Electronic apparatus and log file generation program

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus and a log file generation program that can reduce the size of a log file.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus as an electronic apparatus generating log data generates a log file on the basis of the difference between the log data and master data to be compared with the log data for generation of the log file to be output to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and a log file generation rule for generating the log file (S63-S64).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device that generates a log file and a log file generation program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique is known in which a log file generated by an image processing apparatus is stored from the image processing apparatus to an information processing apparatus outside the image processing apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, when storing a log file generated by an image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus to an information processing apparatus outside the image processing apparatus, if the size of the log file is large, a large load is imposed on the network, and there is a problem that the waiting time until the information processing apparatus finishes storing the log file is also long.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a log file generation program capable of reducing the size of a log file.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device that generates log data, and generates the log file based on a difference between the log data and master data to be compared with the log data for generating the log file to be output outside the electronic device.

[0007] With this configuration, since the electronic device of the present invention generates a log file based on the difference between the log data and the master data, it is possible to generate a log file excluding at least a part of the portion of the log data that is the same as the master data. As a result, the size of the log file can be reduced.

[0008] The electronic device of the present invention may generate the log file based on the difference and rules for generating the log file.

[0009] With this configuration, since the electronic device of the present invention generates a log file based on the difference between the log data and the master data and the rules, it is possible to generate a log file that excludes not only at least a part of the portion of the log data that is the same as the master data, but also at least a part of the portion of the log data that is different from the master data based on the rules. As a result, the size of the log file can be reduced.

[0010] The electronic device of the present invention may obtain the master data from a file including only the master data for the same type of job.

[0011] With this configuration, since the electronic device of the present invention obtains the master data from a file including only the master data for the same type of job, it is possible to shorten the time until appropriate master data is obtained as compared with a configuration in which the master data is obtained from files including the master data for each of a plurality of types of jobs.

[0012] The electronic device of the present invention may execute a job including a plurality of pages, generate the log data for each page, and obtain the master data from a file including only the master data for the same type of the pages.

[0013] With this configuration, since the electronic device of the present invention acquires the master data from a file containing only the master data for the same type of page, as compared with a configuration that acquires the master data from a file containing the master data for each of a plurality of types of pages, the time until appropriate master data acquisition is completed can be shortened.

[0014] The electronic device of the present invention may acquire the master data from a storage device external to the electronic device.

[0015] With this configuration, since the electronic device of the present invention acquires the master data from a storage device external to the electronic device, as compared with a configuration that acquires the master data from inside the electronic device, the change of the master data can be facilitated.

[0016] The electronic device of the present invention may acquire the rule from a storage device external to the electronic device.

[0017] With this configuration, since the electronic device of the present invention acquires the rule for generating the log file from a storage device external to the electronic device, as compared with a configuration that acquires the rule from inside the electronic device, the change of the rule can be facilitated.

[0018] The electronic device of the present invention may store the generated log file in a storage device external to the electronic device.

[0019] With this configuration, since the electronic device of the present invention stores the generated log file in a storage device external to the electronic device, the waiting time until the storage of the log file in the storage device external to the electronic device is completed can be shortened by reducing the size of the log file.

[0020] The log file generation program of the present invention causes a computer that generates log data to generate the log file based on the difference between the log data and master data to be compared with the log data for generating a log file to be output outside the computer.

[0021] With this configuration, since the computer that executes the log file generation program of the present invention generates a log file based on the difference between the log data and the master data, it is possible to generate a log file excluding at least a part of the portion identical to the master data in the log data. As a result, the size of the log file can be reduced.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] The electronic device and the log file generation program of the present invention can reduce the size of the log file.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] First, the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 20 as an electronic device, a detachable storage device 30 as a storage device that is detachable from and accessible to the image forming apparatus 20, and a network-connected storage device 40 as a storage device that is accessible from the image forming apparatus 20 via a network. The image forming apparatus 20 is capable of executing a job including a plurality of pages. The detachable storage device 30 may be configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SD card, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The network-connected storage device 40 may be, for example, a computer such as a server arranged in a LAN (Local Area Network) where the image forming apparatus 20 is arranged, or a computer system connected via the Internet such as a cloud system.

