JP2012065040A - Image forming apparatus, information management system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, an information management system, an information management method, and a program that can implement central management of an address book containing highly frequently updated information even when an apparatus centrally managing the address book containing the highly frequently updated information is powered down.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a storage section 130 for storing an address book of a general machine 100b and update information; a communication section 107 for receiving update information from the general machine 100b when the general machine 100b is powered down; a determination section 103 for comparing the received update information with the update information stored in the storage section 130 and, if they do not match, determining to update the address book stored in the storage section 130; a communication section 107 for sending to the general machine 100b a request to send an address book and receiving the address book from the general machine 100b; and an updating section 105 for updating the address book stored in the storage section 130 to the received address book.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information management system, and a program.

  In recent years, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) or the like has already been known as a technique for managing information related to mail addresses and environments of users who use a network. In general, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) equipped with a copy, a scanner, a FAX function, and the like holds a user address book as destination information for transmitting image data using LDAP.

  Conventional devices link the address book by mainly storing the address book to be managed on the PC server. However, if an address book managed in a batch is stored in a device installed in a general office such as an MFP and anyone can turn off the main power supply, the cooperation is interrupted when the main power supply is turned off. As a conventional method for solving such a situation, a master unit that collectively manages the address book is determined in advance from devices connected to the system, and the master unit is connected to the system when the main power of the master unit is turned off. It is possible to change to another device that has been installed.

  In a network system in which multiple devices are connected, master data can be backed up for the purpose of backing up information without overloading some devices even if the storage area of each device is small. A shared management method is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In the method of Patent Document 1, priorities are given to a plurality of devices, and when updating shared data, each device provides the shared data before update to the one lower device as backup data. The device acquires the backup data before update from the upper device and stores it.

  However, in the conventional method and the method of Patent Document 1, information that is frequently updated among information included in the address book (hereinafter referred to as address book information), for example, the number of copies to be stored in association with the user name, It is difficult to keep the identity of the address book information by sequentially synchronizing information such as the number of scans.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is an image forming apparatus and information that can collectively manage an address book even when the power of a device that collectively manages the address book is shut off An object is to provide a management system and program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention stores an address book of a device to be managed and update information updated as the address book is updated. And an update information receiving unit that receives the update information from the device when the device is powered off, and the update information that is received when the update information is received and stored in the storage unit. A determination to update the address book stored in the storage unit when the received update information does not match the update information stored in the storage unit An address book requesting unit that transmits a request to transmit the address book to the device and receives the address book from the device when it is determined to update the address book; Characterized in that the address book stored, an updating unit that updates the address book received, with a to.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, an address book, a storage unit that stores update information that is updated as the address book is updated, a detection unit that detects power-off, and the power-off are detected. In this case, an update information transmitting unit that transmits the update information to a management device that manages the address book stored in a plurality of devices, a request receiving unit that receives a request for the address book from the management device, And an address book transmission unit that transmits the address book to the management machine when a request is received.

  An information management system according to the present invention is an information management system including a device and a management device that manages the device, and the management device includes an address book of a device to be managed, and the address book. A first storage unit that stores update information that is updated when the device is updated, an update information reception unit that receives the update information from the device when the device is powered off, and the update information that is received The received update information is compared with the update information stored in the storage unit. If the received update information does not match the update information stored in the storage unit, the update information is stored in the storage unit. A determination unit that determines to update the address book that is being updated, and a request to transmit the address book to the device when it is determined to update the address book, and receives the address book from the device. An address book requesting unit, and an updating unit that updates the address book stored in the storage unit to the received address book, wherein the device is updated with the update of the address book. A second storage unit that stores power, a detection unit that detects power-off, an update information transmission unit that transmits the update information to the management machine when the power-off is detected, and the address from the management machine A request receiving unit that receives a request for a book, and an address book transmission unit that transmits the address book to the management machine when the request is received.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention includes a computer that stores an address book of a device to be managed, a save step for storing update information updated when the address book is updated, and a power source for the device. The update information receiving step for receiving the update information from the device, and when the update information is received, the received update information is compared with the update information stored in the storage unit, and received. A determination step of determining to update the address book stored in the storage unit when the update information stored in the storage unit does not match, and a case of determining to update the address book An address book requesting step for transmitting a request for transmitting the address book to the device and receiving the address book from the device; and storing the address book in the storage unit. And an address book are, characterized in that to function as the update step, for updating the address book received.

