JP2004220280A - Data processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that it is impossible for a data processor whose nonvolatile built-in storage device is made to store data to store any new data from the term of the restriction of a storage capacity, or that it is impossible to maintain security since the data stored in the storage device are illegally extracted and leaked unless the data stored in the nonvolatile built-in storage device are erased. <P>SOLUTION: When the measurement result of a built-in timer 150 which measures time since a main power supply is disconnected until it is reconnected is relatively short, data stored in a magnetic storage device 14 are backed up by a backup part 18 so as to be read out according to job management information stored in a job management table 170, and the stored contents of the job management table 170 are erased by the backup part 18 when the measurement result of the built-in timer 150 is relatively long so that the data stored in the magnetic storage device 14 can be prevented from being used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a data processing apparatus that reads data stored in an internal storage unit from the internal storage unit and processes the data. More specifically, according to the present invention, data input as data to be processed is temporarily stored in a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and then, when a predetermined instruction is given, the data is stored in the storage device. The present invention relates to a data processing device that executes a predetermined process using stored data.
[0002]
For example, the present invention is realized as an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and temporarily stores image data input as data to be subjected to image forming output processing in a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device. The present invention also relates to a data processing apparatus having improved convenience by executing a process of forming and outputting image data stored in a storage means when a predetermined instruction is given thereafter.
[0003]
[Prior art]
In recent years, electronic processing devices that digitize and process document data have been commercialized in various forms. In the case of copiers, for example, electrophotography systems equipped with analog optical devices have been the mainstream in the past, but in recent years, images on documents have been converted to electronic data using electronic conversion elements, and this electronic data has been converted. Digital electrophotography that applies digital processing such as density conversion and size conversion to the image data obtained and records and reproduces the resulting data on recording paper with an optical scanning electronic scanning printer such as a laser printer. Copiers have become widespread.
[0004]
Further, in the digital copying machine as described above, by enabling communication with an external image processing apparatus in a network environment, a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data of an electronic document, a scanner function, Has been commercialized as a digital network multifunction peripheral having a printer function for recording and outputting received image data to a recording medium (recording paper or the like).
[0005]
In an environment where such multi-functioning is progressing, the multi-function machine should smoothly process input / output processing of image data in each mode (mode for executing a facsimile function, a scanner function, a printer function, etc.) without stagnation. Is desired. To this end, it is important to efficiently receive and input data so that a situation in which the user is not waited for the turn to use the multifunction peripheral occurs. For this purpose, a large-capacity non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk is built in to sequentially receive and store input data, while efficiently processing image data already stored in the storage means. Must have parallel processing capability.
[0006]
Further, some network printers have a function of intentionally storing print jobs in a printer, such as a confidential print described in Patent Document 1, for example. This confidential print function is to add a password to a print job and store it when printing various information created by an external device such as a personal computer as print data. When an input is made, print data that has been stored up to that point is output. Therefore, such a confidential print function is very effective when printing confidential information, or has the advantage that it is not accidentally taken away with the print result by another user.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-60-25385
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-described data processing device in which data is stored in the nonvolatile internal storage device, unless the data stored in the internal storage device is erased, the storage capacity of the storage device is limited. There is a security problem that new data cannot be stored from the storage device, or data stored in the storage device is illegally extracted and leaked.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing device which does not require complicated operations, makes effective use of the storage capacity of a storage device of the data processing device, and can prevent leakage of stored data. With the goal.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A data processing device according to the present invention is a data processing device that stores input data in a state where power is turned on, and executes processing of the stored data when a predetermined instruction is given. When the power is turned off, a time measuring means for measuring a time until the power is turned on, and when the power is turned off, data stored before the power is turned off can be processed after the power is turned on. Backup means for backing up data, and the backup means cannot process the data stored before the power is turned off if the time measurement result of the time measurement means exceeds a predetermined time when the power is turned on again. It is characterized in that it is made to.
