JP4890220B2 - Image forming apparatus and data storage method in image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a data storage method in the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, in order to realize a function of processing a plurality of documents (for example, a sorting function), a storage capacity for storing a plurality of image data is required. However, in an image forming apparatus with a small storage capacity that does not have a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD, the number of stored images is limited, and the capacity is exceeded during document reading, and image formation is interrupted. . Therefore, a function such as a sort function cannot be effectively realized. In other words, there is a problem that a case where the user's request cannot be satisfied in the end while reading (all originals cannot be sorted, etc.) occurs.

  For this reason, various inventions have been made for the purpose of improving the use efficiency of storage capacity in image forming apparatuses having a small storage capacity.

In Patent Document 1, the detected remaining memory capacity is compared with the first, second, and third thresholds. When the remaining capacity reaches the first threshold, image information is discharged, and when the remaining threshold reaches the second threshold, image storage is performed. Is interrupted, the image storage is resumed when the second threshold is exceeded again, and the technology relating to the communication terminal device is disclosed in which the image storage is stopped when the remaining amount reaches the third threshold.
JP 06-233088 A

  However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, whether or not image information can be stored is determined only by comparing the remaining amount of memory with a preset threshold value. Even when the image can be stored smaller than the amount, the image storage is stopped and the memory is full.

  The present invention has been invented in order to solve this problem in view of the above points. In an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the occurrence of memory full and efficiently storing data. An object is to provide a data storage method.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image data storage unit that stores an image, and a storage area that secures a predetermined storage area in advance when storing the image in the image data storage unit. An image forming apparatus including a securing unit and a time measuring unit for measuring time, and when the storage area securing unit cannot secure the predetermined storage area, the time measuring unit starts measuring time When the elapse of the predetermined time is measured, the storage area securing unit can be configured to perform the process of securing the predetermined storage area again.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention secures a predetermined storage area in advance when storing the image in the image data storage means for storing the image and the image data storage means. A storage area securing means; a free area detection means for detecting a free area in the image data storage means; and a free area determination means for determining whether or not the free area detected by the free area detection means is greater than a predetermined value. When the storage area securing unit cannot secure the predetermined storage area, the free area determining unit determines that the free area is larger than a predetermined value. The storage area securing means can be configured to perform a process of securing a predetermined storage area again.

  In order to achieve the above object, a data storage method of the present invention is a data storage method in an image forming apparatus including an image data storage unit for storing an image, wherein the image data storage unit stores the image in the image data storage unit. In the case of storing, it has a storage area securing step for securing a predetermined storage area in advance and a time measuring step for measuring time, and if the predetermined storage area cannot be secured in the storage area securing step, the time The measurement step can be configured to perform the process of reserving the predetermined storage area again when the measurement of the time is started and the passage of the predetermined time is measured.

  In order to achieve the above object, a data storage method of the present invention is a data storage method in an image forming apparatus including an image data storage unit for storing an image, wherein the image data storage unit stores the image in the image data storage unit. When storing, a storage area securing step for securing a predetermined storage area in advance, a free area detection step for detecting a free area in the image data storage unit, and a free area detected in the free area detection step A free area determining step for determining whether or not the free area is larger, and if the predetermined storage area cannot be secured in the storage area securing step, the free area is larger than a predetermined value in the free area judging step. If it is determined, the storage area securing step can be configured to perform a process of securing a predetermined storage area again.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the data storage method in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, occurrence of memory full can be reduced and data can be efficiently stored.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a printer is described as an example of an image forming apparatus, but another image forming apparatus may be used.

[Embodiment]
(Outline of the device)
First, an outline of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer 1 which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes an input unit 10, an operation unit 20, a storage unit 30, a control unit 40, and an output unit 50.

  The input unit 10 is an apparatus that inputs an image related to image formation. A scanner engine 11, an NCU 12, a FAX control unit 13, a host I / F control unit 14, and the like, which will be described later, are configured. The scanner engine 11 is an apparatus for inputting a document having a copy function and a scanner function.

  The NCU 12 is a device that connects the printer 1 to a general public line. For example, when the printer 1 has a FAX function, the printer 1 receives a document by FAX via the NCU 12. The received FAX data (usually encoded) is subjected to processing such as decoding by a FAX control unit 13 described later.

