JP2014212371A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To give an operation instruction via wireless LAN communication without changing security settings even if an electronic device is taken out from a wireless LAN environment in a security area. SOLUTION: This is a movable electronic device including a processing function unit that operates in response to an operation instruction from a computer on a wireless LAN and a built-in battery, and the movement is detected (S1) and is received from an access point. When the radio wave strength becomes less than the threshold level (S2), the wireless LAN is temporarily turned off (S3), and when it is re-installed (S4), the wireless LAN is turned on again (S5). If it is not within the security area (S6), the wireless LAN communication is set to the special mode (S7). When an operation instruction is received from a PC on the LAN in that state (S12), access is permitted (S16) and normal operation is executed only when the terminal ID of the PC is a pre-registered ID (S15). (S17). [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a movable electronic device including a wireless LAN communication unit, a processing function unit that operates according to an operation instruction from a terminal computer on the wireless LAN that is received by the wireless LAN communication unit, and a built-in battery. .

As the processing function unit, for example, there is a movable electronic device called a composite device that includes a printing function, a scanner function, a copy function using a scanner function and a printing function, and a FAX function and has a built-in battery. In general, such an electronic device is driven by receiving a DC power supply from a commercial power supply through an AC adapter in addition to a built-in battery in an office.
When the electronic device is moved out of the office and taken out, the connection environment such as a wireless (wired) LAN, USB connection, and external power supply to be connected changes greatly.

  Conventionally, wireless LAN communication or mobile communication switching technology in electronic devices, and opening / closing of device door covers, etc. when moving, and detecting the remaining battery level of external power sources and batteries Switching technology is already known.

For example, Patent Document 1 monitors whether the built-in battery is being charged for the purpose of suppressing battery consumption, prohibits automatic connection of a wireless LAN that consumes a large amount of power when not charging, and switches to manual connection mode. An electronic device that is to be migrated is disclosed.
Further, in Patent Document 2, in a mobile communication terminal having a wireless LAN connection function, for the purpose of suppressing battery consumption, when the remaining capacity of the built-in battery is less than a certain value, only mobile communication is performed and power is supplied. A technique for suppressing consumed wireless LAN communication is disclosed.

  However, such a conventional technique can suppress the consumption of the built-in battery of the electronic device, but does not particularly take into consideration the maintenance of the security of the wireless LAN communication. Therefore, when an electronic device is temporarily moved out of a wireless LAN environment within a security area protected by strong security, or when it is in a transitional state until the security setting of the moving destination is set, the wireless LAN network Had to be separated from. Otherwise, unauthorized access from the outside could not be eliminated and the confidentiality of communication could not be maintained.

  Therefore, the only electronic devices that can perform wireless LAN communication even if they are moved out of the security area and taken out are electronic devices that do not require security protection. In the case of a secure multifunction device normally used in an office, it may be necessary to switch connection settings from a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”), or it can only be used as a single copier. Will do. Therefore, there is a problem that convenience is greatly impaired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and even if an electronic device is taken out of the wireless LAN environment in the security area by temporary movement, the security setting is not changed without changing the security setting. An operation instruction can be given from a computer via wireless LAN communication. Accordingly, it is an object to prevent the convenience of the electronic device from being impaired.

The present invention provides a movable electronic device comprising: a wireless LAN communication unit; a processing function unit that operates according to an operation instruction from a terminal computer on the wireless LAN received by the wireless LAN communication unit; and a built-in battery. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the following configuration is adopted.
Storage means for storing an identifier of an access point provided in a wireless LAN environment in the security area; movement / installation detection means for detecting movement of the electronic device and re-installation after the movement;
A wireless LAN that temporarily stops the communication function of the wireless LAN communication means when the movement / installation detection means detects movement, and then returns the communication function of the wireless LAN communication means to an operational state when the re-installation is detected. Control means.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the identifier of the access point received and acquired by the wireless LAN communication unit from the access point is the same as the identifier stored in the storage unit. An area check means for determining that the wireless LAN has been taken out, and if the area check means determines that the area has been taken out of the security area, the wireless LAN control means sets the wireless LAN communication by the wireless LAN communication means to a special mode. In the special mode, when the wireless LAN communication means receives an operation instruction from the computer on the wireless LAN, the terminal ID of the computer is acquired, and the terminal ID is a pre-registered terminal ID. Means to allow access to the processing function unit only when And butterflies.

  Even if the electronic device according to the present invention is taken out of the wireless LAN environment in the security area by temporary movement, the security setting is not changed, and the pre-registered terminal PC on the wireless LAN is connected via wireless LAN communication. Operation instructions can be performed, and convenience is not impaired.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the electronic device by this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the environment where the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 is used. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a normal operation of the electronic device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of the external battery connection similarly. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of other embodiment of the electronic device by this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention.
The electronic device 50 includes a wireless LAN communication unit, a processing function unit that operates according to an operation instruction from a computer on the wireless LAN received by the wireless LAN communication unit, and a movable electronic device that includes a built-in battery. It is. The electronic device 50 according to this embodiment is a composite device including a composite function unit having a plurality of functions including a printing function such as an operation unit and a scanner.

