JP2017040978A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To issue, at an appropriate timing, a warning that a short time remains to the end of the life of an SSD irrespective of the type of the SSD attached an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a notification part; an SSD that stores the number of rewriting of blocks; a non-volatile storage device that stores device information including a vendor and model name stored in the SSD before replacement, and an ability value on the basis of the number of rewriting of the blocks when the SSD before replacement reaches the end of its life; and a control part that, when the current value related to the number of times of rewriting of the blocks for an SSD currently attached to the image forming apparatus (mounted SSD) exceeds a warning value, causes the notification part to notify a user of a warning related to the life of the mounted SSD, and when the vendor of the SSD before replacement is the same as that of the mounted SSD, sets a value obtained by multiplying the ability value of the SSD before replacement by a predetermined first ratio to the warning value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with an SSD (Solid State Drive).

  An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a copier, a printer, or a FAX apparatus may be equipped with an SSD as a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device. SSDs have the advantage of being accessible at high speed. However, the flash memory in the SSD deteriorates as the number of rewrites increases, and finally, data cannot be stored correctly. Therefore, the SSD has a lifetime based on the number of data rewrites. Patent Document 1 describes an example of a technology related to the lifetime of a flash memory such as an SSD.

  Specifically, Patent Document 1 includes a volatile main storage unit and a non-volatile auxiliary storage unit having a limited number of rewrites in block units, and whether or not there is an area for writing image data in the main storage unit. When there is an area to be written, the image data is written to the main storage means. When there is no area to be written, the image data is written to the auxiliary storage means, and the number of rewrites reaches the limit in the block of the auxiliary storage means. An image forming apparatus is described that detects a defective block and detects that the number of defective blocks has reached a predetermined number, and changes the processing condition of the image data to restrict writing to the auxiliary storage means. Yes. With this configuration, the processing conditions of the peripheral device are changed to restrict writing to the non-volatile storage means and to extend the life of the non-volatile storage means (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0017] ).

JP 2009-055457 A

  The SSD includes a flash memory (nonvolatile semiconductor memory) such as a NAND type. In the SSD, data is written in units of a predetermined block (size). The flash memory deteriorates when rewriting is repeated. Blocks that cannot store data correctly or cannot recover correct data using an error correction code are disabled. Also, an upper limit may be set for the number of block rewrites, and a block (flash memory cell) in which the number of rewrites reaches the upper limit number may be disabled. Due to the upper limit of the number of rewrites, the SSD will eventually run out of life while being used.

  Various data are stored in the SSD mounted on the image forming apparatus. For example, an SSD is used for temporary storage (spooling) of image data used for a print job or a transmission job. An SSD may be used for storing image data for later reuse. Also, software such as a control program may be stored in the SSD. Since SSDs are used for various purposes, jobs such as printing and transmission cannot be executed when the life of the SSD is exhausted. For example, when the life of the SSD is exhausted during a copy job, the image forming apparatus suddenly becomes incapable of copying.

  Therefore, it is preferable to warn the user that the remaining time until the SSD is exhausted is shortened before the SSD is exhausted. In addition, before the end of the life of the SSD, the time until the end of the life is shortened, and a warning about the life of the SSD is issued when there is some margin until the end of the life of the SSD. Is desirable.

  Here, an embedded device such as an image forming apparatus may be mounted with a smaller capacity than an SSD for a PC, and there are many types of SSDs that can be mounted on an image forming apparatus from various vendors. Have been supplied. In addition, since the SSD employs an interface that conforms to a standard, an SSD that is not recommended by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus or an SSD that is not confirmed by the manufacturer may be attached to the image forming apparatus.

  The number of times the block can be rewritten is affected by the performance of the SSD controller and the flash memory used. For this reason, the number of times that each block can be rewritten until the end of its life varies depending on the SSD. Since there are various types of SSDs that can be attached, it is difficult to estimate the number of times the block can be rewritten until the end of its life, and it is therefore difficult to issue a warning at an appropriate time. If a warning is issued when the number of rewrites of a certain block reaches a fixed value, the warning may be issued too early or too late.

  Here, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the life of the auxiliary storage means is extended. However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, there is no mention of issuing a warning that the remaining time until the end of the life of the SSD is shortened at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the above problem.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention issues a warning that the remaining time until the end of the life of the SSD is shortened at an appropriate timing, no matter what SSD is installed.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect includes a notification unit, an SSD, a nonvolatile storage device, and a control unit. The notification unit notifies a message. The SSD rewrites data in units of blocks and stores the number of rewrites of each block. The nonvolatile storage device includes device information including the vendor and model name stored in the pre-replacement SSD, which is the previously installed SSD, and rewrite of each block when the pre-replacement SSD reaches the end of its life An ability value of the pre-replacement SSD determined based on the number of times is stored. The control unit obtains a current value related to the number of times of rewriting of each block based on the number of times of rewriting of each block stored in the mounted SSD which is the currently installed SSD, and when the current value exceeds a warning value, A warning about the life of the installed SSD is notified to the notification unit, the vendor of the installed SSD is recognized based on the device information, and when the vendor of the installed SSD is the same as the vendor of the SSD before replacement, A value that is smaller than the actual value and is obtained by multiplying the actual value by a predetermined first ratio is set as the warning value.

