JPH0410016A - Power supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain the exchange of memory cartridges even though a memory cartridge is loaded and unloaded when a power supply of an equipment main body is turned on by providing a means which supplies the power only when the information data are read out of and written into the memory cartridge. CONSTITUTION:A loadable/unloadable memory cartridge 2 is provided to store various types of control information together with a power supply means 12 which supplies the power to the cartridge 2, a reception means 10 which receives an access request given to the cartridge 2, and a control means 4 which makes the means 12 supply the power to the cartridge 2 only when the means 10 receives an access request. Thus it is possible to supply the power only in an access applied for reading and writing the information data out of the into the loaded cartridge 2. Then the breakage of a semiconductor memory in the cartridge 2 can be prevented when the cartridge 2 is unloaded without turning off a power supply.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a power supply device, and more particularly to a power supply device that supplies power only when accessing a memory cartridge.

(Prior art) For example, by installing a memory cartridge that stores information regarding printing into a printer controller,
There are printer devices that can print out data with printing conditions set.

This printer device can print out information under the stored printing conditions by having the printer controller read the information in the memory cartridge and set the printing conditions.

However, in the printer device, power is always applied to the installed memory cartridge from the power supply device. Therefore, when replacing the memory cartridge with another memory cartridge, the memory cartridge must be inserted and removed after turning off the power from the power supply device.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) As described above, when the printer main body is powered on, power is always supplied to the inserted memory cartridge from the power supply device. Therefore, if the memory cartridge is removed before turning off the power when replacing the memory cartridge, the semiconductor memory inside the memory cartridge will be destroyed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device that supplies power only when a memory cartridge is being accessed, that is, only when necessary.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a removable memory cartridge that stores various control information, a power supply means for supplying power to the memory cartridge, and a memory cartridge that stores various control information. - A power supply comprising: receiving means for receiving a request for access to a cartridge; and control means for causing the power supply means to supply power to the memory cartridge only while the receiving means is receiving the access request. equipment can be provided.

(Function) According to the above configuration, the power supply device of the present invention has the following features:
Power can be supplied only during access for reading and writing information data from the installed memory cartridge.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer controller as an embodiment of the power supply device of the present invention.

This printer controller is a printer controller main control unit (hereinafter abbreviated as main control unit) that receives encoded data transferred from a host computer (not shown) and performs control to print image information on paper. 1, a memory cartridge 2 that can be inserted into and removed from the printer body and stores information data such as fonts, and a memory cartridge driver (hereinafter referred to as M) that reads and writes information data in this memory cartridge 2. (abbreviated as CD) 3.

The main control unit 1 reads coded data received from the host computer and prints image information on paper, as well as processing a service request signal from the MCD 3 (the MCD 3 reads the coded data of the memory cartridge). A preset command is transferred to the MCD 3 when insertion/removal is detected, or when a signal to be asserted (described later) is detected when the MCD 3 enters an abnormal state. The MCD 3 executes processing according to the instruction.

Next, the configuration of the MCD 3 is such that a communication control port 6 is connected between the MCD control section 4 and the main control section 1 by an address/data bus 5 that controls Ilo and transfers data.
and communication data port 7 and service request signal output port 8 are connected to each other.

Further, a cartridge data/address port 10, a cartridge insertion/removal detection port 11, a cartridge power supply port 12, and a cartridge type detection port 13 are connected between the cartridge connector 9 and the MCD control section 4 by the address/data bus 5. each connected.

The MCD control unit 4 controls communication with the main control unit 1,
It analyzes and executes commands from the main control section 1, detects insertion/removal of the memory cartridge 2, and controls on/off of power to the memory cartridge 2.

Next, the communication control port 6 is a means for executing hunt shake accompanying data transmission and reception in data communication with the main control unit 1, and is controlled by the CPU 4a (FIG. 3) in the front Ha MCD control unit 4. controlled.

The communication data port 7 is a data transmitting/receiving means for data communication with the main control section 1. In other words, what the MCD 3 receives from the main control unit 1 is a command and data added to the command, and what the MCD 3 sends to the main control unit 1 is the memory cartridge 2. The status indicates the data in the MCD 3 and the status of the MCD 3.

