Patent Publication Number: US-7724390-B2

Title: Selective access to memory cards

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which is equipped with plural card slots, a control method for the image processing apparatus, and a program for executing the control method. 
   Moreover, the present invention relates to a recording apparatus which is equipped with a multislot card reader corresponding to plural kinds of media, a control method for the image processing apparatus, and a program for executing the control method. 
   2. Related Background Art 
   A conventional image processing apparatus which is equipped with a card slot, e.g., a memory card slot, includes only one card slot. 
   For example, the conventional image processing apparatus has only one PC (personal computer) card slot (also called a PC card reader) which includes only a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) interface, as the memory card slot. 
   However, when a medium (i.e., a memory card such as an MS (memory stick), an SD/MMC (secure digital/multimedia card), an SM (SmartMedia™), a CF (CompactFlash™) or the like) other than the PC card (i.e., the memory card based on a PCMCIA interface standard) is used for the PC card reader, it is necessary to connect the medium in question to the PC card reader through a conversion adapter. For this reason, the medium which is accessible from the PC card reader is always only one. 
   As just described, there is a problem that the conventional image processing apparatus which includes only one card slot cannot cope with the plural kinds of memory cards (e.g., the MS, the SD/MMC, the SM, the CF and the like) when there is no conversion adapter. 
   Incidentally, an image processing apparatus which includes plural card slots becomes available in recent years. In the image processing apparatus of this type, an operator selects a functional card slot by using a slide switch. 
   However, in this case, when the operator selects the functional card slot by using the slide switch, the operator has to adequately handle the slide switch according to the kind of memory card which the operator wishes to use, whereby there is a problem that the handling of the slide switch is complicated. 
   Moreover, in another image processing apparatus which becomes available in recent years and includes plural card slots, when a card is inserted into the card slot, the functional card slot is automatically selected and changed if necessary. In this case, even when the card slot has been automatically changed to the functional card slot, the image processing apparatus does not notify an external apparatus (e.g., a personal computer) accessibly connected to the card slot in question that the card slot has been changed. Therefore, when the card slot has been automatically changed to the functional card slot, an operator and the external apparatus accessibly connected to the card slot in question cannot discriminate and confirm such a fact. Thus, when the memory card inserted in the card slot is removed therefrom and then another memory card is inserted in this card slot, the external apparatus accesses the newly inserted memory card on the premise that the memory card is not changed, whereby there is a fear that the data stored in the inserted memory card is damaged. 
   That is, in the above image processing apparatus, the card is inserted in and removed from the card slot as the power supply of the apparatus is being on, and the functional card slot is automatically and arbitrarily changed against the user&#39;s intention, whereby there is a problem that the operator may be confused. 
   Moreover, in the image processing apparatus of this type, there is a fear that a malfunction occurs in a connected external processing apparatus such as a personal computer or the like due to the above automatic change of the card slot. 
   Furthermore, there is a fear that, when the malfunction occurs in the external processing apparatus such as the personal computer or the like connected to the image processing apparatus, the data stored in the memory card inserted in the card slot of the image processing apparatus is damaged. 
   In regard to the above problems, in the case where the image processing apparatus is equipped with the multislot card reader, there is a possibility that the card reader accesses the media of which the number corresponds to the number of the provided card slots. However, even in such a case, any problem does not occur if the card reader can simultaneously access the plural media of which the number is the same as that of the card slots. 
   Incidentally, an MFP (multifunctional printer) is known as an example of the recent image processing apparatus which includes plural card readers. In the MFP, the card reader and the main body of the MFP are connected to each other through a USB (universal serial bus), and power is supplied to the card reader through a Vbus of the USB. Here, it should be noted that, according to the USB standard, the upper limit of the current capable of being supplied through the Vbus is set to 500 mA. 
   Therefore, in case of simultaneously accessing the media in all the card slots, because the current may become insufficient with respect to some kinds of media, there is a fear that a malfunction occurs in the card reader. 
   That is, in the conventional recording apparatus which is equipped with the multislot card reader, there is a problem that, when the plural media are respectively inserted in the plural card slots, the malfunction occurs in the card reader due to a lack of the current to be supplied to the inserted medium. 
   Moreover, for example, in a case where the medium is accessed from a PC which operates based on Windows™ 2000, because only one end point can merely be set for the USB according to the specification of a Windows™ standard file system, the medium in only one of the plural card slots can be accessed according to the standard file system. Thus, there is a problem that it is highly complicated to effectually inform the PC of the accessible and inaccessible media. 
   That is, in the conventional recording apparatus which is equipped with the multislot card reader, when the plural media are respectively inserted in the plural card slots, the medium in only one of the plural card slots can be accessed according to the standard file system, and it is thus complicated to effectually inform the PC of the accessible and inaccessible media. In other words, there is a problem that an intermediary process between the card reader and the PC is complicated. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus which is equipped with a card slot and can cope with plural kinds of memory cards (e.g., a CF (CompactFlash™), an SM (SmartMedia™), an MS (memory stick), an SD/MMC (secure digital/multimedia card), and the like), a control method for the image processing apparatus, and a program for executing the control method. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus which is equipped with a multislot card reader, and in which a malfunction in the card reader due to a lack of a current to be supplied to a medium does not occur even when plural media are respectively inserted in plural card slots of the multislot card reader, a control method for the recording apparatus, and a program for executing the control method. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus which is equipped with a multislot card reader, and can simplify an intermediary process between the card reader and a PC even in a case where, when plural media are respectively inserted in plural card slots of the multislot card reader, the medium in only one of the plural card slots can be accessed according to a standard file system, a control method for the recording apparatus, and a program for executing the control method. 