  The program according to the present invention includes a computer storing an address book, a storing step of storing update information for determining whether or not the address book has been updated, and a detecting step of detecting power-off. An update information transmission step of transmitting the update information to a management device that manages the address book stored in a plurality of devices when the power shutdown is detected; and a request for the address book from the management device. It is characterized by functioning as a request receiving step for receiving and an address book transmitting step for transmitting the address book to the management machine when the request is received.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the address book can be collectively managed even when the power source of the device that collectively manages the address book is shut off.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information management system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an address book cooperation display screen set by the setting unit. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of notification of an instruction referring to a general address book. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification prohibiting use of the general address book. FIG. 4A is a diagram of an example of notification of the number of updates of the master address book in a general machine. FIG. 4B is a diagram of an example of notification of the update date and time when the master address book used by the general machine is updated on the master machine. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification transmitted from the general machine to the master machine when the main power of the general machine is turned off by the communication unit. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of address book cooperation synchronization processing at the time of notification of main power OFF by a general machine. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of address book cooperation synchronization processing by the general machine when the general machine detects that the main machine is turned off. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus that is turned off when the main power is turned off. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a synchronization process procedure of address book cooperation by the master machine when the master machine detects that the master machine is turned off. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of synchronization processing for address book cooperation when a general machine receives main power OFF. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of address book cooperation synchronization processing when a general machine receives main power OFF from the master machine. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification for switching the address book to be used to the general address book. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of notification of prohibition of use of the general address book. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of address book linkage processing when the master machine receives main power OFF from a general machine. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an information management system, and a program according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information management system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information management system according to this embodiment includes a master machine 100a as a management machine that manages an address book of an image forming apparatus connected to a network, and a general management target by the master machine 100a. Machine 100b. Hereinafter, the case where the image forming apparatus is the master machine 100a and the case where the image forming apparatus is the general machine 100b will be described separately, but the basic configuration is the same, and all the image forming apparatuses are set to the master machine by setting. Or it can be a general machine.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an address book cooperation control unit 101, an input control unit 109, a display control unit 110, a power control unit 111, a detection unit 112, an output unit 113, a storage unit 130, and an operation display unit. 120 mainly.

  The output unit 113 mainly includes a copy control unit 114, a scanner control unit 115, and a FAX control unit 116, and outputs various jobs.

  The copy control unit 114 prints a job according to printing conditions by a printer (not shown). Further, the scanner control unit 115 scans a job according to a scanning condition by a scanner (not shown). Further, the FAX control unit 116 FAX the job according to FAX conditions by FAX (not shown).

  The storage unit 130 stores update information for determining whether the address book and the address book have been updated. Here, the address book includes a user name, a mail address, the number of prints, the number of faxes, the number of scans, and the like. The update information includes, for example, an update numerical value that is increased every time the address book is updated, an update date and time, and the like.

  For example, when the storage unit 130 is provided in the master device 100a, the storage unit 130 stores a master address book. Here, the master address book is an address book received from all general devices 100b, and is an address book that the general device 100b can access and refer to via the network.

  When the storage unit 130 is provided in the general device 100b, the storage unit 130 stores a general address book. Here, the general address book is an address book stored in each of the general devices 100b and can be referred to without being accessed through the network.

  The input control unit 109 receives various input items from the operation display unit 120. For example, the input control unit 109 receives input of setting items for address book cooperation. Here, the setting items for address book cooperation include the setting of the master device 100a or the general device 100b, the setting of address book cooperation, the setting of address book use restrictions, and the like.

  Here, the address book cooperation means that the master device 100a and the general device 100b use the address book stored in the master device 100a in cooperation. Further, the prohibition of use of the master address book is to prohibit the use of the master address book when the master device 100a is turned off. The general address book reference refers to the general address book when the master device 100a is turned off.

  The address book usage restrictions include prohibiting the use of the master address book and prohibiting the use of the general address book. The master address book is an address book stored in the master device 100a, and the general address book is an address book stored in the general device 100b.

  The setting unit 102 sets the setting items for address book cooperation that have been accepted by the input control unit 109. Here, the setting items for address book cooperation include setting of the master device 100a or the general device 100b, setting of address book use restrictions, and the like.