The CPU 4a inputs the command/data from the main control unit 1 or outputs the data/status to the main control unit 1 by accessing the communication control boat 6 and the communication data port 7. can be executed.

Furthermore, the service request signal output port 8 is means for transmitting the service request signal to the main control section 1. The cartridge data/address port 10 is connected to the memory cartridge 2, which can be inserted and removed, and the CPL 14.
It is an input/output means for data transfer with a. When the CPU 4a writes data received from the main control unit 1 to the memory cartridge 2 or transmits data read from the memory cartridge 2 to the main control unit 1, the CPU 4a responds to each service request. Select signal output port 8.

The cartridge insertion/removal detection port 33 is means for detecting insertion/removal of the memory cartridge 2. The cartridge power supply port 12 is a means for supplying power to the memory cartridge 2. The cartridge type detection port 13 detects the type of memory medium (ROM4 b,
RAM4c, etc.).

Further, the cartridge connector 9 is a connector into which the cartridge 2 is inserted.

FIG. 2 shows the data storage structure of the memory cartridge 2. As shown in FIG.

The memory cartridge 2 is RAM or ROM.
In contrast to the MCD 3 main body l, which has a built-in memory 2a and stores fonts and other information as data, a removable cartridge stores an ID number (FONT) of a predetermined length from the memory's first address AD. . That is, "F" of code "46" is stored in the first address AD, and the codes r51hj, r4 are sequentially sent to the next address.
ehJr54hJ is stored.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the MCD control section 4 and will be explained.

The configuration of the MCD control section 4 is based on the program RO described later.
A CPU 4a controls the MCD 3 according to a program stored in the M4b;
Program R that stores the program to control 3.
OM4b and a work RAM4c that secures an area for use by the programs stored in the program ROM4b.
each address/data bus 5
and transfer data to each port.

Next, FIG. 4 shows the structure of the work RAM 4c and will be described in detail.

The file structure of the work RAM 4c includes a startup timer (
CDTIMER) 4d, power supply stability timer (VDT IM
ER) 4 e, insertion/removal storage means (CA, RDSTTS) 4
f, ID confirmation storage means (CARDIDSTTS) 4g,
Memory medium storage means (MEMOSTTS) 4h, power supply judgment storage means (■CCREQ) 4i, read/write judgment storage means (VCCRDY) 4j, storage storage means (C
NCTFLAG) 4k and ID registration storage means (IDNU
M) '4m.

The startup timer (CDTIMER) 4d is
4a is a counting means for detecting the start of insertion of the memory cartridge 2 by reading the cartridge insertion/removal detection port 11 and waiting for the connection state to become stable. The activation timer 4d starts activation after the CPU 4a detects the start of insertion of the memory cartridge 2.

If the connection state does not change until the counting means counts 500 m5ec, it is determined that the connection is stable, and the power supply determination storage means 41 is asserted to supply power to the memory cartridge 2.

Here, the above-mentioned assert means to enable and negate means to disable.

The power supply stability tie 7 (VDT IMER) 4 e is
This is a counting means that waits until the voltage becomes stable after supplying power to the C, PU 4a or the memory cartridge. The power supply stability timer 4e starts activation when the CPU 4a detects the assertion of the power supply determination storage means 41. This counting means asserts the read/write determination storage means 4j after 100 m5ec, thereby putting the memory cartridge 2 in a state where the CPU 4a can correctly read and write.

The insertion/removal storage means (CARDSTTS) 4f is a storage means for storing the insertion/removal status of the CPU 4a or the memory cartridge 2 into the cartridge connector 9, and is asserted when the CPU 4a or the memory cartridge 2 is inserted, and asserts when the memory cartridge 2 is removed. Spring gate.

The ID confirmation storage means (CARD IDSTTS) 4g
is the CPU 4a or the cartridge φ connector 9.
The ID stored in the memory cartridge 2 inserted into the memory cartridge 2 is a storage means for storing whether the ID is correct or not.
If D, negate.

The memory medium storage means (MEMO3TTS) 4h is
The CPU 4a is a storage means for storing the type of memory medium (ROM, RAM, etc.) in the memory cartridge 2 inserted into the cartridge connector 9. The value is stored.