The main MPU 1 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire electronic device 50, and is connected to a dedicated control unit of each unit via the system bus 2. A video bus 3 is provided separately from the system bus 2 for the exchange of image data between the scanner and the print engine unit and the image processing control unit 6.
A FROM 4 storing an operation program of the main MPU 1 and a RAM 5 used as a temporary data storage and work area of the main MPU 1 are connected to the system bus 2. An image processing control unit 6 for image formation and a RAM 7 mainly for processing image data are also connected to the system bus 2. These constitute a main control circuit that performs overall control of each unit (each unit) to be described later.

The operation unit 8 for a user to operate includes a display unit, a key switch, and / or a touch panel. An operation unit control unit 9 that processes display data of the display unit in the operation unit 8, scans key operations and touch panel operations, and lights LEDs and the like is also connected to the system bus 2.
In the electronic device 50, the processing function unit can also operate according to an operation instruction by key input from the operation unit 8, and printing, scanner reading, FAX transmission, and the like can be performed.

  The electronic device 50 includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter abbreviated as “ADF”) 10 and a scanner 11 for automatically feeding a document. A scanner control unit 12 that controls the sensor, motor, and clutch of the ADF 10 and the sensor, flatbed motor, and the like of the scanner 11 is connected to the system bus 2 and the video bus 3. The scanner control unit 12 also controls the CCD or the contact sensor of the scanner 11 to acquire read data. These constitute a scanner function unit.

  An ink jet print head 14 and a driver 15 for driving the print head 14 are mounted on the carriage 13. The carriage 13 is also provided with a main scanning encoder 16 for detecting the operation position of the print head 14 in the main scanning direction. The driver 15 is controlled by a print head controller 17 connected to the system bus 2 and the video bus 3.

The sub-scanning encoder 18 detects the movement position in the sub-scanning direction, which is the paper transport direction. The encoder signals of the main scanning encoder 16 and the sub scanning encoder 18 are analyzed by an encoder processing unit 19 connected to the system bus 2.
As a result, information on the current positions of the print head 14 and the paper can be obtained, so that the main MPU 1 can recognize the leading edge of the image writing, the end of the page, etc. Control and perform required printing.

  The electronic device 50 also includes a main scanning motor 20 for moving the carriage 13 in the main scanning direction, a sub scanning motor 21 for transporting paper in the sub scanning direction, and ink supply and maintenance operations from the ink tank. A tank motor 22 is provided. These motors are driven and controlled by a motor drive control unit 23 connected to the system bus 2.

In addition, detection signals from various sensors 24 such as a cover opening / closing sensor, an ink cartridge detection sensor, and a paper transport sensor are input to an I / O control unit 27 connected to the system bus 2.
Further, the clutch 25 and the optional paper feed bank 26 are controlled by the I / O control unit 27.
These components constitute a printing (printer) function unit using an ink jet method. A copy function can also be realized by reading a document with the scanner function unit described above and printing the image data on paper with the print function unit.

  Connected to the system bus 2 is a USB PHY (USB file) 30 which is a controller chip of the USB physical layer. The USB PHY 30 exchanges data via a USB / D (device) for performing printout data transmission, scanner image distribution, and the like from a personal computer. In addition, data is exchanged via USB / H (host) for printing from the USB memory, storing data in the USB memory, and printing out from the USB host device.

The electronic apparatus 50 also has a FAX function as one of the complex functions, and FAX transmission / reception of data is performed via the analog telephone network by the FAX modem 31 and the line I / F 32 connected to the system bus 2.
Also, in order to exchange data with a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”) on a wireless LAN via an access point, the WiFi I / F 33 connected to the antenna is connected to the system bus 2 via the wireless LAN control unit 34. Connected to. The WiFi I / F 33 is a wireless LAN communication unit, and the wireless LAN control unit 34 is a wireless LAN control unit.

When AC power is supplied from the AC power plug 35 that can be inserted into a commercial power outlet to the AC adapter 37 through the AC cord 36, the AC adapter 37 converts the AC power into DC voltage and controls the DC power via the connector 38. Supplied to the unit 39.
Then, the DC power supply control unit 39 generates different DC voltages V1, V2, and V3 used in the electronic apparatus. Each voltage can be selectively output by ON / OFF control of each switch SW1, SW2, SW3 by FET or the like. The DC power supply control unit 39 is connected to the system bus 2.

The external battery 40 can be connected to the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 by the connector B41. The DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 is connected to the DC power supply control unit 39 and the system bus 2.
In this embodiment, the built-in battery 43 is also connected to the DC power supply control unit 39 via the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42. Similarly to the AC adapter 37, DC voltages V <b> 1, V <b> 2, and V <b> 3 are generated by the DC power supply control unit 39 from DC voltages supplied from the internal battery 43 and the external battery 40.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing an example of an environment in which the above-described electronic device is used.
Assume that the electronic device 50 of this embodiment is installed in a wireless LAN environment within a security area SA that is protected by a broken line in FIG.
In this security area SA, an AC adapter 37 connected to the electronic device 50 is connected to a commercial power supply via an AC power plug 35 and an AC cord 36. A FAX modular cord 45 is connected between the electronic device 50 and a telephone wall jack (not shown). This security area SA is within the area of the access point 60 of the wireless LAN.

