Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and recording medium storing program

Abstract

The present application provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a recording medium storing a program. The present application provides technology for which the burden of reconstructing an image forming system does not increase even when an image forming apparatus is updated. The CPU determines that the acquired PJL data is identical to the first of the pre-transformation PJL data of the transformation rule currently being referred to (S52: YES), and in the case where it is determined that there is no PJL data that is not identical to the acquired PJL data among the pre-transformation PJL data of the transformation rule currently being referred to (S53: NO), the acquired PJL data is transformed into post-transformation target PJL data for which a correspondence is established with the pre-transformation PJL data in the transformation rule currently being referred to (S58).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for processing data described in Printer Job Language (hereinafter referred to as PJL). Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that stores new PJL data sent from a PC and corresponding processing in a PJL dictionary, and performs processing in the PJL dictionary corresponding to the received new PJL data when receiving new PJL data from the PC.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-171757 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Image forming apparatuses, such as printers, have undergone changes beyond improved performance and functionality, including a diversification of the value they provide. However, in image forming systems equipped with image forming apparatuses, the burden of rebuilding the image forming system increases when updating the image forming apparatus to cope with these changes.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention was proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a technology that does not increase the burden of rebuilding the image forming system even when the image forming apparatus is updated.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising an external interface, a computer, and a non-volatile memory. The computer performs the following processes: a PJL data acquisition process, acquiring PJL data via the external interface; a filter data acquisition process, acquiring filter data via the external interface; and a storage process, storing the filter data acquired by the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory. The filter data is data used to establish a correspondence between non-object PJL data and object PJL data. The non-object PJL data is PJL data that is not intended for performing a predetermined process on the image forming apparatus, while the object PJL data is PJL data intended for performing a predetermined process on the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the computer performs a transformation process, which transforms the acquired PJL data into object PJL data that corresponds to the non-object PJL data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory when the PJL data acquired by the PJL data acquisition process is non-object PJL data that corresponds to the object PJL data through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0011] When a computer obtains PJL data that is not intended for performing the prescribed processing by the image forming apparatus (non-object PJL data), it transforms the obtained PJL data into PJL data that is intended for performing the prescribed processing by the image forming apparatus (object PJL data) by using filter data.

[0012] Furthermore, the techniques disclosed in this specification can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as, in addition to programs, by means of recording media on which programs are recorded, image forming systems, etc.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus can be provided that does not increase the burden of rebuilding the image forming system even when the image forming apparatus is updated. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the main electrical structure of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 (A) is an illustration of a print job, and (B) is an illustration of an example of PJL data.

[0017] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of the transformation mode.

[0018] Figure 4(A) is an illustration of transformation mode 1, and (B) is an illustration of transformation mode 2.

[0019] Figure 5 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of filter data in this embodiment, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of recommended filter data, and (C) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of non-recommended filter data.

[0020] Figure 6 (A), (B) to (D), (E), and (F) are illustrations of an example of the transformation rules applied to PJL data using transformation mode 1, transformation mode 2, transformation mode 3, and transformation mode 4.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a flowchart representing the main routine executed by the CPU.

[0022] Figure 8 It means Figure 7 The flowchart of the subsequent routines of the main routine.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a flowchart representing the PJL data transformation process.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a flowchart representing the data transformation process of Mode 1PJL.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart representing the transformation and processing of PJL data.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a flowchart representing the pre-read process.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a flowchart representing the data transformation process of mode 2PJL.

[0028] Figure 14 It means Figure 13 The flowchart shows the subsequent processing of the 2PJL data transformation process.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a flowchart representing the R / W processing of filter data.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a flowchart representing the data construction and processing of association rule filters. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus, image forming system, and process according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regarding the main electrical structure of the image forming apparatus, reference will be made to the diagram shown therein. Figure 1The image forming apparatus 10 includes a printing engine 11, a flash memory ROM 12, an NVRAM 14, an image processing circuit 15, a user interface (IF) 16, a communication IF 17, a USB IF 18, a bus 19, a control unit 20, RAM 22, and ROM 23.

[0032] The printing engine 11 is an engine for printing images on recording media such as sheets, employing printing methods such as electrophotography, inkjet printing, and thermal printing. The image processing circuit 15 is connected to the PDL unit 32 (…). Figure 2 The image data related to the image is processed by RIP (Raster Image Processor) and transformed into depiction data corresponding to the pixels printed on the recording medium such as sheet. The transformed depiction data is output to the printing engine 11. NVRAM 14 is a non-volatile memory that stores printing setting information, etc.

[0033] User IF16 is, for example, a touch panel, which has message display and user operation acceptance functions. Communication IF17 is communicatively connected to information processing device 40 via LAN line L1. Communication protocols such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) can also be used as a communication method between image forming apparatus 10 and information processing device 40. Information processing device 40 is, for example, a PC or smartphone. USB IF18 is hardware for communicating with devices connected based on the USB standard.

[0034] The control unit 20 is composed of a CPU 21, etc. The control unit 20 controls the print engine 11 according to print setting information stored in the NVRAM 14. Furthermore, the control unit 20 controls communication with the information processing device 40 via the communication IF 17. Filter data 13 is stored in the flash memory ROM 12. The filter data 13 describes transformation rules for converting PJL data sent from the information processing device 40 into PJL data executable in the image forming apparatus 10. The filter data 13 can be stored in a USB memory storage medium and provided to the image forming apparatus 10 from that storage medium. The filter data 13 will be described in detail later. The CPU 21 or the control unit 20 containing the CPU 21 is an example of the computer of the present invention, and the flash memory ROM 12 is an example of the non-volatile memory of the present invention. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 and the information processing device 40 are examples of the image forming system of the present invention.

[0035] The ROM 23 stores the program 24 executed by the CPU 21. The RAM 22 has a storage area for the filter data 13 read from the flash ROM 12, a working area for the program 24 read from the ROM 23, etc. The control unit 20, RAM 22, ROM 23, flash ROM 12, NVRAM 14, printing engine 11, image processing circuit 15, user IF 16, communication IF 17, and USB IF 18 are interconnected via bus 19. Communication IF 17 and USB IF 18 are examples of external interfaces of the present invention, and program 24 is an example of a program of the present invention.

[0036] Program 24 and filter data 13 can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided from that storage medium to the image forming apparatus 10 for execution by the CPU 21. A computer-readable storage medium refers to a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and USB storage devices. Furthermore, non-transitory media can also be tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals used to transmit programs downloaded from servers such as those on the Internet are a type of computer-readable signal medium, but they are not included in computer-readable non-transitory storage media.

[0037] Furthermore, the terms "judgment," "parsing," "referencing," "detecting," "appending," "deleting," "discarding," "selecting," "reading," "expanding," "writing," "saving," "outputting," "sending," "deciding," "confirming," "acquiring," "controlling," and "setting" used in the following description refer to processes performed by the CPU 21. Processes performed by the CPU 21 also include hardware control via the OS. Furthermore, "acquiring" is used in the sense that it is not mandatory. That is, processes where the CPU 21 receives data without requiring it are also included in the concept of "CPU 21 acquiring data." Additionally, the term "data" in this specification refers to a bit string that can be read by the computer. Moreover, data with essentially the same meaning but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification.

[0038] Next, refer to Figure 2(A) describes the configuration of the print job obtained by the image forming apparatus 10 from the information processing apparatus 40. The print job 30 has a PJL section 31 and a PDL section 32, which are recorded by PJL. The data D1 “EC%-12345X@PJL” recorded at the beginning of the print job 30 is an instruction to open the PJL section 31, which records PJL data starting from the next line. Each PJL data constituting the PJL section 31 represents the creator name of the print job 30, the name of the print job 30, print setting information, etc. The print setting information includes print setting information such as paper size, print orientation, whether to print in color or black and white, number of copies, and print quality. For example, the PJL data D2 such as “@PJL SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE=LETTER” indicates an instruction to set the paper size to “LETTER”.

[0039] The data D3 "@PJL ENTER LAMGUAGE=PCL XL" at the end of PJL section 31 indicates the end of PJL section 31 and the start of the next line, which is PJL data in PDL section 32 written in a page description language such as PDL (Page Description Language). Other page description languages ​​include PCL (Printer Command Language) and PS (Post Script). The data D4 "EC%-12345X@PJL EOJ NAME="office-PDF(A&A4).pdf"" following PDL section 32 indicates the end of print job 30. The data 5 "EC%-12345X" on the next line after data D4 indicates the end of the parsing process in PDL section 32. PDL section 32 is an example of print data in this invention.

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 2 (B) explains the constituent elements of PJL data. Figure 2(B) represents an example of PJL data, specifically "@PJL DEFAULT LPARM:PCL PTSIZE=14.25". This PJL data indicates that the initial point size for printing the PDL section 32 described by the PCL should be set to 14.25. PJL data consists of four elements: "PJLPrefix", "Command", "Command modifier:Value", and "Option name". "@PJL" is "PJL Prefix". "DEFAULT" is "Command". "LPARM:PCL" is "Command modifier:Value". "PTSIZE=14.25" is "Option name=Value". Hereinafter, "PJL Prefix" will be set as the first element, "Command" as the second element, "Command modifier:Value" as the third element, and "Option name=Value" as the fourth element.

[0041] The first element is mandatory, but PJL data exists in two formats: Format 1, consisting only of the first and second elements, and Format 2, consisting of the first to fourth elements. The second to fourth elements are allowed to be omitted according to the PJL standard. Hereinafter, PJL data in Format 2 described with all elements from the second to fourth not omitted will be designated as non-omitted PJL data, and PJL data described with any one or two of the second to fourth elements omitted will be designated as omitted PJL data.

[0042] In the definition of PJL data processed in the image forming apparatus, there are definitions that are common to multiple image forming apparatuses of different models and definitions that are not common to each other. For example, PJL data indicating the printing paper size is defined as "@PJL SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE=LETTER" in model A, while it is defined as "@PJL SETLPARM:PCL PAPER=LETTER" in model B. For example, in the information processing unit 40 ( Figure 1When the image forming apparatus connected to the device is changed from model A to model B, even if the information processing unit 40 sends "@PJL SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE=LETTER" as PJL data to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus cannot parse the received PJL data and set the printing paper to letter size. Model A and model B can be models from the same manufacturer or models from different manufacturers. Therefore, in order to process the PJL data sent from the information processing unit 40 to model A in model B, the inventors of this application have proposed a technique for converting the PJL data sent from the information processing unit 40 to model A into PJL data that can be used in model B. In other words, the feature of this technique is that when the PJL data obtained from the information processing unit 40 is not intended for processing such as setting the image forming apparatus 10 to perform the aforementioned processing, the PJL data is converted into PJL data intended for processing the image forming apparatus 10 to perform the aforementioned processing. Hereinafter, PJL data that is not intended for performing the aforementioned processing by the image forming apparatus 10 will be referred to as pre-transformation PJL data, and PJL data intended for performing the aforementioned processing by the image forming apparatus 10 will be referred to as post-transformation PJL data. Pre-transformation PJL data is an example of non-objective PJL data of the present invention, and post-transformation PJL data is an example of objective PJL data of the present invention.

