JP2008054109A - Image forming apparatus having data storage function and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily store only electronic data to be stored by a user in a different storage medium on the same network without separately preparing a storage medium and to improve the visibility backed-up electronic data. <P>SOLUTION: Necessary user data is backed up without an increase in cost by automatically backing up designated box data and scan data in the HDD of a different copying machine connected to a network in an office. Only necessary data is backed up by allowing a backedup box configuration to be seen from the user as the same configuration and designating a file and a box. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method of backing up an image forming apparatus on each network and managing the electronic data in order to improve security of stored electronic data, and the apparatus.

  Conventionally, in order to save a paper medium as electronic data, information on the paper medium is scanned by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, converted into electronic data, and then the electronic data is stored in an HDD in the image forming apparatus. Or stored in another image forming apparatus connected to the network, a PC, a server, etc., and embedded in another image forming apparatus or a storage medium in the PC, or There is a way to save to the server.

  In order to back up electronic data stored in each image forming apparatus to another storage medium, the user selects the electronic data and sends the electronic data to another image forming apparatus or server or PC connected on the network. This can be realized by sending

  Furthermore, as a method for backing up the stored electronic data, mirroring for storing electronic data in two identical storage media, or storing the same electronic data in separate storage media such as a storage medium in a server and a PC. There is something to keep.

  For example, when storing electronic data in the storage medium of the HDD in the multifunction device, the electronic data received via the network or the data scanned by the multifunction device and converted into electronic data is stored in one memory in the multifunction device. There is a method of saving to the same medium (HDD etc.) or saving the same data to two identical storage media as mirroring.

  However, electronic data to be stored as a backup is periodically saved in another area in a storage medium prepared for another backup, in which all electronic data in a predetermined area is prepared. That is, a backup source electronic data area is secured in the backup storage medium, and the backup source data is copied to the area with the same data configuration.

  Further, electronic data in the backup area in the backup destination storage medium cannot be directly taken out from the backup source image forming apparatus. Further, the data in the backup area cannot be directly accessed from the backup destination image forming apparatus.

For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 can be cited as conventional examples.
JP-A-10-308840 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-027963

  In the case of backing up electronic data, there is a problem that additional cost is required such as installation of a storage medium such as an HDD by mirroring and preparation of a data storage server.

  Since the backup storage medium copies all electronic data of the backup source with the same configuration as it is, a backup area must be secured in the storage medium. Therefore, a backup area must be secured for each image forming apparatus for backup, and the storage capacity for backup increases.

  The user cannot directly access and view the backed-up electronic data from the backup source image forming apparatus, and cannot directly access the backup area from the backup destination image forming apparatus and view the electronic data. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to easily access the user's own electronic data backed up from the backup image forming apparatus, making it difficult to handle the backup data.

  Also, when the electronic data stored in the image forming apparatus is used for backup in another image forming apparatus connected on the same network, the user selects the electronic data to be backed up, and the electronic data Must be sent to the backup destination image forming apparatus each time it is selected.

  Further, depending on the user, it may be determined that there is no need to back up electronic data stored in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus or electronic data scanned by the image forming apparatus, and the backup may be rejected. In order to prevent data leakage for security reasons, when it is prohibited to save backup data to another storage medium for specific electronic data, the conventional automatic backup method for all electronic data cannot be used. .

  Based on these problems, the present invention intends to solve the problem that only electronic data to be stored by the user can be easily connected to the same network without preparing a separate storage medium. It is to improve the visibility of electronic data stored in a storage medium and backed up.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention stores electronic data after scanning a paper medium with a scanner unit in the image forming apparatus 1 in a storage medium 1 such as an HDD in the image forming apparatus 1 and for backup. The scanned electronic data is stored in the storage medium 2 inside the image forming apparatus 2 by another image forming apparatus 2 connected to the same network designated in the above.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 1 has a storage medium such as an HDD, and can select a storage location of electronic data in the storage medium and electronic data information from a user interface (UI). On the UI, in order to operate the electronic data, it has a file management function with a directory structure that enables file management, and a storage location for each user is also prepared.

