JP2007042099A - Billing data holding method, billing data restoring method, billing data restoring system, image-processing device activity data holding method, and billing data holding system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a billing data holding method which surely holds billing data of an image-processing device even if malfunction occurs in a main billing server. <P>SOLUTION: The billing data holding method includes the following steps: a step in which access to a list having at least one simple billing backup server from an image-processing device is made when a main billing server becomes unavailable, a step in which it is determined whether the simple billing backup server in the list is available until an available simple billing backup server is found, and a step in which image-processing device activity data are repeatedly transmitted to the simple billing backup server which is determined to be available. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a method and system for holding charging data of an image processing apparatus when a main charging server becomes unavailable.

  Image processing devices such as printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines have a variety of functions and capabilities to suit a particular application or combination of applications. Image processing apparatuses often take the form of multifunction peripherals (MFPs) that combine two or more functions of image processing apparatuses that have been separate. The MFP may be combined with any number of image processing apparatuses, but generally includes a printer, an image reader, a copier, and a fax function.

  Some image processing devices include computing resources (eg, processors, hard disk drives, memory, and other devices) for data storage and processing. If a more characteristic configuration or function is added to the image processing apparatus, it becomes more expensive and more complicated.

  More complex image processing devices and MFPs, for example, having network connection performance that enables communication with other arithmetic devices (for example, personal computers, other image processing devices, network servers, and other devices) There is. This connection performance enables the image processing apparatus to use external resources (other arithmetic devices) that can be used on the connected network.

  An image processing apparatus generally includes a user input panel having a plurality of buttons, knobs, and other user input mechanisms. There is also an image processing apparatus provided with a display panel. Some of these display panels are used only for display, and others are touch panel displays that a user can directly input on the display.

  A device with a touch panel display or a device having buttons arranged with the display can display menu data selected by user input. This menu data is normally driven by a server module mounted on the image processing apparatus.

Here, for example, in Patent Document 1, an image processing device and a control device that controls the image processing device are formed independently, and the communication control device provides information on the status of the image processing device being monitored. A system is disclosed that stores information in a primary storage means when transmission to a control device becomes impossible, and transmits the stored primary information when transmission is possible.
JP 2005-33460 (released February 3, 2005)

  However, in the conventional system, if the information cannot be stored in the primary storage means, no information regarding the state of the image processing apparatus remains or the image processing apparatus itself cannot be used. In particular, when the information regarding the state of the image processing apparatus is billing data regarding billing, it is not preferable for profit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a billing data management method and the like that can reliably retain billing data of an image processing apparatus even when a malfunction occurs in a main billing server. It is to provide.

  A charging data holding method according to the present invention is a charging data holding method for holding charging data of an image processing apparatus in which charging control is performed when a problem occurs in a main charging server in order to solve the above-described problem. Determining whether the main billing server of the image processing device is valid, and if the main billing server is not valid, accessing the list having at least one lightweight billing backup server from the image processing device. Determining whether the lightweight billing backup server is valid until a valid lightweight billing backup server is found from the list, and if the valid lightweight billing backup server is found, The image processing apparatus activity data including the above billing data is transmitted. Tsu is characterized in that it comprises a flop, the.

  According to the above method, when the main billing server is not valid, the image processing apparatus accesses a list having at least one lightweight billing backup server. Then, from this list, it is determined whether or not the lightweight charging backup server is valid until a valid lightweight charging backup server is found. The image processing apparatus activity data including the data is transmitted.

  Therefore, even when a failure occurs in the main billing server, a substitute lightweight billing backup server can be found and the billing data of the image processing apparatus can be reliably held.

  The accounting data holding method according to the present invention further includes a step of transmitting the image processing apparatus activity data to the main accounting server when the main accounting server is valid.

  According to the above method, when the main billing server is valid or recovers after a failure, the image processing device activity data is transmitted to the main billing server. Therefore, management at the main billing server can be performed reliably.

  In the accounting data holding method according to the present invention, the determining step may include a step of transmitting a message and a step of receiving an acknowledgment.

  According to the method, the step of determining can be performed by sending a message and receiving an acknowledgment.

