Image processing device

Abstract

This suppresses a decrease in communication speed between the USB communication control unit 120 and the image processing control board 15. [Solution] The image processing device 1 comprises a USB communication control unit 120, an image processing control board 15 that causes an image processing unit 16 to perform image processing based on data received from the USB communication control unit 120, a USB port 17 to which a USB memory 2 is connected, and a USB hub 14 provided inside the image processing device 1 to which the USB communication control unit 120, the image processing control board 15 and the USB port 17 are connected. The USB hub 14 has a first hub 144 that performs communication using USB 3.X and a second hub 145 that performs communication using USB 2.0. When the image processing unit 16 performs image processing, if predetermined conditions related to image processing are met, the USB communication control unit 120 connects the second hub 145 and the USB port 17 and communicates with the image processing control board 15 via the first hub 144.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for performing USB communication in an apparatus are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus in which a recording unit and a memory card RM unit are connected to a USB host control unit, and the USB host control unit performs USB communication with the recording unit and the memory card RM unit. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus that prioritizes either processing of the recording unit or processing of the memory card RW unit for execution. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-064338 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] For example, in an apparatus in which a USB host control unit communicates with a plurality of units such as a recording unit and a memory card RW unit, it is required to prioritize communication between the prioritized unit and the USB host control unit, while maintaining a communicable state for communication between the non-prioritized unit and the USB host control unit. In this case, when communication between the non-prioritized unit and the USB host control unit is performed, there has been a risk that the speed of communication between the prioritized unit and the USB host control unit may decrease. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] One embodiment for solving the above problem is an image processing device comprising: an image processing unit; a USB communication control unit for controlling USB communication; an image processing control unit for causing the image processing unit to perform image processing based on data received from the USB communication control unit; a connection unit to which an external USB device is connected; and a USB hub provided inside the image processing device, to which the USB communication control unit, the image processing control unit, and the connection unit are connected in a USB communication manner, wherein the USB hub comprises a first hub that performs communication according to a first USB communication standard and a second hub that performs communication according to a second USB communication standard with a slower communication speed than the first USB communication standard, and the USB communication control unit, when the image processing unit performs image processing and predetermined conditions related to image processing are met, connects the second hub and the connection unit to communicate and communicates with the image processing control unit via the first hub. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing device. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of a USB hub. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating the operation of an image processing device. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] [1. Image Processing Device Configuration] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing device 1. Image processing device 1 is a device that performs image processing on a medium, and is a printing device, a scanner, or a multifunction device having both printing and scanning functions.

[0008] The image processing device 1 comprises a control board 10, a display unit 11, an input unit 12, a communication unit 13, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) hub 14, an image processing control board 15, an image processing unit 16, and a USB port 17. The image processing control board 15 is an example of an "image processing control unit". The USB port 17 is an example of a "connection unit".

[0009] First, the display unit 11, input unit 12, communication unit 13, and USB hub 14 will be described. The display unit 11 is equipped with a display and displays various information on the display according to the control of the control board 10. The input unit 12 is equipped with input means such as operation switches and touch panels provided on the image processing device 1, receives instructions from the user via the input means, and outputs a signal indicating the received instruction to the control board. The communication unit 13 is equipped with hardware such as communication circuits and communicates with external devices of the image processing device 1. The USB hub 14 is installed inside the image processing device 1 and functions as a relay device in USB communication. Details of the USB hub 14 will be described later with reference to Figure 2.

[0010] The control board 10 is a board that controls each part of the image processing device 1. The display unit 11, the input unit 12, and the USB hub 14 are connected to the control board 10. The control board 10 includes a control unit 110 and a USB communication control unit 120.

[0011] The control unit 110 comprises a first processor 111 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a first memory 112, and a first interface circuit 113 for connecting other devices and sensors. The display unit 11, input unit 12, communication unit 13, and the second interface circuit 123 of the USB communication control unit 120 are connected to the first interface circuit 113. The control unit 110 performs various operations when the first processor 111 executes a first control program 112A.

[0012] The first memory 112 is a device for storing programs and data. The first memory 112 stores the first control program 112A and data processed by the first processor 111. The first memory 112 has a non-volatile storage area. The first memory 112 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes the work area of ​​the first processor 111. The first memory 112 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0013] The first processor 111 functions as a notification unit 111A and a reception unit 111B by reading and executing the first control program 112A.

