reading unit including a light source, multiple mirrors, lenses, a line sensor, etc. (not shown). Furthermore, the image reading unit 12 has a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the image reading position by the image reading unit.

[0018] The image forming unit 14 is an example of an image forming means. That is, the image forming unit 14 performs an image forming process of forming an image based on appropriate image data such as the read image data output from the image reading unit 12 on a sheet-like image recording medium such as paper (not shown), that is, performs printing. This printing is performed, for example, by a known electrophotographic method. For this reason, the image forming unit 14 has a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like (not shown). Note that the image forming unit 14 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may perform printing, for example, by an inkjet method.

[0019] The auxiliary storage unit 16 is an example of an auxiliary storage means. Various data such as the above-mentioned scanned image data are appropriately stored in this auxiliary storage unit 16. Such auxiliary storage unit 16 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (not shown), but may also include a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory (not shown) in addition to, or instead of, this.

[0020] The input / output unit 18 is an element that serves as an input / output port for information (signals) transmitted and received by two-way communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and an external device (not shown), and has a plurality of, for example, four, connectors 180, 182, 184 and 186. The input / output unit 18 also has a cover position detection switch 188. The input / output unit 18 will be described in detail later.

[0021] The display unit 20 is an example of a display means that outputs various information in a visual form, and in particular has a display (not shown) as a screen display means. This display is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), but is not limited to this and may be an organic electroluminescence (EL) display or the like. In addition to the display, the display unit 20 also has appropriate light-emitting means such as a light-emitting diode (LED) (not shown).

[0022] The operation unit 22 is an example of an operation receiving means for receiving an operation by a user (not shown), and in particular has a touch panel (not shown) as a touch operation receiving means. This touch panel is provided so as to overlap the display surface of the above-mentioned display, and cooperates with the display to form a display with a touch panel. Such a touch panel is, for example, a projection type capacitive panel, but is not limited to this, and may be a panel of other types such as a surface type capacitive type, a resistive film type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, or an electromagnetic induction type. In addition to the touch panel, the operation unit 22 also includes an appropriate hardware switch means such as a push button switch (not shown).

[0023] The control unit 100 is an example of a control means that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 has a computer, such as a CPU 110, as a control execution means. The control unit 100 also has a main memory unit 120 as a main memory means that the CPU 110 can directly access. The main memory unit 120 includes a ROM and a RAM (not shown). The ROM stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the CPU 110. The RAM constitutes a working area and a buffer area when the CPU 110 executes processing according to the control program.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit 100 has a dual-role controller 130. This dual-role controller 130 is a communication controller for realizing the USB dual-role function. This dual-role controller 130 will also be described in detail later.

[0025] The control unit 100 is, for example, but not limited to, a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Each of the CPU 110, the main storage unit 120, and the dual-role controller 130 constituting the control unit 100 may be provided independently.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has a USB dual role function. To achieve this, the image forming apparatus 10 includes the dual role controller 130 described above. Additionally, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a USB port 190 for the USB dual role function, and more specifically includes a USB-A (hereinafter referred to as "USB-A_DR") connector (receptacle) 180 as a host port for the USB dual role function and a USB-B (hereinafter referred to as "USB-B_DR") connector (receptacle) 182 as a device port. The USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 are provided in the input / output unit 18.

[0027] The dual-role controller 130 is compatible with both a host mode, which is a communication mode in which communication is performed via the USB-A_DR connector 180, and a device mode, which is a communication mode in which communication is performed via the USB-B_DR connector 182. For example, when the host mode is set as the communication mode, the dual-role controller 130 operates as a controller for the host, and as a result, the image forming apparatus 10 operates as a host (under the USB dual-role function). On the other hand, when the device mode is set as the communication mode, the dual-role controller 130 operates as a controller for the device, and as a result, the image forming apparatus 10 operates as a device related to the USB dual-role function (under the USB dual-role function). Note that the host mode and the device mode are set alternatively as the communication mode, that is, both the host mode and the device mode are not set (cannot be set) at the same time. Which of the host mode and the device mode is set as the communication mode is controlled by the CPU 110.

[0028] Furthermore, the input / output unit 18 is provided with a USB-A connector (receptacle) 184 in addition to the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182. This USB-A connector 184 is independent of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182, that is, it can be used regardless of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182. Additionally, the input / output unit 18 is provided with a connector (receptacle) 186 for Ethernet (registered trademark). Furthermore, the input / output unit 18 is provided with a cover position detection switch 188 as described above.