  The reference unit 107 refers to the address of the user who instructed the output by the output unit 113 from the master address book or the general address book according to the setting set by the setting unit 102. For example, if the master address book is set by the setting unit 102, the reference unit 107 accesses the master device 100a to acquire the master address book, and stores it in the storage unit 130 as an address book using the acquired master address book. save. The reference unit 107 increases the updated value of the address book used every time a job is output by the user.

  When the general address book is set by the setting unit 102, the reference unit 107 refers to the general address book stored in the direct storage unit 130 every time a job is output by the user, and the job is output. Each time the general address book is updated, the update value is increased.

  The power control unit 111 controls the power to be turned ON or OFF by a user's operation of switching a main power button (not shown) to ON or OFF. For example, when the power control unit 111 receives a switching operation of the main power button by the user, the power control unit 111 notifies the detection unit 112 that the main power is being turned on or off before the power is turned on or off. To do.

  The detection unit 112 detects ON or OFF of the main power supply by the power control unit 111. For example, the detection unit 112 detects the power cutoff by the power control unit 111 when the main power supply is turned off. In addition, the detection unit 112 detects power restoration by the notification of the main power supply ON by the power control unit 111.

  The display control unit 110 displays various display items on the operation display unit 120. For example, the display control unit 110 of the general device 100b displays the address book usage restriction on the operation display unit 120 in accordance with an instruction from the master device 100a.

  FIG. 2 is an example of an address book cooperation display screen set by the setting unit 102. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 2, the display control unit 110 displays a selection screen for selecting “Yes” or “No” for address book cooperation. Here, the display control unit 110 displays the selection of “NO”, but the selection of “YES” from the input control unit 109 displays the detailed screen shown in the upper part of the middle part of FIG.

  The display control unit 110 displays “priority master address book” or “general address book” as the role of this machine when the input control unit 109 selects “Yes” for address book cooperation. Here, the display control unit 110 selectively displays “priority master address book”. Note that the priority master address book is a setting in which the master address book is used with priority even when the general address book is registered in its own device.

  Further, the display control unit 110 displays whether the general address book is used or the use is stopped as a case where connection to the master machine is not possible. Here, the use stop indicates the use stop of the general address book. For example, when the use of the general address book is set by the setting unit 102, the display control unit 110 displays the general address book in a suspended state.

  In the lower part of the middle part of FIG. 2, the display control unit 110 displays “do” for address book cooperation, and underneath it selects and displays “general address book” as the role of this machine. Next to this, the display control unit 110 displays the IP address or host name of the master machine. Here, the display control unit 110 displays “133.139.123.456”.

  In the lower part of FIG. 2, the display control unit 110 displays a notification “successful connection to the master machine” and a “confirm” icon that can be pressed by the user.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the address book cooperation control unit 101 mainly includes a setting unit 102, a determination unit 103, a restriction unit 105, an update unit 106, a reference unit 107, and a communication unit 108.

  The communication unit 108 transmits and receives various types of information between image forming apparatuses connected to the network. For example, when the master unit 100a includes the communication unit 108 of the master unit 100a, the communication unit 108 has the following functions. The communication unit 108 of the master device 100a has a function as an information reception unit that receives update information from the general device 100b when the main power OFF is detected by the detection unit 112.

  Further, the communication unit 108 of the master device 100a transmits a request for transmitting the address book to the general device 100b and receives the address book from the general device 100b when the determination unit 103 described later determines to update the address book. Function as an address book requesting unit.

  Further, when the communication unit 108 is provided in the general machine 100b, it has the following functions. The communication unit 108 of the general device 100b has a function as an information transmission unit that transmits update information stored in the general device 100b to the master device 100a.

  The communication unit 108 of the general device 100b has a function as a request receiving unit that receives a request for an address book from the master device 100a. Furthermore, the communication unit 108 of the general device 100b has a function as an address book transmission unit that transmits an address book to the master device 100a.

  For example, when the main power OFF is detected by the detection unit 112, the communication unit 108 transmits a notification to the master device 100a or the general device 100b. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a notification transmitted to the general machine 100b when the master machine 100a shuts down.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of notification of an instruction referring to a general address book. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the communication unit 108 transmits a notification indicating “self-sufficient” (use of the general address book) to the general device 100b in the case of the condition “shutdown” (shutdown).