[0014] The notification unit 111A notifies predetermined information via the display unit 11. The information notified by the notification unit 111A will be described later.

[0015] The reception unit 111B receives instructions entered by the user via the input unit 12.

[0016] The USB communication control unit 120 includes a second processor 121 such as a CPU, a second memory 122, and a second interface circuit 123 for connecting other devices and sensors, and operates as a USB host. The USB hub 14 and the first interface circuit 113 of the control unit 110 are connected to the second interface circuit 123. The USB communication control unit 120 performs various operations when the second processor 121 executes the second control program 122A.

[0017] The second memory 122 is a device for storing programs and data. The second memory 122 stores the second control program 122A and data processed by the second processor 121. The second memory 122 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the second memory 122 has a volatile storage area and constitutes the work area of ​​the second processor 121. The second memory 122 is composed of, for example, ROM or RAM.

[0018] The image processing control board 15 is a board that controls the image processing section 16. The image processing control board 15 includes a third processor 151 such as a CPU, a third memory 152, and a third interface circuit 153 for connecting to other devices and sensors. The USB hub 14 and the image processing section 16 are connected to the third interface circuit 153. The image processing control board 15 controls the image processing section 16 and performs communication with the USB hub 14 by causing the third processor 151 to execute a third control program 152A.

[0019] The third memory 152 is a device that stores programs and data. The third memory 152 stores the third control program 152A and data to be processed by the third processor 151. The third memory 152 has a non-volatile storage area. Further, the third memory 152 includes a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the third processor 151. The third memory 152 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0020] The image processing section 16 is connected to the image processing control board 15. When the image processing apparatus 1 is a printing apparatus, the image processing section 16 includes mechanisms related to printing, such as a print head and a conveyance mechanism that conveys a print medium. Further, when the image processing apparatus 1 is a scanner, the image processing section 16 includes mechanisms related to scanning, such as a scan head and a conveyance mechanism that conveys a medium to be read.

[0021] The USB port 17 is a port to which the USB memory 2 can be connected. The USB port 17 of the present embodiment is a port compliant with the USB 3.X communication standard (for example, communication standards such as USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and USB 3.2). FIG. 1 shows a case where the USB memory 2 is connected to the USB port 17. The USB memory 2 is an example of an "external USB device". USB 3.X is an example of a "first USB communication standard".

[0022] [2. Configuration of USB Hub] Next, the configuration of the USB hub 14 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the USB hub 14.

[0023] The USB hub 14 includes an upstream port 141, a first downstream port 142, a second downstream port 143, a first hub 144, and a second hub 145. Second downstream port 143 is an example of a "port".

[0024] The upstream port 141 is an upstream port compliant with the USB 3.X communication standard. The upstream port 141 is connected to the second interface circuit 123 of the USB communication control unit 120 via the first USB communication line L1.

[0025] The first downstream port 142 and the second downstream port 143 are downstream ports compliant with the USB 3.X communication standard. The third interface circuit 153 of the image processing control board 15 is connected to the first downstream port 142 via the second USB communication line L2. The USB port 17 is connected to the second downstream port 143 via the third USB communication line L3.

[0026] The first hub 144 is a controller that performs communication via USB 3.X and is equipped with a processor such as a CPU and memory. The first hub 144 is connected to the upstream port 141, the first downstream port 142, and the second downstream port 143.

[0027] The first hub 144 controls the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the image processing control board 15 by turning the VBUS of the first downstream port 142 on and off. More specifically, the first hub 144 enables USB 3.X communication via the first downstream port 142 by turning on the VBUS of the first downstream port 142. This allows the first hub 144 to establish a communication connection with the image processing control board 15. Note that establishing a communication connection means making it possible to communicate. Furthermore, the first hub 144 disables USB3.X communication via the first downstream port 142 by turning off the VBUS of the first downstream port 142. This disconnects the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the image processing control board 15. Disconnecting the communication connection means making it impossible to communicate.

[0028] The first hub 144 controls the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17 by turning the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 on and off. More specifically, the first hub 144 enables USB 3.X communication via the second downstream port 143 by turning on the VBUS of the second downstream port 143. This allows the first hub 144 to establish a communication connection with the USB port 17. Furthermore, the first hub 144 disables USB3.X communication via the second downstream port 143 by turning off the VBUS on the second downstream port 143. This disconnects the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17.

