JP2015012507A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of shortening a time for invalidation processing which invalidates image data.SOLUTION: When image data is to be stored in a hard disk 60, it is determined whether invalidation of the image data is required or not. When it is determined that the invalidation is required, in order to store the image data in the hard disk 60 without being divided, physically continuous storage areas for the amount of the image data are designated as storage areas to store the image data in the hard disk 60. Then, the image data is stored in the designated storage areas.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.

  In recent years, an increasing number of image processing apparatuses that perform image processing such as print processing incorporate a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk (HDD). In this type of image processing apparatus, for example, image data received via a network or image data obtained by reading a document is stored in a storage device, and the image data is read from the storage device to perform print processing. Is called.

  When the printing process is completed, an erasing process for erasing the image data from the storage device is performed. However, in general erasure processing, only management data of image data is erased, and the image data itself remains in the storage device even after erasure processing.

  If image data remains in the storage device, the image data may be read from the storage device and information may be leaked. Therefore, when image data including confidential information is handled, the image data is read from the storage device by overwriting another data in the storage area where the image data remains in order to prevent leakage of the confidential information. The process of invalidating it so that it cannot be done.

JP 2005-159550 A

  However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, it may take time to invalidate the image data.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of shortening the time required for invalidation processing for invalidating image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores image data, an image processing unit that performs image processing, and a control unit, and the control unit is stored in the storage unit. Compared to the case where it is determined that the invalidation is not necessary when the judgment process determines that the invalidation is necessary. , Designated by the designation process for designating the storage area of the storage unit used for storing the image data so that the number of divisions of the image data is reduced when the image data is stored in the storage area A storage process for storing the image data in the storage area and an invalidation process for invalidating the image data stored in the storage unit in the storage process after the image processing by the image processing unit is performed.

  According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not the image data stored in the storage unit needs to be invalidated. When it is determined that invalidation is necessary, the number of divisions of image data when image data is stored in the storage area of the storage unit is smaller than when it is determined that invalidation is not necessary. As described above, a storage area to be used for storing image data is designated. Then, the image data is stored in the designated storage area. Therefore, in the invalidation process for invalidating image data, the number of times of specifying the storage area in which the image data to be invalidated is stored can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for the image data invalidation process.

  If it is determined that the image data need not be invalidated, the storage area can be effectively used by designating the free storage area of the storage unit as the storage area for storing the image data.

  The control unit may specify the storage area used for storing the image data so that the number of divisions of the image data is a number based on the type of job including the image processing performed by the image processing unit. Accordingly, it can be expected that the image data invalidation processing is completed in an appropriate time according to the type of job. For example, it is possible to quickly invalidate image data used for a job with high importance.

  The control unit may specify the storage area used for storing the image data so that the number of divisions of the image data is a number based on the type of the user in the specifying process. Accordingly, it can be expected that the image data invalidation processing is completed in an appropriate time according to the user. For example, image data of important users can be quickly invalidated.

  The control unit designates the storage area used for storing the image data so that the number of divisions of the image data is a number based on the time required for the invalidation process or the time available for the invalidation process. May be. Thereby, it can be expected that the invalidation processing of the image data is completed in the scheduled time.

  Image data having a relatively large amount of data is likely to take a long time for invalidation processing compared to image data having a relatively small amount of data. Therefore, when the amount of image data to be stored in the storage unit is relatively large in the designation process, the control unit reduces the number of divisions of the image data compared to the case where the amount of data is relatively small. As described above, it is preferable to specify a storage area to be used for storing image data.

  In addition, the control unit reduces the number of divisions of the image data when there is a job next to the job using the image data stored in the storage unit in the designation process, compared to the case where the next job does not exist. As described above, a storage area used for storing image data may be designated. Thereby, when there is a next job, the image data used for the previous job can be quickly invalidated. Therefore, the next job can be started early after the previous job ends, and the convenience of the image processing apparatus is improved.

