JP5478123B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method for realizing a desired color by switching a color table.

The colors that can be reproduced by a color image forming apparatus such as a color printer or a color copying machine differ slightly depending on the manufacturer and model.
In addition, since there are variations in the preferences of users who use these image forming apparatuses, it is difficult to express the favorite colors of each user from the beginning of the introduction of the apparatus.
Therefore, in recent years, an image forming apparatus capable of realizing a desired color by switching a color table has been provided.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a color table switching procedure based on such a conventional method.
As shown in the figure, the color table switching by the conventional method is performed first from the service bulletin database 40 such as a maintenance company in which various color tables are prepared. Two or more table data are extracted and stored in a storage medium such as the USB memory 20 (step I).
Then, the maintenance person (serviceman) goes to the place where the target image forming apparatus is installed (step II), and the color table stored in the USB memory 20 is attached to the image forming apparatus by attaching the USB memory 20 to the image forming apparatus. (Step III).
As a result, the original color table A is switched to the color table B, and thereafter drawing processing is executed based on the color table B.

However, after switching to a new color table in this way, it may be necessary to return to the original color table.
For example, after switching the color table, there is a case in which such a request for switching back is received from a user who still feels that the original color is good. There are also cases where the service person wants to return to the previous color table when switching the color table.
However, it is not easy to restore the original color table after switching to another color table.
This is because there is usually only one color table storage area, and the original color table disappears when another color table is overwritten and saved.
In addition, the original color table may be accidentally held in the RAM, but in the case of a volatile memory, it loses reliability and stability, such as being lost when the power is turned off.
For this reason, in reality, there is a problem that extra time is required such that the same file as the original color table is obtained again, and the service person goes to the user again and repeats the same operation.

In view of this, an image processing apparatus that includes a plurality of color tables including an initial color table in advance has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
According to this image forming apparatus, it is possible to switch to another color table and to switch back to the original color table.
In other words, by storing several color tables expected to be necessary in a hard disk or the like in advance, it is possible to freely switch and switch back the color tables within the storage range.
And according to such a technique, the problem mentioned above can also be solved.

JP 2003-244433 A

However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to secure an extra storage unit and its area for permanently holding a plurality of color tables, which increases costs.
For this reason, it is possible to expect a corresponding effect for a user who frequently switches the color table, but it is a wasteful cost for a user who frequently switches the color table.
In addition, there is a problem that the operation becomes complicated as the function of the apparatus becomes higher. For this reason, a request for maintenance is increased, and on the contrary, there is a problem that the load on the service person is increased.

  The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and it is easy and smooth to switch back to the original color table, which has been considered difficult after switching to the color table. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program that can be realized.

  To achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having an image processing unit that performs image processing based on a color conversion table, and extracts color conversion table data set in the apparatus. A table data extracting unit that downloads arbitrary color conversion table data from an external storage medium according to a predetermined operation, and the color conversion table data is downloaded by executing the table downloading unit. Table backup means for writing the extracted color conversion table data into the storage medium.

  The image forming method of the present invention is an image forming method for performing image processing based on a color conversion table, a table data extracting step for extracting color conversion table data set in the image forming apparatus, and a predetermined operation. A table download step for downloading arbitrary color conversion table data from an external storage medium to the image forming apparatus according to the method, and the extracted color when the color conversion table data is downloaded by executing the table download step. A table backup step of writing conversion table data to the storage medium.

  According to the image forming apparatus, the image forming method, and the image forming program of the present invention, the color conversion table can be easily switched.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the color table data converted for download in the image forming apparatus of 1st embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an operation display unit (operation panel) of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement procedure of the table switching which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the apparatus process which concerns on the table switching of 1st embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating an example of an operation display unit (operation panel) of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement procedure of the table switching which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the apparatus process which concerns on the table switching of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the apparatus process which concerns on the table switching of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the apparatus process which concerns on the table switching of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the switching procedure of the color table based on the conventional method.

Embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Here, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention described below is realized by processing, means, and functions executed by a computer in accordance with instructions of a program (software). The program sends a command to each component of the computer to perform predetermined processing and functions as shown below. That is, each processing / means (for example, table data extraction, format conversion, table download, table backup, table selection, identification data addition, recovery mode setting, table data storage, table in the image forming apparatus and image forming method of this embodiment Data comparison, link list creation, display mode switching, operation display, image processing, etc.) are realized by specific means in which a program and a computer cooperate.
Note that all or part of the program is provided by, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or any other computer-readable recording medium, and the program read from the recording medium is installed in the computer and executed. The The program can also be loaded and executed directly on a computer through a communication line without using a recording medium.

