JP6885173B2 - Image processing equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a program.

For example, in Patent Document 1, in an information processing apparatus using a NAND flash memory, the flash memory is composed of a plurality of flash memory main bodies for storing data and a controller for writing / reading data to the plurality of flash memory main bodies. The plurality of flash memory bodies include at least one first flash memory body that can be attached to and detached from the controller, and the control unit that controls the flash memory is one of the plurality of flash memory bodies. Replacement of the first flash memory main body with a flash memory state determination unit that determines whether or not the main body has reached a predetermined state, and when it is determined that any of the flash memory main bodies has reached a predetermined state. An information processing device including a notification unit for issuing a warning for prompting is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-215656

For example, in a NAND memory used in an SD memory card, SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, new data may not be written due to repeated application of a voltage at the time of data writing to a storage element. If the NAND memory used in the image processing device becomes unwritable, the functions of the image processing device may not be executed. Therefore, it is desirable that the period until the NAND memory becomes unwritable is long.
An object of the present invention is that when a NAND type memory is used in an image processing device, the image data to be written is written regardless of whether or not the image data is repeatedly written to the NAND type memory and a predetermined condition is satisfied. Compared with the configuration in which the NAND memory is stored as it is, the period until the NAND memory becomes unwritable is extended.

The invention according to claim 1 is the acquisition means for acquiring image data, a storage means having a NAND type memory, an image forming means for forming an image on a recording material, and the storage of the image data acquired by the acquisition means. When the image data is repeatedly written and stored in the means and the consumption of resources used for image formation by the image forming means reaches a predetermined amount, the acquisition means is used. It is an image processing apparatus including a writing means that performs a process of reducing the amount of data on the acquired image data and writes it in the storage means.
The invention according to claim 2 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the consumption amount of the resource is the consumption amount of toner .
The invention according to claim 3 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the consumption amount of the resource is the consumption amount of ink .
Invention according to claim 4, wherein the writing means, any one of claims 1 to 3 by dropping the image quality of an image based on image data, characterized in that to reduce the data amount of the image data The image processing apparatus according to the above.
The invention according to claim 5 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the writing means reduces the image quality of the image by reducing the number of pixels of the image.
The invention according to claim 6 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the writing means lowers the image quality of the image by reducing the number of gradations of pixels included in the image. is there.
The invention according to claim 7, wherein the writing means, by reducing the number of colors constituting the image is an image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that lowering the quality of the image.
The invention according to claim 8 is to write and store the image data acquired by the acquisition means in an acquisition means for acquiring image data, an image forming means for forming an image on a recording material, and a NAND memory. When the image data is repeatedly written and the consumption of resources used for image formation by the image forming means reaches a predetermined amount, data is obtained for the image data acquired by the acquisition means. It is an image processing apparatus including a writing means that performs a process of reducing the amount and writes the data to the NAND type memory.
The invention according to claim 9 has a function of acquiring image data in a computer, a function of forming an image in a recording material, and writing and storing the acquired image data in a NAND memory, and writing the image data. Is repeated and when the consumption of resources used for image formation by the function of forming the image reaches a predetermined amount, a process of reducing the amount of data with respect to the acquired image data is performed. It is a program for realizing the function of writing to the NAND type memory.

According to the invention of claim 1, when the NAND type memory is used in the image processing apparatus, the writing target is irrespective of whether or not the image data is repeatedly written to the NAND type memory and the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Compared with the configuration in which the image data of the above is stored in the NAND memory as it is, the period until the NAND memory becomes unwritable can be extended.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to start a process of reducing the amount of image data based on the amount of toner consumed during image formation by the image forming means.
According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to start a process of reducing the amount of image data based on the amount of ink consumed during image formation by the image forming means.
According to the invention of claim 4, the amount of image data can be reduced and written in the storage means more reliably.
According to the invention of claim 5, the amount of image data can be reduced and written in the storage means more reliably.
According to the invention of claim 6, the amount of image data can be reduced and written in the storage means more reliably.
According to the invention of claim 7, the amount of image data can be reduced and written in the storage means more reliably.
According to the invention of claim 8 , when the NAND type memory is used in the image processing apparatus, the writing target is irrespective of whether or not the image data is repeatedly written to the NAND type memory and the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Compared with the configuration in which the image data of the above is stored in the NAND memory as it is, the period until the NAND memory becomes unwritable can be extended.
According to the invention of claim 9 , when the NAND type memory is used in the image processing apparatus, the writing target is irrespective of whether or not the image data is repeatedly written in the NAND type memory and the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Compared with the configuration in which the image data of the above is stored in the NAND memory as it is, the function of extending the period until the NAND memory becomes unwritable can be realized by the computer.