  The control unit may specify a storage area used for storing the image data so that the image data is stored in the storage unit without being divided in the specifying process. Thereby, in the invalidation processing for invalidating the image data, the storage area in which the image data to be invalidated is stored can be identified more quickly. As a result, the time required for the image data invalidation process can be further shortened.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of times of specifying image data to be invalidated in invalidation processing for invalidating image data. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for the image data invalidation process.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print job processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the process in case image data is memorize | stored in the continuous memory area in a hard disk. It is a figure for demonstrating the process in case image data is memorize | stored in the non-continuous storage area in a hard disk. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of reading job processing. 12 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a flow of print job processing according to another embodiment. 12 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a flow of a print job process according to another embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process in case image data is divided | segmented into plurality and memorize | stored in the storage area in a hard disk.

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

<Configuration of MFP>

  As shown in FIG. 1, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 1 as an example of an image processing apparatus includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, an operation panel 30, a network interface (I / F) 40, and a control unit. 50.

  An image forming unit 10 as an example of an image processing unit executes a printing (color printing or monochrome printing) process based on image data. By this printing process, an image is formed on the print paper. The image forming method may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

  An image reading unit 20 as an example of an image processing unit executes a document reading process. By this reading process, the image of the document is read and image data is generated. The reading method may be an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) method that reads an image of a document while conveying the document, or an FB (Flat Bed) that reads a document image by placing the document on a contact glass. ) Method.

  The operation panel 30 includes a touch panel. Various information is displayed on the operation panel 30. Various inputs can be performed by a touch operation on the operation panel 30.

  The network interface 40 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 2. Thereby, the MFP 1 can communicate with the PC (personal computer) 3 connected to the LAN 2 via the LAN 2.

The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, NVRAM (Non
Volatile RAM) 54 and ASIC 55 are provided. The CPU 51 controls the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, and the operation panel 30 by executing programs for various processes, and controls data communication through the network interface 40. The ROM 52 stores programs executed by the CPU 51 and data necessary for various processes. The RAM 53 is used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes a program. The NVRAM 54 stores various setting values input from the operation panel 30.

  The MFP 1 includes a hard disk 60 as an example of a storage unit.

  The storage area of the hard disk 60 stores image data for printing that is image data used for printing processing by the image forming unit 10 and read image data that is image data generated by the image reading unit 20. The storage area of the hard disk 60 stores print image data and read image data management data. The storage and deletion of various data in the storage area of the hard disk 60 is controlled by the CPU 51 of the control unit 50.

<Print job processing>

  While the MFP 1 is powered on, the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 repeatedly executes the print job process shown in FIG. The print job process is a process related to a print job including a print process by the image forming unit 10.

  In the print job process, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a print job execution instruction and image data are received from the PC 3 via the LAN 2 (S101).

  When the print job execution instruction and the image data are not received (S101: NO), the CPU 51 ends the print job processing.

  When the print job execution instruction and image data are received (S101: YES), the CPU 51 stores the received print job execution instruction and image data in the RAM 53, and creates print image data from the image data (see FIG. S102).

  Further, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a process for invalidating the print image data (invalidation process) is necessary (S103).

  Whether or not invalidation processing is necessary is determined based on, for example, whether or not the print job is a confidential print job for printing image data including confidential information. That is, the CPU 51 checks whether the information received together with the print job execution instruction from the PC 3 includes confidential setting information indicating that the print job is a confidential print job for printing image data including confidential information. . The CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary when the confidential setting information is included, and determines that the invalidation process is not necessary when the confidential setting information is not included. The invalidation process will be described later.

  Whether or not invalidation processing is necessary may be determined based on the type of the user who has instructed execution of the print job from the PC 3. When the user who has instructed execution of the print job from the PC 3 is registered as a confidential information handler, the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary, and the user is registered as the confidential information handler. If not, it is determined that invalidation processing is not necessary. The registration information of the confidential information handler is input in advance from the PC 3 or the operation panel 30 and stored in the NVRAM 54.

  When the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary (S103: YES), the CPU 51 physically stores the print image data in the hard disk 60 as a storage area for storing the print image data. An area (cluster) is designated (S104). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the printing image data is data for six clusters, the physically continuous number “9” is stored as a storage area in the hard disk 60 for storing the printing image data. The cluster of “14” is designated.