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification prohibiting use of the general address book. When the condition is “shutdown” (shutdown), the communication unit 108 transmits a notification indicating “prohibition” (general address book use prohibition) to the general device 100b.

  Next, FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of a notification transmitted to the master device 100a when the general device 100b shuts down. FIG. 4A is a diagram of an example of notification of the number of updates of the master address book in the general machine 100b. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the communication unit 108 transmits a notification indicating “12334556789 </ generation>” (123456789 times) to the master device 100a in the case of the condition “shutdown” (shutdown). This numerical value may be a tally or the like for identifying the number of updates in addition to the number of updates of the master address book.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of notification of the update date and time when the master address book used by the general device 100b in the master device 100a is updated. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the communication unit 108 determines that “20100331194900001 </ lastUpdate>” (last update date and time March 31, 2010, 19:45:29) in the case of the condition “shutdown” (shutdown). Is transmitted to the master device 100a.

  FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are examples of notifications transmitted to the master device 100a when the general device 100b shuts down.

  Next, an example of a notification transmitted from the general machine 100b to the master machine 100a when the main power of the general machine 100b is turned off will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification transmitted from the general device 100b to the master device 100a when the main power of the general device 100b is turned off by the communication unit 108.

  The communication unit 108 transmits the master address book used in the general machine 100b to the master machine 100a. As shown in FIG. 5, the master address book transmitted by the communication unit 108 includes a user name <name> (Aiueo), a mail address <mail>, a print count <printCount> (123 times), and a scan count <scanCount>. (41 times) is included. Further, this notification includes information for the users registered in all the master address books. In FIG. 5, the user name <name> (aiueo) is followed by information on the user identified by the user name <name> (Hello).

  When the communication unit 108 receives update information from the general device 100b when the own device is the master device 100a, the determination unit 103 receives the received update information and the update information stored in the storage unit 130. In comparison, if they do not match, it is determined that the master address book is updated.

  For example, the determination unit 103 compares the update numerical value included in the received update information with the update numerical value included in the update information stored in the storage unit 130, and determines that the master address book is to be updated if they do not match.

  Further, the determination unit 103 compares the update date and time included in the received update information with the update date and time included in the update information stored in the storage unit 130, and determines that the master address book is to be updated if they do not match.

  When the communication unit 108 receives the address book from the general device 100b, the updating unit 106 updates the master address book stored in the storage unit 130 to the received address book.

  The restriction unit 105 restricts the use of the address book according to the use restriction of the address book set by the setting unit 102. For example, when the restriction unit 105 is provided in the master device 100a, the restriction unit 105 instructs the general device 100b to prohibit the use of the master address book via the communication unit 108 when the master device 100a is turned off. Send.

  Further, the restriction unit 105 of the master device 100a gives an instruction to change the address book used for the general device 100b from the master address book to the general address book via the communication unit 108 when the master device 100a is turned off. Send.

  Further, when the restriction unit 105 is provided in the general device 100b, when the instruction to prohibit the use of the master address book is received from the master device 100a via the communication unit 108, the use of the master address book is displayed on the operation display unit 120. Display prohibition.

  When the restriction unit 105 of the general device 100b receives an instruction to change from the master device 100a to the general address book via the communication unit 108, the restriction unit 105 changes the address book to be used from the master address book to the general address book.

  Next, the flow of synchronization processing for address book cooperation when the main power supply is turned off by the image forming apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described. Here, the address book cooperation synchronization process is a process of synchronizing the master address book when the main power of one of the image forming apparatuses is turned off when the address book cooperation “Yes” is selected. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of address book cooperation synchronization processing at the time of main power OFF notification by the general machine 100b.

  The general machine 100b detects that the main power is off (step S1). The general machine 100b transmits a power-off preparation request to the address book cooperation control unit 101 (step S2). The general machine 100b notifies the master machine 100a that the main power is off (step S3). Here, the general device 100b transmits the update information of the general device 100b together with the notification.

  The master device 100a transmits an acknowledgment notification to the general device 100b (step S4). Here, in the master device 100a, the address book cooperation control unit 101 notifies the detection unit 112 that the synchronization process is being performed (step S5). The detection unit 112 notifies the display control unit 110 that the synchronization process is in progress (step S6). In response to this, the display control unit 110 displays a notification on the operation display unit 120. The general device 100b transmits an address book synchronization request to the master device 100a (step S7).