[0029] Specifically, the input / output unit 18 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is provided, for example, on the side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the connectors 180, 182, 184, and 186 are provided at different positions. In particular, the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 are provided at positions close to each other, specifically, adjacent to each other in the vertical direction (in other words, in a vertical line). The USB-A connector 184 is provided to the side (left side) of the USB-A_DR connector 180, and the connector 186 for Ethernet is provided below the USB-B_DR connector 182 (i.e., the USB port 190). The arrangement of the connectors 180, 182, 184, and 186 shown in FIG. 2 is an example and is not limited thereto, but it is preferable that the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 are provided at positions close to each other.

[0030] As described above, the communication mode of the dual-role controller 130 is set alternatively to the host mode and the device mode, that is, the host mode and the device mode are not set simultaneously. Therefore, the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 are also used alternatively, that is, the two are not used simultaneously. Therefore, considering convenience, it is desirable that the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 are alternatively connectable to a mating connector (plug) not shown, that is, only one of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 is physically connectable to the mating connector.

[0031] It is also desirable that an appropriate communication mode be automatically set depending on which of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 is connectable to the other connector. That is, it is desirable that when the USB-A_DR connector 180 is connectable to the other connector, the host mode be automatically set as the communication mode, and when the USB-B_DR connector 182 is connectable to the other connector, the device mode be automatically set as the communication mode. In order to achieve this, the following ideas are devised.

[0032] First, the portion 18a in the input / output unit 18 where the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 are provided is structured to be recessed inward (toward the rear in FIG. 2) of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. In other words, the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 are provided in the recessed portion, that is, the recessed portion 18a. The recessed portion 18a is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped space that is long in the vertical direction and has an appropriate dimension in the depth direction (direction from the front side to the rear in FIG. 2), and therefore the opening 18b of the recessed portion 18a is roughly rectangular and long in the vertical direction. The USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 are provided to be accommodated in the recessed portion 18a, in other words, are provided so as not to protrude outward (toward the front side in FIG. 2) from the opening 18b of the recessed portion 18a.

[0033] Additionally, a cover position detection switch 188 is provided at an appropriate position in the recessed portion 18a, specifically at a position approximately in the center between the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 in the vertical direction and slightly to the side (left side) from the alignment of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182. The cover position detection switch 188 is, for example, a slide switch, and has a protruding operation part 188a, which slides linearly to alternatively (selectively) transition to two states, an ON state and an OFF state. The cover position detection switch 188 is provided such that the operation part 188a faces the opening 18b of the recessed portion 18a and the sliding direction of the operation part 188a is along the vertical direction. The cover position detection switch 188 is also provided so as to be housed within the recessed portion 18a, and in particular so that the operating portion 188a does not protrude outward (toward the viewer in FIG. 2) beyond the opening 18b of the recessed portion 18a.

[0034] Furthermore, a connector cover 192 having a generally rectangular flat plate shape is provided so as to cover a part of the opening 18b of the concave portion 18a. The dimension of the connector cover 192 in the short side direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2) is approximately the same as the dimension of the opening 18b of the concave portion 18a in the short side direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2). The dimension of the connector cover 192 in the long side direction (up-down direction in FIG. 2) is shorter than the dimension of the opening 18b of the concave portion 18a in the long side direction (up-down direction in FIG. 2), and more specifically, is approximately half (slightly more than half) of the dimension of the opening 18b in the long side direction. Note that in FIG. 2, the connector cover 192 is in a state of being removed from the opening 18b of the concave portion 18a. Connector cover 192 is attached to opening 18b of concave portion 18a as shown by dashed arrow 194 in Fig. 2, more specifically, attached with the longitudinal direction of connector cover 192 aligned with the longitudinal direction of opening 18b of concave portion 18a. At this time, both side edges (left and right in Fig. 2) along the longitudinal direction of connector cover 192 engage with both side edges (left and right in Fig. 2) along the longitudinal direction of opening 18b of concave portion 18a, that is, both side edges of connector cover 192 and both side edges of opening 18b are configured so as to be engaged with each other.

[0035] Moreover, the connector cover 192 can be manually displaced (slid) along its longitudinal direction, i.e., along the vertical direction. In order to facilitate this manual displacement of the connector cover 192, a suitable anti-slip material is provided on the surface of the connector cover 192 (the surface on the front side in FIG. 2), and more specifically, two protrusions 192a and 192b are provided. These two protrusions 192a and 192b extend along the short side direction of the connector cover 192 and are provided so as to be parallel to each other at a suitable distance from each other. Furthermore, a suitable abutment portion is provided on the back surface of the connector cover 192 (the surface on the back side in FIG. 2) that abuts against the operation portion 188a of the cover position detection switch 188 when the connector cover 192 is manually displaced, and causes the operation portion 188a to slide, and more specifically, two rectangular parallelepiped protrusions 192c and 192d are provided. These two protrusions 192c and 192d are provided in a position corresponding to the operating portion 188a of the cover position detection switch 188 (a position close to the left side edge of the connector cover 192 in Figure 2) in the short direction of the connector cover 192, and are provided at an appropriate distance from each other in the long direction of the connector cover 192.