  The FAX control unit 13 performs decoding of print data received from the NCU 12. For example, the host I / F control unit 14 receives print data from the external host device 2. Examples of the I / F include local connections such as IEEE 1284 and USB, and network connections such as wired and wireless Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The operation unit 20 is a man-machine interface unit with a device operator such as a button for operating the printer 1 and an indicator (display such as LED and LCD, speaker, etc.) for displaying the status of the printer 1. Information input / output is performed via an operation unit I / F control unit 21 described later. The operation unit I / F control unit 21 controls information input / output in the operation unit 20.

  The storage unit 30 is a device that stores data such as image data. A RAM 31 and a RAM control unit 32 which will be described later are included. The RAM 31 is a storage device for temporarily storing data processed by the CPU 41 and each control unit. Examples of data include image data and various application programs. The RAM control unit 32 controls the RAM 31.

  The control unit 40 is a device that controls the printer 1. The CPU 41, ROM 42, NVRAM 43, etc., which will be described later, are configured. The CPU 41 is a device that controls the entire printer 1 according to a control program stored in the RAM 31 and a ROM 42 described later. The ROM 42 is a device that stores a program for controlling the printer 1. The processing performance may be improved by mounting a plurality. The NVRAM 43 is a nonvolatile memory. It is used for the purpose of holding device-specific information such as a counter value for the number of copies.

  The output unit 50 is a device that outputs an image formed image. The printer engine 51 and the like which will be described later are included. The printer engine 51 is a device for printing out. There are image forming methods such as a laser method, an LED method, and an ink jet method.

  With the above apparatus configuration, in the printer 1, the image data input by the input unit 10 is stored in the storage unit 30. The image data stored in the storage unit 30 is output by the output unit 50. Further, the present embodiment is characterized by an operation related to securing a storage area (same meaning as securing a memory) for storing image data in the storage unit 30 (particularly the RAM 31). The feature is that, when the storage area cannot be secured, the storage area is secured again after performing processing such as waiting for time or checking the free area. Next, the functional configuration of the printer 1 for realizing this will be described.

  It should be noted that when the storage area securing fails, the operation performed until the storage area securing retry is performed may be an operation other than waiting for time and checking the free area.

(Function structure)
Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, the printer 1 includes a reading unit 100, a reading control unit 110, a display unit 200, an image data storage unit 300, a data accumulation control unit 310, an overall control unit 400, an output unit 500, and an output control unit 510. The data accumulation control unit 310 includes an empty capacity detection unit 311, an empty capacity determination unit 312, a storage area securing unit 313, and a read / write control unit 314.

  The reading unit 100 reads an image. For example, the scanner engine 11 or the like. The reading control unit 110 controls the reading unit 100. The display means 200 performs screen display. For example, the operation unit 20 is a display provided in the printer 1. It also has a function as a man-machine interface unit operated by the user.

  The image data storage unit 300 stores the image read by the reading unit 100 as image data. For example, the RAM 31 or the like. The data accumulation control unit 310 secures a storage area for accumulating images in the image data storage unit 300 by an empty capacity detection unit 311, an empty capacity determination unit 312, a storage area securing unit 313, a read / write control unit 314, which will be described later. Manage etc. For example, the RAM control unit 32 or the like.

  The free capacity detection unit 311 detects the free capacity of the storage area of the image data storage unit 300. The free space determination unit 312 determines whether or not the free space in the storage area detected by the free space detection unit 311 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Thereby, memory full is detected. The storage area securing unit 313 secures a storage area for storing images in the image data storage unit 300. The read / write control unit 314 controls reading / writing of image data from / to the image data storage unit 300.

  The overall control unit 400 controls the entire system in the printer 1. For example, the CPU 41, the operation unit 20, the host I / F control unit 14, the FAX control unit 13, and the like are controlled. The time measuring means 401 measures time. For example, the process is performed by the CPU 41, and the measured time is stored in the RAM 31. The elapsed time can be known by comparing the measurement by the CPU 41 with the time data stored in the RAM 31.