  Here, the lightweight accounting backup server may be an application that operates on a computing device connected to the image processing device via a network.

  In the accounting data holding method according to the present invention, the list has an order for accessing at least one lightweight accounting backup server, and the list is geographically close to the image processing apparatus. Light-weight accounting backup servers may be arranged in order.

  According to the above method, it is determined whether or not the lightweight charging backup server is valid in an order geographically close to the image processing apparatus. Data is sent.

  In the above list, the lightweight charging backup servers are not limited to being arranged in a geographically close order with respect to the image processing apparatus, and may be arranged in an order based on the network topology, for example.

  The accounting data holding method according to the present invention may further include a step of continuing to transmit the accounting data to the effective lightweight accounting backup server until the main accounting server becomes effective.

  According to the above method, the charging data is held in the effective lightweight charging backup server until the main charging server is enabled, so that the charging data of the image processing apparatus is securely held.

  In addition, in order to solve the above-described problem, the accounting data holding method according to the present invention holds accounting data for holding accounting data of an image processing apparatus in which accounting control is performed when a failure occurs in a main accounting server. A method wherein the image processing device receives a recovery message from a primary billing server including an instruction to nominate the primary billing server as a current billing server for holding image processing device activity data; Starting transmission of image processing device activity data including the charging data from the image processing device to the main charging server; and the image processing device stores a temporary image processing device activity log from the lightweight charging backup server. The requesting step, and Receiving the temporary image processing device activity log, and transferring the temporary image processing device activity log to the main billing server that has been designated as the current billing server. It is characterized by including.

  According to the above method, the image processing apparatus starts transmission of image processing apparatus activity data including charging data by receiving a recovery message from the main charging server. Further, the image processing apparatus requests and receives a temporary image processing apparatus activity log from the lightweight accounting backup server. Then, the temporary image processing device activity log is transferred to the main billing server designated as the current billing server.

  According to the above method, when the main billing server becomes effective (recovered), the current image processing device activity data is stored in the main billing server, and the temporary image processing device activity held in the lightweight billing backup server. Log data is sent. Accordingly, the accounting data of the image processing apparatus is securely held without loss of data during a period when the main accounting server is not valid (while a malfunction occurs).

  The accounting data holding method according to the present invention further includes a step of requesting the temporary image processing device activity log, a step of receiving the temporary image processing device activity log, and the temporary image processing device activity log. May be replaced by a step in which the lightweight charging backup server requests the temporary image processing device activity log to be sent directly to the main charging server.

  According to the above method, the temporary image processing device activity log can be transmitted directly to the main billing server without going through the image processing device.

  A billing data recovery method according to the present invention is a billing data recovery method for recovering billing data of an image processing apparatus for a main billing server recovered after a failure in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. A step of transmitting a recovery message indicating recovery from the accounting server to the accounting-controlled image processing apparatus, and an image processing apparatus activity including the current accounting data from the image processing apparatus as a response to the recovery message Receiving data; transmitting a temporary image processing device activity log request to the image processing device; receiving the temporary image processing device activity log from the image processing device; Based on the data based on the image processing device activity log, Is characterized by comprising the steps of updating an image processing apparatus activity log in server, the.

  According to the above method, a recovery message indicating recovery is transmitted from the recovered main charging server to the image processing apparatus that is controlled for charging. In response to this recovery message, the main billing server receives image processing device activity data including the current billing data from the image processing device. Thereafter, the main billing server transmits a temporary image processing device activity log request to the image processing device and receives a temporary image processing device activity log from the image processing device. Then, the image processing apparatus activity log in the main billing server is updated with data based on the temporary image processing apparatus activity log.

  Therefore, according to the above method, the main billing server can update the billing data during the period when there is a defect using the received temporary image processing device activity log, and reliably holds the billing data of the image processing device. be able to.

  Also, in the charging data recovery method according to the present invention, the step of transmitting the temporary image processing device activity log request includes the step of requesting the temporary image processing device activity log from the affiliated lightweight charging backup server. It may also include sending a request to the image processing device.

  According to the above method, a temporary image processing device activity log request can be made to the associated lightweight billing backup server via the image processing device.