  According to the present invention, the warning value related to the number of times of rewriting of each block until the warning is issued is changed by the attached SSD. Thereby, no matter what SSD is installed, a warning that the remaining time until the end of the life of the SSD is shortened can be issued at an appropriate timing.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of SSD which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the spool in the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process at the time of writing of SSD which concerns on embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow for recognizing the end of life of an SSD attached to a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of setting a warning value of an SSD attached to a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of data collection of the ability value collection server which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the setting of the warning value of SSD when it can communicate with the ability value collection server which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the MFP 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) will be described as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in each embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
First, an outline of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a control unit 1 (control board) inside. The control unit 1 controls each unit of the apparatus. The control unit 1 includes a CPU 11 that performs various calculations and processes, and an image processing unit 12 that performs image processing of image data D1 used for jobs such as printing and transmission. The multi-function device 100 includes an SSD 2 as a large-capacity non-volatile live storage device. The SSD 2 is communicably connected to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 controls reading and writing of the SSD 2 and stores the image data D1 used for the job in the SSD 2. The storage unit 10 includes a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM 13, a flash ROM 14, and an SSD 2, and a volatile storage device such as a RAM 15. The CPU 11 is a central processing unit. The CPU 11 performs operations and processes based on the program P1 and the control data D2 stored in the storage unit 10 to control each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 (see FIG. 2).

  The multifunction device 100 also has an operation panel 3. In addition, as a job execution unit that executes a job based on the image data D1, a document conveying unit 4a, an image reading unit 4b, a printing unit 5, and a communication unit 6 (corresponding to a notification unit) provided on the upper part of the multi-function peripheral 100. including. The printing unit 5 includes a paper feeding unit 5a, a conveyance unit 5b, an image forming unit 5c, and a fixing unit 5d.

  The control unit 1 is communicably connected to the image reading unit 4b and the document conveying unit 4a. The control unit 1 gives an operation instruction to the image reading unit 4b and the document conveying unit 4a. The image reading unit 4b and the document conveying unit 4a operate according to instructions. Specifically, in the case of a job involving scanning such as copying or scanning transmission, the control unit 1 continuously and automatically sets the set originals one by one toward a reading position (feed reading contact glass, not shown). Therefore, the original is conveyed to the original conveying unit 4a. In the case of a job involving scanning, the control unit 1 reads an original document conveyed by the original document conveyance unit 4a or an original document set on a placement reading contact glass (not shown) and generates image data D1. 4b.

  The operation panel 3 includes a display panel 31 (corresponding to a notification unit) that displays a setting screen and various messages related to printing and scanning, a touch panel unit 32 provided for the display panel 31, and a hard key 33 such as a start key. . The operation panel 3 accepts setting of job execution conditions (setting operation for setting values). The control unit 1 controls display on the display panel 31. In addition, the control unit 1 communicates with the operation panel 3 and recognizes the setting content based on a touch on the touch panel unit 32 or an operation on a hard key 33 such as a start key. Then, the control unit 1 controls the printing unit 5, the image reading unit 4 b, the document conveying unit 4 a, and the communication unit 6 to execute a job so as to match the user's setting.

  The control unit 1 is communicably connected to each unit of the printing unit 5 (paper feeding unit 5a, conveyance unit 5b, image forming unit 5c, fixing unit 5d). The control unit 1 controls each unit of the printing unit 5 that performs paper feeding, paper conveyance, toner image formation, transfer, and fixing. In addition, an engine control board is provided separately from the control unit 1, and the operation of the printing unit 5 is controlled by the control unit 1 giving an operation instruction to the engine control board and causing the engine control board to perform actual control of the printing unit 5. You may be made to do.

  Specifically, the control unit 1 causes the paper supply unit 5a to supply the paper and send it out to the transport unit 5b when the job involves printing such as a copy job or a print job. The control unit 1 causes the transport unit 5b to transport the paper sent out from the paper feed unit 5a. The control unit 1 causes the image forming unit 5c to form a toner image based on the image data D1 and transfer it to a sheet. The fixing unit 5d fixes the toner image on the paper. The conveyance unit 5b discharges the fixed sheet outside the apparatus.

  A communication unit 6 is connected to the control unit 1. The communication unit 6 communicates with the PC 200 and the FAX apparatus 300 via a network or a cable. The control unit 1 causes the image processing unit 12 to generate image data D1 used for printing based on the data (image data D1 and print settings) received from the PC 200 by the communication unit 6, and causes the printing unit 5 to generate the image data D1 based on the generated image data D1. Start printing (print job). Further, the communication unit 6 can transmit the image data D1 to the PC 200 or the FAX apparatus 300 (scan transmission job).