It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of the hardware composition of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which showed the functional structure example of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of SMART information. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the processing procedure when the image processing apparatus writes image data to the NAND type memory.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Hardware configuration of image processing device>
First, the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. The image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with various image processing functions such as an image reading function (scan function), a print function (print function), a copy function (copy function), and a facsimile function, so-called. It is a multifunction device.

As shown in the figure, the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a memory 102, an operation panel 103, an image reading unit 104, an image forming unit 105, and a fax communication unit. It includes 106, a communication I / F (communication interface) 107, and a timer 108. Further, the image processing device 100 includes a motion sensor 109, an SD memory card 110a, an SSD 110b, an SD memory control unit 111a, and an SSD control unit 111b. Each of these parts is connected to a bus 112, and data is exchanged via the bus 112.

The CPU 101 is an arithmetic processing device that performs arithmetic processing for controlling each part of the image processing apparatus 100. The CPU 101 realizes each function in the image processing device 100 by, for example, loading a system program stored in the SD memory card 110a, the SSD 110b, or the like into the memory 102 and executing the system program. The memory 102 is a memory (storage unit) used as a working memory or the like of the CPU 101.

The operation panel 103 displays various information and accepts operations from the user. The operation panel 103 is composed of a display panel composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, a touch panel arranged on the display panel and detecting a position touched by the user, a physical key pressed by the user, or the like. Then, the operation panel 103 displays various screens such as the operation screen of the image processing device 100 on the display panel, and accepts operations from the user by the touch panel and the physical keys.

The image reading unit 104 reads an image formed on a recording material such as paper set on a platen and generates image information (image data) based on the read image. Here, the image reading unit 104 is, for example, a scanner, and a CCD method in which the reflected light with respect to the light radiated from the light source to the document is reduced by a lens and received by a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices), or the LED light source irradiates the document in order. It is preferable to use a CIS type that receives the reflected light with respect to the light generated by the CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

The image forming unit 105 as an example of the image forming means is a printing mechanism for forming an image on a recording material such as paper. Here, the image forming unit 105 is, for example, a printer, and forms an image by an electrophotographic method in which toner attached to a photoconductor is transferred to a recording material to form an image or by ejecting ink onto the recording material. It is preferable to use an inkjet method.

The FAX communication unit 106 is, for example, a FAX modem, which is connected to a public telephone line (not shown) and is an interface for the image processing device 100 to perform FAX communication with another device via the public telephone line.

The communication I / F 107 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various data to and from other devices via a network (not shown).

The timer 108 measures the time according to the operation of the CPU 101 and the like.
The motion sensor 109 is a sensor that detects the approach of a human being. The motion sensor 109 detects the approach of a human by emitting, for example, infrared rays or ultrasonic waves.

The SD memory card 110a is a NAND type flash memory memory card for storing data. The SD memory card 110a is detachably configured from the image processing device 100. The SD memory card 110a stores, for example, a system program for controlling each unit, billing information indicating the amount of money charged by using the image processing device 100, setting information of the image processing device 100, and the like. Will be done.

The SSD 110b is a NAND type flash memory for storing data. Image data used for various processes of the image processing apparatus 100 is stored in the SSD 110b. The image data used for various processes include, for example, image data generated by the scan process of the image reading unit 160, spool data accumulated for printing by the image forming unit 105, and received from another device by the facsimile function. The image data and the like are exemplified.

The SD memory control unit 111a is a controller that writes and reads data to and from the SD memory card 110a.
The SSD control unit 111b is a controller that writes and reads data to and from the SSD 110b.

