JP2006228197A - Information management apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information management apparatus which assigns a unique identification number to accepted information and manages the information in a network system. <P>SOLUTION: Upper bits of an identification number are held in a first counter constituted on a prescribed area of a ROM 10 consisting of a FLASH memory or an EEPROM, and lower bits of the identification number are held in a second counter constituted in a prescribed area of a RAM 11, and an identification information generation part 8 combines a count of the first counter and a count of the second counter to generate identification information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information management apparatus that manages a plurality of jobs, and more particularly to generation / management of job information for specifying a predetermined job from among a plurality of jobs.

  In recent information communication network systems, the same terminal device can be shared by a plurality of higher-level devices connected to the same network. In such a case, a large number of print data is sent to the terminal device from a plurality of higher-level devices. Therefore, a function for accurately managing the received print data is added to the terminal device (see Patent Document 1). When the terminal device is, for example, an image forming apparatus (network printer), a large number of print data is input to the image forming apparatus via a network from a plurality of host devices. Each time print data is input, the image forming apparatus generates a print job including intermediate format data based on the print data and attribute information for identifying the data. This print job is stored in a RAM (volatile memory) provided in the image forming apparatus. Usually, a plurality of print jobs are stored in the RAM, waiting for subsequent processing. In the subsequent processing, a unique identification number (identification information) is assigned to each print job in order to specify a predetermined print job from the plurality of print jobs.

  An integer value area for assigning this identification number is provided inside the print job. The uniqueness of the identification number is ensured by incrementing the identification number stored in the integer value area every time a print job is generated. However, in the conventional technology, since the print job identification number is created on the RAM, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off once, the identification number set before the power is turned off and set after the power is turned on again. It becomes difficult to maintain uniqueness with the identification number. Therefore, for example, if there is a request from the host device to refer to the history of print jobs handled by the image forming apparatus in the past, the same print job before the power is turned off and after the power is turned on again. However, the print job having the same identification number may be referred to.

In order to eliminate such inconvenience, it is also conceivable to create the identification number on the FLASH memory or the EEPROM. However, in this case, every time a print job is generated, an inconvenience arises in that the integer value area provided on the FLASH memory or EEPROM must be updated, making it impossible to adopt it in practice. It was close. In addition, since the conventional technique is configured on the assumption that the number of print job generations is within a range that does not overflow the integer value area, the print job is generated many times, and the integer value area is reduced. In the case of overflow, the same print job should not be handled as described above, but another print job having the same identification number could be referred to.
JP-A-8-320851

  The problem to be solved is that since the print job identification number is created in the RAM, once the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off, the identification number set before the power is turned off and after the power is turned on again. It is configured on the assumption that it is difficult to maintain uniqueness with the set identification number, and that the number of print job generations is within a range that does not overflow the integer value area. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain uniqueness between the identification number before overflow and the identification number after overflow even when the print job is generated many times and the integer value area overflows. Is a point.

  First counter held and counted in non-volatile memory, second counter held and counted in volatile memory, count value of first counter, count value of second counter An identification information generation unit that generates the identification information by combining the first counter and the second counter. The second counter is counted up for each predetermined information unit of the received information, and the first counter Is characterized by being counted up when the power is turned on and when the second counter overflows (claim 2).

  A first counter held in a non-volatile memory, the first counter is incremented at power-on and every second counter overflow, and the higher value of the identification information is incremented. It is possible to avoid occurrence of the same number every time the second counter overflows. In addition, the second counter is held in the volatile memory and reset every time the power is turned on. However, the lower value of the identification information is incremented within the same power-on period and within the range where the count value does not overflow. , The same number can be avoided. As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent duplication of identification information over a long period of time. Furthermore, since the count value of the first counter held in the non-volatile memory is updated only when the power is turned on and when the second counter overflows, the number of updates is greatly reduced, so there is no problem in use. The effect that can be obtained.

  In the information management apparatus according to the present invention, the FLASH memory or the EEPROM is used as the nonvolatile memory, and the identification information generation unit is realized only by changing the control program of the CPU.

The present invention will be described as an example applied to print job management of an image forming apparatus (printer).
FIG. 1 is a block diagram (No. 1) showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
As shown in the figure, an image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment includes an interface unit 1, an input / output unit 2, an operation panel 3, an image processing unit 4, an image forming unit 5, and a print engine unit 6. An identification information management unit 7, an identification information generation unit 8, a CPU 9, a ROM 10, a RAM 11, an HDD 12, and a rewritable nonvolatile memory 13.

  The interface unit 1 is disposed between the image forming apparatus 100 and the host apparatus (personal computer) 20 and is a part that transmits and receives print data, and is an interface circuit that functions as a data link layer. Usually, it is a part included in a network interface card for protocol conversion with a network interposed between the host device 20 and the network.

  The input / output unit 2 serves as a man-machine interface between the image forming apparatus 100 and an operator via the operation panel 3. An operator inputs control information via the operation panel 3, and the image forming apparatus 100 requests input of control information via the operation panel 3, or alternatively, the control state (operation state) of the image forming apparatus 100. ) To notify the operator.

The operation panel 3 includes a liquid crystal display device and a keyboard switch, and the operator inputs control information, and the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the operator of the control state (operating state) of the image forming apparatus 100. is there.
The image processing unit 4 is a part that analyzes print data received from the host device 20 via the interface unit 1, converts the print data until it becomes printable bitmap data, and develops it into a predetermined area of the RAM 11. A print job to which print job identification information generated by the present invention is added is processed in this portion.