  3 and 4 show a part of the storage area of the hard disk 60. For convenience of explanation, numbers “1” to “16” are assigned to 16 clusters included in the partial storage area.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 51 stores the printing image data in the clusters of consecutive numbers “9” to “14” (S106). Further, management data for managing the storage area in which the printing image data is stored is stored in the hard disk 60.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is not necessary (S103: NO), printing is performed without considering physical continuous / non-continuous as a storage area for storing print image data in the hard disk 60. A storage area (cluster) corresponding to the data amount of the image data is designated (S105). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the print image data is data for 6 clusters, the storage areas for storing the print image data in the hard disk 60 are non-consecutive numbers “1” and “3”. , “5” and “7” clusters and consecutive clusters “9” and “10” are designated. In addition, since the physical continuity / non-continuity of the storage area is not considered, as a result, a continuous storage area may be specified.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 51 stores the print image data in the designated clusters of “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, and “10” ( S106). Further, management data for managing the storage area in which the printing image data is stored is stored in the hard disk 60.

  Thereafter, the CPU 51 controls the image forming unit 10 to cause the image forming unit 10 to execute a printing process based on the printing image data stored in the hard disk 60 (S107).

  After the printing process is completed, the CPU 51 deletes the management data of the printing image data from the hard disk 60 (S108).

  Further, the CPU 51 determines again whether or not invalidation processing is necessary (S109). This determination is the same as the determination in step S103 described above.

  If the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary (S109: YES), the CPU 51 executes the invalidation process (S110) and ends the print job process.

  In the invalidation process, a storage area in the hard disk 60 in which image data for printing is stored is specified. For example, when executing the invalidation process, the CPU 51 stores data having the same contents as the management data in the RAM 53 before erasing the management data of the print image data from the hard disk 60. Based on the data stored in the RAM 53, the storage area in which the print image data is stored is specified. At this time, since the printing image data is stored in the physically continuous storage area, the number of times of specifying the storage area may be one, and the storage area can be specified quickly. In the invalidation process, for example, another image is overwritten in the storage area in which the print image data is stored, so that the print image data cannot be read from the hard disk 60.

  The number of data overwrites may be specified or may be variably set. When the data overwrite count is variably set, the data overwrite count may be set, for example, according to the time available for the invalidation process. That is, the longer the time available for invalidation processing, the greater the number of data overwrites may be set. The number of data overwrites may be set according to the confidential level of the confidential print job. That is, the higher the security level of the confidential print job, the higher the number of data overwrites may be set. Furthermore, the number of data overwrites may be set based on both the time available for invalidation processing and the confidential level of the confidential print job. Further, the number of data overwrites may be set based on other conditions.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is not necessary (S109: NO), the CPU 51 ends the print job process without executing the invalidation process (S110 skip).

<Reading job processing>

  While the MFP 1 is powered on, the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 repeatedly executes the reading job process shown in FIG. The reading job process is a process related to a reading job including a reading process by the image reading unit 20.

  In the reading job process, the CPU 51 determines whether or not an instruction to execute the reading job is input by operating the operation panel 30 (S121).

  When the instruction to execute the reading job is not input (S121: NO), the CPU 51 ends the reading job process.

  When an instruction to execute a reading job is input (S121: YES), the CPU 51 controls the image reading unit 20 to cause the image reading unit 20 to execute a reading process (step S122). Through the reading process, the image of the original is read and read image data is generated.

  Further, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a process (invalidation process) for invalidating the read image data is necessary (S123).

  The determination as to whether the invalidation process is necessary is the same as the determination in step S103 shown in FIG.

  When the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary (S123: YES), as the storage area for storing the read image data in the hard disk 60, a physically continuous storage area corresponding to the data amount of the read image data ( A cluster is designated (S124). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the read image data is data for six clusters, physically continuous numbers “9” to “9” are stored as storage areas in the hard disk 60 for storing the read image data. 14 ”is specified.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 51 stores the read image data in the clusters of consecutive numbers “9” to “14” (S126). Further, management data for managing the storage area in which the read image data is stored is stored in the hard disk 60.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is not necessary (S123: NO), the read image is not considered as a storage area for storing the read image data in the hard disk 60 without considering physical continuity / discontinuity. A storage area (cluster) corresponding to the amount of data is designated (S125). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the read image data is data for six clusters, as the storage area for storing the read image data in the hard disk 60, non-consecutive numbers “1”, “3”, “ Clusters of “5” and “7” and clusters of consecutive numbers “9” and “10” are designated. In addition, since the physical continuity / non-continuity of the storage area is not considered, as a result, a continuous storage area may be specified.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 51 stores the read image data in the designated clusters “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, and “10” (S126). ). Further, management data for managing the storage area in which the read image data is stored is stored in the hard disk 60.