(SSD2)
Next, an outline of the SSD 2 mounted on the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the SSD 2 according to the embodiment.

  In order to exchange data with the SSD 2, the controller 1 is provided with a host controller 18 and an interface unit 19. The host controller 18 may be built in the CPU 11. The interface unit 19 includes a connector and is connected to the SSD interface 21 via a cable. The connection between the control unit 1 and the SSD 2 conforms to the SATA (Serial ATA) standard (a standard other than the SATA may be used).

  The host controller 18 recognizes the SSD 2 connected to the interface unit 19. The host controller 18 notifies the CPU 11 of the recognition result. The host controller 18 controls reading of data from the SSD 2. The host controller 18 controls data writing to the SSD 2.

  Specifically, based on an instruction to read data from the SSD 2 from the CPU 11, the host controller 18 causes the SSD 2 to read data designated by the CPU 11. Further, based on a write instruction from the CPU 11, the host controller 18 causes the SSD 2 to write data to a location designated by the CPU 11.

  The SSD 2 includes an SSD controller 20, an SSD interface 21, a buffer memory 22, and a flash memory 23 (for example, NAND type). Although a plurality of memory chips of the flash memory 23 are actually provided, FIG. 3 shows only one flash memory 23 for convenience.

  The SSD controller 20 controls the operation of the buffer memory 22 and the flash memory 23 while exchanging with the host controller 18. Further, the SSD controller 20 is responsible for conversion between a logical address and a physical address. Further, the SSD controller 20 stores the number of erases for each memory block of the flash memory 23, and performs a wear leveling process for adjusting the address at which data is written so that the number of rewrites of each memory block is equal. In addition, the SSD controller 20 disables the use of defective blocks (blocks in which errors that cannot be restored in data reading / writing) occur. If there is a spare block, the spare block is assigned instead of the defective block.

  When reading data, the SSD controller 20 reads data from the flash memory 23 and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 22. The SSD controller 20 transmits the read data to the control unit 1 (host controller 18) or the like via the SSD interface 21.

  When writing data, the SSD controller 20 first stores the data received from the host controller 18 in the buffer memory 22. In SSD2, data is written in units of blocks. The size per block is predetermined as 512 kbytes.

  If the block to be written is not the first block to be written, the data in the block to be written is erased before the data is written. Specifically, the SSD controller 20 removes the charge of each memory cell in the block where writing is performed. Then, the SSD controller 20 writes (stores) the data stored in the buffer memory 22 in the block from which the data has been erased.

  The SSD 2 can store a program P1, control data D2, image data D1, and the like. The SSD 2 can store a startup program P2 for the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The SSD 2 stores data (device information i1) related to itself such as a vendor (manufacturer), a model name, and a device class. The control unit 1 acquires device information i1 from the SSD 2 and recognizes what SSD 2 is connected.

  Further, the flash memory 23 of the SSD 2 stores count data D3 indicating the number of rewrites of each block. The SSD 2 updates the count data D3 every time writing is performed. The number data D3 may be stored in the flash ROM 14 of the storage unit 10.

(Spool of image data D1)
Next, the spool of the image data D1 in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a spool flow in the MFP 100 according to the embodiment.

  The multi-function device 100 includes an SSD 2. When a job such as copying, printing, and scan transmission is performed, if the image data D1 used for the job is stored in the RAM 15, the storage area of the RAM 15 is occupied. Therefore, the control unit 1 compresses the image data D1 used for the job, and spools (temporarily stores) the compressed image data D1 in the SSD2. Then, the spooled image data D1 is read (output) according to the output timing (printing or transmission timing).

  An example of the flow of the image data D1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the acquisition unit of the image forming apparatus acquires job data. In a job involving scanning such as copying or scanning transmission, the image reading unit 4b functions as an acquisition unit. In a print job for printing based on data received from a computer, the communication unit 6 that receives data functions as an acquisition unit. The document image data D1 and the received data acquired by each acquisition unit are temporarily stored in the RAM 15. The original image data D1 and the received data are sent to the image processing unit 12. These data may be directly transferred to the image processing unit 12.

  The image processing unit 12 performs image processing according to the settings made on the operation panel 3. When the received data is data described in PDL, the image processing unit 12 generates image data D1 (raster data) based on the description in PDL. Then, the image processing unit 12 performs image processing on the generated image data D1 based on the setting data included in the received data. Then, the image processing unit 12 compresses the image data D1 by a predetermined method such as JPEG. Then, the image processing unit 12 sends the compressed image data D1 to SSD2. As a result, the image data D1 used for the job is written to the SSD 2 and spooled.

  When it is time to output the image data D1 spooled by a print job such as copying or printing, the SSD 2 sends the image data D1 to the image forming unit 5c via the image processing unit 12. At this time, the image processing unit 12 performs image data D1 decompression processing and image processing necessary for printing. When it is time to output the image data D1 spooled by the scan transmission job (when JPEG data is transmitted), the SSD 2 sends the image data D1 to the communication unit 6.