  The electronic device 50 is used after the AC adapter 37 and the modular cord 45 are removed and moved out of the security area SA as shown in FIG. 2B, and the external battery 40 is connected. A case is assumed. In this case, it is assumed that a wireless LAN access point 70 different from the secure wireless LAN is in the vicinity.

The composite device, which is an electronic device of this embodiment, has the following characteristics when it is moved or taken out of the security area SA with enhanced security.
When it is detected that the electronic device 50 has been moved, the use of the wireless LAN is temporarily stopped. After that, when it is installed again, the wireless LAN is brought into an operating state again. However, it is determined whether the re-installed area is the original security area SA or another area, and if it is installed in another area, the wireless LAN is set to a special mode.

In this case, communication with a computer such as a PC on a wireless LAN is enabled, but access to the processing function unit is permitted only from a computer registered in advance.
In addition, access from the operation unit is permitted only when a password or special key is entered, thereby limiting users who use the print function, scanner function, FAX function, and the like.

In short, even if an electronic device normally installed in the security area is temporarily taken out of the security area, it can be used while ensuring its security so as not to impair the convenience of the user as much as possible.
In addition, when an external battery is connected, the power supply capability is checked, the power from the external battery can be used according to the check result, and the power can also be supplied from the destination power source. So as not to impair the convenience.

The operation of the electronic apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the above-described electronic device 50 is taken out of the security area SA. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when an external battery is connected to the electronic device. In these figures, each step is abbreviated as “S”.

  When the electronic device 50 is installed in the security area SA, the wireless LAN control unit 34 illustrated in FIG. 1 performs a general wireless LAN connection by a user key operation on the operation unit 8. When the electronic device 50 is first installed in the security area SA, the main MPU 1 interprets the key operation, performs wireless communication with the access point 60 shown in FIG. IP address to be acquired.

Further, the identifier of the access point 60 is broadcast, and the main MPU 1 acquires the information and stores it in the user data area of the FROM 4 as storage means. Similarly, the telephone number of the telephone line to which the line I / F 32 is connected is input by the setting of the user manager and stored in the FROM 4.
The setting of the security area SA is realized by a highly secure cryptographic connection to the wireless LAN, and the wireless connection method, IP address and FAX telephone number registration, etc. are based on conventional general techniques.

  The operation when the electronic device 50 is taken out of the security area SA as shown in FIG. 2B will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is executed mainly by the main MPU 1 of the electronic device 50. Each terminal of A, B, and C in the flow line in the figure indicates that the terminals with the same symbol are connected to each other, and the process proceeds in the direction of the arrow.

  The processing shown in FIG. 3 is periodically started during standby when the electronic device 50 is installed in the security area SA, and whether or not there is a movement is determined in Step 1. If there is no movement, the process is terminated as it is, and the flow of FIG. 3 is exited. If there is a movement, the process proceeds to step 2, and if the radio field intensity becomes less than the threshold level within a predetermined time, it is determined that the signal has been moved out of the security area SA, and in step 3, the wireless LAN control unit 34 is turned off. If the radio wave intensity does not become less than the threshold level within a predetermined time, it is only moved within the security area SA, so the processing is terminated and the flow of FIG. 3 is exited.

  The electronic device 50 moves when the AC adapter 37 and the modular cord 45 shown in FIG. 2A are removed and the electronic device 50 is carried by the user. The movement can be detected by equipping the various sensors 24 shown in FIG. 1 with an acceleration sensor or by providing a switch on the handle of the electronic device 50 or the bottom of the casing. Such physical movement detection means can be easily realized by known techniques.

  On the other hand, the WiFi I / F 33 shown in FIG. 1 periodically detects the radio wave intensity from the access point 60 shown in FIG. 2A and notifies the main MPU 1 through the wireless LAN control unit 34. The radio field intensity depends on the distance and falls within a certain level range in the security area SA.

  Therefore, movement outside the security area SA can be detected immediately when the radio wave intensity level falls below a certain level. Since the relationship between the physical distance and the radio wave intensity is obtained in advance, the threshold level is determined in advance. Then, when the radio wave intensity from the access point 60 becomes less than (below) the threshold level, the main MPU 1 determines that in step 2. In that case, in step 3, the wireless LAN control unit 34 is turned OFF, and the communication function of the WiFi I / F 33, which is a wireless LAN communication means, is temporarily stopped.