Further, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. The image processing device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is different from the image processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 in that it does not have the SSD 110b and the SSD control unit 111b. In the example shown in FIG. 2, in the SD memory card 110a, for example, in addition to the above-mentioned system program, billing information, setting information, and the like, image data used for various processes of the image processing device 100 (for example, generated by scanning processing). Image data, spool data for printing, etc.) are stored. The functional unit having the same function as the functional unit of the image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is designated by the same reference numeral as that used in FIG.

Here, in a NAND type memory such as an SD memory card 110a or SSD110b, a high voltage is applied to a storage element (memory cell) when erasing data for data rewriting (that is, when writing data). By applying such a high voltage, stress is applied to the storage element, and the data retention characteristics are deteriorated. Therefore, in the NAND type memory, the number of times of erasing data is limited, and when the number of times of erasing exceeds the limited number of times, new data cannot be written. As described above, the NAND type memory generally has a limited life, and when the life is reached, new data cannot be written.

Further explaining, when the NAND type memory such as the SD memory card 110a or SSD110b reaches the end of its life, for example, image data generated by scanning processing, spool data for printing, or the like can be newly stored. It disappears. In this case, the image processing device 100 cannot copy or print. Further, when the system program is stored in the NAND type memory, when the NAND type memory reaches the end of its life, writing or the like accompanying the processing of the system program becomes impossible. As a result, it becomes impossible to start the image processing device 100 and recover from energy saving, and the image processing device 100 becomes unusable. Therefore, the procedure for extending the life of the NAND memory until the NAND memory becomes unwritable, in other words, the life of the NAND memory will be described below.

In the present embodiment, the NAND type memory for which the period until it becomes unwritable is extended is the NAND type memory in which the image data is written. For example, in the image processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the SSD 110b is the target. Further, in the image processing device 100 shown in FIG. 2, the SD memory card 110a is the target.

In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the SSD 110b of FIG. 1 and the SD memory card 110a of FIG. 2 as the NAND type memory for which the period until it becomes unwritable is extended, it is simply referred to as "NAND type memory 110". Sometimes referred to. Further, the control unit that controls the writing and reading of data to the NAND type memory 110 may be referred to as the "NAND type memory control unit 111". In addition, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the NAND type memory control unit 111 indicates the SSD control unit 111b. Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the NAND type memory control unit 111 shows the SD memory control unit 111a. In this embodiment, the NAND memory 110 is used as an example of the storage means.

<Functional configuration of image processing device>
Next, the functional configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment.

The image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image data acquisition unit 121 that acquires image data stored in the NAND type memory 110, a lifespan determination unit 122 that determines the remaining lifespan of the NAND type memory 110, and image data. It is provided with an image data processing unit 123 that performs a process of reducing the amount of data of the above. Further, the image processing device 100 includes a write control unit 124 that instructs the NAND type memory control unit 111 to write and read data to the NAND type memory 110, and a display control unit 125 that controls the display on the operation panel 103. To be equipped.

The image data acquisition unit 121 acquires image data to be stored in the NAND memory 110. The image data acquired here is, for example, image data generated by scanning processing, spool data accumulated for printing, and image data received from another device by a facsimile function.

Whether the life determination unit 122 repeatedly writes the image data to the NAND memory 110 and satisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter, may be referred to as a life condition) as a condition regarding the life of the NAND memory 110. Judge whether or not. In other words, the life determination unit 122 repeatedly writes the image data to the NAND type memory 110, and determines whether or not it is estimated that the remaining life of the NAND type memory 110 has reached less than a predetermined ratio. judge. The details of the determination process by the life determination unit 122 will be described later.

The image data processing unit 123 reduces the amount of data (data size) with respect to the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 121 when the life determination unit 122 determines that the life condition is satisfied (hereinafter, It is called reduction processing). Further, the image data processing unit 123 does not perform the reduction process when it is not determined by the life determination unit 122 that the life condition is satisfied. The details of the reduction processing by the image data processing unit 123 will be described later.