<First embodiment>
First, an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes the respective components that are centered on the control unit 100, and exhibits the operations specific to the present invention by executing these components individually or in combination.
The central control unit (controller) 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a writable nonvolatile flash memory (EEPROM (registered trademark), etc.). Then, by executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM, each component connected to the system bus 102 is configured as a functional block and is operated.
The RAM mainly functions as a work area for the CPU to perform each calculation process.
The flash memory mainly functions as a memory for storing device setting values and the like.

The table data extraction unit 110 extracts a color conversion table (hereinafter referred to as “main body color table”) currently set in the main body of the image forming apparatus 10.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the table A is set as the main body color table.
The format conversion unit 111 performs processing for converting the color table of the main body extracted by the table data extraction unit 110 into a predetermined format (format) for writing into the USB memory 20 or downloading to the main body later.

The table download unit 112 downloads a desired color table from an external storage medium (USB memory 20) according to a predetermined operation.
The color table downloaded by the table download unit 112 is overwritten and stored in the table storage area (flash memory) of the table data storage unit 117, thereby switching the color table.
For this reason, color conversion is performed on image data to be rendered thereafter based on the color table after table switching.

  The table backup unit 113 writes the main body color table converted by the format conversion unit 111 into the USB memory 20 via the external interface 400. As a result, the color table of the main body is backed up.

The table selection unit 114 selects an arbitrary color table according to a predetermined operation on the operation display unit 200.
Specifically, one color table designated from among the file names of a plurality of color tables displayed on the operation display unit 200 is selected as a switching target.

The identification data adding unit 115 attaches identification data to the file when writing the color table of the main body into the USB memory 20, and for example, an arbitrary file name can be used.
In addition, the file name can be composed of a calendar, time, etc. in cooperation with a timer (not shown).
Thereby, unique identification data can be automatically attached, and history (generation) management is also facilitated.

The recovery mode setting unit 116 sets a so-called “recovery mode” in response to a user input operation.
Here, the “recovery mode” is a mode in which the color table previously set in the image forming apparatus 10 can be restored, and can be switched on / off via the operation display unit 200.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when a download request is made after setting the “recovery switch” to “on”, the central control unit 101 sets the recovery mode to “on (valid)”. .
For example, in the default state, the recovery mode can be set to “on (valid)” in advance, and the recovery mode can be changed to “off (invalid)” as necessary.
Turning off the recovery mode can speed up table switching, and turning on the recovery mode can increase data redundancy.

The table data storage unit 117 is configured by a storage medium such as a non-volatile memory, and stores a color table used for color conversion in the image forming apparatus 10.
For this reason, the color table downloaded from the USB memory 20 is overwritten and saved on the original color table in the table storage area of the color table saving unit 117.

The operation display unit 200 includes an operation panel including a liquid crystal display and a touch panel.
Generally, it is used to display an execution screen for printing processing, an operation screen for designating a table to be switched, and the like.
The operation display unit 200 displays a screen for displaying or setting the recovery mode.
Specifically, it is possible to request download of a table to be switched and request setting of a recovery mode.

The image processing unit 300 performs drawing processing of target print data through the color table currently stored in the table data storage unit 117.
The external interface 400 is an interface with an external storage medium or storage device. In the present embodiment, the external interface 400 has a mechanism that allows a removable medium such as a USB memory to be attached and detached.
In addition, the external interface 400 is not limited to a removable medium, and includes, for example, an interface with an external storage medium or storage device via a wired or wireless connection.

The USB memory 20 is a removable medium that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 10, and one or more color tables to be switched can be stored therein in advance.
The USB memory 20 can store table data in a format that can be downloaded to the image forming apparatus 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of types of color tables corresponding to print data formats (raster, vector, text, etc.) and color spaces (RGB, CMYK, etc.) can be stored.

Next, the table switching method of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the table switching method of the present embodiment.
Here, a procedure immediately after the USB memory 20 storing the color tables (table B and table D) in advance is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

First, the central control unit 101 recognizes the installation of the USB memory 20 via the external interface 400 (S11).
Next, the file name of the color table stored in the USB memory 20 is extracted, and the operation display unit 200 displays it (S12).