[0043] Furthermore, by installing the driver program for controlling model B in the information processing unit 40, PJL data conforming to the specifications of model B can also be sent from the information processing unit 40. However, system administrators who manage the image forming system want to avoid changing the system's program, as it could become a major obstacle to the system's normal operation and requires labor. Therefore, the inventors of this application have proposed a technique that allows the use of PJL data previously sent from the information processing unit to the image forming unit, even if the model of the image forming unit connected to the information processing unit changes, without changing the system's program.

[0044] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The transformation modes for PJL data are explained. Transformation mode 1 is a transformation mode used to transform PJL data of format 1 that consists only of the aforementioned first and second elements. Figure 4Example 1 shown in (A) illustrates the transformation of PJL data in format 1, such as "@PJL UNKNOWNINIT", into PJL data in format 1, such as "@PJL INITIALIZE". Example 2 illustrates the transformation of PJL data in format 1, such as "@PJL UNKNOWNJOB", into PJL data in format 1, such as "@PJL JOB".

[0045] Transformation mode 2 is a transformation mode used to transform PJL data of format 2 as described above. As mentioned earlier, format 2 contains both non-omitted and omitted PJL data. Therefore, if the PJL data before transformation, which serves as the transformation rule, describes non-omitted PJL data, then if the acquired PJL data (hereinafter referred to as "acquired PJL data") is non-omitted, the CPU 21 can transform the acquired PJL data into transformed PJL data using the aforementioned transformation rule. Furthermore, if the PJL data before transformation, which serves as the transformation rule, describes omitted PJL data, then if the acquired PJL data is omitted, the CPU 21 can transform the PJL data into transformed PJL data using the aforementioned transformation rule. Additionally, the CPU 21 can parse either non-omitted or omitted PJL data; therefore, the transformed PJL data, which serves as the transformation rule, can describe either non-omitted or omitted PJL data.

[0046] Figure 4 Example 1 shown in (B) illustrates an example of transforming PJL data with the third element omitted, such as “@PJL INQUIREMEDIASIZE”, into PJL data with the third element omitted, such as “@PJL INQUIRE PAPER”. Figure 4 Example 2 shown in (B) illustrates an example of transforming non-omitted PJL data such as "@PJLINQUIRE LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE" into transformed PJL data such as "@PJL INQUIRE LPARM:PCL PAPER". Figure 4 Example 3 shown in (B) illustrates an example of transforming non-omitted PJL data such as "@PJL SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE=LETTER" into transformed PJL data such as "@PJL SET LPARM:PCL PAPER=LETTER".

[0047] Furthermore, the pre-transformation PJL data, which serves as the transformation rule, may also describe PJL data unique to the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as unique PJL data). For example, in unique PJL data, the first to third elements can be omitted, and only the fourth element can be set as a required element. For example, in the case where only the fourth element of the pre-transformation PJL data describes the unique PJL data, if the fourth element of the acquired PJL data is consistent with the unique PJL data of the pre-transformation PJL data, which serves as the transformation rule, the acquired PJL data can be transformed into post-transformation PJL data that corresponds to the pre-transformation PJL data in the transformation rule, regardless of the content of the second and third elements of the acquired PJL data. For example, in the transformation rule, the pre-transformation PJL data (unique PJL data) with only the fourth element "MEDIASIZE=LETTER" is made to correspond with the post-transformation PJL data "PAPER=LETTER". Furthermore, if the fourth element of the acquired PJL data contains "MEDIASIZE=LETTER", the acquired PJL data is transformed into PJL data with "PAPER=LETTER" regardless of the content of the second and third elements. That is, in all cases where the fourth element of the acquired PJL data contains "MEDIASIZE=LETTER", it is possible to generate transformed PJL data where "MEDIASIZE=LETTER" is transformed into "PAPER=LETTER". By using transformation rules that describe unique PJL data as the PJL data before transformation, for example, it is possible to transform a PJL command that indicates a temporary paper size setting, such as "@PJL SET MEDIASIZE=LETTER", into "@PJL SET PAPER=LETTER", and to transform a PJL command that indicates a default paper size setting, such as "@PJL DEFAULTMEDIASIZE=LETTER", into "@PJLDEFAULT PAPER=LETTER".

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 6 The filter data is explained below. The filter data 13 stored in the flash ROM 12 is used to transform the acquired PJL data into transformed PJL data that can be parsed in the image forming apparatus 10. For example... Figure 6 As shown in (A) to (F), a correspondence is established between the PJL data before transformation and the PJL data after transformation in the filter data 13. That is, when the obtained PJL data is consistent with the PJL data before transformation specified in the filter data 13, the CPU 21 transforms the obtained PJL data into the PJL data after transformation. Figure 6The values ​​A shown in (A) to (F) represent the consecutive numbers of the transformation rules (hereinafter referred to as transformation rule numbers) used to transform the untransformed PJL data into the transformed PJL data. Figure 6 Examples (A) to (F) are shown. Figure 5 The filter shown in (A) contains transformation rules 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9, which are transformation rules 1 through 10. Figure 6 The value B shown in (A) to (D) represents the number of PJL data points before transformation in this transformation rule (number of PJL data points before transformation). Figure 6 For example, if two untransformed PJL data are needed for the image forming apparatus 10 to perform a certain process, B=2.

[0049] Figure 6 The value F shown in (E) represents the number of PJL data to be deleted. For example, if PJL data consistent with the pre-transformation PJL data set as the deletion target in filter data 13 is sent from information processing device 40, the sent PJL data is deleted. CPU 21 does not perform the process of determining the corresponding post-transformation PJL data established from the pre-transformation PJL data consistent with the PJL data. When the number of PJL data to be deleted is one, F=1. Figure 6 The value H shown in (F) represents the number of transformed PJL data to be added. For example, if PJL data is obtained from the information processing device 40, and the pre-transformed PJL data that matches the obtained PJL data is the pre-transformed PJL data that is to be added to filter data 13, the obtained PJL data is transformed into transformed PJL data that corresponds to the pre-transformed PJL data in filter data 13, and the transformed PJL data is added to the other transformed PJL data. The CPU 21 then performs the processing determined by the added transformed PJL data. When the number of transformed PJL data to be added is one, H = 1.

[0050] Figure 6 The value C shown in (A) to (D) represents the number of the transformation mode applied to obtain PJL data. For example, C=1 indicates that transformation mode 1 is applied. Figure 4 (A) and transform the obtained PJL data. Figure 6 The value G shown in (E) represents the number of the transformation mode applied to the acquisition of PJL data. In this example, G=3, indicating transformation mode 3 (deletion mode). In transformation mode 3, if the acquired PJL data is consistent with the PJL data before transformation set in transformation mode 3 in filter data 13, the acquired PJL data is deleted. Figure 6The value I shown in (F) represents the number of the transformation mode applied to obtain the PJL data. In this example, I=4, indicating transformation mode 4 (append mode). In transformation mode 4, if the obtained PJL data is consistent with the pre-transformation PJL data set in the filter data 13 under transformation mode 4, the corresponding transformed PJL data is appended to the other transformed PJL data.

[0051] Figure 6 The value D shown in (B) to (D) represents the number of transformed PJL data (number of transformed PJL data). For example, D=1 means that the number of transformed PJL data is one. Figure 6 The values ​​E shown in (A) to (D) indicate which transformation mode the transformed PJL data corresponds to. For example, E=1 indicates that it is described by format 1, which corresponds to transformation mode 1. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the examples shown in (B) to (D), the values ​​C and E are the same, but the format of the transformed PJL data can be arbitrarily determined, so there are also cases where the values ​​C and E are different.

[0052] Next, refer to Figure 6 An example of a transformation rule used to transform acquired PJL data into transformed PJL data is illustrated. Figure 6 Transformation rule 1 (A=1) shown in (A) is transformation rule 1 with transformation mode 1 applied. Figure 6 Transformation rule 3 (A=3) shown in (B) is the transformation rule that applies transformation mode 2. Furthermore, in transformation rule 3, association rules 4 and 7 (indexes 4 and 7 in the figure) are established in correspondence. The process by which the image forming apparatus 10 sets the paper size to letter paper (LETTER) based on the transformed PJL data "SET LPARM:PCL PAPER=LETTER" of transformation rule 3 is an example of the specified processing or content change processing of this invention.

[0053] in addition, Figure 5 Transformation rule 4 (A=4) shown in (A) is also a transformation rule that applies transformation mode 2. In addition, transformation rule 7 (A=7) is an abbreviated feature structure that omits the second and third features and only has the fourth feature. It is a transformation rule used to transform the abbreviated PJL data that applies transformation mode 2 into the abbreviated transformed PJL data. Figure 6Transformation rule 5 (A=5) shown in (C) is a transformation rule that applies transformation mode 2. Transformation rule 5 is an example of a transformation rule used to transform N (N≥2) abbreviated PJL data into M (M<N) abbreviated transformed PJL data. This transformation rule 5 applies to the case where, in the image forming apparatus before the update to image forming apparatus 10, it is necessary to obtain N (N≥2) abbreviated PJL data to perform a process, but in the updated image forming apparatus 10, it is only necessary to obtain M (M<N) abbreviated PJL data to perform the same process.

[0054] Figure 6 Transformation rule 6 (A=6) shown in (D) is a transformation rule applying transformation mode 2. Transformation rule 6 is an example of a transformation rule used to transform M (M<N) ellipsis-type PJL data into N (N≥2) ellipsis-type transformed PJL data. This transformation rule 6 is applied to the case where, in the image forming apparatus before the update to image forming apparatus 10, only M (M<N) ellipsis-type PJL data were needed to perform a process, but in the updated image forming apparatus 10, N (N≥2) ellipsis-type PJL data are needed to perform the same process. The binding process performed by CPU 21 on the printed paper based on the transformed PJL data "SET OUTBIN FINISHER" and "SET STAPLE ON" of transformation rule 6 is an example of the specified processing or setting content change processing of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 6 Transformation rule 8 (A=8) shown in (E) is a transformation rule that applies transformation mode 3 (deletion mode). Transformation rule 8 is a transformation rule used to delete the acquired PJL data when PJL data consistent with the pre-transformation PJL data is obtained. The image forming apparatus 10 does not perform the process of transforming the pre-transformation PJL data consistent with the deleted PJL data into the post-transformation PJL data. Figure 6 The transformation rule 9 (A=9) shown in (F) is obtained from the information processing device 40 and the PJL data and PDL unit 32 ( Figure 2 In cases where at least one of the following conditions is met, the transformation rule of transformation mode 4 (append mode) is applied. Transformation rule 9 appends abbreviated transformed PJL data, such as "SET DUPLEX ON," to the acquired data. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 performs processing determined by the appended transformed PJL data, such as duplex printing. Furthermore, Figure 5 The filter data 13 shown in (A) represents a portion of the transformation rules, and other transformation rules besides those shown can also be set in the filter data 13. Filter data 13 is an example of filter data for setting the print function of the present invention.

