JP5200688B2 - COUNT DATA RECORDING DEVICE AND COUNT DATA RECORDING METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and a count data recording method for recording count data in a storage area composed of a memory or the like, and more particularly, to detect damage that has occurred in count data recorded in the storage area and to detect the damage. The present invention relates to a count data recording apparatus and a recording method for restoring such damaged count data to a normal state.

  Conventionally, a memory is used for recording and holding data. In particular, a nonvolatile memory is used for a purpose of holding data in the memory for a long period of time. Here, the non-volatile memory is a general term for memories that retain memory even when power is not supplied.

  However, a non-volatile memory (for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)) generally has low repetition resistance regarding data writing. For example, the repeated write endurance of the non-volatile memory varies depending on the type, but is, for example, about 1 million times.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a method and an apparatus for writing data into a memory having relatively low write repetition resistance as described above. In Patent Document 1, three memory addresses of a memory are grouped into one set, and data writing is cyclically performed on memory addresses A, B, and C constituting the set, that is, A → By executing as B → C → A → B →..., Data can be written a number of times that exceeds the memory write repetition resistance. In the method of Patent Document 1, in order to manage the “circulation” in the cyclic data writing, an access information section in which a predetermined value is written for each memory address every time data is written to the actual data section. Is provided separately from the actual data part for recording actual data. In the method of Patent Document 1, the memory address to which data is next written is determined based on the information written in the access information section. By doing so, Patent Document 1 enables data to be written to the memory a number of times that exceeds the write repetition resistance.

  The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not particularly define or limit the contents of data written to a memory to which the invention is applied.

  Conventionally, a memory is sometimes used for recording only specific data. An example of such specific data is count data. The count data is data used to count a certain number of times by being recorded by being incremented by a predetermined value from a specific value. (If the predetermined value is a negative number, the count data is data that is sequentially recorded while being decremented from the specific value.) The count data is, for example, a specific device (for example, an image processing apparatus). The photoconductor unit) is used for recording the number of operations.

  When such count data is recorded in a memory having a relatively low write repetition resistance, the count data is recorded in the memory as described below, and is repaired when the data is destroyed. .

  For example, when writing 3 million times of count data using a memory having a write repetition resistance of 1 million times with respect to one address of the memory, using three addresses, sequentially with respect to the three addresses. Write count data. Since the count data increases (or decreases) by a predetermined value, three values that increase (or decrease) by a predetermined value are recorded at the three addresses.

  Since the count data has the property of increasing (or decreasing) by a predetermined value, even if the recorded count data is destroyed, the count data value that is not destroyed is used. By writing a value obtained by adding (or subtracting) a predetermined value or a value twice the predetermined value to the value to the destroyed address, the destroyed count data can be restored.

  As described above, when using a memory having a write repetition resistance of 1 million times with respect to one address of the memory, the count data can be written and repaired 3 million times by using three addresses.

  A little different from the above example, in the case of writing the count data of 3.5 million times using the memory having the write repetition resistance of 1 million times with respect to one address of the memory, the number of times of 3.5 million times is as follows. Count data recording is realized.

  First, up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 970,000 times), the count data is sequentially written to the three addresses as in the other example. From here, unlike the other example described above, writing of count data is sequentially started to three addresses different from the above three addresses.

  According to such a methodology, in order to write count data for 3.5 million times, six addresses to which count data is written, three addresses for holding the number of times of writing for each of the three addresses, A total of ten addresses are required, one address for holding data indicating which of the three address groups and the other three address groups is used as count data.

Theoretically, the count data to be written 3.5 million times can be recorded by using four addresses that can be written 1 million times. Nevertheless, in the above conventional example, the count data is recorded (and the damaged count data is restored) using 10 addresses. This is not preferable from the viewpoint of memory utilization efficiency.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-247165

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a count data recording apparatus capable of improving the use efficiency of a memory and repairing damaged count data.

  The present invention relates to a count data recording device that records a count value that changes monotonously from a predetermined value within a predetermined width as count data in a recording device, the storage unit storing count data, and the data that writes the count data to the storage unit A writing unit; a data reading unit that reads count data from the storage unit; and a data restoration unit that detects corruption of the count data stored in the storage unit and repairs the corruption. A plurality of count data storage units that are specified by the specific identifier and store count data are associated with each of the count data storage units, and one of two types of data indicating the first value and the second value is selected. There are as many polarity information data storage units as the number of count data storage units, and the data writing unit is a plurality of count data storage units. Count data writing unit that writes count data to one count data storage unit cyclically in a predetermined order, and polarity information data associated with the count data storage unit to which the count data writing unit has written the count data A polarity information data inverting unit for inverting the content of data stored in the storage unit between the first value and the second value, and the data restoration unit includes a plurality of data read units read from the storage unit by the data reading unit For the plurality of count data stored in the count data storage unit, the count data sorting unit that arranges the position specifying identifiers of the count data storage unit in the size of the count data, and the position specifying identifiers arranged by the count data sorting unit in this order A count data difference calculation unit that calculates a difference value between count data adjacent to each other, and count data Of the position identification identifiers in the order in which the count data are arranged, how to arrange the difference values between the count data in the order in which the count data sort unit is arranged, and the polarity information data in the order in which the count data sort unit is arranged A count data recording apparatus comprising: a repair processing execution unit that detects damage of a plurality of count data stored in a storage unit and repairs the damage based on the arrangement.

  In the present invention, the count data storage unit specified by one position specifying identifier has two storage areas specified by two memory addresses, and the count data is divided and stored in two storage areas. It is preferable.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the predetermined value is zero and the predetermined width is plus one.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the predetermined value is a natural number not including zero and the predetermined width is minus one.

  In the present invention, the count data sorting unit preferably arranges the position identification identifiers of the count data storage unit in descending order of the size of the count data.

  In the present invention, the count data sorting unit preferably arranges the position identification identifiers of the count data storage unit in ascending order of the count data size.

  In the present invention, the restoration processing execution unit obtains the number of locations where the value of the polarity information data changes in the polarity information data arranged in the order arranged by the count data sorting unit, and determines the number of the obtained changed portions. Based on this, it is preferable to detect the damage of a plurality of count data stored in the storage unit and repair the damage.

  The count data recording apparatus and the count data recording method according to the present invention are excellent in memory utilization efficiency, and when the recorded count data is damaged, the damage is repaired and returned to accurate count data. Is possible.

  The count data recording device according to the present invention is capable of recording count data exceeding the write repetition resistance of the storage device.

  In addition, the count data recording apparatus according to the present invention is capable of detecting breakage of count data and repairing the detected breakage.

<Configuration of count data recording device>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a count data recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the count data recording apparatus is a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP) 1. The MFP 1 is a so-called image forming apparatus, and includes a toner cartridge 3 and a photoreceptor unit 5 for image formation.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the photoconductor unit 5. The photoconductor unit 5 includes a storage device 7 for recording count data for counting the number of times of use. In the storage device 7, the number of times data can be repeatedly written to the storage area is specified, and writing data beyond the specified number of repetitions impairs data recording stability.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP 1 which is a count data recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The MFP 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11 that controls data processing and overall operation of the apparatus, a random access memory (RAM) 13 that stores programs and data, and a read-only memory (that stores programs and data). ROM) 15, which are connected by a data bus and constitute a computer in the MFP 1. The computer functions as a count data recording device by executing a count data recording program.