Next, in response to a predetermined operation on the operation display unit 200, a download request for the color table selected by the user is made to the central control unit 101 (S13).
Here, the central control unit 101 determines whether the recovery mode is “ ON ” or “ OFF ”, that is, whether the download request is accompanied by recovery (S14).
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the central control unit 101 determines whether the “recovery switch” is a download request with “ ON ” or the “recovery switch” is a download request with “ OFF ”. .

If it is determined in step S14 that recovery is involved (S14: ON ), the table data extraction unit 110 extracts the color table set in the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 (S15).
Next, the format conversion unit 111 converts the color table of the main body extracted in step S15 into a format that can be transferred between the apparatus and the storage medium (S16).

Further, the identification data adding unit 115 assigns a file name (identification data) to the converted color table of the main body (S17). The file name includes the calendar and time at that time.
Next, the central control unit 101 accesses the USB memory 20 to make it temporarily writable (S18), and the table backup unit 113 writes the color table of the main body into the USB memory 20 (S19).

When the color table of the main body is written in the USB memory 20 in step S19, the table download unit 112 downloads the color table selected in step S13 (S20).
If it is determined in step S14 that no recovery is involved (S14: OFF), the process of step S20 is performed without performing steps S15 to S19. That is, in this case, downloading is performed immediately without performing backup to the USB memory 20.
Finally, the central control unit 101 stores the color table downloaded from the USB memory 20 in the nonvolatile memory (table data storage unit 117), thereby completing the color table switching (S21).

Subsequently, inter-device processing related to table switching according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating inter-device processing related to table switching according to the present embodiment.
In the figure, stages are divided for each time series, and description will be made in the order of stage A, stage B, and stage C.
Also, as shown in the figure, it is assumed that the table A is set in advance in the image forming apparatus 10 and the table B and the table D are stored in the USB memory 20 in advance as color tables to be switched.

(Stage A)
Stage A shown in FIG. 5 shows the procedure from when the USB memory 20 is mounted to when the color table switching is completed.
First, the central control unit 101 of the control unit 100 detects that the USB memory 20 is attached (A1).
As a result, the file names of the color tables (table B and table D) stored in the USB memory 20 are extracted and notified to the operation display unit 200 (A2).

Next, the operation display unit 200 displays the file name (B.txt) of table B and the file name (D.txt) of table D on the operation panel (A3).
Here, in response to the user's specification, the operation display unit 200 makes a download request for the table B to the control unit 101 (A4).
Specifically, as shown in the “color table download file list” column of the panel of stage A in FIG. 5, by selecting and executing “B.txt”, a download request for table B is notified to the control unit 100. Is done.
Also, as shown in the figure, when the “recovery switch” is selected to “ on ” and a download request is made, the recovery mode setting unit 116 sets the recovery mode.

Subsequently, the table backup unit 113 of the control unit 100 performs a writing process of the table A stored in the table data storage unit 117 (A5), and as a result, the table A is additionally stored in the USB memory 20 ( A6).
At this time, the identification data adding unit 115 may store the data in the USB memory 20 after attaching an identifier with the calendar or time such as the date to the table A as a file name. For example, in the case of the figure, “2008xxyy_1” indicating the first backup data on the date xx month yy in 2008 can be added as a file name.

Next, the table B is downloaded from the USB memory 20 to the image forming apparatus 10 and is overwritten and stored in the table data storage unit 117 (A7).
As a result, the color table of the image forming apparatus 10 is switched from the table A to the table B, and the USB memory 20 stores the table A with the file name “2008xxyy_1” in addition to the table B and the table D.
Then, when the output process is executed in this state, a drawing output colored according to Table B is performed (A8).

(Stage B)
In stage B, the procedure for switching the color table by the table A (file name “2008xxyy_1”) backed up to the USB memory 20 through the process of stage A is shown. That is, here, a procedure for switching back to the color table previously set in the image forming apparatus 10 is shown. At this time, the file name of the color table stored in the USB memory 20 is notified to the operation display unit 200, and as shown in the panel diagram of FIG. 5 (stage B), the “color table download file list” column is displayed. Assume that it is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 5 (stage B), first, the operation display unit 200 requests the control unit 101 to download the table A with the file name “2008xxyy_1” in accordance with the user designation (B1).
Also, as shown in the figure, when the download request is made by selecting the recovery switch “ ON ”, the recovery mode setting unit 116 sets the recovery mode.