[0056] Filter data 13 includes associated pre-transformation PJL data as data related to pre-transformation PJL data, and associated post-transformation PJL data as PJL data corresponding to the associated pre-transformation PJL data. For example, when comparing pre-transformation PJL data applying transformation rule 3 and pre-transformation PJL data applying transformation rule 4 in the transformation rules set in filter data 13, the two transformation rules are associated in that they have a third element such as "LPARM:PCL" and a fourth element such as "MEDIASIZE=LETTER". In other words, a portion of the data constituting the pre-transformation PJL data is common in both transformation rules. That is, transformation rule 4 is an associated rule of transformation rule 3 in the sense of having mutually related data. Furthermore, when comparing pre-transformation PJL data applying transformation rule 3 and pre-transformation PJL data applying transformation rule 7, the two transformation rules are associated in that they have a fourth element such as "MEDIASIZE". That is, transformation rule 7 is an associated rule of transformation rule 3. Figure 6 As shown in (B), in filter data 13, transformation rules 4 and 7, as association rules of transformation rule 3, are established in correspondence with transformation rule 3. The labels "4" and "7" in the figure are the indices used by CPU 21 to retrieve the association rules of transformation rule 3.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown in (A), for filter data 13, apart from transformation rule 10, the pre-transformation PJL data consists only of "Command" and is set into groups of transformation rules 1 and 2 applying transformation mode 1, and groups of transformation rules 3 to 7 applying transformation mode 2. CPU 21 stores filter data 13 in this configuration during the processing in S12 described later. By arranging the transformation rules in this way, when retrieving pre-transformation PJL data that matches the PJL data obtained by CPU 21, only groups of the same type as the obtained PJL data need to be retrieved; other groups do not need to be retrieved. Therefore, compared to the case of randomly arranging the transformation rules, the retrieval time can be shortened. Therefore, corresponding to shortening the retrieval time, the transformation speed can be accelerated. Furthermore, in the groups of transformation rules 3 to 7 applying transformation mode 2, transformation rules 3 and 4, which set non-omitted PJL data as pre-transformation PJL data, are configured first, and then transformation rules 5 to 7, which set omitted PJL data as pre-transformation PJL data, are configured. In the processing described later in S12, CPU 21 stores the filter data in such a configuration that CPU 21 sorts the filter data 13 and stores it in flash ROM 12 such that the determination of whether the obtained PJL data is consistent with at least a portion of the non-omitted PJL data is executed before the determination of whether the obtained PJL data is consistent with at least a portion of the omitted PJL data is executed. Therefore, when the obtained PJL data is non-omitted PJL data, there is no possibility that the non-omitted PJL data is incorrectly transformed into omitted PJL data.

[0058] For example, Figure 5 The filter data 50 shown in (B) is an example of recommended filter data, with transformation rule R1 for transforming non-omitted PJL data configured at the beginning and transformation rule R2 for transforming omitted PJL data configured after transformation rule R1. Figure 5 The filter data 51 shown in (C) is an example of non-recommended filter data. Transformation rule R1, used to transform abbreviated PJL data, is configured at the beginning, and transformation rule R2, used to transform non-abbreviated PJL data, is configured after transformation rule R1. The non-abbreviated PJL data "SET ORGTRAY=1" and the transformed PJL data "SET TRAY=STD" are non-abbreviated PJL data, while the non-abbreviated PJL data "ORGTRAY" and the transformed PJL data "TRAY" are abbreviated PJL data.

[0059] Assuming filter data 51 is used, the PJL data obtained by CPU 21 is "SET ORGTRAY=1". Since "SET ORGTRAY=1" is a non-omitted PJL data, it should be transformed into a non-omitted PJL data like "SET TRAY=STD". Because CPU 21 references the beginning of filter data 51, it refers to transformation rule R1 to determine whether "SET ORGTRAY=1" matches "ORGTRAY". Here, "ORGTRAY" in the data constituting "SET ORGTRAY=1" matches "ORGTRAY" in transformation rule R1. Therefore, CPU 21 transforms "ORGTRAY" in the data constituting "SET ORGTRAY=1" into "TRAY". As a result, the obtained PJL data "SET ORGTRAY=1" is transformed into "SET TRAY=1". That is, instead of transforming it into "SET TRAY=STD" as non-omitted PJL data, which should have been transformed, it is transformed into "SET TRAY=1" as omitted PJL data. As a result, the image forming apparatus cannot perform the process determined by acquiring the PJL data.

[0060] In the example above, to prevent transformation errors, such as Figure 5 As shown in filter data 50 (B), a correspondence is established between "SET ORGTRAY=1" (PJL data before transformation) and "SET TRAY=STD" (PJL data after transformation) as transformation rule R1, and a correspondence is established between "ORGTRAY" (PJL data before transformation) and "TRAY" (PJL data after transformation) as transformation rule R2. In this case, CPU 21 refers to transformation rule 1 and determines that the obtained "SET ORGTRAY=1" is consistent with the non-omitted PJL data "SET ORGTRAY=1" of transformation rule 1. Therefore, the obtained "SET ORGTRAY=1" is correctly transformed into the transformed PJL data "SET TRAY=STD".

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The main routine executed by the CPU 21 of the control unit 20 will be described below. The following describes the routine received from the information processing device 40 (… Figure 1 Print job 30 sent Figure 2 The processing performed by CPU 21 at that time will be explained. CPU 21 executes the main routine and subroutines according to the program 24 stored in ROM 23. In addition, in the following description, the steps of the processing performed by CPU 21 will be abbreviated as S.

[0062] CPU21 judges filter data 13 ( Figure 5 (A) has been stored in flash ROM12 ( Figure 1 )middle( Figure 7 (S1). Here, if the CPU 21 determines that the filter data 13 has been stored in the flash ROM 12 (S1: Yes), it reads the filter data 13 from the flash ROM 12 and expands the read filter data 13 into the RAM 22. Figure 1 (S2). Furthermore, if filter data 13 is pre-stored in RAM 22, filter data 13 can also be read from RAM 22 and expanded into RAM 22. Additionally, CPU 21 assigns an index to the transformation rules containing association rules in the filter data 13 read from flash ROM 12 (S2). Figure 5 In the example shown in (A), since association rules 4 and 7 exist in transformation rule 3, indexes 4 and 7 are assigned to transformation rule 3. An index only needs to be able to identify the association rule; it can be a symbol other than a number, or a combination of numbers and symbols.

[0063] Next, CPU 21 obtains data from information processing device 40 (S3) and determines the category of the obtained data (S4). Then, CPU 21 determines whether the obtained data is PJL data (S5). If it is determined to be PJL data (S5: Yes), it determines whether the obtained PJL data is PJL data that is allowed to be transformed into transformed PJL data (S6). A list of PJL data that is prohibited from transformation is stored in flash memory ROM 12. If the obtained PJL data is not in this list, transformation is allowed.

[0064] For example, PJL data indicating the uploading of files stored in the image forming apparatus 10 to the network, PJL data indicating file deletion, etc., can be included in the list of PJL data that are prohibited from being transformed. By setting it in this way, when the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to a network such as the Internet, attacks from malicious individuals can be prevented, thereby preventing file uploads, file deletions, etc., from occurring. In other words, the security of the image forming apparatus 10 can be improved.

[0065] When CPU21 determines that the acquired PJL data is permissible for transformation (S6: Yes), it executes the PJL data transformation process described later (S7). Next, CPU21 parses the PJL data (S8) and determines whether data D3 "@PJLENTER LAMGUAGE=PCL XL" has been detected. Figure 2 () Figure 8(S9). Here, if the CPU21 determines that it has detected something (S9: Yes), it determines whether the part recorded after the data D3 "@PJL ENTER LAMGUAGE=PCL XL" is PDL section 32 ( Figure 2 (S10). Here, if the CPU 21 determines that it is the PDL unit 32 (S10: Yes), it determines whether there is any appended transformed PJL data in the filter data 13 (S15). The so-called appended transformed PJL data refers to the transformed PJL data appended to the data obtained by the CPU 21. Here, if the CPU 21 determines that there is appended object PJL data in the filter data 13 (S15: Yes), it obtains the appended object PJL data from the filter data 13 and appends the obtained appended object PJL data to the data already obtained by the CPU 21 (S16). For example, Figure 6 The PJL data transformed by "SET DUPLEX ON" shown in (F) is the appended transformed PJL data. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 performs a process determined by the appended transformed PJL data, such as duplex printing.

[0066] Next, CPU 21 executes RIP processing (S17) and printing processing (S18). This printing processing (S18) is executed after PJL data transformation processing (S7), thus reflecting the instruction content represented by the PJL data transformed by the PJL data transformation processing in the printing processing. Specifically, if the transformed PJL data after the PJL data transformation processing is data indicating a change in the setting content of the printing function, CPU 21 executes printing based on the changed setting content of the printing function and the obtained PDL unit 32. Furthermore, if CPU 21 determines that it is not PDL unit 32 (S10: No), it determines whether it is filter data 13 (S11). If it is determined to be filter data 13 (S11: Yes), it executes the filter data R / W processing described later (S12). Furthermore, if the CPU21 determines that the data is not filter data 13 (S11: No), it determines whether the data is PCL filter data (S13). If the data is PCL filter data (S13: Yes), it performs PCL filter data R / W processing (S14). In this PCL filter data R / W processing, the CPU21 performs the process of writing the acquired PCL filter data to the flash ROM 12 and the process of reading the PCL filter data from the flash ROM 12.

[0067] PCL filter data is filter data used to transform PCL data that is not intended for processing in the image forming apparatus 10 into PCL data intended for processing. Additionally, if the CPU 21 determines that the acquired data is not PCL data ( Figure 7 S5: No), or if it is determined that the obtained PJL data is not PJL data that is allowed to be transformed (S6: No), then to S9 ( Figure 8 ) transfer. Additionally, CPU21 determines that data D3 "@PJL ENTER LAMGUAGE=PCL XL" was not detected. Figure 2 In the case of (S9: No), return to S3 ( Figure 7 The CPU 21 retrieves the data. Additionally, if the CPU 21 determines that the data is not PCL filter data (S13: No), it terminates the main routine. In the case where the CPU 21 retrieves PJL data in S3, S3 is an example of the PJL data retrieval process of this invention. Furthermore, PCL data is an example of data in a different format than PJL data in this invention, and PCL filter data is an example of other filter data in this invention.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 9 For CPU21 in the main routine S7 ( Figure 7 The PJL data transformation processing performed in the main routine is explained. CPU21 determines the PJL data transformation process performed in S3 (…). Figure 7 The CPU 21 determines whether the PJL data obtained is composed solely of the "Command" element (S20). If the CPU 21 determines that the PJL data is composed solely of the "Command" element (S20: Yes), it performs the Mode 1 PJL data transformation process (S21) described later; if it determines that the PJL data is not composed solely of the "Command" element (S20: No), it performs the Mode 2 PJL data transformation process (S22) described later. That is, as described above, for filter data 13, the PJL data before transformation is composed solely of the "Command" element, and is divided into groups applying transformation rules 1 and 2 of transformation mode 1, and groups applying transformation rules 3 to 7 of transformation mode 2. Therefore, by dividing the search objects into groups and processing routines based on whether the obtained PJL data is composed solely of the "Command" element, useless searches can be avoided, thus shortening the search time. Therefore, corresponding to shortening the search time, the transformation speed can be increased.