[0036] That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the connector cover 192 is displaced downward, only the USB-A_DR connector 180 of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 is exposed to the outside, that is, it is in a state where it can be connected to the other connector. The USB-B_DR connector 182 is covered by the connector cover 192, that is, it is in a state where it cannot be physically connected to the other connector. In addition, the upper protrusion 192c of the connector cover 192 abuts against the operation part 188a of the cover position detection switch 188, and slides the operation part 188a downward. At this time, the cover position detection switch 188 is, for example, in an ON state, but may be in an OFF state. In any case, the cover position detection switch 188 is in a state according to the position of the connector cover 192. Furthermore, when the connector cover 192 is displaced downward, its position is simply fixed by simply (lightly) engaging with an appropriate portion of the opening 18b of the concave portion 18a, that is, it is configured to be so.

[0037] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the connector cover 192 is displaced upward, only the USB-B_DR connector 182 of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 is exposed to the outside, that is, it is in a state where it can be connected to the other connector. The USB-A_DR connector 180 is covered by the connector cover 192, that is, it is in a state where it cannot be physically connected to the other connector. In addition, the protruding portion 192d on the lower side of the connector cover 192 abuts against the operating portion 188a of the cover position detection switch 188, and slides the operating portion 188a upward. At this time, the cover position detection switch 188 is, for example, in an OFF state, but may be in an ON state. In any case, as described above, the cover position detection switch 188 is in a state according to the position of the connector cover 192. Furthermore, even when the connector cover 192 is displaced upward, its position is simply fixed by simply engaging with an appropriate portion of the opening 18b of the concave portion 18a, that is, it is configured to be in this state.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of the main parts including the dual-role controller 130. As shown in Fig. 4, the dual-role controller 130 has a Vbus output (Vbus_OUT) terminal 130a which is an output terminal of USB bus power, a D+ terminal 130b and a D- terminal 130c which are a pair of signal terminals, a Vbus input terminal 130d which is an input (Vbus_IN) terminal of USB bus power, and a ground (GND) terminal 130e which is a reference potential terminal.

[0039] The Vbus output terminal 130a of the dual-role controller 130 is connected to the Vbus output terminal 180a of the USB-A_DR connector 180. The D+ terminal 130b of the dual-role controller 130 is connected to the D+ terminal 180b of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and is also connected to the D+ terminal 182b of the USB-B_DR connector 182. The D- terminal 130c of the dual-role controller 130 is connected to the D- terminal 180c of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and is also connected to the D- terminal 182c of the USB-B_DR connector 182. The Vbus input terminal 130d of the dual-role controller 130 is connected to the Vbus input terminal 182a of the USB-B_DR connector 182. The ground terminal 130e of the dual-role controller 130 is connected to a ground portion (not shown) that is a reference potential portion of the image forming apparatus 10, and is connected to, for example, the chassis of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. Similarly, a ground terminal 180d of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and a ground terminal 182d of the USB-B_DR connector 182 are also connected to the ground portion.

[0040] In addition, the dual-role controller 130 is connected to the CPU 110. The dual-role controller 130 and the CPU 110 are connected appropriately within the control unit 100 (i.e., the SoC). The cover position detection switch 188 is connected to the CPU 110, and strictly speaking, is connected to the CPU 110 via an appropriate input / output circuit (not shown).

[0041] 4, the CPU 110 recognizes the position of the connector cover 192 from the state of the cover position detection switch 188, that is, recognizes which of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 is in a state where it can be connected to the other connector. For example, when the CPU 110 recognizes that the USB-A_DR connector 180 is in a state where it can be connected to the other connector (see FIG. 3A), the CPU 110 sets the host mode as the communication mode of the dual-role controller 130. This causes the dual-role controller 130 to operate as a controller for the host, and in particular outputs Vbus (+5V DC voltage) as USB bus power from the Vbus output terminal 130a.

[0042] On the other hand, when it is recognized that the USB-B_DR connector 182 is in a state where it can be connected to the counterpart connector (see FIG. 3B), the CPU 110 sets the device mode as the communication mode of the dual-role controller 130. As a result, the dual-role controller 130 operates as a controller for the host, in particular by stopping the output of the Vbus and entering a state where the Vbus input to the Vbus input terminal 130d is accepted. Note that the setting of the communication mode based on the state of the cover position detection switch 188 is enabled when the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on, including when the image forming apparatus 10 is restarted.

[0043] More specifically, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10 is currently powered on and the USB-A_DR connector 180 is in a state in which it can be connected to a mating connector (see FIG. 3A). In this state, it is assumed that the user displaces the connector cover 192, causing the USB-B_DR connector 182 to transition to a state in which it can be connected to a mating connector (see FIG. 3B). Then, a device mode switching notification screen 200 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display of the display unit 20.