The power supply determination storage means (VCCREQ) 41 is a storage means that the CP04a refers to in order to determine whether or not to supply power to the memory cartridge 2. The activation timer 4d asserts when counting 500 a+sec, and negates when reading and writing to the memory cartridge 2 is completed or when the memory cartridge 2 is removed from the cartridge connector 9. The CP04a transfers the value stored in this storage means to the cartridge power supply board 12, and when this storage means is asserted, the power is turned on, and when this storage means is negated, the power is turned on. Turn off.

The read/write determination storage unit (VCCRDY) 4j is a storage unit that is referred to by the CPU Ja or to determine whether to start reading or writing to the memory cartridge 2, and is activated after power supply to the memory cartridge 2 is started. The power supply stability timer 4e is set to 100 trsec.
This storage means is asserted when the count is counted. When this storage means is asserted, it is assumed that the supplied 11R voltage is stabilized, and the memory cartridge 9 can be accessed. This storage means is negated together with the negation of the power supply determination storage means 41.

FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) show the storage means (CNCT).
The configuration diagram of FLAG) 4 is shown.

The storage storage means (CNCTFLAG) 4 stores the C
The PU4a is always connected to the cartridge insertion/removal detection boat 1.
1 (not shown) every 5 a+sec and stores the read value. The storage area is 3
area (CNCTFLAGICNCTFLAG2.C
NCTFLAG3. (hereinafter referred to as C1, C2, and CB), and these areas are moved every 5111 seconds.

In this movement, first, the value stored in area C2 is
3 (arrow A) L, then the value stored in area C1 moves to area C2 (arrow B).

Further, the value read from the cartridge insertion/removal detection board 11 is stored in the area C1 (arrow C).

If two or more of the three areas are asserted, insertion is detected, and two or more of the three areas are asserted.
If more than 2 areas have been negated, it is detected that the area has been negated.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the nth read value (d a t e) is stored, the area CI
date(n) is stored in area C2, date(n-1) is stored in area C3, and date(n-2) is stored in area C3.

After this, after 51nSees have elapsed, the values move from one area to another, and when the n+1th storage is performed as shown in FIG. date (n-1) is stored in .

After a further 5 m5 ec has elapsed, each value moves through the area, and as shown in FIG. 5(d), the n+2th storage is performed, and data (n+2) is stored in the area C1.

da te (n+1) in area C2, d in area C3
ate(n) will be stored.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the ID registration storage means (IDNUM) 4m.

The ID registration storage means 4m is a storage means that the CPU Ja refers to when setting the ID confirmation storage means 4g, and the value stored here and the value stored at the start address of the memory cartridge 2 are stored in the ID registration storage means 4m. The ID verification storage means 4g is asserted when the IDs are equal.

Further, this storage means can register a plurality of IDs in response to an ID registration command from the main control unit 1.

That is, the ID registration storage means 4m has, for example, four areas (IDNUMI, IDNUM2.IDNUM3, and
DNUM4; hereinafter referred to as 11, 12, 13 and 14)
have. Then, "FOMT" is stored in area (1) and "FORFvI AT" is stored in area I2 according to an ID registration command from the main control unit 1. Furthermore, area I3 and area I4 are undefined.

Next, FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the cartridge insertion/removal detection port 11.

A memory cartridge 2 electrically grounded at one end is attached to a cartridge connector 9.

The cartridge connector 9 is connected to the input end of an inverter 11a and the other end of a resistor 11b to which a voltage of 5V is applied to one end. Output end 1 of the inverter lla
1c is connected to the MCD control unit 4 and outputs a detection signal as to whether the memory cartridge 2 is attached to the cartridge connector 9.

Further, FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the cartridge power supply port 12.

Memory cartridge 2 with one end connected to power supply VCC
or is attached to the cartridge connector 9. The cartridge connector 9 is connected to one terminal of a switch S1, the other terminal of which is applied with 5V. The switch S1 is connected to the MCD control unit 4 through a contact terminal, and power is supplied to the memory cartridge 2 by closing the contact.

Next, the operation of the printer controller of this embodiment configured as above will be explained. The operations of this printer controller can be roughly divided into four processing operations. The four processes are insertion/removal detection processing,
These include power supply processing, ID registration/check processing, and communication processing. First, the overall operation (cartridge/leat operation)
After explaining this, the operation of each process will be explained.