   Other object and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of an image processing apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram showing in detail the exterior appearance of the image processing apparatus  100 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing in detail a processing operation to select an effectual (or available) card slot in a case where a power supply is turned on; 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of an image forming apparatus  2100  according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing the details of a card reader unit  2117  in the second embodiment; 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing an operation of a CPU  2101  in a case where the data of the card reader is printed by the image forming apparatus  2100  (i.e., card direct printing); and 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing a control operation of a card control unit  2201  in the second embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   First Embodiment 
     FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of an image processing apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
   In the image processing apparatus  100 , an MPU (micro-processing unit)  101  functions as a main control unit for an entire system including a CPU (central processing unit), whereby the MPU  101  controls the entire image processing apparatus  100 . 
   A ROM (read-only memory) unit  102  stores therein non-rewritable fixed data such as a control program executed by the MPU  101 , a data table referred by the MPU  101 , a built-in OS (operating system) program, and the like. In the present embodiment, under the control of the built-in OS stored in the ROM unit  102 , the control programs stored in the ROM unit  102  perform software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, interruption and the like, and also achieve a multitasking function including recording control, reading control, communication control and the like. 
   A backup memory unit  103  consists of an SRAM (static random-access memory) or the like to which a backup power supply is necessary, whereby data can be stored and held in the backup memory unit  103  by using a not-shown data backup primary battery. Thus, program control variables and the like which are improper if deleted are stored in the backup memory unit  103 . Besides, the backup memory unit  103  includes a memory area where set values registered by an operator, administration data of the image processing apparatus  100 , and the like are stored, and also includes a memory area where card slot effectual (or available) information is stored. 
   An image storage memory unit  104  consists of a DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) or the like. Mainly, image data to be handled by the image processing apparatus  100 , print data to be transferred to a later-described recording device unit  115 , status information obtained from the recording device unit  115 , and the like are stored in the image storage memory unit  104 . Besides, a partial area of the image storage memory unit  104  is secured as a working area for executing software processes. 
   A data conversion unit  105  analyzes a PDL (page-description language) or the like, performs CG (computer graphics) decompression or the like of character data, and further performs image data conversion of code data information into bitmap information. 
   A coding/decoding unit  106  mutually performs a coding process and a decoding process to the image data (i.e., image data of non-compression format, MH (modified Huffman) compression format, MR (modified READ (relative element address)) compression format, MMR (modified modified READ) compression format, JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image experts Group) compression format, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compression format, etc.) handled in the image processing apparatus  100 , and also performs an enlargement process and a reduction process to the image data. 
   An operation unit  107  is equipped with numerical value input keys, character input keys, one-touch telephone number keys, a mode setting key, a determination key, a stop key, a cancel key and the like. The operation unit  107  is used by an operator to determine image transmission destination data, and register the set data of the image processing apparatus  100 . 
   A resolution conversion unit  108  performs resolution conversion control such as mutual conversion between millimeter-system image data and inch-system image data. Also, the enlargement process and the reduction process can be performed to the image data by the resolution conversion unit  108 . 
   A display unit  109  is equipped with an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display) and the like. The display unit  109  displays the contents of various input operations by an operator, the operation statuses of the image processing apparatus  100 , and the statuses of the recording device unit  115 , and the like. Besides, in case of sending out a warning to the operator, the display unit  109  displays warning information by turning on and off the included LED. 
   A communication unit  110  is equipped with a modem, an NCU (network control unit) and the like. In the present embodiment, the communication unit  110  is connected to a PSTN (public switched telephone network)  131  (i.e., an analog communication line), controls the communication according to a T30 protocol, and further controls calling and called line control in regard to the communication line. 
   A recording control unit  111  performs various image processes such as a smoothing process, a recording density correction process, a color correction process and the like to the image data to be printed, through a not-shown image processing control unit, so as to generate high-precise image data. Then, the recording control unit  111  outputs the converted image data to the later-described recording device unit  115  through a later-described USB (universal serial bus) host control unit  114 , so as to print the converted image data. 
   The recording device unit  115  is the recording device such as a laser beam printer, an ink-jet printer or the like which is controlled by a not-shown dedicated CPU. That is, the recording device unit  115  records, on a printing material, the color image data or the monochrome image data received from the recording control unit  111 . Incidentally, a not-shown EEPROM (electronically erasable and programmable read-only memory) which does not need a backup power supply is connected within the recording device unit  115 , whereby recording control parameters and the like are stored in the EEPROM. 
   A reading device unit  113  which is connected to a reading control unit  112  optically reads an original by using a CIS (contact image sensor) line sensor or a CCD (charge coupled device) line sensor. Then, the reading control unit  112  converts the read original into electrical image data, performs various image processes such as a binarization process, a halftone process and the like to the converted image data, and outputs the high-precise image data. 
   Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the reading control unit  112  and the reading device unit  113  can cope with both a sheet reading control system, in which the original is read by the fixed line sensor as it is being transported, and a book reading control system, in which the original fixed on an original glass plate is scanned and read by the moving line sensor. 