The write control unit 124 instructs the NAND type memory control unit 111 to write and read data to the NAND type memory 110. Here, when the write control unit 124 determines that the life condition is satisfied by the life determination unit 122, the NAND type memory control unit 111 is subjected to the reduction processing of the image data processing unit 123. Instructs the data to be written to the NAND memory 110. On the other hand, when the write control unit 124 does not determine that the life condition is satisfied by the life determination unit 122, the write control unit 124 paraphrases the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 121 with respect to the NAND type memory control unit 111. Then, the image data that has not been reduced in the image data processing unit 123 is instructed to be written to the NAND type memory 110.

In addition, the number of times data is erased in the NAND memory 110 increases in proportion to the amount of data written to the NAND memory 110. Therefore, as the amount of data written to the NAND memory 110 decreases, the number of times the data is erased in the NAND memory 110 also decreases. Therefore, by writing the reduced image data of the image data processing unit 123 to the NAND type memory 110, the NAND type memory is compared with the case where the image data is written to the NAND type memory 110 without the reduced processing. The number of times the data is erased at 110 is reduced. As a result, the period until the NAND type memory 110 becomes unwritable is extended.

The display control unit 125 generates a control signal for controlling the display on the operation panel 103, and controls the display on the operation panel 103. More specifically, the display control unit 125 displays, for example, that the remaining life of the NAND memory 110 is short when the life determination unit 122 determines that the life condition is satisfied, and the NAND memory 110 has a display control unit 125. Display a message prompting for replacement or requesting maintenance. Further, the display control unit 125 may, for example, display that the image data is to be reduced when the life determination unit 122 determines that the life condition is satisfied, and obtain the user's permission. ..

Then, each functional unit constituting the image processing device 100 shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, when the image processing device 100 is realized by the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 1 or 2, for example, the system program stored in the NAND type memory 110 is read into the memory 102 and stored in the CPU 101. When executed, each functional unit such as an image data acquisition unit 121, a life determination unit 122, an image data processing unit 123, a write control unit 124, and a display control unit 125 is realized.

In the present embodiment, the image data acquisition unit 121 is used as an example of the acquisition means. Further, as an example of the writing means, an image data processing unit 123 and a writing control unit 124 are used.

<Judgment processing by the life judgment unit 122>
Next, the determination process by the life determination unit 122 will be described with reference to specific examples. The life determination unit 122 determines whether or not the life condition is satisfied. This determination process is performed based on the information indicating the usage state of the image processing device 100. Therefore, it can be said that the life condition is satisfied when the usage state of the image processing device 100 reaches a predetermined state.

Here, as information indicating the usage state of the image processing apparatus 100, for example, S.I. M. A. R. Information obtained by T (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) (hereinafter referred to as SMART information) can be exemplified. S. M. A. R. T is a function installed in the SSD 110b for the purpose of early detection of a failure, prediction of a failure, and the like. When SMART information is used, the life determination unit 122 determines whether or not the life condition is satisfied based on the SMART information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of SMART information. This SMART information is provided by S.M.A. M. A. R. This is the information obtained from the SSD 110b by the function of T. "ID" indicates the ID of the item. "Item name" indicates the name of the item. "Current value" indicates the current value. The "worst value" indicates the worst value ever. The “threshold value” indicates a limit value specified by the manufacturer of the SSD 110b. For example, if the current value is below the threshold value, it is determined that the SSD110b may be out of order. “Raw value” indicates the value before normalization. This value is expressed in hexadecimal.

For example, item 7 indicates "use time". This time is the integrated time for turning on the power of the SSD 110b. The "raw value" is "1B8", representing 440 hours. Here, the "current value" indicates "100", and when this value reaches "0", it is considered that the life has been reached. Therefore, for example, the value "10" of the "current value" is set as the threshold value for determining the life. In this case, when the "current value" reaches the threshold value "10", the life determination unit 122 sets the cumulative time of turning on the power of the SSD 110b to 90% of the time set as the upper limit, and the remaining life of the SSD 110b is set in advance. It is presumed that the ratio has reached less than the specified ratio (less than 10% in this case), and it is determined that the life condition is satisfied.