Next, the main MPU 1 determines in step 4 whether or not the composite apparatus 50 has been installed again. Whether or not it has been installed again can be detected when the period during which no movement by the acceleration sensor or the like is detected continues for a predetermined time or more, the handle of the electronic device 50 is returned, or the switch at the bottom of the housing is turned on again. Can be judged. The main MPU 1 repeats the determination in step 4 until it is installed again.
The above-described acceleration sensor, the handle of the electronic device 50 or the switch on the bottom of the housing, and the movement determination process in step 1 by the main MPU 1 and the re-installation determination process in step 4 This corresponds to movement / installation detection means for detecting re-installation.

  If it is determined that the main MPU 1 has been installed again in step 4, the wireless LAN control unit 34 is turned on, and the communication function of the WiFi I / F 33, which is a wireless LAN communication means, is set to the operating state again. Then, the main MPU 1 causes the WiFi I / F 33 to receive and acquire the identifier broadcast from the access point, and determines in step 6 whether or not it is within the security area SA. When the obtained identifier of the access point is the same as the identifier of the access point 60 stored in the FROM 4, the movement is within the security area SA. Exit.

When the acquired identifier of the access point is different from the identifier of the access point 60 stored in the FROM 4, it is determined that the access point 60 has been taken out of the security area SA, and the main MPU 1 sets the wireless LAN communication to the special mode in step 7. This state is a standby state when it is temporarily installed outside the security area.
The process of determining whether the main MPU 1 is within the security area in step 6 corresponds to an area check means.

  Thereafter, the main MPU 1 determines again whether or not there is a movement in step 8. If it is determined that it is moving, it waits for re-installation in step 9. If it is installed again, it is determined in step 10 whether or not it is within the security area. If it is within the security area, the process returns to the security area. Step 3 is exited.

If the main MPU 1 determines that it is not within the security area in step 10, the process returns to step 8 in the standby state and again determines whether or not there is any movement. As a result, if it is determined that it is moving again, the determinations in steps 9 and 10 are repeated.
If it is determined in step 10 that the main MPU 1 has not moved, it is determined in step 12 whether or not there has been an operation instruction, for example, an apparatus status inquiry or a print instruction, from a PC that is a computer on the wireless LAN. As a result, if there is an operation instruction, the process proceeds to step 13, and a request for transmitting the terminal ID is returned to the PC on the LAN that has instructed the operation.

After that, it waits for the terminal ID to be received and acquired in step 14, and if the terminal ID is received, in step 15, whether the terminal ID is the registered ID (the terminal ID registered in advance in the FROM 4) or not. Check if.
However, in the case of a PC that notifies the terminal ID at the beginning of access to the operation instruction, steps 13 and 14 can be skipped.

If the main MPU 1 determines in step 15 that the acquired terminal ID is a registered ID, access to the processing function unit is permitted in step 16, and normal operation according to the operation instruction is performed in step 17. When this is completed, the process enters a standby state and returns to step 8. The normal operation refers to notifying information of the electronic device 50 or performing a printing operation.
When the main MPU 1 determines in step 15 that the acquired terminal ID is not a registered ID, the process proceeds to step 18 to notify access denial, and then enters a standby state and returns to step 8.

If the main MPU 1 determines in step 12 that there is no operation instruction (access) from the PC on the wireless LAN, the user may try to activate the device in order to use the function of the electronic device 50. .
Therefore, the process proceeds to step 19 to determine whether or not a special key is input (or a password is input). If the main MPU 1 determines that a special key is input (or a password is input), access to the processing function unit is permitted in step 20. In step 21, the processing function unit performs normal operations such as printing, copying, and faxing according to the operation instruction from the operation unit 8. When the processing function unit is completed, the processing function unit enters a standby state and returns to step 8.

If the main MPU 1 determines in step 19 that there is no special key input (or password input), it performs error processing and enters a standby state, and returns to step 8.
Error processing means performing an operation that does not accept general operations. If there is a sounding means such as a buzzer, an error sound is generated, or if a display unit such as an LCD is provided, The user may be notified of this by performing a display such as “cannot be operated”.
The special key is a combination that is known only to a specific user who is permitted to use the electronic device, or that simultaneously presses a plurality of keys on the operation unit, or presses keys in an order not related to the function operation. It is. The password is a password registered in advance by a specific user who is permitted to use the electronic device.

In this way, when the electronic device 50 is moved out of the security area SA and taken out, the use of the wireless LAN communication is once prohibited, and when the electronic device 50 is installed again, the operation of the wireless LAN communication is resumed. However, when installed in another area, security can be maintained by setting wireless LAN communication to a special mode and restricting computers and users on the LAN that can use processing functions.
That is, only access from a pre-registered PC is permitted, or functions such as printing, copying, and FAX can be used only when a password is input or a special key operation is performed.

  When the electronic device 50 is installed in the security area SA shown in FIG. 2 and the AC adapter 37 is connected to a commercial power source, the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 shown in FIG. Monitor and control. When the electronic device 50 is moved outside the security area SA, the AC power plug 35 is removed from the outlet, the AC adapter 37 is removed from the commercial power supply, and the connector 38 is also removed from the DC power control unit 39.