(Notice regarding the life of SSD2)
Next, a process at the time of writing to the SSD 2 attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow at the time of writing to the SSD 2 according to the embodiment.

  The start of FIG. 4 is the time when writing to the SSD 2 is performed. The start of writing user data such as spooling of image data D1, accumulation of image data D1 for later reuse, or writing of a new control program P1 corresponds to the start.

  In order to write the data received from the control unit 1 (data stored in the buffer memory 22), the SSD controller 20 erases the data of any of the blocks with the smallest number of rewrites (step # 11). In this way, the SSD controller 20 performs a wear leveling process that evenly distributes the number of rewrites of the storage elements (flash memory cells) in the medium.

  Subsequently, the SSD controller 20 writes data in the block from which the data has been erased (step # 12). Then, the SSD controller 20 or the control unit 1 updates the number-of-times data D3 indicating the number of rewrites of each block (step # 13).

  Subsequently, the control unit 1 obtains the number-of-times data D3, and obtains a current value regarding the number of times of rewriting of each block based on the number of times of rewriting of each block stored in the mounted SSD which is the currently attached SSD 2 (step # 14). ). The current value is a standard value for the current number of rewrites of each block. The control unit 1 performs any one of an operation for obtaining an average value of the number of rewrites of each block, an operation for obtaining the maximum value among the number of rewrites of each block, and an operation for obtaining the minimum value of the number of rewrites of each block. Find the current value. Since the number of times of rewriting of each block becomes substantially equal by the wear leveling process, the current value may be obtained by any one of the above-described calculations. Note that the SSD controller 20 may perform the calculation for obtaining the current value.

  Then, the control unit 1 checks whether or not the current value exceeds a preset warning value i2 (step # 15). When the warning value i2 is exceeded, the control unit 1 causes the notification unit to notify a warning regarding the life of the mounted SSD 2 (step # 16). Details of the warning value i2 will be described later.

  For example, the control unit 1 displays a warning regarding the life of the mounted SSD 2 on the display panel 31 serving as a notification unit. Specifically, the control unit 1 causes the display panel 31 to display a message such as “the life of the SSD 2 is approaching”. The control unit 1 may display the message continuously for a certain period of time such as 1 minute.

  Further, a flag indicating that the current value exceeds the warning value i2 is stored in the flash ROM 14, and the control unit 1 always displays a warning (message) until the SSD 2 is replaced (until the flag is deleted by the replacement). You may make it display on the display panel 31. FIG. In this case, the SSD controller 20 and the control unit 1 do not have to execute the flowchart of FIG. 4 until the SSD 2 is replaced after the current value exceeds the warning value i2.

  Further, the control unit 1 may cause the communication unit 6 to transmit data including a warning regarding the life of the mounted SSD 2 toward the communicable PC 200. In this case, the communication unit 6 functions as a notification unit. On the display of the PC 200 that has received the data including the warning, a message such as “SSD 2 is approaching the end of its life” is displayed.

  When the current value does not exceed the preset warning value i2 (No in step # 15), there is no need to issue a warning for the user, and the flow ends (END). Also, the flow ends after step # 16.

(Recognition of the end of life of SSD2)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the recognition of the end of life of the SSD 2 attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow for recognizing the end of life of the SSD 2 attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  The start of FIG. 5 is the time when data is written to the SSD 2 and the count data D3 is updated.

  First, the control unit 1 checks whether or not the life of the SSD 2 has expired when a predetermined life reaching condition is satisfied (step # 21). Note that the SSD controller 20 may check whether the life reaching condition is satisfied (whether the life of the SSD 2 is exhausted).

  The “life reaching condition” can be determined as appropriate. The control unit 1 may determine that the life reaching condition is satisfied when the number of defective blocks exceeds a predetermined number. At the time of data writing, the SSD controller 20 generates an error correction code in units of a constant bit of the data to be written, and writes the data with the error correction code added thereto. The SSD controller 20 recognizes a block in which correct data cannot be restored even by an error correction code as a defective block. Then, the SSD controller 20 or the control unit 1 stores information indicating the defective block in the flash memory 23 or the ROM 13.

  Further, the control unit 1 may determine that the life reaching condition is satisfied when the current value reaches a predetermined upper limit value in the SSD 2. Further, it may be confirmed that the life of the SSD 2 has been exhausted by another method.

  When the life of the SSD 2 is not exhausted (No in Step # 21), it is not necessary to perform processing due to the life of the SSD 2, and this flow ends (END). On the other hand, when the life of the SSD 2 is exhausted (Yes in step # 21), the control unit 1 obtains an ability value i3 (step # 22). The ability value i3 is a value corresponding to the actual number of times the block can be rewritten until the life of the SSD 2 is exhausted.

  Based on the number of times data D3, the control unit 1 calculates the average value of the number of rewrites of each block when the lifetime is reached, calculates the maximum value of the number of rewrites of each block, and calculates the minimum value of the number of times of rewrite of each block. The ability value i3 is obtained by any one of the obtained calculations. Since the number of times of rewriting of each block becomes substantially equal by the wear leveling process, the ability value i3 may be obtained by any one of the above calculations. Note that the SSD controller 20 may perform the calculation for obtaining the ability value i3.

