JP2004230617A - Network printer system, backup program, and method of backup - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a novel network printer system that can efficiently perform a backup operation of data intrinsic to each of the printers to be dedicated thereto, the printers being connected to a network, and to provide a method of backup. <P>SOLUTION: The plurality of printers P are connected to each other with the network N and the backup data of each printer P is periodically or occasionally stored in another printer through the network N. As the backup data is mutually held by the printers even when a server or the like is not provided, the data intrinsic to each printer to be dedicated thereto can be efficiently held as the backup data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【００２６】
【表２】

【００２７】
アプリケーション３２は、自己のプリンタＰで利用するアプリケーション、例えば、プリンタの消耗品情報を定期的にサーバにアップするアプリケーション等が記録されており、例えばプリンタの電源を投入する度にＲＡＭに読み出され、ＣＰＵ４０による情報処理・加工によってその機能が実現されるようになっている。
【００２８】
アプリケーション設定データ３３は、このようなアプリケーションで利用される設定、例えば、以下の表３に示すように、消耗品データアップタイミングやアップ先サーバＩＰアドレス、アップデータ内容等といったアプリケーション設定データが記録されている。
【００２９】
【表３】

【００３０】
記録データ３４は、このアプリケーションによって記録されるデータ、例えば以下の表４に示すように、各種トナーの残量や印刷枚数などの各種印刷記録データが記録されるようになっている。
【００３１】
【表４】

【００３２】
また、データ構造データ３５は、この記録データ３４のフォーマットとこれまでに記録されたデータサイズ、例えば、以下の表５に示すような記録データフォーマットとデータサイズが記録されている。
【００３３】
【表５】

【００３４】
バックアップ情報３６は、これまでに他のプリンタＰにバックアップした履歴情報のことであり、バックアップデータを取得する際には、例えば、以下の表６に示すように時系列に記録された日時とＩＰアドレス情報を基に最新のバックアップを取りに行く場所を決定することができる。
【００３５】
【表６】

【００３６】
バックアップ先情報３７は、自己のバックアップデータをどこのプリンタＰにバックアップすべきかが記述されており、例えば、以下の表７に示すように、そのプリンタＰを特定するためのＩＰアドレスなどが記述されている。
【００３７】
【表７】

【００３８】
他プリンタバックアップデータ３８は、他のプリンタから送られてきたバックアップデータを保存するものであり、例えば、以下の表８に示すように、バックアップした日時とそのステータス等が記録されている。
【００３９】
【表８】