[0028] The image forming apparatus 20 is a computer including an operation unit 21 which is an operation device such as a button for inputting various operations, a display unit 22 which is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying various information, a printer 23 which is a printing device for printing an image on a recording medium such as paper, a scanner 24 which is a reading device for reading an image from an original, a communication unit 25 which is a communication device for communicating with an external device directly by wire or wirelessly via a network such as a LAN or the Internet or without passing through the network, a fax communication unit 26 which is a fax device for performing fax communication via a communication line such as a communication line of an external facsimile apparatus (not shown) and a public telephone line, a storage unit 27 which is a non-volatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory or an HDD for storing various information, and a control unit 28 for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 20.

[0029] The storage unit 27 can store a log data generation program 27a for generating log data. The log data generation program 27a may be installed in the image forming apparatus 20 at the manufacturing stage of the image forming apparatus 20, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 20 from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 20 from the network.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the source code of the log data generation program 27a.

[0031] The range 50 in the source code shown in FIG. 2 is a range in which instructions for generating log data of the type "A" are described.

[0032] The first line in the range 50 describes an instruction to append a line "[log A]" indicating the start position of log data of the type "A" to the log data.

[0033] The second line in the range 50 describes an instruction to append a line "1: time [proc] Write A87 to M45" to the log data. Here, "time" in the range 50 is a variable indicating time, and actually, a specific time is written. "proc" in the range 50 is a variable indicating a process number, and actually, a specific process number is written. "A87" and "M45" indicate addresses on a RAM (Random Access Memory) described later.

[0034] The third line in the range 50 describes an instruction to append a line "2: time [proc] Read m1 to m2" to the log data. Here, "m1" and "m2" are variables indicating addresses on the RAM, and actually, specific addresses are written.

[0035] Lines 4 to 9 in range 50 contain an instruction to execute the instructions described in lines 5 to 8 in range 50 only when the value of the variable "set" is not 0. Lines 5 to 8 in range 50 contain an instruction to execute the instruction described in line 6 in range 50 only when the value of the variable "good" is not 0, and to execute the instruction described in line 7 in range 50 when the value of "good" is 0. Line 6 in range 50 contains an instruction to append the line "3: time [proc] Show error" to the log data. Here, "error" in range 50 is a variable indicating an error number, and in reality, a specific error number is written. Line 7 in range 50 contains an instruction to append the line "3: time [proc] Show Call error" to the log data.

[0036] Lines 10 to 12 in range 50 contain an instruction to execute the instruction described in line 11 in range 50 only when the value of the variable "error" is not 0. Line 11 in range 50 contains an instruction to append the line "4: time [proc] Show Error" to the log data.

[0037] Line 13 in range 50 contains an instruction to append the line "[log End]", which indicates the end position of the log data, to the log data.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 27 can store the log data 27b generated by the execution of the log data generation program 27a. The storage unit 27 may store at least one log data other than the log data 27b generated by the execution of the log data generation program 27a. The log data is generated for each page in the job.

[0039] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of the log data 27b. FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of the log data 27b that is different from the example shown in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 3(c) is a diagram showing an example of the log data 27b that is different from the examples shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). FIG. 3(d) is a diagram showing an example of the log data 27b that is different from the examples shown in FIGS. 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c). FIG. 3(e) is a diagram showing an example of the log data 27b that is different from the examples shown in FIGS. 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), and 3(d).

[0040] The log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(a) is an example of log data when the values of "set" and "good" are not 0 and the value of "error" is 0.

[0041] The log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(b) is an example of log data when the value of "set" is not 0 and the values of "good" and "error" are 0.

[0042] The log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(c) is an example of log data when the values of "set", "good", and "error" are not 0.

[0043] The log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(d) is an example of log data when the values of "set" and "error" are 0.

[0044] The log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(e) is an example of log data when the value of "set" is 0 and the value of "error" is not 0.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 27 can store a log file generation program 27c for generating a log file to be output to the outside of the image forming apparatus 20. The log file generation program 27c may be installed in the image forming apparatus 20, for example, at the manufacturing stage of the image forming apparatus 20, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 20 from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 20 from the network.

[0046] The control unit 28 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and various data, and a RAM as a memory used as a working area for the CPU of the control unit 28. The CPU of the control unit 28 executes programs stored in the storage unit 27 or the ROM of the control unit 28.