  The control unit 1 stores the device information i1 of the SSD 2 (the installed SSD 2) whose life has expired in the nonvolatile storage device (flash ROM 14) other than the SSD 2 in association with the obtained ability value i3 (step # 23). ). This is because the SSD 2 whose life has expired is replaced.

  Then, the control unit 1 causes the flash ROM 14 to store an unusable flag indicating that the SSD 2 cannot be written (step # 24). Then, this flow ends (END). The control unit 1 sets an unusable flag until it is replaced with a new SSD 2, and erases the unusable flag when it is replaced. While the unusable flag is set, the control unit 1 does not execute a job such as copying or transmission.

(Setting of warning value i2)
Next, setting of the warning value i2 of the SSD 2 attached to the multi-function device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of setting the warning value i2 of the SSD 2 attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  The warning value i2 is a value that is compared with the current value, and is a value that corresponds to a point in time when a warning is given that the remaining time until the life of the SSD 2 is exhausted.

  First, the start of FIG. 6 is a point when the control unit 1 first recognizes that a new SSD 2 is attached. For example, this corresponds to the time when the multifunction device 100 is turned on for the first time after manufacturing, or the time when the multifunction device 100 is turned on for the first time after the replacement of the SSD 2.

  First, the control unit 1 recognizes the vendor of the attached SSD 2 (mounted SSD) based on the device information i1 (step # 31). Then, the control unit 1 checks whether or not the vendor of the installed SSD is the same as the vendor of the pre-replacement SSD that is the SSD 2 that was previously attached (step # 32). If the mounted SSD is the first installed SSD 2 (when the SSD 2 has never been replaced), Step # 32 is No.

  When the installed SSD vendor is the same as the pre-replacement SSD vendor (Yes in step # 32), the control unit 1 is more than the actual value i3 of the pre-replacement SSD (the number of block rewrites when the end of life is actually reached). A small value obtained by multiplying the ability value i3 by a predetermined first ratio is set as the warning value i2 (step # 33). The first ratio is set to a value of 85 to 90%. For example, when the capability value i3 of the SSD 2 that has been installed before is 6000, the control unit 1 sets 5400 (6000 × 0.9) as the warning value i2. The set warning value i2 is stored in one or both of the flash ROM 14 and the SSD 2 (hereinafter, refer to FIG. 2 as well). As described with reference to FIG. 5, the capability value i3 of the SSD 2 whose life has expired is stored in the storage unit 10 (flash ROM 14).

  When the installed SSD is not the same as the vendor of the pre-replacement SSD, the control unit 1 checks whether or not the installed SSD is recommended by the manufacturer of the multifunction device 100 based on the device information i1 (step # 34).

  When not recommended by the manufacturer (No in step # 34), the identity and performance of the SSD 2 installed at the present time are unknown. Therefore, a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined standard value as a general number of rewrites by a predetermined second ratio is set as the warning value i2 (step # 35).

  The standard value is a value that can be appropriately determined. In the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment, the number is about 3000 times. It may be more or less than 3000 times. Select the recommended average number of rewrites for each block of SSD2, or select the SSD2 in the low price range (below a certain price) distributed in the market, and experiment like the average value of the number of rewrites until the end of the life of those SSD2 The standard value may be determined by

  Further, the second ratio is set to a value smaller than the first ratio. In the MFP 100 of the present embodiment, the first ratio is 85 to 90%, and the second ratio is a value of about 65 to 70%. Since the second ratio is smaller, a warning can be issued early for SSD 2 whose identity is unknown. The second ratio may be a value about ½ of the first ratio so as to ensure that the warning is issued early.

  On the other hand, when the installed SSD 2 is recommended by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus (Yes in step # 34), the control unit 1 is a value stored in a nonvolatile storage device such as the ROM 13 or the flash ROM 14. Then, a value corresponding to the mounted SSD 2 is set as the warning value i2 (step # 36).

  The recommended SSD (SSD 2 recommended by the manufacturer) is the SSD 2 in which the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100) knows the performance and features. For example, the SSD 2 that is handled by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus (multifunction machine 100) as a regular product or an optional device corresponds to the recommended SSD. The ROM 13 or the flash ROM 14 stores recommended SSD data D4 indicating warning values i2 of various recommended SSDs of the image forming apparatus (see FIG. 2). The warning value i2 of the recommended SSD can be a value obtained by multiplying the number of times of rewriting each block when the lifetime of the recommended SSD is exhausted by an experiment by the first ratio.

  After step # 33, step # 35, and step # 36, control unit 1 informs the notification unit of a message that the life of the mounted SSD is short when the set warning value i2 is smaller than a predetermined lower limit value. (Step # 37). Control unit 1 skips the notification in step # 37 when the set warning value i2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit value.