FIG. 9 shows the memory cartridge 2 as a cartridge.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cartridge lead when it is attached to the connector 9.

Further, FIG. 10 is a timing chart corresponding to the cartridge read operation, and portions corresponding to steps in the flowchart are indicated as 81S2....

It is determined whether the memory cartridge 2 is installed (step Sl). When it is attached (Y), a detection signal is detected in the insertion/extraction storage means 4f.

When not attached (N), the standby state is maintained.

Next, after the detection signal is detected, the activation timer 4d counts 500 m5ec and determines whether the attachment is confirmed (step S2). If the installation is not confirmed (N
) waits until the activation timer 4d is reset and the detection signal is input again. If the attachment is confirmed (Y), power (CC) is supplied to the memory cartridge 2 (step S3). Next, after power is supplied, the power stabilization timer 4e counts 100 m5ec, and it is determined whether the power has been stabilized (step S4). When the power source is not stable (N), the power source stability timer 4e is reset and the device waits until it is confirmed that the power source is stable again. When the power supply is stable (Y), the ID is read from the memory cartridge 2 (step S5). After reading the ID number from the memory cartridge 2, the power supply is turned off (step S6).

Next, determine whether the read ID number is correct (
Step S7). When the above ID number is incorrect (N
) returns to step S1 and waits until the memory cartridge with the predominant ID number is installed again. When the ID number is correct (Y), the ID confirmation storage means (
CARD I DSTTS)4g is asserted (step S8).

Next, a service request signal is transmitted from the MCD control section 4 to the printer controller main control section (hereinafter referred to as main control section) 1 (step S9). Then, the cartridge sense command from the main control section 1 is transmitted to the communication data port 7, and the MCD control section 4 determines whether or not it has been received (step 510). If the cartridge sense command is not received (N), it waits until it is received. When the cartridge sense command is received (Y), the MCD control section 4
An ID confirmation signal is transmitted to (step 511).

After confirming whether the ID number is correct, the main control unit 1 transmits a read command to the communication data port 7, and determines whether the MCD control unit 4 has received the read command (step 512).

If it is not received (N), it waits until reception is confirmed.

When the reception is made (Y), the power supply (VCC) is supplied to the memory cartridge 2 (step 8
13).

Next time the power is supplied, the power stability timer is set to 4e or 100.
It is determined whether the power supply has stabilized by counting m5ec (step 514). When the power supply is not stable (N), the power supply stability timer 4e is reset and the system waits until stability is confirmed again.

When the power supply is stable (Y), data is read from the memory cartridge 2 (step 515) and transmitted to the main controller 1 (step 516). The main controller 1, which has received the data, sends a cancel command to the MCD controller 4 (step 517). It is determined whether the cancel command has been received by the communication data porter 7 (step 518). When the cancel command has not been received (N),
Returning to step S15, data is read from the memory cartridge 2 again. If the cancel command has been received (Y), the power supply to the memory cartridge 2 is stopped (step 519).

As described above, power is not supplied to the memory cartridge 2 of the printer controller of this embodiment except when reading and writing ID numbers and data to the memory cartridge 2.

Further, the overall operation of the printer controller has been explained, and the operations of the above-mentioned insertion/removal detection processing, power supply processing, ID registration/check processing, and communication processing will be explained.

First, the insertion/removal detection process for a memory cartridge will be explained.

The CPU 4a in the MCD control unit 4 performs the following every 5 m5ec.
The value of storage storage means CNCTFLAGI (hereinafter referred to as area C1) is moved to CNCTFLAG2 (hereinafter referred to as area C2), and the value of CNCTFLAG2 is transferred to CNCT
Move to FLAG3 (hereinafter referred to as area C3). Further, the value of the cartridge insertion/removal detection port 11 is stored in the area C1. Then, referring to area C1, area C2, and area C3, the combination is (area CI, area C2, area C3) - (0, 1, 1) OR (1, 01) OR (1, 1, 0 ) OR (1, 1, 1), it is determined that the insertion of the memory cartridge 2 has started,
The insertion/removal storage means (CARDSTTS) 4f indicating the mounting state of the memory cartridge 2 is asserted. Also, (area C1, area C2, area C3) = (0,0,0,)OR(0,0,1)OR(0,1
, 0) OR (1, 0, 0), it is determined that the memory cartridge 2 has been removed, and the insertion/removal storage means 4f
to negate.