   The USB host control unit  114  which includes a USB analog transceiver and a serial interface engine performs communication control of a USB interface. More specifically, the USB host control unit  114  performs protocol control according to a USB communication standard, converts the data from a USB host control task executed by the MPU  101  into a packet (i.e., packet data), and performs USB packet transmission to the recording device unit  115  and a later-described memory card device unit  116  both connected to the USB host control unit  114 . On one hand, the USB host control unit  114  converts a USB packet from the recording device unit  115  or the memory card device unit  116  into appropriate data, and then transmits the converted data to the MPU  101 . 
   Here, it should be noted that the USB communication standard is the standard by which bi-directional data communication can be performed at high speed, and, by the USB standard, plural devices (i.e., plural slaves) can be connected to one host (i.e., one master). 
   The USB host control unit  114  has the function as the host in the USB communication, and the recording device unit  115  and the memory card device unit  116  respectively have the functions as the devices in the USB communication. Incidentally, it should be noted that the function as the device in the USB communication is also called a function working. 
   The memory card device unit  116  which is controlled by a not-shown dedicated CPU includes a not-shown card slot to which recording medium such as a memory card (e.g., a CF (CompactFlash™) card or an SM (SmartMedia™) card) or the like mainly equipped with a flash memory is inserted. That is, the memory card device unit  116  functions as the card reader/writer on which the data received through the USB interface can be written and from which the data can be read. Incidentally, the card to be inserted in the card slot is not limited to the recording medium, that is, a data input/output card for communication control can be used as the card. 
   The memory card device unit  116  communicates with the USB host control unit  114  according to a protocol determined based on the USB communication standard. Particularly, the memory card device unit  116  has the function working (i.e., the function as the device). 
   A USB device control unit  117  which includes a USB analog transceiver and a serial interface engine performs communication control of the USB interface. More specifically, the USB device control unit  117  performs protocol control according to the USB communication standard, converts the data from a USB device control task executed by the MPU  101  into a packet (i.e., packet data), and performs USB packet transmission to a connected external USB host device (e.g., a personal computer  141 ). On one hand, the USB device control unit  117  converts a USB packet from the host device (e.g., the personal computer  141 ) into appropriate data, and then transmits the converted data to the MPU  101 . That is, the USB device control unit  117  has the function as the device in the USB communication. 
   A USB connector (B)  118  is the connector on the side of the device according to the USB communication standard. Besides, the USB connector (B)  118  is the connector of a B-type shape which is connected to the external USB host device such as the personal computer or the like. 
   Incidentally, the above units  101  to  112 ,  114  and  117  are mutually connected through a CPU bus  121  under the control of the MPU  101 . 
   Next, the exterior appearance of the entire image processing apparatus  100  will be explained in detail. 
     FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram showing in detail the exterior appearance of the image processing apparatus  100 . 
   In  FIG. 2 , a power supply key  21  is used to control a power state of the image processing apparatus  100  as a whole. In case of using the image processing apparatus  100 , an operator turns on the power supply of the image processing apparatus  100  by handling the power supply key  21 . Besides, in case of ending the use of the image processing apparatus  100 , the operator turns off the power supply of the image processing apparatus  100  by handling the power supply key  21 . 
   An operation panel  22  includes the operation unit  107 , the display unit  109  and the power supply key  21 . Thus, an instruction from the operator is received by the operation unit  107  and the power supply key  21 , and the state of the image processing apparatus  100  is notified to the operator through the display unit  109 . Besides, in case of performing priority setting of the card slots, the operator has to do so through the operation panel  22 . 
   A card slot A which acts as a first card slot and in which a card is inserted is disposed in the memory card device unit  116 . 
   A card slot B which acts as a second card slot and in which a card is inserted is also disposed in the memory card device unit  116 . 
   That is, it should be noted that the operation unit  107  can be considered as an example of the operation panel which includes the operation unit and the display unit. 
   Moreover, it should be noted that the MPU unit  101  and the ROM unit  102  act as the means for setting one of the plural card slots as an accessible card slot, and can be considered as an example of the accessible card slot setting means for setting the accessible card slot by using the operation unit and the display unit. 
   Furthermore, it should be noted that the MPU unit  101  and the ROM unit  102  can also be considered as an example of the card control means for, in case of accessing the cards inserted in the plural card slots, accessing the card inserted in the accessible card slot set by the accessible card slot setting means. 
   Next, a processing operation to select the effectual (or available) card slot when the power supply of the image processing apparatus  100  is turned on will be explained in detail. 
     FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing in detail the processing operation to select the available card slot when the power supply of the image processing apparatus  100  is turned on. 
   First, it is judged in a step S 1  whether or not the power supply of the entire image processing apparatus  100  is turned on by the operator. When it is judged that the power supply is turned on, the flow advances to a step S 2 . On the contrary, when it is judged in the step S 1  that the power supply is not turned on, the process in the step S 1  is repeated. 
   In the step S 2 , each block constituting the image processing apparatus  100  is initialized by the MPU unit  101 . For example, a data check of the backup memory unit  103 , initialization of the image storage memory unit  104 , initialization of the USB host control unit  114 , initialization of the memory card device unit  116  through the USB host control unit  114 , and the like are performed. When the initialization ends in the step S 2 , the flow advances to a step S 3 . 
