JPH11282790A - Information processing module and information processor using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely allow an expansion and change of a function by notifying other modules of identification information about a self-module, and on the other hand, deciding the existence of changes of a module configuration based on the identification information if any from the other modules. SOLUTION: Information processing modules M1 to M4 respectively notify other modules of identification information about self-modules in a prescribed timing, and on the other hand, they decide the existence of a change of a module configuration in an information processor 1 based on the identification information if any from other modules. That is, when there is a change of a module configuration in the processor 1, it is recognized by each information processing module M1 to M4 in a prescribed timing. Furthermore, because identification information is exchanged for recognition among the modules M1 to M4 in such a case, they respectively work with one another and operate based on the exchanged identification information even if there is the change of the module configuration.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing module having an information processing function and an information processing apparatus provided with the information processing module, and more particularly to an information processing module and an information processing apparatus for processing image data. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information processing apparatus for performing processing on image data is configured by modularizing functions necessary for the processing and arbitrarily combining a plurality of modules (hereinafter, referred to as information processing modules). Is widely known. For example, a multifunction peripheral having a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile (FAX) function includes an image reading module for reading image data, an image forming module for visualizing the image data, and an image data processing apparatus via a public line network. Is configured by a combination of a facsimile module and the like for exchanging the information. In addition, some printer apparatuses are configured such that an interface function for exchanging image data with the outside and a control function of a printer engine (image formation) are modularized as one electronic board.

In these information processing apparatuses, by combining a plurality of information processing modules, even if a function expansion or a function change is required, a new information processing module can be added or a part thereof can be added. By exchanging the information processing module, it is possible to easily cope with a function expansion or a function change.

By the way, each information processing module constituting the information processing apparatus operates in conjunction with another information processing module, thereby realizing a processing function as the information processing apparatus. Therefore, when an information processing module is added or replaced (hereinafter, referred to as a change in module configuration), each information processing module (including an added or replaced information processing module) has a function, performance, etc. You need to know. For this reason, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-24090, when there is a change in the module configuration, downloading of data of an information processing module added or exchanged to a higher-level device (a personal computer or the like) of the information processing device is performed. There is disclosed a configuration in which, by requesting the information processing module, the interlocking operation between the information processing modules can be reliably performed even after the module configuration is changed.

[0005]

However, in the conventional information processing apparatus described above, in order to cope with a function expansion or a function change, a user of the information processing apparatus or a higher-level apparatus adds or replaces an information processing module. Complicated hardware settings and GUI (Graphical User Int.)
erface) etc. must be set. In other words, in the conventional information processing device, if there is a change in the module configuration, a complicated operation by the user is required.
The burden on the user is increased, and as a result, function expansion, function change, and the like may not be easily performed.

On the other hand, it is conceivable that the negotiation between the information processing modules is automatically performed every time the information processing apparatus is started (power is turned on, etc.), thereby reducing the burden on the user. However, in this case, the negotiation is performed without adding or replacing the information processing module, so that much time is required to start up the information processing apparatus, and as a result, rapid processing cannot be performed. Also, in recent years, there is an information processing module that can be added or replaced even during the operation of the information processing apparatus (even when the power is not turned off). It is not possible to reliably respond to changes and the like.

Accordingly, the present invention is to easily and reliably cope with a function expansion or a function change without requiring any operation by a user, and without spending much time at the time of startup. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing module and an information processing device that can perform the processing.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an information processing module devised to achieve the above object, comprising a plurality of information processing modules connected to each other and used in an information processing apparatus. A non-volatile storage unit that stores identification information of the own module and identification information of another module connected to the own module, and that stores the identification information of the own module stored in the storage unit. A notifying unit for notifying another module, an obtaining unit for obtaining identification information notified from the other module, and comparing the identification information obtained by the obtaining unit with the identification information of the other module stored in the storage unit. And a recognizing means for recognizing that the module configuration of the other module has been changed if they do not match. It is an.