  The temporary image processing device activity log request may be a part of the recovery message.

  In the accounting data recovery method according to the present invention, the temporary image processing device activity log may be received from the image processing device. In this case, a temporary image processing device activity log may be received from the lightweight billing backup server via the image processing device. Alternatively, the temporary image processing device activity log may be held in the image processing device itself, and the temporary image processing device activity log may be received from the image processing device.

  In the billing data recovery method according to the present invention, the temporary image processing device activity log may be received from a lightweight billing backup server. In this case, the temporary image processing device activity log may be received directly from the lightweight billing backup server.

A billing data recovery system according to the present invention is a billing data recovery system for recovering billing data of an image processing apparatus for a billing server recovered after a failure in order to solve the above problem. A recovery message transmitting unit for transmitting a recovery message from the main charging server to at least one network-connected device, and a current for receiving image processing device activity data including the current charging data from the image processing device A data reception unit, a log request transmission unit for transmitting a temporary image processing device activity log request, a log reception unit for receiving the temporary image processing device activity log, and the temporary image processing device activity log Image processing apparatus in the main billing server by data based on And updating unit for updating the billing log,
It is characterized by having.

  In the system, the recovered main charging server transmits a recovery message and receives image processing device activity data including the current charging data from the image processing device. Further, the main billing server transmits a temporary image processing device activity log request and receives the temporary image processing device activity log. The main billing server can update the billing log of the image processing device with data based on the temporary image processing device activity log.

  As described above, according to the above system, the main charging server can update data related to charging during a period in which the main charging server is defective by using the received temporary image processing apparatus activity log. Therefore, the billing data of the image processing apparatus is securely held.

  Further, in the billing data recovery system according to the present invention, the request for the temporary image processing device activity log is the image processing device for requesting the temporary image processing device activity log from the affiliated lightweight billing backup server. May include requests for.

  According to the above system, a temporary image processing device activity log can be requested from the lightweight accounting backup server via the image processing device.

  In the accounting data recovery system according to the present invention, the log request transmission unit may directly transmit the temporary image processing device activity log request to the lightweight accounting backup server.

  According to the above system, a temporary image processing device activity log can be directly requested to the lightweight accounting backup server.

  A billing data holding method according to the present invention is a billing data holding method for holding billing data of an image processing apparatus when a problem occurs in a main billing server in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. Monitoring the network for a request for availability from a lightweight billing backup server operating as an application on the computing device (checking whether the lightweight billing backup server is available (operable)), and the above lightweight A step of receiving a usability request from an image processing apparatus in which the main billing server has become unusable at a billing backup server, and a step of responding by establishing availability to the usability request; , Image processing device activity data including the accounting data from the image processing device Receiving, it is characterized by comprising the steps of temporarily holding the image processing apparatus the activity log including the image processing apparatus activity data.

  According to the above method, the temporary image processing apparatus activity log can be held in the lightweight charging backup server even when the main charging server cannot be used. Therefore, it is possible to always hold image processing apparatus activity data including billing data.

  The lightweight billing backup server may not be the main function of the network-connected arithmetic device.

  In the accounting data holding method according to the present invention, the image processing apparatus activity data may include user accounting data associated with the image processing apparatus function activity. In this case, it is possible to manage and charge which function of the image processing apparatus each user uses.

  In the accounting data holding method according to the present invention, the image processing apparatus activity data may include user accounting data associated with a remote application activity accessed via the image processing apparatus. In this case, it is possible to manage and charge which remote application each user uses.

  Note that the image processing device activity data may include user billing data, image processing device function activity data, and remote application activity data of a remote application accessed via the image processing device.

  A billing data holding method according to the present invention is a billing data holding method for holding billing data of an image processing apparatus when a problem occurs in a main billing server in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. In a lightweight charging backup server application that operates on a stored computing device and operates to store a temporary image processing device activity log for the image processing device during a period in which the main charging server is unavailable, Receiving a request for a dynamic image processing device activity log, and transmitting the temporary image processing device activity log to a temporary image processing device activity log receiving unit.