The image forming unit 5 is a part that receives bitmap data from the image processing unit 4 and controls the print engine unit 6 to form and output an image on a predetermined print medium. Further, it is a part that notifies the operator of the operating state of the print engine unit 6 via the input / output unit 2 and the operation panel 3.
The print engine unit 6 is a printing mechanism portion that forms and outputs an image on a predetermined print medium based on the control of the image forming unit 5.

  The identification information management unit 7 is a part that manages a 10-bit integer value counter (first counter) provided in a predetermined area in the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13. Every time the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, and every time a 22-bit integer counter provided in a predetermined area in the RAM 11 described later overflows, the count value is incremented, and the upper 10 bits of the print job identification information are updated. It is a part to do. The function of this part will be described again in detail later with reference to other drawings.

  The identification information generator 8 includes a 10-bit integer value counter provided in a predetermined area in the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13 and a 22-bit integer value counter (second counter) provided in a predetermined area in the RAM 11. ) To generate 32-bit print job identification information and store it in an identification number storage area provided at a predetermined position of the print job. The function of this part will be described again in detail later with reference to other drawings.

  The CPU 9 is a microprocessor that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100.

  The ROM 10 is a part for storing a program for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 100 and a part of control data.

  The RAM 11 is a volatile memory, and is a part that provides a calculation area required when the CPU 9 executes a program stored in the ROM 10. In the present embodiment, a 22-bit integer value counter (second counter) necessary for the identification information generation unit 8 to generate print job identification information in the process of generating a print job is also formed.

The HDD 12 is a hard disk and is a part that stores predetermined information based on an instruction from the host device.
The rewritable non-volatile memory 13 is a non-volatile memory such as a FLASH memory or an EEPROM. In particular, in this embodiment, the identification information management unit 7 is formed in a predetermined area on the memory. .

Next, functions of the identification information management unit 7 and the identification information generation unit 8 will be described.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an identification information generation / management function.
When the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) is turned on and print data is accepted, generation of a print job 11-1 is started in a predetermined area in the RAM 11 as shown in the figure. Inside the print job 11-1, an identification number storage area 11-2 for storing the identification number of the job is provided. An identification number generation counter 11-3 is formed in a predetermined area inside the RAM 11. Furthermore, a 10-bit integer value counter is provided in a predetermined area of the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13.

  The identification number generation counter 11-3 is a 32-bit integer value counter composed of upper 10 bits and lower 22 bits. In the upper 10 bits, a count value managed by the identification information management unit 7 is stored. In the lower 22 bits, a count value for counting the number of print jobs generated is stored. That is, when the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) is turned on, the count value of the second counter is once cleared, and thereafter, 1 is added every time the print job 11-1 is generated. Furthermore, when the lower bits of the count value overflow, the lower 22 bits of the count value are cleared. At the same time, the count value managed by the identification information management unit 7 is incremented by 1 (carry). The upper 10 bits are updated by the count value managed by the identification information management unit 7 to which 1 is added. The count value of the identification number generation counter 11-3 set in this way is stored in the identification number storage area 11-2 of the print job 11-1. As a result, the uniqueness of the identification number is ensured.

The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the power is turned on according to the first embodiment.
This figure is a flowchart showing the operation when the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) is turned on. The operation when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) is turned on will be described in order of steps from step S1-1 to step S1-3.

Step S1-1
The image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) is turned on.
Step S1-2
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 1) reads the count value managed by the identification information management unit 7 (FIG. 2) of the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13 (FIG. 2).
Step S1-3
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 1) adds 1 to the read count value, and the identification information management unit 7 (FIG. 2) updates the count value with the value.
Step S1-4
Clear the identification number generation counter and end the flow.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating image forming processing according to the first exemplary embodiment.
This figure is a flowchart showing an operation until print processing is started after print data is input to the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1). Steps S1-5 to S1-7 will be described in the order of steps.

Step S1-5
The interface unit 1 (FIG. 1) waits for the reception of print data from the host device 20 (FIG. 1).
Step S1-6
The image processing unit 4 (FIG. 1) executes print job generation processing. In this process, the identification information generation unit generates an identification number and stores it in the print job identification number storage area 11-2 (FIG. 2). The identification number generation process of this identification information generation unit will be described in detail later.
Step S1-7
Thereafter, the image forming unit reproduces a predetermined image and ends the flow.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating identification number generation processing according to the first embodiment.
In this figure, the identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 1) generates an identification number while the image processing unit 4 (FIG. 1) generates a print job, and the print job identification number storage area 11-2 (FIG. 2). It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement until it stores. Steps S1-10 to S1-17 will be described in the order of steps.

Step S1-10
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 2) reads the lower 22 bits on the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 2).
Step S1-11
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 2) updates the lower 22 bits on the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 2) with a value obtained by adding 1 to the read count value.

Step S1-12
When the updated count value of the lower 22 bits becomes 0 (when the lower 22 bits overflow), the process proceeds to step S1-13, and when not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S1-16.

Step S1-13
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 2) reads the value of the integer value counter managed by the identification information management unit 7 (FIG. 2).
Step S1-14
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 2) adds 1 to the read count value, and the identification information management unit 7 updates the value of the integer value counter with the value (FIG. 2).