According to the information processing module having the above configuration,
The notifying unit notifies the other module of the identification information of the own module, and when there is a notification of the identification information from the other module, the acquiring unit acquires the identification information. And
When the identification information is obtained, based on the obtained identification information,
The recognizing means determines whether the module configuration in the information processing device has been changed. Therefore, in this information processing module, if there is a change in the module configuration in the information processing apparatus, the change is recognized by the recognition unit. In addition, since this recognition is performed based on the identification information, if the identification information includes information necessary for performing the interlocking operation between the information processing modules, the setting for enabling the interlocking operation is performed. You do not need to do this. Furthermore, if the timing of recognition is other than at the time of startup, much time is not spent for module configuration recognition at the time of device startup.

Further, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus devised to achieve the above object, characterized by comprising a plurality of the above information processing modules.

In such an information processing apparatus, if there is a change in the module configuration in the information processing apparatus, that change is recognized in each information processing module. Therefore, as in the case described above, there is no need to make settings for enabling the interlocking operation between the information processing modules, and it is not necessary to spend much time for module configuration recognition.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing module and an information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of an information processing module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

First, prior to the description of the information processing module of the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus of the present embodiment, that is, an information processing apparatus including a plurality of information processing modules of the present embodiment will be described. explain. However, in the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral having a copy function, a printer function, and a FAX function will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of information processing modules (a system module M1, an image input module M2,
Image forming module M3 and fax module M4)
And a bus 2 connecting these components to each other. However, each of the information processing modules M1 to M4
May not be connected in a bus type, but may be, for example, connected in a star type, or may be cascade-coupled (series multi-stage connection) as shown in FIG. 2B.

Each of the information processing modules M1 to M4 is composed of an independent unit (such as an electronic board) and has its own information processing function (image data processing function). Each of the information processing modules M1 to M4 is assigned an identification number (“# 0001” to “# 0004” in the figure; hereinafter, referred to as ID) uniquely determined in advance in the information processing apparatus 1. Shall be

Each of the information processing modules M1 to M
4, the system module M1 is the information processing device 1
In order for the MFP to function as a copier, a printer, or a facsimile machine, the operation of the other information processing modules M2 to M4 is controlled, the transfer of image data between the information processing modules M1 to M4 is controlled, or the image data as required. Processing (for example, processing for developing code data into bitmap data) and the like are performed.

The image input module M2 reads an image drawn on a document or the like as image data using a known optical reading technique, and transmits the read image data to the system module M1 for processing. Things. The image forming module M3 outputs image data transmitted from the system module M1 as a visible image on a medium such as a recording sheet by using a well-known electrophotographic technique. The FAX module M4 exchanges image data with a communication partner on the public line network via the public line network in accordance with an instruction from the system module M1.

Next, the information processing modules M1 to M4 constituting the information processing apparatus 1 as described above, that is, the information processing module in the present embodiment will be described.

Each of the information processing modules M1 to M4 has a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. That is, each of the information processing modules M1 to M4
PU (Central Processing Unit) 3 and ROM (Read O
nly Memory) 4 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 5
, Nonvolatile NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 6, and P
A bus interface 7 such as a CI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), a processing unit 8 unique to each module,
It is composed of

Among them, the processing section 8 unique to each module is for realizing an information processing function unique to each of the information processing modules M1 to M4. Forming module M
3 is an image forming apparatus, and the FAX module M4 is a FAX modem.

As described above, each of the information processing modules M1 to M1
M4 is a common part (CPU3, ROM
4, RAM 5, NVRAM 6, and bus interface 7) and non-common parts (processing units 8 unique to each module) individually provided.

Here, each of the information processing modules M1 to M4
Will be described in more detail. Each common part of the information processing modules M1 to M4 has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 1B. That is, a common part of each of the information processing modules M1 to M4 includes the interface unit 11, the control unit 12, and the storage unit 13.