[0044] In the device mode switching notification screen 200, an appropriate character string 202 indicating the title (intention) of the device mode switching notification screen 200 is arranged at a position close to the upper left side. Then, an appropriate character string 204 indicating that the USB port 190 for the USB dual role function has been switched to a device port, that is, that the USB-B_DR connector 182 is in a state where it can be connected to the other connector, is arranged below the character string 202. Furthermore, an appropriate character string 206 indicating that the switched USB port 190 will be available after the image forming apparatus 10 is restarted, that is, that the switching of the USB port 190 will be enabled after the image forming apparatus 10 is restarted is arranged below the character string 204. In addition, an appropriate character string 208 indicating that a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a "PC") (not shown) can be connected to the USB port 190, and more specifically, that when the PC is connected to the USB port 190, the image forming apparatus 10 will be recognized by the PC as a printer and an image scanner is arranged below the character string 206. Then, located below and to the right of character string 208, in other words, near the bottom right corner of device mode switching notification screen 200, is an [OK] button 210 that is an operator that can receive an operation (touch operation) by the user.

[0045] When the device mode switching notification screen 200 is displayed on the display, the user recognizes that the USB port 190 has been switched to a device. When the user operates the [OK] button 210, the display of the device mode switching notification screen 200 disappears. When the image forming apparatus 10 is then restarted (i.e., the power is turned OFF and then ON), the switching of the USB port 190 is enabled, that is, the image forming apparatus 10 operates as a device. Note that the device mode switching notification screen 200 is, for example, a dialog box, and strictly speaking, a modal dialog, but is not limited to this. Also, the configuration of the device mode switching notification screen 200, such as its design, is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5.

[0046] Furthermore, various screens are displayed on the display of the display unit 20, one of which is a copy operation screen 300 which is an operation screen for the copy function as shown in Fig. 6. In this copy operation screen 300, various operators such as a power button 302 and various indicators such as a display area 304 for displaying the number of copies are appropriately arranged. Then, in an appropriate position on the copy operation screen 300, for example in the vicinity of the upper right corner of the copy operation screen 300, an icon 306 is arranged as an operation acceptance indicator which shows the state of the USB port 190.

[0047] Appropriate information indicating that the USB port 190 is for a device, that is, that the USB-B_DR connector 182 of the USB port 190 is in a state where it can be connected to a mating connector (via a PC) (is enabled), is attached to the icon 306 in Fig. 6, for example, appropriate character string 306a and a simulated diagram 306b simulating the appearance of a PC are attached. Therefore, the user can recognize the state of the USB port 190 from the character string 306a and the simulated diagram 306b attached to the icon 306, that is, from the state of the icon 306. That is, the user can recognize from the state of the icon 306 in Fig. 6 that the USB port 190 is for a device, that is, that the USB-B_DR connector 182 of the USB port 190 is in a state where it can be connected to a mating connector.

[0048] Furthermore, when the icon 306 is operated, an optional device setting screen 400 as shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on the display in place of the copy operation screen 300. This optional device setting screen 400 is one of the system setting screens for performing various settings related to the image forming apparatus 10, and is a screen for performing settings related to optional devices (not shown) in particular. In this optional device setting screen 400, an appropriate character string 402 indicating the title of the optional device setting screen 400 is arranged in a position close to the left at the top. Then, information on each optional device is displayed below the character string 402, and more specifically, the information is displayed in a predetermined order from top to bottom.

[0049] For example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) adapter, which is a wireless LAN slave device, is prepared as one of the optional devices, and information about the Wi-Fi adapter is displayed at the top. Specifically, first, an appropriate character string 404 indicating an item name related to the Wi-Fi adapter is arranged, for example, on the left side. Then, an appropriate character string 406 indicating that the Wi-Fi adapter (device) is connected to the image forming apparatus 10, more specifically, that it is connected to the USB-A connector 184, is arranged below the character string 404. Furthermore, at an appropriate position below the character string 406, for example, on the right side, a [Settings] button 408 is arranged as an operator for making settings related to the Wi-Fi adapter, or more precisely, for displaying a screen for the settings (not shown) on the display. That is, the user can recognize that the Wi-Fi adapter is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 from the contents of the character strings 404 and 406. In addition, the user can make settings related to the Wi-Fi adapter by operating the [Settings] button 408, or more precisely, for displaying a screen for the settings on the display.