  Here, BOX is a unique storage location for each user.

  The image forming apparatus 1 has a storage designating unit that stores electronic data stored in a BOX, which is a predetermined storage location, by the user in the backup image forming apparatus 2 in the same file management configuration. Electronic data is backed up in the image forming apparatus 2 with the same configuration as the file structure stored in the image forming apparatus 1 by the storage designation unit.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 has a device registration unit of an image forming device for electronic data backup, and device information of the image forming device 2 for backup is registered in the device registration unit. The image forming apparatus 1 transmits backup data to the registered image forming apparatus as a backup destination.

  The image forming apparatus 2 has a function of receiving backup electronic data from the image forming apparatus 1 and backing up the received data to an internal storage medium. Each electronic data is stored as the BOX in the image forming apparatus 2 and can be operated from the UI.

  When the same BOX name is stored in the storage medium in the image forming apparatus 2 with respect to the electronic data that has been designated as backup by the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 2 stores the electronic data in the BOX. That is, when backing up, electronic data is backed up between the same BOXes. At this time, if there is an electronic data name in the BOX that is the same as the electronic data name (file name) of the backup from the image forming apparatus 1, the file name can be determined to be the image forming apparatus 1 that is the backup source. After making changes, store the electronic data. For example, the electronic data is stored in a form in which the device name of the image forming apparatus 1 is added to the head of the electronic data name. As a result, the backup source can be identified even when the same electronic data name is stored in the same BOX. From the image forming apparatus 2, the user can select and operate data in the BOX via the UI.

  If there is the same electronic data name in the BOX, it is stored so that the backup source can be identified. It is possible to determine whether the electronic data is from the image forming apparatus 2.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 2 has a device registration unit of the image forming apparatus as the electronic data backup source, and device information of the image forming apparatus 1 as the backup source is registered in the device registration unit. The image forming apparatus 2 backs up the registered image forming apparatus as a backup source.

  Next, a setting flow regarding backup of the image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 will be described.

  First, the image forming apparatus 1 registers device registration for determining the image forming device 2 as a backup destination in the device registration unit. To register, it is also possible to register device information via the UI. When the device registration is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 notifies the user that the backup device registration setting has been completed.

  Similarly, the device registration unit registers the backup source device registration for determining the backup source in the image forming apparatus 2. When the backup source device registration is completed, the image forming apparatus 2 notifies the user of registration completion.

  Second, electronic data is backed up in the image forming apparatus 1. For execution of backup, the BOX data in the image forming apparatus 1 is periodically backed up, or electronic data obtained by scanning a paper medium is stored in the BOX in the image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 There is a case to back up to the BOX.

  Third, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits backup data to the image forming apparatus 2 registered by the device registration unit when backup is executed. The backup data is repeatedly transmitted until the backup execution is completed.

  Fourth, the image forming apparatus 2 stores the backup electronic data received from the image forming apparatus 1 in a BOX in the image forming apparatus 2. Here, referring to the BOX information of the storage location of the received electronic data, the image forming apparatus 2 ends the backup operation by storing the electronic data in the same BOX name.

  Next, backup control for electronic data obtained by scanning a paper medium will be described.

  First, when a paper medium is scanned into electronic data, the image forming apparatus 1 stores the electronic data in a BOX in the image forming apparatus 1 via a UI or in another device on the same network. An inquiry is made as to whether to transmit the electronic data.

  Second, when the electronic data is stored in the BOX, the electronic data is stored in the BOX designated by the user in the image forming apparatus 1 and the electronic data is transmitted to the user via the UI. Ask whether to back up.

  Third, when the user selects to back up the electronic data, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the electronic data to the image forming apparatus 2 registered as the backup destination. As described above, the image forming apparatus 2 backs up electronic data in the same BOX. That is, together with the scanning operation, the same electronic data is stored in the BOX of the image forming apparatus 2 as a BOX in the image forming apparatus 1 and as a backup.