The interface unit 11 is realized by the bus interface 7 and includes the information processing device 1.
It communicates with other information processing modules (hereinafter, referred to as other modules). It is assumed that the interface unit 11 uses a general interface (Ethernet network interface, IEEE1394, USB, or the like) that can be hot-plugged.

In the interface section 11, when performing communication with another module, a method of transmitting without specifying a communication destination (broadcast) and a method of transmitting by specifying a communication destination (normal transmission) Method). However, in any case, the ID of the information processing module itself (hereinafter, referred to as its own module) is added when transmitting to another module. It goes without saying that not only transmission but also reception is supported in the same manner.

The control unit 12 is realized by a combination of the CPU 3, the ROM 4, the RAM 5, and the like, and controls the entire module. This control unit 1
2 includes, for example, recognition of a module configuration in the information processing apparatus 1 which will be described in detail later, and initialization for making the own module operable and enabling an interlocking operation with another module. Processing (initialization).

The storage unit 13 is realized by the NVRAM 6 and stores information on a module configuration in the information processing apparatus 1 (hereinafter, referred to as identification information) and startup parameters necessary for initialization processing. Is what it is. For this purpose, the storage unit 13 has a module configuration storage area 13a and a startup parameter storage area 13b. The storage unit 13 may be a hard disk or the like instead of the NVRAM as long as the storage unit 13 includes a nonvolatile storage device.

The identification information stored in the module configuration storage area 13a includes identification information of the own module,
There is identification information on all other modules in the information processing device 1. However, the identification information of the own module may be stored in another part (for example, in the ROM 4) of the own module, not in the module configuration storage area 13a.

The identification information of the own module includes an ID assigned to the own module and module information of the own module. The module information includes resource information (such as the type of the processing unit 8 unique to each module, the RAM 5
And information on the performance of the bus interface 7, etc.), and setting information necessary for utilizing the functions and performances (information for designating the priority when processing requests conflict, and performing communication) , Etc. relating to the timer value used for the

The identification information on the other modules includes IDs assigned to all other modules in the information processing apparatus 1 and module information on all other modules. Further, the identification information about the other module includes a management table for the module configuration of the other module, which will be described in detail later.

On the other hand, the start-up parameters stored in the start-up parameter storage area 13b are used to determine what kind of operation the own module performs after the start-up, and are used when the control unit 12 performs the initialization processing. It is the information which becomes. The startup parameter is determined by the control unit 12 based on the identification information stored in the module configuration storage area 13a according to the module configuration and the functions and performances of other modules. For this purpose, in the control unit 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the correspondence between the module configuration of another module and the activation parameter is set in advance.

Next, examples of processing operations in the information processing apparatus 1 as described above, more specifically, examples of operations in the information processing modules M1 to M4 constituting the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. It will be described with reference to FIG.

Each of the information processing modules M1 to M4, when the information processing apparatus 1 is powered on or the like, makes its own module operable and can operate in conjunction with other modules as shown in FIG. (Step 101; hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S). However, at this time, it is assumed that the module configuration storage area 13a and the activation parameter storage area 13b of the storage unit 13 already store some identification information and activation parameters (for example, identification information and activation parameters from the previous processing). I do. Therefore, in each of the information processing modules M1 to M4, based on the activation parameters stored in the activation parameter storage area 13b at that time,
The control unit 12 performs an initialization process.

When the initialization process is completed and the start of the own module is completed, the control unit 12 of each of the information processing modules M1 to M4 next broadcasts the ID of the own module to all other modules by broadcasting. Notification is made (S102). Then, the control unit 12 starts normal processing using the function of the processing unit 8 unique to each module (S103). The normal processing refers to processing for realizing the functions expected by the information processing modules M1 to M4. For example, in the case of the image forming module M3,
This includes waiting for reception of image data and output processing on a medium.

