JP5428816B2 - Image forming apparatus, data control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a data control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for each type of application in an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus having a macro function for setting and holding an operation condition for each process for executing the application and executing the application according to the held operation condition There is.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that in an image forming apparatus, a macro editing setting state is stored in an editing memory in association with a macro key, and then the editing setting state is read from the editing memory by operating the macro key. Techniques to perform are disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, when generating a macro that reproduces the operation procedure of the operation unit in the image forming apparatus, information on the operation unit of the other image forming apparatus is acquired, and the operation unit of the other image forming apparatus can also be used. A technique for changing a macro to be executable is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, each device has storage means for storing setting information for the purpose of sharing setting information of operation conditions that can be used without problems even if the devices are different, and is described in the storage means. A technique for transferring setting information is disclosed.

  However, in the above-mentioned patent document, when a technique for exporting / importing macro information indicating a macro operating condition is considered, the macro information is simply transferred. Here, when device-specific reference information (for example, an address book identifier) is registered in the macro information, even if the macro information is imported to another device, the reference information included in the macro information is imported to the other device. It does not always match the information of the export source. Therefore, there is a problem that macro information including reference information may not be used properly even if imported.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and even when exported macro information is imported to another device, image formation that can execute a macro using information equivalent to the information of the export source An object is to provide an apparatus, a data control method, and a program.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a macro information storage unit that stores macro information including setting information in a printing operation, and entity information associated with reference information indicating relative variables that can be set as the setting information. An entity information storage unit that stores the macro information, a determination unit that determines whether or not the macro information includes reference information when the macro information is exported, and a determination that the reference unit includes the reference information If it is, export means for exporting macro information in which the reference information is converted into entity information corresponding to the reference information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data control method that associates macro information storage means for storing macro information including setting information in a printing operation and reference information indicating relative variables that can be set as the setting information. A determination step of determining whether or not the macro information includes reference information when exporting the macro information when the macro information is exported. And an export step for exporting macro information in which the reference information is converted into entity information corresponding to the reference information when the determination means determines that the reference information is included.

  According to the present invention, even when the exported macro information is imported to another device, the macro can be executed using information equivalent to the information of the export source.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure explaining the outline | summary of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the macro information of an XML format. The figure which shows an example of the entity information of an XML format. The flowchart which shows an example of the registration process of entity information. The flowchart which shows an example of the registration process of macro information. The flowchart which shows an example of an export 1 process. The figure which shows the conversion example of the macro information of export 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of an export 2 process. The figure which shows the conversion example of the macro information of export 2. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the example of an export screen. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of export 3 processing. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of import processing according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of an import 1 process. The figure which shows an example of the macro information of an import 1 process. The flowchart which shows an example of an import 2 process. The figure which shows the conversion example of the macro information of an import 2 process. The flowchart which shows an example of an import 3 process. The figure which shows the conversion example of the macro information of an import 3 process. The flowchart which shows an example of an import 4 process. The figure which shows the conversion example of the macro information of an import 4 process. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the export 4 process. The flowchart which shows an example of the export 5 process. The flowchart which shows an example of the export 6 process.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Example 1]
<Hardware configuration>
First, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus includes a CPU 11, a RAM (Randam Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 14, an operation panel 15, an engine 16, a disk driver 17, and a storage. A medium 18, an external I / F (interface) 19, a modem 20, and a communication control unit 21 are included.

  The CPU 11 is a control unit that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in the computer. The CPU 11 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the RAM 12 or the like. The CPU 11 receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  The RAM 12 stores data as a temporary storage location. The ROM 13 stores programs, fonts, and other static data. The NVRAM 14 stores nonvolatile data.

  The operation panel 15 includes a key switch (hard key) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) having a touch panel function (including GUI software key: Graphical User Interface), and uses the functions of the image forming apparatus. Display and / or input device functioning as a UI (User Interface).

  The engine 16 serves as an image data input / output unit for reading a paper document and printing it on a transfer paper.