[0069] Next, refer to Figure 10 S21 of CPU21 in PJL data transformation processing ( Figure 9The following describes the Mode 1 PJL data transformation processing performed in (S30). CPU21 sets the transformation rule number N of the transformation rule to be referenced to 0. The transformation rule number N is... Figure 5 The number represented by symbol A in (A). Next, CPU21 adds "1" to the transformation rule number N (S31), referring to the transformation rule with transformation rule number N=1 (S32).

[0070] Next, CPU21 determines whether the referenced transformation rule number N is a transformation rule number representing the end of filter data 13 (S33). If it determines that N is not a transformation rule number representing the end of filter data 13 (S33: No), it determines whether the currently referenced transformation rule applies transformation mode 2 (S34). Here, if it determines that transformation mode 2 is applied (S34: Yes), CPU21 returns to the main routine. Alternatively, if it determines that the currently referenced transformation rule does not apply transformation mode 2 (S34: No), CPU21 executes the PJL data acquisition transformation process described later (S35). Figure 5 In the example shown in (A), the transformation rule number representing the transformation rule at the end of filter data 13 is "10", but the transformation rule number representing the transformation rule at the end of filter data 13 varies depending on the number of transformation rules that construct filter data 13. Next, CPU 21 determines in the main routine S3 ( Figure 7 If the PJL data obtained in the process is determined to be transformed (S36), and the transformation process of PJL data in mode 1 is terminated (S36: Yes), the transformation process of PJL data in mode 1 is terminated.

[0071] Furthermore, if CPU21 determines that the transformation rule number N being referenced is the transformation rule number representing the end of filter data 13 (S33: Yes), it returns to the main routine. If CPU21 determines that the acquired PJL data has not been transformed (S36: No), it determines whether the currently referenced transformation rule N obtained through execution S32 is a transformation rule that applied transformation mode 3 (deletion mode) (S37). Here, if CPU21 determines that it is a transformation rule that applied transformation mode 3 (S37: Yes), it determines whether the PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule N is consistent with the acquired PJL data (S38). If they are consistent (S38: Yes), the acquired PJL data is deleted (S39). For example, as... Figure 6As shown in (E), if the acquired PJL data is "MEDIACOLOR," which is set to be deleted in transformation rule 8, then the acquired PJL data is deleted. "MEDIACOLOR" is an example of non-object PJL data specified in this invention.

[0072] Next, refer to Figure 11 S35 of CPU21 in mode 1PJL data transformation processing ( Figure 10 The process of obtaining and transforming PJL data executed in the process will be explained. CPU 21 sets the reference PJL data number X to "1" (S50). The reference PJL data number X refers to the number of PJL data points that CPU 21 references in the PJL data before transformation, which constitutes the transformation rule to be referenced. Setting the reference PJL data number X to "1" means that the first PJL data in the PJL data before transformation is used as the reference object.

[0073] Next, CPU21 refers to the first (Xth) PJL data in the PJL data before transformation according to the currently referenced transformation rule (S51). Then, CPU21 determines in S3 of the main routine... Figure 7 The process involves checking whether the PJL data obtained in the current reference is consistent with the first (Xth) PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule (S52). "Consistent" means that all the literals and symbols constituting a PJL data point are identical. For example, suppose the obtained PJL data is "UNKNOWNINIT", and transformation rule 1 (A=1) is currently being referenced. Figure 5 As shown in (A), the PJL data before transformation of transformation rule 1 is only one PJL data such as "UNKNOWNINIT", which is consistent with the obtained PJL data "UNKNOWNINIT". Therefore, CPU21 determines that the obtained PJL data is consistent with the PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule (S52: Yes).

[0074] Next, if the CPU21 determines that the acquired PJL data matches the first PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule (S52: Yes), it determines whether there is any PJL data in the PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule that is inconsistent with the acquired PJL data (S53). If the CPU21 determines that there is no PJL data in the PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule that is inconsistent with the acquired PJL data (S53: No), it transforms the acquired PJL data into transformed PJL data that corresponds to the original PJL data in the referenced transformation rule (S58), and ends the determination process regarding whether the acquired PJL data matches the original PJL data of the currently referenced transformation rule. That is, the CPU21 transforms the original PJL data that was the object of the determination in S52 when it was determined that the acquired PJL data matched the original PJL data into transformed PJL data that corresponds to the original PJL data in the referenced transformation rule, and ends the determination process.

[0075] For example, suppose the obtained PJL data is "UNKNOWNINIT" and transformation rule 1 is being referenced. CPU 21 determines that there is no PJL data inconsistent with the obtained PJL data "UNKNOWNINIT" in the PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule 1 (S53: No), and transforms the obtained PJL data "UNKNOWNINIT" into transformed PJL data "INITALIZE" that corresponds to the transformed PJL data "UNKNOWNINIT" in transformation rule 1 (S58). In this way, when the obtained PJL data is PJL data that has applied transformation mode 1, the reference filter data 13 sets a group of transformation rules for transformed PJL data that have applied transformation mode 1 as transformed PJL data, and searches and finds the transformed PJL data that is consistent with the obtained PJL data from the referenced group, thus shortening the search time. Therefore, correspondingly with shortening the search time, the processing speed of transforming the transformed PJL data into transformed PJL data can be accelerated.

[0076] In addition, if CPU21 determines that there is PJL data in the PJL data before the transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule that is inconsistent with the obtained PJL data (S53: Yes), it performs the pre-reading process described later. Figure 12(S54) Check if the inconsistent PJL data exists in other acquired PJL data. For example, suppose the PJL data acquired by CPU21 is "UNKNOWNINIT", and transformation rule 10 is currently being referenced. The pre-transformation PJL data of transformation rule 10 consists of two PJL data: "UNKNOWNINIT" and "REBOOT". "REBOOT" is a PJL data that is inconsistent with the acquired "UNKNOWNINIT". In this case, CPU21 determines that there is inconsistent PJL data in the pre-transformation PJL data of the currently referenced transformation rule 10 (S53: Yes).

[0077] Furthermore, if the CPU21 determines that the obtained PJL data is inconsistent with the first (Xth) PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule (S52: No), it determines whether X, representing the Xth PJL data currently being referenced before transformation, is equal to the number of PJL data before transformation (S56). The number of PJL data before transformation refers to the total number of PJL data constituting the PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule. Here, if the CPU21 determines that X is not equal to the number of PJL data before transformation (S56: No), it adds "1" to X (S57) and references the Xth PJL data currently being referenced before transformation (S51).

[0078] For example, suppose the obtained PJL data is "REBOOT", and transformation rule 10 (A=10) is being referenced. The first PJL data before transformation under transformation rule 10 contains "UNKNOWNINIT", and the second contains "REBOOT". Therefore, CPU 21 determines that the obtained PJL data "REBOOT" is inconsistent with the first PJL data before transformation under transformation rule 10, "UNKNOWNINIT" (S52: No). Next, CPU 21 determines that "1 (X=1)" is not equal to the number "2" of the PJL data before transformation (S56: No), and adds "1" to X, setting it to X=2 (S57). Then, CPU 21 refers to the second (X=second) PJL data "REBOOT" under transformation rule 10 (S51).

[0079] Next, CPU21 determines that the acquired PJL data "REBOOT" matches the second pre-transformation PJL data "REBOOT" of the currently referenced transformation rule 10 (S52: Yes). Then, CPU21 determines that the pre-transformation PJL data "UNKNOWNINIT" and "REBOOT" of the currently referenced transformation rule 10 contain PJL data "UNKNOWNINIT" that is inconsistent with the acquired PJL data "REBOOT" (S53: Yes). Regarding this inconsistent PJL data "UNKNOWNINIT", a search is performed in the subsequent pre-read process to determine whether it exists in the PJL data acquired by CPU21.

[0080] Furthermore, if CPU21 determines that X is equal to the number of PJL data before transformation (S56: Yes), it ends the PJL data acquisition and transformation process. That is, a state where the acquired PJL data is inconsistent with the Xth PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule, but X is equal to the number of PJL data before transformation, indicates that even if all X PJL data are compared with the acquired PJL data and the Xth PJL data representing the current referenced transformation rule before transformation, no consistent PJL data exists, therefore the PJL data acquisition and transformation process ends. S52 executed by CPU21 is an example of the determination process of the present invention.

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 12 For CPU21, in the S54 process of acquiring PJL data transformation processing ( Figure 11 The pre-read processing performed in S53 of the PJL data transformation process is described below. Figure 11 In this process, the process involves retrieving inconsistent PJL data from the acquired PJL data when it is determined that there is inconsistent PJL data in the PJL data before the transformation of the referenced transformation rule. Hereinafter, this inconsistent PJL data will be referred to as inconsistent PJL data.

[0082] CPU21 references prefetched data (S60). Prefetched data refers to the data that CPU21 uses to determine whether it matches inconsistent data. For example, CPU21 references the first row of PJL data from a set of acquired PJL data as prefetched data (S60). Next, CPU21 determines whether the referenced prefetched data is the end of the acquired data set (S61). If it is not the end (S61: No), it determines whether the referenced prefetched data is PJL data described as "ENTER LAMGUAGE" (e.g., data D3 "@PJL ENTER LAMGUAGE=PCL XL"). Figure 2(A) (S62). Here, if the CPU21 determines that the data is not PJL data described as "ENTER LAMGUAGE" (S62: No), it determines whether the referenced pre-read data is PDL section 32 ( Figure 2 (A) (S63), if it is determined that it is not PDL section 32 (S63: No), determine whether the referenced pre-read data is consistent with the inconsistent PJL data (S64).

[0083] Here, if the CPU 21 determines that the referenced prefetch data is inconsistent with the inconsistent PJL data (S64: No), it refers to the data in the next row (S65) and executes S61 to S64. Alternatively, if the CPU 21 determines that the referenced prefetch data is consistent with the inconsistent PJL data (S64: Yes), it stores the prefetch data that will be the object of the determination in RAM 22. Figure 1 In (S66). For example, if the inconsistent data is "UNKNOWNINIT" and the prefetch data when referring to the second row of data is PJL data describing "UNKNOWNINIT", CPU21 stores the prefetch data "UNKNOWNINIT" in RAM22. In addition, CPU21 performs prefetch processing ( Figure 12 In the process of determining that the data is at the end (S61: Yes), or determining that the data is PJL data described as "ENTER LAMGUAGE" (S62: Yes), or determining that the data is PDL section 32 (S63: Yes), the pre-reading process ends and returns to the PJL data acquisition and transformation process. Figure 11 S64, executed by CPU21, is an example of the judgment process of this invention.

[0084] CPU21 performs the aforementioned S55 process of acquiring and transforming PJL data. Figure 11 In the process of pre-reading, it is determined whether pre-read data is stored (S55). If it is determined that pre-read data is stored (S55: Yes), the Xth pre-transformation PJL data of the judgment object that was determined in S52 to be consistent with the Xth pre-transformation PJL data of the transformation rule being referenced, and the pre-reading processing in S66 ( Figure 12 The transformation rules of the PJL data before transformation, which are composed of the pre-read data stored in S53, are based on the reason for making a positive determination in S32. Figure 10 The transformation rules referenced in the transformation rules are used to transform the obtained PJL data into transformed PJL data that corresponds to the original PJL data in the transformation rules (S58).