  The computer 21 of the MFP 1 is connected to a storage device 7 for recording count data and an I / O LSI 17 for transmitting / receiving data to / from various devices. The computer 21 is connected to the output device 19 and the input device 21 via the I / O LSI 17.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions provided in MFP 1 for realizing the functions of the count data recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The computer 21 implements the functions shown in the figure by executing a count data recording program.

  The computer 21 detects damage to the control unit 23 that controls each functional block, the data writing unit 25 that writes data to the storage device 7 at a predetermined address, the count data recorded in the storage device 7, and the like. A data restoration unit 27 for repairing the damage, a data reading unit 29 for reading data recorded at a predetermined address from the storage device 7, and a setting data holding unit 31 for holding setting data necessary for executing the count data recording program To realize.

  The data writing unit 25 has a count data writing unit 25a for recording count data in a predetermined format in a storage area having a predetermined address of the storage device 7, and a storage area having a predetermined address of the storage device 7. The polarity information data reversing unit 25b for recording the polarity information data in a predetermined format is provided.

  The count data is cyclically recorded by the count data writing unit 25a using a plurality of storage areas specified by a plurality of addresses in the storage device 7. For example, the count data is recorded so as to circulate through the storage areas designated by the five addresses of address [A], address [B], address [C], address [D], and address [E]. . In the next recording in which the count data is recorded at the address [A], the count data is recorded at the address [B]. In this manner, when the address [E] is used in order, the count data is recorded at the address [A]. In the same manner, count data is recorded cyclically for a predetermined number (N) of addresses. Here, N is an arbitrary natural number. The present invention does not specifically limit the value of N. However, in a storage device in which the number of repetitive writings is R [times] (natural number), the number is incremented from a number Cmin to a number Cmax by an increment width S (the negative value S indicates the decrement width). When data is recorded, at least as many natural addresses as (Cmax−Cmin + 1) / S / R or more are required. From the viewpoint of efficient use of the storage area of the storage device 7, the smallest natural number equal to or greater than (Cmax−Cmin + 1) / S / R is most advantageous. If one count data cannot be recorded in the storage area specified by one address, it is necessary to use a plurality of addresses for recording one count data. The number (N) will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  The polarity information data is data that is associated with an address at which the count data is recorded and is used for damage and restoration of the count data. The association between the polarity information data and the count data may be held in the setting data holding unit 31. The polarity information data is data that can take two types of values, a first value and a second value (eg, “1” and “0”), and is normal (that is, not repairing data corruption). In writing the count data, the polarity information data reversing unit 25b reverses the polarity information data associated with the written address from the value immediately before the writing between the first value and the second value. Changed and recorded. One polarity information data can be sized to be recorded in a 1-bit storage area. The polarity information data may be recorded using, for example, the first P bit (P is an integer of 1 or more) in the same storage area as the storage area of the address where the count data is recorded. The polarity information data may be recorded using a storage area different from the storage area of the address where the count data is recorded. However, it is more advantageous from the viewpoint of memory usage efficiency to record the polarity information data in the same address as the count data.

  The data restoration unit 27 rearranges count data recorded at a plurality of predetermined addresses read by the data reading unit 29 according to a predetermined rule (descending order or ascending order), and outputs a result of the rearrangement. A count data difference calculation unit 27b that calculates a difference between adjacent count data for a plurality of count data rearranged by the count data sort unit 27a, and a count data rearrangement and a count data difference performed by the count data sort unit 27a Based on the count data difference value calculated by the calculation unit 27b and the polarity information data associated with each count data (address thereof), a repair processing execution unit 27c that detects the corruption of the count data and repairs the detected corruption. Is provided.

  The repair processing execution unit 27c executes processing for detecting data corruption and processing for repairing detected data corruption.

  In the data corruption detection process, a combination of the arrangement of the sorted count data, the arrangement of the polarity information data associated therewith, and the arrangement of the count data difference values is normal (including data corruption). No) Data corruption has occurred by comparing with the combination of the count data alignment method, the polarity information data alignment method and the data difference value alignment method, which can occur when the count data is rearranged as described above The count data and the polarity information data associated therewith are specified. The possible combinations of the normal count data are obtained in advance and held in the apparatus before executing the data corruption detection process. The number of possible combinations varies depending on the number of addresses used for recording count data, but is finite regardless of the number of addresses used.

  The data corruption repair process is an arrangement of the count data, polarity information data, and data difference values that can occur when the normal count data is rearranged with respect to the count data including the damage detected by the data corruption detection process. Based on this combination, a normal count data value is obtained, and the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs a data repair instruction. Based on the instruction, the count data writing unit 25a of the data writing unit 25 This is done by writing the count data value to the corresponding storage area. At this time, if the polarity information data associated with the count data related to the restoration also needs to be restored, the polarity information data inversion unit 25b of the data writing unit 25 is restored based on the data restoration instruction. The polarity information data associated with the count data is inverted.

  The setting data holding unit 31 records a plurality of addresses prepared for recording count data in the storage device 7 and polarity information data recorded in association with the count data recorded at the plurality of addresses. The address to which the count data is to be recorded in the next count data recording.

<Configuration of data held in storage device 7>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a storage area designated by one address in the storage device 7.

  In general, an address is an identifier that defines a place where a processing target exists in information processing. In the present specification, the address includes an identifier used for specifying the position of the storage area in the storage device 7.

  The storage area specified by one address (address [X]) is further divided into a polarity information section 33p that holds polarity information data and a count data section 33 that holds count data.

  Here, the storage area specified by one address has an M-bit width. Here, M is a natural number. In the present invention, the natural number M is not particularly limited. The storage area specified by the address [X] includes a polarity information data storage unit 33p having a P bit width for storing polarity information data, and a count having an MP bit width for storing count data. And a data storage unit 33.

  One polarity information data stored in association with one count data may be stored at an address different from an address at which the one count data is stored.

  If the storage capacity of the storage location specified by one address is less than the storage capacity necessary to store one count data, the one storage location specified by the plurality of addresses The count data may be divided and stored. In that case, one polarity information data may be stored at an arbitrary address in association with one count data that is divided and stored in the plurality of storage positions. At this time, the address at which the one polarity information data is stored may be included in any of a plurality of storage positions that store count data associated with the polarity information data. Alternatively, the one polarity information data may be a storage position different from the plurality of storage positions.

<Count data recording operation>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of count data recording to the storage device 7 by the count data recording apparatus (MFP 1) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, each count data is recorded in a storage area designated by one address. The polarity information data associated with each count data is recorded at the same address as the count data. In this example, five addresses are set for recording the count data. That is, in this example, count data and polarity information data are recorded in each of five addresses ([A], [B], [C], [D], [E]). Count data is cyclically recorded in the order of [A] → [B] → [C] → [D] → [E] → [A] → [B] →.

  In the initial state, the count data of address [A], address [B], address [C], address [D], and address [E] are −4, −3, −2, −1, and 0, respectively. is there. This is an initial state when the start value of the count value is 1. The polarity information data is 0 (second value) at all addresses. In the initial state, the polarity information data needs to be the same at all addresses. However, the value may be 1 (first value).