  Fourth, when the user selects not to back up the electronic data, the image forming apparatus 1 stores the electronic data only in the BOX in the image forming apparatus 1 and does not perform backup.

  As a result, the scanned electronic data to be backed up by the user can be arbitrarily selected.

  Also in the image forming apparatus 2 as the backup destination, the backup data can be shared as the data in the same BOX, and the user can easily access the backup data.

  Backing up electronic data to another image forming device on the same network as in the present invention and using the same storage medium makes it easy to back up electronic data without incurring additional backup costs it can.

  By saving the file format to be backed up in the same storage area in the storage medium in the same file and directory format, backup data can be acquired even from the backup image forming apparatus without creating another area for backup. be able to. For users, instead of backing up all electronic data as it is in the backup area, the necessary files can be shared between the backup source and the backup destination so that they can be easily viewed from either image forming device. Can back up only important files.

  For users, there is no need to back up everything, and there are files that you do not want to back up for security reasons. For such electronic data, the user can easily designate backup prohibition by making a backup designation to the image forming apparatus.

  Further, when the paper medium is scanned, the scanned electronic data is saved in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus, and at the same time, the user can back up the electronic data to another image forming apparatus by specifying backup. . Thus, it is possible to select backup data freely by the user, instead of automatically backing up all electronic data.

(Example 1)
Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  A typical use example of an image forming apparatus that performs backup control suitable for applying this embodiment is shown in FIGS.

  First, on the image forming apparatus 220 connected on the same network LAN 2011, a user scans in order to read a paper medium, and holds it in the storage medium 2004 in the image forming apparatus 220 as electronic data. The image forming apparatus 220 is an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, and has an internal storage medium 2004 such as an HDD for storing electronic data, and mainly has an image input / output function.

  When the user wants to back up the electronic data separately from the storage medium in the image forming apparatus 220, the image forming apparatus 220 can perform the backup with respect to the backup image forming apparatus 221 selected by the user. Performs electronic data backup operations.

  First, the user registers the image forming apparatus 221 in the image forming apparatus 220 as a backup device that backs up electronic data of the image forming apparatus 220. The image forming apparatus 221 set as a backup device receives a backup request from the image forming apparatus 220 and electronic data to be backed up periodically or for each backup request from the user.

  Next, using the image forming apparatus 220, the user reads a paper medium and converts it into electronic data, or selects electronic data in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus 220.

  Next, when electronic data is selected by the user, the image forming apparatus notifies the user interface (operation unit) whether to perform backup.

  Next, when the user selects a backup request from the user interface, the image forming apparatus 220 transfers the electronic data to the image forming apparatus 221 via the network LAN 2011.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 221 receives the electronic data, and stores the electronic data in the same specific directory (BOX) for each user as the image forming apparatus 220. At this time, if the same electronic data (file name) exists in the directory, the file name is changed to a format that can be identified by the image forming apparatus 220 that is the backup source, and is stored.

  Hereinafter, the detailed system form in a present Example is demonstrated.

<Description of system configuration in this embodiment>
FIG. 3 shows a network system configured according to this embodiment.

  Reference numeral 200 in FIG. 3 denotes an Internet communication network. A web server 201 is connected to the Internet 200 and provides a specific service to Internet users. Reference numeral 202 denotes an electronic money server that performs a settlement process between a financial institution and a consumer client. Reference numeral 204 denotes a service provider that performs connection processing between a personal user terminal and the Internet 200. A firewall 203 connects the inside of the LAN 2011 shown below and an external communication network (Internet 200), and performs security management and the like. 210 is a device management server of 211 to 214, 220 connected by LAN 2011. 211 is a file server, and multiple users connected via LAN 2011 can share data.

  In the image forming apparatus 220, 140 is an operation unit for a user to perform various operations, 10 is an image scanner for reading an image in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 140 and the PCs 212 and 213, and 20 is a PC 212, 213 and This is a printer that prints data from the file server 211 on paper.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a controller unit, which controls input / output of image data to the scanner 10 and the printer 20 based on data from the operation unit 140, LAN 2011, and MODEM 2050, and instructions from the PCs 212 and 213. For example, control that receives command data on the network via LAN 2011 and stores the image data captured by the scanner 10 in the memory inside the controller, outputs it to the personal computers 212 and 213, or prints it with the printer 20 I do.