Further, for example, item 8 indicates the “number of times the power is turned on”. This number of times is the number of times that the power ON / OFF of the SSD 110b is controlled. Item No. 9 indicates "total write amount (host)". This value is the total amount of data written to the SSD 110b. Item No. 10 indicates "total read amount (host)". This value is the total amount of data read from the SSD 110b. For these "power-on count", "total write amount (host)", and "total read amount (host)", the threshold value for determining the life may be set in the same manner as the above-mentioned "use time". Then, when these values (“current values” shown in FIG. 4) reach the threshold value, the life determination unit 122 states that the remaining life of the SSD 110b has reached less than a predetermined ratio (for example, less than 10%). It may be inferred that the life condition is satisfied.

Further, in the SD memory card 110a, the S.A. M. A. R. As an alternative to T, there is a vendor unique command provided by the manufacturer of the SD memory card 110a. By using this vendor unique command, various information about the SD memory card 110a can be obtained as well as the SMART information of the SSD 110b. Therefore, the life determination unit 122 determines whether or not the life condition is satisfied for the SSD 110b based on the information obtained by the vendor unique command.

Further, the life determination unit 122 may determine the life condition by obtaining the above-mentioned SMART information and the information obtained by the vendor unique command from the NAND memory 110 without using the SMART information and the vendor unique command. ..

For example, a case where the life determination unit 122 determines the life condition based on the total amount of data written in the NAND memory 110 will be described. Here, when developing the image processing device 100 or the like, it is possible to obtain information on how much data should be written to the NAND type memory 110 to reach the end of its life and become unwritable by referring to SMART information and the like. .. Based on such information, the user sets in advance a threshold value (for example, a value of 90% of the maximum writable data amount) of the amount of data assuming that the life condition is satisfied. Then, the life determination unit 122 monitors the NAND type memory 110, and when the total amount of data written in the NAND type memory 110 reaches the threshold value, the remaining life of the NAND type memory 110 is less than a predetermined ratio ( For example, it is estimated that the life condition has been reached (less than 10%), and it is determined that the life condition is satisfied.

Further, the life determination unit 122 provides information such as the integrated time for turning on the power of the NAND memory 110, the number of times the power is turned on, and the number of times the data is written, in the same manner as the total amount of data written in the NAND memory 110. It may be acquired from the memory 110 and the life condition may be determined.

However, in the image processing apparatus 100, it may be difficult to determine the life condition based on the information directly obtained from the NAND type memory 110 such as SMART information. For example, when high speed is required for the processing of the image processing device 100, it may be difficult to manage SMART information due to the performance of the image processing device 100. In such a case, as the information indicating the usage state of the image processing apparatus 100, other information may be used instead of the information directly obtained from the NAND type memory 110.

As other information, for example, information on the amount of resources consumed during image formation by the image forming unit 105 can be exemplified. In this case, the life determination unit 122 determines that the life condition is satisfied when, for example, the consumption amount of the resource used for image formation by the image formation unit 105 reaches a predetermined amount. Examples of the resource consumption include the amount of toner consumed by the image forming unit 105 and the number of prints (the number of sheets consumed) by the image forming unit 105.

Here, a case where the amount of toner consumed by the image processing apparatus 100 is used will be described. For example, when the user prints various documents by the image forming unit 105 with reference to SMART information or the like when developing the image processing device 100, the image written in the NAND memory 110 as spool data. The correlation between the amount of data and the amount of toner consumed by the image forming unit 105 for printing the image data is recorded. Further, from the SMART information, it is possible to obtain information on how much data should be written to the NAND memory 110 to reach the end of its life and become unwritable. From this information, it is estimated how much toner the image forming unit 105 consumes before the NAND memory 110 reaches the end of its life.

Therefore, the threshold value of the toner consumption amount is set based on the toner consumption amount estimated to be consumed by the image forming unit 105 before the NAND memory 110 reaches the end of its life. This threshold is, for example, 90% of the maximum toner consumption estimated to be consumed by the end of the life of the NAND memory 110. Then, the life determination unit 122 monitors the amount of toner consumed by the image forming unit 105, and when the toner consumption reaches a threshold value, the remaining life of the NAND memory 110 is less than a predetermined ratio ( For example, it is estimated that the value has reached less than 10%), and it is determined that the life condition is satisfied.
When the image forming unit 105 is not an electrophotographic method but an inkjet method, the amount of ink consumed may be used instead of the amount of toner consumed.