[0050] Also, as one of the other optional devices, a card reader for reading information on an IC card (not shown) is provided, and information on the card reader is displayed next to (below) the information on the Wi-Fi adapter described above. Specifically, an appropriate character string 410 indicating an item name related to the card reader is arranged on the left side. Then, an appropriate character string 412 indicating that the card reader (device) is not connected to the image forming apparatus 10 is arranged below the character string 410. Furthermore, an appropriate character string 414 indicating that the USB port 190 is disabled, more specifically, that the USB-A_DR connector 180 is disabled is arranged below the character string 412. In addition, at an appropriate position below the character string 414, for example, at a position toward the right side, a [Setting] button 416 is arranged as an operator for setting the card reader, or more precisely, for displaying a screen for the setting (not shown) on the display. That is, the user can recognize that the card reader is not connected to the image forming apparatus 10 from the contents of the character strings 410 and 412. Additionally, the user can recognize that the USB port 190 (USB-A_DR connector 180) is disabled from the contents of the character string 414. When the USB port 190 (USB-A_DR connector 180) is disabled, the [Settings] button 416 is in a state in which it is not possible to accept any operation, and is, for example, grayed out.

[0051] Furthermore, a scroll bar 418 is disposed at a position toward the right of the option device setting screen 400. This scroll bar 418 is an operator for vertically scrolling the display contents of the area (i.e., the area to the left of the scroll bar 418) on the option device setting screen 400 where information on each option device is displayed. In other words, by operating the scroll bar 418, the user can vertically scroll the display contents of the area on the option device setting screen 400 where information on each option device is displayed, thereby enabling the user to check information on other option devices (i.e., other than the Wi-Fi adapter and the card reader).

[0052] For example, assume that a user wishes to connect a card reader to the image forming apparatus 10, more specifically, to the USB port 190 (USB-A_DR connector 180). In this case, the user displaces the connector cover 192 of the input / output unit 18 downward to make the USB-A_DR connector 180 connectable to the other connector (via the card reader) as shown in FIG. 3A, and then restarts the image forming apparatus 10 before connecting the card reader to the USB-A_DR connector 180. However, the user may not know (or may be unfamiliar with) this series of steps. To deal with such a situation, in this embodiment, a guidance function is provided to guide the user on how to switch the USB port 190.

[0053] That is, a character string 414a, [Help], is added to the end of the character string 414 on the option device setting screen 400 shown in Fig. 7. This character string 414a, [Help], is also an operator that can accept an operation by the user, and when the character string 414a is operated, a card reader connection guidance screen 500, as shown in Fig. 8, is displayed on the display of the display unit 20. Note that the card reader connection guidance screen 500 is, for example, a dialog box, and strictly speaking, a modal dialog.

[0054] In the card reader connection guidance screen 500, an appropriate character string 502 indicating the title of the card reader connection guidance screen 500 is arranged at a position toward the left at the top. Then, an imitation diagram 504 simulating the appearance of the input / output unit 18, specifically, simulating the appearance of the input / output unit 18 in the state shown in FIG. 3B, is arranged at a position toward the left below the character string 502. Furthermore, to the right of the imitation diagram 504, an appropriate character string 506 indicating that the USB port 190 is located on the side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 is arranged. Then, below the character string 506, an appropriate character string 508 is arranged with contents urging the user to remove the cable when a PC is connected to the USB port 190 (USB-B_DR connector 182) via a cable (not shown). In addition, below the character string 510, an appropriate character string 510 indicating that a card reader cannot be connected simultaneously with a PC is arranged. Further, below the character string 510, a simulation diagram 512 is arranged which simulates a state in which the cable connected to the PC is removed from the USB port 190 (USB-B_DR connector 182). Then, below the simulation diagram 512, appropriate character string 514 is arranged which urges the user to surely press the connector cover 192 downward. Additionally, an arrow 516 which points to the connector cover 192 is added so as to connect the character string 514 to a portion of the simulation diagram 504 of the input / output unit 18 which corresponds to the connector cover 192. Furthermore, a [Cancel] button 518 which is an operator is arranged at a position slightly to the right below the character string 514, in other words, at a position near the lower right corner of the card reader connection guidance screen 500.

[0055] With this card reader connection guidance screen 500 displayed on the display, the user can recognize how to switch the USB port 190. Then, when the user displaces the connector cover 192 downward to switch the USB port 190, that is, when the USB-A_DR connector 180 becomes connectable to the other connector (via the card reader) as shown in Fig. 3A, a subsequent card reader connection guidance screen 600 as shown in Fig. 9 is displayed on the display instead of the card reader connection guidance screen 500.

[0056] In addition, when the [Cancel] button 518 is operated on the card reader connection guidance screen 500 shown in Fig. 8, the display of the card reader connection guidance screen 500 disappears. As described above, the card reader connection guidance screen 500 is a dialog box, and strictly speaking, a modal dialog, but is not limited to this. In addition, the configuration of the card reader connection guidance screen 500, such as its design, is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 8.