  In response to this, the master device 100a compares the update information received from the general device 100b with the notification with the update information stored in the master device 100a, and determines whether or not to update the address book in the general device 100b. Determine whether. When the master device 100a determines to update the address book, the master device 100a transmits a request for transmitting the address book to the general device 100b, and receives the address book from the general device 100b.

  The master device 100a transmits a synchronization processing completion notification to the general device 100b (step S8). The general machine 100b notifies the detection unit 112 of the end of the synchronization process (step S9). The detection unit 112 notifies the display control unit 110 of the completion of the synchronization process (step S10). Here, the display control unit 110 displays the completion of the synchronization process on the operation display unit 120. Further, the power control unit 111 cuts the power supply.

  Next, a description will be given of the synchronization procedure of address book cooperation when the main power is turned off by the general machine 100b. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of address book cooperation synchronization processing performed by the general device 100b when the general device 100b detects that the main device 100b is turned off.

  The detector 112 detects that the main power supply is turned off (step S21). Here, the display control unit 110 displays on the operation display unit 120 a notification that synchronization processing for address book cooperation is being performed. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit 120 of the image forming apparatus that is turned off when the main power is turned off. As shown in FIG. 8, the display control unit 110 is “Shutting down. The following processing is in progress. Synchronizing address book linkage. 40%”. Display percentages in total. In addition, the display control unit 110 displays a message “Main power is automatically turned off after completion”.

  The setting unit 102 determines whether or not address book cooperation is set (step S22). When the setting unit 102 determines that the address book cooperation is set (step S22: Yes), the communication unit 108 notifies the master device 100a that the main power is off (step S23). Here, the communication unit 108 transmits update information together with a notification of main power OFF.

  Determination unit 103 determines whether an address book transmission request has been received from master device 100a (step S24). When determining that the address book transmission request has been received from the master device 100a (step S24: Yes), the determining unit 103 transmits the address book to the master device 100a (step S25).

  If the setting unit 102 determines in step S22 that the address book cooperation is not set (step S22: No), the determination unit 103 receives an address book transmission request from the master device 100a in step S24. If it is determined that it is not present (step S24: No), the process is terminated.

  Next, a procedure of address book cooperation synchronization processing by the master device 100a will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of address book cooperation synchronization processing by the master device 100a when the master device 100a detects that the master device 100a is turned off.

  Step S26 and step S27 are the same as the process of step S21 and step S22 of the flowchart showing the procedure of the address book linkage process of FIG.

  In step S28, the communication unit 108 notifies all the general machines 100b that the main power of the master machine 100a is turned off (step S28). The setting unit 102 determines whether or not use prohibition of the general address book is set for use restriction of the address book (step S30).

  If the setting unit 102 determines that the use of the general address book is prohibited (step S30: Yes), the communication unit 108 transmits an instruction to prohibit the use of the general address book to the general device 100b (step S31). ).

  On the other hand, when the setting unit 102 determines that the use prohibition of the general address book is not set (step S30: No), the communication unit 108 transmits an instruction to refer to the general address book to the general device 100b (step S30). S32).

  Next, the flow of address book cooperation synchronization processing when the image forming apparatus 100 receives main power OFF will be described. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of address book cooperation synchronization processing when the main device 100b receives the main power OFF.

  The master device 100a receives a notification of main power OFF from the general device 100b (step S41). The general machine 100b notifies the display control unit 110 that the master address book is OFF (step S42). Here, the display control unit 110 displays the master address book OFF on the operation display unit 120.

  The general machine 100b transmits an acknowledgment notification to the master machine 100a via the communication unit 108 (step S43). The master device 100a transmits an instruction to restrict use of the address book to the general device 100b (step S44).

  The general device 100b sets the address book in accordance with the address book use restriction instruction received from the master device 100a (step S45). The general device 100b transmits a notification that the address book setting is completed to the master device 100a (step S46).

  Next, a description will be given of a synchronization process procedure of address book cooperation when the main device 100b receives the main power OFF. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of address book cooperation synchronization processing when the general device 100b receives the main power OFF from the master device 100a.

  The communication unit 108 receives a notification of main power OFF from the master device 100a (step S51). Here, the communication unit 108 receives an instruction for restricting the use of the address book from the master device 100a. For example, the communication unit 108 receives an instruction to prohibit the use of the master address book or to refer to the general address book as an instruction to restrict the use of the address book.