However, the control unit 12 receives an “information request notification” from another module at a predetermined timing during the normal processing, specifically, at regular intervals regulated by a timer or the like. It is determined whether or not (S10
4). The “information request notification” is a command for requesting notification of module information. Upon receiving the "information request notification", the control unit 12 notifies the requested module of the module information of the own module via the interface unit 11 (S105).

Subsequently, the control section 12 determines whether or not there is a message of "preparing for initialization" from another module (S106). The “initialization preparation” message is a command that functions as change information indicating that the module configuration has been changed in the information processing apparatus 1, and indicates that reinitialization processing is necessary for that. Command. If there is no message “preparing for initialization”, the control unit 12 executes “communication processing 1” (S200). On the other hand, when there is a message “preparing for initialization”, the control unit 12 executes “communication processing 2” (S2).
300).

Here, first, regarding “communication processing 1”,
explain in detail. The “communication processing 1” searches for another module that is currently connected, and based on the module configuration at that time and the module configuration based on the identification information stored in the module configuration storage area 13a (for example, the module configuration in the previous processing). This is a process for determining whether or not there is a change.

In executing “communication processing 1”,
As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 12 first notifies all other modules of an "information request notification" by broadcast (S201). When the module information is returned from each module as a response to the “information request notification”, the module information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 13.
(S202). This is continued until a preset fixed time elapses (S203).

At this time, the storage unit 13 manages module information from another module in the module configuration storage area 13a using a management table as shown in FIG. According to this management table, “module ID”, “existence flag”,
Three items of "new flag" are provided to manage the already connected other module and the newly connected other module. For example, for other modules connected to the own module, the value “TRUE” is assigned to the “existence flag” item, and for new ones, the value “TR” is further added to the “new flag” item.
UE "is assigned.

More specifically, other modules (a system module M1, an image input module M) as shown in FIG.
2 and the image forming module M3) in FIG.
When the deletion of the image input module M2 and the addition of the FAX module M4 are performed as shown in (b), the management table in the module configuration storage area 13a stores the information shown in FIG.
The content shown in FIG. 8A is updated as shown in FIG.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, when a certain period of time has passed since the notification of the "information request notification" to another module (S203), the control unit 12 searches the management table in the module configuration storage area 13a. Then, it is determined whether there is a new module (another module whose “new flag” is “TRUE”) (S204). For example, FIG.
In the example of (b), the FAX module M4 (ID
It is determined that “# 0004”) is a new module.

If the new module does not exist, the control unit 12 then searches the module configuration storage area 13a and finds a module that does not exist at that time (another module whose "existence flag" is "FALSE"). It is determined whether or not there is (S205). For example, in the example of FIG. 8B, it is determined that the image input module M2 (ID “# 0002”) does not exist.

As a result of these determinations, if there is no new module or no non-existent module, the control unit 12 recognizes that the module configuration has not been changed, terminates the "communication processing 1", and returns to the state shown in FIG. Until the normal processing is completed (S107), the normal processing and the confirmation of the command reception from another module are repeated. At this time, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the normal processing has ended,
It is determined whether a failure (error, hardware trouble, etc.) has occurred in the own module, and if a failure has occurred, the normal processing in the own module is terminated.

However, if there is at least one new module or a module that does not exist, the control unit 12
Recognizing that there has been a change in the module configuration of the other module, as shown in FIG. 5, a broadcast message of "preparing for initialization" is sent to all other modules via the interface unit 11 (S206). It informs other modules that initialization processing for enabling interlocking operation needs to be performed again.

After notifying the message of “preparing for initialization”, the control unit 12 subsequently sends the module information returned from each module as a response to the “information request notification”, that is, the module information of the other modules after the module configuration change. The identification information is stored in the module configuration storage area 13 in place of the identification information of another module stored before. Accordingly, the module configuration storage area 1
3 is also updated (see FIG. 9). Then, based on the identification information of the other module newly stored in the module configuration storage area 13, a startup parameter corresponding to the identification information is determined as a startup parameter for performing the initialization process again, and this is already determined. Boot parameter storage area 14 instead of stored boot parameters
(S207).