Subsequently, the table backup unit 113 of the control unit 100 performs a writing process of the table B stored in the table data storage unit 117 (B2), and as a result, the table B is additionally stored in the USB memory 20 ( B3).
At this time, the identification data adding unit 115 attaches “2008xxyy_2” indicating the second backup data of “2008 xx month yy day” to the table B as a file name.
Therefore, the table B with the file name “B.txt” and the table B with the file name “2008xxyy_2” coexist in the USB memory 20.

Next, the table A with the file name “2008xxyy_1” is downloaded from the USB memory 20 to the image forming apparatus 10 and is overwritten and stored in the table data storage unit 117 (B4).
As a result, the color table of the image forming apparatus 10 is switched from the table B to the table A, and the USB memory 20 has a table with the file name “2008xxyy_2” in addition to the table B, the table D, and the table A with the file name “2008xxyy_1”. B changes to the saved state.
When the output is executed in this state, a drawing output with a color based on the table A is performed (B5).

(Stage C)
In stage C, the procedure for switching the color table by the table B (file name “2008xxyy_2”) backed up to the USB memory 20 through the process of stage B is shown. At this time, the file name of the color table stored in the USB memory 20 is notified to the operation display unit 200, and as shown in the panel diagram of FIG. 5 (stage C), the “color table download file list” column is displayed. Assume that it is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 5 (stage C), first, the operation display unit 200 requests the control unit 101 to download the table B with the file name “2008xxyy_2” in accordance with a user designation (C1).
Also, as shown in the figure, when a download request is made by selecting the recovery switch “ OFF ”, the recovery mode setting unit 116 cancels the recovery mode.
That is, here, the download request for the table B is made, but the backup of the “2008xxyy_1” table A set in the main body is omitted.

In response to this, the control unit 100 requests the USB memory 20 to download the table B with the file name “2008xxyy_2” (C2).
As a result, the table B having the file name “2008xxyy_2” currently stored in the USB memory 20 is downloaded to the image forming apparatus 10 and overwritten and stored in the table data storage unit 117 (C3).
As a result, the color table of the image forming apparatus 10 is switched from the table A to the table B.
When the output is executed in this state, a drawing output with a color based on the table B is performed (C4).

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the table data extraction unit 110 and the table backup unit 113 are provided, and the color table currently set in the image forming apparatus 10 when the color table is switched. It can be stored in the USB memory 20.
For this reason, there is an effect of automatically backing up the color table of the main body.
Therefore, even if it is necessary to return to the original color table for some reason, this can be easily realized.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment can also control the color table backup processing. As a result, it is possible to select whether to perform switching with emphasis on safety or to perform switching with emphasis on quickness.
Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes an identification data adding unit 115, and can automatically assign a unique identification name such as a calendar to the color table when the color table is switched.
According to the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, hardware modification is not particularly required, and the above-described operations and effects can be achieved with a simple algorithm. Therefore, convenience, reliability, and high speed are excellent. The image forming apparatus can be provided at low cost.

<Second embodiment>
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.
This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the color table of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 is backed up to the USB memory 20 when the color table is downloaded from the USB memory 20.
However, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the color table of the main body is backed up only when a certain condition is satisfied when the color table is switched.
Specifically, the backup process is omitted when the color table of the main body already exists in the USB memory 20.
Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Therefore, in FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the control unit 100 further includes a table data comparison unit 118, a link list creation unit 119, and a display mode switching unit 120.

The table data comparison unit 118 compares the color table set in the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 with the color table stored in the USB memory 20.
Specifically, it is determined the color table that is stored in the table data storage section 117, whether the file matching by matching the color table stored in the USB memory 20 is present.

The link list creation unit 119 creates color table index data (hereinafter referred to as a link list) by combining file names of one or more color tables currently stored in the USB memory 20.
Accordingly, the color table currently stored in the USB memory 20 can be easily recognized by referring to the link list.

The link list can include the file name of the color table that was previously set in the main body in the configuration whenever the table is switched. This file name can also be formed based on the calendar, date, etc. when switching or updating the link list. As a result, the history of table switching and link list update can be easily confirmed.
The link list is set in the main body or the file name of the set color table can be included in the configuration. Thereby, the user can easily check not only the color table currently set in the image forming apparatus 10 but also the color table set in the past.