   Then, it is judged in the step S 3  whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot A of the memory card device unit  116 . Here, when it is judged whether or not the card has been inserted, for example, following two judgment methods are supposed. 
   That is, in the first judgment method, the MPU  101  inquires of the memory card device unit  116  through the USB host control unit  114  as to whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot A. 
   In the second judgment method, the MPU  101  inquires of the memory card device unit  116  through a not-shown control line as to whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot A of the memory card device unit  116 . 
   In any case, when it is judged by the MPU  101  in the step S 3  that the card has been inserted in the card slot A, the flow advances to a step S 4 . On one hand, when it is judged by the MPU  101  in the step S 3  that the card is not inserted in the card slot A, the flow advances to a step S 9 . 
   In the step S 4 , it is judged by the MPU  101  whether or not the card slot A has been set to have priority, that is, it is judged whether or not the card slot A is the accessible card slot. Here, in case of judging whether or not the card slot A has been set to having priority, for example, following three judgment methods are supposed. 
   That is, in the first judgment method, the order of priority (i.e., the order in setting the card slot as the accessible card slot) is fixedly set beforehand. For example, in a case where it is assumed that the card slot A is dedicated for the CF card and the card slot B is dedicated for the SM card, it is supposed that a customer (i.e., the operator) mainly uses the CF card. In this case, the card slot A may be fixedly set beforehand to have priority as the specification for the image processing apparatus. Here, such an operation is achieved in the portion in the flow chart of  FIG. 3  that the judgment in the step S 3  as to whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot A is performed before the judgment in the step S 9  as to whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B is performed. On the contrary, when it is supposed that the operator mainly uses the SM card, the card slot B may be fixedly set beforehand to have priority as the specification for the image processing apparatus. Here, such an operation is achieved by partially modifying the flow chart of  FIG. 3  that the judgment in the step S 3  as to whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B is performed, and then the judgment in the step S 9  as to whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B is performed. Thus, the judgment that the card exists in the card slot B can be performed before the judgment that the card exists in the card slot A is performed. In any case, in the first judgment method, because the processes in the steps S 4  and S 6  are unnecessary, the process in a step S 5  is performed immediately after YES in the step S 3 . Moreover, if there is no card in the card slots when the power supply is turned on, the judgments in the steps S 3  and S 9  are repeated through waiting in a step S 8 . After then, either one of the card slots A and B in which the card is precedently inserted is set as the accessible card slot, and subsequently the setting of the accessible card slot is not changed until the power supply is turned off. That is, after the accessible card slot was once set, even when the card is arbitrarily inserted and removed, the accessible card slot is only the already-set card slot. 
   In the second judgment method, although either one of the card slots A and B has already been set to have priority, the operator can change the set order or priority for the card slots, that is, the operator can change the order in setting the card slot as the accessible card slot. It should be noted that  FIG. 3  shows the second judgment method. For example, the operator previously sets whether the card slot A should have priority or the card slot B should have priority, by appropriately using the operation unit  107  and the display unit  109  on the operation panel  22 . Then, the priority card slot information thus set and obtained is written in the backup memory unit  103  by the MPU  101 . Thus, the order of priority can be set on the basis of the set and obtained priority card slot information. In  FIG. 3 , it is set that the card slot A has priority over the card slot B. However, if the operator sets the card slot B to have priority, the flow advances from the step S 4  to the step S 6  to judge whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B even when it is judged in the step S 3  that the card has been inserted in the card slot A. Then, when it is judged in the step S 6  that the card has been inserted in the card slot B, the flow advances to a step S 7 . On the contrary, when it is judged in the step S 6  that the card is not inserted in the card slot B, the flow advances to the step S 5 . 
   In the third judgment method, the order of priority depends on the previous order of priority (i.e., the previous order in setting the card slot as the accessible card slot). For example, in a case where it is assumed that the card slot A has already been set as the accessible card slot, the MPU  101  stores the already-set order of priority in the backup memory unit  103 . 
   Subsequently, when the power supply of the image processing apparatus  100  is turned on, the MPU  101  first reads the order of priority stored in the backup memory unit  103  and then determines the order of priority according to the read order of priority. 
   When it is judged by the MPU  101  in the step S 4  that the card slot A has been set to have priority, the flow advances to the step S 5 . On the contrary, when it is judged by the MPU  101  in the step S 4  that the card slot A is not set as the accessible card slot, the flow advances to the step S 6 . 
   In the step S 5 , the card slot A is set as the accessible card slot by the MPU  101 , whereby the card inserted in the card slot A can be accessed. 
   That is, for example, when the operator handles the operation unit  107  and the display unit  109  on the operation panel  22  and thus selects the operation to read the data of the memory card inserted in the card slot A or B and print the read data on a recording member, the data of the memory card inserted in the accessible one of the card slots A and B of the memory card device unit  116  is read. 
   When the card slot A is set as the accessible card slot by the MPU  101  in the step S 5 , the operation of automatically changing the card slot ends. 
   Incidentally, the state that the card slot A has been set as the accessible card slot by the MPU  101  is released when the power supply of the image processing apparatus  100  is turned off. However, it is possible for the MPU  101  to write in the backup memory unit  103  the information representing that the card slot A has been set as the accessible card slot and thus maintain the state that the card slot A has been set as the accessible card slot next time the power supply of the image processing apparatus  100  is turned on. 