  A printer 214 can output image data from the personal computers 212 and 213 and the file server 211 onto a recording medium. 212 and 213 are personal computers connected as terminal devices. Information provided from the web server 201 can be browsed via the Internet 200, and image data can be output to the image forming apparatus 220 and the printer 214.

  In the above configuration, the LAN 2011 is connected to the Internet via the firewall 203, but the firewall 203 may be connected to the Internet via the service provider 204.

<Description of Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 220, 221>
The appearance of the image forming apparatuses 220 and 221 of the present invention is shown in FIG.

  The scanner unit 10 as an image input device irradiates a document image with a lamp, reads it with a CCD line sensor (not shown), and converts it into an electrical signal to process it as image data. The original paper is set on the original feeder 142, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 140, the feeder 2072 feeds the original paper one by one and performs an original image reading operation.

  The printer unit 20 that is an image output device is a part that converts image data into an image on paper, and in the specification of this patent, an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt is described. An ink jet system that prints an image directly on a sheet by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from a controller (described later) inside the apparatus. The printer unit 20 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104 corresponding thereto. Further, the paper on which the image is formed is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 132.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatuses 220 and 221 of the present invention. Details of the operation will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Reference numeral 101 denotes an original platen glass, on which originals fed from the automatic document feeder 142 are sequentially placed at predetermined positions. Reference numeral 102 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on the document table glass 101. Scanning mirrors 103, 104, and 105 are accommodated in an optical scanning unit (not shown) and guide reflected light from the document to the CCD unit 106 while reciprocating. The CCD unit 106 includes an imaging lens 107 that forms an image of reflected light from an original on the CCD, for example, an image sensor 108 composed of a CCD, a CCD driver 109 that drives the image sensor 108, and the like. An image signal output from the image sensor 108 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data and then input to the controller unit 30.

  Reference numeral 110 denotes a photosensitive drum, which is discharged by a pre-exposure lamp 112 in preparation for image formation. A primary charger 113 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 110. 117 is an exposure means, which is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser and exposes the photosensitive drum 110 based on the image data processed by the controller unit 30 that controls image formation and the entire apparatus to form an electrostatic latent image. . Reference numeral 118 denotes a developing device that contains a black developer (toner). A pre-transfer charger 119 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a sheet. 120, 122, 124, 142, and 144 are paper feed units (120 is a manual paper feed unit), and the transfer paper is fed into the apparatus by driving the paper feed rollers 121, 123, 125, 143, and 145. Then, the operation is temporarily stopped at the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed, and the writing timing with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is taken and the paper is fed again. A transfer charger 127 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 to a transfer sheet to be fed. Reference numeral 128 denotes a separation charger that separates the transfer sheet on which the transfer operation has been completed from the photosensitive drum 110. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 110 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 111. Reference numeral 129 denotes a conveyance belt which conveys the transfer sheet on which the transfer process has been completed to the fixing device 130 and is fixed by heat, for example. 131 is a flapper that controls the transfer path of the transfer paper after the fixing process to one of the arrangement directions of the sorter 132 and the intermediate tray 137. Reference numerals 133 to 136 denote feeding rollers, which feed the transfer paper once the fixing process is completed to the intermediate tray 137 while being reversed (multiple) or non-reversed (both sides). Reference numeral 138 denotes a refeed roller, which again conveys the transfer paper placed on the intermediate tray 137 to the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed.

  Details of the controller unit 30 will be described later. It mainly includes a CPU 2001, a scanner image processing unit 2080, a printer image processing unit 2090, a backup control unit 2009, an HDD 2004 as a storage medium, and controls the above-described image forming operation.

<Description of Scanner and Printer Unit of Image Forming Apparatus 220, 221>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the scanner 10 and the printer 20 in the image forming apparatuses 220 and 221.