  The disk driver 17 is an interface between a storage medium 18 (for example, a storage media drive) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and the image forming apparatus.

  The storage medium 18 is a USB memory or an SD memory. The external I / F 19 is an interface between the image forming apparatus and an external storage device 111 (for example, a storage media drive) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  The modem 20 is connected to a public telephone line and enables communication with an external device. The communication control unit 21 is connected to a network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and enables communication with an external device.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus includes the image forming apparatus by executing the program stored in the storage device by the CPU 11 and sending a control signal (control command) to each apparatus (controlling each apparatus). An application such as a copy, a fax, a scanner, or a printer is realized, and information managed by the image forming apparatus or information managed in a system to which the image forming apparatus is connected can be processed.

<Functional configuration>
Next, a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The functions of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment are as follows: entity information registration unit 101, macro information registration unit 102, macro information storage unit 103, entity information storage unit 104, determination unit 105, conversion unit 106, export unit 107, import unit 108. , Entity / reference information determination means 109 and allocation means 110 are included.

  The entity information registration unit 101 stores the entity information in the entity information storage unit 104 in association with the reference information. The registration of the actual information will be described later with reference to FIG. Reference information is information managed by an identifier (ID), and other information (entity information) is associated with this ID. Specifically, taking the address book as an example, the destination ID of the address book is reference information, and the actual destination (phone number / FAX number) is entity information.

  The macro information registration unit 102 stores operation setting information (hereinafter also referred to as macro information) including each setting information in the printing operation in the macro information storage unit 103. The registration of macro information will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The macro information storage unit 103 is a storage unit (ROM 13 or the like), and stores one or a plurality of macro information. The entity information storage unit 104 is a storage unit (ROM 13 or the like), and stores one or a plurality of entity information.

  The determination unit 105 determines whether or not reference information is included in the exported macro information when the macro information is exported. In addition, when importing macro information, the determination unit 105 determines whether reference information is included in the imported macro information. When the determination unit 105 determines that “included”, the conversion unit 106 issues a conversion instruction.

  When receiving the conversion instruction, the conversion means 106 converts the reference information into entity information if the macro information is to be exported, and converts the entity information into reference information if the macro information is to be imported. The converted macro information is output to the export means 107 or the import means 108.

  The export unit 107 is, for example, an SD card reader, and stores the macro information / substance information read from the macro information storage unit 103 and / or the entity information storage unit 104 in the SD card. The export means 107 may export to other storage media (USB memory, external HDD, etc.) besides the SD card. Sending macro information to another device via a network is also called export.

  The import unit 108 is, for example, an SD card reader, reads macro information stored in the SD card, and stores it in the macro information storage unit 103.

  The entity / reference information determination unit 109 determines whether the reference information and / or entity information included in the macro information is stored in the entity information storage unit 104.

  The assignment unit 110 assigns new reference information (new ID) to new entity information when importing macro information. The new entity information is information that is not stored in the entity information storage unit 104. The assigning unit 110 may assign new reference information to entity information even when the same reference information exists at the import destination during import.

<Overview>
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a case is considered where macro information used in the device (image forming apparatus) A is exported and the exported macro information is imported into the device B. The macro information used by the device A is “address”: “address book: 5”, “transmission time” “after 10 minutes”, “file format” “TIFF”, and “compression” “yes”. is there. Here, reference information “(ID =) 5” is registered as setting information of “destination”.

  On the other hand, the device B that exports and imports the macro information of the device A has a NULL address book. Therefore, since the reference information “5” of “destination” does not exist even when macro information is imported, the device B cannot set the destination and cannot execute the macro based on the macro information.

  Therefore, when exporting the macro information, the device A determines whether the reference information is included in the macro information. If it is determined that the reference information is included, the device A converts (expands) the reference information into the entity information. Export information. For example, since the entity information of the ID “5” in the “address book” is “0120-00-0005”, “0120-00-0005” is registered in the “destination” of the macro information to be exported.