When the start parameters are determined, the control unit 12
Notifies the other module after the module configuration change (the module whose “existence flag” is TRUE) of a “initialization start” message (S208). The “initialization start” message is a command for instructing execution of the reinitialization process. However, it is assumed that the message of “initialization start” is added with the module information of the own module, the module information of another module after the module configuration change, and the IDs thereof. In other words, the message "initialization started"
The identification information of the own module and other modules after the module configuration change is included.

When the message of “initialization start” is notified, the control unit 12
Again, based on the startup parameters stored in
The initialization process for the own module is started (S101 in FIG. 4), and thereafter, the above-described steps are repeated.

The "communication process 2" is performed as follows with respect to the "communication process 1". "Communication processing 2"
Is a process in a case where the module configuration has been changed and messages of “initialization preparation” and “initialization start” have been notified from another module.

In executing “communication processing 2”,
As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 12 first determines whether or not an “information request notification” has been received from another module that has notified the “initialization preparation” message (S301).
This is repeated until the “information request notification” is received. When receiving the “information request notification”, the control unit 12 sends the “information request notification” to the other modules that have notified the “information request notification”.
Module information and ID of own module
Transmission via the interface unit 11 (S30
2).

When the module information and ID are transmitted,
The control unit 12 determines whether or not a “initialization start” message has been received from another module corresponding to the transmission (S303). Then, when the message of “initialization start” is received, the control unit 12 sets the “initialization start”.
Is stored in the module configuration storage area 13 in place of the identification information about the other module included in the message of the above (S304). Accordingly, the management table in the module configuration storage area 13 is also updated.

After that, based on the identification information about the other module newly stored in the module configuration storage area 13, the control unit 12 starts up the startup parameter corresponding to the identification information when performing the initialization process again. The parameter is determined as a parameter, and is stored in the boot parameter storage area 14 in place of the boot parameter already stored (S3).
05). Then, based on the startup parameters stored in the startup parameter storage area 14, the initialization processing for the own module is started again (S1 in FIG. 4).
01) Hereinafter, the above steps are repeated.

As described above, each of the information processing modules M1 to M4 in the present embodiment notifies the identification information of its own module to the other module at a predetermined timing, as in the first aspect of the present invention. When the identification information is notified from another module, it is determined whether or not the module configuration in the information processing apparatus 1 has been changed based on the identification information. Therefore, when there is a change in the module configuration in the information processing apparatus 1, the change is recognized in each of the information processing modules M1 to M4 at a predetermined timing. In addition, at this time, the identification information is transmitted and received among the information processing modules M1 to M4 for their recognition. Therefore, even if the module configuration is changed, each of the information processing modules M1 to M4 interlocks based on the transmitted and received identification information. To work. Therefore, if the information processing modules M1 to M4 according to the present embodiment are used, a complicated operation or the like by the user can be made unnecessary even if the module configuration is changed. That is, since the burden on the user does not increase, it is possible to easily cope with a function expansion, a function change, or the like of the information processing apparatus 1.

Further, each of the information processing modules M1 to M4
In the above, the recognition of the change in the module configuration is performed at a predetermined timing after the information processing apparatus 1 is once activated. Therefore, a lot of time is not spent for module configuration recognition at the time of device startup,
It becomes possible to cope with a case where the module configuration is changed after the apparatus is started. That is, by using the information processing modules M1 to M4 in the present embodiment, a quick start-up process can be realized, and it is possible to reliably cope with a function expansion or a function change of the information processing apparatus 1. .

When the information processing modules M1 to M4 of the present embodiment recognize the change of the module configuration as in the second aspect of the present invention, the module configuration storage area 13 of the storage unit 13 stores the recognition of the change. The underlying identification information,
This is stored in place of the already stored identification information of the other module. That is, every time the module configuration is changed, the identification information of the other module in the module configuration storage area 13 is updated. Therefore, even if the module configuration is changed at any time after the start-up of the information processing apparatus 1, it is possible to reliably recognize the change, and as a result, the function of the information processing apparatus 1 can be expanded or changed. Is assured.