Step S1-15
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 2) stores the value of the integer value counter (FIG. 2) managed by the identification information management unit 7 in the upper 10 bits on the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 2).
Step S1-16
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 2) identifies the print job 11-1 (FIG. 2) using a value obtained by combining the upper 10 bits and the lower 22 bits on the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 2) as an identification number. It stores in the number storage area 11-2 and ends the flow.

  As described above, since the integer value counter managed by the identification information management unit 7 (FIG. 2) is provided, identification is performed every time the power is turned on and every time the lower 22 bits of the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 2) overflow. It becomes possible to specify the upper value of the number, and it is possible to avoid the occurrence of the same identification number every time the power is turned on and every time the overflow occurs. Furthermore, since the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 2) is held in the volatile memory and reset every time the power is turned on, the upper 10 bits are updated every time the power is turned on and the count value is updated every time the overflow occurs. Thus, it is possible to avoid occurrence of the same identification number every time a print job is generated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent duplication of identification numbers over a long period of time and to obtain an effect that the print job can be specified. Further, since the update of the integer counter managed by the identification information management unit 7 (FIG. 2) held in the nonvolatile memory is performed only when the power is turned on and at the time of the overflow, the number of updates is greatly reduced. Even if a memory or an EEPROM is used, there can be obtained an effect that there is no adverse effect on use.

  The method of dividing the upper 10 bits and the lower 22 bits of the 32-bit identification number is not limited to this example.

  In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus as an example, and the print data received by the image forming apparatus is not accompanied by printing, such as status request data or menu setting data. There is no need to manage the data, and there is little need to ensure the uniqueness of the identification number. Therefore, the identification number stored in such a print job is reused.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram (part 2) showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
As shown in the figure, an image forming apparatus 200 according to this embodiment includes an interface unit 1, an input / output unit 2, an operation panel 3, an image processing unit 4, a print engine unit 6, and an identification information management unit 7. The identification information generation unit 8, the HDD 12, the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13, the image processing unit 21, the reuse identification information management unit 22, the reuse identification information acquisition unit 23, the CPU 24, the RAM 25, and the ROM 26. With. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below. About the part similar to Example 1, the same code | symbol as Example 1 is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The image processing unit 21 is a part that analyzes the print data received from the host device 20 via the interface unit 1, converts the print data until it becomes printable bitmap data, and develops it into a predetermined area of the RAM 25. The print job storing the print job identification information generated by the present invention is generated in this portion. In the present embodiment, the state transition is also stored in a print job state history display area (described later). Further, the status transition of the print job status history display area is searched, and when the editing / printing status is not stored, the print job identification number managed by the reuse identification information management unit 22 is saved. It is also a part to be saved in the area 25-3.

The reuse identification information management unit 22 is a part that manages a save area for a reusable identification number provided in a predetermined area in the RAM 25. This part will be described in detail later with reference to other drawings.
The reuse identification information acquisition unit 23 is a part that reuses the identification number. This part will be described in detail later with reference to other drawings. The save area may be provided in the nonvolatile memory area.

  The CPU 24 is a microprocessor that controls the entire image forming apparatus 200. In particular, in this specific example, by executing a predetermined program stored in advance in the ROM 26, the input / output unit 2, the image processing unit 4, the image forming unit 5, the identification information generating unit 8, and the reuse identification information acquiring unit. 23 is a part for starting up.

  The RAM 25 is a volatile memory, and is a part that provides a calculation area required when the CPU 24 executes a program stored in the ROM 26. In the present embodiment, a 22-bit integer value counter (second counter) that is an area for generating a print job, and is necessary for the identification information generation unit 8 to generate print job identification information in the process. The print job identification number saving area 25-3 managed by the reuse identification information management unit 22 is also formed.

  The ROM 26 is a part that stores a program for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 200 and a part of control data executed by the CPU 25. Particularly in this embodiment, the CPU 25 executes the input / output unit 2, the image processing unit 4, the image forming unit 5, the identification information generation unit 8, the reuse identification information management unit 22, and the reuse identification information acquisition unit. 23 is a part for storing a program for starting the program.

Next, image data received from the host device 20 (FIG. 6) in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a print data configuration according to the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the print data 30 used in this embodiment includes an attribute description section 30-1 and edit data 30-2. In the attribute description section 30-1, attributes such as the number of copies and a job name described in a description language called PJL are described. The editing data 30-2 includes editing data described in a description language called PCL, PS or the like and processed by the editing program of the printing apparatus. Here, when the editing data 30-2 is not included in the printing data 30, the editing program of the printing apparatus does not operate.

Next, state transitions that a print job can take will be described.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of state transition of a print job according to the present invention.
As shown in the figure, immediately after the print job is generated, the print job is in an edit waiting state 31. Next, if the print data includes edit data such as PCL, PS, etc., edit / print is performed. Transition to the middle state 32. Subsequently, when all the processing of the print job is completed (in the print data, the paper is printed and the paper is normally discharged. In the control data, the instructed status is returned.), The history state 33 is entered. State transition. When the print job transitions to the history state 33, in this embodiment, only the print job processing result and attribute information are stored in a memory such as the HDD 26 by a method not shown.

  If the print data received from the host device 20 (FIG. 6) does not include editing data such as PS and PCL, the print job does not take the editing / printing state 32 and starts from the editing waiting state 31. It will transit directly to the history state 33.