The display mode switching unit 120 performs control to switch the display method when the operation display unit 200 displays the link list.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the display is switched according to the selection of “display all” and “display by type”.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, when “display all” is selected, all the file names of the color table forming the link list are displayed. In other words, in the case of the figure, since two file names (“B.txt” and “2008xxyy_2txt”) are displayed for table B, table switching has been performed at least once for table B. It is possible to know that the switching is performed on xx month yy in 2008.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7C, when “display by type” is selected, the file name of the color table forming the link list is displayed for each type. That is, in the case of the figure, it is possible to quickly recognize the type of the color table that is currently stored in the U SB memory 20.

Next, a table switching method by the image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the table switching method according to the present embodiment.
Here, a procedure immediately after the USB memory 20 in which the color tables (table B and table D) are stored in advance is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, the central control unit 101 recognizes the mounting of the USB memory 20 via the external interface 400 (S31).
Next, the file name of the color table stored in the USB memory 20 is extracted, and the operation display unit 200 displays it (S32).
The file name can be extracted by analyzing the link list when there is a link list, and when there is no link list (for example, at the first switching), the header information attached to the file The file name can be extracted directly from, etc.

  Next, in response to a predetermined operation on the operation display unit 200, a download request for the color table selected by the user is made to the central control unit 101 (S33).

Subsequently, the table data extraction unit 110 extracts the color table currently set in the main body (S34).
Specifically, the color data stored in the table data storage unit 117 is extracted by the table data extraction unit 110.

Here, the table data comparator 118 compares the color table of the body extracted in S34, the color table in the USB memory 20 extracted in S32 (S35).
As a result, when there is no matching color table (S36: None), the format conversion unit 111 converts the color table of the main body extracted in S34 into a predetermined format (S37).

Also, the identification data adding unit 115 assigns a file name (identification data) to the converted color table of the main body (S38). The file name should include the current calendar and time.
Next, the central control unit 101 accesses the USB memory 20 to make it temporarily writable (S39), and the table backup unit 113 writes the color table of the main body into the USB memory 20 (S40).

Next, the table download unit 112 downloads the color table selected in step S33 (S41).
The central control unit 101 then overwrites and saves the downloaded color table in the nonvolatile memory (table data storage unit 117) (S42). As a result, the color table is switched.

Here, the central control unit 101 determines whether or not there is a link list (S43).
If there is no link list (S43: No), the link list creation unit 119 creates a new link list based on the file name of the color table currently stored in the USB memory 20 (S44).
On the other hand, if there is a link list (S45: present), the link list creation unit 119 updates the link list (S46).
Specifically, the link list creation unit 119 combines a new color table file name set in the main body and a new color table file name backed up in the USB memory 20 into the original link list. A link list is created, and this is overwritten and saved in the USB memory 20.
When another color table is downloaded from the USB memory 20 and switched again (S46: YES), the process returns to step S31 and the same processing is performed.
On the other hand, when the update to another color table is not performed (S46: NO), the process ends.

  In step S36, if there is a matching color table (S36: present), it is determined that there is no need to back up, and the process of S41 is performed immediately. That is, the processes of S37 to S40 are omitted.

Subsequently, inter-device processing related to table switching according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
9A to 9C are sequence diagrams illustrating the inter-device processing related to table switching according to the present embodiment.
In the figure, stages are divided for each time series, and description will be given in the order of stage A, stage B, and stage C.
As shown in the figure, the table A is set in the image forming apparatus 10 in advance, and the table B and the table D are stored in the USB memory 20 in advance as an updatable color table. To do.

(Stage A)
FIG. 9A shows a procedure from when the USB memory 20 is mounted to when the color table switching is completed.
First, the central control unit 101 of the control unit 100 detects that the USB memory 20 is attached (A11).
As a result, the file names of the color tables (table B and table D) stored in the USB memory 20 are extracted and notified to the operation display unit 200 (A12).

Next, the operation display unit 200 displays the file name (B.txt) of table B and the file name (D.txt) of table D on the operation panel (A13).
Here, according to the user's specification, a request for downloading Table B is made from the operation display unit 200 to the control unit 101 (A14).
Specifically, as shown in the “color table download file list” column of the stage A panel in FIG. 6, by selecting and executing “B.txt”, a download request for table B is notified to the control unit 100. Is done.
Also, as shown in the figure, when “display by type” is selected, the color table stored in the USB memory 20 can be displayed by type.