For this reason, the DC power supply control unit 39 monitors the connection of the AC adapter 37 with the terminal of the connector 38, and when the terminal is opened, the connection of the AC adapter 37 cannot be detected, so the electronic device 50 has a built-in power supply. Switching to power supply from the battery 43 is performed. As the monitoring means, for example, the terminal of the connector 38 is provided with a signal pin for open detection which is at a low level when the connector 38 is connected and is terminated so as to be at a high level at which the connector 38 is pulled out. be able to. Alternatively, the connector 38 may be provided with a switch that opens and closes by being attached or detached, or the input current of the DC power supply control unit 39 may be monitored.
These correspond to means for monitoring the connection of an AC adapter that supplies DC power.

  The external battery 40 will be described with an example in which an external battery outside the security area is connected with the AC adapter 37 removed for easy understanding. However, there is no problem even if the external battery 40 is connected in the security area or the external battery 40 is connected when the AC adapter 37 is connected.

The operation when the external battery 40 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is connected to the electronic device 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the external battery 40 is connected to the connector 41, which is a means for connecting the external battery shown in FIG. 1, the processing shown in FIG. 4 starts. First, in step 31, the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 makes a circuit connection. In step 32, the voltage of the external battery 40 is detected in a state where no current is drawn into the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42, that is, in a high impedance state.

  Generally, it is based on a technique used in a multimeter (also called a tester or a circuit meter) using an operational amplifier. For example, the voltage value detected is divided and amplified by a measurement circuit built in the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42, and the current value is converted into a voltage value by a reference resistor to be detected and amplified. The voltage Ve is input to an AD converter, converted into digital data, and read as data by the main MPU 1. This corresponds to the function of the means for detecting the voltage of the external battery.

Next, in step 33, the main MPU 1 calculates a resistance value for inspection using the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42. The power value when the electronic device 50 is used outside the security area is obtained and stored in advance at the time of manufacture. The current value consumed by the voltage Ve is calculated from the voltage ratio and loss between the voltages V1, V2, and V3 by the DC power supply control unit 39 shown in FIG. 1 and the voltage Ve detected by the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 in step 32. Then, the corresponding inspection resistance value is obtained.
A specific DC / DC converter may be a complicated calculation, and it is preferable to store a table in the FROM 4 so as to be uniquely obtained by reading the table from the detected voltage Ve.

Then, in accordance with the inspection resistance value calculated (step reading) in step 33, the built-in resistance of the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 is switched in step 34, and the load of the external battery 40 is switched to the built-in resistance as a test.
At this time, in step 35, the main MPU 1 again monitors the voltage value of the external battery 40 using the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42, and checks whether the voltage Ve drops below a certain threshold value (threshold value). As a result, when the voltage Ve is less than the threshold value, it is determined that the remaining amount of the external battery 40 is small.

  In that case, the main MPU 1 displays a comment such as “This battery cannot be used” on the display unit of the operation unit 8 in step 36. Further, in step 37, the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 disconnects the built-in resistor so that no current flows from the external battery 40, and the process is terminated.

  If the detected voltage Ve of the external battery 40 does not drop below the threshold value in step 35, the main MPU 1 determines that the external battery can supply power to the electronic device 50. Then, the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 switches to supply the current of the external battery 40 to the DC power supply control unit 39 at step 38 and cuts off the current supply of the built-in battery 43 at step 39.

The processing / judgment of steps 33 to 35 by the main MPU 1 using the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 serves as a function of an external battery power check means for checking whether power supply from the external battery can cover the power consumption of the electronic device. Equivalent to.
When it is determined that the processing of steps 38 and 39 by the main MPU 1 using the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 can be covered by the check of the external battery power check means, the power supplied to the electronic device 50 is supplied to the built-in battery 43. This corresponds to the function of the means for switching from the electric power to the power of the external battery 40.

  In order to simplify the explanation, the example in which the power of the external battery is inspected using the built-in resistor has been described. However, even if a test is performed to control the regulator, etc. Good.

  Thereafter, the voltage Ve of the external battery 40 is periodically detected and compared with the above-described threshold value in step 40 as in step 35. As a result, when the detected voltage Ve falls below the threshold value, the current supply to the internal battery 43 is switched at step 41 and the current supply to the external battery is cut off at step 42. In step 43, a comment such as “This battery cannot be used” is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 8, and this process ends.

  As described above, even when the composite apparatus 50 installed in the security area is taken out of the security area for temporary use, it can be used while maintaining security. In addition, even when the built-in battery is low, or when temporarily taking it out of a state where the power of the built-in battery has been consumed, or even in an electronic device that consumes some power, convenience is not impaired. Can be.

  In the above-described operation example when the external battery 40 is connected to the electronic device 50, the voltage ratio between the voltages V1, V2, and V3 of the DC power supply control unit 39 shown in FIG. 1 and the voltage Ve detected by the external battery 40 The current value consumed at the voltage Ve was calculated from the loss. Then, a corresponding resistance value for inspection was obtained, and the built-in resistance of the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 was switched according to the resistance value for inspection, and the current value drawn from the external battery 40 was inspected. As a result, when the current that can be drawn is insufficient, the external battery 40 cannot be used.