Next, functions of the reuse identification information management unit 22 and the reuse identification information acquisition unit 23 will be described.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a management / acquisition function for reuse identification information.
When the image forming apparatus 200 (FIG. 6) is turned on and print data is accepted, generation of a print job 25-1 is started in a predetermined area in the RAM 25 (FIG. 6) as shown in the figure. Inside the print job 25-1, an identification number storage area 11-2 for storing the identification number of the job and a print job status history display area 25-2 for storing the status history of the print job are provided. In a predetermined area in the RAM 25, an identification number generation counter 11-3 and a print job identification number saving area 25-3 for storing a reuse identification number are formed. Furthermore, a 10-bit integer value counter is provided in a predetermined area of the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13.

  The identification number generation counter 11-3 is a 32-bit integer value counter composed of upper 10 bits and lower 22 bits. In the upper 10 bits, a count value managed by the identification information management unit 7 is stored. In the lower 22 bits, a count value for counting the number of print jobs generated is stored. That is, when the image forming apparatus 200 (FIG. 6) is turned on, the count value is once cleared, and thereafter, 1 is added every time the print job 11-1 is generated. Further, when the lower 22 bits of the count value overflow, the lower 22 bits of the count value are cleared. At the same time, the count value is incremented by 1 by the identification information management unit 7. The upper 10 bits are updated by the count value managed by the identification information management unit 7 to which 1 is added. The count value of the identification number generation counter 11-3 set in this way is stored in the identification number storage area 11-2 of the print job 11-1. As a result, the uniqueness of the identification number is ensured.

  The reuse identification information management unit 22 stores a reusable identification number among the identification numbers assigned to the print job in the print job identification number saving area 25-3. This reusable identification number is reused when the history status during editing / printing is not stored in the print job status history display area 25-2. This is because if the history state during editing / printing is not stored, the print job sent from the host device is not accompanied by printing, such as status request data or menu setting data. This is because there is no possibility of duplication even if reused.

The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating image forming processing according to the second exemplary embodiment.
This figure is a flowchart showing the operation from when print data is input to the image forming apparatus 200 (FIG. 6) until the printing process is started. Steps S2-1 to S2-10 will be described in the order of steps.

Step S2-1
The interface unit 1 (FIG. 6) waits for the reception of print data from the host device 20 (FIG. 6).
Step S2-2
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) starts print job generation processing. In this process, the identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 6) or the reuse identification information acquisition unit 23 (FIG. 6) generates or acquires an identification number, and the print job identification number storage area 11-2 (FIG. 9). ) Will be stored. This identification number generation process will be described later in detail again.

Step S2-3
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) stores the edit waiting state in the print job state history display area 25-2 (FIG. 9).
Step S2-4
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) proceeds to step S2-5 when the editing data 30-2 (FIG. 7) is included in the print data 30 (FIG. 7), and proceeds to step S2-8 when there is no editing data 30-2 (FIG. 7). .

Step S2-5
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) waits until editing processing becomes possible, and when it becomes possible, the process proceeds to step S2-6.
Step S2-6
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) additionally stores the editing / printing status in the print job status history display area 25-2 (FIG. 9).

Step S2-7
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) starts editing the print job, and the image forming unit 5 (FIG. 6) starts predetermined image reproduction.
Step S2-8
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) additionally stores the history status in the print job status history display area 25-2 (FIG. 9).

Step S2-9
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) executes a print job end process and ends the flow. This print job end process will be described later in detail again.
Step S2-10
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) executes status processing and menu setting processing, and proceeds to step S2-8.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an identification number generation process according to the second embodiment.
In this figure, the image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) is editing the print job (step S2-7) while the identification information generating unit 8 (FIG. 6) or the reuse identification information acquiring unit 23 (FIG. 6). FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation from generation or acquisition of an identification number to storage in a print job identification number storage area 11-2 (FIG. 9). FIG. Steps S2-11 to S2-21 will be described in the order of steps.
Step S2-11
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) searches whether the identification number is stored in the print job identification number saving area 25-3 (FIG. 9). If not, the process proceeds to step S2-12 and is stored. Then, the process proceeds to step S2-20.

Step S2-12
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 6) reads the lower 22 bits on the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 9).
Step S2-13
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 6) updates the lower 22 bits on the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 6) with a value obtained by adding 1 to the read count value.

Step S2-14
If the updated count value of the lower 22 bits is 0 (overflow), the process proceeds to step S2-15, and if not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S2-17.

Step S2-15
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 6) reads the value of the integer value counter by the identification information management unit 7 (FIG. 6).
Step S2-16
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 6) adds 1 to the read count value, and the identification information management unit 7 updates the value of the integer value counter with the value (FIG. 2).

Step S2-17
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 6) stores the value of the integer value counter (FIG. 6) managed by the identification information management unit 7 in the upper 10 bits on the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 9).
Step S2-18
The identification information generation unit 8 (FIG. 6) identifies the print job 25-1 (FIG. 9) using a value obtained by combining the upper 10 bits and the lower 22 bits on the identification number generation counter 11-3 (FIG. 9) as an identification number. It stores in the number storage area 11-2 and ends the flow.