  A CPU 751 controls the entire scanner 10 and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 753 (ROM) storing a control program. The CPU address bus and data bus are connected to each load via a circuit comprising a bus driver and an address decoder 752. Further, it is connected to the CPU 2001 of the controller unit 30 to perform communication.

  Reference numeral 754 denotes a random access memory (RAM) as a main storage device used for storing input data, a working storage area, and the like. Reference numeral 755 denotes an I / O interface. Each load of a device such as a motor 756, a lamp 757, and a paper detection sensor 758 for detecting a transported paper, which drives a paper feed system, a transport system, and an optical system. Connected to.

  The image data read by the CCD unit 106 is transferred to the controller unit 30.

  Next, reference numeral 701 denotes a CPU that controls the printer 20, and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 703 (ROM) that stores a control procedure (control program). The address bus and data bus of the CPU 701 are connected to each load through the bus driver circuit and address decoder circuit of 702. Reference numeral 704 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a working storage area, and the like. Reference numeral 705 denotes an I / O interface, and motors 707, clutches 708, solenoids 709 for driving a paper feed system, a transport system, and an optical system, and paper detection sensors 710 for detecting the transported paper. Connected to each load of the device. The developing device 118 is provided with a toner residual detection sensor 711 for detecting the amount of toner in the developing device, and its output signal is input to the I / O port 705. Reference numeral 715 denotes a high voltage unit, which outputs a high voltage to the above-described primary charger 113, developing device 118, pre-transfer charger 119, transfer charger 127, and separation charger 128 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 701.

  The image signal output from the CCD unit 106 is subjected to image processing, which will be described later, by the controller unit 30 and outputs control signals for 117 laser units according to the image data. The laser light output from the laser unit 117 irradiates and exposes the photosensitive drum 110, and the light emission state is detected by the beam detection sensor 713 which is a light receiving sensor in the non-image region, and the output signal is output to the I / O port. It is input to 705.

<Description of Controller Unit of Image Forming Apparatus 220, 221>
A block diagram of the controller unit 30 is shown in FIG. The controller unit 30 is connected to the scanner 10 as an image input device and the printer 20 as an image output device. On the other hand, the controller unit 30 is connected to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 network to input / output user data information, and Take control.

  The CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 2001, an image memory for temporarily storing image data, and a memory for holding an access record when the HDD 2004 is accessed for writing. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, which stores a system boot program and the license information.

  HDD 2004 is a storage medium and represents a hard disk drive. The HDD 2004 stores electronic data for backup, image data scanned by the scanner 10, system software, image data, software counter values, and the like. The HDD 2004 can be used as a storage medium for storing data by the user, and is removable.

  The operation unit I / F 2006 performs an interface with the operation unit 140 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 140 to the operation unit 140. Also, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the user of this system from the operation unit 140 to the CPU 2001. Network 2010 connects to LAN 2011 and inputs and outputs information. A Modem 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information.

  When the image forming apparatus is the source of the backup, the backup control unit 2009 transmits the electronic data to be backed up to the image forming apparatus registered in advance as a backup destination via the NETWORK 2010. . The backup device registration unit 2100 performs registration of the backup destination image forming apparatus. The backup control unit 2009 requests the user to select whether to perform backup for the scanned image data or the electronic data stored in the HDD 2004 via the user interface of the operation unit 140. When the user selects to back up the electronic data via the operation unit 140, the backup control unit 2009 saves the electronic data in the HDD 2004 and electronically stores it in the image forming apparatus registered as the backup destination. Send data.

  When the image forming apparatus is the backup destination, the backup control unit 2009 determines whether the electronic data received from the backup source image forming apparatus is the electronic data to be backed up, and the backup electronic data If so, the electronic data is stored in the HDD 2004. The form of electronic data to be stored will be described later.

  A scanner / printer communication I / F 2005 is an I / F for communicating with the CPUs of the scanner 10 and the printer 20. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007.

  Image Bus I / F2005 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008. A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 2020 connects the scanner 10 and the printer 20, which are image input / output devices, and the controller unit 30, controls the bus access sequence of image data, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion.