[0085] For example, assuming the obtained PJL data is "REBOOT", in S32, referring to transformation rule 10, it becomes the PJL data of the judgment object in S52 that is consistent with the Xth PJL data before transformation of the referenced transformation rule when the obtained PJL data is "REBOOT" of transformation rule 10. In the pre-reading process S66 ( Figure 12 The pre-read data stored in ) is "UNKNOWNINIT". CPU21 refers to the transformation rule of the PJL data before transformation, which consists of "REBOOT" and "UNKNOWNINIT", that is, it refers to transformation rule 10 referenced in S32. Figure 5 (A) transforms the acquired PJL data “UNKNOWNINIT” and “REBOOT” into the transformed PJL data “INTIALIZE”, which is established in transformation rule 10 with the original PJL data “UNKNOWNINIT” and “REBOOT”. In addition, if the CPU21 determines that the pre-read data has not been saved (S55: No), it ends the acquired PJL data transformation process and returns to the mode 1 PJL data transformation process.

[0086] As described in transformation rule 10 above, if the PJL data before transformation consists of one set of PJL data (two in the example above), it is conceivable that PJL data consistent with one of the sets has been obtained, but it is unclear whether PJL data consistent with the remaining PJL data has been obtained. In this case, by performing the aforementioned pre-reading process, it is possible to retrieve and find out whether there is PJL data consistent with the remaining PJL data among the obtained PJL data. Therefore, even if PJL data consistent with multiple PJL data constituting the PJL data before transformation are sent at intervals from the information processing device 40, i.e., at intervals, it is still possible to find the PJL data consistent with the sent multiple PJL data before transformation, and thus the PJL data before transformation can be correctly transformed into the PJL data after transformation. S58 executed by CPU 21 is an example of the transformation process of the present invention.

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 S22 of PJL data transformation processing of CPU21 ( Figure 9The mode 2PJL data transformation processing executed in the process is described below. CPU 21 sets the transformation rule number N of the referenced transformation rule to 0 (S70). Next, CPU 21 adds "1" to the transformation rule number N (S71) and refers to transformation rule 1 with transformation rule number N=1 (S72). Next, CPU 21 determines whether the transformation rule number N is the transformation rule number representing the transformation rule at the end of filter data 13 (S73). If it is determined that the transformation rule number N is not the transformation rule number representing the transformation rule at the end of filter data 13 (S73: No), it determines whether the transformation rule of the referenced transformation rule number N has applied the transformation rule of transformation mode 2 (S74).

[0088] Here, if the CPU21 determines that the transformation rule being referenced applies transformation mode 2 (S74: Yes), it determines whether the pre-transformation PJL data of the referenced transformation rule is completely consistent with the acquired PJL data (S75). Here, "completely consistent" means that all the text and symbols constituting the PJL data are identical. If the CPU21 determines that they are completely consistent (S75: Yes), it transforms the acquired PJL data into post-transformation PJL data that corresponds to the pre-transformation PJL data in the referenced transformation rule (S76). For example, if the acquired PJL data is "SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER", and the pre-transformation PJL data of the referenced transformation rule 3 (N=3) is "SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER" (…),… Figure 5 In the case of (A), CPU21 transforms the acquired PJL data "SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER" into the transformed PJL data "SET LPARM:PCL PAPER LETTER" that corresponds to the original PJL data in transformation rule 3 (S76). Thus, when the acquired PJL data is PJL data applying transformation mode 2, referring to the group in filter data 13 that contains transformation rules for the original PJL data applying transformation mode 2, the CPU21 retrieves and finds the original PJL data that matches the acquired PJL data from the referenced group, thereby shortening the retrieval time. Therefore, corresponding to shortening the retrieval time, the processing speed for transforming the original PJL data into the transformed PJL data can be accelerated. S75 executed by CPU21 is an example of the judgment process of the present invention, and S76 executed by CPU21 is an example of the transformation process of the present invention.

[0089] Furthermore, if the CPU21 determines that the PJL data before the transformation of the referenced transformation rule is not completely consistent with the obtained PJL data (S75: No), it determines whether the essential elements in the PJL data before the transformation of the referenced transformation rule are consistent with the obtained PJL data (S77). The essential element refers to the fourth element that cannot be omitted from the first to fourth elements constituting the PJL data of the application transformation mode 2. For example, if the obtained PJL data is "SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZELETTER", the fourth element "MEDIASIZE" is a essential element.

[0090] Here, if the CPU21 determines that the necessary elements in the PJL data before the transformation of the transformation rule being referenced are consistent with the obtained PJL data (S77: Yes), it determines whether an association rule exists in the transformation rule being referenced (S78). Here, if the CPU21 determines that an association rule exists in the transformation rule being referenced (S78: Yes), it references association rule M (…). Figure 14 (S79). For example, assuming the obtained PJL data is "DEFAULT LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER", and transformation rule 3 (N=3) is applied, then the PJL data before transformation by transformation rule 3 is "SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER" (S79). Figure 5 (A)) Both are consistent in the fourth element "MEDIASIZE", which is a necessary element. Therefore, CPU21 determines that the necessary element in the pre-transformation PJL data of the transformation rule being referenced is consistent with the obtained PJL data (S77: Yes). Next, since the corresponding association rules 4 and 7 are established in transformation rule 3 ( Figure 5 Therefore, CPU21 determines that there is an association rule in transformation rule 3 (S78: Yes), referring to association rule 4 (S79).

[0091] Next, CPU21 determines whether the obtained PJL data is completely consistent with the PJL data before the transformation of association rule M. Figure 14In case of a complete match (S80: Yes), the obtained PJL data is transformed into transformed PJL data that corresponds to the original PJL data in association rule M (S81). For example, suppose the obtained PJL data is "DEFAULTLPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER", and the referenced association rule M is association rule 4 (M=4). Then the original PJL data of association rule 4 is "DEFAULT LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER", which is consistent with the obtained PJL data. Therefore, CPU21 transforms the obtained PJL data "DEFAULT LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER" into transformed PJL data "SET LPARM:PCL PAPER LETTER" that corresponds to the original PJL data in association rule 4 (S81). Figure 5 (A)). S81 executed by CPU21 is an example of the transformation process of the present invention.

[0092] In addition, if CPU21 determines that the obtained PJL data is not completely consistent with the PJL data before the transformation of association rule M (S80: No), it determines whether all association rules M corresponding to the transformation rule N referenced in S72 have been established (S82). If it determines that all association rules M have been referenced (S82: Yes), it returns to S76. Figure 13 That is, the pre-transformation PJL data of the referenced transformation rule is not completely consistent with the acquired PJL data (S75: No), but the essential elements in the pre-transformation PJL data of the referenced transformation rule are consistent with the acquired PJL data (S77: Yes). This situation indicates that either the acquired PJL data or the referenced pre-transformation PJL data is an abbreviated PJL data. Furthermore, the negative state in S82 indicates that even if all association rules M are referenced, no association rule with pre-transformation PJL data consistent with the acquired PJL data is found. Therefore, CPU21 transforms the acquired PJL data into post-transformation PJL data that corresponds to the pre-transformation PJL data consistent with the acquired PJL data in the referenced transformation rule (S76). Thus, even if the acquired PJL data is an abbreviated PJL data and no association rule M with consistent pre-transformation PJL data is found, the acquired PJL data can still be transformed into post-transformation PJL data. In addition, if CPU21 determines that not all association rules M have been referenced (S82: No), it refers to the following association rule M (S79).

[0093] For example, suppose the obtained PJL data omits the second and third elements, only including the fourth element "MEDIASIZE", and refers to transformation rule 3. CPU21 determines that the PJL data before transformation according to transformation rule 3 is "SET LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER", and the "MEDIASIZE" of the required element is consistent with the obtained PJL data (S77: Yes), thus determining that association rule 4 exists in transformation rule 3 (S78: Yes). Next, CPU21 refers to association rule 4 ( Figure 14 S79) determines that it is not completely consistent with the pre-transformation PJL data "DEFAULT LPARM:PCL MEDIASIZE LETTER" of association rule 4 (S80: No). Next, since association rule 7 also exists in the referenced transformation rule 3 in addition to association rule 4 ( Figure 5 Therefore, CPU21 determines that not all association rules M have been referenced (S82: No), and refers to the following association rule 7 (S79). Next, CPU21 determines that it is consistent with the pre-transformation PJL data "MEDIASIZE" of association rule 7 (S80: Yes), and transforms the obtained PJL data "MEDIASIZE" into the corresponding post-transformation PJL data "PAPER" established in association rule 7 that is consistent with the pre-transformation PJL data "MEDIASIZE" of the obtained PJL data (S81). S80 executed by CPU21 is an example of the judgment process of the present invention. In addition, the pre-transformation PJL data "MEDIASIZE" of association rule 7 is an example of the association of non-object PJL data in the present invention, and the post-transformation PJL data "PAPER" of association rule 7 is an example of the association of object PJL data in the present invention.

[0094] Additionally, if CPU21 determines that the transformation rule being referenced is not the transformation rule that applied transformation mode 2 ( Figure 13 S74: No), determine whether the transformation rule being referenced is a transformation rule that has applied transformation mode 3 (deletion mode). Figure 14 (S83). Here, if the CPU21 determines that the transformation rule of transformation mode 3 has been applied (S83: Yes), it determines whether the obtained PJL data is consistent with the PJL data before transformation of the transformation rule being referenced (S84). If it is determined that they are consistent (S84: Yes), the obtained PJL data is deleted (S85).

[0095] Additionally, if the CPU21 determines that the transformation rule number N of the transformation rule being referenced is the transformation rule number of the transformation rule at the end of the filter data 13 ( Figure 13If the CPU determines that the necessary elements in the PJL data before the transformation of the transformation rule being referenced are inconsistent with the obtained PJL data (S77: No), it refers to the transformation rule with transformation rule number (N+1) (S72) and executes S72 to S87. If the CPU determines that there is no associated rule in the transformation rule being referenced (S78: No), it returns to S76 (S73: Yes). Figure 13 That is, the pre-transformation PJL data of the referenced transformation rule is not completely consistent with the acquired PJL data (S75: No), but the essential elements in the pre-transformation PJL data of the referenced transformation rule are consistent with the acquired PJL data (S77: Yes). This situation indicates that either the acquired PJL data or the referenced pre-transformation PJL data is an abbreviated PJL data. Therefore, CPU21 transforms the acquired PJL data into post-transformation PJL data that corresponds to the pre-transformation PJL data consistent with the acquired PJL data in the referenced transformation rule (S76). Therefore, even if the acquired PJL data is an abbreviated PJL data, it can still be transformed into post-transformation PJL data.