  The first count data is written to the address [A]. The row of the count number “1” indicates the value of data held at each address when the first count data write is completed. In the first count data write, the count data writing unit 25a writes the count data “1” to the address [A], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b inverts the polarity information data to “ 1 ”.

  In this example, thereafter, the count data is written with the increment width “1”.

  In the next write in which the count number “5” is written to the address [E], the count data “6” is written to the address [A], and the polarity information data is inverted again to “0”. Return to.

  Similarly, the count data is cyclically written and held for the five addresses.

<Count data restoration operation>
≪Principle of damage detection≫
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how the addresses are arranged when the addresses are rearranged in descending order of the count data value for each row (each count value) in FIG. 6. When the increment width is a negative number, the addresses are rearranged in ascending order of the count data size. In any case, the principle of damage detection is the same.

For example, if the count number is “6”, the address arrangement is
[A] → [E] → [D] → [C] → [B].
How to arrange polarity information data
“0” → “1” → “1” → “1” → “1”.

For example, if the count number is “11”, the address arrangement is
[A] → [E] → [D] → [C] → [B].
How to arrange polarity information data
“1” → “0” → “0” → “0” → “0”.

In general, when count data is cyclically recorded using five addresses ([A] [B] [C] [D] [E]), the size of the count data is large while normal count data is recorded. If you sort the addresses in descending order,
[E] → [D] → [C] → [B] → [A]
[A] → [E] → [D] → [C] → [B]
[B] → [A] → [E] → [D] → [C]
[C] → [B] → [A] → [E] → [D]
[D] → [C] → [B] → [A] → [E] appear in order of the count value.

For each arrangement, two types of arrangement of polarity information data appear.
For example,
When the addresses are arranged in the order of [B] → [A] → [E] → [D] → [C] (for example, when the count value is “12” or the count value “17”), how to arrange the polarity information data Is
"1"->"1"->"0"->"0"->"0" or
Two patterns of “0” → “0” → “1” → “1” → “1” appear alternately.

  Here, the address arrangement method [B] → [A] → [E] → [D] → [C] is illustrated, but the same can be said for other arrangement methods.

  In other words, when count data is written cyclically using N addresses, in a situation where normal count data is recorded, when the addresses are rearranged according to the size of the count data, there are N ways to arrange the addresses. Exists. Since there are always two types of arrangement of the polarity information data with respect to the arrangement of each address, in the situation where normal count data is recorded, the combination of the arrangement of the address and the arrangement of the polarity information data is 2 × N ways exist.

  Next, a difference value between count data recorded at adjacent addresses when addresses are rearranged in descending order of the count data will be considered with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a difference value between count data recorded at adjacent addresses when addresses are rearranged in descending order of the count data in a situation where normal count data is recorded. As described above, as long as normal count data continues to be recorded, the difference values between the count data recorded in the adjacent addresses when the addresses are rearranged in descending order of the count data are always increment widths (this example "1") in the above.

  FIG. 9 is a list of address arrangements that can occur when the addresses are rearranged in descending order of the count data. As described above, there are five possible ways of arranging addresses (N ways).

  FIG. 10 is a list of how to arrange the polarity information data associated with each address that can occur when the addresses are rearranged in descending order of the count data. Thus, there are 10 possible ways of arranging the polarity information data (2 × N).

  Further, the arrangement of addresses (FIG. 9) and the arrangement of polarity information data (FIG. 10) appear in relation to each other.

  FIG. 11 is a table summarizing the arrangement of addresses (“address combinations”) and the arrangement of polarity information that can occur in the arrangement (“polarity information combinations”). In this way, there are 2 × N possible combinations of “address combinations” and “polarity information combinations”.

≪Flow of damage detection processing and damage repair processing≫
With reference to FIGS. 12, 13, 14A and B, FIGS. 15A and B, FIGS. 16A and B, FIGS. 17A and B, and FIGS. 18A and B, the damage detection process and the damage repair process will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the main flow of detection and repair of count data corruption.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the count data restoration process selection process in step S201 in FIG.
FIGS. 14A and B to FIGS. 18A and 18B are respectively a count data restoration process A, a count data restoration process B, and a count data restoration, which are step S301a, step S301b, step S301c, step S301d, and step S301e in FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process C, a count data repair process D, and a count data repair process E.

  First, referring to FIG.

  In step S101, the count data sorting unit 27a of the count data recording apparatus (MFP 1) rearranges the addresses in descending order of the count data values recorded at the respective addresses.

  In step S103, the count data difference calculation unit 27b calculates the difference between the count data recorded in the adjacent addresses in the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101.

  In step S105, the restoration processing execution unit 27c changes between adjacent polarity information data values when the polarity information data associated with each address is viewed along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101. Find the number of locations. That is, in the polarity information data adjacent in the above-described arrangement, the value is changed from the first value to the second value (from “1” to “0”) and from the second value to the first value (from “0”). To “1”) Find the number of locations that have changed.

  In step S107, the repair processing execution unit 27c branches the subsequent processing based on the number of changes in the polarity information data value obtained in step S105. If the polarity information data value change count is 0 (“polarity information change count 0” in step S107), the process proceeds to step S109. If the polarity information data value change count is 1 (“polarity information change count 1” in step S107), the process proceeds to step S201. If the polarity information data value change count is 2 or more (“polarity information change count is 2 or more” in step S107), the process proceeds to step S111.

{Processing when the polarity information data value change count is 0}
In step S109, the restoration processing execution unit 27c determines that the difference between the count data values is all 1 (increment width S), and that the address rearranged in step S101 is the address combination Gr. [5] It is determined whether or not (see FIG. 9).
The difference values between the count data values are all 1 (increment width S), and the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the address combination Gr. If it is [5] (see FIG. 9) (“YES” in step S109), the process ends. That is, it is determined that no data is damaged, and the damage detection process is terminated.
If there is a difference value between count data values other than 1 (increment width S), and the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the address combination Gr. [5] If any of the cases (see FIG. 9) does not apply (“NO” in step S109), the process proceeds to step S301e (count data restoration process E (details are FIGS. 18A and 18B)). .

{Processing when the polarity information data value change count is 1}
The process proceeds to step S201 (count data restoration process selection process). The count data restoration process selection process step S201 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

{Processing when the polarity information data value change count is 2}
In step S111, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the address combination Gr. Is different when the difference values between the count data values are all 1 (increment width S) and the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101. If it is any one of [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5] (see FIG. 9), it is determined whether or not any of them is applicable.
When all the difference values between the count data values are 1 (increment width S), and the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the address combination Gr. If any of [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5] (see FIG. 9) is true (“YES” in step S111), The process proceeds to step S201 (count data restoration process selection process).
1 (increment width S) and there is a difference value between count data values, and the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the address combination Gr. If none of [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5] (see FIG. 9) applies (“NO” in step S111), the process proceeds to step S113. To do.

  In step S113, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that data corruption that cannot be repaired correctly has occurred, outputs information indicating that, and ends the processing.

{Flow of Count Data Repair Process Selection Process (Details of Step S201)}
The count data restoration process selection process (step S201 in FIG. 12) will now be described with reference to FIG. The count data restoration process selection process is a part of the process for detecting data corruption performed by the restoration process execution unit 27c.