However, if one of the three readings every 5 m5ec is different from the others, that one reading is considered to be noise unrelated to the insertion/removal operation of the memory cartridge 2.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the insertion/extraction detection process, and shows the relationship between the cartridge insertion/extraction detection port 11 and the timing of reading into the storage/extraction storage means 4f every 5 m5ec into the storage storage means (CNCTFLAG) 4.

Part A indicating a change in the cartridge insertion/removal detection port 11 is noise unrelated to the insertion/removal of the memory cartridge 2, and the insertion/removal storage means 4f is negated.

Similarly, in part B, the memory cartridge 2 is inserted and the contact points between the memory cartridge 2 and the cartridge connector 9 are disturbed. Therefore, the insertion/extraction storage means 4f is also negated.

Similarly, in part C, the contact point of the memory cartridge 2 is moving but is in a stable contact state, so the storage storage means 4k becomes (1, 1, 0) (0, 1, 1), The insertion/extraction storage means 4f asserts.

At the partial contact point, the contact point is still moving, so the contact state becomes unstable again. As a result, the storage storage means 4k becomes (0, 0, 1) (1, 01), and the insertion/removal storage means 4f is negated.

In the portion E, the movement of the contact point has been completed and the contact state has been established, so the storage storage means 4k is (1, 1,
0) (1, 1, 1), and the insertion/extraction storage means 4 has the following information:
assert.

The portion F is removed from the memory cartridge 2 or the cartridge connector 9, and is inserted into the insertion/removal storage means 4f.
negates.

In this way, even if the value of the cartridge insertion/removal detection port 1 is irregular, the insertion/removal storage means 4f is determined according to the above-mentioned rules, and this is used as a flag indicating the mounting state of the memory cartridge 2. As a result, it is possible to remove the one-off noise around 5 m5ec, and to detect the insertion and removal of the memory cartridge 2 more reliably.

Next, the power supply process will be explained.

Memory cartridge 2 or cartridge connector 9
Even if insertion is started, the connection state will be unstable while the contact point is moving, as shown in the insertion/removal detection process above. Therefore, if power is supplied immediately after insertion has started, the memory cartridge 2 may be destroyed or incorrect data may be read/written. That is, even if the memory cartridge 2 is inserted into the insertion/removal storage means 4f, power cannot be immediately supplied to the memory cartridge 2.

Therefore, the power is supplied after the insertion/extraction storage means 4f continues to be asserted for a certain period of time as described in the insertion/extraction detection process described above.

FIG. 12 shows a time chart of one embodiment of the power supply processing and will be described in detail.

When the insertion of the memory cartridge 2 is started,
In other words, when the insertion/removal storage means (CARDSTTS) 4f is asserted (T1), the activation timer (CDTIMER)
Start 4d. The activation timer 4d or 500 m
When there is no change in the insertion/removal storage means 4f until 5ec is counted (T2), it is determined that the insertion of the memory cartridge 2 is confirmed.

That is, when the insertion/removal storage means 4f is asserted (T1
), the activation timer 4d is activated.

However, until the activation timer 4d counts 500 m5ec or more (T2), the insertion/removal storage means 4f
may be negated. That is, while the memory cartridge 2 is being inserted, the contact point with the cartridge connector 9 moves and the contact state is unstable. The activation timer 4d is reset when the contact point is removed, or the activation timer 4d is restarted when the insertion/removal recording tO means 4f is asserted again.

When the start timer 4d counts 500 m5ec (T3), the power supply judgment storage means (VCCR)
EQ)4i is asserted (T4), a power supply signal is outputted to the cartridge power supply port 12 (T5), and power supply to the memory cartridge 2 is started (T6).

Further, even if power is started to be supplied to the memory cartridge 2, reading and writing must wait until the voltage becomes stable (T7). In other words, the power supply determination storage means 4
When 1 is asserted (T5), power supply stability tie? (V
DT I MER) 4 e starts and 100 a+s
After counting ee (T7), read/write judgment storage means (
VCCRDY)4j is asserted (T8) to make the memory cartridge 2 readable and readable.