  Thereafter, the CPU 51 executes data processing using the read image data stored in the hard disk 60 (S127). Examples of data processing include various types of filter processing for read image data, processing for creating a single file by consolidating the read image data, processing for converting a file format, and the like.

  After the end of the data processing, the CPU 51 stores the file created by the data processing in a predetermined storage location (S128). The storage location may be a specified location, or a location specified by operating the operation panel 30 when an instruction to execute a reading job is given. By operating the operation panel 30, for example, one or both of the PC 3 and the hard disk 60 can be designated as a storage location. When the MFP 1 is provided with a USB port (USB interface), a device such as a USB memory connected to the USB port can be designated as a storage location.

  When the file storage is completed, the CPU 51 deletes the management data of the read image data from the hard disk 60 (S129).

  Further, the CPU 51 determines again whether or not invalidation processing is necessary (S130). This determination is the same as the determination in step S123 described above.

  When the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary (S130: YES), the CPU 51 executes the invalidation process (S131) and ends the reading job process. The invalidation process executed at this time is the same as the invalidation process executed in step S110 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is not necessary (S130: NO), the CPU 51 ends the reading job process without executing the invalidation process (S131 skip).

<Effect>

  As described above, when image data (print image data and read image data) is stored in the hard disk 60, it is determined whether or not the image data needs to be invalidated. When it is determined that invalidation is necessary, a storage area for storing the image data in the hard disk 60 is stored in the hard disk 60 so that the image data is stored in the hard disk 60 without being divided. A physically contiguous storage area is specified. Then, the image data is stored in the designated storage area. Therefore, in the invalidation processing for invalidating the image data, the storage area in which the image data to be invalidated is stored can be specified at a time. As a result, the time required for the image data invalidation process can be shortened.

  If it is determined that invalidation of the image data is not necessary, the free storage area of the hard disk 60 is stored in the image data regardless of whether the free storage area is physically continuous or non-consecutive. It can be specified as a storage area to be stored. As a result, the storage area of the hard disk 60 can be effectively used.

<Other embodiments>

  Instead of the print job process shown in FIG. 2, the print job process shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B may be executed.

  In the print job processing shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the CPU 51 determines whether an instruction to execute a print job and image data are received from the PC 3 via the LAN 2 (S141).

  When the print job execution instruction and the image data are not received (S141: NO), the CPU 51 ends the print job processing.

  When the print job execution instruction and the image data are received (S141: YES), the CPU 51 stores the received print job execution instruction and the image data in the RAM 53, and creates print image data from the image data (see FIG. S142).

  In addition, the CPU 51 determines whether or not invalidation processing of the print image data is necessary (S143).

  Whether or not invalidation processing is necessary is determined based on, for example, whether or not the print job is a confidential print job for printing image data including confidential information. That is, the CPU 51 checks whether the information received together with the print job execution instruction from the PC 3 includes confidential setting information indicating that the print job is a confidential print job for printing image data including confidential information. . The CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary when the confidential setting information is included, and determines that the invalidation process is not necessary when the confidential setting information is not included.

  Whether or not invalidation processing is necessary may be determined based on the type of the user who has instructed execution of the print job from the PC 3. When the user who has instructed execution of the print job from the PC 3 is registered as a confidential information handler, the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary, and the user is registered as the confidential information handler. If not, it is determined that invalidation processing is not necessary. The registration information of the confidential information handler is input in advance from the PC 3 or the operation panel 30 and stored in the NVRAM 54.

  When the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary (S143: YES), when the print image data is stored in the hard disk 60, the number of parts into which the print image data is divided, that is, printing is performed. The division number of the image data for use is set (S144). At this time, when the division number is set to 0, that is, it may be determined not to divide the print image data.