[0047] The control unit 28 realizes a log data generation unit 28a that generates log data by executing a log data generation program 27a.

[0048] The control unit 28 realizes a log file generation unit 28b that generates a log file by executing a log file generation program 27c.

[0049] The removable storage device 30 can store a master data file 31 including master data to be compared with log data for generating a log file. The removable storage device 30 may store at least one master data file including master data to be compared with log data for generating a log file, in addition to the master data file 31. The master data exists in separate master data files for each type of page in a job.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the master data 31a included in the master data file 31.

[0051] The master data 31a shown in FIG. 4 includes a line "[log A]" indicating the start position of log data of the type "A", and thus is master data for comparison with log data of the type "A".

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, the removable storage device 30 can store a log file generation rule file 32 including a log file generation rule as a rule for generating a log file.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the log file generation rule 32a included in the log file generation rule file 32.

[0054] The first line of the log file generation rule 32a shown in FIG. 5 indicates that a space is used as a word delimiter in the log data.

[0055] The second line of the log file generation rule 32a indicates that formats such as "1:", "2:", "3:" are used as line numbers in the log data.

[0056] The third line of the log file generation rule 32a indicates that formats such as "[log A]", "[log B]", "[log C]" are used as the start position of the log data, and the format "[log End]" is used as the end position of the log data.

[0057] The fourth line of the log file generation rule 32a indicates that the word corresponding to "<>" in the master data varies in the log data. Hereinafter, "<>" is referred to as a variable element.

[0058] The fifth line of the log file generation rule 32a indicates that the word corresponding to "!X!" in the master data is an object to be included in the log file. Hereinafter, "!X!" is referred to as an acquisition element.

[0059] The sixth line of the log file generation rule 32a indicates that the lines in the log data that are not inconsistent with the lines in the master data (hereinafter referred to as "normal lines") are replaced with return codes in the log file.

[0060] The seventh line of the log file generation rule 32a indicates that the lines in the master data that do not exist in the log data (hereinafter referred to as "missing lines") are replaced with "!L!" in the log file.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the network-connected storage device 40 can store the log file 41. The network-connected storage device 40 may store at least one log file other than the log file 41.

[0062] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of the log file 41. FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of the log file 41 that is different from the example shown in FIG. 6(a). FIG. 6(c) is a diagram showing an example of the log file 41 that is different from the examples shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b). FIG. 6(d) is a diagram showing an example of the log file 41 that is different from the examples shown in FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c). FIG. 6(e) is a diagram showing an example of the log file 41 that is different from the examples shown in FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d).

[0063] The log file 41 shown in FIG. 6(a) is a log file generated based on the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(a).

[0064] The log file 41 shown in FIG. 6(b) is a log file generated based on the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0065] The log file 41 shown in FIG. 6(c) is a log file generated based on the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(c).

[0066] The log file 41 shown in FIG. 6(d) is a log file generated based on the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(d).

[0067] The log file 41 shown in FIG. 6(e) is a log file generated based on the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(e).

[0068] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described.

[0069] First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 when generating log data will be described.

[0070] The log data generation unit 28a generates log data for each page in the job as the control unit 28 executes the job.

[0071] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 when generating a log file will be described.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 when generating a log file.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, the log file generation unit 28b acquires log data that is the source of the generation of the log file from the storage unit 27 (S61).

[0074] When the process of S61 ends, the log file generation unit 28b acquires from the removable storage device 30 a master data file including master data corresponding to the log data acquired in S61 and a log file generation rule file 32 (S62). Here, the log file generation unit 28b may specify the master data file based on the meta information or file name of the master data file. Similarly, the log file generation unit 28b may specify the log file generation rule file 32 based on the meta information or file name of the log file generation rule file 32. Further, the log file generation unit 28b specifies the type of job targeted by the log data acquired in S61 and the page number targeted by the log data acquired in S61, and acquires, as the master data file including the master data corresponding to the log data acquired in S61, the master data file including the master data corresponding to the specified job type and page number. For example, when the log data acquired in S61 is the log data of the second page of the copy job, the log file generation unit 28b acquires the master data file including the master data for the second page of the copy job.