  A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 performs compression / expansion processing of JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080. The image bus I / F controller 2081 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation with a spatial filter. For example, the editing unit 2083 recognizes a closed region surrounded by a marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shading, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed region. A scaling processing unit 2084 performs enlargement and reduction by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image when changing the resolution of the read image. The scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). The table 2085 is table conversion performed to convert image data that is read luminance data into density data. A binarization 2086 binarizes multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing.
The processed image data is transferred to the image bus via the image bus controller 2081 again.

  The configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2091 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence, and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090. A resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data from the Network 2011 or the public line 2051 into the resolution of the printer 20. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs processing to smooth out jaggies (roughness of an image appearing in a black and white boundary portion such as an oblique line) of image data after resolution conversion.

<Explanation of operation unit of image forming apparatuses 221 and 222>
The configuration of the operation unit 140 is shown in FIG. The LCD display unit 1032 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits position information to the controller unit 30 when a displayed key is pressed. A numeric keypad 1028 is used to input numbers such as the number of copies and a password for authentication. A start key 1029 is used when starting a document image reading operation. A stop key 1030 is used to stop an operation in progress. A reset key 1031 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  Reference numeral 1023 denotes a registration key for backup of electronic data. This is a key for registering a registration number of a backup destination image forming apparatus connected on the same network. The user registers the registration number of the backup image forming apparatus by selecting the registration key 1023 in advance.

  1024 is a copy mode key which is pressed when copying. Reference numeral 1025 denotes a fax key, which is pressed to make settings related to fax. A file key 1026 is pressed when it is desired to output file data stored in a storage medium in the image forming apparatuses 221 and 222 to the LCD display unit 1032, the PCs 212 and 213 on the network 200, or a paper medium. Reference numeral 1027 denotes a printer key, which is used to make settings relating to print output from an external device such as a computer.

  FIG. 11 is a basic screen displayed on the LCD display unit corresponding to the panel on the operation unit 140.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes an extended function key. When this key is pressed, a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, and frame erasing setting is entered. An image mode key 1002 enters a setting mode for shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking a copy image. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a user mode key, which can register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen for each user. Reference numeral 1004 denotes an applied zoom key, which enters a mode for independently scaling the X and Y directions of a document, and a zoom program mode for calculating a scaling factor from the document size and copy size. Reference numerals 1005, 1006, and 1007 denote an M1 key, an M2 key, and an M3 key, which are pressed when calling each mode memory. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a call key, which is pressed to call the copy mode that was previously set. An option key 1009 sets an optional function such as a film projector for copying directly from the film. Reference numeral 1010 denotes a sorter key for setting modes such as sort output and group output. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a mixed document key, which is pressed when setting A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size documents together in the document feeder. 1012 is an equal magnification key, which is pressed to set the copy magnification to 100%. Reference numerals 1014 and 1015 denote a reduction key and an enlargement key, respectively, which are pressed to reduce or enlarge the standard size. Reference numeral 1016 denotes a zoom key, which is pressed when performing non-standard reduction or enlargement in increments of 1%. A paper selection key 1013 is pressed when selecting a copy paper. 1018 and 1020 are density keys, and each time 1018 is pressed, a dark copy is made, and every time 1020 is pressed, a light copy is made. 1017 is a density display, and when the density key is pressed, the display changes to the left and right. Reference numeral 1019 denotes an AE key, which is pressed when a document having a dark background such as a newspaper is copied for automatic density adjustment. Reference numeral 1021 denotes a HiFi key, which is pressed when copying an original having a high halftone density such as a photographic original. Reference numeral 1022 denotes a character emphasis key which is pressed when it is desired to make a character stand out when copying a character document.

  FIG. 12 is a display example on the LCD when electronic data is backed up from the image forming apparatus 220. When a paper medium is scanned from the image forming apparatus 220 and converted into electronic data, it is stored in the HDD 2004 in the image forming apparatus 220, and whether or not to perform backup is displayed and a setting scene is displayed.