【００４０】
次に、このような構成をしたネットワークプリンタシステムの動作フロー及び作用を説明する。
先ず、図４のフローチャート図に示すように、同一ネットワークＮ上に接続された各プリンタは、記憶装置３０のプリンタ設定データ３１に定められた間隔で、他の同機能、すなわちバックアップデータ管理部２０を持ったプリンタＰを探索する（ステップＳ１００）。例えば、表２の例では５分おきに他のプリンタを探索するようになっている。
【００４１】
次に、この探索の結果（ステップＳ１０２）、同一ネットワークＮ上に同じバックアップデータ管理部２０を持ったプリンタＰが見つかった（ＹＥＳ）なら、それらのうちどのプリンタにバックアップするかを決定する（ステップＳ１０４）。
ここで、発見されたプリンタＰの中からバックアップ先のプリンタを決定する方法としては、Ｉ．いずれか１台にのみバックアップする方法と、ＩＩ．複数台にバックアップする方法とが考えられ、さらに、前者の方法Ａは、最初に見つかった１台のプリンタをバックアップ先とする方法（Ｉ−１）と、任意のプリンタをバックアップ先とする方法（Ｉ−２）とが考えられる。
【００４２】
すなわち、先ずＩ−１の方法としては、具体的には、▲１▼バックアップ先を探すプリンタは、同一ネットワークＮ内にＰｉｎｇ（Ｐａｃｋｅｔ Ｉｎｔｅｒｎｅｔ Ｇｒｏｐｅｒ）を発信し、▲２▼応答があったプリンタ対してＳＮＭＰ（Ｓｉｍｐｌｅ Ｎｅｔｗｏｒｋ Ｍａｎａｇｅｍｅｎｔ Ｐｒｏｔｏｃｏｌ）を送信し、そのプリンタのＭＩＢ（Ｍａｎａｇｅｍｅｎｔ Ｉｎｆｏｒｍａｔｉｏｎ Ｂａｓｅ）を取得する。そして、▲３▼応答のあったプリンタのＭＩＢに、同じバックアップデータ管理部２０の機能が搭載されていることが記述されていれば、そのプリンタをバックアップ先として決定するものである。
【００４３】
これに対し、Ｉ−２の方法としては、具体的には、▲１▼最初に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＡとする）は、電源が入れられた際には他に電源が入っているプリンタが存在しないことからその時点ではなにもしないが、▲２▼次に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＢとする）は、同一ネットワークＮ上に、自己以外に先に電源が入れられたプリンタＡが既に存在するため、プリンタＡにバックアップするというリストを作成する。また、この時点でプリンタＡは、プリンタＢを認識できるため、同じくプリンタＢにバックアップするというリストを作成する。そして、プリンタＡ及びＢはそのリストを各々自己のプリンタ設定データ３１に保存すると共に互いに他のプリンタにそのリストを渡すことになる。▲３▼次に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＣとする）は、既に電源が入っているプリンタＡ、Ｂを発見するので、例えば、図５に示すように、プリンタＡはプリンタＢに、プリンタＢはプリンタＣに、プリンタＣはプリンタＡに自己のデータファイルを送るためのバックアップ先としたリストを作成し、そのリストを自身のプリンタ設定データ３１に保存すると共に、プリンタＡ、Ｂにもそのリストを渡すことになる。▲４▼そして、以下同様に最後に電源の入ったプリンタは、リストに自分を追加するように更新し、全プリンタに配布する。▲５▼また、最後に電源が入れられたプリンタは、電源の落ちたプリンタをリストから削除するために定期的に▲３▼のプリンタ発見〜リスト更新の処理を繰り返す。▲６▼そして、各プリンタはこのリストをみて自己のデータのバックアップ先の１台を決定することになる。
【００４４】
一方、ＩＩの複数台にバックアップする方法としては、上記Ｉ−２の方法と同様に、▲１▼最初に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＡとする）は、電源が入れられた際には他に電源が入っているプリンタが存在しないことからその時点ではなにもしないが、▲２▼次に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＢとする）は、同一ネットワーク上に、自己以外に先に電源が入れられたプリンタＡが存在するため、バックアップ先リストとしてプリンタＡ、Ｂを載せたリストを作成し、自身のプリンタ設定データ３１に保存すると共に、プリンタＡにもそのリストを渡すことになる。▲３▼次に、電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＣという）は、同じくプリンタＡ、Ｂを発見するので、例えば、図６に示すように、プリンタＡはプリンタＢ及びＣに、プリンタＢはプリンタＡ及びＢに、プリンタＣはプリンタＡ及びＢに、それぞれ自己のデータファイルを送るためのバックアップ先としたリストを作成し、そのリストを自身のプリンタ設定データ３１に保存すると共に、プリンタＡ、Ｂにもそのリストを渡すことになる。▲４▼そして、以下同様に最後に電源の入ったプリンタは、リストに自分を追加するように更新し、全プリンタに配布する。▲５▼また、最後に電源が入れられたプリンタは、電源の落ちたプリンタをリストから削除するために定期的に▲３▼のプリンタ発見〜リスト更新の処理を繰り返す。▲６▼そして、各プリンタはこのリストをみて自己のデータのバックアップ先を決定することになる。
【００４５】
また、このバックアップリストの作成方法のうち、例えば、バックアップ先を１台とする形態としては、以下の手順通りとなる。
すなわち、先ず▲１▼最初に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＡとする）は、電源が入れられた際には他に電源が入っているプリンタが存在しないことからその時点ではなにもしないが、▲２▼次に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＢとする）は、同一ネットワーク上に、自己以外に先に電源が入れられたプリンタＡが存在するため、プリンタＡとＢとでバックアップのペアを作成し、自身のプリンタ設定データ３１にバックアップ先を保存する。一方、▲３▼プリンタＡ、Ｂは、バックアップの際、お互いを認識できなかった場合は、相手の電源が落ちている、またはトラブルであると判断し、新たなペアを探す。次に、▲４▼プリンタＡ、Ｂに加え、新たに電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＣとする）は、まだペアになっていないプリンタを探し、ペアになっているプリンタしか存在しない場合は、ペアに組み込み、３角形の形でＡ→Ｂ、Ｂ→Ｃ、Ｃ→Ａとするバックアップ先情報を作成し、プリンタＡ、Ｂに配布する。▲５▼プリンタＡ、Ｂ、Ｃともバックアップ先から応答がないことを発見した時点で、バックアップ先情報から削除し、残存ペアに連絡することになる。