  The control unit 1 may cause the display panel 31 to display a message such as “the life of the attached SSD 2 may be short”. Alternatively, the control unit 1 may cause the communication unit 6 to transmit data for displaying the message to any or all of the communicably connected PCs 200. In this case, the above message is displayed on the display of the PC 200 that has received the data.

(Image forming system 400)
Next, an image forming system 400 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the image forming system 400 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data collection flow of the ability value collection server 500 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of setting the warning value i2 of the SSD 2 when communication with the ability value collection server 500 according to the embodiment is possible.

  Since the interface unit 19 for connecting the SSD 2 of the control unit 1 conforms to the standard, an SSD 2 (commercial product, general-purpose product) conforming to the standard can be attached (connected). The number of times each block can be written until the end of its life varies depending on the SSD 2 model and vendor.

  Therefore, the capability value collection server that collects the capability value i3 and the device information i1 of the SSD 2 whose lifetime has been exhausted from various image forming apparatuses such as the MFP 100, the printer 600, and the copier 700 that have recognized the end of the SSD2 lifetime. 500 (equivalent to a computer) is built on the network. As shown in FIG. 7, the ability value collection server 500 includes a processing unit 501 (control board) on which a CPU and a memory are mounted, the collected ability value i3, and device information i1 corresponding to the ability value i3 as accumulated data D5. A storage 502 to be stored and a network communication unit 503 for communicating with each image forming apparatus are included.

  The multi-function device 100 of this embodiment can also communicate with the ability value collection server 500 via the communication unit 6 and an external data communication network 800 such as an IP network. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a device other than the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment, which is equipped with an SSD 2 and capable of executing the processing shown in FIG. The value collection server 500 may be communicably connected. Further, more devices may be communicable with the ability value collection server 500. In the following description, an apparatus that collects information by the ability value collection server 500 is referred to as a “collection target”.

  Next, an example of a flow of collecting the ability value i3 in the image forming system 400 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The start of FIG. 8 is when it is recognized that the life of the SSD 2 to which any of the plurality of collection targets is attached is exhausted.

  Among the collection targets, the device whose attached SSD 2 has reached the end of its lifetime transmits a combination of the ability value i3 and the device information i1 of the SSD 2 to the ability value collection server 500 via the data communication network 800 ( Step # 41). Further, when the temperature sensor 16 (see FIG. 1) for detecting the room temperature of the installation environment and the humidity sensor 17 (see FIG. 1) for detecting the humidity are mounted on the apparatus, the average room temperature and average humidity of the installation environment can be determined. Alternatively, it may be transmitted by being attached to a combination of the ability value i3 and the device information i1.

  The ability value collection server 500 correlates the received ability value i3, device information i1, average room temperature, and average humidity and stores them as accumulated data D5 (step # 42 → end). The ability value collection server 500 continues this data collection and accumulates the ability value i3 for each model of SSD2. Thereby, the ability value i3 of various SSD2 can be shared.

  Next, an example of the flow of setting the warning value i2 of the SSD 2 in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment when communication with the capability value collection server 500 is possible will be described using FIG.

  The start of FIG. 9 is the time when the control unit 1 first recognizes that the SSD 2 is attached, as in FIG.

  First, the control unit 1 recognizes the attached SSD 2 (mounted SSD) based on the device information i1 (step # 51). Then, the control unit 1 causes the communication unit 6 to make an inquiry to the capability value collection server 500 for the capability value i3 of the mounted SSD (step # 52). The ability value collection server 500 that has received the inquiry confirms whether or not there is an ability value i3 of the SSD2 that has been inquired (step # 53). Then, the ability value collection server 500 causes the network communication unit 503 to transmit an inquiry response to the communication unit 6 of the multifunction peripheral 100 (step # 54).

  At this time, when the capability value i3 has been collected once for the model of the SSD 2 inquired, the processing unit 501 of the capability value collection server 500 sends the capability value to the communication unit 6 of the multifunction device 100. Data indicating the capability value i3 of the SSD 2 may be sent to the network communication unit 503.

  Further, when the capability value i3 has been collected a plurality of times for the model of the SSD 2 that has been inquired, the processing unit 501 directs the communication unit 6 of the multi-function device 100 to indicate the average value of each capability value i3. May be made to answer to the network communication unit 503.

  Further, when there is no collected ability value i3 for the SSD2 model that has been inquired, the processing unit 501 does not know the ability value i3 of the SSD2 model to the communication unit 6 of the MFP 100. You may make the network communication part 503 answer that there exists.

  Furthermore, the processing unit 501 is directed to the communication unit 6 of the multi-function peripheral 100 because the accuracy may not be ensured when the number of capability values i3 collected for the SSD2 model that is inquired is less than a certain number. Then, the network communication unit 503 may be made to reply that the capability value i3 of the SSD2 model is unknown.