  Thus, the device B that has imported the macro information in which the reference information is converted into the entity information can execute the macro based on the macro information.

<Specific example>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of XML format macro information. In the following example, an example of exporting / importing macro information of the fax transmission function of the copier will be described. The macro information (operation setting information) is expressed, for example, in an XML format text file that starts with a <settings> tag and ends with a </ settings> tag.

  One macro information is expressed in a <setting> tag, and the macro information can be distinguished from each other by a unique identifier described in the <name> tag. The macro information includes a set of fax destinations surrounded by <addresses> tags, and entity information or reference information of the destination itself can be specified for each <address> tag.

  When specifying the destination entity information, the destination itself is specified in the <number> tag, and when specifying the destination reference information, the identifier is specified in the <id> tag. The identifier is expressed by a unique positive integer. An example of this is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, three destinations are set, two are entity information, and one is reference information. When the destination is <id> 1 <id>, the entity information is referred, the entity information “0123-45-7893” with the ID “1” is read, and the macro is executed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of entity information in the XML format. The entity information and reference information stored in the entity information storage unit 104 are expressed in, for example, an XML format that starts with a <database> tag and ends with a </ database> tag. Regarding the reference information regarding the destination, one address is expressed by <address> to </ address>, the entity information of the destination is indicated by <number>, and its identifier (reference information) is indicated by an <id> tag. An example of this is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the identifier “1” is associated with the destination entity information “0123-45-7893”, and the identifier “2” is associated with the entity information “0123-45-7894”. The macro information may be copy function setting information (color setting, duplex setting, paper setting, etc.) or scanning function setting information (resolution setting, etc.).

<Registration>
Next, an example of registration processing in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of registration processing of entity information. In step S101, the entity information registration unit 101 acquires new entity information (for example, new destination information) via an input interface (such as the operation panel 15).

  In step S102, the entity information registration unit 101 acquires all the reference information from the entity information storage unit 104. In step S103, the entity information registration unit 101 identifies the maximum value of the identifier from the acquired reference information.

  In step S <b> 104, the entity information registration unit 101 stores the specified maximum value + 1 in the entity information storage unit 104 in association with the new entity information. Thus, the new entity information and the identifier can be associated with each other and stored in the entity information storage unit 104.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of macro information registration processing. In step S201, the macro information registration unit 102 acquires a destination to be registered in the macro information via the input interface, and stores it in the primary storage unit (for example, the RAM 2). In FIG. 7, the destination is described as an example, but the destination is not limited to the destination, and any setting information included in the macro information may be used.

  In step S202, the macro information registration unit 102 determines whether the acquired destination is entity information. If the determination result in step S202 is YES (entity information), the process proceeds to step S203, and if the determination result is NO (reference information), the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S203, the macro information registration unit 102 registers the destination entity information as <number>. In step S204, the macro information registration unit 102 registers an identifier using the reference information of the destination as an <id> tag.

  In step S205, the macro information registration unit 102 determines whether all destinations input via the input interface have been added to the macro information. If the determination result in step S205 is YES (all added), the process proceeds to step S206, and if the determination result is NO (all not added), the process returns to step S202.

  In step S206, the macro information registration unit 102 detects a registration instruction of the macro information in the macro information storage unit 103 by the user via the input interface.

  In step S207, the macro information registration unit 102 acquires macro information to which actual state information and reference information are added from the primary storage unit.

  In step S208, the macro information registration unit 102 stores the macro information in the macro information storage unit 103 together with an identifier <name> for identifying other macro information. <Name> may be designated by the user, or a number or the like may be automatically assigned by the device. As a result, new macro information can be stored in the macro information storage means 103.

<Export>
Next, the export process in Example 1 is demonstrated. A plurality of export processes can be considered and will be described below.
(Export 1)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the export 1 process. In step S301, the export unit 107 receives an export instruction for macro information stored in the macro information storage unit 103 (secondary storage unit) using the input interface. At this time, the user selects which macro information is to be exported.