[0096] Additionally, if CPU21 determines that the transformation rule being referenced is not a transformation rule applying transformation mode 3 (deletion mode) (S83: No), or if it determines that the obtained PJL data is inconsistent with the pre-transformation PJL data of the referenced transformation rule (S84: No), it refers to the transformation rule with transformation rule number (N+1) (S72) and executes S72 to S87. Furthermore, if CPU21 determines that there is no appended transformed PJL data in the filter data 13 (S86: No), it ends the mode 2 PJL data transformation processing and returns to the main routine.

[0097] As described above, when CPU 21 acquires a PJL data, for each PJL data before transformation that corresponds to the transformed PJL data through filter data 13, it performs a judgment process to determine whether the acquired PJL data is consistent with any of the PJL data before transformation that corresponds to the transformed PJL data through filter data 13 stored in flash memory ROM 12. Furthermore, if the result of the judgment that the acquired PJL data is consistent with any of the PJL data before transformation that corresponds to the transformed PJL data through filter data 13 stored in flash memory ROM 12 is found to be consistent with the acquired PJL data, then CPU 21 performs a transformation process to transform the acquired PJL data into the transformed PJL data corresponding to the PJL data before transformation stored in filter data 13 stored in flash memory ROM 12.

[0098] Next, refer to Figure 15 For CPU21 in main routine S13 ( Figure 8 The filter data R / W processing performed in the process will be explained. CPU 21 determines whether the acquired data is data indicating the reading of filter data 13 (hereinafter referred to as read instruction data) or data indicating the writing of filter data 13 (hereinafter referred to as write instruction data) (S90). Here, if it is determined that the acquired data is read instruction data (S90: read), CPU 21 parses the filter data name of the read object represented by the read instruction data (S91) and determines whether there is send address information indicating the send destination in the read instruction data (S92).

[0099] Here, if the CPU 21 determines that transmission address information exists (S92: Yes), it determines the transmission destination based on the transmission destination address information (S93). Next, the CPU 21 determines whether the filter data 13 has been stored in the flash memory ROM 12 (S94). If it determines that it has been stored (S94: Yes), it reads the filter data 13 from the flash memory ROM 12 and sends the read filter data 13 to the transmission destination determined in S93 (S95). For example, in the information processing device 40 ( Figure 1 When the address of the destination address is set in the filter data 13, the filter data 13 read from the flash ROM 12 is sent to the information processing device 40 via the LAN line L1.

[0100] Furthermore, if CPU 21 determines that the send address information does not exist in the filter data 13 (S92: No), and determines that the filter data 13 is already stored in the flash ROM 12 (S94: Yes), it sends the filter data 13 to the default send destination that was not determined by the send address information (S95). Alternatively, if CPU 21 determines that the filter data 13 is not stored in the flash ROM 12 (S94: No), it sends an "error" message (S96). For example, it sends a message such as "Filter data does not exist." as an error. If the send destination was determined in S93, an error is sent to that send destination; otherwise, an error is sent to the default send destination.

[0101] Furthermore, if the CPU 21 determines that the acquired data is write instruction data (S90: write), it parses the filter data name of the write object represented by the write instruction data (S97). Next, the CPU 21 determines whether filter data with the same filter data name as the write object has already been stored in the flash ROM 12 (S98). If it determines that it has been stored (S98: yes), it discards the filter data 13 stored in the flash ROM 12 (S99). Then, the CPU 21 will... (The sentence is incomplete and requires further context to translate accurately.) Figure 7 The filter data obtained in the image forming apparatus 10 is sorted into groups of transformation rules applying transformation mode 1 and groups of transformation rules applying transformation mode 2 (S100). The transformation rules applying transformation mode 1 are arranged from the beginning, and the transformation rules applying transformation mode 2 (omitted PJL data) are arranged after the transformation rules of the non-omitted PJL data (S101). Next, the CPU 21 writes the filter data to the flash memory ROM 12 (S102). In addition, the CPU 21 can also be configured to write the filter data to the RAM 22. In this form, the filter data written to the RAM 22 will disappear when the power supply to the image forming apparatus 10 is turned off, but this form is effective in image forming systems where the power supply to the image forming apparatus 10 is always on, or in image forming systems where filter data is written every time the power is turned on.

[0102] Next, CPU 21 executes the association rule filter data construction process (S103) described later. Then, CPU 21 reads the filter data from flash ROM 12 and expands the read filter data into RAM 22. Figure 1 (S104). Next, CPU 21 reads the association rule filter data from flash ROM 12 and expands the read association rule filter data into RAM 22 (S105). Additionally, if CPU 21 determines that filter data with the same name as the filter data to be written is not stored in flash ROM 12 (S98: No), it executes S100 to S105. S100 executed by CPU 21 is an example of the storage processing of the present invention. Furthermore, in S3 ( Figure 7 In the case where filter data is obtained from the flash ROM 12, S3 is an example of the filter data acquisition process of the present invention. Additionally, the process by which the CPU 21 reads filter data 13 from the flash ROM 12 in S95 is an example of the output process of the present invention.

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 16 S101 of CPU21 in filter data R / W processing ( Figure 15The process of constructing the association rule filter data executed in the CPU 21 is described below. CPU 21 sets the transformation rule number N of the referenced transformation rule to 1 (S110), and determines whether the transformation rule number N of the referenced transformation rule represents the transformation rule number at the end of filter data 13 (S111). If it is determined that the transformation rule number N of the referenced transformation rule does not represent the transformation rule number at the end of filter data 13 (S111: No), the CPU 21 starts from filter data 13 (…). Figure 5 The transformation rule N (S112) is obtained from (A).

[0104] Next, CPU21 sets the value M obtained by adding "1" to the transformation rule number N of transformation rule N obtained in S112 as the transformation rule number of comparison rule M (S113). The comparison rule refers to the transformation rule that becomes the comparison object of transformation rule N obtained in S112. For example, if the transformation rule N obtained in S112 is transformation rule 3 (N=3), M=4 (=3+1) is set as the transformation rule number of comparison rule M (S113). Next, CPU21 determines whether M set in S113 is the transformation rule number representing the transformation rule at the end of filter data 13 (S114). If it is determined that M is not the transformation rule number representing the transformation rule at the end of filter data 13 (S114: No), comparison rule M (transformation rule with transformation rule number M) is obtained from filter data 13 (S116).

[0105] Next, CPU21 determines whether the transformation mode of transformation rule N obtained in S112 is consistent with the transformation mode of comparison rule M obtained in S116 (S117). If they are consistent (S117: Yes), CPU21 determines whether the essential elements of the pre-transformation PJL data of transformation rule N obtained in S112 are consistent with the essential elements of the pre-transformation PJL data of comparison rule M obtained in S116 (S118). Here, if they are consistent (S118: Yes), CPU21 appends the comparison rule M obtained in S116 as the association rule M of transformation rule N obtained in S112 to the filter data 13 (S119).

[0106] For example, suppose the transformation rule N obtained in S112 is transformation rule 3 (N=3), and the comparison rule M is transformation rule 4 (M=4). The transformation modes of transformation rule 3 and transformation rule 4 are all transformation mode 2 (…). Figure 5 (A)), the transformation modes of transformation rule 3 and transformation rule 4 are consistent (S117: Yes). Furthermore, the required element of the PJL data before each transformation in transformation rule 3 and transformation rule 4 is the fourth element "MEDIASIZE" ( Figure 5(A)), the essential elements of the PJL data before transformation in transformation rule 3 and transformation rule 4 are consistent (S118: Yes). Therefore, CPU 21 appends transformation rule 4 as association rule 4 of transformation rule 3 to the filter data 13 (S119). Figure 5 As shown in (A), association rule 4 is made to correspond with transformation rule 3 and appended to filter data 13.

[0107] Next, CPU21 adds "1" to the transformation rule number M of comparison rule M (S120), and executes S114 to S120. For example, if the association rule M added in S119 of the previous processing routine is transformation rule 4, CPU21 obtains transformation rule 5 with transformation rule number 5 (=4+1) from the filter data (S116). Figure 5 As shown in (A), since the transformation mode of transformation rule 5 is the same as transformation mode 2 as transformation rule 3, CPU 21 determines that the transformation mode of transformation rule 3 obtained in S112 is consistent with the transformation mode of transformation rule 5 (S117: Yes). However, since the required element of the PJL data before transformation of transformation rule 5 is the fourth element "MEDIATYPE", which is different from "MEDIASIZE" of transformation rule 3, CPU 21 determines that the required element of the PJL data before transformation of transformation rule 3 is inconsistent with the required element of the PJL data before transformation of transformation rule 5 (S118: No). Therefore, CPU 21 does not add transformation rule 5 as an association rule of transformation rule 3 to the filter data 13.

[0108] Furthermore, when transformation rule 7 is obtained as comparison rule M, since the transformation mode of transformation rule 7 is transformation mode 2, CPU 21 determines that the transformation mode of transformation rule 3 obtained in S112 is consistent with the transformation mode of transformation rule 7 (S117: Yes). Moreover, since the essential element of the PJL data before transformation of transformation rule 7 is the fourth element "MEDIASIZE", which is the same as "MEDIASIZE" in transformation rule 3, CPU 21 determines that the essential element of the PJL data before transformation of transformation rule 3 is consistent with the essential element of the PJL data before transformation of transformation rule 7 (S118: Yes). Therefore, CPU 21 appends transformation rule 7 as association rule 7 of transformation rule 3 to filter data 13 (S119). Figure 5 As shown in (A), association rule 7 is added to filter data 13 to establish a correspondence with transformation rule 3.

[0109] Furthermore, if CPU21 determines that the transformation rule number M set in S113 represents the transformation rule number of a transformation rule at the end of the filter data (S114: Yes), it adds "1" to the transformation rule number N (S115). For the transformation rule with transformation rule number (N+1), it constructs the association rule filter data. Next, if CPU21 determines that the transformation rule number (N+1) of the referenced transformation rule does not represent the transformation rule number of a transformation rule at the end of the filter data 13 (S111: No), it obtains the transformation rule with transformation rule number (N+1) from the filter data (S112). Then, CPU21 sets the value obtained by adding "1" to the transformation rule number (N+1) of transformation rule N obtained in S112 as the transformation rule number of comparison rule M (S113). Next, CPU21 executes the aforementioned S114 to S120. If there is a comparison rule M associated with the transformation rule with transformation rule number (N+1), the comparison rule M is added to the filter data 13 as the associated rule M of the transformation rule with transformation rule number (N+1) (S119).

[0110] That is, CPU 21 executes S111 to S120 for each transformation rule constituting filter data 13. If a comparison rule associated with a transformation rule exists, the comparison rule is appended to filter data 13 as an associated rule of the transformation rule. Furthermore, if CPU 21 determines that the transformation rule number N of the referenced transformation rule is the transformation rule number of the transformation rule at the end of filter data 13 (S111: Yes), it saves the associated rule filter data representing the associated rule appended in S119 in flash memory ROM 12 (S121) and returns to filter data R / W processing. Figure 15 ).