In this way, by stabilizing the connection state of the memory cartridge 2 and waiting for the voltage to stabilize after power is supplied, the memory cartridge 2 can be protected and erroneous data reading and writing can be prevented.

Next, ID registration/check processing will be explained.

When read/write determination storage means (VCCRDY) 4j is asserted, it is necessary to check whether the memory cartridge 2 has a correct identification (hereinafter referred to as ID) number or is registered.

For example, when using a memory cartridge 2 that must store character data used in a printer controller, a "FONT" (a
With scii coat, 46h, 51h4eh, 54h)
In addition, in case you use memory cartridge 2 as a format memory, “FORM
AT” (ascii code, 46h, 4fh, 52
h, 4dh, 4Lh, 54h) as the ID number, I
Store it in the second area 2 of the D registration storage means 4m.
.

As a result, this printer controller uses the above two types of ID numbers or the registered memory cartridge 2.
or can be used. Note that the ID registration is performed by an ID registration command from the main control section 1 at the time of initial setting of the printer controller when the printer main body is turned on.

An explanation will be given with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 13 showing the processing operation of ID registration/check processing.

If the memory cartridge 2 is attached to the cartridge connector 9, it is determined whether the first ID number is registered in the first area 1 of the ID registration storage means 4m of the work RAM 4c (step 520). 1st I
When the D number is unregistered and undefined (N), the ID confirmation storage means (CARDIDSTTS) 4g is negated (step 521).

Further, when the first ID number is defined (Y), the first address AD of the memory 7a of the memory cartridge 2 is
It is determined whether the same ID number is defined in (step 522).

In step S22, an ID is stored in the memory cartridge 2.
When the same ID number as the first area 11 of the registration storage means 4m is defined (Y), the ID confirmation storage means (CA
RD I DSTTS)4g is asserted (step 323).

However, if the same ID number is not defined (N), then it is determined whether the ID number is registered in the second area I2 of the ID registration storage means 4m (step 524). When the ID number is not registered or defined in the second area engineering 2 (
N), the ID confirmation storage means 4g is negated (
step 823).

Also, when the ID number is defined in the second area ■2 (Y)
determines whether the same ID number of the second area I2 is defined in the memory cartridge 2 (step 525).
). In this step S25, when it is determined that the same ID number is defined in the memory cartridge 2 (Y
) is the ID confirmation storage means (CARD I DSTT).
S)4g is asserted (step 823).

Thereafter, the third and fourth ID numbers are also determined in the same manner (steps S26 to 529).

The above ID registration/check processing is performed when the ID number of the installed memory cartridge 2 is the ID registration storage means 4m.
If the ID number is equal to one of a plurality of ID numbers registered in advance, it is regarded as a correct ID number, and the ID confirmation storage means 4g asserts that the memory cartridge can be read.

At this time, in order to determine that the ID number is correct,
The memory cartridge 2 has I at the top address.
D Same ID as the ID number stored in the registration storage means 4m
Number "FONT" (ASCII code, 48
h, 51h, 4eh, 54h) or FORM
AT” (ASCII: 7-code, 46h, 4fh,
52h, 4dh, 41h, 54h) must be stored.

When the ID number stored in the first address of the memory cartridge 2 is different from all the ID numbers among the plurality of ID numbers registered in the ID registration storage means 4m,
It is assumed that the ID number is incorrect, and the memory cartridge 2 is treated as unreadable.
The ID confirmation storage means 4g is negated.

Further, the ID registration/check process is performed when the memory cartridge 2 is removed from the cartridge connector 9 and the insertion/removal storage means 4f is negated while the ID number of the memory cartridge 2 is being read, and when the ID number of the memory cartridge 2 is being read.
When the confirmation storage means 4g is confirmed, the power supply judgment storage means 41 is negated to stop the power supply to the memory cartridge 2.

ID of memory cartridge 2 inserted in this way
By checking the number, it is possible to prevent malfunctions due to the insertion of memory cartridges 2 unrelated to this printer controller.Furthermore, by validating multiple ID numbers, it is possible to prevent malfunctions due to the insertion of memory cartridges 2 unrelated to this printer controller. 2 can also be used.