[0057] In the subsequent card reader connection guidance screen 600 shown in Fig. 9, a character string 602 representing the title of the subsequent card reader connection guidance screen 600, more specifically, similar to the card reader connection guidance screen 500 shown in Fig. 8, is arranged at a position toward the left at the top. Then, a model diagram 604 simulating the appearance of the input / output unit 18, more specifically, simulating the appearance of the input / output unit 18 in the state shown in Fig. 3A, is arranged at a position toward the left below the character string 602. Furthermore, a model diagram 606 simulating the state in which the cable of the card reader is connected to the USB port 190 (USB-A_DR connector 180) is arranged at the right of the model diagram 604. In addition, an appropriate character string 608 is arranged below the model diagram 606, the character string 608 having contents urging the user to connect the cable of the card reader to the USB port 190 (USB-A_DR connector 180). Additionally, below character string 608, appropriate character string 610 is arranged, indicating that the card reader can be used after restarting image forming apparatus 10. Then, below character string 610, appropriate character string 614 is arranged, the content of which prompts the user to make settings related to the card reader after restarting image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, an [OK] button 518, which is an operator, is arranged in a position toward the right below character string 612, in other words, in a position near the lower right corner of the subsequent card reader connection guidance screen 600.

[0058] The subsequent card reader connection guidance screen 600 is displayed on the display, allowing the user to recognize the procedure to be followed after switching the USB port 190. When the user operates the [OK] button 518, the subsequent card reader connection guidance screen 600 disappears. Then, a host mode switching notification screen 700 such as that shown in Fig. 10 is displayed on the display.

[0059] 9 is also, for example, a dialog box, and strictly speaking, a modal dialog, like the card reader connection guidance screen 500, but is not limited to this. Also, the configuration of the subsequent card reader connection guidance screen 600, such as its design, is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

[0060] 10, an appropriate character string 702 indicating the title (intention) of the host mode switching notification screen 700 is arranged at the upper left position. Then, an appropriate character string 704 indicating that the USB port 190 has been switched to a device use, that is, that the USB-A_DR connector 180 is now in a state where it can be connected to the other connector, is arranged below the character string 702. Furthermore, an appropriate character string 706 indicating that the switched USB port 190 will be available after the image forming apparatus 10 is restarted, that is, that the switching of the USB port 190 will be enabled after the image forming apparatus 10 is restarted is arranged below the character string 704. In addition, an appropriate character string 708 indicating that various optional devices can be connected to the USB port 190 (USB-A_DR connector 180) is arranged below the character string 706. An [OK] button 710 , which is an operator, is disposed below and to the right of the character string 708 , in other words, near the bottom right corner of the host mode switching notification screen 700 .

[0061] When the host mode switching notification screen 700 is displayed on the display, the user recognizes that the USB port 190 has been switched to host mode. When the user operates the [OK] button 710, the host mode switching notification screen 700 disappears. When the image forming apparatus 10 is then restarted, the switching of the USB port 190 is enabled, that is, the image forming apparatus 10 operates as a host. Note that the host mode switching notification screen 700 is also, for example, a dialog box, and strictly speaking, a modal dialog, but is not limited to this. The configuration of the host mode switching notification screen 700, such as its design, is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 10.

[0062] In this way, after the USB port 190 is switched to the host use, for example, the copy operation screen 300, especially the icon 306, becomes the state shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, the icon 306 is provided with appropriate information indicating that the USB port 190 is for the host use, that is, that the USB-A_DR connector 180 of the USB port 190 is in a state where it can be connected to a counterpart connector (via various optional devices) (is enabled), and for example, an appropriate character string 306c and a simulated diagram 306d simulating the appearance of an IC card are provided. Therefore, the user can recognize from the character string 306c and the simulated diagram 306d provided to the icon 306, that is, from the state of the icon 306, that the USB port 190 is for the host use, that is, that the USB-A_DR connector 180 of the USB port 190 is in a state where it can be connected to a counterpart connector.

[0063] As described above, when the icon 306 is operated, the option device setting screen 400 is displayed on the display instead of the copy operation screen 300, and when the USB port 190 (USB-A_DR connector 180) is enabled, the option device setting screen 400 appears as shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 shows an example of the option device setting screen 400 when a card reader is connected to the USB port 190 (USB-A_DR connector 180).

[0064] 12, in an area where information about the card reader is displayed, specifically below character string 410, appropriate character string 420 (instead of character strings 412 and 414 in FIG. 7) is arranged indicating that the card reader (device) is connected to image forming apparatus 10, specifically connected to USB-A_DR connector 180. Then, [Settings] button 416 becomes operable, that is, the grayout state of [Settings] button 416 is lifted. Therefore, by operating [Settings] button 416, the user can perform settings related to the card reader, and strictly speaking, a screen for the settings is displayed on the display.