Step S2-19
The reuse identification information acquisition unit 23 (FIG. 6) reads the top value of the print job identification number saving area 25-3 (FIG. 9), and now generates the print job identification number storage area 11-2 (FIG. 9). ).
Step S2-20
The reuse identification information acquisition unit 23 (FIG. 6) deletes the read head value from the print job identification number saving area 25-3 and ends the flow.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating print job end processing according to the second embodiment.
In this figure, the image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) searches the print job status history display area 25-2 (FIG. 9) from the print job at the end of the image forming process, and there is no editing / printing status. The operation of reading the identification number stored in the identification number storage area 11-2 (FIG. 9) and saving it to the print job identification number saving area 25-3 by the reuse identification information management unit 22 (FIG. 9) is shown. Yes. Steps S2-30 to S2-32 will be described in the order of steps.

Step S2-30
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) searches the print job status history display area (FIG. 9). If the editing / printing status is stored, the process proceeds to step S2-32. Advances to step S2-31.
Step S2-31
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) additionally stores the identification number stored in the identification number storage area 11-2 (FIG. 9) in the print job identification number saving area 25-3 (FIG. 9) and ends the flow. To do.
Step S2-32
The image processing unit 21 (FIG. 6) saves the print job to the HDD 26 and ends the flow.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the reuse identification information management unit 22 (FIG. 6) and the reuse identification information acquisition unit 23 are further provided so as to exist as a history that does not include edit data. It is possible to avoid permanently assigning an identification number to a print job having no value. As a result, it is possible to greatly reduce the opportunity to update the integer counter on the volatile memory, and to greatly reduce the opportunity to update the values on the nonvolatile memory such as the FLASH memory and EEPROM that have a limited number of writes. The effect of becoming.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the counter area of the first counter provided in a predetermined area in the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13 (FIG. 1) is set as a fixed size area in advance (10 bits as an example). . However, in reality, inconvenience may occur if the counter area is fixed in advance. For example, the count value may exceed 10 bits. That said, it is not a good idea to fix it in a huge counter area from the beginning. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the count value of the first counter exceeds a predetermined value, the counter area of the first counter is automatically expanded.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram (No. 3) showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
As shown in the figure, an image forming apparatus 300 in this embodiment includes an interface unit 1, an input / output unit 2, an operation panel 3, an image processing unit 4, an image forming unit 5, and a print engine unit 6. An identification information management unit 41, an identification information generation unit 42, a counter area enlargement unit 43, a CPU 44, a ROM 45, a RAM 11, an HDD 12, and a rewritable nonvolatile memory 13. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail below. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

The identification information management unit 41 is a part that manages an integer value counter (first counter) of a variable length array that is successively expanded in units of 32 bits provided in a predetermined area in the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13. . Each time the image forming apparatus 300 is turned on, and every time a 32-bit integer value counter (second counter) provided in a predetermined area in the RAM 11 overflows, its own count value is incremented. Furthermore, when the count value of the self overflows, a variable length array integer value counter is generated in which the counter area is successively expanded in units of 32 bits in the upper digit. The function of this part will be described again in detail later with reference to other drawings.

  The identification information generating unit 42 includes a variable length array integer value counter (first counter) provided in a predetermined area in the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13 and successively expanded in units of 32 bits. This is a part that generates print job identification information using an integer value counter (second counter) provided in the area and stores it in an identification number storage area provided at a predetermined position of the print job.

  The counter area enlargement unit 43 is a part that detects that the count value of the first counter overflows, and expands the counter area one after another in units of 32 bits to the upper digit each time it overflows.

  The CPU 44 is a microprocessor that controls the entire image forming apparatus 300.

  The ROM 45 is a part that stores a program for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 300 and a part of control data executed by the CPU 44.

Next, functions of the identification information management unit 41, the identification information generation unit 42, and the counter area expansion unit 43 will be described.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of identification information generation / management and a counter area expansion function.
When the image forming apparatus 300 (FIG. 13) is turned on and print data is accepted, generation of a print job 11-4 is started in a predetermined area in the RAM 11 as shown in the figure. Inside the print job 11-4, an identification number storage area 11-5 for storing the identification number of the job is provided. In another area in the RAM 11, an identification number generation counter 11-6 that generates a job identification number, and a counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) use a file number counter 11-used for the determination of the counter area enlargement. 8 and an indicator counter 11-9. Further, in a predetermined area of the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13, a variable length array integer value counter capable of extending the number of digits in units of 32 bits is provided.

  The identification information includes the total number of print jobs generated from the time when the image forming apparatus 300 (FIG. 13) currently in operation is turned on until the present time (no power off / on during that time), and print jobs before the current operation. It is generated based on generation history information (described later). However, carry over a predetermined number (32 bits here) during the current operation is included in the history information. Therefore, the identification number generation counter 11-6 is a 32-bit print job that counts the total number of print jobs generated (the number within 32 bits) from the time the power is turned on until the present time (no power off / on in the meantime). A print job generation history counter 11-7b that obtains and stores the generated number counter 11-7a and the cumulative number of power-on times in the past and the number of carry-overs of the print job generated number counter 11-7a by the identification information management unit 41. And have.

  The history information is managed by the identification information management unit 41. The identification information management unit 41 manages a counter constituted by a large number of files from NVCNT (0) to NVCNT (n) that can be carried in 32-bit units. When the image forming apparatus 300 (FIG. 13) is powered on and the power-on information S1 is input to the identification information management unit 41, the 32-bit integer value counter [0] configured in the file NVCNT (0) is stored. One is added. When the overflow information S2 is received from the print job generation number counter 11-7a, 1 is similarly added to the 32-bit integer value counter [0]. Here, the description has been given of the operation that accepts the power-on information and the overflow information. However, the processing may be programmed to be executed at the time of power-on or overflow.