  In the configuration in which it is determined whether or not invalidation processing is necessary based on whether or not the print job is a confidential print job, the division number is set based on the confidential level of the confidential print job. That is, the higher the security level of the confidential print job, the smaller the number of print image data divisions.

  Further, in the configuration in which it is determined whether or not invalidation processing is necessary based on whether or not the user who instructed execution of the print job is a handler of confidential information, the number of divisions depends on the type of user. Set based on. That is, the higher the confidential level of confidential information that can be handled by the user, the smaller the number of print image data divisions.

  Further, the number of divisions may be set based on the time required for the invalidation process regardless of the determination condition as to whether the invalidation process is necessary. In this case, the longer the time required for the invalidation processing, the smaller the number of print image data divisions may be set. The time required for the invalidation process is a time estimated based on the data amount of the print image data, and is obtained, for example, by substituting the data amount of the print image data into a predetermined arithmetic expression. The time required for the invalidation process is longer as the amount of print image data is larger. Further, the time required for the invalidation process becomes longer as the number of data overwrites in the invalidation process increases. Therefore, the time required for the invalidation process may be obtained, for example, by substituting the data amount of the image data for printing and the number of data overwrites in the invalidation process into a predetermined arithmetic expression.

  Further, the number of divisions may be set based on the time available for the invalidation process regardless of the determination condition as to whether the invalidation process is necessary. In this case, it is preferable to set the number of divisions of the print image data to a smaller number as the time available for invalidation processing is shorter. The time that can be used for the invalidation process is shorter when the next print job execution instruction is received from the PC 3 than when the next print job execution instruction is not received. Become.

  After setting the number of divisions, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the number of divisions is 0 (S145).

  When the number of divisions is 0 (S145: YES), the CPU 51 as a storage area for storing the print image data in the hard disk 60, is a physically continuous storage area corresponding to the data amount of the print image data ( A cluster is designated (S146).

  When the division number is not 0 (S145: NO), the CPU 51 is a storage area (cluster) corresponding to the data amount of the print image data as a storage area for storing the print image data in the hard disk 60. The area is divided into the same number as that of the print image data, and the storage area is designated to be physically continuous in each divided portion (S147). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the print image data is data for 6 clusters and the division number of the print image data is set to “2”, the print image data is stored in the hard disk 60. As storage areas to be designated, three clusters of physically consecutive numbers “3” to “5” and three clusters of physically consecutive numbers “9” to “11” are designated. Is done.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is not necessary (S143: NO), printing is performed without considering physical continuous / non-continuous as a storage area for storing print image data in the hard disk 60. A storage area (cluster) corresponding to the amount of image data is specified (S148). In addition, since the physical continuity / non-continuity of the storage area is not considered, as a result, a continuous storage area may be specified.

  Then, the CPU 51 stores the printing image data in the designated storage area (S149). Further, management data for managing the storage area in which the printing image data is stored is stored in the hard disk 60.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6B, the CPU 51 controls the image forming unit 10 to cause the image forming unit 10 to execute a printing process based on the printing image data stored in the hard disk 60 (S150).

  After the printing process is completed, the CPU 51 deletes the management data of the printing image data from the hard disk 60 (S151).

  Further, the CPU 51 determines again whether or not invalidation processing is necessary (S152). This determination is the same as the determination in step S143 described above.

  When the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is necessary (S152: YES), the CPU 51 executes the invalidation process (S153) and ends the print job process.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the invalidation process is not necessary (S152: NO), the CPU 51 ends the print job process without executing the invalidation process (S153 skip).

  In a configuration in which the number of print image data divisions is set based on the security level of a confidential print job, the security level of the confidential print job is relatively high compared to the security level of the confidential print job being relatively low. Thus, the division number is set to a small number. This allows the print image data invalidation process to be completed in an appropriate time according to the type of print job, and the print image used for print jobs with high importance, such as print jobs with a high security level. Data can be quickly invalidated.

  In a configuration in which the number of print image data divisions is set based on the type of user, it can be expected that the print image data invalidation process will be completed in an appropriate time according to the user. It is possible to quickly invalidate image data for printing handled by an important user such as a person who handles highly confidential information.