[0029] The second hub 145 is a controller that performs communication via USB 2.0 and is equipped with a processor such as a CPU and memory. The second hub 145 is connected to the upstream port 141, the first downstream port 142, and the second downstream port 143. USB 2.0 is an example of a "second USB communication standard."

[0030] The second hub 145 communicates with the image processing control board 15 when the VBUS of the first downstream port 142 of the first hub 144 is turned off. In other words, when the VBUS of the first downstream port 142 of the first hub 144 is turned off, USB 2.0 communication via the first downstream port 142 is enabled. Furthermore, the second hub 145 communicates with the USB port 17 when the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is turned off. In other words, when the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is turned off, USB 2.0 communication via the second downstream port 143 is enabled.

[0031] The USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the image processing control board 15 via the first hub 144 when the VBUS of the first downstream port 142 of the first hub 144 is turned on. In other words, when the VBUS of the first downstream port 142 of the first hub 144 is turned on, the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the image processing control board 15 via USB 3.X. The transfer speed in this case is SuperSpeed.

[0032] Furthermore, if the VBUS of the first downstream port 142 of the first hub 144 is off, the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the image processing control board 15 via the second hub 145. In other words, if the VBUS of the first downstream port 142 of the first hub 144 is off, the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the image processing control board 15 via USB 2.0. In this case, the transfer speed is slower than SuperSpeed.

[0033] Furthermore, the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the USB memory 2 via the first hub 144 when the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is turned on. In other words, the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the USB memory 2 via USB3.X when the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is turned on. In this case, the transfer speed is SuperSpeed.

[0034] Furthermore, if the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is off, the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the USB memory 2 via the second hub 145. In other words, if the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is off, the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the USB memory 2 via USB 2.0. In this case, the transfer speed is slower than SuperSpeed.

[0035] [3. Operation] Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing device 1. Note that the explanation of Figure 3 assumes that the VBUS of the first downstream port 142 is turned on.

[0036] The control unit 110 determines whether or not to start image processing by the image processing unit 16 (step SA1).

[0037] Here, we will explain step SA1 by distinguishing between the cases where the image processing device 1 is a printing device (including a multifunction device) and the case where the image processing device 1 is a scanner (including a multifunction device).

[0038] <If it is a printing device> If the image processing device 1 is a printing device, the control unit 110 makes a positive determination in step SA1 when it receives print data from an external device of the image processing device 1 via the communication unit 13. The print data includes image data, print conditions including print resolution and print media size, and control commands compliant with the command system of the image processing device 1. If the control unit 110 makes a positive determination in step SA1 upon receiving the print data, it transmits the received print data to the USB communication control unit 120. Print resolution is an example of "image processing resolution."

[0039] Furthermore, if the image processing device 1 is a printing device, the control unit 110 makes a positive determination in step SA1 when the receiving unit 111B receives a print start instruction. If the control unit 110 makes a positive determination in step SA1 because the receiving unit 111B has received a print start instruction, it generates print data and transmits the generated print data to the USB communication control unit 120.

[0040] Furthermore, when sending print data, if print priority is enabled, the control unit 110 sends a message to the USB communication control unit 120 indicating that print priority is enabled, along with the print data. Print priority is a setting that prioritizes printing over other processes.

[0041] <If using a scanner> If the image processing device 1 is a scanner, the control unit 110 makes a positive determination in step SA1 when it receives scan start instruction data from an external device of the image processing device 1 via the communication unit 13. The scan start instruction data is data that instructs the start of scanning and includes scan conditions such as scan resolution. If the control unit 110 makes a positive determination in step SA1 upon receiving the scan start instruction data, it transmits the received scan start data to the USB communication control unit 120. Scan resolution is an example of "image processing resolution."

[0042] Furthermore, if the image processing device 1 is a scanner, the control unit 110 makes a positive determination in step SA1 when the reception unit 111B receives a scan start instruction. When the control unit 110 makes a positive determination in step SA1 because the reception unit 111B has received a scan start instruction, it generates scan start instruction data and transmits the generated scan start instruction data to the USB communication control unit 120.

[0043] When transmitting the scan start instruction data, the control unit 110 transmits size data indicating the size of the medium acquired by a sensor (not shown) to the USB communication control unit 120. Furthermore, when sending scan start instruction data, if scan priority settings are enabled, the control unit 110 sends a message to the USB communication control unit 120 indicating that scan priority settings are enabled, along with the scan start instruction data. Scan priority settings are settings that prioritize scanning over other processes.