  The output unit 500 outputs the image data stored in the image data storage unit 300. For example, the printer engine 51 or the like. The output control unit 511 controls the output unit 500.

  With the configuration of the functions described above, in the printer 1, the image read by the reading unit 100 is stored as image data in the image data storage unit 300. The image data stored in the image data storage unit 300 is output by the output unit 500. In addition, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment is characterized by the operations of the data accumulation control unit 310 and the overall control unit 400 related to securing the accumulation area for storing image data in the image data storage unit 300. The feature is that, when the storage area cannot be secured, the storage area is secured again after performing processing such as waiting for time or checking the free area.

  Hereinafter, first, the operation unit 20 as an example of the display unit 200 and the RAM 31 as an example of the image data storage unit 300 will be described, and then an operation example in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. .

(Example of display means 200)
Next, the operation unit 20 which is an example of the display unit 200 in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, the operation unit 20 includes a display unit 302 and the like. The display unit 302 displays a character string and a bitmap. For example, a display.

  A numeric keypad 303 is a button used for operations such as input of the number of copies to be printed. A reset key 304 is a button used when the copy mode is reset. A start key 305 is a button used for an operation to instruct the start of copying or document reading. An application switching key 306 is used for an operation of switching functions such as a copy function, a printer, or a scanner function.

  A clear stop key 307 is a button used when the copy operation is interrupted or the number of copies is reset. An initial setting key 308 is a button used when setting an initial value of a setting used for a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, or the like. The selection key 309 is used when selecting a function displayed on the display unit 302.

  With the configuration described above, the display unit 200 in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs screen display by the display unit 302. Further, it also has a function as a man-machine interface unit that is operated by the user with the numeric keypad 303 to the initial setting key 308.

  In this configuration, the keyboard is configured with hard keys, but this can be replaced with a soft keyboard displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel.

(Example of image data storage means 300)
Next, the RAM 31 will be described as an example of the image data storage unit 300 in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the RAM 31 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, the area of the RAM 31 has a program data area P, a data area D, and an image storage area G. The program data area P is a storage area for storing various application programs. The data area D stores various setting conditions related to the image forming apparatus 1, calculated values at the time of program execution, and the like.

  The image storage area G is a storage area (corresponding to an accumulation area) for storing image data. For example, an image read by the reading unit 100 is stored as image data. Further, as shown on the right side of FIG. 4, in the image storage area G, the maximum capacity Sa that can be used for storing an image is stored, the total capacity of image data that has already been stored is stored as an accumulated image data capacity ΣS, Assume that the capacity of each stored image data is the image data amount S and the capacity of the free area is Se. The free capacity Se is obtained by subtracting the accumulated image data capacity ΣS from the maximum accumulable capacity Sa.

  Further, the image data stored in the image storage area G becomes unnecessary with the passage of time depending on application functions such as copying and scanning, or output states such as printing and transmission of images, and the data accumulation control unit 202 described above. Is discarded by. At this time, the storage area in which the image data has been stored becomes a free area.

  In the image storage area G, the capacity of the storage area reserved for storing one original image as image data is defined as a size designation amount Z. The size designation amount Z does not necessarily match the image data amount S. For example, the size of compressed data or the like is not known until it is accumulated. Note that the size designation amount Z may be uniquely determined according to setting information such as resolution related to the image forming apparatus 1.

  In storing image data, it is necessary to secure an accumulation area in the image storage area G in advance before storing, and the capacity of the area (referred to as secured area R) may be the size designation amount Z as shown in FIG. Can be specified. By securing the storage area, it becomes possible to detect memory full before storing image data.

(Operation example 1)
Next, a first operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an operation flow illustrating a first operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, if the image forming apparatus 1 fails to secure a storage area of a predetermined value (here, the size designation amount Z) before storing the image data, the storage area is set again after a predetermined time T has elapsed. The operation of performing the securing process is performed.

  First, the storage area securing unit 313 secures an accumulation area of the size designation amount Z (S101). Subsequently, when securing of the storage area fails in the process of step S101, that is, when the value of the size designation amount Z is smaller than the free capacity Se (S102, YES), the process proceeds to step S103. When the storage area is successfully secured in the process of step S101, that is, when the value of the size designation amount Z is larger than the free capacity Se (S102, NO), the process ends.