[0075] When the process of S62 ends, the log file generation unit 28b specifies the difference between the log data acquired in S61 and the master data included in the master data file acquired in S62 among the log data acquired in S61 (S63). Here, the log data is data that is unknown before the generation of the log data and is generated along with the use of the image forming apparatus 20. However, the master data is data that is known before the generation of the log data. The log file generation unit 28b specifies the difference in S63 based on the line number as a criterion.

[0076] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing the difference between the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(a) and the master data 31a shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the difference between the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(b) and the master data 31a shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8(c) is a diagram showing the difference between the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(c) and the master data 31a shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8(d) is a diagram showing the difference between the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(d) and the master data 31a shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8(e) is a diagram showing the difference between the log data 27b shown in FIG. 3(e) and the master data 31a shown in FIG. 4.

[0077] In FIGS. 8(a) to 8(e), the difference from the master data 30a shown in FIG. 4 is represented by hatching.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, when the process of S63 ends, the log file generation unit 28b generates a log file (S64) based on the log data for which the difference was specified in S63 and the log file generation rule 32a included in the log file generation rule file 32 acquired in S62.

[0079] For example, if the log data obtained in S61 is as shown in Fig. 3(a), the master data included in the master data file obtained in S62 is as shown in Fig. 4, the log file generation rule 32a included in the log file generation rule file 32 obtained in S62 is as shown in Fig. 5, and the log data for which the difference is specified in S63 is as shown in Fig. 8(a), the log file generation unit 28b first writes the [log A] in the first line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(a) as it is to the first line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(a). Next, since all the differences in the second line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(a) respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a shown in Fig. 4, the second line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(a) is a normal line, so the log file generation unit 28b writes the return code to the second line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(a). Next, for the first, second, and fourth differences from the left in the third line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(a), they respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a, but the third difference from the left corresponds to the acquired element "!X!" in the master data 31a, so the log file generation unit 28b writes only the third difference from the left in the third line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(a) to the third line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(a). Next, since all the differences in the fourth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(a) respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a, the fourth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(a) is a normal line, so the log file generation unit 28b writes the return code to the fourth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(a). Finally, the log file generation unit 28b writes the [log End] in the fifth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(a) as it is to the fifth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(a). Therefore, the log file shown in Fig. 6(a) is generated.

[0080] If the log data obtained in S61 is as shown in Fig. 3(b), the master data included in the master data file obtained in S62 is as shown in Fig. 4, the log file generation rule 32a included in the log file generation rule file 32 obtained in S62 is as shown in Fig. 5, and the log data for which the difference is specified in S63 is as shown in Fig. 8(b), the log file generation unit 28b first writes the [log A] in the first line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(b) as it is to the first line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(b). Next, since all the differences in the second line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(b) respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a shown in Fig. 4, the second line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(b) is a normal line, so the log file generation unit 28b writes the return code to the second line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(b). Next, for the first, second, and fourth differences from the left in the third line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(b), they respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a, but the third difference from the left corresponds to the acquisition element "!X!" in the master data 31a, so only the third difference from the left in the third line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(b) is written to the third line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(b). Next, for the first, second, and third differences from the left in the fourth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(b), they respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a, but the fourth difference from the left does not exist in the master data 31a, so only the fourth difference from the left in the fourth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(b) is written to the fourth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(b). Finally, the log file generation unit 28b writes the [log End] in the fifth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(b) as it is to the fifth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(b). Therefore, the log file shown in Fig. 6(b) is generated.

[0081] If the log data obtained in S61 is as shown in Fig. 3(c), the master data included in the master data file obtained in S62 is as shown in Fig. 4, the log file generation rule 32a included in the log file generation rule file 32 obtained in S62 is as shown in Fig. 5, and the log data for which the difference is specified in S63 is as shown in Fig. 8(c), the log file generation unit 28b first writes the [log A] in the first line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) as it is to the first line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(c). Next, since all the differences in the second line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a shown in Fig. 4, the second line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) is a normal line, so the log file generation unit 28b writes the return code to the second line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(c). Next, for the first, second, and fourth differences from the left in the third line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c), they respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a, but the third difference from the left corresponds to the acquisition element "!X!" in the master data 31a, so the log file generation unit 28b writes only the third difference from the left in the third line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) to the third line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(c). Next, since all the differences in the fourth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a, the fourth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) is a normal line, so the log file generation unit 28b writes the return code to the fourth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(c). Next, since the fifth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) does not exist in the master data 31a, the log file generation unit 28b writes the fifth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) as it is to the fifth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(c). Finally, the log file generation unit 28b writes the [log End] in the sixth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) as it is to the sixth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(c).Therefore, the log file shown in FIG. 6(c) is generated.