【００４６】
このような形式であれば、プリンタが２台以上の偶数であれば、ペアのみが存在し、プリンタが３台以上の奇数であれば３台の組が一つと、ペアが存在することになる。情報更新もペア、又は３台組のブロックレベルで最低限に抑えられるため、情報更新時のトラフィックはＩ−２の場合よりも節約することができる。
また、バックアップ先、バックアップタイミングとしては、特に限定されるものではないが、▲１▼電源操作実状に合わせたバックアップ先・頻度の設定、▲２▼イベント発生タイミングでのバックアップ、▲３▼非印刷状態でのバックアップ等が考えられる。
【００４７】
すなわち、▲１▼電源操作実状に合わせたバックアップ先・頻度の設定としては、データ消失などの問題が発生するのは、その殆どがむやみに電源を落とされるときである。そのため、電源操作の履歴についてプリンタ自身が監視し、電源操作の多いプリンタから電源操作の少ないプリンタに電源操作の頻度に応じた頻度でバックアップするように設定すれば、より失われやすいデータをより失われにくいプリンタに保存することができ、効率的な保存とセキュリティレベルの向上を達成することができる。
【００４８】
また、▲２▼イベント発生タイミングでのバックアップとしては、エラーが発生したり、大量の印刷データを受信した等のケースでは、しばしば電源が落とされることが予想される。このため、このようなイベントが発生した時点で、予め他のプリンタへのバックアップを行うようにすれば、▲１▼と同様に効率的な保存とセキュリティレベルの向上を達成することができる。尚、電源が急に落とされることが予想されるイベントとしては、紙ジャムやトナー切れ、ネットワーク通信の不能などといったエラーイベントや、大領のデータを受信したときや裏紙を利用した等いったエラーに繋がりやすいイベントが考えられる。
【００４９】
さらに、▲３▼非印刷状態でのバックアップとは、ネットワークトラフィックが多くなりがちな印刷中にはバックアップを行わないことである。すなわち、最近の一部のプリンタにあっては節電のために印刷が一定時間行われないとスリープ状態に移行するため、このタイミングを見計らってバックアップを行うようにすれば、通信量の少ない時期にバックアップデータを送受信することになるため、ネットワーク上の不要なトラフィック増加を防止することが可能となる。
【００５０】
そして、このようにしてバックアップ先のプリンタが決定されたならば、バックアップデータ管理部２０のバックアップデータ送信手段２４によって、自己のプリンタ設定データ３１、アプリケーション設定データ３３、記録データ３４を通信部１０の通信機能を利用し、ネットワークＮを介してそのプリンタに送信（ステップＳ１０６）した後、そのバックアップ情報の詳しい内容、すなわち、バックアップ先と、いつ、どのようなデータをバックアップしたかを自己の記憶装置３０のバックアップ情報３６に記録する（ステップＳ１０８）。
【００５１】
次に、このプリンタは、同時に他のプリンタからバックアップデータが送信されてきたか否かを監視する（ステップＳ１１０）。そして、他のプリンタからバックアップデータが送信されてきたとき（ＹＥＳ）は、自己のバックアップデータ管理部２０のバックアップデータ受信手段２６によって、そのプリンタのバックアップデータ（プリンタ設定データ３１、アプリケーション設定データ３３、記録データ３４）を受信し（ステップＳ１１２）、そのバックアップデータを自己の記憶装置３０内の他プリンタバックアップデータ３８内に記録する（ステップＳ１１４）と共に、バックアップ元と、いつ、どのようなデータを受信してバックアップしたかを自己の記憶装置３０のバックアップ先情報３７に記録（ステップＳ１１６）してから、データ復元処理へ移行することになる。
【００５２】
これにより、仮にいずれかのプリンタの電源が突然落ちた場合や、故障してその自己データのバックアップ機能に異常が発生した場合でも、そのバックアップデータが全て消失するといった最悪のケースを未然に回避することができる。また、本発明はプリンタサーバ等にバックアップさせる方式ではないことから、プリンタサーバが設置されていない、あるいは設置されていてもストレージ容量が小さいプリンタサーバであっても、効率的にバックアップデータを保存することが可能となる。
【００５３】
尚、上記ステップＳ１０２で他のプリンタが見つからなかったときは、ステップ１０４〜Ｓ１０８を回避して、直ちにステップＳ１１０に移行し、また、ステップＳ１１０において、他のプリンタからバックアップデータが送信されてきていないときはそのまま処理を終了することになる。
次に、本発明においては、上記の如く単に互いのデータをバックアップし合うだけでなく、データ正確性判断手段２２とデータ復元手段２８を有し、自己の有するデータの正確性を定期的にあるいは随時判断し、正確性が損なわれていると判断したときは適宜必要なデータ復元処理を実行する機能を有している。
【００５４】
すなわち、このデータ復元処理は、例えば、図７のフローチャート図に示すように、先ずデータ正確性判断手段２２によって定期的にあるいは随時自己のバックアップデータ（プリンタ設定データ３１、アプリケーション設定データ３３、記録データ３４）に異常がないかを監視（ステップＳ２００）し、ないと判断したときはそのままデータ復元処理を終了することになるが、あると判断したときは自己のバックアップデータ受信手段２６により、バックアップ先の自己の正常なバックアップデータを受信する（ステップＳ２０２）共に、自己のデータ復元手段２８によって、受信した正常なデータを元に、異常のあるデータを復元（ステップＳ２０４）し、復元されたデータを、異常なデータに代わって保存する（ステップＳ２０６）ことになる。
【００５５】
これによって、その一部あるいは全部が壊れたデータや消失したデータを正確に復元することが可能となり、ネットワークプリンタシステムのデータ保持機能の信頼性を大幅に向上させることができる。
尚、この復元処理における復元設定としては、特に限定されるものではないが、以下の表９に示すように、「データサイズの一番大きいものを採用」する方式や、「足りないデータを組み合わせて作成」する方式、あるいは「日付が新しいものを採用する方式」などが考えられる。表９においては、２段目の「足りないデータを組み合わせて作成」する方式に「レ」点を入れてこの方式を有効にした例を示したものである。
【００５６】
【表９】