  In step S302, the export unit 107 selects one macro information from the macro information storage unit 103, reads it, and stores it in the primary storage unit (for example, the RAM 2).

  In step S303, the export unit 107 selects one element <address> of <addresses> of the macro information held by the primary storage unit.

  In step S304, the determination unit 105 determines whether <id> (reference information) is set (included) in the macro information. If the determination result in step S304 is YES (set), the process proceeds to step S305, and if the determination result is NO (not set), the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S305, the conversion unit 106 searches for the destination having the same <id> from the reference information <id> held by the entity information storage unit 104.

  In step S306, the conversion unit 106 acquires <number> of the destination having the same <id>, and sets the search result in <number> of <address> being selected.

  In step S307, the export unit 107 determines whether there is any <address> that has not been selected. If the determination result in step S307 is YES (remains), the process returns to step S303, and if the determination result is NO (remains), the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, the conversion unit 106 deletes all <id> of the macro information stored in the primary storage unit. Thus, the conversion from the reference information to the entity information is completed.

  In step S309, the export unit 107 exports the macro information held by the primary storage unit to, for example, an SD card.

  In step S310, the export unit 107 determines whether macro information that has not been selected remains. If the determination result in step S310 is YES (remains), the process proceeds to step S302. If the determination result is NO (remains), the process ends.

  Thus, when exporting macro information, even if the macro information includes reference information, the reference information can be converted into entity information and exported. In addition, since the entity information of the reference information can be used when using the macro information at the import destination, the same macro information as the export source can be used.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a conversion example of the macro information of the export 1. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of entity information stored in the entity information storage unit 104. In the example shown in FIG. 9A, entity information “0123-45-7893” is registered in <number>, and reference information “1” in <id> is associated with this entity information.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of macro information stored in the macro information storage unit 103. In the macro information shown in FIG. 9B, reference information is registered in the second <address>. FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating an example of macro information when exporting. When the macro information in FIG. 9B is exported, the reference information whose <id> is “1” is converted into entity information “0123-45-7893”. As a result, the macro information shown in FIG. 9C is exported to an external storage device (for example, an SD card) and used without any trouble at the import destination.

(Export 2)
Next, the export 2 process will be described. In the export 2 process, reference information and entity information are set as macro information.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the export 2 process. 10 that perform the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 10, there is no step S308 shown in FIG. Thus, both the entity information and the reference information are registered in the macro information.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a conversion example of the macro information of the export 2. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example of entity information stored in the entity information storage unit 104. In the example shown in FIG. 11A, entity information “0123-45-7893” is registered in <number>, and reference information “1” in <id> is associated with this entity information.

  FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating an example of macro information stored in the macro information storage unit 103. In the macro information shown in FIG. 11B, reference information is registered in the second <address>. FIG. 11C is a diagram illustrating an example of macro information when exporting. When exporting the macro information in FIG. 11B, the entity information “0123-45-7893” is identified from the reference information of <id> “1”, and this entity information is set as the macro information. Thus, both the reference information and the entity information of the macro information shown in FIG. 11C are registered in the macro information.

(Export 3)
Next, the process of export 3 will be described. In the export 3 process, the user can select the export 1 process and the export 2 process.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an export screen. The screen shown in FIG. 12 displays a destination input field, an “add” button for confirming the input after the destination is input, and two buttons for executing the export. Buttons for executing export include “export reference destination” and “export all”.

  When “Export reference destination” is pressed, the device performs the process of export 1. When “Export All” is pressed, the device performs export 2 processing. That is, the user can select which process to perform depending on the situation.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the export 3 process. The processes shown in FIG. 13 that perform the same processes as those shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In step S401, the export unit 107 determines whether it is detected that “Export reference destination” has been pressed. If the determination result in step S401 is YES (detection of pressing “export reference destination”), the process proceeds to step S402. If the determination result in step S401 is NO (detection of pressing “export all”), the process proceeds to step S403. move on.