  When the history information is accumulated in this way and the integer value counter [0] overflows, the counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) additionally configures a 32-bit integer value counter [1] in the file NVCNT (1). . The integer value counter [1] stores the upper 32 digits of the counter value following the integer value counter [0]. Similarly, a 32-bit integer value counter [2] is added to the file NVCNT (2), and a 32-bit integer value counter [n] is added to the file NVCNT (n) as the history information increases. To do. In this way, the history information is stored and managed by the identification information management unit 41.

  Therefore, the identification information generation unit 42 (FIG. 13) uses the identification information management unit 41 to record all the files NVCNT (1) to NVCNT (n) expanded by the counter area expansion unit 43 (FIG. 13) as history information S3. And the value is stored in the print job generation history counter 11-7b, and an identification number is generated from the value of the print job generation history counter 11-7b and the value of the print job generation number counter 11-7a. Become. The identification number generated in this way is sent to the print job 11-4 as identification number information S5 and stored in the identification number storage area 11-5. As a result, the uniqueness of the identification number is ensured.

Here, the configuration of the file will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of directories and files in the file system.
This figure shows the internal directory structure of the rewritable nonvolatile memory 13 (FIG. 13) managed as a file system. In a rewritable nonvolatile memory (flash memory) managed as a file system, there is a volume called FLASH0: \, and a directory called NVCOUNTERS exists inside the volume. In this directory, a plurality of files starting with the character string NVCNT are stored. Specifically, the 32-bit integer value counter [0] managed by the identification information management unit 41 (FIG. 13) is stored in the file NVCNT (0), and the integer value counter [1] is stored in the file NVCNT ( 1)... The integer value counter [n] is stored in the file NVCNT (n).

The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the power is turned on according to the third embodiment.
This figure is a flowchart showing the operation when the image forming apparatus 300 (FIG. 13) of the third embodiment is turned on. The operation at power-on of the image forming apparatus 300 (FIG. 13) will be described in order of steps from step S3-1 to step S3-7.

Step S3-1
The image forming apparatus 300 (FIG. 13) is turned on.
Step S3-2
The counter area expansion unit 43 (FIG. 13) checks whether or not the directory FLASH0: \ NVCOUNTERS exists on the file system. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S3-5. The process proceeds to step S3-3.

Step S3-3
The counter area expansion unit 43 (FIG. 13) creates a directory called FLASH0: \ NVCOUNTERS on the file system.

Step S3-4
The counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) generates a file named NVCNT (0) in which a value of 0 is stored in the created directory, and stores the file in the generated directory.

Step S3-5
The integer information counter is updated by the identification information management unit 41 (FIG. 14). This update process will be described in detail later using another flowchart.

Step S3-6
The identification information generation unit 42 (FIG. 13) reads the history information S3 by the identification information management unit 41 (FIG. 14) and stores the value in the print job generation history counter 11-7b (FIG. 14).

Step S3-7
The identification information generation unit 42 (FIG. 13) clears the print job generation number counter 11-7a and ends the flow.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the update process of the identification information management unit.
This figure shows that the counter area expanding unit 43 (FIG. 13) uses the file number counter 11-8 (FIG. 14) and the 11-9 index counter (FIG. 14) of the identification information management unit 41 (FIG. 14). An operation for detecting that the count value to be managed overflows, and every time it overflows, the counter area is successively expanded in units of 32 bits to the upper digit, and the integer value counter is updated by the identification information management unit 41 (FIG. 14). It is a flowchart which shows. The operation of the counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) will be described in order of steps from step S3-11 to step S3-18.

Step S3-11
The counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) detects the number of files having file names starting with the character string NVCNT included in the directory FLASH0: \ NVCOUNTERS, and stores it in the file number counter 11-8 (FIG. 14). substitute.

Step S3-12
The counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) assigns 0 to the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13). Here, the index counter 11-9 is an index for specifying n in NVCNT (n), for example.

Step S3-13
The counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) stores a numerical value stored (written) in a file having a file name starting with the character string NVCNT specified by the value of the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13). Is read.

Step S3-14
The counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) stores a numerical value stored (written) in a file having a file name starting with the character string NVCNT specified by the value of the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13). The value obtained by adding 1 to is again stored (written) in a file having a file name starting with the character string NVCNT specified by the value of the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13).

Step S3-15
When the value stored (written) in the file having the file name starting with the character string NVCNT specified by the value of the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13) is 0, the process proceeds to step S3-16. Sometimes the flow ends. If the value stored (written) in a file having a file name starting with the character string NVCNT is 0, the character string NVCNT specified by the value of the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13) is used. A file with a file name that begins means overflow. Therefore, a file having a file name starting with the character string NVCNT corresponding to the upper digit is required.

Step S3-16
The counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) adds 1 to the value of the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13).

Step S3-17
If the value of the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13) matches the value of the file number counter 11-8 (FIG. 13), the process proceeds to step S1-18, and otherwise, the process returns to step S3-13. Here, if the value of the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13) matches the value of the file number counter 11-8 (FIG. 13), the character NVCNT corresponding to the upper digit is obtained in step S3-15. The file with the file name starting with the character string NVCNT corresponding to the upper digit does not yet exist even though it has been found that a file having a file name starting with the column is required. Means.