   On one hand, in case of judging in the step S 6  whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B, for example, following two judgment methods are supposed. 
   That is, in the first judgment method, the MPU  101  inquires of the memory card device unit  116  through the USB host control unit  114  as to whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B. 
   In the second judgment method, the MPU  101  directly judges through a not-shown control line whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B. 
   In any case, when it is judged by the MPU  101  in the step S 6  that the card has been inserted in the card slot B, the flow advances to the step S 7 . On the contrary, when it is judged by the MPU  101  in the step S 6  that the card is not inserted in the card slot B, the flow advances to the step S 5 . 
   In the step S 7 , the card slot B is set as the accessible card slot by the MPU  101 , whereby the card inserted in the card slot B can be accessed. 
   That is, for example, when the operator handles the operation unit  107  and the display unit  109  on the operation panel  22  and thus selects the operation to read the data of the memory card inserted in the card slot A or B and print the read data on the recording member by the recording device unit  115 , the data of the memory card inserted in the accessible one of the card slots A and B of the memory card device unit  116  is read. 
   When the card slot B is set as the accessible card slot by the MPU  101  in the step S 7 , the operation of automatically changing the card slot ends. 
   Incidentally, the state that the card slot B has been set as the accessible card slot by the MPU  101  is released when the power supply of the image processing apparatus  100  is turned off. However, it is possible for the MPU  101  to write in the backup memory unit  103  the information representing that the card slot B has been set as the accessible card slot and thus maintain the state that the card slot B has been set as the accessible card slot next time the power supply of the image processing apparatus  100  is turned on. 
   On one hand, in the step S 8 , the MPU  101  performs the waiting process in regard to the operation of automatically changing the card slot. In the waiting process, a card slot automatic change task to be executed by the MPU  101  on the built-in OS is rested, while another task is executed by the MPU  101 . After then, the flow returns to the step S 3 . 
   According to the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus which is equipped with the card slot can cope with the all kinds of memory cards (e.g., the CF card, the SM card, the MS, the SD/MMC, and the like). 
   Incidentally, in case of judging in the step S 9  whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B, for example, following two judgment methods are supposed. 
   That is, in the first judgment method, the MPU  101  inquires of the memory card device unit  116  through the USB host control unit  114  as to whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B. 
   In the second judgment method, the MPU  101  directly judges through the not-shown control line whether or not the card has been inserted in the card slot B. 
   In any case, when it is judged by the MPU  101  in the step S 9  that the card has been inserted in the card slot B, the flow advances to the step S 7 . On the contrary, when it is judged by the MPU  101  in the step S 9  that the card is not inserted in the card slot B, the flow advances to the step S 8 . 
   According to the present embodiment, in the image processing apparatus which is equipped with the plural card slots, it is unnecessary to provide a slide switch for selecting the accessible card slot, and it is thus unnecessary for the operator to handle any slide switch. 
   Moreover, according to the present embodiment, in the image processing apparatus which is equipped with the plural card slots, the accessible card slot does not arbitrarily change even when the card is inserted in and removed from the card slot. Thus, the card slot that the operator does not intend is not changed as the accessible card slot, whereby there is no confusion for the operator. 
   Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, in the image processing apparatus which is equipped with the plural card slots, because the card slot that the operator does not intend is not changed as the accessible card slot, there is no possibility that a malfunction occurs in the connected external processing apparatus such as a personal computer or the like. 
   In addition, according to the present embodiment, in the image processing apparatus which is equipped with the plural card slots, because the card slot that the operator does not intend is not changed as the accessible card slot, there is no possibility that the data of the memory card inserted in the card slot is damaged due to the malfunction occurred in the connected external processing apparatus such as the personal computer or the like. 
   Incidentally, the flow chart shown in  FIG. 3  is directed to the operation of the image processing apparatus which is equipped with, e.g., the two card slots of the card slot A and the card slot B. However, it is needless to say that the present embodiment is also applicable to an image processing apparatus which is equipped with three or more card slots. 
   Moreover, the present embodiment can be grasped as the invention of computer programs. 
   That is, in the program to be executed by the image processing apparatus equipped with the plural card slots in which the detachable cards are respectively inserted, the present embodiment is directed to the procedure for setting one of the plural card slots as the accessible card slot. Moreover, the present embodiment is directed to the accessible card slot setting procedure of setting one of the plural card slots as the accessible card slot by using the operation unit and the display unit provided on the operation panel, and storing the set accessible card slot in the predetermined memory, and also to the card control procedure of, in case of accessing the cards inserted in the plural card slots, accessing the card inserted in the accessible card slot set in the accessible card slot setting procedure. 
   In this case, the above program may be the program to change the accessible card slot set in the accessible card slot setting procedure to be unavailable when the power supply of the entire image processing apparatus is turned off. 
   Moreover, the above program may be the program which includes the main control procedure to control the entire image processing apparatus, and the card detection procedure to judge based on the command inquiry in the above card control procedure whether or not the cards have been respectively inserted in the plural card slots and then store the judged result in the predetermined memory. 
   Furthermore, the above main control procedure may be the procedure to judge based on the signal generated in the card reading procedure whether or not the cards have been respectively inserted in the plural card slots and then store the judged result in the predetermined memory. 