【００５７】
また、本実施の形態は図１に示すようにプリンタＰのみで構成されたネットワークプリンタシステムの例で説明したが、プリンタＰ同士でバックアップデータを保存し合うようにすれば、図２に示すように、複数のプリンタＰが設置された同一ネットワークＮ上にプリンタサーバＳや他のサーバあるいは各種デバイス等が接続された形態のネットワークプリンタシステムにも同様に適用できることは勿論である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】ネットワークプリンタシステムの実施の一形態を示す図である。
【図２】ネットワークプリンタシステムの他の実施の形態を示す図である。
【図３】プリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。
【図４】バックアップの基本処理を示すフォローチャート図である。
【図５】他の一台のプリンタにバックアップする場合を示す説明図である。
【図６】他の複数台のプリンタにバックアップする場合を示す説明図である。
【図７】データ復元処理の流れを示すフローチャート図である。
【符号の説明】
１０…通信部、２０…バックアップ管理部、２２…データ正確性判断手段、２４…バックアップデータ送信手段、２６…バックアップデータ受信手段、２８…データ復元手段、３０…記憶装置、３１…プリンタ設定データ、３２…アプリケーション、３３…アプリケーション設定データ、３４…記録データ、３５…データ構造データ、３６…バックアップ情報、３７…バックアップ先情報、３８…他プリンタバックアップデータ、４０…ＣＰＵ、Ｎ…ネットワーク、Ｐ…プリンタ、Ｓ…サーバ。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network printer system in which a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and more particularly, to a new network printer system and a backup program capable of efficiently backing up data unique to each printer, which is generated momentarily in each printer, and a backup program. This is related to the backup method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, in a printer having an application execution environment, data unique to the printer, such as data used by the application, a setting file of the printer itself, an operation record, and the like, are stored in the printer itself. Printers do not have the custom of shutting down as compared with personal computers (PCs) and the like, and the power is often suddenly turned off by a breaker.
[0003]
In this case, since the contents recorded in the buffer are not reflected in the storage device in the printer, the storage device is adversely affected, and the data to be stored may be partially destroyed or all the data may be lost. is there.
Therefore, for example, as shown in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3, the data of the printer is periodically transmitted using a storage (hard disk device or the like) of a PC or a printer server connected to the same network as the printer. A method of notifying the user is considered.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 3065053
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-160180 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-183759 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the method of notifying the data of each printer to the storage of the server or the like in this manner is not intended to back up the data of the printer, the data sent to the server or the like is returned to the printer again, and No consideration is given to situations in which corrupted data is restored.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention has been devised in order to effectively solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to efficiently back up and restore data generated in each printer connected on a network. An object of the present invention is to provide a new network printer system, a backup program, and a backup method.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A network printer system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a network printer system in which a plurality of printers are connected via a network.
All of the above printers, or at least two or more printers, respectively
Backup data transmission means for transmitting its own backup data to another printer on the same network;
Backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from another printer;
A storage device for storing and storing the received backup data of another printer.
[0008]
With this configuration, the worst case is that all the backup data will be lost even if the power of one of the printers suddenly shuts down, or if a failure occurs and the backup function of its own data fails. A case can be avoided beforehand. As a result, the risk of data loss can be dispersed, and a more reliable system can be constructed. Further, since the backup data is not stored in the server or the like, the load on the server is not increased, and the storage is not unnecessarily consumed. Further, even in a system without a server, for example, a network printer system including a print instruction terminal and a printer, backup data of each printer can be stored reliably and efficiently.
[0009]
Further, a network printer system according to a second aspect includes:
Data accuracy determining means for confirming whether or not the data stored therein is normal;
Data restoration means for restoring the saved data based on its own backup data saved in another printer when it is determined that the data stored therein is abnormal. Is what you do.
[0010]
As a result, even if part or all of the stored own data is lost or damaged, the data can be accurately restored.
A network printer system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes:
The backup data transmitting means transmits its own backup data to one or more other printers arbitrarily set or two or more printers.
[0011]
As a result, the backup data can be reliably transmitted and stored to the backup destination printer.
A network printer system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes:
The backup data includes print data transmitted from the printer to the outside, data used by an application in the printer, and printer setting data relating to the operation of the printer.
[0012]
As a result, it is possible to back up the minimum data necessary for restoring damaged data.
A printer data backup program according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes:
Each printer computer connected to the same network
Backup data transmission means for transmitting the backup data of its own printer to another printer on the same network;
Backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from another printer;
It is characterized by functioning as storage means for storing and storing the received backup data.
[0013]
As a result, the same effects as those of the system of the first aspect are obtained, and the computer system inherently provided in each printer can be used as it is. And excellent economic efficiency can be exhibited.