Step S3-18
The counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) newly adds a file having a file name starting with the character string NVCNT specified by the value of the index counter 11-9 (FIG. 13) to the directory FLASH0: \ NVCOUNTERS. The numerical value (1) is stored (written) in the file, and the flow ends.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an identification number generation process according to the third embodiment.
This figure shows that the identification information generation unit 42 (FIG. 13) generates an identification number while the image processing unit 4 (FIG. 13) generates a print job, and the print job identification number storage area 11-5 (FIG. 14). It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement until it stores. Steps S3-21 to S3-25 will be described in the order of steps.

Step S3-21
The identification information generation unit 42 (FIG. 13) adds 1 to the print job generation number counter 11-7a (FIG. 14).

Step S3-22
When the value of the updated print job generation number counter 11-7a (FIG. 14) becomes 0 (overflow), the process proceeds to step S3-23, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S3-24.

Step S3-23
The counter area enlargement unit 43 (FIG. 13) executes an update process by the identification information management unit 41 (FIG. 14) described in FIG.

Step S3-24
The identification information generation unit 42 (FIG. 13) sets the print job generation number counter 11-7a as element [0], sets the value of the file named NVCNT (0) as element [1], and sets the name as NVCNT (1). An array of 32-bit integer values is created by concatenating the file values as element [2].

Step S3-25
The identification information generation unit 42 (FIG. 13) stores the generated 32-bit integer value array in the print job identification number storage area 11-5 (FIG. 14) as print job identification information, and ends the flow. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print job identification information stored in the print job 11-4 (FIG. 14) is the print that the image forming apparatus has handled in the past regardless of whether the power is on or off. There is an effect that an arbitrary print job can be uniquely determined from all print jobs including the job. In addition, there is an effect that the counter area of the first counter can be expanded as necessary without securing a huge counter area from the beginning.

  In this embodiment, the administrator of the image forming apparatus can update values managed by the identification information management unit 41 (FIG. 13) from the outside of the image forming apparatus. By doing so, it becomes possible to take a predetermined value for the top part of the identification information of the print job every week or every month, and it becomes easy to manage the print job.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram (No. 4) showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
As shown in the figure, an image forming apparatus 400 in this embodiment includes an interface unit 1, an input / output unit 2, an operation panel 3, an image processing unit 4, an image forming unit 5, and a print engine unit 6. An identification information management unit 41, an identification information generation unit 42, a counter area enlargement unit 43, a CPU 52, a ROM 53, a RAM 11, an HDD 12, a rewritable nonvolatile memory 13, and an identification information setting unit 51. . Only differences from the third embodiment will be described in detail below. The same parts as those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the third embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The identification information setting unit 51 includes an index counter 51-1 (this function will be described later), and an identification information setting PJL command included in print data transmitted from the outside of the image forming apparatus by the administrator. The setting value managed by the identification information management unit 41 (FIG. 13) can be updated.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a print data configuration according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the print data 60 used in this embodiment is composed of a PJL command description section 60-1 and edit data 60-2. The PJL command description section 60-1 describes designations from the print data sender such as the number of copies, job names, and identification information setting information described in a description language called PJL. The edit data 60-2 includes edit data processed by an edit program of the image processing unit 4 (FIG. 19) described in a page description language called PCL or PS. Here, when the editing data 60-2 is not included in the print data 60, the editing program of the image processing unit 4 (FIG. 19) does not operate, and the image forming apparatus does not perform the printing operation.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an identification information setting PJL command.
This figure is a diagram showing an example of identification information setting information included in the print data 60. As shown in the figure, the identification information setting PJL command includes a PJL command start symbol and the number of array elements 60-1a, an identification information setting information start symbol 60-1b, and an array element [2] numerical value 60-1c. , A numerical value 60-1d of the array element [1], a numerical value 60-1e of the array element [0], an end symbol 60-1f of the PJL command, and the like.

  Returning to FIG. 19, the CPU 52 is a microprocessor that controls the entire image forming apparatus 400.

  The ROM 53 is a part that stores a program that controls the entire image forming apparatus 400 by the CPU 52 and a part of control data.

An operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming process according to the fourth embodiment.
This figure is a flowchart showing an operation when the image forming apparatus 400 (FIG. 19) of the fourth embodiment receives the print data 60 (FIG. 20). Steps S4-1 to S4-6 will be described in detail in the order of steps.

Step S4-1
The interface unit 1 (FIG. 19) waits for reception of the print data 60 (FIG. 20) from the host device, and when the print data 60 (FIG. 20) is received, the process proceeds to step S4-2.

Step S4-2
The image processing unit 4 (FIG. 19) includes a PJL command description unit 60-1 in the received print data 60 (FIG. 20), and an identification information setting PJL command (FIG. 21) is included in the contents. Check if it is included. If it is included, the process proceeds to step S4-3. If it is not included, the process proceeds to step S4-4.

Step S4-3
The identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) executes an identification information setting process (described later) and proceeds to step S4-4.

Step S4-4
The image processing unit 4 (FIG. 19) determines whether or not the editing data 60-2 (FIG. 20) is included in the received print data 60 (FIG. 20). The process proceeds to S4-5, and if it is not included, the flow ends.