[0044] If the control unit 110 determines to start image processing (step SA1: YES), the USB communication control unit 120 determines whether or not predetermined conditions related to image processing are met (step SA2).

[0045] Here, we will provide several examples of predetermined conditions related to image processing, distinguishing between cases where the image processing device 1 is a printing device and cases where it is a scanner.

[0046] <If it is a printing device> If the image processing device 1 is a printing device, for example, a predetermined condition regarding image processing is that the print resolution is set to a predetermined resolution or higher. An example of this predetermined resolution is 600 dpi. The USB communication control unit 120 refers to the print data received from the control unit 110 and determines whether the print resolution included in the print conditions is at or above the predetermined resolution. If the print resolution included in the print conditions is at or above the predetermined resolution, the USB communication control unit 120 makes a positive determination in step SA2.

[0047] If the image processing device 1 is a printing device, for example, a predetermined condition for image processing is that the size of the printing medium is set to be greater than or equal to a predetermined size. A3 is one example of this predetermined size. The USB communication control unit 120 refers to the print data received from the control unit 110 and determines whether the size of the printing medium included in the print conditions is greater than or equal to the predetermined size. If the size of the printing medium included in the print conditions is greater than or equal to the predetermined size, the USB communication control unit 120 makes a positive determination in step SA2.

[0048] If the image processing device 1 is a printing device, for example, a predetermined condition regarding image processing is that print priority settings are enabled. When the USB communication control unit 120 receives a message from the control unit 110 indicating that print priority settings are enabled, it makes an affirmative determination in step SA2.

[0049] Three conditions have been given as examples of predetermined conditions for image processing when the image processing device 1 is a printing device. However, the predetermined conditions for image processing when the image processing device 1 is a printing device are not limited to any one of the three conditions, and may be a combination of several of the three conditions.

[0050] <If using a scanner> If the image processing device 1 is a scanner, for example, a predetermined condition regarding image processing is that the scan resolution is set to a predetermined resolution or higher. An example of this predetermined resolution is 600 dpi. The USB communication control unit 120 determines whether the scan resolution included in the scan start instruction data received from the control unit 110 is equal to or higher than the predetermined resolution. If the scan resolution is equal to or higher than the predetermined resolution, the USB communication control unit 120 makes a positive determination in step SA2.

[0051] If the image processing device 1 is a scanner, for example, a predetermined condition for image processing is that the size of the medium being scanned is set to be greater than or equal to a predetermined size. A3 is one example of this predetermined size. The USB communication control unit 120 determines whether the size of the medium indicated by the size data received from the control unit 110 is greater than or equal to the predetermined size. If the size of the medium is greater than or equal to the predetermined size, the USB communication control unit 120 makes a positive determination in step SA2.

[0052] If the image processing device 1 is a scanner, for example, a predetermined condition regarding image processing is that scan priority settings are enabled. When the USB communication control unit 120 receives a message from the control unit 110 indicating that scan priority settings are enabled, it makes an affirmative determination in step SA2.

[0053] Three conditions have been given as examples of predetermined conditions for image processing when the image processing device 1 is a scanner. However, the predetermined conditions for image processing when the image processing device 1 is a scanner are not limited to any one of the three conditions, and may be a combination of several of the three conditions.

[0054] If the USB communication control unit 120 determines in step SA2 that a predetermined condition related to image processing is not met (step SA2: NO), it communicates with the image processing control board 15 (step SA3).

[0055] Step SA3 will be explained. If the image processing device 1 is a printing device, the USB communication control unit 120 transmits the print data received from the control unit 110 to the image processing control board 15 via the first hub 144. Furthermore, if the image processing device 1 is a scanner, the USB communication control unit 120 transmits scan start instruction data to the image processing control board 15 via the first hub 144 and receives scan data from the image processing control board 15 via the first hub 144. Scan data refers to the read data obtained through scanning.

[0056] Returning to the explanation of step SA2, if the USB communication control unit 120 determines that a predetermined condition regarding image processing is met (step SA2: YES), it determines whether the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is on or off (step SA4). The USB communication control unit 120 may also perform the determination in step SA4 by querying the first hub 144 about the on / off status of the VBUS. Alternatively, the USB communication control unit 120 may manage the on / off status of the VBUS in the second memory 122 and perform the determination in step SA4 based on the managed on / off status.

[0057] If the USB communication control unit 120 determines that the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is turned off (step SA4: off), it communicates with the image processing control board 15 (step SA5).