The information processing modules M1 to M4 according to the present embodiment are similar to the control unit 1 according to the third aspect.
2 determines the startup parameters based on the identification information of the other modules in the module configuration storage area 13 and performs an initialization process for enabling the module to operate using the startup parameters. . Therefore, it is possible to perform the initialization processing according to the module configuration in the information processing apparatus 1 without requiring information input or the like for the initialization processing. Can be reduced, and as a result, it is easy to cope with a function expansion or a function change of the information processing apparatus 1.

Further, the information processing modules M1 to M4 according to the present embodiment have the control unit 1
When the module 2 recognizes the change in the module configuration, the initialization process is started. Therefore, even if the module configuration is changed and the information processing modules M1 to M4 cannot perform the interlocking operation unless the initialization process is performed, the module is automatically initialized when the change is recognized. Since the initialization process is performed, the labor of the operator to perform the initialization instruction can be reduced, and the interlocking operation can be performed reliably. As a result, the function of the information processing apparatus 1 can be expanded or changed. Is easy and reliable.

Further, the information processing modules M1 to M4 of this embodiment include, in the identification information exchanged between them, an ID for identifying each of them, It includes module information for specifying the functions and performances of the information processing modules M1 to M4. Therefore, in each of the information processing modules M1 to M4, it is possible to accurately recognize a change in the module configuration, perform initialization processing, and the like, and also determine a startup parameter corresponding to a complicated setting. The functionalization of the processing apparatus 1 can be easily achieved.

When the information processing modules M1 to M4 of the present embodiment recognize the change of the module configuration, as in the sixth aspect of the present invention, they execute "communication processing 1" and execute the "preparing for initialization". '' Message to all other modules connected to the module, and receives a `` preparing for initialization '' message from the other module,
Even when the “communication process 2” is executed and identification information from another module has not been received, it is recognized that the module configuration has been changed. In other words, among the information processing modules M1 to M4, one of them executes “communication processing 1” and the other executes “communication processing 2”, so that “initialization preparation” is performed. The message is exchanged as change information. Therefore,
By giving and receiving the change information, each information processing module M
1 to M4, it becomes possible to recognize the change of the module configuration all at once, and it is not necessary to individually transmit and receive the identification information. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the communication resources and shorten the communication time between the modules. It can be realized.

Further, the information processing modules M1 to M4 of the present embodiment, as in the seventh aspect of the present invention, perform the “initialization preparation” after the “initialization preparation” message in the “communication processing 1”. The message is notified to other modules. In other words, following the message of “preparing for initialization”, the identification information of each module after the module configuration is changed is notified. Therefore, the "initialization start" message following the "initialization preparation" allows the information processing modules M1 to M4 to simultaneously and accurately perform initialization processing corresponding to the module configuration. That is, since it is not necessary to individually transmit and receive the identification information in order to perform the initialization process, it is possible to further reduce the communication resources and shorten the communication time.

The information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment
It comprises a plurality of information processing modules M1 to M4. Therefore, in this information processing apparatus 1,
If there is a change in the module configuration in the information processing device 1, that change is recognized in each of the information processing modules M1 to M4. Therefore, as in the case described above, there is no need to make settings for enabling the interlocking operation among the information processing modules M1 to M4, and it is not necessary to spend much time for module configuration recognition. That is, according to the information processing apparatus 1, it is possible to easily and surely respond to a function expansion, a function change, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each function is configured as a module. Any other information processing device (for example, a printer device) can be used as long as it is a device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the identification information transmitted and received among the information processing modules M1 to M4 includes an ID and module information has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, any other information may be used as long as the information can recognize the change in the module configuration and can determine the startup parameter.