In step S203, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the address arrangement in step S101 is the address combination Gr. It is determined whether or not any of [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5] (see FIG. 9) is satisfied.
The arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the address combination Gr. When it is determined that any one of [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5] (see FIG. 9) is satisfied (“YES” in step S203), the process is as follows. The process proceeds to step S205.
The arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the address combination Gr. When it is determined that none of [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5] (see FIG. 9) is applicable (“NO” in step S203), The process proceeds to step S209.

In step S205, the restoration processing execution unit 27c determines whether or not all the difference values between the count data values are 1 (increment width S).
When it is determined that the difference values between the count data values are all 1 (increment width S) (“YES” in step S205), the count data restoration process selection process ends, and the process returns to the main flow (FIG. 12).
When it is determined that there is a difference value between count data values that is not 1 (increment width S) (“NO” in step S205), the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the repair processing execution unit 27c branches the subsequent processing based on the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101.
The arrangement is the address combination Gr. If [1] (see FIG. 9), the process proceeds to step S301a (count data restoration process A).
The arrangement is the address combination Gr. If [2] (see FIG. 9), the process proceeds to step S301b (count data restoration process B).
The arrangement is the address combination Gr. If [3] (see FIG. 9), the process proceeds to step S301c (count data restoration process C).
The arrangement is the address combination Gr. If [4] (see FIG. 9), the process proceeds to step S301d (count data restoration process D).
The arrangement is the address combination Gr. If [5] (see FIG. 9), the process proceeds to step S301e (count data restoration process E).
14A and B, FIGS. 15A and B, FIGS. 16A and B, FIGS. 17A and 17B, respectively, for details of the count data restoration processes A, B, C, D, and E (steps S301a, b, c, d, and e). B, described below with reference to FIGS. 18A and B.

  Next, a process after the process moves from step S203 to step S209 will be described.

  In step S209, the repair processing execution unit 27c holds the maximum count data among the count data recorded at the addresses [A], [B], [C], [D], and [E]. Ask for an address. Specifically, the address at the head of the list of addresses rearranged in step S101 is specified. (If the increment width is a negative number, the address holding the minimum count data is obtained.)

In step S211, the repair processing execution unit 27c branches the subsequent processing based on the address holding the maximum count data obtained in step S209.
If the address is address [A], the process proceeds to step S301a (count data restoration process A).
If the address is address [B], the process proceeds to step S301b (count data restoration process B).
If the address is address [C], the process proceeds to step S301c (count data restoration process C).
If the address is address [D], the process proceeds to step S301d (count data restoration process D).
If the address is address [E], the process proceeds to step S301e (count data restoration process E).
14A and B, FIGS. 15A and B, FIGS. 16A and B, FIGS. 17A and 17B, respectively, for details of the count data restoration processes A, B, C, D, and E (steps S301a, b, c, d, and e). B, with reference to FIGS. 18A and B, is described below.

{Count data restoration processing A (step S301a)}
14A and 14B are flowcharts showing details of the count data restoration process A (step S301a in FIG. 13). The count data restoration process A is a process mainly performed by the restoration process execution unit 27c. However, the count data is restored (the correct count data is written) by the data writing unit 25 based on the output of the restoration processing execution unit 27c.

In step S303a, the restoration processing execution unit 27c sets the polarity information data of the address [A] (or the polarity information data associated with the address [A], if accurate) to “1” (first value). Whether or not.
When the polarity information data of the address [A] is “1” (first value) (“YES” in step S303a), the process proceeds to step S305a.
When the polarity information data of the address [A] is not “1” (first value) (“NO” in step S303a), the process proceeds to step S331a.

In step S305a, if all the count data currently recorded is normal, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines how the addresses rearranged in step S101 are address combinations Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and the arrangement of the polarity information data viewed along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the polarity information combination Gr. [1] It is recognized that it matches (FIG. 10).
The repair process execution unit 27c performs the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [1] The count data is restored according to FIG.

  In step S307a, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [A] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S309a, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S307a (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [A]) and the count data recorded at the current address [E]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is 0 (second value).
As described in the explanation regarding step S305a, if the data is normal, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is based on the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [1] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S307a (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [A]) matches the count data value currently recorded at the address [E], and the address [E ] Is determined to be 0 (second value) (“YES” in step S309a), the process proceeds to step S313a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [E] and the polarity information data associated with the address [E] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [E], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is not 0 (second value), In the case (“NO” in step S309a), the process proceeds to step S311a. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [E] and the polarity information data associated with the address [E] need to be repaired.

In step S311a, the repair process execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [E] to the repair count data value obtained in step S307a. In addition, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [E] to “0” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25a to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 of the address [E], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is appropriately operated so as to become “0”.

  In step S313a, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [E] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S315a, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S313a (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [E]) and the count data recorded at the current address [D]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is 0 (second value).
As described in the explanation regarding step S305a, if the data is normal, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is based on the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [1] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S313a (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [E]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [D], and the address [D ] Is determined to be 0 (second value) (“YES” in step S315a), the process proceeds to step S313a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [D] and the polarity information data associated with the address [D] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [D], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is not 0 (second value), In the case (“NO” in step S315a), the process proceeds to step S317a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [D] and the polarity information data associated with the address [D] need to be repaired.

In step S317a, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [D] to the repair count data value obtained in step S313a. Also, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [D] to “0” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25a to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 of the address [D], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. The polarity information data associated with the address [D] is appropriately operated so as to become “0”.

  In step S319a, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [D] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S321a, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S319a (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [D]) and the count data recorded at the current address [C]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is 0 (second value).
As described in the explanation regarding step S305a, if the data is normal, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is based on the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [1] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S319a (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [D]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [C], and the address [C ] Is determined to be 0 (second value) (“YES” in step S321a), the process proceeds to step S313a. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [C], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is not 0 (second value). In the case (“NO” in step S321a), the process proceeds to step S321a. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C] need to be repaired.

In step S323a, the repair process execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [C] to the repair count data value obtained in step S319a. In addition, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [C] to “0” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25a to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 at the address [C], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is appropriately operated so as to become “0”.

  In step S325a, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [C] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S327a, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S325a (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [C]) and the count data recorded at the current address [B]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [B] is 0 (second value).
As described in the explanation regarding step S305a, if the data is normal, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is based on the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [1] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S325a (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [C]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [B], and the address [B ] Is determined to be 0 (second value) (“YES” in step S327a), the process proceeds to step S313a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [B] and the polarity information data associated with the address [B] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [B], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [B] is not 0 (second value), In the case (“NO” in step S327a), the process proceeds to step S329a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [B] and the polarity information data associated with the address [B] need to be repaired.

In step S329a, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [B] to the repair count data value obtained in step S325a. Also, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [B] to “0” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25a to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 at the address [B], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [B] is appropriately operated so as to be “0”.

  Next, a process after the process moves from step S303a to step S331a will be described.

In step S331a, if all the count data currently recorded is normal, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines whether the addresses rearranged in step S101 are address combinations Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and the arrangement of the polarity information data viewed along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the polarity information combination Gr. [2] Recognize that it matches (FIG. 10).
The repair process execution unit 27c performs the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [2] The count data is restored according to FIG.