  Further, when the data indicating the average room temperature of the installation environment is attached to the inquiry, the processing unit 501 corresponds to the model of the SSD 2 for which the inquiry in the stored data D5 is directed to the communication unit 6 of the multi-function peripheral 100. The ability value i3 having the closest average room temperature among the ability values i3 may be returned to the network communication unit 503.

  Further, when data indicating the average humidity of the installation environment is attached to the inquiry, the processing unit 501 corresponds to the model of the SSD 2 for which the inquiry in the accumulated data D5 is directed to the communication unit 6 of the multifunction peripheral 100. The ability value i3 having the closest average humidity among the ability values i3 may be returned to the network communication unit 503.

  The control unit 1 of the MFP 100 that has received the answer confirms whether or not the answer includes the ability value i3 (whether or not the ability value i3 is unknown) (step # 55).

  When the ability value i3 is included (Yes in step # 55), the control unit 1 sets a value obtained by multiplying the ability value i3 acquired by the communication unit 6 by the first ratio to the warning value i2 (step # 56). → End). The set warning value i2 is stored in the flash ROM 14 or the flash memory 23 of the SSD 2 (the same applies hereinafter).

  On the other hand, when the ability value i3 is not included (No in step # 55), the flow proceeds to step # 57. Steps # 57 to # 512 are the same processes as steps # 32 to # 37 in FIG. 6 and will not be described because the above description is used.

  The number of times each block is rewritten until the life of the SSD 2 is exhausted depends on the semiconductor memory (flash memory 23) itself used and the controller that controls reading and writing. If the vendors are the same, there is a high possibility that similar semiconductor memories and controllers are used.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100) according to the embodiment performs rewriting of data in units of blocks with a notification unit (display panel 31, communication unit 6) that notifies a message, and stores the number of rewrites of each block. It is determined based on SSD2, the device information i1 including the vendor and model name stored in the pre-replacement SSD, which is the previously installed SSD2, and the number of times each block is rewritten when the pre-replacement SSD reaches the end of its life. Non-volatile storage device (flash ROM 14) that stores the actual value i3 of the pre-replacement SSD and the current value related to the number of rewrites of each block based on the number of rewrites of each block stored in the installed SSD that is the currently installed SSD2 When the current value exceeds the warning value i2, a warning regarding the life of the mounted SSD is notified to the notification unit. The installed SSD vendor is recognized based on the device information i1, and when the installed SSD vendor is the same as the pre-replacement SSD vendor, the value is smaller than the actual value i3 of the pre-replacement SSD and is determined in advance as the actual value i3. The control part 1 which sets the value obtained by multiplying the obtained 1st ratio to the warning value i2 was included.

  Accordingly, it is possible to determine the time point at which a warning regarding the life of the mounted SSD is to be made based on the SSD 2 that has been previously installed. As a result, a warning about the life of the SSD 2 is issued at a point in time before the life of the SSD 2 has expired, the time until the life of the SSD 2 has expired, and when there is some allowance until the life of the SSD 2 has expired. be able to. Therefore, the SSD 2 life warning can be issued at an appropriate timing that is neither too fast nor too late. Here, the “first ratio” is a value that can be appropriately determined. The “first ratio” can be a value of about 80 to 90%. As a result, a warning can be issued when the remaining number of times of rewriting of each block reaches about 10% of the total number of times (the number of times that the block can be rewritten).

  When the mounted SSD is not known by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus, it is impossible to clearly know the upper limit of the number of times of rewriting of each block of the mounted SSD and the point in time when a warning about the lifetime should be issued. Therefore, when the installed SSD vendor is not the same as the pre-replacement SSD vendor, and when the installed SSD is the SSD 2 attached to the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100) for the first time, the control unit 1 stores the device information i1. Based on this, it is confirmed whether or not the mounted SSD is recommended by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus. When the value is not recommended by the manufacturer, the control unit 1 sets a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined standard value as a general rewrite frequency by a predetermined second ratio to the warning value i2. The second ratio is smaller than the first ratio.

  The second rate is made smaller than the first rate. For example, the “second ratio” may be a value of 60 to 70%. As a result, even when the SSD 2 whose characteristics are unknown (life and performance are not known) is attached, a warning regarding the life of the SSD 2 can be notified at least before the life of the SSD 2 is exhausted.

  Further, the nonvolatile storage device stores a warning value i2 of a recommended SSD that is the SSD2 recommended by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus. When the mounted SSD is a recommended SSD, the control unit 1 sets a value stored in the nonvolatile storage device and corresponding to the mounted SSD to the warning value i2. Thereby, the warning about the life of the SSD 2 can be notified at an appropriate timing.

  The image forming apparatus also includes a communication unit 6 for communicating. The controller 1 collects the ability value i3 of the installed SSD model corresponding to the model information from each image forming apparatus to be collected and stores the ability value i3 for each model of the SSD2. The server 500 is inquired of the communication unit 6 whether it is stored. When the capability value i3 is stored in the capability value collection server 500, the communication unit 6 is made to acquire the capability value i3 of the model of the mounted SSD. Whether the vendor of the installed SSD is the same as the vendor of the SSD before replacement, whether the installed SSD is the first attached to the image forming apparatus, and whether the installed SSD is recommended by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus Regardless of whether or not, the warning value i2 is set to a value obtained by multiplying the ability value i3 acquired by the communication unit 6 by the first ratio.