[0065] The configuration of the design of the optional device setting screen 400 shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 12 is an example, and is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 12. The configuration of the design of the copy operation screen 300 shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 11 is also an example, and is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 11. Furthermore, an operation acceptance indicator similar to the icon 306 is arranged on an operation screen other than the copy operation screen 300, that is, on an operation screen for a printer function, an image scanner function, a fax function, etc. In addition, instead of the icon 306 and an operation indicator similar to the icon 306, an indicator simply indicating the state of the USB port 190 may be arranged. In this case, the optional device setting screen 400 is displayed by an operation other than the operation of the icon 306.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 is powered on, including when the image forming apparatus 10 is restarted, the setting of the communication mode based on the state of the cover position detection switch 188 is enabled, and for this purpose, the CPU 110 executes a mode setting task in accordance with a mode setting program included in the control program described above. The flow of this mode setting task is shown in Fig. 13. The mode setting task is executed when the image forming apparatus 10 is powered on, including when the image forming apparatus 10 is restarted.

[0067] According to this mode setting task, first, in step S1, the CPU 110 turns on the output of the Vbus, and in detail starts up a power supply circuit (not shown) of the Vbus. Then, in the following step S3, the CPU 110 checks the position of the connector cover 192, that is, checks the state of the cover position detection switch 188. Then, in the following step S5, the CPU 110 determines whether the USB-A_DR connector 180 (host port) of the USB port 190 is in a state where it can be connected to the counterpart connector, based on the check result in step S3. Here, if the USB-A_DR connector 180 is in a state where it can be connected to the counterpart connector (S5: YES), the CPU 110 advances the process to step S7. On the other hand, if the USB-A_DR connector 180 is not in a state where it can be connected to the counterpart connector, that is, if the USB-B_DR connector 182 (device port) of the USB port 190 is in a state where it can be connected to the counterpart connector (S5: NO), the CPU 110 proceeds to step S9, which will be described later.

[0068] In step S7, the CPU 110 sets the host mode as the communication mode of the dual-role controller 130. With this, the CPU 110 ends the mode setting task.

[0069] On the other hand, if the process proceeds from step S5 to step S9, the CPU 110 sets the device mode as the communication mode of the dual-role controller 130 in step S9. Then, in the following step S11, the CPU 110 turns off the output of the Vbus, that is, stops the power supply circuit of the Vbus. With this, the CPU 110 ends the mode setting task.

[0070] Note that steps S9 and S11 may be interchanged. That is, after the output of Vbus is turned off, the device mode may be set as the communication model of the dual-role controller 130.

[0071] Also, step S1 may be provided immediately before or after step S7. That is, the Vbus output may be turned ON after it is determined that the USB-A_DR connector 180 of the USB port 190 is in a state where it can be connected to the other connector. In this case, step S11 is unnecessary. On the other hand, since the time until the Vbus output is turned ON becomes longer, the time until the optional device can actually be used also becomes longer accordingly.

[0072] In addition to this mode setting task, CPU 110 executes a mode switching task in accordance with a mode switching program included in the above-mentioned control program in order to deal with the displacement of connector cover 192, that is, to deal with the change in the state of cover position detection switch 188. The flow of this mode switching task is shown in Fig. 14. The mode switching task is executed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle, for example, every few seconds.

[0073] According to this mode switching task, first, in step S101, CPU 110 determines whether connector cover 192 has been displaced, that is, whether the state of cover position detection switch 188 has changed. To this end, CPU 110 sequentially stores the state of cover position detection switch 188, for example, sequentially in main memory unit 120. In step S101, if connector cover 192 has not been displaced (S101: NO), CPU 110 temporarily ends the mode switching task. On the other hand, if connector cover 192 has been displaced (S101: YES), CPU 110 advances the process to step S103.

[0074] In step S103, the CPU 110 determines whether the USB-A_DR connector 180 (host port) of the USB port 190 has become connectable to the counterpart connector as a result of the displacement of the connector cover 192. If the USB-A_DR connector 180 has become connectable to the counterpart connector (S103: YES), the CPU 110 advances the process to step S105. On the other hand, if the USB-A_DR connector 180 is no longer connectable to the counterpart connector, that is, if the USB-B_DR connector 182 (device port) of the USB port 190 has become connectable to the counterpart connector (S103: NO), the CPU 110 advances the process to step S115, which will be described later.

[0075] In step S105, CPU 110 displays the host mode switching notification screen 700 described above (FIG. 10) on the display of display unit 20. Then, in the following step S107, CPU 110 waits for the [OK] button 710 on host mode switching notification screen 700 to be operated (S107: NO). Then, when the [OK] button 710 on host mode switching notification screen 700 is operated (S107: YES), CPU 110 in the following step S109 erases the display of the host mode switching notification screen 700. With this, CPU 110 temporarily ends the mode switching task.