[0058] Step SA5 will be explained. In step SA5, communication is performed using the USB 3.X communication standard, similar to step SA3. In step SA5, the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17 is disconnected. On the other hand, in step SA5, the second hub 145 and the USB port 17 are connected for communication. Therefore, during communication in step SA5, when the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the USB memory 2, it does so via the second hub 145.

[0059] Returning to the explanation of step SA4, if the USB communication control unit 120 determines that the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is turned on (step SA4: On), the notification unit 111A displays the inquiry screen G on the display unit 11 (step SA6). Note that the notification unit 111A performs the process of step SA6 when it receives confirmation from the USB communication control unit 120 that it made an affirmative determination in step SA4.

[0060] Figure 4 shows an example of the inquiry screen G. Inquiry screen G is a screen that asks whether or not to prioritize image processing. Figure 4 shows an example of inquiry screen G when the image processing device 1 is a printing device.

[0061] The inquiry screen G displays information J1 indicating the content of the inquiry. In Figure 4, information J1 is the string "Do you want to prioritize printing and print at high speed?". If the image processing device 1 is a scanner, for example, information J1 is the string "Do you want to prioritize scanning and scan at high speed?".

[0062] Inquiry screen G displays the first button B1 and the second button B2. The first button B1 is a software button that accepts instructions from the user to prioritize image processing. The first button B1 shown in Figure 4 is a software button that accepts instructions from the user to prioritize printing. The second button B2 is a software button that accepts instructions from the user not to prioritize image processing. The second button B2 shown in Figure 4 is a software button that accepts instructions from the user to prioritize printing.

[0063] When the first button B1 is pressed, the reception unit 111B receives an instruction to prioritize image processing. When the reception unit 111B receives an instruction to prioritize image processing, it transmits a message to the USB communication control unit 120 indicating that it has received the instruction to prioritize image processing. Furthermore, when the second button B2 is pressed, the reception unit 111B receives an instruction not to prioritize image processing. When the reception unit 111B receives an instruction not to prioritize image processing, it transmits a message to the USB communication control unit 120 indicating that it has received such an instruction.

[0064] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 3, the USB communication control unit 120 determines whether or not the receiving unit 111B has received an instruction to prioritize image processing (step SA7).

[0065] If the USB communication control unit 120 determines that the reception unit 111B has received an instruction to prioritize image processing (step SA7: YES), it turns off the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 (step SA8). In other words, the USB communication control unit 120 disconnects the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17, and establishes a communication connection between the second hub 145 and the USB port 17. In step SA8, the USB communication control unit 120 turns off the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 by sending an instruction to the first hub 144 to turn off the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144.

[0066] When the USB communication control unit 120 turns off the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144, it communicates with the image processing control board 15 (step SA9).

[0067] Step SA9 will be explained. In step SA9, communication is performed using the USB 3.X communication standard, similar to step SA3. In step SA9, the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17 is disconnected. On the other hand, in step SA9, the second hub 145 and the USB port 17 are connected for communication. Therefore, during communication in step SA9, when the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the USB memory 2, it does so via the second hub 145.

[0068] Returning to the explanation of step SA7, if the USB communication control unit 120 determines that the reception unit 111B has not received an instruction to prioritize image processing (step SA7: NO), it communicates with the image processing control board 15 (step SA10).

[0069] Step SA10 will be explained. In step SA10, communication is performed using the USB 3.X communication standard, similar to step SA3. In step SA10, the first hub 144 and the USB port 17 are connected for communication. Therefore, during communication in step SA10, the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the USB memory 2 via the first hub 144 when communicating with the USB memory 2.

[0070] [4. Structure and Effects] As described above, the image processing device 1 includes an image processing unit 16. The image processing device 1 also includes a USB communication control unit 120 that controls USB communication. The image processing device 1 also includes an image processing control board 15 that causes the image processing unit 16 to perform image processing based on data received from the USB communication control unit 120. The image processing device 1 also includes a USB port to which a USB memory 2 is connected. The image processing device 1 also includes a USB hub 14 located inside the image processing device 1, to which the USB communication control unit 120, the image processing control board 15, and the USB port 17 are connected via USB communication. The USB hub 14 has a first hub 144 that performs communication using USB 3.X and a second hub 145 that performs communication using USB 2.0, which has a slower communication speed than USB 3.X. When the image processing unit 16 performs image processing, if predetermined conditions related to image processing are met, the USB communication control unit 120 connects the second hub 145 and the USB port 17 and communicates with the image processing control board 15 via the first hub 144.