Further, the printer data backup program according to the sixth aspect of the present invention provides a computer for each printer connected to the same network.
Backup data transmission means for transmitting the backup data of its own printer to another printer on the same network;
Backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from another printer;
Storage means for storing and storing the received backup data;
Data accuracy determining means for confirming whether or not the data stored therein is normal;
Characterized in that it functions as data restoration means for restoring the saved data based on its own backup data saved in another printer when it judges that the data saved by itself is abnormal. It is.
[0014]
As a result, in addition to the effect of the fifth aspect, even when part or all of the self data stored as in the second aspect is lost or damaged, the data can be accurately restored.
A printer data backup method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes:
A plurality of printers are connected via a network, and backup data of each printer is periodically or whenever necessary stored in one of the other printers in a pair via the network. is there.
[0015]
As a result, similarly to the first aspect, even when an abnormality occurs in the data backup function of the printer, the worst case where all the backup data is lost can be avoided beforehand, and a more reliable system can be constructed. it can.
Further, the printer data backup method of Invention 8 is
A plurality of printers are connected via a network, and backup data of each printer is periodically or whenever necessary stored in another plurality of printers via the network.
[0016]
The same effects as those of the seventh aspect can be obtained, and the backup data can be more reliably stored because the data is backed up to a plurality of printers.
A printer data backup method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes the following.
A plurality of printers are connected via a network, and the data of each printer is stored periodically or as needed in another printer via the network. On the other hand, it is determined whether the data stored in each printer is normal. Checked periodically or as needed, and when the stored data is judged to be abnormal, the stored data is restored based on the backup data of the printer stored in another printer. Is what you do.
[0017]
As a result, in addition to the effects of the inventions 7 and 8, even if part or all of the self-data stored in the same manner as the invention 2 or the like is lost or damaged, the data can be accurately restored. Become.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a network printer system according to the present invention, in which a plurality of printers P are connected on a same network N such as a LAN so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.
[0019]
Each of these printers P has a configuration for realizing the original functions of the printer, such as a printing function and a paper feeding function, and also includes a communication unit 10, a backup data management unit 20, a storage device 30, And the main configuration.
The communication unit 10 provides a function of performing bidirectional communication with a print instruction device such as another printer P and a PC via the network N, and is transmitted from the print instruction terminal (not shown) via the network N. In addition to receiving print data and a print instruction, a communication function for exchanging own backup data with another printer P as described later is provided.
[0020]
The backup data management unit 20 is a configuration unique to the present invention for providing a function of managing backup data of the self-other printer P, and includes a data accuracy determination unit 22, a backup data transmission unit 24, and a backup data reception unit. 26 and data restoring means 28.
The data accuracy determining means 22 determines whether or not the “recording data” stored in the printer P is correct based on “data structure data” and “recording data” described later. The CPU 40 realizes its function according to a data accuracy determination program read on the RAM not to be used.
[0021]
The backup data transmitting unit 24 implements a function of transmitting the “recorded data” to another printer P using the communication function of the communication unit 10 in order to back up its own “recorded data”. Similarly, the CPU 40 realizes its function according to a program for transmitting backup data.
The backup data receiving means 26 implements a function of receiving "recorded data" sent from another printer P to create a backup of another printer P in its own printer P. The CPU 40 implements the function according to a data receiving program.
[0022]
The data restoring means 28 realizes a function of restoring “recorded data” of its own printer P based on backup data recorded in another printer P. Similarly, the CPU 40 operates according to a backup data restoring program. The function is realized.
The CPU 40 executes various programs for operating the backup data 20 as described above, and also operates the original system and application of the printer.
[0023]
On the other hand, the storage device 30 is composed of a readable / writable hard disk device, a semiconductor memory, and the like originally provided for each printer P to store and store various data. A function to mainly store and save the printer setting data 31, the application 32, the application setting data 33, the recording data 34, the data structure data 35, the backup information 36, the backup destination information 37, and the other printer backup data 38 is provided. ing.
[0024]
The printer setting data 31 includes, for example, information for specifying the printer such as an IP address, a gateway address, or a subnet mask of the printer as shown in Table 1 below, and other information as shown in Table 2 below. The printer-specific setting data such as a printer discovery interval for finding a printer, backup timing, the number of backup destinations, backup system information such as data to be backed up, and the like are recorded.
[0025]
[Table 1]