Step S4-5
The image processing unit 4 (FIG. 19) executes print job generation processing. During this process, the identification information generation unit 42 (FIG. 19) generates print job identification information and stores the generated print job identification information in the identification number storage area 11-5 (FIG. 14).

Step S4-6
The image processing unit 4 (FIG. 19) reproduces a predetermined image and ends the flow.

FIG. 23 is an operation flowchart of the identification information setting unit.
This figure is a flowchart for explaining in detail the operation of step S4-3 in FIG. As a premise of the operation description, the following description will be made on the assumption that the print data received by the image forming apparatus 400 (FIG. 19) includes an identification information setting PJL command (one example) having the contents shown in FIG. .

Step S4-11
The identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) deletes all files starting with the characters NVCNT under the FLASH0: \ NVCOUNTERS directory.

Step S4-12
The identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) acquires the array length of the 32-bit integer value array to be set from the identification information setting PJL command (FIG. 21). This information is set as the start symbol 60-1b (FIG. 21) of the identification information setting information. In FIG. 21, it is set to 3. That is, the identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) means that the number of files to be set is three.

Step S4-13
If the array length is 0, the process proceeds to step S1-19. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4-14. Here, since it is 3 from the above-mentioned precondition, it will progress to step S4-14.

Step S4-14
The identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) stores the number of files (here, 3) set to 3 in the index counter 51-1 (FIG. 19) that the identification information setting unit 51 has therein.

Step S4-15
The identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) subtracts 1 from the number of files in the index counter 51-1 (FIG. 19).

Step S4-16
The identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) acquires the numerical value 60-1c (FIG. 21) of the array element [2] (where 2 is the value of the index counter). Specifically, the numerical value until <CR><LF> is detected is acquired. This value corresponds to the value set in NVCNT (2).

Step S4-17
The identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) generates a file whose name is NVCNT (m) (where m is the value of the index counter and here is NVCNT (2)), and this file is acquired in step S4-16. A numerical value (10001000 here) is stored (set).

Step S4-18
The identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) repeats the operations from step S4-15 to step S4-17, and ends the flow when the index counter reaches 0. While repeating steps S4-15 to S4-17, the numerical value 60-1d (FIG. 21) of the array element [1] and the numerical value 60-1e (FIG. 21) of the array element [0] are NVCNT (1 ) And NVCNT (0).

Step S4-19
The identification information setting unit 51 (FIG. 19) generates NVCNT (0), writes a 32-bit integer value 0 in the file, and ends the flow. Since other operations are the same as those in the third embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the identification information setting unit 51, the administrator of the image forming apparatus updates the value managed by the identification information management unit 41 (FIG. 13) from the outside of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, for example, it is possible to set the start portion of the identification information of the print job to a predetermined value every week or every month, so that the print job can be easily managed. .

  In the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus (printer) is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a compound computer system (personal computer).

1 is a block diagram (part 1) illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied; It is explanatory drawing of the production | generation / management function of identification information. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing when power is turned on according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating image forming processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating identification number generation processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a block diagram (the 2) which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus to which this invention is applied. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a print data configuration according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of state transition of a print job according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the management / acquisition function of reuse identification information. 10 is a flowchart illustrating image forming processing according to the second exemplary embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating identification number generation processing according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating print job end processing according to the second exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram (No. 3) illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing of the production | generation / management of identification information, and a counter area | region expansion function. It is a block diagram of the directory and file in a file system. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing when power is turned on according to the third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of an identification information management part. 12 is a flowchart illustrating identification number generation processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram (No. 4) illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a print data configuration according to a fourth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of an identification information setting PJL command. 10 is a flowchart illustrating image forming processing according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. It is an operation | movement flowchart of an identification information setting part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Interface part 2 Input / output part 3 Operation panel 4 Image processing part 5 Image formation part 6 Print engine part 7 Identification information management part 8 Identification information generation part 9 CPU
10 ROM
11 RAM
12 HDD
20 Host device

Claims (9)

An information management device that adds identification information to each received information and manages the received information,
A first counter held and counted in non-volatile memory;
A second counter held in volatile memory and counted;
An information management apparatus comprising: an identification information generation unit configured to generate the identification information based on a count value of the first counter and a count value of the second counter. The second counter is counted up for each predetermined unit of the received information,
The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first counter is counted up when power is turned on and when the second counter overflows. The identification information generation unit
3. The information according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is generated by combining the count value of the first counter as the upper side and the count value of the second counter as the lower side. Management device. The volatile memory further includes an identification information generation area that holds a count value read from the first counter,
The identification information generation unit
The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is generated based on a count value held in the identification information generation area and the second count value.   2. The counter according to claim 1, further comprising a counter area expanding unit that monitors a count value of the first counter and expands a count value area of the first counter when the count value overflows. 2. The information management apparatus according to 2.   The information management apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an identification information setting unit capable of setting a count value of the first counter to a desired count value.   The information management apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the identification information setting unit can set the count value to a desired count value via a predetermined external device. Reusable identification information management unit that stores reusable identification information held in the volatile memory;
A reusable identification information acquisition unit that generates the identification information based on the reusable identification information when the reusable identification information is detected from the reusable identification information management unit; The information management apparatus according to claim 1. The reusable identification information is:
The information management apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the identification information is added to information that does not require printout.

Images