  The setting unit 102 determines whether address book cooperation is set (step S52). If the setting control unit 102 determines that the address book has been set (step S52: Yes), the display control unit 110 displays an address book usage restriction instruction from the master device 100a on the operation display unit 120 ( Step S53).

  The restriction unit 105 determines whether the instruction for restricting use of the address book received from the master device 100a is an instruction for prohibiting use of the general address book (step S54). When the restriction unit 105 determines that the instruction to restrict the use of the address book received from the master device 100a is an instruction to prohibit the use of the general address book (step S54: Yes), the setting unit 102 uses the general address book. Prohibition is set (step S55).

  Here, the display control unit 110 displays a notification for switching the address book to be used to the general address book on the operation display unit 120. FIG. 12 is an example of notification for switching the address book to be used to the general address book. As shown in FIG. 12, the display control unit 110 displays on the operation display unit 120 a display that “the main power supply of the master machine has been turned off.

  On the other hand, when the restriction unit 105 determines that the instruction for restricting the use of the address book received from the master device 100a is not an instruction for prohibiting the use of the general address book (step S54: No), the setting unit 102 determines that the general address book is not used. A reference is set (step S57).

  Here, the display control unit 110 displays a notification of prohibition of use of the general address book on the operation display unit 120. FIG. 13 is an example of notification of prohibition of use of the general address book. As shown in FIG. 13, the display control unit 110 displays on the operation display unit 120 a message that “the main power of the master machine has been turned off. The address book cannot be used”.

  The communication unit 108 transmits a notification that the address book setting is completed to the master device 100a (step S56).

  Next, a description will be given of the synchronization procedure for address book cooperation when the master device 100a receives main power OFF. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of address book cooperation synchronization processing when the master device 100a receives the main power OFF from the general device 100b.

  The communication unit 108 receives a notification of main power OFF from the general machine 100b (step S61). Here, the communication unit 108 receives the update information stored in the general device 100b.

  The setting unit 102 determines whether address book cooperation is set (step S62). If the setting unit 102 determines that the address book cooperation is set (step S62: Yes), the determining unit 103 determines whether the address book is synchronized (step S63).

  For example, the determination unit 103 compares the update information received in step S61 with the update information stored in the storage unit 130, and the received update information does not match the update information stored in the storage unit 130. If it is determined that the address book is not synchronized.

  If the determination unit 103 determines that the address book is not synchronized (step S63: No), the communication unit 108 requests the general device 100b to transmit the address book (step S64). Here, the communication unit 108 receives the address book from the general device 100b in response to this.

  The update unit 106 updates the address book stored in the storage unit 130 to the address book received from the general device 100b (step S65). The communication unit 108 transmits a synchronization processing completion notification to the general device 100b (step S66).

  Next, a description will be given of the synchronization process when the master power is turned on again after the master device 100a completes the address book cooperation synchronization process. Here, the target of synchronization processing is a case where the master device 100a transmits an instruction to refer to the general address book to the general device 100b.

  The detection unit 112 detects main power ON. The communication unit 108 requests the general machine 100b to transmit the general address book updated between the completion of the synchronization process and the main power ON to the master machine 100a. The communication unit 108 receives the general address book from the general device 100b, and updates the master address book stored in the storage unit 130 to the contents of the received general address book.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the general device 100b is shut down, the address book update information is transmitted to the master device 100a, and the master address book managed by the master device 100a matches the received address book. If the master address book is not updated, the master address book is updated to the received address book, so that the address book can be collectively managed even when the power of the devices being collectively managed is shut off.

  Further, as described above, the master machine 100a synchronizes the updated address book after the completion of the synchronization process associated with the main power OFF of the master machine 100a until the main power ON after the main power is restored. Therefore, even when the main power is turned off, the master address book can be collectively managed at the time of return.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the drawing, a multifunction peripheral is shown as an example of the image forming apparatus 100. The multi-function device 100 has a configuration in which the controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire MFP 100 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 130, and the North Bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction peripheral 100, has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and the AGP bus 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading / writing with respect to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 15, the PCI bus, the HDD 130, and the MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI master and an AGP target, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform image data rotation using hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that transfers data between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 16 is connected with an FCU (Facile Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical Engineers 50) interface via an PCI bus. The operation display unit 120 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 130 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  The AGP bus 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP bus 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. It is.