[0111] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0112] (1) According to the above-described embodiment, even if the PJL data obtained from the information processing apparatus 40 is PJL data for an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus 10, or PJL data that cannot be executed in the image forming apparatus 10, the PJL data can be transformed into PJL data that can be executed in the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the administrator of the image forming system having the information processing apparatus 40 and the image forming apparatus 10 does not need to recreate the PJL data used before updating the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus 10 according to the specifications of the image forming apparatus 10. That is, according to the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to reconstruct the image forming system having the information processing apparatus 40 and the image forming apparatus 10, so the burden on the administrator will not increase.

[0113] (2) In addition, according to the aforementioned embodiment, since the filter data 13 can be read from the flash memory ROM 12 and output, the output filter data 13 can be edited, for example.

[0114] (3) Moreover, according to the aforementioned embodiment, since the filter data 13 can be read from the flash memory ROM 12 and the read filter data 13 can be sent to the specified transmission destination, the filter data 13 can be used, for example, in the image forming apparatus at the specified transmission destination.

[0115] (4) Furthermore, according to the aforementioned embodiment, the CPU 21 can transform the PJL data it acquires into transformed PJL data regardless of whether it is non-omitted PJL data or omitted PJL data. Moreover, according to the aforementioned embodiment, the CPU 21 can write the filter data 13 into the flash memory ROM 12 in such a manner that the transformation rules for the non-omitted PJL data applying transformation mode 1 are arranged from the beginning, and the omitted PJL data applying transformation mode 2 is arranged after the transformation rules for the non-omitted PJL data. Therefore, when the PJL data acquired by the CPU 21 is non-omitted PJL data, there is no possibility of it being incorrectly transformed into omitted PJL data.

[0116] (5) Furthermore, according to the aforementioned embodiment, if the CPU 21 determines that there is no PJL data in the pre-transformation PJL data of the currently referenced transformation rule that is inconsistent with the acquired PJL data (S53: No), it transforms the acquired PJL data into post-transformation PJL data that corresponds to the pre-transformation PJL data in the filter data 13 (S58), and ends the determination process of whether the acquired PJL data is consistent with the non-omitted PJL data of the currently referenced transformation rule. Therefore, the transformation processing speed of transforming the acquired PJL data into post-transformation PJL data that corresponds to the pre-transformation PJL data in the transformation rule can be improved.

[0117] (6) Furthermore, according to the aforementioned embodiment, when the CPU 21 sequentially checks whether the filter data 13 is consistent with the acquired PJL data from the front end (transformation rule 1) to the back end (transformation rule 10), but determines that it is not completely consistent with the acquired PJL data, if the index of the association rule corresponds to the transformation rule that is the object of the judgment, the transformation rule (association rule) represented by the index is skipped, and the skipped transformation rule (association rule) is used as the object of judgment. Therefore, the CPU 21 can skip the object of judgment based on the index that corresponds to the transformation rule, so compared with the process of sequentially judging from transformation rule 1 to transformation rule 10, the time required to find the consistent transformation rule can be shortened. That is, correspondingly, the transformation processing speed required to transform the acquired PJL data into the transformed PJL data can be improved.

[0118] (7) Furthermore, according to the aforementioned embodiment, in the image forming apparatus prior to the update to image forming apparatus 10, N (N≥2) PJL data points were required to perform one process. However, in the updated image forming apparatus 10, only M (M<N) PJL data points are needed to perform the aforementioned process. In this case, by performing the PJL data acquisition transformation process ( Figure 11 It can transform N PJL data points into M transformed PJL data points.

[0119] (8) Moreover, according to the aforementioned embodiment, in the image forming apparatus prior to the image forming apparatus 10, in order to perform a process, it is necessary to obtain PJL data consisting of N (N≥2) data. However, in the updated image forming apparatus, in order to perform the aforementioned process, it is only necessary to obtain PJL data consisting of M (M<N) data. In this case, the pre-transformation PJL data consisting of N data can be transformed into post-transformation PJL data consisting of M data.

[0120] (9) Moreover, according to the aforementioned embodiment, in the image forming apparatus prior to the update to image forming apparatus 10, in order to perform a process, it is only necessary to obtain PJL data consisting of M (M<N) data. However, in the updated image forming apparatus, in order to perform the aforementioned process, it is necessary to obtain PJL data consisting of N (N≥2) data. In this case, it is possible to transform the PJL data consisting of M data into transformed PJL data consisting of N data.

[0121] (10) Furthermore, according to the aforementioned embodiment, if the PJL data acquired by the CPU 21 is PJL data applying transformation mode 1, and only one of the multiple pre-transformation PJL data in the referenced transformation rules is consistent, a pre-reading process can be performed to determine whether there is inconsistent PJL data among the acquired PJL data. Then, if consistent PJL data is found through the pre-reading process, the PJL data obtained by combining the found PJL data and the PJL data determined to be consistent in the previous processing can be transformed into corresponding post-transformation PJL data that is consistent with the pre-transformation PJL data and the combined PJL data in the aforementioned referenced transformation rules. That is, according to the aforementioned embodiment, in the image forming apparatus prior to the update to image forming apparatus 10, two PJL data with application transformation mode 1 are required to perform a certain process. However, in the updated image forming apparatus 10, in order to perform the above-mentioned process, only one PJL data with application transformation mode 1 is needed. If one of the two PJL data is obtained, it is possible to pre-read and find out whether the other PJL data has been obtained. Therefore, the two obtained PJL data can be correctly transformed.

[0122] (11) Furthermore, according to the aforementioned embodiment, since the printing process (S18) is performed after the PJL data transformation process (S7), the instruction content represented by the PJL data transformed by the PJL data transformation process can be reflected in the printing process.

[0123] (12) Moreover, according to the aforementioned embodiment, since the filter data 13 establishes a correspondence between the PJL data before transformation and the PJL data after transformation indicating the change of the setting content of the printing function, the setting content of the printing function can be changed even without changing the PJL data used in the image forming apparatus before the image forming apparatus 10 is updated.

[0124] (13) Furthermore, according to the aforementioned implementation, when the CPU 21 determines that the PJL data after the additional transformation exists in the filter data 13 ( Figure 8 S15: Yes), can obtain the appended transformed PJL data from the filter data 13 and append the obtained appended transformed PJL data to the data obtained by the CPU 21. Figure 8 (S16). Therefore, according to the aforementioned embodiment, even if a new function is added to the image forming apparatus 10, the new function can still be executed even if the information processing device 40 that sends the print job 30 to the image forming apparatus 10 does not send the transformed PJL data for executing the new function to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0125] (14) Furthermore, according to the aforementioned implementation, when the CPU21 determines that the transformation rule of transformation mode 3 (deletion mode) has been applied ( Figure 10 (S37: Yes) It is determined whether the PJL data before transformation of the currently referenced transformation rule N is consistent with the acquired PJL data (S38). If it is determined that they are consistent (S38: Yes), the acquired PJL data can be deleted (S39). Therefore, according to the aforementioned implementation method, the CPU21 does not perform the process of transforming the acquired PJL data that is consistent with the deleted PJL data into the transformed PJL data. That is, the CPU21 does not perform the process determined by the acquired PJL data.

[0126] (15) Furthermore, according to the aforementioned embodiment, it is possible to perform the process of acquiring PCL filter data and writing the acquired PCL filter data into the flash memory ROM 12, and the process of reading PCL filter data from the flash memory ROM 12. Figure 8 (S14). Therefore, according to the aforementioned embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 uses PCL as the page description language (PDL), if the PCL data sent from the information processing apparatus 40 is data that cannot be processed in the image forming apparatus 10, such as PCL data with a different version, it is possible to transform it into data that can be processed by using a PCL filter.

[0127] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0128] (1) When the obtained filter data is edited filter data, the CPU 21 can store the edited filter data in the flash memory ROM 12. Furthermore, when the obtained PJL data is PJL data before transformation that corresponds to the transformed PJL data in the edited filter data stored in the flash memory ROM 12, the CPU 21 can transform the obtained PJL data into PJL data after transformation that corresponds to the PJL data before transformation in the edited filter data stored in the flash memory ROM 12. According to this embodiment, even if the image forming apparatus is updated and its functions or performance are added or removed, the added or removed functions or performance can be addressed by editing the content of the filter data.

[0129] (2) It can store multiple filter data in flash ROM 12. Then, CPU 21 transmits the data via user IF 16 ( Figure 1The system accepts the operation of specifying any one filter data from a variety of filter data stored in the flash memory ROM 12. When the obtained PJL data is the original PJL data corresponding to the transformed PJL data obtained through the specified filter data, the system can transform the obtained PJL data into the transformed PJL data corresponding to the original PJL data within the specified filter data. According to this embodiment, the user can select and use the desired filter data.

[0130] (3) CPU21 can also write the acquired filter data to flash ROM12 ( Figure 15 In step S102, the pre-transformation PJL data corresponding to the obtained filter data and the transformed PJL data are sorted and written to the flash memory ROM 12. The sorting method is not limited; for example, the pre-transformation PJL data can be sorted alphabetically by the first character of each pre-transformation PJL data. Furthermore, when searching for pre-transformation PJL data that matches the obtained PJL data, the CPU 21 uses a binary search method to filter the pre-transformation PJL data, thereby enabling the search for pre-transformation PJL data that matches the obtained PJL data. According to this embodiment, since the CPU 21's decision processing speed can be improved, the transformation processing speed of converting the obtained PJL data into transformed PJL data can be improved.

[0131] (4) CPU21 is able to obtain the PJL data before conversion and the instruction printing process ( Figure 8 After the PJL data is transformed (S18), the corresponding filter data, namely the filter data for the additional information notification, is established. Then, the CPU21 stores the obtained filter data for the additional information notification in the flash memory ROM12, and performs transformation processing (S18). Figure 11 S58, Figure 13 The S76, Figure 14 When the transformed PJL data after the S81 transformation is the transformed PJL data stored in the additional information notification filter data of the flash memory ROM 12, additional information notification processing of the additional information can be performed to notify the printing process. According to this embodiment, additional information can be notified from the image forming apparatus 10 even without changing the pre-transformation PJL data used before updating to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0132] (5) The CPU 21 acquires PCL filter data as additional filter data for converting data with a different format from PJL data into data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus 10. It can also acquire additional filter data for converting data other than PCL data (e.g., PS data) into data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 21 then stores this acquired additional filter data in the flash memory ROM 12. In the case of acquiring data other than PCL data, the CPU 21 can convert the acquired data into processable data based on the additional filter data stored in the flash memory ROM 12. According to this embodiment, even if the image forming apparatus is updated to the image forming apparatus 10, and the data is in a format different from PJL data, and data used in the previous image forming apparatus is acquired, the acquired data can still be converted into data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0133] (6) The program of the present invention can be obtained not only from the Internet, but also from storage media such as USB memory and CD-ROM. Moreover, the program of the present invention can also be obtained by communicating with other image forming apparatus or information processing apparatus storing the program.