[0076] On the other hand, if the process proceeds from step S103 to step S111, CPU 110 displays the device mode switching notification screen 200 described above (FIG. 5) on the display of display unit 20 in step S111. Then, CPU 110 waits for the [OK] button 210 on device mode switching notification screen 200 to be operated in the following step S113 (S113: NO). Then, when the [OK] button 210 on device mode switching notification screen 200 is operated (S113: YES), CPU 110 erases the display of device mode switching notification screen 200 in the following step S115. With this, CPU 110 temporarily ends the mode switching task.

[0077] As described above, the switched USB port 190 is enabled by restarting the image forming apparatus 10, in other words, by executing the mode setting task (see FIG. 13).

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 of the USB port 190 can be selectively connected to the counterpart connector by manually displacing the connector cover 192. In addition, an appropriate communication mode is automatically set according to the USB-A_DR connector 180 or the USB-B_DR connector 182 that has been made connectable to the counterpart connector. This greatly contributes to improving the convenience of the image forming apparatus 10, particularly to improving the convenience when using the USB port 190 with the USB dual role function.

[0079] The connector cover 192 in this embodiment is an example of a variable member according to the present disclosure. The cover position detection switch 188 that detects the position of the connector cover 192 is an example of a mode detection means according to the present disclosure. The CPU 110 specifies which of the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 is connectable to the other connector based on the state of the cover position detection switch 188. Such a CPU 110, specifically, the CPU 110 that executes step S5 of the mode setting task (see FIG. 13) and step S103 of the mode switching task (see FIG. 14), is an example of a specification execution means according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the CPU 110 displays a host mode switching notification screen 700 (see FIG. 10) on the display by executing step S105 of the mode switching task, and displays a device mode switching notification screen 200 (see FIG. 5) on the display by executing step S111 of the mode switching task. Such a CPU 110 constitutes an example of a notification means in cooperation with the display.

[0080] The present embodiment is a specific example of the present disclosure, and does not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be applied to aspects other than the present embodiment.

[0081] For example, instead of the cover position detection switch 188 as an example of the state detection means, other means such as a photoelectric sensor may be applied as the state detection means.

[0082] Also, instead of connector cover 192 as an example of a transforming member, another appropriate member may be used as the transforming member. In this case, the transforming member may be configured to selectively connect USB-A_DR connector 180 and USB-B_DR connector 182 to the mating connector by changing aspects other than the position, such as its shape or attitude, instead of changing its own position as in connector cover 192.

[0083] Furthermore, instead of the dual-role controller 130, a controller for the host and a controller for the device may be provided, and the controller for the host may be enabled when the USB-A_DR connector 180 is connectable to a mating connector, and the controller for the device may be enabled when the USB-B_DR connector 182 is connectable to a mating connector.

[0084] In addition, in the present embodiment, the USB-A_DR connector 180 and the USB-B_DR connector 182 for the USB dual role function are used alternatively, but the present disclosure can be applied to applications other than the USB dual role function, for example, to configurations unrelated to USB. The present disclosure can also be applied to configurations in which three or more connectors are used alternatively.

[0085] In this embodiment, a multifunction peripheral is taken as an example of the image forming apparatus 10, but the present disclosure can also be applied to image forming apparatuses other than the multifunction peripheral, such as a dedicated copy machine or a dedicated printer machine, etc. Furthermore, the present disclosure can naturally be applied to electronic devices other than image forming apparatuses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10. Image forming device 18 … Input / output section 100 ... Control section 110...CPU 130 ... Dual Role Controller 180 … USB-A_DR connector 182 … USB-B_DR connector 188 … Cover position detection switch 190 … USB port 192 … Connector cover 200 … Device mode switching notification screen 700 ... Host mode switching notification screen

Claims

1. A plurality of connectors provided at different positions; a selective connection enabling means for selectively connecting the plurality of connectors to a mating connector; a valid connector identifying means for identifying a valid connector that is made connectable to the mating connector by the alternative connection enabling means among the plurality of connectors; and An electronic device comprising a communication mode setting means for setting a communication mode according to the effective connector.

2. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the selective connection enabling means includes a transforming member that itself transforms to enable the plurality of connectors to be selectively connected to the mating connector.

3. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the valid connector identifying means includes: a state detecting means for detecting a state of the deformable member; and an identifying means for identifying the valid connector based on a detection result by the state detecting means.

4. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connectors include a USB Type-A connector and a USB Type-B connector.

5. 5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the communication mode setting means includes a dual-role controller capable of supporting both a host mode, which is the communication mode in which communication is performed via the USB Type-A connector, and a device mode, which is the communication mode in which communication is performed via the USB Type-B connector, and sets the host mode as the communication mode when the effective connector is the USB Type-A connector, and sets the device mode as the communication mode when the effective connector is the USB Type-B connector.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user that the communication mode has been changed when the communication mode has been changed.

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