[0082] If the log data acquired in S61 is as shown in FIG. 3(d), the master data included in the master data file acquired in S62 is as shown in FIG. 4, the log file generation rule 32a included in the log file generation rule file 32 acquired in S62 is as shown in FIG. 5, and the log data for which the difference is specified in S63 is as shown in FIG. 8(d), the log file generation unit 28b first writes [log A] on the first line in the log data shown in FIG. 8(d) as it is on the first line in the log file as shown in FIG. 6(d). Next, since all the differences in the second line in the log data shown in FIG. 8(d) respectively correspond to the variable element "<>" in the master data 31a shown in FIG. 4, the second line in the log data shown in FIG. 8(d) is a normal line, and thus the return code is written on the second line in the log file as shown in FIG. 6(d). Next, for the first, second, and fourth differences from the left in the third line in the log data shown in FIG. 8(d), they respectively correspond to the variable element "<>" in the master data 31a, but the third difference from the left corresponds to the acquired element "!X!" in the master data 31a. Therefore, only the third difference from the left in the third line in the log data shown in FIG. 8(d) is written on the third line in the log file as shown in FIG. 6(d). Next, since the fourth line in the master data 31a is a missing line in the log data shown in FIG. 8(d), "!L!" is written on the fourth line in the log file as shown in FIG. 6(d). Finally, the log file generation unit 28b writes [log End] on the fourth line in the log data shown in FIG. 8(d) as it is on the fifth line in the log file as shown in FIG. 6(d). Therefore, the log file shown in FIG. 6(d) is generated.

[0083] If the log data obtained in S61 is as shown in Fig. 3(e), the master data included in the master data file obtained in S62 is as shown in Fig. 4, the log file generation rule 32a included in the log file generation rule file 32 obtained in S62 is as shown in Fig. 5, and the log data for which the difference was specified in S63 is as shown in Fig. 8(e), the log file generation unit 28b first writes the [log A] in the first line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(e) as it is to the first line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(e). Next, since all the differences in the second line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(e) respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a shown in Fig. 4, the second line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(e) is a normal line, so the return code is written to the second line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(e). Next, for the log data shown in Fig. 8(e), the first, second, and fourth differences from the left in the third line respectively correspond to the variable elements "<>" in the master data 31a, but the third difference from the left corresponds to the acquisition element "!X!" in the master data 31a. Therefore, only the third difference from the left in the third line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(e) is written to the third line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(e). Next, since the fourth line in the master data 31a is a missing line in the log data shown in Fig. 8(e), "!L!" is written to the fourth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(e). Next, since the fifth line in the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) does not exist in the master data 31a, the fifth line in the log data shown in Fig. 8(c) is written as it is to the fifth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(c). Finally, the log file generation unit 28b writes the [log End] in the sixth line of the log data shown in Fig. 8(e) as it is to the sixth line of the log file as shown in Fig. 6(e). Therefore, the log file shown in Fig. 6(e) is generated.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7, when the process of S64 ends, the log file generation unit 28b stores the log file generated in S64 in the network-connected storage device 40 (S65), and ends the operation shown in FIG. 7.

[0085] As described above, since the image forming apparatus 20 generates a log file based on the difference between the log data and the master data (S63 to S64), it is possible to generate a log file excluding at least a part of the portion identical to the master data in the log data. As a result, the size of the log file can be reduced.

[0086] The image forming apparatus 20 can change the content of the log file without changing the log file generation program 27c by changing the master data, so that it is possible to facilitate the change of the content of the log file. Therefore, for example, when an operator checks the content of the log file to investigate the cause of a malfunction occurring in the image forming apparatus 20, the master data can be changed so as to generate a log file having a content suitable for investigating the cause of the malfunction.