Next, a case where the number of prints by the image processing apparatus 100 is used will be described. For example, when the user prints various documents by the image forming unit 105 with reference to SMART information or the like when developing the image processing device 100, the image written in the NAND memory 110 as spool data. Record the correlation between the amount of data and the number of printed sheets of paper printed by the image data. Further, from the SMART information, it is possible to obtain information on how much data should be written to the NAND memory 110 to reach the end of its life and become unwritable. From this information, it is estimated how many documents will be printed by the image forming unit 105 before the NAND memory 110 reaches the end of its life.

Therefore, a threshold value for the number of prints is set based on the number of prints estimated to be printed by the image forming unit 105 before the NAND memory 110 reaches the end of its life. This threshold value is, for example, 90% of the maximum number of prints estimated to be printed before the NAND memory 110 reaches the end of its life. Then, the life determination unit 122 monitors the number of prints by the image forming unit 105, and when the number of prints reaches the threshold value, the remaining life of the NAND type memory 110 becomes less than a predetermined ratio (for example, less than 10%). It is presumed that the product has been reached, and it is determined that the life condition is satisfied.

The amount of image data stored in the NAND memory 110 differs depending on the content of the original to be printed. Therefore, the threshold value for the number of prints may be set in consideration of the amount of image data per original sheet. For example, the threshold value may be set based on the average amount of image data data per document, or the threshold value may be set based on the maximum amount of image data data per document. Further, as the amount of data of the original to be printed increases, the number of times of erasing the data in the NAND memory 110 increases, and the characteristics of data retention deteriorate. Therefore, for example, when the threshold value is set based on the maximum amount of image data data per original sheet, the threshold value is set based on the average amount of image data data per original sheet. , The set threshold becomes smaller.

The life determination unit 122 may determine whether or not the life condition is satisfied by using a plurality of information indicating the usage state of the image processing device 100. For example, the life determination unit 122 may determine whether or not the life condition is satisfied based on the total amount of data written in the NAND memory 110 and the amount of toner consumed by the image processing device 100.

<Reduction processing by image data processing unit 123>
Next, the reduction process by the image data processing unit 123 will be described with reference to specific examples. The image data processing unit 123 reduces the amount of image data data, for example, by reducing the image quality of the image based on the image data.

As a means for reducing the image quality of an image based on image data, for example, reducing the number of pixels of the image can be mentioned. For example, when the resolution of the image data acquired by the image data processing unit 123 is 600 dpi (dots per inch), reducing the resolution to 400 dpi reduces the number of pixels of the image data and reduces the amount of image data.

Further, as a means for lowering the image quality of the image based on the image data, for example, reducing the number of gradations of the pixels included in the image can be mentioned. For example, when the number of gradations of the image data acquired by the image data processing unit 123 is 256 gradations, reducing the number of gradations to 64 gradations reduces the amount of image data data.

Further, as a means for lowering the image quality of the image based on the image data, for example, reducing the number of colors constituting the image can be mentioned. For example, in the image data acquired by the image data processing unit 123, when one pixel is represented by three colors of red, green, and blue, for example, if one color is represented by 1 byte, one pixel is represented by 3 bytes. Will be done. Therefore, when the image data is changed from color to black and white, one pixel is represented by 1 byte, so that the amount of image data data becomes small.

By using such means, the image data processing unit 123 performs reduction processing on the acquired image data to reduce the amount of image data data.

<Explanation of processing procedure when writing image data to NAND memory>
Next, the processing procedure when the image processing apparatus 100 writes the image data to the NAND type memory 110 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when the image processing device 100 writes image data to the NAND type memory 110.