[0026]
[Table 2]

[0027]
The application 32 records an application used by its own printer P, for example, an application for periodically uploading consumables information of the printer to a server. The function is realized by information processing and processing by the CPU 40.
[0028]
In the application setting data 33, settings used in such an application, for example, as shown in Table 3 below, application setting data such as a consumable data update timing, an upgrade destination server IP address, and update data contents are recorded. I have.
[0029]
[Table 3]

[0030]
As the recording data 34, data recorded by this application, for example, as shown in Table 4 below, various printing recording data such as the remaining amount of various toners and the number of printed sheets are recorded.
[0031]
[Table 4]

[0032]
In the data structure data 35, the format of the recording data 34 and the data size recorded so far, for example, the recording data format and data size as shown in Table 5 below are recorded.
[0033]
[Table 5]

[0034]
The backup information 36 is history information that has been backed up to another printer P so far. When backup data is acquired, for example, as shown in Table 6, the date and time and IP Based on the address information, you can decide where to go for the latest backup.
[0035]
[Table 6]

[0036]
The backup destination information 37 describes to which printer P its own backup data is to be backed up. For example, as shown in Table 7 below, an IP address for specifying the printer P is described. ing.
[0037]
[Table 7]

[0038]
The other printer backup data 38 is for storing backup data sent from another printer. For example, as shown in Table 8 below, the date and time of backup and its status are recorded.
[0039]
[Table 8]