  In step S333a, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [A] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S335a, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S333a (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [A]) and the count data recorded at the current address [E]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is 1 (first value).
As described in the description of step S331a, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [2] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S333a (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [A]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [E], and the address [E ] Is determined to be 1 (first value) (“YES” in step S335a), the process proceeds to step S339a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [E] and the polarity information data associated with the address [E] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [E], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is not 1 (first value), In the case (“NO” in step S335a), the process proceeds to step S337a. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [E] and the polarity information data associated with the address [E] need to be repaired.

In step S337a, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [E] to the repair count data value obtained in step S333a. In addition, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [E] to “1” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25a to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 of the address [E], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is appropriately operated so as to be “1”.

  In step S339a, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [E] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S341a, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S339a (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [E]) and the count data recorded at the current address [D]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is 1 (first value).
As described in the description of step S331a, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [2] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S339a (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [E]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [D], and the address [D ] Is determined to be 1 (first value) (“YES” in step S341a), the process proceeds to step S339a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [D] and the polarity information data associated with the address [D] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [D], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is not 1 (first value), In the case (“NO” in step S341a), the process proceeds to step S343a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [D] and the polarity information data associated with the address [D] need to be repaired.

In step S343a, the repair process execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [D] to the repair count data value obtained in step S339a. In addition, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [D] to “1” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25a to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 of the address [D], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is appropriately operated so as to be “1”.

  In step S345a, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [D] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S347a, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S345a (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [D]) and the count data recorded at the current address [C]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is 1 (first value).
As described in the description of step S331a, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [2] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S345a (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [D]) matches the value of the count data recorded at the current address [C], and the address [C ] Is determined to be 1 (first value) (“YES” in step S347a), the process proceeds to step S339a. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C] do not need to be repaired.
The count data for restoration and the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [C] do not match, or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is not 1 (first value), If so ("NO" in step S347a), the process proceeds to step S347a. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C] need to be repaired.

In step S349a, the repair process execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [C] to the repair count data value obtained in step S345a. Also, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [C] to “1” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25a to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 at the address [C], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. The polarity information data associated with the address [C] is appropriately operated so as to be “1”.

  In step S351a, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [C] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S353a, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S351a (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [C]) and the count data recorded at the current address [B]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [B] is 1 (first value).
As described in the description of step S331a, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [2] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S351a (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [C]) matches the value of the count data recorded at the current address [B], and the address [B ] Is determined to be 1 (first value) (“YES” in step S353a), the process proceeds to step S339a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [B] and the polarity information data associated with the address [B] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [B], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [B] is not 1 (first value), In the case (“NO” in step S353a), the process proceeds to step S355a. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [B] and the polarity information data associated with the address [B] need to be repaired.

In step S355a, the repair process execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [B] to the repair count data value obtained in step S351a. Also, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [B] to “1” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25a to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 at the address [B], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. The polarity information data associated with the address [B] is appropriately operated so as to be “1”.

  In this way, in the count data restoration process A, the address [E], the address [D], the address [C], the address [A], and the polarity information data associated with the address [A] are used as a reference. The value of the count data of the address [B] and the value of the polarity information data associated with these addresses are stored in the address combination Gr. [1] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [1] or polarity information combination Gr. [2] The value of the count data and the value of the polarity information data are corrected so as to coincide with (2) (FIG. 10).

{Count data restoration process B (step S301b)}
15A and 15B are flowcharts showing details of the count data restoration process B (step S301b in FIG. 13). The count data restoration process B is a process mainly performed by the restoration process execution unit 27c. However, the count data is restored (the correct count data is written) by the data writing unit 25 based on the output of the restoration processing execution unit 27c.

In step S303b, the restoration processing execution unit 27c sets the polarity information data of the address [B] (or the polarity information data associated with the address [B] if the expression is accurate) to “1” (first value). Whether or not.
When the polarity information data of the address [B] is “1” (first value) (“YES” in step S303b), the process proceeds to step S305b.
When the polarity information data of the address [B] is not “1” (first value) (“NO” in step S303b), the process proceeds to step S331b.

In step S305b, if all the currently recorded count data is normal, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines whether the addresses rearranged in step S101 are address combinations Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and the arrangement of the polarity information data viewed along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the polarity information combination Gr. [3] Recognize that it matches (FIG. 10).
The repair process execution unit 27c performs the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [3] The count data is restored according to FIG.

  In step S307b, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [B] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S309b, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S307b (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [B]) and the count data recorded at the current address [A]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [A] is 1 (first value).
As described in the description of step S305b, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [3] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S307b (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [B]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [A], and the address [A ] Is determined to be 1 (first value) (“YES” in step S309b), the process proceeds to step S313b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [A] and the polarity information data associated with the address [A] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [A], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [A] is not 1 (first value), In the case (“NO” in step S309b), the process proceeds to step S311b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [A] and the polarity information data associated with the address [A] need to be repaired.

In step S311b, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [A] to the repair count data value obtained in step S307b. Also, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [A] to “1” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25b to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 at the address [A], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [A] is appropriately operated so as to be “1”.

  In step S313b, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [A] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S315b, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S313b (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [A]) and the count data recorded at the current address [E]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is 0 (second value).
As described in the description of step S305b, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [3] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S313b (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [A]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [E], and the address [E ] Is determined to be 0 (second value) (“YES” in step S315b), the process proceeds to step S313b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [E] and the polarity information data associated with the address [E] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [E], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is not 0 (second value), In the case (“NO” in step S315b), the process proceeds to step S317b. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [E] and the polarity information data associated with the address [E] need to be repaired.

In step S317b, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [E] to the repair count data value obtained in step S313b. In addition, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [E] to “0” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25b to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 of the address [E], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is appropriately operated so as to become “0”.

  In step S319b, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [E] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S321b, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S319b (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [E]) and the count data recorded at the current address [D]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is 0 (second value).
As described in the description of step S305b, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [3] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S319b (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [E]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [D], and the address [D ] Is determined to be 0 (second value) (“YES” in step S321b), the process proceeds to step S313b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [D] and the polarity information data associated with the address [D] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [D], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is not 0 (second value), In the case (“NO” in step S321b), the process proceeds to step S321b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [D] and the polarity information data associated with the address [D] need to be repaired.

In step S323b, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [D] to the repair count data value obtained in step S319b. Also, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [D] to “0” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25b to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 of the address [D], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. The polarity information data associated with the address [D] is appropriately operated so as to become “0”.

  In step S325b, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [D] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S327b, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S325b (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [D]) and the count data recorded at the current address [C]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is 0 (second value).
As described in the description of step S305b, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [3] Based on the recognition that it complies with (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S325b (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [D]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [C], and the address [C ] Is determined to be 0 (second value) (“YES” in step S327b), the process proceeds to step S313b. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [C], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is not 0 (second value). In the case (“NO” in step S327b), the process proceeds to step S329b. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C] need to be repaired.

In step S329b, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [C] to the repair count data value obtained in step S325b. In addition, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [C] to “0” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25b to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 at the address [C], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is appropriately operated so as to become “0”.

  Next, the process after the process moves from step S303b to step S331b will be described.