[0011]
In such a data processing device of the present invention, whether or not the processing of the data stored at the time of power-off is performed depends on the time from the power-off time to the power-on time, that is, from the power-off time to the power-on time. If the time is less than a certain level, it is possible to execute the processing of the data stored at the time of power-off, and if the elapsed time from the power-off time to the power-on time is more than a certain level, it becomes impossible.
[0012]
Further, the data processing device according to the present invention includes: a non-volatile data storage unit that stores input data; and a data processing unit that executes a process using the data stored in the non-volatile data storage unit. When the power is turned on, the storage means stores the input data, and the data processing means executes processing using the data stored in the nonvolatile data storage means. In one data processing device, an information storage unit that stores information necessary for the data processing unit to execute a process using data stored in the nonvolatile data storage unit, and the power supply is shut off. Time measuring means for measuring a time from a point in time to a point in time when the power is turned on again, and, when the power is turned off, the information stored in the information storage means before the power is turned off. Backup means for backing up the data processing means so that the data processing means can use the power supply after the power is turned on again. It is characterized in that the use of previously stored information by the data processing means is enabled or disabled.
[0013]
In such a data processing device of the present invention, the contents of the information storage means can be used for data processing or cannot be used in accordance with the result of the time measurement by the time measurement means from the power-off time to the power-on time.
[0014]
Further, in the data processing apparatus according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, when the timing result of the timing means is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the backup means sets the data of the information stored in the information storage means before power-off. The backup means disables the use of the information stored by the information storage means before power-off by the data processing means, when the use of the information by the timekeeping means exceeds the predetermined value. It is characterized in that it is made possible.
[0015]
In such a data processing device of the present invention, when the time measured by the timer from the power-off time to the power-on time is equal to or less than a predetermined value, that is, the elapsed time from the power-off time to the power-on time is less than a certain value. For example, it is possible to execute data processing by using the contents of the information storage means by the data processing means, and when the time measurement result from the time counting means from the power-off time to the power-on time exceeds a predetermined value, that is, at the power-off time If the elapsed time from the point of re-input to the point of re-input exceeds a certain amount, it becomes impossible to execute data processing by using the contents of the information storage means by the data processing means.
[0016]
Still further, in the data processing device according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned inventions, the information stored in the information storage means may be the one executed by the data processing means using data stored in the nonvolatile data storage means. It is characterized by information corresponding to a unit process.
[0017]
In such a data processing device of the present invention, the data stored in the non-volatile data storage unit corresponds to one unit of processing executed by the data processing unit based on the information stored in the information storage unit, that is, the data stored in the job unit. Therefore, the data stored in the non-volatile data storage means and the information for processing using the data are separately stored in different hardware.
[0018]
In the data processing apparatus according to the present invention, in each of the above-described inventions, the nonvolatile data storage means is a nonvolatile storage device using a magnetic storage medium.
[0019]
In such a data processing device of the present invention, since the non-volatile data storage means is stored in a magnetic storage device having a large storage capacity, specifically, a hard disk device, it is possible to store a plurality of relatively large job data. In addition, even when the main power supply is cut off, the data is not erased only for that reason.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a data processing device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration when applied to a digital multifunction peripheral as a specific example of a data processing device according to the present invention.
[0022]
The digital multifunction peripheral 1 converts image data read by an image input unit 12 such as a scanner provided with an operation panel 11 and image data input from a computer network, a telephone line or the like via a line 20 via an external input unit 13. The information is temporarily stored in a magnetic storage device 14 such as a hard disk device. Then, in response to an instruction from the CPU 15, the image data stored in the magnetic storage device 14 is appropriately output to an image processing unit 16 such as a printer engine to perform image processing, thereby performing print processing on recording paper. Output as a line.
[0023]
The magnetic storage device 14 is composed of a large-capacity hard disk device. The data stored in the magnetic storage device 14 is read by the CPU 15 by referring to the management unit 17 in response to the input of an operation instruction from the operation panel 11. Thus, the image data is output to the image processing unit 16 from the storage address of the corresponding image data.