  Accordingly, it is possible to determine the time point at which a warning regarding the life of the mounted SSD is issued based on the information collected from each image forming apparatus (the number of block rewrites until the life of the SSD 2 actually expires). Therefore, the SSD 2 life warning can be issued at an appropriate timing that is neither too fast nor too late.

  Further, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment and the ability value collection server 500 can be regarded as the image forming system 400.

  There is a possibility that the SSD 2 is attached that has a very short life (the number of rewrites of each block until the end of the life is considerably small). Such an SSD 2 has a short period until the replacement of the next SSD 2, and it is necessary to replace the SSD 2 again, which may require a lot of trouble for the user. Therefore, when the set warning value i2 is smaller than a predetermined lower limit value, the control unit 1 causes the notification unit to notify the message that the life of the mounted SSD is short. Accordingly, it is possible to warn the user that the SSD 2 having a short life has been attached. In addition, the user can be urged to replace the SSD 2 with a longer life.

  In addition, the control unit 1 is any one of an operation for obtaining an average value of the number of rewrites of each block, an operation for obtaining the maximum value among the number of rewrites of each block, and an operation for obtaining the minimum value of the number of rewrites of each block. A current value and an ability value i3 are obtained by calculation.

  According to this configuration, the control unit 1 performs an operation for obtaining the average value of the number of rewrites of each block, an operation for obtaining the maximum value among the number of rewrites of each block, and an operation for obtaining the minimum value among the number of rewrites of each block. Among them, the current value and the ability value i3 are obtained by any one of the operations. Thereby, an appropriate present value and ability value i3 can be determined.

  The SSD 2 performs wear leveling processing. Thereby, the rewrite frequency of each block can be made substantially the same value. The life of the SSD 2 can be extended.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus equipped with an SSD.

1 Control unit 14 Flash ROM (nonvolatile storage device)
100 MFP (image forming device) 2 SSD
31 Display panel (notification part) 6 Communication part (notification part)
400 Image forming system 500 Ability value collection server i1 Device information i2 Warning value i3 Ability value

Claims (8)

An informing unit for informing a message;
An SSD that rewrites data in units of blocks and stores the number of rewrites of each block;
The device information including the vendor and model name stored in the pre-replacement SSD, which is the previously installed SSD, and the number of rewrites of each block when the pre-replacement SSD reaches the end of its life A non-volatile storage device that stores the actual value of the SSD before replacement;
A current value related to the number of times of rewriting of each block is obtained based on the number of times of rewriting of each block stored in the installed SSD, which is the currently installed SSD, and the life of the installed SSD is determined when the current value exceeds a warning value. A warning is notified to the notification unit, the vendor of the installed SSD is recognized based on the device information, and when the vendor of the installed SSD is the same as the vendor of the SSD before replacement, the actual value of the SSD before replacement is smaller than the actual value An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that sets a value obtained by multiplying the actual value by a predetermined first ratio as the warning value. When the vendor of the installed SSD is not the same as the vendor of the pre-replacement SSD, and when the installed SSD is the SSD first attached to the image forming apparatus,
The control unit confirms whether the mounted SSD is recommended by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus based on the device information,
When not recommended by the manufacturer, the warning value is set to a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined standard value as a general rewrite number by a predetermined second ratio,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second ratio is smaller than the first ratio. The nonvolatile storage device stores the warning value of a recommended SSD, which is an SSD recommended by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus,
When the installed SSD is the recommended SSD,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets a value stored in the nonvolatile storage device and corresponding to the mounted SSD as the warning value. Including a communication unit for communicating,
The control unit collects the ability value of the installed SSD model in association with the model information from each image forming apparatus to be collected, and stores the ability value for each SSD model. The value collection server is inquired of the communication unit whether it is stored,
When the capability value is stored in the capability value collection server, the communication unit acquires the capability value of the model of the mounted SSD,
Whether the vendor of the installed SSD is the same as the vendor of the pre-replacement SSD, whether the installed SSD is the first attached to the image forming apparatus, and whether the installed SSD is recommended by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus The value obtained by multiplying the actual value acquired by the communication unit by the first ratio is set as the warning value regardless of whether or not the warning value is a value. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1.   5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the set warning value is smaller than a predetermined lower limit value, the control unit causes the notification unit to notify a message that the life of the mounted SSD is short. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The control unit may perform any one of an operation for obtaining an average value of the number of rewrites of each block, an operation for obtaining a maximum value among the number of rewrites of each block, and an operation for obtaining a minimum value among the number of rewrites of each block. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the current value and the ability value are obtained.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the SSD performs wear leveling processing. An image forming apparatus according to claim 4;
An ability value collection server that collects the ability value in association with the model information from each image forming apparatus to be collected.

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