Subsequently, the table data extraction unit 110 of the control unit 100 extracts the table A currently stored in the table data storage unit 117, that is, the color table of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 (A15).
Here, the table data comparator 118 compares the table in the table and the USB memory 20 which was extracted with A15 (A16). As a result, it is determined that Table A does not match Table B and Table D.

Next, the table backup unit 113 of the control unit 100 executes the writing process of the table A (A17), and as a result, the table A is additionally stored in the USB memory 20 (A18).
At this time, the identification data adding unit 115 attaches an identifier having a calendar or time, such as the date, to the table A as a file name, and then saves it in the USB memory 20. For example, in the case of the figure, “2008xxyy_1” indicating the first backup data of the date xx month yy in 2008 is added as the file name.

Next, the table B is downloaded from the USB memory 20 to the image forming apparatus 10 and is overwritten and stored in the table data storage unit 117 (A19).
As a result, the color conversion table of the image forming apparatus 10 is switched from the table A to the table B, and the file “2008xxyy_1” (table A) is stored in the USB memory 20 in addition to the tables B and D.

Subsequently, the link list creation unit 119 creates a link list (A20).
Specifically, the link list is created by the file name of table D, the file name of table B, and the file name “2008xxyy_1” of another table (table A) stored in the USB memory 20.
Also, the color table file name set in the main body may be combined.
Next, the control unit 100 performs a process of writing the created link list to the USB memory 20 (A21), and as a result, the link list is stored in the USB memory 20 (A22).
When output is executed in this state, drawing output based on the color of the table B designated by the user is executed (A23).

(Stage B)
In stage B, the procedure for switching the color table by the table A (file “2008xxyy_1”) backed up to the USB memory 20 through the process of stage A is shown.
First, as shown in FIG. 9B, the control unit 112 extracts a link list from the USB memory 20 in advance and notifies the operation display unit 200 of this (B11).
Accordingly, as shown in the “color table download file list” column of the panel of the same figure, the operation display unit 200 displays the color table (“2008xxyy_1” corresponding to the table A, which is stored in the USB memory 20 at this time). “D.txt” corresponding to the table D and “B.txt” corresponding to the table B ) can be displayed.

Next, according to the user's specification, the operation display unit 200 requests the control unit 101 to download the file “2008xxyy_1” (table A) (B12).
The table data extraction unit 110 of the control unit 100 extracts the table B stored in the table data storage unit 117 (B13).
Subsequently, the table data comparison unit 118 compares the table in the USB memory 20 with the table of the main body extracted in B13 (B14). As a result, it can be determined that the tables B match.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 downloads the file “2008xxyy_1” from the USB memory 20 without performing the process of writing the table B in the USB memory 20, and stores the file in the table data storage unit 117 (B15). That is, when color data to be backed up is already stored in the USB memory 20 (when a matching table exists), it is determined that the backup is unnecessary and is not performed.
As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10, the table B is switched to the table A (“corresponding to 2008xxyy_1txt”).

Here, the link list creation unit 119 creates a link list (B16).
Specifically, the link list currently stored in the USB memory 20 and the file name (“2008xxyy_2”) that would have been attached if the color table (table B) set in the main body was backed up. Can be combined to create a linked list.

Next, the table backup unit 113 of the control unit 100 executes a link list writing process (B17), and as a result, the link list is updated (B18).
It should be noted that, this time, the tables B show a second time in 2008 xx month yy Date "2008xxyy_2" is attached as the file name.
When output is executed in this state, drawing output based on the color of Table A is performed (B19).

(Stage C)
In stage C, and through a process of stage B, and shows a procedure for switching a result color table to tables B stored in advance in the USB memory 20.
First, as shown in FIG. 9C, the control unit 112 extracts a link list from the USB memory 20 in advance and notifies the operation display unit 200 of this (C11).
Then, according to the designation of the user, the download of Shi pair control unit 101 from the operation display unit 200 Table B is requested (C12).