[0024]
The management unit 17 stores job management information such as a capacity and a storage address for storing each image data created at the time of writing the image data to the magnetic storage device 14 in a job unit as a job management table 170. I have. Therefore, when the image data stored in the magnetic storage device 14 is used, by referring to the job management table 170, the storage address of the target image data in the magnetic storage device 14 in the unit of job is determined. Since it becomes clear, the CPU 15 reads the storage address from the management table 170 and accesses the magnetic storage device 14.
[0025]
Note that the above-mentioned job unit refers to a series of data units constituting one unit of document when, for example, the data of the document is created by software of a word processor.
[0026]
Reference numeral 19 denotes a power supply circuit, which receives power from a commercial power supply and supplies power to the entire multifunction peripheral 1.
[0027]
When the power supply to the power supply circuit 19 of the multifunction peripheral 1 is interrupted by operating a main power switch (not shown) (hereinafter, referred to as main power cutoff), the backup unit 18 causes the job management table of the management unit 17 to be shut down. 170 is backed up. More specifically, the backup unit 18 normally backs up the storage contents of the job management table 170 by, for example, a battery, and backs up the storage contents of the job management table 170 even when the main power supply is cut off. However, as described later, the backup unit 18 may stop the backup of the job management table 170 depending on the time value of the built-in timer 150 of the CPU 15. In this case, the contents stored in the job management table 170 are deleted.
[0028]
The built-in timer 150 of the CPU 15 is also backed up by a battery or the like, and starts counting when the main power is turned off, and ends counting when the main power is turned on again.
[0029]
When the main power is turned off and then turned on again, if the count value of the built-in timer 150 in the CPU 15, that is, the elapsed time from the time of turning off the main power to the time of turning on again is within a predetermined time, the backup unit 18 , The backup of the job management table 170 is continued, that is, the storage contents of the job management table 170 are maintained usable. However, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the backup unit 18 stops the backup of the job management table 170, and thereby the stored contents of the job management table 170 are deleted.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the job management table 170. A management number (No.) is assigned to each job in the order in which it is received, and a memory area in the magnetic storage device 14 is sequentially assigned.
[0031]
In the example shown here, the confidential print mode is designated for both jobs of management numbers 1 and 2. With the processing number (No.) indicating the actual processing order, these confidential print jobs are stored and held in the magnetic storage device 14 until a password is input, and are stagnant until an output instruction is given. Is understood. Therefore, as described above, unless the job management table 170 is referred to, it is not known at which address of the magnetic storage device 14 the image data of the job desired to be reused is stored. This makes reading difficult.
[0032]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention from the point of time when the main power is turned off.
[0033]
First, when the main power supply is cut off, the built-in timer 150 of the CPU 15 is reset to start a count operation (step S1). Thereafter, the apparatus enters a standby state until the main power supply is turned on again, and continues time counting by the built-in timer 150 (NO in step S2).
[0034]
When the main power is turned on again (YES in step S2), the current time value of built-in timer 150 is provided to backup unit 18 and compared with a predetermined value (a value representing time) (step S3). If the time has elapsed (NO in step S3), the backup unit 18 stops the backup of the job management table 170. As a result, the contents stored in the job management table 170 are temporarily deleted and reset (step S4). On the other hand, if the time is within the predetermined time (YES in step S3), the backup unit 18 continues the backup of the job management table 170 as it is, so that the management data exists according to the storage contents (management data) of the job management table 170. Then, the image processing unit 16 returns (step S5), and the image processing unit 16 starts warm-up (step S6). Thereafter, the CPU 15 waits until the warm-up of the image processing unit 16 is completed (NO in step S7), and enters a state of waiting for a job input when the warm-up is completed (NO in step S8). Thereafter, when there is a job input, the job is executed (step S9).