First, the image data acquisition unit 121 acquires the image data to be stored in the NAND memory 110 (step 101). Next, the life determination unit 122 determines whether or not the life condition is satisfied (step 102). When a negative determination (No) is made in step 102, the write control unit 124 transfers the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 121 to the NAND memory 110 to the NAND memory control unit 111. Instruct to write (step 103). The NAND type memory control unit 111 writes image data to the NAND type memory 110 based on the instruction. Then, this processing flow ends.

On the other hand, when a positive determination (Yes) is made in step 102, the image data processing unit 123 performs reduction processing on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 121 in step 101 (step 104). Next, the write control unit 124 instructs the NAND type memory control unit 111 to write the reduced image data to the NAND type memory 110 (step 105). The NAND type memory control unit 111 writes the reduced image data to the NAND type memory 110 based on the instruction. Then, this processing flow ends.

As described above, the life determination unit 122 of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the life condition is satisfied based on the information indicating the usage state of the image processing device 100. When it is determined that the life condition is satisfied, the image data processing unit 123 performs a reduction process for reducing the amount of data on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 121. Then, the reduced image data is written to the NAND type memory 110. Therefore, by the processing of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment, for example, regardless of whether or not the image data is repeatedly written to the NAND type memory and the life condition is satisfied, the image data to be written is directly converted to the NAND type. Compared with the configuration in which the NAND memory 110 is stored, the period until the NAND type memory 110 becomes unwritable (remaining life) is extended.

Further, in the above-described example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the image data is written to the SSD 110b, but the image data may be written to the SD memory card 110a. In this case, when the life condition is satisfied, the reduced image data is written to the SD memory card 110a.

Further, in the above-described example, the life determination unit 122 of the image processing device 100 determines the life condition, but for example, using a remote diagnosis system or the like, another device other than the image processing device 100 (not shown). ) May be determined remotely. In this case, for example, when the remote diagnostic system determines that the life condition is satisfied, a maintenance request may be automatically issued.

Further, the program that realizes the embodiment of the present invention can be provided not only by communication means but also by storing it in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, it is of course possible to combine these embodiments and modifications.
Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, in the above embodiment, the image processing device 100 has been illustrated, but the contents of the present disclosure can be similarly applied to any device that uses the NAND memory 110 as a storage medium.

100 ... image processing device, 101 ... CPU, 102 ... memory, 110 ... NAND memory, 110a ... SD memory card, 110b ... SSD, 111 ... NAND memory control unit, 111a ... SD memory control unit, 111b ... SSD control unit , 121 ... image data acquisition unit, 122 ... life determination unit, 123 ... image data processing unit, 124 ... write control unit, 125 ... display control unit

Claims (9)

Acquisition method for acquiring image data and
A storage means having a NAND memory and
An image forming means for forming an image on a recording material,
The image data acquired by the acquisition means is written and stored in the storage means, and the image data is repeatedly written, and the consumption of resources used for image formation by the image forming means is a predetermined amount. An image processing apparatus including a writing means that performs a process of reducing the amount of data on the image data acquired by the acquisition means and writes the image data to the storage means when the value is reached. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource consumption is the toner consumption. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource consumption is the ink consumption. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the writing means reduces the amount of data of the image data by lowering the image quality of the image based on the image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the writing means reduces the image quality of the image by reducing the number of pixels of the image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the writing means reduces the image quality of the image by reducing the number of gradations of pixels included in the image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the writing means reduces the image quality of the image by reducing the number of colors constituting the image. Acquisition method for acquiring image data and
An image forming means for forming an image on a recording material,
The image data acquired by the acquisition means is written and stored in the NAND memory, and the image data is repeatedly written, and the consumption of resources used for image formation by the image forming means is predetermined. An image processing apparatus including a writing means that performs a process of reducing the amount of data acquired by the acquisition means on the image data acquired by the acquisition means and writes the image data to the NAND type memory when the amount is reached. On the computer
The function to acquire image data and
The function of forming an image on the recording material and
The acquired image data is written and stored in the NAND memory, and the consumption of resources used for image formation by the function of repeatedly writing the image data to form the image is set to a predetermined amount. When it reaches, a program for realizing a function of writing to the NAND type memory by performing a process of reducing the amount of data on the acquired image data.

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