Next, regarding the cartridge read communication process, the process after the ID confirmation storage means 4g is determined will be explained. The reference numbers assigned to each member are the same as those in FIG. This process was already outlined when explaining FIGS. 9 and 10, but will be explained in detail again.

When the MCD control unit 4 confirms that the memory cartridge 2 attached to the cartridge connector 9 has the correct ID number, it sends a service request signal output port 8 to request the main control unit 1 to send a command. Assert.

However, on the contrary, if it is confirmed that the memory cartridge 2 installed in the cartridge connector 9 has an incorrect ID number, other memory cartridges with the correct ID number
The service request signal output port 8 is not asserted until the cartridge 2 is replaced.

Then, the main control unit 1 detects the assertion of the service request signal output port 8, and selects a memory with the correct ID number.
A cartridge sense command is sent to the MCD 3 to confirm that cartridge 2 has been inserted. The MC that received the cartridge sense command
D3 returns the contents of the ID confirmation storage means 4g to the main control section 1.

Upon receiving the contents of the ID confirmation storage means 4g, the main control unit 1 confirms that the memory cartridge 2 inserted into the MCD 3 has the correct ID number, and then instructs the MCD 3 to read the cartridge. Send a command.

The MCD 3 that has received the cartridge read command asserts the power supply determination storage means 41 to supply power to the memory cartridge 2, and
After m5ec, the read/write determination storage means 4j is asserted, and the data in the memory cartridge 2 is read out and transmitted to the main control section 1.

The main controller 1 controls the memory cartridge 2.
When the data reception is finished, cancel/
Send a command. Upon receiving the cancel command, the MCD 3 stops reading data from the memory cartridge 2, and sequentially negates the power supply determination storage means 41 and the read/write determination storage means 4j,
Power supply to the memory cartridge 2 is stopped.

Furthermore, when the memory cartridge 2 is removed while the memory cartridge 2 is being accessed, that is, when the insertion/removal storage means 4f is negated, the power supply determination storage means 4i and the read/write determination storage means 4j are negated in sequence. Power supply to the memory cartridge 2 is immediately stopped.

In this way, power is supplied to the memory cartridge 2 whenever the memory cartridge 2 is read or written.

According to the above configuration, the power supply device of the present invention includes:
The controller includes means for detecting insertion and removal of a memory cartridge and means for controlling power supply to the memory cartridge based on the detection.
Power can be supplied only when reading and writing information data from the cartridge.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment of the printer device described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, by providing means for supplying power only when reading and writing information data from a memory cartridge, insertion and removal can be performed while the power of the main body of the device is on. Even if you do, you can replace the memory cartridge.

Therefore, the power supply device of the present invention allows the memory cartridge to be inserted and removed even when the power of the main body of the device is on.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer controller as an embodiment of the power supply device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a memory cartridge, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an MCD control section. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the work RAM, and FIG. 5(a) to (
d) is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage storage means (CNCTFLAG), and FIG. 6 is the ID registration storage means (IDNUM).
7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cartridge insertion/removal detection port. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cartridge power supply port. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cartridge insertion/removal detection port. FIG. 10 is a timing chart corresponding to the read operation in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a timing chart for insertion/removal detection processing, FIG. 12 is a timing chart for power supply processing, and FIG. 13 is a timing chart for the operation of power supply processing. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of ID registration/check processing. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Printer controller main control unit, 2...Memory cartridge, 3...Memory cartridge driver, 4...M CD control unit, 5...Address/data bus, 9...Cartridge・Connector, 11...
- Cartridge insertion/removal detection port, 12...Cartridge power supply port. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Jun Tsuboi Diagram (a) Figure 5 (b) Figure (c) Figure (d) Figure 4 Figure Procedure Nyama Seisho (Method) 1990 89M7 Day

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A removable memory cartridge that stores various control information, a power supply means for supplying power to the memory cartridge, a receiving means for receiving an access request to the memory cartridge, and the receiving means. only while the said access request is received by the means;
A power supply device comprising: a control means for causing the power supply means to supply power to the memory cartridge.