[0035]
Under the control of the CPU 15 as described above, even when the main power supply is cut off for trouble handling such as a jam, replenishment and replacement of consumables such as toner, and the like, a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) from that point. When the main power supply is turned on again in a relatively short time within (approximately), the job management information, which is the storage content of the job management table 170, is backed up without being erased. Therefore, based on the job management information managed in the job management table 170, it is guaranteed that the output process of the image data stored in the magnetic storage device 14 can be restarted.
[0036]
On the other hand, if the main power supply is turned off after the main power supply is cut off at the end of the day's work, for example, after a relatively long time elapses, for example, at the start of the next morning, the CPU 15 The job management information that is stored in the job management table 170 is deleted and invalidated. For this reason, the job management information managed by the job management table 170 is temporarily deleted, and thereafter, the job management information on the newly input job is stored and managed. Then, the data stored in the magnetic storage device 14 is overwritten by the newly input image data, and even if old data remains, they are not guaranteed.
[0037]
As described above, in the data processing device of the present invention, the reason why the main power supply of the data processing device is shut off is estimated based on the elapsed time until the main power supply is turned on again, and the data stored in the magnetic storage device 14 is estimated. Is automatically determined as to whether or not to be kept valid and reprocessable, or to be made invalid and unprocessable.
[0038]
With such a determination, old data is not left in the magnetic storage device forever, so that the risk of data leakage from the magnetic storage device 14 is significantly reduced.
[0039]
As described above, in the data processing device of the present invention, the data stored in the magnetic storage device 14 can be effectively reused when the main power is shut off for a relatively short time while maintaining the security of the data. . In addition, the storage area (capacity) in the magnetic storage device 14 can be effectively used, and there is no need to instruct the deletion of unnecessary data, so that operation and data management are easy.
[0040]
In the above-described embodiment, the built-in timer 150 starts counting when the main power is turned off, and ends counting when the main power is turned on again. It goes without saying that the elapsed time from the time when the main power is cut off to the time when the main power is turned on again may be measured based on the time measured at each time of the built-in timer.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the data processing device of the present invention, the execution of the processing of the stored data is determined according to the elapsed time from the power-off time to the power-on time, that is, from the power-off time. If the elapsed time from the power-on time is below a certain level, the processing of the stored data can be performed even after the power-on, and if the elapsed time from the power-off time to the power-on time exceeds a certain level, Execution of processing of the stored data becomes impossible. Therefore, for example, when the main power is turned on again in a relatively short time after the main power is turned off for trouble handling such as a jam, replenishment and replacement of consumables such as toner, etc. ), The processing of the data stored before the main power was turned off can be executed after the main power is turned on again. Is turned on again, it becomes impossible to execute the processing of the data stored before the main power was turned off after the main power was turned on again. Therefore, in the case of a temporary interruption of the main power supply, the data stored before can be effectively reused, and for a relatively long time from the end of the work to the start of the work on the next day. When the main power is shut off, all the data stored before the main power is shut off is temporarily disabled, so that security is maintained (data leakage is prevented).
[0042]
Further, according to the data processing device of the present invention, the storage contents of the information storage means are maintained or deleted according to the result of the time measurement by the time measurement means from the time when the power is turned off to the time when the power is turned on again. This makes it possible or impossible to execute the processing of the data stored in the nonvolatile data storage means before the power is turned off. Therefore, for example, when the main power is turned on again in a relatively short time after the main power is turned off for trouble handling such as a jam, replenishment and replacement of consumables such as toner, etc. ), The storage contents of the information storage means are backed up. If the main power supply is turned on a relatively long time after the main power supply is cut off at the end of business or the like, the storage contents of the information storage means are Will be erased. Therefore, when the main power supply is temporarily cut off, the stored data can be effectively reused, and the main power supply can be used for a relatively long time from the end of the work to the start of the work on the next day. If it is blocked, data security is maintained, that is, data leakage is prevented. Further, the storage area (capacity) in the nonvolatile data storage means can be effectively utilized, and there is no need to perform an operation for deleting unnecessary data, thereby facilitating data management.