In step S331b, if all the count data currently recorded is normal, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines how the addresses rearranged in step S101 are address combinations Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and the arrangement of the polarity information data viewed along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101 is the polarity information combination Gr. [4] Recognize that it matches (FIG. 10).
The repair process execution unit 27c performs the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [4] The count data is restored according to FIG.

  In step S333b, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [B] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S335b, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S333b (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [B]) and the count data recorded at the current address [A]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [A] is 0 (second value).
As described in the explanation regarding step S331b, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [4] Based on the recognition of following (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S333b (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [B]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [A], and the address [A ] Is determined to be 0 (second value) (“YES” in step S335b), the process proceeds to step S339b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [A] and the polarity information data associated with the address [A] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [A], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [A] is not 0 (second value), If so ("NO" in step S335b), the process proceeds to step S337b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [A] and the polarity information data associated with the address [A] need to be repaired.

In step S337b, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [A] to the repair count data value obtained in step S333b. Also, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [A] to “0” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25b to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 at the address [A], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. The polarity information data associated with the address [A] is appropriately operated so as to become “0”.

  In step S339b, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [A] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S341b, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S339b (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [A]) and the count data recorded at the current address [E]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is 1 (first value).
As described in the explanation regarding step S331b, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [4] Based on the recognition of following (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S339b (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [A]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [E], and the address [E ] Is determined to be 1 (first value) (“YES” in step S341b), the process proceeds to step S339b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [E] and the polarity information data associated with the address [E] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [E], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is not 1 (first value), In the case (“NO” in step S341b), the process proceeds to step S343b. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [E] and the polarity information data associated with the address [E] need to be repaired.

In step S343b, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [E] to the repair count data value obtained in step S339b. In addition, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [E] to “1” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25b to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 of the address [E], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [E] is appropriately operated so as to be “1”.

  In step S345b, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [E] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S347b, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S345b (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [E]) and the count data recorded at the current address [D]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is 1 (first value).
As described in the explanation regarding step S331b, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [4] Based on the recognition of following (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S345b (the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data at the address [E]) matches the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [D], and the address [D ] Is determined to be 1 (first value) (“YES” in step S347b), the process proceeds to step S339b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [D] and the polarity information data associated with the address [D] do not need to be repaired.
The restoration count data does not match the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [D], or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is not 1 (first value), In the case (“NO” in step S347b), the process proceeds to step S347b. That is, in this case, the repair process execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [D] and the polarity information data associated with the address [D] need to be repaired.

In step S349b, the repair processing execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [D] to the repair count data value obtained in step S345b. In addition, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [D] to “1” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25b to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 of the address [D], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. Then, the polarity information data associated with the address [D] is appropriately operated so as to be “1”.

  In step S351b, the restoration processing execution unit 27c obtains a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the count data recorded at the current address [D] (subtracted by the increment width S), and obtains the value “current for restoration”. Count data ”.

In step S353b, the repair processing execution unit 27c includes the repair count data obtained in step S351b (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [D]) and the count data recorded at the current address [C]. The values are compared to determine whether or not they match, and it is determined whether or not the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is 1 (first value).
As described in the explanation regarding step S331b, the determination regarding the above two items in this step is performed when the data is normal, the arrangement of the data is determined by the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [4] Based on the recognition of following (FIG. 10).
The restoration count data obtained in step S351b (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count data of the address [D]) matches the value of the count data recorded at the current address [C], and the address [C ] Is determined to be 1 (first value) (“YES” in step S353b), the process proceeds to step S339b. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C] do not need to be repaired.
The count data for restoration and the value of the count data currently recorded at the address [C] do not match, or the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [C] is not 1 (first value), In the case (“NO” in step S353b), the process proceeds to step S355b. That is, in this case, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that the count data recorded at the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C] need to be repaired.

In step S355b, the repair process execution unit 27c outputs an instruction to change the count data value of the address [C] to the repair count data value obtained in step S351b. Also, an instruction to set the polarity information data of the address [C] to “1” is output.
Based on the instruction, the data writing unit 25 causes the count data writing unit 25b to write the value of the restoration count data to the count data storage unit 33 at the address [C], and the polarity information data inversion unit 25b. The polarity information data associated with the address [C] is appropriately operated so as to be “1”.

  Thus, in the count data restoration process B, the address [A], the address [E], the address [D], the address [B], and the polarity information data associated with the address [B] are used as a reference. The value of the count data of the address [C] and the value of the polarity information data associated with these addresses are stored in the address combination Gr. [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [3] or polarity information combination Gr. [4] The value of the count data and the value of the polarity information data are corrected so as to coincide with (FIG. 10).

{Count data restoration process C (step S301c)}
16A and 16B are flowcharts showing details of the count data restoration process C (step S301c in FIG. 13). The count data restoration process C is a process mainly performed by the restoration process execution unit 27c. However, the count data is restored (the correct count data is written) by the data writing unit 25 based on the output of the restoration processing execution unit 27c.

  Similar to the count data restoration processing A and B (FIGS. 14A and B and FIGS. 15A and B), in the count data restoration processing C, the count data at the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C] are stored. As a reference, the value of the count data of the address [B], the address [A], the address [E], and the address [D], and the value of the polarity information data associated with these addresses are represented by the address combination Gr. [3] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [5] or polarity information combination Gr. [6] The value of the count data and the value of the polarity information data are corrected so as to coincide with FIG.

{Count data restoration processing D (step S301d)}
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the count data restoration process D (step S301d in FIG. 13). The count data restoration process D is a process mainly performed by the restoration process execution unit 27c. However, the count data is restored (the correct count data is written) by the data writing unit 25 based on the output of the restoration processing execution unit 27c.

  Similarly to the count data restoration processing A, B, and C (FIGS. 14A and B, FIGS. 15A and B, and FIGS. 16A and B), in the count data restoration processing D, the count data and the address [ D] with reference to the polarity information data associated with D], the count data values of address [C], address [B], address [A], and address [E], and the polarity information data associated with these addresses. The value is the address combination Gr. [4] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [7] or polarity information combination Gr. [8] The value of the count data and the value of the polarity information data are corrected so as to match (FIG. 10).

{Count data restoration processing E (step S301e)}
18A and 18B are flowcharts showing details of the count data restoration process E (step S301e in FIG. 13). The count data restoration process E is a process mainly performed by the restoration process execution unit 27c. However, the count data is restored (the correct count data is written) by the data writing unit 25 based on the output of the restoration processing execution unit 27c.

  Similar to the count data restoration processing A, B, C, and D (FIGS. 14A and B, FIGS. 15A and B, FIGS. 16A and B, and FIGS. 17A and B), the count data restoration processing E uses the address [E ] And the polarity information data associated with the address [E] as a reference, the count data values of the address [D], the address [C], the address [B], the address [A], and the addresses The value of the associated polarity information data is the address combination Gr. [5] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [9] or polarity information combination Gr. [10] The value of the count data and the value of the polarity information data are corrected so as to coincide with FIG.

≪Specific example of detection and repair of count data corruption≫
A specific example will now be given for detection and repair of count data corruption described above.

{Specific Example 1}
FIG. 19 is a list of count data values and polarity information data values in the first specific example.

  As shown in step S101 (FIG. 12), the count data sorting unit 27a rearranges the addresses according to the size of the count data.