   Besides, the above accessible card slot setting procedure may be the procedure to set, when the power supply of the entire image processing apparatus is turned on in the state that the cards are not inserted in all of the plural card slots, the card slot in which the card is first inserted, as the accessible card slot, and then store the set accessible card slot in the predetermined memory. 
   Moreover, the above program may be the program which includes the card slot determination procedure to, when the power supply for the entire image processing apparatus is turned on in the state that the plural cards have been inserted in the plural card slots, determine the accessible card slot according to the predetermined order of priority, and then store the determined accessible card slot in the predetermined memory. 
   Furthermore, the above program may be the program which includes the card slot determination procedure to, when the power supply for the entire image processing apparatus is turned on in the state that the plural cards have been inserted in the plural card slots, determine the accessible card slot according to the order of priority previously set by the operator, and then store the determined accessible card slot in the predetermined memory. 
   Besides, the above accessible card slot setting procedure may be the procedure to set, when the power supply for the entire image processing apparatus is turned on in the state that the plural cards have been inserted in the plural card slots, the card slot which was set as the accessible card slot last time, as the accessible card slot, and then store the set accessible card slot in the predetermined memory. 
   According to the first embodiment of the present invention, there is the effect that the image processing apparatus equipped with the card slot can cope with the all kinds of memory cards (e.g., the CF card, the SM card, the MS, the SD/MMC, and the like). 
   Second Embodiment 
     FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of an image forming apparatus  2100  according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
   In the image forming apparatus  2100 , a CPU  2101  functions as a system control unit for controlling the entire apparatus. 
   A ROM  2102  stores therein a control program executed by the CPU  2101 , a built-in OS program, and the like. In the present embodiment, under the control of the built-in OS stored in the ROM  2102 , the control programs stored in the ROM  2102  perform software execution control such as scheduling, task switching and the like. 
   A RAM  2103  which consists of an SRAM or the like stores program control variables, set values registered by an operator, administration data for the image forming apparatus  2100 , and the like. Moreover, the RAM  2103  includes a buffer area to be used for various workings. 
   An image memory  2104  which consists of a DRAM or the like accumulates image data. 
   A data conversion unit  2105  analyzes a PDL or the like, performs CG decompression or the like of character data, and further performs image data conversion. 
   An original is optically read by a CIS (contact image sensor) of a reading unit  2107 , and then transferred to a reading control unit  2106 . In the reading control unit  2106 , the image signal obtained by converting the read electrical image data is subjected to various image processes such as a binarization process, a halftone process and the like through a not-shown image processing control unit, whereby high-precise image data is finally output. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the reading control unit  2106  and the reading unit  2107  can cope with both the sheet reading control system, in which the original is read by the fixed line sensor as it is being transported, and the book reading control system, in which the original fixed on the original glass plate is scanned and read by the moving line sensor. 
   An operation display unit  2108  is equipped with an operation unit, various keys, an LED, an LCD, and the like. More specifically, the operation unit is further equipped with numerical value input keys, character input keys, one-touch telephone number keys, a mode setting key, a determination key, a stop key, a cancel key and the like, and is used by the operator to determine image transmission destination data, and register the set data. Besides, the operation display unit  2108  displays the contents of various input operations by the operator, the operation statuses of the image forming apparatus  2100 , and the like. 
   A communication control unit  2109  is equipped with a modem, an NCU and the like. In the present embodiment, the communication control unit  2109  is connected to a PSTN  2131  (i.e., an analog communication line), controls the communication according to a T30 protocol, and further controls calling and called line control in regard to the communication line. 
   A resolution conversion processing unit  2110  performs resolution conversion control such as mutual conversion between millimeter-system image data and inch-system image data. Also, the enlargement process and the reduction process can be performed to the image data by the resolution conversion processing unit  2110 . 
   A coding/decoding processing unit  2111  mutually performs a coding process and a decoding process to the image data (i.e., image data of MH compression format, MR compression format, MMR compression format, JBIG compression format, JPEG compression format, etc.) handled in the image forming apparatus  2100 , and also performs an enlargement process and a reduction process to the image data. 
   A recording control unit  2112  performs various image processes such as a smoothing process, a recording density correction process, a color correction process and the like to the image data to be printed, through a not-shown image processing control unit, so as to generate high-precise image data. Then, the recording control unit  2112  outputs the converted image data to a USB host control unit  1   2114 . Moreover, the recording control unit  2112  periodically obtains status information of the recording unit  2115  through the USB interface by controlling the USB host control unit  1   2114 . 
   A USB function control unit  2113  which performs communication control of the USB interface performs protocol control according to a USB communication standard, converts the data from a USB control task executed by the CPU  2101  into a packet (i.e., packet data), and performs USB packet transmission to an external information processing terminal  2200  such as a PC or the like. On one hand, the USB function control unit  2113  converts a USB packet from the external information processing terminal  2200  into appropriate data, and then transmits the converted data to the CPU  2101 . 
   Each of the USB host control unit  1   2114  and a USB host control unit  2   2116  is the control unit which should perform the communication based on the protocol determined according to the USB communication standard. Here, it should be noted that the USB communication standard is the standard by which bi-directional data communication can be performed at high speed, and, by the USB standard, plural hubs or plural function devices (i.e., plural slaves) can be connected to one host (i.e., one master), and the USB host control unit has the function as the host in the USB communication. 
   The USB host control unit  1   2114  is connected to the recording unit  2115  to transfer and control the commands and the data for data recording. 