[0071] As a result, when predetermined conditions are met during image processing, the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the image processing control board 15 using USB3.X, and when communicating with the USB memory 2, it communicates with the USB memory 2 using USB2.0. In this way, by being able to switch between USB3.X and USB2.0, it is possible to communicate between the USB communication control unit 120 and the USB memory 2 while suppressing a decrease in the data communication speed related to image processing between the USB communication control unit 120 and the image processing control board 15. Furthermore, since the USB communication control unit 120 and the image processing control board 15 communicate using USB3.X, data related to image processing can be communicated at SuperSpeed. Therefore, the image processing device 1 can perform image processing at high speed.

[0072] The USB communication control unit 120 disconnects the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17 when the image processing unit 16 performs image processing and predetermined conditions related to image processing are met.

[0073] As a result, when the USB communication control unit 120 communicates with the USB memory 2 during image processing, it does not communicate via USB port 17 and USB3.X. Therefore, since the USB communication control unit 120 does not communicate via USB3.X simultaneously with the image processing control board 15 and the USB memory 2, it is possible to prevent the USB3.X communication bandwidth from becoming congested. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the communication speed between the USB communication control unit 120 and the image processing control board 15, and thus prevent a decrease in the image processing speed.

[0074] The image processing device 1 includes a notification unit 111A and a receiving unit 111B that receives instructions. When the image processing unit 16 performs image processing, if the first hub 144 and the USB port 17 are in a communication connection and predetermined conditions related to image processing are met, the notification unit 111A notifies whether or not to prioritize image processing. After notification by the notification unit 111A, if the receiving unit 111B receives an instruction to prioritize image processing, the USB communication control unit 120 disconnects the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17, and establishes a communication connection between the second hub 145 and the USB port 17.

[0075] This allows the system to disconnect the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17, and reconnect the communication connection between the second hub 145 and the USB port 17, if the user desires to prioritize image processing. As a result, communication with the USB memory 2 can be performed while suppressing a decrease in speed.

[0076] The USB hub 14 has a second downstream port 143 that connects to the USB port 17. The USB communication control unit 120 disconnects the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17 by turning off the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144, and also establishes a communication connection between the second hub 145 and the USB port 17.

[0077] This allows switching between USB 3.X and USB 2.0 by turning off the VBUS on the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144.

[0078] The predetermined conditions for image processing are at least one of the following: the resolution of the image processing is set to a predetermined resolution or higher, and the size of the medium on which the image processing is performed is set to a predetermined size or higher.

[0079] This allows data related to image processing to be communicated with the image processing control board 15 without interrupting communication with the USB memory 2, even when the processing load for image processing is high.

[0080] The specified condition for image processing is that the system is set to prioritize image processing over other processing methods.

[0081] This allows you to prioritize image processing while maintaining communication with USB memory 2, and suppressing the reduction in data transfer speed related to image processing.

[0082] [5. Other Embodiments] The embodiments described above represent only one aspect and can be modified and applied as needed.

[0083] In the embodiment described above, the case in which the notification mode of the notification unit 111A is a display was illustrated. However, the notification mode of the notification unit 111A is not limited to a display and may be other modes such as sound.

[0084] In the embodiment described above, the notification unit 111A provides notification when the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 is on and predetermined conditions are met when the image processing unit 16 performs image processing. In other embodiments, the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144 may be turned off without the notification unit 111A providing notification. In this other embodiment, the image processing device 1 does not need to include the notification unit 111A and the reception unit 111B as functional units. Also in this other embodiment, if the image processing device 1 makes an affirmative determination in step SA4, it may perform the processing in steps SA8 and SA9 without performing the processing in step SA7.

[0085] In the embodiments described above, the USB hub 14 is shown as having two downstream ports. However, the number of downstream ports that the USB hub 14 has is not limited to two, and may be three or more. In other embodiments, the image processing device 1 may have multiple USB ports 17.

[0086] In the embodiment described above, the communication connection between the first hub 144 and the USB port 17 is disconnected by turning off the VBUS of the second downstream port 143 of the first hub 144, and a communication connection is established between the second hub 145 and the USB port 17. In other embodiments, instead of turning off the VBUS, the USB communication control unit 120 may instruct the first hub 144 not to communicate with the USB port 17 and the second hub 145 to communicate with the USB port 17.