  When the process proceeds to step S103, the time measuring unit 401 starts measuring time and measures the passage of the predetermined time T (S103). Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S104, and the storage area securing unit 313 again designates the size Z and performs the process of securing the storage area in the image storage area G (S104).

  As a result of the above processing, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 1, when the storage area of the predetermined value (here, the size designation amount Z) before storing the image data has failed to be stored, the predetermined time T has elapsed. Then, the process for reserving the storage area is performed again.

  That is, in a system (such as a copy function or a scanner function) in which data is output by means of outputting data such as the printer engine 51 and the data is discarded and the storage area is vacant when time elapses, securing of the storage area fails. Even so, processing is performed to retry and secure the storage area. Therefore, since the probability of securing the storage area increases with the elapse of the predetermined time T, the storage area can be secured efficiently, and the occurrence of memory fullness can be reduced.

  Further, the predetermined time T may be a predicted or calculated value. By effectively setting the predetermined time T, the storage area can be more efficiently secured.

(Operation example 2)
Next, a second operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an operation flow showing a second operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the first operation example, if the image forming apparatus 1 fails to secure a storage area of a predetermined value (size designation amount Z in the first operation example) before storing the image data, after a predetermined time T has elapsed, The operation of reserving the storage area is performed again. Here, an operation is performed in which the process of reserving the storage area is performed again after all the outputable data in the storage area is discarded, not after the predetermined time T has elapsed.

  The operation according to the operation example 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6, but the processes according to the steps S201, S202, and S204 are the same as the steps S101, S102, and S104 according to the operation example 1, and therefore the description is given here. Omitted.

  When the process proceeds to step S203, the function of each application (copying and scanner function) is executed), and the accumulated image data that can be output is discarded, and the process waits until all areas become free (S203).

  With the above processing, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 2 can output data stored in the storage area when it fails to secure a storage area of a predetermined value (here, the specified size Z) before storing the image data. After all the unnecessary data is discarded, the operation of reserving the storage area is performed again.

  That is, in a system (such as a copy function or a scanner function) in which data is output by means of outputting data such as the printer engine 51, the data is discarded, and the storage area is empty (copying, scanner function, etc.) To secure the storage area. For this reason, since the probability of securing the storage area increases with the discarding of the storage area (the memory area is free), the storage area can be secured efficiently, and the occurrence of memory fullness can be reduced.

(Operation example 3)
Next, a third operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an operation flow showing a third operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the operation example 2, when the image forming apparatus 1 fails to secure a storage area having a predetermined value (size designation amount Z in the operation example 2) before storing the image data, there is outputable data in the storage area. After all of them were discarded, the operation of reserving the storage area was performed again. Here, after an empty area of necessary accumulated data is discarded (after being freed up), an operation of reserving the accumulation area is performed again.

  The operation according to the operation example 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7, but the processing according to the steps S301, S302, and S304 is the same as the steps S101, S102, and S104 according to the operation example 1, and therefore the description is given here. Omitted.

  When the process proceeds to step S303, the accumulated image data that can be output is discarded until the free area Se becomes larger than the specified size Z (functions of each application (copy and scanner functions) are executed). The process waits until a free area is reached (S303). Note that the free space required here indicates a free space required to store data to be stored. This value may be set in advance by the user, or may be calculated based on setting information relating to image formation such as resolution.

  As a result of the above processing, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 3, if the storage area of the predetermined value (here, the size designation amount Z) before storing the image data fails to be secured, the necessary storage data is available. After the area is discarded, an operation of re-allocating the storage area is performed.

  That is, in a system (such as a copy function or a scanner function) in which data is output by means of outputting data such as the printer engine 51, the data is discarded, and the storage area is empty (copying, scanner function, etc.) To secure the storage area. For this reason, since the probability of securing the storage area increases with the discarding of the storage area (the memory area is free), the storage area can be secured efficiently, and the occurrence of memory fullness can be reduced.