  The information management program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The information management program executed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. It may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the information management program executed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The information management program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The information management program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (setting unit, determination unit, restriction unit, update unit, reference unit, communication unit, detection unit). As the actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the information management program from the ROM and executes it, so that the respective units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the setting unit, determination unit, limiting unit, update unit, reference The communication unit, the communication unit, and the detection unit are generated on the main storage device.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is described by taking an example in which the image forming apparatus is applied to a multifunction machine having at least two functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a printer, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100a, 100b Image forming apparatus 101 Address book cooperation control part 102 Setting part 103 Judgment part 105 Restriction part 106 Update part 107 Reference part 108 Communication part 109 Input control part 110 Display control part 111 Power control part 112 Detection part 113 Output part 114 Copy Control unit 115 Scanner control unit 116 FAX control unit 120 Operation display unit 130 Storage unit

JP 2006-235990 A

Claims (9)

An address book of devices to be managed, and a storage unit for storing update information updated with the update of the address book;
An information receiving unit that receives the update information from the device when the device is powered off;
When the update information is received, the received update information is compared with the update information stored in the storage unit, and the received update information and the update information stored in the storage unit are compared. A determination unit that determines to update the address book stored in the storage unit when
When it is determined to update the address book, an address book request unit that sends a request to send the address book to the device and receives the address book from the device;
An update unit that updates the address book stored in the storage unit to the received address book;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The update information is a value to be increased for each update,
The determination unit compares the value indicated by the received update information with the value indicated by the update information stored in the storage unit, and the value indicated by the received update information and the update stored in the storage unit Determining that the address book stored in the storage unit is to be updated when the value indicated by the information does not match;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The update information is an update date and time,
The determination unit compares the update date and time indicated by the received update information with the update date and time indicated by the update information stored in the storage unit, and the update date and time indicated by the received update information is stored in the storage unit. Determining that the address book stored in the storage unit is to be updated when the update date and time indicated by the updated information does not match,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An address book; and a storage unit that stores update information that is updated as the address book is updated;
A detection unit for detecting power-off,
An update information transmission unit that transmits the update information to a management machine that manages the address book stored in a plurality of devices when the power-off is detected;
A request receiving unit for receiving a request for the address book from the management machine;
An address book transmission unit for transmitting the address book to the management machine when the request is received;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The update information is a value to be increased for each update;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The update information is an update date and time;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. An information management system comprising a device and a management machine that manages the device,
The management machine is
A first storage unit that stores an address book of devices to be managed, and update information that is updated when the address book is updated;
An update information receiving unit that receives the update information from the device when the device is powered off;
When the update information is received, the received update information is compared with the update information stored in the storage unit, and the received update information does not match the update information stored in the storage unit A determination unit that determines to update the address book stored in the storage unit;
When it is determined to update the address book, an address book request unit that sends a request to send the address book to the device and receives the address book from the device;
An update unit that updates the address book stored in the storage unit to the received address book;
With
The equipment is
An address book; and a second storage unit for storing update information updated as the address book is updated;
A detection unit for detecting power-off,
An update information transmission unit that transmits the update information to the management machine when the power-off is detected;
A request receiving unit for receiving a request for the address book from the management machine;
An address book transmission unit for transmitting the address book to the management machine when the request is received;
An information management system characterized by comprising: Computer
A storage step of storing in the storage unit the address book of the device to be managed, and update information updated with the update of the address book;
An update information receiving step of receiving the update information from the device when the device is powered off;
When the update information is received, the received update information is compared with the update information stored in the storage unit, and the received update information does not match the update information stored in the storage unit A determination step of determining to update the address book stored in the storage unit;
An address book requesting step for transmitting a request to send the address book to the device and receiving the address book from the device when it is determined to update the address book;
An update step of updating the address book stored in the storage unit to the received address book;
A program characterized by functioning as Computer
An address book; and a storage step of storing update information updated with the update of the address book in a storage unit;
A detection step for detecting power-off,
An update information transmission step of transmitting the update information to a management machine that manages the address book stored in a plurality of devices when the power-off is detected;
A request receiving step for receiving a request for the address book from the manager;
An address book sending step for sending the address book to the management machine when the request is received;
A program characterized by functioning as

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