  In step S402, the device performs export 1 processing. Actually, the processing after S302 shown in FIG. 8 is performed. In step S403, the device performs export 2 processing. Actually, the processing after S302 shown in FIG. 10 is performed.

  Accordingly, when exporting macro information, the user can select whether to convert reference information into entity information or to include both reference information and entity information in macro information.

<Import>
Next, processing for importing exported macro information will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of import processing according to the first embodiment. In step S501, the import unit 108 receives an instruction to import macro information held in the external storage unit (for example, an SD card) using the input interface.

  In step S <b> 502, the device stores the macro information in the macro information storage unit (secondary storage unit) 103. At this time, a plurality of processes can be considered for the import process in step S502 and will be described below.

(Import 1)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the import 1 process. In step S601, the import unit 108 selects one macro information, reads it from the external storage unit, and stores it in the primary storage unit (for example, the RAM 2).

  In step S602, the import unit 108 selects one <address> element <address> of the <addresses> of the macro information held by the primary storage unit, and acquires <id>.

  In step S <b> 603, the entity / reference information determination unit 109 determines whether there is an <address> element having the same <id> in the entity information storage unit 104. If the determination result in step S603 is YES (yes), the process proceeds to step S604, and if the determination result is NO (none), the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S <b> 604, the import unit 108 confirms from the entity information storage unit 104 that <number> corresponding to the same <id> exists.

  In step S605, the import unit 108 determines whether or not <address> that has not been selected remains. If the determination result of step S605 is YES (remains), it will return to step S602, and if a determination result is NO (remaining), it will progress to step S606.

  In step S606, the import unit 108 stores (imports) the macro information stored in the primary storage unit in the macro information storage unit 103.

  In step S607, the import unit 108 determines whether macro information that has not been selected remains in the external storage unit. If the determination result in step S607 is YES (remains), the process returns to step S601. If the determination result is NO (remains), the process ends.

  Thus, when <id> is set in the macro information to be imported, if the same <id> and the corresponding <number> exist in the entity information storage unit 104, the macro information including <id> is imported. be able to. In addition, the same macro information as the export source can be used, the data size does not increase due to the expansion of the entity information, and the identifier of the reference information does not change, thereby saving the occupied area of the storage area and referencing Information management can be facilitated.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of macro information for the import 1 process. FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating an example of entity information stored in the entity information storage unit 104. In the example shown in FIG. 16A, entity information “0123-45-7893” is registered in <number>, and reference information “1” in <id> is associated with this entity information.

  FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating an example of imported macro information. In the macro information shown in FIG. 16B, reference information is registered in the second <address>. FIG. 16C is a diagram illustrating an example of macro information after being imported. When importing the macro information in FIG. 16B, it is determined whether entity information corresponding to the reference information with <id> “1” exists in the entity information storage unit 104. Is done.

(Import 2)
Next, the import 2 process will be described. Import 2 is processing corresponding to export 2. That is, in the macro information, both the reference information and the entity information are set as one setting information (for example, <address>). FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the import 2 process. In step S <b> 701, the import unit 108 reads all macro information from the import source (for example, an SD card) and stores it in the macro information storage unit (secondary storage unit) 103.

  In step S702, the import unit 108 selects and reads one piece of macro information from the macro information storage unit 103, and stores it in the primary storage unit.

  In step S703, the import unit 108 selects <address> for which <id> is set from the macro information held by the primary storage unit.

  In step S704, <id> of the selected <address> is acquired. In step S705, the entity / reference information determination unit 109 determines whether the entity information storage unit 104 includes <address> identified by the same <id>. If the determination result in step S705 is YES (included), the process proceeds to step S708, and if the determination result is NO (not included), the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, the import unit 108 obtains <number> from the selected <address>.

  In step S707, the import unit 108 associates <id> and <number> acquired from the macro information and stores them in the entity information storage unit 104.

  In step S <b> 708, the import unit 108 determines whether there is an unselected <address> in the macro information. If the determination result in step S708 is YES (remains), the process returns to step S703, and if the determination result is NO (not remaining), the process proceeds to step S709.