  When the electronic data is selected to be backed up to a backup destination, the LCD is notified that the electronic data has been backed up.

  In the case of print output, the print output is executed by selecting the print output key on the LCD and pressing 1029.

  When the backup is executed, the image forming apparatus 220 transmits the electronic data to the image forming apparatus 221 and the backup is performed with a predetermined file configuration.

<Description of Backup Control Flow of Image Forming Apparatus 220, 221>
FIG. 13 shows a flow of backup processing when the image forming apparatus 220 backs up the electronic data to the image forming apparatus 221.

First, the user registers the device number of the image forming apparatus 221 to be backed up. For this purpose, the user selects the backup destination registration key 1023 on the operation unit 140 in the image forming apparatus 220 and registers the backup destination. The registration information of the backup destination is registered in the backup device registration unit 2100 of the image forming apparatus 220, and electronic data is transmitted to the registered backup device at the time of backup. (S100)
Second, the image forming apparatus 220 scans a paper medium and converts it into electronic data, or stores the electronic data in the HDD 2009 via the network LAN 2011. (S101)
Third, the image forming apparatus 220 displays on the operation unit 140 whether or not to back up the electronic data, and notifies the user (S102).

Fourth, when it is selected that the electronic data is to be backed up, the image forming apparatus 220 transmits the selected electronic data to the image forming apparatus 221. (S103)
Fifth, the image forming apparatus 221 receives the electronic data, and stores the electronic data in a predetermined directory in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus 221. At this time, if electronic data with the same file name exists in the predetermined directory, it is stored with a name that can be determined by the image forming apparatus 220 as the backup source (S104).

  Sixth, the image forming apparatus 220 determines that the backup of the electronic data has been completed, and proceeds to the next paper medium or electronic data backup operation (S105).

  The electronic data is backed up by repeating the first to sixth processes.

1 is a basic diagram showing a configuration of a system in the present invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows the structure of the system in this invention. 1 is a diagram showing a network system including an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a scanner and a printer in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a controller unit. It is a figure which shows the block diagram of a scanner image processing part. 2 is a block diagram of a printer image processing unit. FIG. It is a figure which shows an operation part. It is a figure which shows a LCD display. It is a figure which shows a LCD display. It is a figure which shows the control flow of a present Example.

Claims (7)

  A scanning unit that reads a paper medium and converts it into electronic data; a storage medium that stores the electronic data; a display unit that displays information for determining whether to back up the electronic data; and the electronic data It has a storage destination device registration unit for registering a backup destination image forming apparatus to be backed up, and a transmission unit for transmitting electronic data to the backup destination image forming apparatus at the time of backup selection. Is stored in a storage medium of another image forming apparatus on the same network.   2. The backup image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage source device registration unit that registers an original image forming device that backs up electronic data from the same network, and a data receiving unit that receives the electronic data. A storage medium that stores the received electronic data in a user-specific storage area, a data storage management unit that has the same configuration as the electronic data storage configuration in the backup image forming apparatus, and is selected periodically or by the user In this case, the electronic data of the backup source is stored in the storage medium.   2. The electronic data according to claim 1, wherein when the paper medium is read and converted into electronic data, the electronic data is inquired to the user as to whether or not the electronic data is stored in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus, and An image forming apparatus characterized by inquiring of a user whether or not to backup to another image forming apparatus connected to the same network.   3. The backup source image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the backup source electronic data is newly backed up in the storage configuration of the backup destination electronic data, and the same electronic data name exists, the backup source image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus characterized in that, by storing electronic data of a backup destination in a discriminable format, it is possible to make a judgment at the backup destination even with the same electronic data name.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic data to be backed up is electronic data in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus or electronic data converted by reading a paper medium.   In claim 1, when backing up the electronic data, always notify the user to select whether or not to back up via the user interface, and explicitly notify the user that backup is to be performed. A featured image forming apparatus.   5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the paper medium is read and converted into electronic data, the electronic data may be stored in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus, or may be printed out without being stored in the storage medium. An image forming apparatus capable of performing backup only using another image forming apparatus.

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