  FIG. 20 is a list of the rearranged addresses, the count data values recorded at the addresses, and the polarity information data values associated with the addresses.

  As shown in step S103 (FIG. 12), the count data difference calculation unit 27b calculates a difference value between adjacent count data values along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101.

  FIG. 21 is a list of calculated count data difference values.

  As shown in step S105 (FIG. 12), the restoration processing execution unit 27c uses adjacent polarity information when the polarity information data associated with each address is viewed along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101. Find the number of locations where there is a change between data values. In the first specific example, the number of change points is 0 (see FIG. 20).

  Therefore, the process proceeds to step S109 (FIG. 12). In step S109, since all the count data difference values are not 0, it is determined that there is data corruption, and the process proceeds to step S301e.

  In step S303e (FIGS. 18A and 18B), a determination is made based on the value of the polarity information data of the address [E], and the process proceeds to step S305e depending on the result of the determination.

  As shown in step S305e (FIGS. 18A and 18B), thereafter, the restoration processing execution unit 27c uses the address combination Gr based on the count data of the address [E] and the polarity information data associated with the address [E]. . [5] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [9] The value of the count data and the value of the polarity information data are corrected according to FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [D].

  As shown in steps S307e to S311e (FIGS. 18A and 18B), the count data value of the address [D] is corrected to 24.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [C].

  As shown in steps S313e to S317e (FIGS. 18A and 18B), the count data value of the address [C] is corrected to 23.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [B].

  As shown in steps S319e to S321e (FIGS. 18A and 18B), it is determined that the address [B] does not need to be corrected.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [A].

  As shown in steps S323e to S327e (FIGS. 18A and 18B), the value of the count data at the address [A] is corrected to 21, and the count data restoration process ends.

{Specific Example 2}
FIG. 26 is a list of count data values and polarity information data values in the second specific example.

  As shown in step S101 (FIG. 12), the count data sorting unit 27a rearranges the addresses according to the size of the count data.

  FIG. 27 is a list of how the rearranged addresses are arranged, the value of count data recorded at each address, and the value of polarity information data associated with each address.

  As shown in step S103 (FIG. 12), the count data difference calculation unit 27b calculates a difference value between adjacent count data values along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101.

  FIG. 28 is a list of calculated count data difference values.

  As shown in step S105 (FIG. 12), the restoration processing execution unit 27c uses adjacent polarity information when the polarity information data associated with each address is viewed along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101. Find the number of locations where there is a change between data values. In the specific example 2, the number of change points is 1 (see FIG. 27).

  Therefore, the process proceeds to step S201 (FIG. 12). In step S201 (FIGS. 12 and 13), the address arrangement (FIG. 27) is the address combination Gr. [3] Since it matches (FIG. 9) and the difference values between the count data (FIG. 28) are not all 1, the process proceeds to step S301c.

  In step S303c (FIGS. 16A and 16B), a determination is made based on the value of the polarity information data of the address [C], and the process proceeds to step S305c depending on the result of the determination.

  As shown in step S305c (FIGS. 16A and 16B), thereafter, the restoration processing execution unit 27c uses the address combination Gr based on the count data of the address [C] and the polarity information data associated with the address [C]. . [3] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [5] The value of the count data and the value of the polarity information data are corrected according to (FIG. 10).

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [B].

  As shown in steps S307c to S311c (FIGS. 16A and 16B), it is determined that the address [C] does not need to be corrected.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [A].

  As shown in steps S313c to S317c (FIGS. 16A and 16B), the count data value of the address [A] is corrected to 52.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [E].

  As shown in steps S319c to S321c (FIGS. 16A and B), the count data value of the address [E] is corrected to 51, and in addition, the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [E] Is inverted to 0.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [D].

  As shown in steps S323c to S327c (FIGS. 16A and B), the value of the count data at the address [D] is corrected to 50, and the count data restoration process is completed.

{Specific Example 3}
Specific Example 3 describes a count data recording form in which count data is recorded using a storage area specified by two addresses.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a storage area specified by two addresses in the storage device 7.

  The storage area specified by the two addresses (address [X1] and address [X2]) further includes a polarity information section 33p that holds polarity information data and a count data upper partial storage section 33u that holds upper bits of count data. And a count data lower part storage unit 33l that holds lower bits of count data. The polarity information data storage unit 33p has a bit width of P bits, the count data upper part storage unit 33u has a bit width of MP bits, and the count data lower part storage unit 33l has M bit bits. Have a width.

  FIG. 34 is a list of values of the lower part of count data, values of the upper part of count data, and values of polarity information data in specific example 3.

  FIG. 35 is a list of count data values and polarity information data values in the third specific example. In this way, the value of each count data is handled as one count data by combining the data stored at two addresses, and one polarity information data is assigned to each count data value (for each two addresses). Associated.

  As shown in step S101 (FIG. 12), the count data sorting unit 27a rearranges the addresses according to the size of the count data.

  FIG. 36 is a list of rearranged integrated addresses, a list of count data values recorded in each integrated address, and polarity information data values associated with each integrated address. Here, two addresses at which data constituting one count data is held are collectively referred to as an integrated address.

  As shown in step S103 (FIG. 12), the count data difference calculation unit 27b calculates a difference value between adjacent count data values along the arrangement of the integrated addresses rearranged in step S101.

  FIG. 37 is a list of calculated count data difference values.

  As shown in step S105 (FIG. 12), the restoration processing execution unit 27c is adjacent when the polarity information data associated with each integrated address is viewed along the arrangement of the integrated addresses rearranged in step S101. Find the number of locations where there is a change between the polarity information data values. In the specific example 3, the number of change points is 3 (see FIG. 36).

  Therefore, the process proceeds to step S111 (FIG. 12). In step S111, since all the difference values between the count data are 1, the process proceeds to step S201 (FIGS. 12 and 13). In step S201, the address arrangement method (FIG. 36) is the address combination Gr. Since the integrated address where [1] to [5] (FIG. 9) does not match and the largest count data is recorded is [B], the process proceeds to step S301b.

  In step S303b (FIGS. 15A and 15B), a determination is made based on the value of the polarity information data at address [B], and the process proceeds to step S305b depending on the result of the determination.

  As shown in step S305b (FIGS. 15A and 15B), thereafter, the restoration processing execution unit 27c uses the address combination Gr based on the count data of the address [B] and the polarity information data associated with the address [B]. . [2] (FIG. 9) and polarity information combination Gr. [3] Correct the count data value and the polarity information data value according to FIG.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [A].

  As shown in steps S307b to S311b (FIGS. 15A and 15B), the count data value of the integrated address [A] is corrected to 65536, and in addition, the polarity information data associated with the integrated address [A] Is inverted to 1.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [E].

  As shown in steps S313b to S317b (FIGS. 15A and 15B), the count data value of the address [E] is corrected to 65535.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [D].

  As shown in steps S319b to S321b (FIGS. 15A and 15B), the count data value of the address [D] is corrected to 65534, and in addition, the value of the polarity information data associated with the address [D] Is inverted to 0.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram showing the results of damage detection and damage repair for address [C].

  As shown in steps S323b to S327b (FIGS. 15A and 15B), the value of the count data at the address [C] is corrected to 65533, and the count data restoration process ends.