[0043]
Further, according to the data processing device of the present invention, when the time measured by the time measuring means from the power-off time to the power-on time exceeds a predetermined value, that is, the elapsed time from the power-off time to the power-on time exceeds a certain value. For example, the storage contents of the information storage means are erased, and it becomes impossible to execute the processing of the data stored in the nonvolatile data storage means. If the state where the main power is cut off continues for more than a predetermined time, it means that the device will not be used for a long time, and even if data remains in the device, those data will be processed. As a result, the problem that the non-volatile data storage means is occupied by the data whose processing has been stalled and new data processing cannot be accepted is solved, and the processing of new data is stagnated. It can be done without.
[0044]
Furthermore, according to the data processing device of the present invention, when the time measured by the timer from the power-off time to the power-on time is equal to or less than a predetermined value, that is, the elapsed time from the power-off time to the power-on time is somewhat less than a certain value. For example, since the storage contents of the information storage means are backed up, the processing of the data stored in the nonvolatile data storage means can be performed. If the main power supply is turned on again within a predetermined time after the main power supply is cut off, it is considered that the recovery work of the apparatus such as the replenishment of consumables in the apparatus and the removal work of unnecessary consumables was performed. By reading data stored in the non-volatile data storage means based on the storage contents of the information storage means and enabling processing, data processing can be resumed without requesting data retransfer become.
[0045]
Further, according to the data processing device of the present invention, the information stored in the information storage means corresponds to one unit of processing executed by the data processing means using the data stored in the nonvolatile data storage means. Information, that is, information on a job basis, the data stored in the non-volatile data storage means and the management information for managing the data are stored in different hardware. As long as the data is restored, the already input data is surely processed in job units.
[0046]
Furthermore, according to the data processing device of the present invention, since the nonvolatile data storage means is a magnetic storage device having a large storage capacity, specifically, a hard disk device, it is possible to store a plurality of data of a relatively large job. In addition, even when the main power supply is cut off, the data is not erased only because of that fact.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration when applied to a digital multifunction peripheral as a specific example of a data processing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of contents stored in a job management table of the data processing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the data processing device according to the present invention from the time of main power cutoff.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 operation panel 14 magnetic storage device 15 CPU
16 image processing unit 17 management unit 18 backup unit 19 power supply circuit 150 built-in timer 170 job management table

Claims (5)

In a data processing device that stores input data in a state where power is turned on, and executes processing of the stored data when a predetermined instruction is given,
When the power supply is cut off, a time-measuring unit that measures time until power is supplied again,
When the power supply is cut off, a backup unit that backs up data stored before the power supply cut off so that it can be processed after the power supply is turned on again,
The backup means is configured to disable processing of data stored before the power is turned off when the time measurement result of the time measurement means exceeds a predetermined time when the power is turned on again. Data processing device. Non-volatile data storage means for storing the input data, and a data processing means for performing processing using the data stored in the non-volatile data storage means, while the power is turned on, In the data processing device, wherein the storage means stores the input data, and the data processing means performs processing using the data stored in the nonvolatile data storage means.
Information storage means for storing information necessary for the data processing means to execute processing using data stored in the nonvolatile data storage means;
Time-measuring means for measuring the time from when the power is turned off to when the power is turned on again,
Backup means for backing up the information stored before the information storage means is turned off, so that the data processing means can use the information stored before the power supply is turned off,
The backup means enables or disables the use of the information stored by the information storage means before the power is turned off by the data processing means in accordance with the clock result of the clock means when the power is turned on again. A data processing device characterized in that: If the timing result of the timing unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the backup unit enables the information processing unit to use the information stored before power-off by the data processing unit,
When the time measurement result of the time measurement means exceeds the predetermined value, the backup means disables use of the information stored in the information storage means before power-off by the data processing means. The data processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The information stored in the information storage means is information corresponding to one unit of processing executed by the data processing means using data stored in the nonvolatile data storage means. 4. The data processing device according to 2 or 3. 5. The data processing device according to claim 2, wherein the nonvolatile data storage unit is a nonvolatile storage device using a magnetic storage medium.

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