[0062]

As described above, the information processing module of the present invention notifies the identification information of the own module to the other module, and if the identification information is notified from the other module, the information processing module based on the identification information. It is determined whether or not the module configuration has been changed, so that even if the module configuration has been changed in the information processing apparatus, the fact is recognized. In addition, since this recognition is performed based on the identification information, if the identification information includes information necessary for performing the interlocking operation between the information processing modules, the setting for enabling the interlocking operation is performed. You do not need to do this. Furthermore, if the timing of recognition is other than at the time of startup, much time is not spent for module configuration recognition at the time of device startup. Therefore, by using this information processing module, there is no need for user operation or the like and a lot of time is spent at the time of startup, so that it is easy to expand or change functions in the information processing apparatus. And it can respond reliably.

Further, since the information processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with a plurality of the information processing modules described above, if there is a change in the module configuration, the change is recognized in each information processing module. Therefore, even in this information processing apparatus, there is no need to make settings for enabling the interlocking operation between the information processing modules, and it is not necessary to spend much time for recognizing the module configuration. It is possible to easily and surely respond to changes in functions and functions.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an embodiment of an information processing module according to the present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates a hardware configuration of the information processing module, and FIG. 1B illustrates a functional configuration of the information processing module. FIG.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating an example of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A illustrates a case where the information processing apparatus is connected in a bus type, and FIG. It is.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing one specific example of a correspondence relationship between a module configuration and a startup parameter.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation in the information processing module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of “communication processing 1” in the information processing module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing one specific example of a management table for managing a module configuration.

7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a change in module configuration in the information processing apparatus in FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a module configuration before the change, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a module configuration after the change.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams showing a management table when the module configuration shown in FIG. 7 is changed. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a management table before the change, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a management table after the change. is there.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a management table after an update is performed by changing a module configuration.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of “communication processing 2” in the information processing module of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing device, 3 ... CPU, 4 ... ROM, 5 ... RA
M, 6 ... NVRAM, 7 ... bus interface, 8 ...
Module-specific processing unit, 11 interface unit, 12 control unit, 13 storage unit, 13a module configuration storage area, 13b startup parameter storage area, M1
... System module, M2 ... Image input module, M
3: Image forming module, M4: FAX module

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Koichi Miyazaki 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. In business office

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An information processing module used in an information processing apparatus having a plurality of information processing modules connected to each other, comprising: identification information of an own module; and identification information of another module connected to the own module. Non-volatile storage means for storing, the notifying means for notifying the other module of the identification information of the own module stored in the storage means, acquisition means for acquiring the identification information notified from the other module, A comparing unit that compares the identification information obtained by the obtaining unit with the identification information of the other module stored in the storage unit, and recognizes that there is a change in the module configuration of the other module if they do not match. An information processing module comprising: 2. The storage means, when the recognition means recognizes that a module configuration has been changed, identifies the identification information acquired by the acquisition means, which is the basis of the recognition, of another module which has already stored the identification information. 2. The information processing module according to claim 1, wherein the information processing module stores the information instead of the information. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising initialization means for performing initialization processing for enabling the own module based on the identification information of another module stored in said storage means. Or the information processing module according to 2. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said initialization means starts said initialization processing when said recognition means recognizes that a module configuration has been changed.
An information processing module according to claim 1. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information includes information for identifying a function and performance of the information processing module, in addition to information for identifying a type of the information processing module. , 2, 3 or 4. 6. When the recognition unit recognizes that the module configuration has been changed, a change notification unit that notifies change information indicating that the change has been made to all other modules connected to the own module. And a change obtaining unit that obtains change information notified from a module, and, when the change obtaining unit obtains the change information, the recognizing unit does not obtain the identification information even if the obtaining unit does not obtain the identification information.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the module is recognized as having a change in the module configuration of the other module.
The information processing module according to 4 or 5. 7. The information processing module according to claim 6, wherein the change information includes identification information of each module after a change in module configuration. 8. An information processing apparatus comprising a plurality of information processing modules according to any one of claims 1 to 7.