On the other hand, another example of operation will be described. For example, the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 checks whether the current value for generating any one or two of the voltages V1, V2, and V3 of the DC power supply control unit 39 can be drawn from the external battery 40. Then, the combination of the voltages is tested in the order of the required current values, and the input of the DC / DC converter that generates the voltages V1, V2, and V3 of the DC power supply control unit 39 according to the current values that can be drawn in. Are connected to supply the voltage of the external battery 40.
The voltage that cannot draw current from the external battery 40 is connected so that current can be drawn from the built-in battery 43.

  Therefore, as described in the above-described operation example, the voltage of the external battery 40 is periodically checked by the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42, and when the current that can be drawn decreases, the voltage is generated from the internal battery 43 and the external battery 40. The combination of the voltages V1, V2, and V3 is switched.

In this case, the external battery power check means by the main MPU 1 using the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 uses the power from the external battery 40 for individual or combinations of a plurality of different voltages V1, V2, and V3 used in the electronic device 50. It functions as a means to periodically check whether or not it can be covered.
Furthermore, the DC voltage diagnosis unit 42 and the DC power supply control unit 39 also have a function of means for distributing power supply from the built-in battery 43 and the external battery 40 in accordance with a check result by the external battery power check unit.

It should be noted that at the time of inspection of the current that can be drawn, the current may not be cut off by a capacitor or the like for a time required for the inspection. Alternatively, the built-in battery 43 may be temporarily used for supplying all voltages during inspection.
As described above, the power of the external battery 40 can be used more efficiently, the consumption of the internal battery 43 can be suppressed, and the time that can be temporarily used outside the security area can be extended.

In the above operation example, the voltages V1, V2, and V3 of the DC power supply control unit 39 are switched by checking whether the internal battery 43 or the external battery 40 is used, the current that can be drawn.
Here, the voltage V1 is a voltage used for the main MPU1 that is a main control circuit that performs overall control of each unit of the electronic device 50 shown in FIG. 1 and its peripheral circuits, and the voltages V2 and V3 are those of the electronic device 50. The voltage used in each module. In that case, the power for generating the voltage V1 used by the main MPU 1 and its peripheral circuits is always supplied by the built-in battery 43, and the use of the external battery 40 is prohibited.

  A battery that has deteriorated may decrease the current that can be rapidly drawn. However, as described above, even if such a deteriorated battery is connected as an external battery, the main MPU 1 that is the main control circuit and its peripheral circuits are suddenly turned off, resulting in a system failure or memory information damage. Can be protected from being generated.

  In the above operation example, the voltage V1 may be supplied to a special key input or password input detection from the operation unit 8 shown in FIG. 1 or an access request detection circuit from the wireless LAN control unit 34. In that case, when there is no input operation for special key input or password input or detection of an access request for a predetermined time or more, the mode is shifted to the low power mode, the switches SW2 and SW3 of the DC power supply control unit 39 are turned off, and the voltages V2 and V3 are set. Do not supply. This corresponds to means for turning off the power supply to the main control circuit other than the MPU 1 and its peripheral circuits.

At this time, even when the external battery is changed to another one or when the remaining amount of the external battery is exhausted, a message to that effect can be displayed to the user.
By doing in this way, the power consumption of an external battery can be suppressed and the usage time outside a security area can be extended. Also, when changing external batteries or in standby. Even when the remaining amount of the external battery runs out, the voltages V2 and V3 are turned off, so that the risk of damage and the like can be avoided.

Next, another embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration, and the same reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 and the description thereof is omitted.
The electronic device 50 ′ of this embodiment includes a device main body and a FAX module 80 that can be separated from the device main body. The FAX module 80 is a single module that can be connected to the system bus 2 of the apparatus main body (all parts other than the FAX module 80) of the electronic apparatus 50 ′ via the connector 46.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the main body of the electronic apparatus 50 'is also provided with each part 13 to 27 shown in FIG. 1, that is, each part related to the printing function part. Further, an operation unit 8 and an operation unit control unit 9 are naturally provided.
Therefore, this electronic apparatus 50 'is also a composite apparatus whose processing function section is a composite function section, the apparatus main body has a printing function and a scanner function, and the FAX module 80 has a FAX function. A copy function can also be realized by a scanner function and a print function.

The FAX module 80 includes a FAX sub MPU 81 that controls FAX control. The FAX sub MPU 81, the FROM 82, the RAM 83, the DPRAM 84, and the FAX modem 85 are connected to each other by a local bus 86.
The FROM 82 stores the operation program of the FAX sub MPU 81 and records user data. The RAM 83 is a random access memory for system operation. The DPRAM 84 is a memory for exchanging data and commands with the main MPU 1 and the system bus 2.