{Specific Example 4}
FIG. 42 is a list of count data values and polarity information data values in the fourth specific example. The fourth specific example is an example in the case where the damage of the count data cannot be repaired. In this case, the repair process execution unit 27c performs an output notifying the abnormality of the count data without executing the repair process, and ends the process.

  As shown in step S101 (FIG. 12), the count data sorting unit 27a rearranges the addresses according to the size of the count data.

  FIG. 43 is a list of rearranged addresses, count data values recorded at each address, and polarity information data values associated with each address.

  As shown in step S103 (FIG. 12), the count data difference calculation unit 27b calculates a difference value between adjacent count data values along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101.

  FIG. 44 is a list of calculated count data difference values.

  As shown in step S105 (FIG. 12), the restoration processing execution unit 27c uses adjacent polarity information when the polarity information data associated with each address is viewed along the arrangement of the addresses rearranged in step S101. Find the number of locations where there is a change between data values. In the fourth specific example, the number of change points is four (see FIG. 43).

  Therefore, the process proceeds to step S111 (FIG. 12). In step S111, there is a difference value between count data other than 1, and the arrangement of addresses (FIG. 36) is an address combination Gr. Since it does not match any of [1] to [5] (FIG. 9), the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the repair processing execution unit 27c determines that data corruption that cannot be repaired correctly has occurred, outputs information indicating that, and ends the processing.

<Summary>
The count data recording apparatus according to the present invention has been described above assuming that five addresses are used for recording count data. However, according to the present invention, count data can be recorded using addresses other than five. In this case, the count data recording method, the count data corruption detection method, and the count data corruption repair method may be the same as described above. The specific embodiment will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description in the case of using the five addresses described above.

  In the present invention, the storage device 7 for storing count data is not particularly limited. The storage device 7 is, for example, an EEPROM.

The storage device 7 may be provided with a mask area for performing normal data recording without recording polarity information data.
The mask area refers to a storage area that is different from the storage area for storing the count data and that is not associated with the polarity information data.
In the mask area of the storage device, data is written without reversing the polarity information data. Thus, in the present invention, the storage device can include a storage area for storing count data in association with polarity information data, and a storage area for reading and writing normal data. It is also possible to efficiently use the storage area in the apparatus without leaving any space. In the present invention, the mask area can be set in the storage device in units of addresses.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for recording count data using a storage device. The present invention is particularly useful for recording count data beyond the number of times that the storage device can be repeatedly written.

1 is a perspective view of a count data recording apparatus (MFP 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view of the photoreceptor unit 5 Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of MFP 1 Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the MFP 1 Data configuration diagram of storage area specified by one address of storage device 7 Example of count data recording Illustration of how addresses are arranged in descending order according to the size of the count data value The figure which shows the difference value between count data when arranging normal count data in descending order of the value List of possible address arrangements when addresses are sorted in descending order of count data List of how the polarity information data is associated with each address that can occur when the addresses are sorted in descending order of the count data Diagram showing combinations of address combinations and polarity information combinations Flow chart of main flow of detection and repair of count data corruption Flow chart of count data restoration process selection process Flow chart of count data restoration process selection process Flow chart of count data restoration processing A Flow chart of count data restoration processing A Flow chart of count data restoration process B Flow chart of count data restoration process B Flow chart of count data restoration process C Flow chart of count data restoration process C Flow chart of count data restoration process D Flow chart of count data restoration process D Flow chart of count data restoration processing E Flow chart of count data restoration processing E Table of count data and polarity information data before repair processing in count data repair processing example 1 Sorted count data and polarity information data table Count data difference table The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing Table of count data and polarity information data before repair processing in count data repair processing example 2 Sorted count data and polarity information data table Count data difference table The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing Data structure diagram of storage area specified by two addresses of storage device 7 Table of count data and polarity information data before the repair process in the specific example 3 of the count data repair process Table of count data and polarity information data before the repair process in the specific example 3 of the count data repair process Sorted count data and polarity information data table Count data difference table The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing The figure which shows the process of count data restoration processing Table of count data and polarity information data before repair processing in count data repair processing example 4 Sorted count data and polarity information data table Count data difference table

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Count data recording device (digital multifunction device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Toner cartridge 5 ... Photoconductor unit 7 ... Storage device 11 ... Central processing unit 13 ... Random access memory 15 ... Read only memory 17 ... I / O LSI
19o ... Output device 19i ... Input device 21 ... Computer 23 ... Control unit 25 ... Data writing unit 25a ... Count data writing unit 25b ... Polarity information data reversing unit 27 ... Data Repair unit 27a ... Count data sort unit 27b ... Count data difference calculation unit 27c ... Repair processing execution unit 29 ... Data read unit 31 ... Setting data holding unit 33 ... Count data storage unit 33l ... Count data lower part storage unit 33p... Polarity information data storage unit 33u .. Count data upper part storage unit

Claims (7)

A count data recording device that records a count value monotonously changing from a predetermined value at a predetermined width as count data in a recording device,
A storage unit for storing the count data;
A data writing unit for writing the count data to the storage unit;
A data reading unit for reading the count data from the storage unit;
A data restoration unit that detects corruption of the count data stored in the storage unit and repairs the corruption;
The storage unit
A plurality of count data storage units that are specified by the position specifying identifier and store count data are associated with each of the count data storage units, and one of two types of data indicating the first value and the second value is selected. The number of polarity information data storage units to be stored in the same number as the number of count data storage units,
The data writing unit
A count data writing unit that writes the count data to one count data storage unit cyclically in a predetermined order from the plurality of count data storage units, and the count data writing unit writes the count data A polarity information data inversion unit for inverting the content of data stored in the polarity information data storage unit associated with the count data storage unit between the first value and the second value,
The data restoration unit
Count data sort in which the position identification identifiers of the count data storage unit are arranged according to the size of the count data with respect to the plurality of count data stored in the plurality of count data storage units read from the storage unit by the data reading unit And
A count data difference calculating unit that calculates a difference value between count data adjacent to each other along the order of the position identification identifiers arranged by the count data sorting unit
According to the order in which the position identification identifiers are arranged in the order in which the count data sort unit is arranged, the way in which the difference values between the count data are arranged in the order in which the count data sort unit is arranged, A count data recording apparatus comprising: a repair processing execution unit that detects damage of a plurality of count data stored in the storage unit and repairs the damage based on the arrangement of the polarity information data.   The count data storage unit specified by one position specifying identifier has two storage areas specified by two memory addresses, and the count data is divided and stored into the two storage areas. The count data recording device according to claim 1.   The count data recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined value is zero and the predetermined width is plus one.   The count data recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined value is a natural number not including zero, and the predetermined width is minus one.   The count data recording device according to claim 3, wherein the count data sorting unit arranges the position specifying identifiers of the count data storage unit in descending order of the size of the count data.   The count data recording device according to claim 4, wherein the count data sorting unit arranges the position identification identifiers of the count data storage unit in ascending order of the size of the count data.   The restoration processing execution unit obtains the number of places where the value of the polarity information data changes in the polarity information data arranged in the order arranged by the count data sorting unit, and based on the obtained number of changed parts The count data recording device according to claim 1, wherein the count data recording device according to claim 1, wherein the count data stored in the storage unit is detected to be damaged and repaired.

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