[0087] In the embodiments described above, USB 3.X was used as an example of the "first USB communication standard" and USB 2.0 as an example of the "second USB communication standard." However, the "first USB communication standard" is not limited to USB 3.X; any standard with a faster communication speed than the "second USB communication standard" is acceptable. Also, the "second USB communication standard" is not limited to USB 2.0; any standard with a slower communication speed than the "first USB communication standard" is acceptable.

[0088] In the embodiment described above, a USB memory stick 2 was used as an example of an "external USB device." However, the "external USB device" is not limited to a USB memory stick 2; it can be any USB device that is connected externally to the image processing device 1.

[0089] The embodiments described above illustrate cases where the "image processing device" is a printing device or a scanner. In other embodiments, the "image processing device" may be a multifunction device having both printing and scanning functions. In this case, the USB hub 14 is connected to an image processing control board 15 corresponding to the printing function and an image processing control board 15 corresponding to the scanning function.

[0090] In other embodiments, the first processor 111, the second processor 121, and the third processor 151 may be composed of multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0091] The parts of the image processing device 1 shown in Figure 1 are examples and are not particularly limited. It is not necessarily required that each part be individually equipped with corresponding hardware; it is certainly possible to configure the device so that a single processor executes programs to realize the functions of each part. Some functions implemented by software may also be implemented by hardware, and vice versa. Furthermore, the specific details of the configuration of other parts of the image processing device 1 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0092] The operation steps shown in Figure 3 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding the operation of each part of the image processing device 1, and are not limited by the way the processing units are divided or their names. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more steps. It may also be divided so that one step unit contains even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1…Image processing device, 2…USB memory (external USB device), 10…Control board, 11…Display unit, 12…Input unit, 13…Communication unit, 14…USB hub, 15…Image processing control board (image processing control unit), 16…Image processing unit, 17…USB port (connection unit), 110…Control unit, 111…First processor, 111A…Notification unit, 111B…Reception unit, 112…First memory, 112A…First control program, 113…First interface circuit, 120…USB communication control unit, 121…Second processor, 122…Second memory, 1 22A...Second control program, 123...Second interface circuit, 141...Upstream port, 142...First downstream port, 143...Second downstream port (port), 144...First hub, 145...Second hub, 151...Third processor, 152...Third memory, 152A...Third control program, 153...Third interface circuit, B1...First button, B2...Second button, G...Inquiry screen, J1...Information, L1...First USB communication line, L2...Second USB communication line, L3...Third USB communication line.

Claims

1. Image processing unit, A USB communication control unit that controls USB communication, An image processing control unit that causes the image processing unit to perform image processing based on data received from the USB communication control unit, The connector where an external USB device is connected, The image processing apparatus includes a USB hub located inside the image processing apparatus, to which the USB communication control unit, the image processing control unit, and the connection unit are connected via USB communication. The USB hub comprises a first hub that performs communication according to a first USB communication standard, and a second hub that performs communication according to a second USB communication standard with a slower communication speed than the first USB communication standard. The USB communication control unit is, When the aforementioned image processing unit performs image processing, if predetermined conditions related to image processing are met, The second hub and the connection unit are connected via communication, and the first hub communicates with the image processing control unit. Image processing device.

2. The USB communication control unit is, When the image processing unit performs image processing, if the predetermined conditions are met, To disconnect the communication connection between the first hub and the connection part, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. It is equipped with a notification department and a reception department that receives instructions, When the image processing unit performs image processing, if the first hub and the connection unit are in a communication connection state and the predetermined conditions are met, The aforementioned notification unit notifies whether or not to prioritize image processing, If the receiving unit receives an instruction to prioritize image processing after notification by the notification unit, The USB communication control unit is, The communication connection between the first hub and the connection part is disconnected, and the communication connection between the second hub and the connection part is established. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The USB hub has a port that connects to the connection unit, The USB communication control unit is, By turning off the VBUS of the port of the first hub, the communication connection between the first hub and the connection unit is disconnected, and the communication connection between the second hub and the connection unit is restored. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned predetermined conditions are at least one of the following: the resolution of the image processing is set to a predetermined resolution or higher, and the size of the medium on which the image processing is performed is set to a predetermined size or higher. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the settings are configured to prioritize image processing over other processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned first USB communication standard is USB 3.X. The second USB communication standard mentioned above is USB 2.

0. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

Images