[0040]
Next, the operation flow and operation of the network printer system having such a configuration will be described.
First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, each printer connected on the same network N has another function having the same function, that is, the backup data management unit 20 at an interval determined in the printer setting data 31 of the storage device 30. (Step S100). For example, in the example of Table 2, another printer is searched every five minutes.
[0041]
Next, as a result of this search (step S102), if a printer P having the same backup data management unit 20 is found on the same network N (YES), it is determined which of these printers is to be backed up (step S102). S104).
Here, as a method of determining a backup destination printer from the discovered printers P, I.I. A method of backing up only one of them, and II. A method of backing up to a plurality of printers is conceivable. Further, the former method A is a method in which one printer found first is set as a backup destination (I-1) and a method in which an arbitrary printer is set as a backup destination ( I-2) is considered.
[0042]
That is, first, in the method of I-1, specifically, (1) a printer that searches for a backup destination sends a Ping (Packet Internet Grouper) within the same network N, and (2) sends a response to the printer that has responded. Then, an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is transmitted to obtain the MIB (Management Information Base) of the printer. (3) If it is described in the MIB of the printer that has responded that the same function of the backup data management unit 20 is installed, the printer is determined as the backup destination.
[0043]
On the other hand, in the method of I-2, specifically, {circle around (1)} When the power is turned on first, the printer (hereinafter referred to as printer A) is turned on when the power is turned on. (2) The next powered-on printer (printer B) is powered on first on the same network N besides itself, since there is no printer present. Since the printer A already exists, a list to be backed up to the printer A is created. At this point, since the printer A can recognize the printer B, the printer A also creates a list to be backed up to the printer B. Then, each of the printers A and B stores the list in its own printer setting data 31 and passes the list to another printer. {Circle over (3)} The next powered-on printer (to be referred to as printer C) finds the already powered-on printers A and B. For example, as shown in FIG. The printer B creates a list as a backup destination for sending its data file to the printer C, and the printer C saves the list in its own printer setting data 31. You will pass that list. {Circle around (4)} Similarly, the printer that has been turned on last is updated to add itself to the list and distributed to all printers. {Circle around (5)} The printer whose power is turned on last repeats the printer discovery to list update process of (3) periodically to delete the printer whose power has been turned off from the list. {Circle around (6)} Each printer determines one backup destination of its data by referring to this list.
[0044]
On the other hand, as a method of backing up to a plurality of II units, similar to the method of the above I-2, (1) the printer which is first turned on (hereinafter referred to as printer A) is turned on when the power is turned on. Since there is no other powered-on printer, nothing is done at that time. (2) The next powered-on printer (printer B) will be on the same network as the Since there is a printer A that has been turned on, a list including the printers A and B is created as a backup destination list, saved in its own printer setting data 31, and the list is passed to the printer A. Become. {Circle around (3)} Next, the printer that has been turned on (referred to as printer C) also finds printers A and B. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, printer A becomes printers B and C, and printer B becomes printer B. The printer C creates a list as a backup destination for sending its own data file to the printers A and B, and stores the list in its own printer setting data 31. B will also be given the list. {Circle around (4)} Similarly, the printer that has been turned on last is updated to add itself to the list and distributed to all printers. {Circle around (5)} The printer whose power is turned on last repeats the printer discovery to list update process of (3) periodically to delete the printer whose power has been turned off from the list. {Circle around (6)} Each printer determines its own data backup destination by referring to this list.
[0045]
In addition, in the method of creating the backup list, for example, the following procedure is used as a form in which the number of backup destinations is one.
That is, (1) First, the printer (the printer A) which is turned on first does nothing at that time because there is no other printer which is turned on when the power is turned on. However, {circle around (2)} The next powered-on printer (printer B) is backed up by the printers A and B because the powered-on printer A other than its own exists on the same network. Is created, and the backup destination is stored in its own printer setting data 31. On the other hand, (3) if the printers A and B cannot recognize each other at the time of backup, they determine that the power of the other party is turned off or that there is a trouble, and search for a new pair. Next, (4) In addition to the printers A and B, the newly powered-on printer (hereinafter referred to as printer C) searches for an unpaired printer. Then, backup destination information such as A → B, B → C, C → A is created in a triangular form and distributed to the printers A and B. {Circle around (5)} When it is found that there is no response from the backup destination for any of the printers A, B and C, the printer A is deleted from the backup destination information and the remaining pair is notified.
[0046]
In such a format, if the number of printers is an even number of two or more, only a pair exists, and if the number of printers is an odd number of three or more, one pair of three and one exist. . Since information update is also minimized at the block level of a pair or a set of three, traffic at the time of information update can be reduced more than in the case of I-2.
The backup destination and the backup timing are not particularly limited, but are as follows: (1) setting the backup destination and frequency according to the actual state of the power supply operation; (2) backup at event occurrence timing; and (3) non-printing. A backup in a state can be considered.
[0047]
That is, (1) As for the setting of the backup destination and the frequency in accordance with the actual state of the power operation, a problem such as data loss occurs when almost all of the power is shut down unnecessarily. For this reason, if the printer itself monitors the history of power operation and backs up the printer with the most power operations to the printer with the least power operations at a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the power operations, the more susceptible data will be lost. The data can be stored in a hard-to-remember printer, so that efficient storage and improvement in security level can be achieved.
[0048]
(2) As a backup at the event occurrence timing, it is expected that the power supply is often turned off when an error occurs or a large amount of print data is received. For this reason, if backup to another printer is performed in advance when such an event occurs, efficient storage and improvement in security level can be achieved as in (1). Events that are expected to be suddenly turned off include error events such as paper jams, running out of toner, and inability to communicate over the network, as well as when receiving large amounts of data or using backing paper. Events that can easily lead to errors are possible.
[0049]
(3) Backup in the non-printing state means that backup is not performed during printing when network traffic tends to increase. In other words, some recent printers will enter sleep mode if printing is not performed for a certain period of time to save power.If backup is performed at this timing, it can be used during periods of low traffic. Since backup data is transmitted and received, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary increase in traffic on the network.
[0050]
When the backup destination printer is determined in this way, the backup data transmitting unit 24 of the backup data management unit 20 transmits the printer setting data 31, the application setting data 33, and the recording data 34 of the communication unit 10 to the printer. After transmitting to the printer via the network N using the communication function (step S106), the detailed contents of the backup information, that is, the backup destination, when and what data was backed up, is stored in its own storage device. 30 is recorded in the backup information 36 (step S108).
[0051]
Next, the printer monitors whether backup data has been transmitted from another printer at the same time (step S110). When the backup data is transmitted from another printer (YES), the backup data receiving unit 26 of the backup data management unit 20 of the own printer transmits the backup data (printer setting data 31, application setting data 33, The recording data 34) is received (step S112), and the backup data is recorded in the printer backup data 38 in the storage device 30 itself (step S114), and the backup source, when and what data are received. After the backup is recorded in the backup destination information 37 of its own storage device 30 (step S116), the process proceeds to the data restoration process.
[0052]
As a result, even if the power of one of the printers suddenly shuts down, or if a failure occurs in the backup function of its own data due to a failure, the worst case of losing all of the backup data is avoided beforehand. be able to. Further, since the present invention does not use a method of backing up data on a printer server or the like, even if the printer server is not installed or the printer server has a small storage capacity even if it is installed, the backup data is efficiently stored. It becomes possible.
[0053]
If no other printer is found in step S102, steps 104 to S108 are bypassed and the process immediately proceeds to step S110. In step S110, no backup data is transmitted from another printer. In such a case, the process ends.
Next, in the present invention, in addition to simply backing up each other's data as described above, the present invention has a data accuracy determining means 22 and a data restoring means 28, and the accuracy of its own data is checked periodically or It has a function of executing a necessary data restoration process as needed, when necessary, and when it is determined that the accuracy is impaired.
[0054]
That is, in the data restoration process, for example, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 7, first, the data accuracy judgment unit 22 periodically or as needed makes its own backup data (printer setting data 31, application setting data 33, recording data 34) is monitored for any abnormalities (step S200). If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the data restoration process is terminated as it is. Own normal backup data (step S202), and the own data restoring means 28 restores abnormal data based on the received normal data (step S204), and restores the restored data. Is stored in place of the abnormal data (step S206). To become.
[0055]
This makes it possible to accurately restore partially or completely destroyed or lost data, thereby greatly improving the reliability of the data holding function of the network printer system.
Note that the restoration setting in this restoration processing is not particularly limited, but as shown in Table 9 below, a method of “using the largest data size” or a method of “combining missing data” , Or a method of adopting a new date. Table 9 shows an example in which this method is made effective by adding a "D" point to the method of "creating by combining missing data" in the second stage.
[0056]
[Table 9]