  In step S709, the import unit 108 determines whether there is any macro information not selected at the import source. If the determination result in step S709 is YES (remains), the process returns to step S702. If the determination result is NO (remains), the process proceeds to step S710.

  In step S <b> 710, the import unit 108 selects all <address> for which <id> is set from the macro information stored in the macro information storage unit 103.

  In step S711, the import unit 108 deletes <number> of all the selected <address> s. Thus, if the macro information to be imported includes reference information and entity information, and there is no same reference information at the import destination, the macro information reference information and entity information can be stored in the entity information storage unit 104. In addition, entity information can be deleted from the imported macro information. This is because even if the entity information is deleted, the entity information can be specified from the entity information storage unit 104 by storing the pair of the reference information and the entity information in the entity information storage unit 104.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of conversion of macro information in the import 2 process. FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating an example of entity information stored in the entity information storage unit 104. In the example shown in FIG. 18A, entity information “0123-45-7895” is registered in <number>, and reference information “3” in <id> is associated with this entity information.

  FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating an example of imported macro information. In the macro information shown in FIG. 18B, entity information and reference information are registered in the second <address>.

  FIG. 18C is a diagram illustrating an example of entity information stored in the entity information storage unit 104 after being imported. In the entity information shown in FIG. 18C, <number> “0123-45-7893” and <id> “1” included in the macro information are registered.

  FIG. 18D is a diagram illustrating an example of macro information after being imported. In the macro information shown in FIG. 18D, <number> is deleted from <address> where <id> is registered. This is because the entity information of <id> “1” can be specified from the entity information stored in the entity information storage unit 104 shown in FIG.

(Import 3)
Next, the import 3 process will be described. Import 3 is processing corresponding to export 2, and is improved processing of import 2. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the import 3 process. In the processing shown in FIG. 19, the same reference numerals are given to the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. 17, and description thereof is omitted.

  In step S <b> 801, the import unit 108 acquires <number> from the selected <address>.

  In step S802, first, the entity / reference information determination unit 109 stores the same <id> as the macro information in the entity information storage unit 104, and further stores the entity information included in the macro information and the entity information storage unit 104. Confirm that the actual information is different. Next, the allocation unit 110 acquires a new ID that can be held in the entity information storage unit 104.

  In step S803, the import unit 108 stores the new ID and the acquired <number> in the entity information storage unit 104 in association with each other.

  In step S804, the assigning unit 110 replaces the same <id> value included in the macro information and stored in the entity information storage unit 104 with a new ID. The subsequent processing is the same as in FIG.

  As a result, the imported macro information is different from the entity information, but when the same reference information is stored in the entity information storage means 104, a problem can be prevented by assigning a new ID. Further, even if the identifiers of the reference information are duplicated, the imported macro information can correctly refer to the entity information that was referred to when it was exported without overwriting the reference information of the import destination. Therefore, the user can perform export / import processing without being aware of data inconsistency.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of conversion of macro information in the import 3 process. FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating an example of entity information stored in the entity information storage unit 104. In the example shown in FIG. 20A, entity information “0123-45-7895” is registered in <number>, and reference information “1” in <id> is associated with this entity information.

  FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating an example of imported macro information. In the macro information shown in FIG. 20B, entity information <number> “0123-45-7893” and reference information <id> “1” are registered in the second <address>.

  FIG. 20C is a diagram illustrating an example of entity information stored in the entity information storage unit 104 after being imported. In the entity information shown in FIG. 20C, <number> “0123-45-7893” and new ID <id> “2” included in the macro information are registered.

  FIG. 20D is a diagram illustrating an example of macro information after being imported. In the macro information shown in FIG. 20D, <number> is deleted from <address> where <id> is registered. Also, <id> is changed from “1” to “2”.

(Import 4)
Next, the import 4 process will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the import 4 process. The processes shown in FIG. 21 that perform the same processes as the processes shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the import 4 process, when the entity information included in the macro information is stored in the entity information storage unit 104, it is converted into reference information and stored in the macro information storage unit 103.