Table data extraction unit 110 of the control unit 100 extracts the Oh Ru table A stored in the table data storage section 117 (C13).
Subsequently, the table data comparison unit 118 compares the table in the USB memory 20 with the table of the main body extracted in C13 (C14). As a result, it can be determined that the tables A match.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 downloads the table B from the USB memory 20 without performing the process of writing the table A into the USB memory 20, and stores the file in the table data storage unit 117 (C15).
Thus, the image forming apparatus 10 is switched to the table A to table B.

Here, the link list creation unit 119 creates a link list (C16).
Specifically, the link list currently stored in the USB memory 20 and the file name (“2008xxyy_3”) that would have been assigned if the color table (table A) set in the main body was backed up are displayed. Combined to create a linked list.
Next, the table backup unit 113 of the control unit 100 executes a link list writing process (C17), and as a result, the link list is updated (C18).
When output is executed in this state, drawing output based on the color of Table B is performed (C19).

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of the second embodiment of the present invention, prior to the backup of the color table to the USB memory 20, the same color table as the color table set in the main body is provided. Whether or not the data is stored in the USB memory 20 is determined.
When the color table is stored in the USB memory 20, backup is not performed.
As a result, it is possible to eliminate the waste of redundantly occupying the storage area of the USB memory 20 with the same type of table and to make effective use.

The link list creation unit 119 creates a link list as an index of the color table stored in the USB memory 20 and stores / updates the link list on the USB memory 20. That is, since the color table stored in the USB memory 20 can be easily recognized based on this link list, it is possible to effectively prevent duplicate storage by the same table.
Further, the link list can include the color table file name that is currently set in the main body or set immediately before.
In addition, since the link list is duplicated, a file name including a calendar can be included even when backup is not performed.
Therefore, it is possible to refer to the table setting status, table switching history, and the like for the image forming apparatus 10.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that is possible.
That is, in the present embodiment, the switching of the color table is targeted, but other replaceable data, files, programs, and the like may be targeted, and can be widely applied to an information processing apparatus that performs data processing.
For example, inconvenience may occur after the version upgrade or replacement of the program, but the present invention works effectively even in such a case.
The identification data adding unit 115 assigns file names related to the calendar and time, but is not limited thereto, and various file names can be assigned.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the USB memory 20 is used as an external storage medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other removable disks such as a CD-ROM and a DVD may be used.
Further, it may be configured to backup to an external storage device via a communication cable such as a USB cable or a communication means via a LAN / Internet.

  The present invention can be suitably used for an image forming apparatus including a color table.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 110 Table data extraction part 112 Table download part 113 Table backup part 114 Table selection part 115 Identification data addition part 116 Recovery mode setting part 117 Table data storage part 118 Table data comparison part 119 Link list creation part 120 Display mode switching Unit 200 operation display unit 300 image processing unit 20 storage medium (USB memory)

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus including an image processing unit that performs image processing based on a color conversion table,
Table data extraction means for extracting color conversion table data set in the apparatus;
Table download means for downloading arbitrary color conversion table data from an external storage medium connected to the image forming apparatus in accordance with a predetermined operation;
Table backup means for writing the extracted color conversion table data to the storage medium when the color conversion table data is downloaded by execution of the table download means;
A link list creation unit that creates a link list that can identify one or more color conversion tables stored in the external storage medium;
Operation display means for displaying the link list,
The link list creation unit
Creating the link list that can identify the color conversion table previously set in the image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus.   The link list creation unit
  Creating the link list that can identify the color conversion table currently set in the image forming apparatus
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The link list creation unit
  After the link list is created, a new link list is added to the link list and updated.
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A table data comparison unit that compares the color conversion table data set in the main body and the color conversion table data stored in the external storage medium,
The table backup means includes
When the color conversion table set in the main body matches one of the color conversion tables stored in the external storage medium, the color conversion table set in the main body is written in the external storage device The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is not provided. An image forming method for performing image processing based on a color conversion table,
A table data extraction step for extracting color conversion table data set in the image forming apparatus;
A table download step of downloading arbitrary color conversion table data from an external storage medium connected to the image forming apparatus according to a predetermined operation;
A table backup step of writing the extracted color conversion table data to the storage medium when the color conversion table data is downloaded by executing the table download step ;
A link list creating step for creating a link list that can identify one or more color conversion tables stored in the external storage medium;
An operation display step for displaying the link list,
The link list creation step includes:
An image forming method comprising: creating the link list capable of identifying a color conversion table previously set in the image forming apparatus.

Images