[0134] Label Explanation

[0135] 10 Image forming apparatus, 12 Flash ROM, 13 Filter data, 16 User IF, 17 Communication IF, 20 Control Department, 21 CPU, 22 RAM, 30 Print job, 31 PJL Department, 32 PDL Department, 40 Information processing device.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising an external interface, a computer, and non-volatile memory, characterized in that, The computer performs the following processing: Printer job language data acquisition and processing: Printer job language data is acquired via the external interface; Filter data acquisition and processing, obtaining filter data via the external interface; and The storage process involves storing the filter data obtained through the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory. The filter data is used to establish a correspondence between non-object printer job language data and object printer job language data. The non-object printer job language data refers to printer job language data that is not used to cause the image forming apparatus to perform the prescribed processing. The object printer job language data refers to printer job language data that is used to cause the image forming apparatus to perform the prescribed processing. Furthermore, the computer performs a transformation process. In cases where the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is non-object printer job language data that corresponds to the object printer job language data through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, the transformation process transforms the obtained printer job language data into object printer job language data that corresponds to the non-object printer job language data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. When the computer obtains printer job language data through the printer job language data acquisition process, and the data indicates that the filter data should be read from the non-volatile memory and output, the computer performs output processing to read the filter data from the non-volatile memory and output the filter data.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output processing reads the filter data from the non-volatile memory and sends it to the specified destination when the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition processing is data that instructs the filter data to be read from the non-volatile memory and sent to the specified destination.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, If the filter data obtained through the filter data acquisition process is edited filter data that has been modified, the storage process stores the edited filter data in the non-volatile memory. When the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is non-object printer job language data that corresponds to the object printer job language data through the edited filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, the transformation process transforms the obtained printer job language data into object printer job language data that corresponds to the non-object printer job language data in the edited filter data stored in the non-volatile memory.

4. An image forming apparatus comprising an external interface, a computer, non-volatile memory, and a user interface, characterized in that, The computer performs the following processing: Printer job language data acquisition and processing: Printer job language data is acquired via the external interface; Filter data acquisition and processing, obtaining filter data via the external interface; and The storage process involves storing the filter data obtained through the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory. The filter data is used to establish a correspondence between non-object printer job language data and object printer job language data. The non-object printer job language data refers to printer job language data that is not used to cause the image forming apparatus to perform the prescribed processing. The object printer job language data refers to printer job language data that is used to cause the image forming apparatus to perform the prescribed processing. Furthermore, the computer performs a transformation process. In cases where the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is non-object printer job language data that corresponds to the object printer job language data through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, the transformation process transforms the obtained printer job language data into object printer job language data that corresponds to the non-object printer job language data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. The storage process enables the storage of various filter data in the non-volatile memory. The transformation process accepts the operation of specifying any filter data from the various filter data stored in the non-volatile memory via the user interface. When the printer job language data obtained by the printer job language data acquisition process is non-object printer job language data that corresponds to the object printer job language data through the specified filter data, the transformation process transforms the obtained printer job language data into the object printer job language data that corresponds to the non-object printer job language data in the specified filter data.

5. An image forming apparatus comprising an external interface, a computer, and a non-volatile memory, characterized in that, The computer performs the following processing: Printer job language data acquisition and processing: Printer job language data is acquired via the external interface; Filter data acquisition and processing, obtaining filter data via the external interface; and The storage process involves storing the filter data obtained through the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory. The filter data is used to establish a correspondence between non-object printer job language data and object printer job language data. The non-object printer job language data refers to printer job language data that is not used to cause the image forming apparatus to perform the prescribed processing. The object printer job language data refers to printer job language data that is used to cause the image forming apparatus to perform the prescribed processing. Furthermore, the computer performs a transformation process. In cases where the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is non-object printer job language data that corresponds to the object printer job language data through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, the transformation process transforms the obtained printer job language data into object printer job language data that corresponds to the non-object printer job language data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. Among the printer job language data that can be obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process, there are non-omitted printer job language data as printer job language data in an unomitted form and omitted printer job language data as printer job language data in an omitted form. The filter data includes object printer job language data corresponding to the non-omitted printer job language data and object printer job language data corresponding to the omitted printer job language data. The computer performs a judgment process, which determines whether at least a portion of the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process and the non-object printer job language data corresponding to the object printer job language data obtained through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory are consistent with each of the non-object printer job language data representing the filter data. The storage process prioritizes the determination in the judgment process that the obtained printer job language data is consistent with at least a portion of the non-omitted printer job language data corresponding to the target printer job language data through filter data stored in the non-volatile memory over the determination that the obtained printer job language data is consistent with at least a portion of the omitted printer job language data corresponding to the target printer job language data through the filter data. The filter data is then sorted and stored in the non-volatile memory. The transformation process, when the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is non-object printer job language data that corresponds to the object printer job language data through filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, transforms the obtained printer job language data into object printer job language data that corresponds to the non-omitted printer job language data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. The transformation process transforms the obtained printer job language data into the target printer job language data that corresponds to the target printer job language data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, when the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is the non-target printer job language data that corresponds to the target printer job language data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The determination process terminates when it determines that the non-object printer job language data, which is consistent with the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process, exists in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, The filter data stored in the non-volatile memory includes: As associated non-object printer job language data having data associated with the non-object printer job language data; and As the associated object printer job language data, corresponding to the aforementioned non-object printer job language data. When storing the filter data obtained through the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory, the storage process also stores an index corresponding to the non-object printer job language data that is established with the object printer job language data through the filter data. This index is used to retrieve the associated non-object printer job language data that has data associated with the non-object printer job language data that is established with the object printer job language data through the filter data. If the determination process determines that the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is inconsistent with the non-object printer job language data that is established to correspond with the object printer job language data through the filter data, the process retrieves the associated non-object printer job language data that has data associated with the non-object printer job language data based on the index established with the non-object printer job language data that becomes the determination object of the determination process, and determines whether the associated non-object printer job language data found by the retrieval is consistent with the obtained printer job language data. If the transformation process determines that the associated non-object printer job language data found through the retrieval is consistent with the obtained printer job language data, the transformation process converts the obtained printer job language data into associated object printer job language data that corresponds to the associated non-object printer job language data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, The storage process sorts the non-object printer job language data corresponding to the object printer job language data obtained by the filter data acquisition process and stores them in the non-volatile memory. The judgment process uses a binary search method to filter the sorted non-object printer job language data stored in the non-volatile memory, thereby searching for non-object printer job language data that is consistent with the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, In the filter data, N non-object printer job language data are associated with M object printer job language data, where N ≥ 2 and M < N. The printer job language data acquisition and processing method obtains N printer job language data in N separate transactions via the external interface. The storage process stores the filter data obtained through the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory. Whenever a printer job language data is obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process, the judgment process performs a judgment on each of the N non-object printer job language data corresponding to the M object printer job language data established through the filter data, to determine whether the obtained printer job language data is consistent with any one of the N non-object printer job language data corresponding to the M object printer job language data established through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. If the transformation process finds N non-object printer job language data that match any one of the N obtained printer job language data by comparing it with any one of the N obtained printer job language data that corresponds to the M object printer job language data through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, then the N obtained printer job language data are transformed into M object printer job language data that correspond to the N non-object printer job language data stored in the filter data of the non-volatile memory.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, In the filter data, a correspondence is established between non-object printer job language data consisting of N data points and object printer job language data consisting of M data points, where N ≥ 2 and M < N. The storage process stores the filter data obtained through the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory. In the case where the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process consists of N data points, the judgment process determines whether the non-object printer job language data consisting of N data points, which is corresponding to the object printer job language data through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, is consistent with the obtained printer job language data consisting of N data points. If the transformation process determines, through the judgment process, that the obtained printer job language data consisting of N data points is consistent with the non-object printer job language data consisting of N data points that corresponds to the object printer job language data stored in the non-volatile memory, the obtained printer job language data consisting of N data points is transformed into the object printer job language data consisting of M data points that corresponds to the non-object printer job language data consisting of N data points stored in the filter data of the non-volatile memory.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, In the filter data, a correspondence is established between non-object printer job language data consisting of M data points and object printer job language data consisting of N data points, where M < N, N ≥ 2. The storage process stores the filter data obtained through the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory. In the case where the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process consists of M data points, the judgment process determines whether the non-object printer job language data consisting of M data points, which is corresponding to the object printer job language data through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, is consistent with the obtained printer job language data consisting of M data points. If the transformation process determines, through the judgment process, that the obtained printer job language data consisting of M data points is consistent with the non-object printer job language data consisting of M data points that corresponds to the object printer job language data stored in the non-volatile memory, the obtained printer job language data consisting of M data points is transformed into the object printer job language data consisting of N data points that corresponds to the non-object printer job language data consisting of M data points stored in the filter data of the non-volatile memory.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, In the case where the printer job language data and print data have been obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process, the determination process determines whether the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is consistent with any one of the non-object printer job language data that has been established to correspond with the object printer job language data through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. If the transformation process determines, through the judgment process, that the obtained printer job language data is consistent with either the non-object printer job language data that is corresponding to the object printer job language data through the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, then the obtained printer job language data is transformed into object printer job language data that is corresponding to the non-object printer job language data that is determined to be consistent with the printer job language data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. The computer performs printing processing based on the object printer job language data transformed by the transformation process and the obtained print data.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The filter data acquisition process acquires filter data for printing function settings, which is used to create corresponding filter data for changing the non-target printer job language data and the settings indicating printing functions. The storage process stores the print function settings obtained through the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory. When the target printer job language data, after being transformed by the transformation process, is the target printer job language data stored in the print function setting filter data in the non-volatile memory, the computer performs a setting change process to modify the print function settings according to the content indicated by the target printer job language data. The printing process is performed based on the printing function after the settings have been changed through the settings change process and the printing data obtained.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The filter data acquisition process acquires additional information notification filter data as the filter data used to establish corresponding filter data for the non-object printer job language data and the object printer job language data indicating additional information for the printing process. The storage process will notify the filter data storage, which obtains the additional information through the filter data acquisition process, to be stored in the non-volatile memory. When the target printer job language data transformed by the transformation process is the target printer job language data stored in the additional information notification filter data in the non-volatile memory, the computer performs additional information notification processing to notify the printing process of additional information.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, The filter data stored in the non-volatile memory may also include additional object printer job language data as an appended object. The determination process, for each non-object printer job language data, determines whether at least a portion of the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is consistent with the non-object printer job language data corresponding to the object printer job language data established through filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. It also determines whether the appended object printer job language data, which is the object to be appended to the filter data, exists in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. If the transformation process determines, through the judgment process, that the additional target printer job language data exists in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, then the additional target printer job language data is appended to the target printer job language data transformed by the transformation process. The computer performs a process determined by the additional object printer job language data appended through the transformation process.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, The judgment process determines whether the printer job language data obtained through the printer job language data acquisition process is consistent with the non-object printer job language data that is established to correspond with the object printer job language data through filter data stored in the non-volatile memory. If the transformation process determines that the obtained printer job language data is consistent with the specified non-object printer job language data stored in the non-volatile memory, the obtained printer job language data is deleted.

17. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 4, and 5, characterized in that, The filter data acquisition process acquires additional filter data for transforming data in a different format than the printer job language data acquired through the printer job language data acquisition process into data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus. The storage process stores the other filter data obtained through the filter data acquisition process in the non-volatile memory. When the transformation process obtains data in a different format than the printer job language data through the printer job language data acquisition process, it transforms the obtained data into the processable data based on the other filter data stored in the non-volatile memory.

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