  In step S901, the import unit 108 selects <address> of macro information held by the primary storage unit.

  In step S 902, the entity / reference information determination unit 109 determines whether the same value as the acquired <number> (entity information) is stored in the entity information storage unit 104. If the determination result in step S902 is YES (stored), the process proceeds to step S903, and if the determination result is NO (not stored), the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S903, the conversion unit 106 acquires the identifier of the reference information corresponding to the entity information that matches the acquired <number> from the entity information storage unit 104, and sets it to <id> of the currently selected <address>. .

  In step S904, the import unit 108 stores <id> set in step S903 in the same <address> of the same macro information held by the macro information storage unit 103. The subsequent processing is the same as in FIG.

  As a result, the imported macro information can correctly refer to the reference information that was referenced when the macro information was exported with the identifier managed on the imported side. Therefore, the user can perform the export / import process without being aware of the data inconsistency and the additional process for data management.

  In steps S710 and S711, <number> of <address> in which <id> is set after steps S707 and S903 may be deleted each time.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of conversion of macro information in the import 4 process. FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating an example of entity information stored in the entity information storage unit 104. In the example shown in FIG. 22A, entity information “0123-45-7891” is registered in <number>, and reference information “1” in <id> is associated with this entity information.

  FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating an example of imported macro information. Two pieces of <address> are registered in the macro information shown in FIG. FIG. 22C is a diagram illustrating an example of macro information after being imported. In the macro information shown in FIG. 22C, the entity information <number> “0123-45-7891” is converted into the reference information <id> “1”.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, even when the exported macro information is imported to another device, the macro can be executed using information equivalent to the information of the export source.

[Example 2]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 will be described. In the second embodiment, it is determined whether the entity information storage unit 104 (for example, <database>) is managed synchronously with other devices.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the function shown in FIG. 23, the same function as that shown in FIG. 2 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The synchronization management unit 201 determines whether or not the entity information storage unit 104 is synchronized with the import destination device. If synchronized management is performed, the macro information is exported as it is. If synchronization management is not performed, the export processing described in the first embodiment is performed.

  The means for managing synchronization is not particularly limited. A method in which entity information is collectively managed by one server and referenced from a plurality of devices, a method of mirroring by a plurality of devices, and the like can be considered.

  The synchronization management unit 201 determines that synchronization management is performed when the actual information storage unit 104 is in the server or when mirroring is performed. Further, the synchronization management unit 201 may set information regarding whether or not synchronization management is performed in advance by an administrator, and may determine synchronization management by referring to this information.

<Export>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 2 will be described. Also in the second embodiment, a plurality of export processes can be considered as in the first embodiment, and will be described below.

(Export 4)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the export 4 process according to the second embodiment. The processes shown in FIG. 24 that perform the same processes as those shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S1001, the synchronization management unit 201 determines whether or not the entity information storage unit 104 is synchronously managed. If the determination result in step S1001 is YES (synchronized management), the process proceeds to step S310. If the determination result is NO (synchronized management is not performed), the process proceeds to step S303. Accordingly, when the entity information storage unit 104 is managed synchronously, the macro information can be exported as it is.

(Export 5)
Next, the process of export 5 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the export 5 process. In the process of export 5, the determination in step S1001 is performed before step S401 in the process shown in FIG.

  Note that the export 4 and export 5 processes are effective when the import destination device is known.

(Export 6)
Next, the export 6 process will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the export 6 process. In the process of export 6, the process of step S1101 is performed before step S303 in the process shown in FIG.

  In step S1101, the synchronization management unit 201 determines whether it is possible to determine that the entity information storage unit 104 is managed synchronously. If the determination result in step S1101 is YES (determinable), the process proceeds to S1001 in FIG. 24, and if the determination result is NO (determinable), the process proceeds to step S303.