[0087] Since the image forming apparatus 20 generates a log file based on the difference between the log data and the master data and the log file generation rule (S63 to S64), not only at least a part of the portion identical to the master data in the log data is excluded, but also at least a part of the portion different from the master data, such as variable elements, is excluded based on the log file generation rule, so that a log file can be generated. As a result, the size of the log file can be reduced.

[0088] The image forming apparatus 20 can change the content of the log file by changing the log file generation rule, without changing the log file generation program 27c, so that it is possible to facilitate the change of the content of the log file. Therefore, for example, when an operator checks the content of the log file to investigate the cause of a malfunction that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 20, the log file generation rule can be changed so as to generate a log file with content suitable for investigating the cause of the malfunction.

[0089] Since the image forming apparatus 20 acquires master data from a master data file that includes only the master data for the same type of page, the time until the acquisition of appropriate master data is completed can be shortened as compared with a configuration in which master data is acquired from a master data file that includes the master data for each of a plurality of types of pages.

[0090] Since the image forming apparatus 20 acquires master data from a master data file that includes only the master data for the same type of job, the time until the acquisition of appropriate master data is completed can be shortened as compared with a configuration in which master data is acquired from a master data file that includes the master data for each of a plurality of types of jobs.

[0091] Since the image forming apparatus 20 acquires master data from a removable storage device 30 outside the image forming apparatus 20, the change of the master data can be facilitated as compared with a configuration in which the master data is acquired from inside the image forming apparatus 20.

[0092] Since the image forming apparatus 20 acquires the log file generation rule from a removable storage device 30 outside the image forming apparatus 20, the change of the log file generation rule can be facilitated as compared with a configuration in which the log file generation rule is acquired from inside the image forming apparatus 20.

[0093] Since the image forming apparatus 20 stores the generated log file in the network-connected storage device 40 outside the image forming apparatus 20, the waiting time until the log file is stored in the network-connected storage device 40 can be shortened by reducing the size of the log file. Also, the image forming apparatus 20 can reduce the load on the network until the log file is completely stored in the network-connected storage device 40 by reducing the size of the log file.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the master data exists in separate master data files for each page type. However, the master data does not necessarily have to exist in separate master data files for each page type. For example, the master data of multiple types of pages may exist in one master data file, or the master data of multiple types of jobs may exist in one master data file.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 acquires the master data stored in the removable storage device 30. However, the image forming apparatus 20 may acquire the master data stored in the storage unit 27, or may acquire the master data stored in a storage device other than the removable storage device 30 that is detachable from and accessible to the image forming apparatus 20, or may acquire the master data stored in a network-connected storage device accessible to the image forming apparatus 20.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 acquires the log file generation rules stored in the removable storage device 30. However, the image forming apparatus 20 may acquire the log file generation rules stored in the storage unit 27, or may acquire the log file generation rules stored in a storage device other than the removable storage device 30 that is detachable from and accessible to the image forming apparatus 20, or may acquire the log file generation rules stored in a network-connected storage device accessible to the image forming apparatus 20.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 stores the log file in the network-connected storage device 40. However, the image forming apparatus 20 may store the log file in the storage unit 27, or may store it in a removable storage device such as the removable storage device 30 that is detachable from and accessible to the image forming apparatus 20.

[0098] The electronic device of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in the present embodiment. However, the electronic device of the present invention may be an electronic device other than the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 20 Image forming apparatus (electronic device, computer) 27b Log data 27c Log file generation program 30 Removable storage device (storage device) 31 Master data file (file) 31a Master data 32 Log file generation rule file (file) 32a Log file generation rule (rule) 40 Network-connected storage device (storage device) 41 Log file

Claims

1. An electronic device that generates log data, characterized in that the log file is generated based on a difference between the log data and master data to be compared with the log data for generating a log file to be output outside the electronic device.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the log file is generated based on the difference and rules for generating the log file.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the master data is obtained from a file including only the master data for the same type of job.

4. Execute a job including a plurality of pages, generate the log data for each page, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the master data is obtained from a file including only the master data for the same type of page.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the master data is obtained from a storage device outside the electronic device.

6. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the rules are obtained from a storage device outside the electronic device.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the generated log file is saved in a storage device outside the electronic device.

8. A log file generation program for a computer that generates log data, characterized in that the log file is generated based on a difference between the log data and master data to be compared with the log data for generating a log file to be output outside the computer.

Images