When the FAX function is operated in the electronic apparatus 50 ′, FAX image data is transmitted / received to / from the FAX modem 85 via the connector 46 and DPRAM 84, and is transmitted / received to / from the telephone line network connected through the line I / F 87 and the modular connector 48. Is done. The line I / F 87 controlled by the modular connector 48 and the FAX sub MPU 81 is a means for connecting to the telephone line network. A connection detection unit 88 is provided in the line I / F 87.
Further, the FAX module 80 has a DC power generation unit 89 that generates a DC voltage required in the module from the DC output voltage of the AC adapter 37. Therefore, a connector 47 having the same shape as the connector 38 in FIG. 1 is attached, and an AC adapter 37 can be connected to supply DC power from the AC adapter 37.

  The FAX module 80 has a structure that can be detached from the composite device 50 ′ with the connector 46 by pulling out or ejecting. The interface of the connector 46 includes a power supply and other control signals necessary for the FAX module 80 in addition to data via the DPRAM 84. In addition, an interface IC is provided so that it can be inserted and removed even in a live state where electricity is applied. Regarding the insertion / removal of the FAX module 80, a detection signal is provided at the interface of the connector 46 so that both the main MPU 1 and the FAX sub MPU 81 can recognize.

When the composite device 50 'is taken out of the security area SA shown in FIG. 2, the FAX module 80 can be separated from the composite device 50' while being connected to the telephone line network by the above-described extraction and ejector functions. .
The AC adapter 37 is removed from the connector 38 and replaced with the connector 47. In order to prevent the power supply of the FAX module 80 from being turned off when the replacement time is somewhat short, an electrical failure may occur due to the insertion / removal of the FAX module 80 and the insertion / removal of the AC adapter 37, such as mounting a capacitor in the DC power generation unit 89. It does not occur.

The line I / F 87 has a connection detection unit 88 that detects whether or not the telephone line network is connected (not only the physical connection of the cable but also the voltage of the telephone line network). When the line network is not connected, the FAX sub MPU 81 stops the operation of the present invention.
When power is not supplied from the connector 47, the operation is similarly stopped if the power stored in the capacitor is consumed.

When the AC adapter 37 is connected to the FAX module 80 via the connector 47, power is supplied, and the telephone line network is connected to the modular connector 48, FAX reception is performed from the telephone line network.
At this time, the FAX sub MPU 81 detects a call signal sent from the line I / F 87, activates the FAX modem 85, and starts a FAX reception protocol. In the case of FAX reception, the communication management record and FAX reception data are stored and accumulated in the FROM 82 as a normal FAX reception file. That is, the FROM 82 serves as reception data storage means for storing FAX reception data received by the FAX modem 85 while the FAX module 80 is separated from the apparatus main body.

When the FAX module 80 is reconnected to the electronic device 50 'that has returned to the security area SA, the FAX sub MPU 81 notifies the main MPU 1 that FAX reception has occurred, and prints one or more FAX reception data. Start printing.
Therefore, when the FAX module 80 is connected to the apparatus main body, the FAX reception data stored in the FROM 82 as reception data storage means is sent to the apparatus main body and printed by a print function unit (not shown).

  Regarding the transmission operation, when the FAX module 80 is separated from the main body of the composite apparatus 50 ', the main MPU 1 can recognize that as described above. When the FAX transmission mode is selected outside the security area and a document is set on the ADF 10 of the apparatus main body, the main MPU 1 reads the FAX transmission image data of the document using the scanner 11 and stores it in the FROM 4. That is, the FROM 4 serves as transmission data storage means for storing FAX transmission data read by the scanner function while the FAX module 80 is separated from the apparatus main body.

  Options such as time designation transmission are stored in the FROM 4. A normal function memory transmission screen flow is displayed on the operation unit 8 (see FIG. 1) (not shown in FIG. 5). The immediate fax transmission function should not be used outside the security area.

When the FAX module 80 is reconnected to the apparatus main body that has returned to the security area SA, the main MPU 1 notifies the FAX sub-MPU 81 that there is a FAX transmission standby document. Then, one or more FAX transmission data and FAX management data are transferred to the FAX sub MPU 81. The FAX sub-MPU 81 temporarily stores it in the FROM 82, and transmits it by FAX over the telephone line network sequentially by the FAX modem 85.
Therefore, when the FAX module 80 is connected to the apparatus main body, the FAX transmission data stored in the FROM 4 as transmission data storage means is sent to the FAX module 80 and is FAX-transmitted by the FAX modem 85.

The FROM 4 and FROM 82 can achieve the same function even if they are storage devices such as another type of memory or hard disk that can store digital data in a nonvolatile manner.
As described above, when the electronic device 50 ′ is taken out of the security area, the FAX reception data is not missed, and the document reading for FAX memory transmission can be performed even if the FAX module is not connected.

As mentioned above, although the embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention has been described, the specific configuration of each part, the contents of processing, and the like are not limited to those described in the embodiment. The electronic apparatus described in the embodiment is a composite apparatus having at least a plurality of functions such as a printing (printer) function, a scanner function, and a FAX function as a processing function unit, but is not limited thereto. For example,
It may be an electronic device having any one of those functions, or other functions such as a display function, a database function, and an automatic translation function.
In addition, the configuration of each embodiment described above can be added, changed, or partially omitted as appropriate, and can be implemented in any combination as long as there is no contradiction.