  Here, “impossibility of determination” means that determination cannot be made when the import destination is unknown. Thus, even when the synchronization management cannot be determined, the export / import process can be continued.

  In the case of import processing, import can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment by determining synchronization management with an export source device. At this time, if synchronization management of the entity information storage unit 104 is performed, the macro information can be imported as it is. Note that the processes shown in FIGS. 24 and 26 show an example of the process of exporting the macro information collectively at the end.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is determined whether the entity information storage unit 104 is synchronously managed with other devices. When synchronous management is performed, the macro information can be exported / imported as it is.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and other than the above-described embodiments within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, various modifications and changes can be made.

  Note that the processing content described in each embodiment may be a program, and this program may be executed by a computer to cause the image forming apparatus to execute the processing described above. It is also possible to record the program on a recording medium, cause the computer to read the recording medium on which the program is recorded, and cause the image forming apparatus to execute the processing described above.

12 RAM
13 ROM
14 NVRAM
15 Operation panel 16 Engine 17 Disk driver 18 Storage medium 19 External I / F
20 modem 21 communication control unit 101 entity information registration unit 102 macro information registration unit 103 macro information storage unit 104 entity information storage unit 105 determination unit 106 conversion unit 107 export unit 108 import unit 109 entity / reference information determination unit 110 allocation unit 201 synchronization Management means

JP 2002-185661 A JP 2006-44161 A JP 2004-094294 A

Claims (9)

Macro information storage means for storing macro information including each setting information in the printing operation;
Entity information storage means for storing entity information in association with reference information indicating relative variables that can be set as the setting information;
When exporting the macro information, a determination unit that determines whether reference information is included in the macro information;
An export unit that exports macro information in which the reference information is converted into entity information corresponding to the reference information when the determination unit determines that the reference information is included ;
The export means includes
When the determination means determines that reference information is included, the reference information is converted into entity information corresponding to the reference information, or the reference information and entity information corresponding to the reference information are converted into macro information. further comprising Ru image forming apparatus selection means for selecting the inclusion. The export means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that reference information is included, the macro information including the reference information and entity information corresponding to the reference information is exported. The determination means includes
When importing the macro information, determine whether reference information is included in the macro information,
If it is determined by the determination means that reference information is included, if the reference information and entity information corresponding to the reference information are stored in the entity information storage means, macro information including the reference information is obtained. the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 any one, further comprising an import means import. The import means includes
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein when the reference information is not stored in the entity information storage unit, the reference information and entity information corresponding to the reference information are associated and stored in the entity information storage unit. The import means includes
If the reference information is stored in the entity information storage, the entity information corresponding to the reference information, the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein storing in the entity information assigns a new reference information. The import means includes
If the entity information in the imported macro information is stored in the entity information storage, any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the entity information is to import the converted macro information in the reference information corresponding to the entity information The image forming apparatus according to one item. A synchronization determination unit that determines whether the other image forming apparatus to which the export unit exports and the entity information storage unit are synchronously managed;
The export means includes
The synchronization determination if it is determined to be synchronized managed by means, the image forming apparatus according to an item any one of claims 1 to 6 to export the macro information including the reference information. The export means includes
When it is determined by the synchronization determination means that synchronization management is not performed, the reference information is converted into entity information corresponding to the reference information, or the reference information and entity information corresponding to the reference information are converted into macro information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising selection means for selecting whether to include. An image comprising macro information storage means for storing macro information including each setting information in a printing operation, and entity information storage means for storing the entity information in association with reference information indicating relative variables that can be set as the setting information. A data control method in a forming apparatus,
When exporting the macro information, a determination step of determining whether or not reference information is included in the macro information;
When said reference information is determined to be included by the determining means, it has a and export steps to export the macro information converted into the entity information in which the reference information corresponding to said reference information,
The exporting step includes
When it is determined in the determination step that reference information is included, the reference information is converted into entity information corresponding to the reference information, or the reference information and entity information corresponding to the reference information are included in macro information. A data control method further comprising a selection step for selecting the above .

Images