   The recording unit  2115  which is the printing apparatus such as a laser beam printer, an ink-jet printer or the like prints the color image data or the monochrome image data on a printing material. The USB host control unit  1   2114  performs the communication according to the protocol determined based on the USB communication standard. Particularly, the recording unit  2115  has the function working. 
   The USB host control unit  2   2116  which is connected to a card reader unit  2117  through the USB interface transfers and receives various commands and data to and from the card reader unit  2117 . The USB host control unit  2   2116  transfers the command and the data from the USB function control unit  2113  to the card reader unit  2117  so that the card reader unit  2117  acts as the removable disk of the external information processing apparatus  2200  to read the image data from various memory cards inserted in the card reader unit  2117  and then print the read image data by using the recording unit  2115 . Incidentally, power is supplied from the USB host control unit  2   2116  to the card reader unit  2117  through the Vbus of the USB interface. Here, it should be noted that, according to the USB standard, the upper limit of the current capable of being supplied through the Vbus is set to 500 mA, whereby it is controlled to stop the power supply when the current exceeding 500 mA flows. 
   The card reader unit  2117  is the multislot card reader which can cope with the plural kinds of memory cards, and is connected to the USB host control unit  2   2116  through the USB interface. Incidentally, it is detected whether or not the memory cards have been inserted in the plural card slots of the card reader unit  2117 , and a medium detection signal  2118  representing the detected result is transferred from the card reader unit  2117  to the port of the CPU  2101 , whereby the CPU  2101  can recognize what kinds of memory cards have been inserted in the card reader. The card reader unit  2117  will be explained in detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
   In the present embodiment, the USB communication of the recording function is achieved by using one-to-one connection conformation. 
   By the way, the above structural components  2101  to  2106 ,  2108  to  2114  and  2116  are mutually connected through the CPU bus  2121  under the control of the CPU  2101 . 
     FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing the details of the card reader unit  2117  in the present embodiment. 
   The card reader unit  2117  is connected to the main system by a USB function control unit  2202  through the USB interface, and the power is supplied to the card reader unit  2117  through the Vbus of the USB interface. Incidentally, the card reader  2117  includes the four kinds of card slots (connectors), i.e., a CF card connector  2204 , an SD (secure digital) card connector  2206 , an SM card connector  2208 , and an MS (memory stick) connector  2210 . 
   First, the medium detection signals  2118  representing that the cards have been respectively inserted in the card slots (connectors) are generated. Thus, a CF detection signal (CF_Det/n), an SD detection signal (SD_Det/n), an SM detection signal (SM_Det/n) and an MS detection signal (MS_Det/n) are respectively input to a card control unit  2201  which controls the entire card reader unit  2117 . Here, the detection signals  2118  are also input to the port of the CPU  2101 . The power of 5V supplied through the Vbus is converted into the power of 3.3V by a regulator  2203  and used as the power of the card reader unit  2117 . 
   Then, the power is supplied to the card (medium) inserted in each connector through the corresponding connector. In this case, the power is appropriately turned on/off by FET&#39;s  2205 ,  2207 ,  2209  and  2211  in response to the medium detection signal  2118 , whereby it is controlled to supply the power to only one kind of card at a time. 
   That is, as just described, to control the power supply to only one kind of card at a time is easy to understand when card exclusive control is performed, and is also to control the current consumption at the card reader unit so that it does not exceed the maximum supply current 500 mA through the Vbus. 
   For example, when the CF card is inserted in the CF card connector  2204 , the CF detection signal (CF_Det/n) is set to L. Then, in response to this signal, PWON signals other than a signal (V_CF_PWON/n) are set to H by the card control unit  2201 , whereby the power is supplied to only the CF card connector  2204 , and it is impossible in this state to detect the medium in other connectors. After then, when it is detected that the CF card is removed from the CF card connector  2204 , all the PWON signals are set to L, whereby it is possible to detect the cards in all the connectors. 
     FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing the control operation of the card control unit  2201  in the present embodiment. 
   First, in a step S 2401 , it is judged by monitoring the CF detection signal (CF_Det/n) whether or not the CF card has been inserted. When it is judged that the CF card is not inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2402  to judge by monitoring the SD detection signal (SD_Det/n) whether or not the SD card has been inserted. When it is judged that the SD card is not inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2403  to judge by monitoring the SM detection signal (SM_Det/n) whether or not the SM card has been inserted. Then, when it is judged that the SM card is not inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2404  to judge by monitoring the MS detection signal (MS_Det/n) whether or not the MS has been inserted. Finally, when it is judged that the MS is not inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2405  to turn off all the currents (i.e., V_CF_PWON/n, V_SD_PWON/n, V_SM_PWON/n, and V_MS_PWON/n=L). Then, the flow returns to the step S 2401 . 
   On one hand, when it is judged in the step S 2401  that the CF card has been inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2406  to turn off the power supply for the connectors other than the CF connector (i.e., V_CF_PWON/n=L; V_SD_PWON/n, V_SM_PWON/n, and V_MS_PWON/n=H), and further advances to a step S 2407  to transfer the data of the CF card from the USB function control unit  2202 . Then, the flow returns to the step S 2401 . In fact, the information representing whether or not the medium exists in the connector, the file information in the medium, and the like are transferred and written in response to the command issued from the USB host control unit  2   2116 . However, these operations are simply called the data transfer as a matter of convenience. 