[0057]
Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to an example of a network printer system including only printers P as shown in FIG. 1, if backup data is stored between printers P as shown in FIG. It goes without saying that the present invention can be similarly applied to a network printer system in which a printer server S, other servers, or various devices are connected on the same network N in which a plurality of printers P are installed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a network printer system.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the network printer system.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer.
FIG. 4 is a follow chart illustrating basic backup processing.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a case of backing up to another printer.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where backup is performed on another plurality of printers.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a data restoration process.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Communication part, 20 ... Backup management part, 22 ... Data accuracy judgment means, 24 ... Backup data transmission means, 26 ... Backup data reception means, 28 ... Data restoration means, 30 ... Storage device, 31 ... Printer setting data, 32 application, 33 application setting data, 34 recording data, 35 data structure data, 36 backup information, 37 backup destination information, 38 other printer backup data, 40 CPU, N network, P printer , S ... server.

Claims (9)

A network printer system in which a plurality of printers are connected via a network,
All of the above printers, or at least two or more printers, respectively
Backup data transmission means for transmitting its own backup data to another printer on the same network;
Backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from another printer;
A storage device for storing and storing the received backup data of another printer. The network printer system according to claim 1,
Data accuracy determining means for confirming whether or not the data stored therein is normal;
Data restoration means for restoring the saved data based on its own backup data saved in another printer when it is determined that the data stored therein is abnormal. Network printer system. The network printer system according to claim 1, wherein
A network printer system, wherein the backup data transmitting means transmits its own backup data to any one or more printers arbitrarily set or two or more printers. The network printer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A network printer system, wherein the backup data includes recording data transmitted from the printer to the outside, data used by an application in the printer, and printer setting data relating to the operation of the printer. Backup data transmitting means for transmitting a computer of each printer connected to the same network to another printer on the same network by transmitting the backup data of the own printer;
Backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from another printer;
A printer data backup program that functions as storage means for storing and storing received backup data. Backup data transmission means for transmitting backup data of its own printer to other printers on the same network to the computer of each printer connected to the same network;
Backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from another printer;
Storage means for storing and storing the received backup data;
Data accuracy determining means for confirming whether or not the data stored therein is normal;
Data restoring means for restoring the saved data based on its own backup data saved in another printer when it determines that the data stored therein is abnormal;
A printer data backup program characterized by functioning as: Printer data, wherein a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and backup data of each printer is periodically or whenever necessary stored in one of the other printers in a pair via the network. Backup method. A printer data backup method, wherein a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and backup data of each printer is periodically or whenever necessary stored in another plurality of printers via the network. A plurality of printers are connected via a network, and the data of each printer is periodically or as occasion demands saved in other printers via the network. On the other hand, it is determined whether the data saved in each printer is normal. Checked periodically or as needed, and when the stored data is judged to be abnormal, the stored data is restored based on the backup data of the printer stored in another printer. How to back up printer data.

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