1: Main MPU 2: System bus 3: Video bus 4: FROM
5, 7: RAM 6: Image processing control unit 8: Operation unit 9: Operation unit control unit 10: Automatic document feeder (ADF) 11: Scanner 12: Scanner control unit 13: Carriage 14: Print head 15: Driver 16: Main scanning encoder 17: Print head control unit 18: Sub scanning encoder 19: Encoder processing unit 20: Main scanning motor 21: Sub scanning motor 22: Tank motor 23: Motor drive control unit 24: Various sensors 25: Clutch 26: Paper feed Bank 27: I / O control unit

30: USB PHY 31: FAX modem 32: Line I / F
33: WiFi I / F 34: Wireless LAN control unit 35: AC power plug 36: AC cord 37: AC adapter 38: Connector
39: DC power supply control unit 40: External battery 41: Connector 42: DC voltage diagnosis unit 43: Built-in battery 45: Modular cord
46, 47: Connector 48: Modular connector 50, 50 ': Electronic device
60, 70: Wireless LAN access point 80: FAX module
81: FAX sub MPU 82: FROM 83: RAM 84: DPRAM
85: FAX modem 86: Local bus 87: Line I / F
88: Connection detection unit 89: DC power generation unit SA: Security area

JP 2010-178061 A Japanese Patent No. 4407688

Claims (8)

A movable electronic device comprising: a wireless LAN communication unit; a processing function unit that operates according to an operation instruction from a computer on the wireless LAN received by the wireless LAN communication unit; and a built-in battery.
Storage means for storing an identifier of an access point provided in a wireless LAN environment in the security area;
Movement / installation detection means for detecting movement of the electronic device and re-installation after movement;
A wireless LAN that temporarily stops the communication function of the wireless LAN communication unit when the movement / installation detection unit detects movement, and then returns the communication function of the wireless LAN communication unit to an operating state when the re-installation is detected. It is determined whether the identifier of the access point received by the control means and the wireless LAN communication means from the access point is the same as the identifier stored in the storage means. An area check means for determining that it has been taken out of the area;
When it is determined that the area check means has taken out of the security area, the wireless LAN control means sets the wireless LAN communication by the wireless LAN communication means to a special mode, and in the special mode, the wireless LAN communication means When an operation instruction is received from a computer on the wireless LAN, a terminal ID of the computer is acquired, and access to the processing function unit is permitted only when the terminal ID is a pre-registered terminal ID. And an electronic device. The electronic device according to claim 1,
Having an operation unit, the processing function unit is operable by an operation instruction from the operation unit;
If the wireless LAN communication means has not received an operation instruction from a computer on the wireless LAN in a state where the wireless LAN communication is in the special mode, a password input or a special registered in advance from the operation unit An electronic device comprising means for permitting access to the processing function unit only when a key is input. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
Means for monitoring connection of an AC adapter for supplying DC power;
Means for switching the power supplied to the electronic device to the power of the built-in battery when the connection from the AC adapter cannot be detected by the means;
Means for connecting an external battery;
Means for detecting the voltage of the external battery connected by the means;
An external battery power check means for checking whether the power supply from the external battery can cover the power consumption of the electronic device when the means detects the voltage of the external battery;
An electronic device comprising: means for switching the power supplied to the electronic device from the power of the built-in battery to the power of the external battery when it is determined that the power can be covered by checking the means. The electronic device according to claim 3.
The external battery power check means is means for periodically checking whether or not the power from the external battery can be covered for individual or combinations of a plurality of different voltages used in the electronic device,
An electronic device comprising means for distributing power supply from the built-in battery and the external battery according to a check result by the external battery power check means. The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4,
An electronic apparatus characterized in that power of the built-in battery is always supplied to a main control circuit that performs overall control of each means. The electronic device according to claim 5.
An electronic apparatus comprising: means for shifting to a low power mode when an input operation or access is not performed for a certain period of time and turning off power supply to other than the main control circuit.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing function unit is a composite function unit having at least a printing function, a scanner function, and a FAX function. The electronic device according to claim 7.
The electronic apparatus is configured by an apparatus main body and a FAX module separable from the apparatus main body, the apparatus main body has the printing function and the scanner function, and the FAX module has the FAX function.
The FAX module can be connected to an AC adapter and supplied with DC power from the AC adapter. While the FAX module is separated from the apparatus main body, a FAX modem and means for connecting to a telephone line network are connected. Receiving data storage means for storing FAX reception data received by the FAX modem;
The apparatus main body has transmission data storage means for storing FAX transmission data read by the scanner function while the FAX module is separated from the apparatus main body,
When the FAX module is connected to the apparatus main body, the FAX reception data stored in the reception data storage means is sent to the apparatus main body, printed by the printing function, and the FAX transmission data stored in the transmission data storage means Is sent to the FAX module, and FAX transmission is performed by the FAX modem.

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