  In the configuration in which the number of divisions of print image data is set based on the time required for the invalidation processing and the configuration in which the number of divisions of print image data is set based on the time available for the invalidation processing, the print image It can be expected that the data invalidation processing will be completed at the scheduled time. In addition, when there is a next job, the print image data used for the previous job can be quickly invalidated. Therefore, the next job can be started early after the previous job ends, and the convenience of the image processing apparatus is improved.

  For the read job process shown in FIG. 5, as in the print job process shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, how many parts the read image data is divided into, that is, the number of divisions of the read image data is set. A step (a step corresponding to S144 in FIG. 6A) and a step (a step corresponding to S146 and S147 in FIG. 6A) for designating a storage area for storing the read image data according to the number of divisions may be added.

<Modification>

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.

  For example, when invalidation processing of image data (print image data and read image data) is necessary, if there are a large number of storage areas (clusters) that can be used in the hard disk 60 and are physically continuous, the hard disk As a storage area for storing print image data in 60, a physically continuous storage area for the amount of print image data is designated, and a storage area that can be used in the hard disk 60 and is physically continuous If the number is small, the storage area for the amount of print image data is divided into multiple areas, and the storage area for storing the print image data is specified so that the storage areas are physically continuous in each divided portion. May be.

  Further, when a physically continuous storage area corresponding to the data amount of the print image data is specified as a storage area for storing the print image data in the hard disk 60, the specified storage area is rewritten a predetermined number of times or more. Is included, the storage area that has been rewritten more than a predetermined number of times is excluded, and the print image data is divided into a plurality of division numbers and stored in the hard disk 60. A storage area for storing print image data may be designated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the MFP 1 includes the hard disk 60 as an example of the storage unit is taken up. However, the storage unit is not limited to the hard disk 60 and may be a non-volatile memory other than the hard disk 60. Further, with the NVRAM 54 as a storage unit, the NVRAM 54 may store image data and image data management data. Further, a nonvolatile memory other than the NVRAM 54 and the hard disk 60 may be mounted on the MFP 1, and image data and image data management data may be stored in the nonvolatile memory.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the CPU 51 executes each process has been described. However, the ASIC 55 may execute each process, or the CPU 51 and the ASIC 55 may execute each process in cooperation. The control unit 50 may include a plurality of CPUs, and the plurality of CPUs may cooperate to execute each process.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 having the printing function by the image forming unit 10 and the image reading function by the image reading unit 20 is taken up as an example of the image processing device. However, the image processing device is a printing device having a printing function. Or a single function device such as an image reading device having an image reading function.

  In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

1 MFP
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image formation part 20 Image reading part 50 Control part 51 CPU
60 hard disk

Claims (7)

A storage unit for storing image data;
An image processing unit for performing image processing;
A control unit,
The controller is
A determination process for determining whether or not invalidation of the image data stored in the storage unit is necessary;
When it is determined in the determination process that invalidation is necessary, the image data is stored in the storage area of the storage unit used for storing image data, compared to the case where invalidation is determined to be unnecessary. A designation process for designating the number of divisions of image data to be reduced when stored in the storage area;
A storage process for storing image data in the storage area specified in the specification process;
An image processing apparatus that executes invalidation processing for invalidating image data stored in the storage unit in the storage processing after the image processing by the image processing unit is performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control unit specifies a storage area used for storing image data so that the number of divisions of the image data is a number based on a type of job including image processing by the image processing unit in the specifying process. An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The image processing apparatus, wherein the control unit designates a storage area used for storing image data so that the number of divisions of the image data is a number based on a user type in the designation process. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control unit is a memory used for storing image data so that the number of divisions of image data is a number based on a time required for the invalidation process or a time available for the invalidation process in the designation process. An image processing apparatus characterized by designating an area. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In the designation process, the control unit reduces the number of divisions of image data when the amount of image data stored in the storage unit is relatively large compared to when the amount of data is relatively small. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that a storage area used for storing image data is designated. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
In the designation process, the control unit determines that the number of divisions of the image data is greater when there is a job following the job using the image data stored in the storage unit than when there is no next job. An image processing apparatus characterized by designating a storage area to be used for storing image data so as to be reduced. In the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the control unit specifies a storage area used for storing image data so that the image data is stored in the storage unit without being divided in the specifying process.

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