   Likewise, when it is judged in the step S 2402  that the SD card has been inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2408  to turn off the power supply for the connectors other than the SD connector (i.e., V_SD_PWON/n=L; V_CF_PWON/n, V_SM_PWON/n, and V_MS_PWON/n=H), and further advances to a step S 2409  to transfer the data of the SD card from the USB function control unit  2202 . Then, the flow returns to the step S 2401 . 
   Likewise, when it is judged in the step S 2403  that the SM card has been inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2410  to turn off the power supply for the connectors other than the SM connector (i.e., V_SM_PWON/n=L; V_CF_PWON/n, V_SD_PWON/n, and V_MS_PWON/n=H), and further advances to a step S 2411  to transfer the data of the SM card from the USB function control unit  2202 . Then, the flow returns to the step S 2401 . 
   Likewise, when it is judged in the step S 2404  that the MS has been inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2412  to turn off the power supply for the connectors other than the MS connector (i.e., V_MS_PWON/n=L; V_CF_PWON/n, V_SD_PWON/n, and V_SM_PWON/n=H), and further advances to a step S 2413  to transfer the data of the MS from the USB function control unit  2202 . Then, the flow returns to the step S 2401 . 
   As just described, in the card reader unit  2117 , the data of the two kinds of cards are not transferred to the USB host control unit  2   2116  simultaneously (that is, the data of the two kinds of cards are not transferred as changing the end points and by using packet multiplex). Thus, the USB host control unit  2   2116  or the CPU  2101  may transfer the transferred data to the recording unit  2115  and the USB function control unit  2113  as it is. 
   Next, the operation which is performed by the CPU  2101  when the data of the card reader unit is printed (that is, card direct printing is performed) by the image forming apparatus  2100  will be explained. 
     FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing the operation of the CPU  2101  when the data of the card reader unit is printed by the image forming apparatus  2100  (i.e., the card direct printing is performed). 
   When a card direct print mode is set through the operation of the operation display unit  2108 , it is judged in a step S 2301  whether or not the medium has been inserted in the card reader unit  2117 , based on the medium detection signal  2118  or the response received by the USB host control unit  2   2116 . When it is judged that the medium has been inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2302  to judge whether or not an image file exists in the file included in the inserted medium, based on the response received by the USB host control unit  2   2116 . Then, when it is judged that the image file exists, the flow advances to a step S 2303  to read the image data. Then, in a step S 2304 , the received image data is transferred from the USB host control unit  1   2114  to the recording unit  2115 , whereby the transferred image data is actually printed. That is, an ordinary printing process is performed. After then, the process ends. 
   On one hand, when it is judged in the step S 2301  that the medium is not inserted, the flow advances to a step S 2305  to cause the operation display unit  2108  to display a message “INSERT CARD”. 
   Besides, when it is judged in the step S 2302  that the image file does not exist, the flow advances to a step S 2306  to cause the operation display unit  2108  to display a message “NO IMAGE”. 
   After then, the flow returns to the step S 2301 . Incidentally, when the mode is changed to another mode by handling the operation display unit  2108 , the process in the changed mode is performed from that time. 
   The present embodiment can be grasped as the invention of computer programs. 
   That is, the present embodiment can be grasped as an example of the program for causing the recording apparatus which includes the card reader having the external interface and the plural connection units in which the plural kinds of external storage cards are inserted and which respectively correspond to the plural kinds of external storage cards, the connection means for connecting with the external interface, the data reading means for reading the data of the external storage card from the card reader through the connection means, and the recording means for recording the data read by the reading means, to execute the control procedure of causing the card access exclusive control unit to perform the control so as to transfer the data of the external storage card inserted in selected one of the plural kinds of connection units to the external interface or transfer the data from the external interface to the external storage card inserted in the selected one connection unit. 
   In this case, the above program is the program for causing the recording apparatus to execute the control procedure of performing the control to be able to access the external storage card through the connection means connecting with the external information processing apparatus. 
   Moreover, the present embodiment can be grasped as an example of the program for causing the recording apparatus which comprises the card reader including the plural connection units in which the plural kinds of external storage cards are inserted and which respectively correspond to the plural kinds of external storage cards, the connection means for connecting with the card reader, the data reading means for reading the data of the external storage card from the card reader through the connection means, and the recording means for recording the data read by the reading means, to execute the detection procedure of detecting respectively that the plural kinds of external storage cards have been inserted in the respective connection units, and outputting the detection signals indicating the respective detected results, and the power supply changeover procedure of causing the power supply changeover circuit to supply the power for the external storage card to only one of the plural connection units on the basis of the respective detection signals. 
   According to the present invention, the so-called exclusive control is performed so that, at a time when the medium is first inserted in the card slot of the card reader, it becomes impossible to access the media inserted in the card slots other than the card slot in which the medium is first inserted, whereby it is possible to prevent that the currents in the two or more kinds of media are consumed simultaneously. Thus, it is possible to obtain the effect that the malfunction in the card reader due to a lack of the current to be supplied to the medium does not occur even when the plural media are respectively inserted in the plural card slots of the card reader. 
   Moreover, according to the present invention, the exclusive control is performed to the media so that the medium inserted in only one of the plural card slots can always be accessed from the PC. Thus, it is possible to obtain the effect that the intermediary process between the card reader and the PC can be simplified. 
   Finally, as many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.