(Operation example 4)
Next, a fourth operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an operation flow illustrating a first operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the first operation example, if the image forming apparatus 1 fails to secure a storage area of a predetermined value (size designation amount Z in the first operation example) before storing the image data, after a predetermined time T has elapsed, The operation of reserving the storage area was performed again. In the operation example 2, when securing of the storage area fails, the operation of securing the storage area is performed again after all the outputable data in the storage area is discarded.

  Here, when securing of the accumulation area fails, after a predetermined time has elapsed, or after all the data that can be output in the accumulation area has been discarded, the operation of securing the accumulation basin is performed again. .

  The operation according to the operation example 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8, but the processes according to the steps S401 and S402 are the same as the steps S101 and S102 according to the operation example 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  In step S403, the process waits for a predetermined time T, waits until the accumulated image data that can be output is discarded and becomes a free area, or waits until the free area Se becomes larger than the specified size Z ( S403). Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S404, and the storage area securing unit 313 secures all storage areas of the free capacity Se in the storage area G (S404).

  With the above processing, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 4 waits for a predetermined time T when it fails to secure a storage area of a predetermined value (here, the size designation amount Z) before storing image data. Or, wait until the accumulated image data that can be output is discarded and become a free area, or wait for the free area Se to become larger than the specified size Z, and then secure the storage area again. The operation of performing the process is performed.

  That is, if the storage area allocation fails due to the size specification, the data can be secured by securing all the free storage areas that can be secured as shown in step S404 when the storage area is retried. This improves the performance and reduces the occurrence of memory full.

  For example, in the case of data such as compressed data whose size cannot be known unless it is actually stored, if a storage area of the value specified by the size specification amount Z is secured, there is a possibility that the storage area of the specified size is not actually required This is effective in such cases.

  The present invention has been described based on each operation example. However, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations with other elements listed in the above operation example. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer 1 which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a RAM 31 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an operation flow illustrating a first operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. 6 is an operation flow illustrating a second operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. 10 is an operation flow illustrating a third operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. 10 is an operation flow illustrating a fourth operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 11 Scanner engine 30 Memory | storage part 31 RAM
32 RAM control unit 100 Reading means 110 Reading control means 200 Display means 300 Image data storage means 310 Data accumulation control means 311 Free capacity detection means 312 Free capacity determination means 313 Storage area securing means 314 Read / write control means 400 Overall control means 401 Time measurement Means 500 Output means 510 Output control means

Claims (10)

Image data storage means for storing an image, and the storage area is gradually released over time ;
When storing the image in the image data storage means, a storage area securing means for securing the Jo Tokoro memory area,
If the pre-term memory area securing means could not secure a predetermined storage area, and the predetermined condition is satisfied, the storage area allocating unit, ensuring all the storage area can be secured in the image data storage means An image forming apparatus. Having time measuring means for measuring time,
2. The predetermined condition includes that the time measuring unit measures an elapse of a predetermined time since the storage area securing unit could not secure the predetermined storage area. Image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes discarding all outputable images stored in a storage area of the image data storage unit. Comprising free space detecting means for detecting free space in the image data storage means;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined condition includes that a capacity of the free area detected by the free area detecting unit is larger than a predetermined capacity. . 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined capacity is calculated based on setting information relating to image formation of the image forming apparatus. A data storage method in an image forming apparatus comprising an image data storage means for storing an image and gradually releasing a storage area as time passes ,
When storing the image in the image data storage means, a storage area allocation process to ensure Jo Tokoro memory area,
If unable to secure a predetermined storage area in the previous term memory area allocating step, the predetermined condition is satisfied, in the storage area allocation process, ensuring all the storage area can be secured in the image data storage means A data storage method characterized by the above. The predetermined condition includes that a time measuring unit for measuring time measures an elapse of a predetermined time since the predetermined storage area could not be secured in the storage area securing step. Item 7. A data storage method according to Item 6. 8. The data storage method according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition includes discarding all outputable images stored in a storage area of the image data storage means. 9. The predetermined condition includes that a capacity of a free area detected by a free area detecting unit that detects a free area of the image data storage unit is larger than a predetermined capacity. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined capacity is calculated based on setting information relating to image formation of the image forming apparatus.

Images