  According to the above method, the lightweight charging backup server application operates on a network-connected computing device and stores a temporary image processing device activity log for the image processing device during a period when the main charging server is unavailable. Operate. Then, the lightweight accounting backup server application receives the temporary image processing device activity log request, and transmits the temporary image processing device activity log to the temporary image processing device activity log receiving unit.

  Therefore, according to the above method, the image processing apparatus activity during a period in which the main charging server cannot be used is stored and transmitted by the arithmetic unit, so that the charging data is securely held.

  An image processing device activity data holding method according to the present invention is an image processing device activity data holding method for holding image processing device activity data when a problem occurs in a main server in order to solve the above-described problem. Step of setting a main billing server for holding the image processing device activity log and, if the main billing server is not available, away from the main billing server for holding the temporary image processing device activity log. In the apparatus, the step of setting a lightweight billing backup server, the step of transmitting image processing device activity data to the main billing server when the main billing server can be used, and the case of the main billing server being unavailable, To the above lightweight billing backup server Transmitting processing device activity data; transmitting the temporary image processing device activity log from the lightweight charging backup server to the main charging server after the main charging server is unavailable; and And updating the image processing device activity log with the temporary image processing device activity log after a period of time.

  According to the above method, even when the main billing server is not available, the temporary billing server activity log is retained in the lightweight billing backup server. The device activity log can be updated. Therefore, the image processing apparatus activity data can always be held.

  The image processing apparatus activity data holding method according to the present invention further includes a plurality of lightweight charging backup servers that are independent apparatuses, and the image processing apparatus stores a list of lightweight charging backup servers accessible by a plurality of excess methods. You may have.

  According to the above configuration, the image processing apparatus itself has a list of lightweight accounting backup servers, and based on the list, it is possible to search for available lightweight accounting backup servers.

  In the image processing apparatus activity data holding method according to the present invention, the unavailable period is terminated by transmitting a message from the main charging server to the lightweight charging backup server, and the temporary image processing apparatus activity log is stored. A requesting step may be included. Alternatively, the unavailable period is terminated by a message from the main billing server to the image processing device, the temporary image processing device activity log is requested, and the image processing device receives a request from the lightweight billing backup server. Requesting the temporary image processing device activity log and transferring the temporary image processing device activity log to the main billing server.

  In order to solve the above problems, a billing data holding system according to the present invention is a billing data holding system for holding billing data of an image processing apparatus, and a plurality of (client) computing devices connected to a network, The main unit includes at least one lightweight accounting backup server application that operates on a network-connected computing device and functions as a lightweight accounting backup server, a network-connected main accounting server, and at least one image processing apparatus. When the charging server is available and the main charging server holds an image processing device activity log including the charging data, the image processing device reports its activity data to the main charging server, and If the main billing server is not available, the above image processing The device reports its activity data to the at least one lightweight billing backup server, and when the image processing device reports to the lightweight billing backup server, the at least one lightweight billing backup server is temporarily An image processing device activity log is held, and the lightweight charging backup server reports to the main charging server after the unavailable period of the main charging server and transmits a temporary image processing device activity log to the main charging server. The main billing server updates the image processing device activity log with the temporary image processing device activity log.

  According to the above system, even if the main billing server is not available, the temporary billing server activity log is retained in the lightweight billing backup server. The device activity log can be updated. Therefore, it is possible to always hold image processing apparatus activity data including billing data.

  The present invention includes a method and system for continuously collecting billing data when the main billing server of the image forming system becomes unavailable.

  As described above, the accounting data holding method according to the present invention includes a step of accessing a list having at least one lightweight accounting backup server from the image processing apparatus when the main accounting server is not valid, A step of determining whether or not the lightweight billing backup server is valid until an effective lightweight billing backup server is found; and when the valid lightweight billing backup server is found, an image including the billing data in the lightweight billing backup server Transmitting processing device activity data.

  According to the above method, even when a failure occurs in the main billing server, a substitute lightweight billing backup server can be found and billing data of the image processing apparatus can be reliably held.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members. Also, each of these figures is expressly incorporated as part of the detailed description.

  Although the components of the present invention are depicted and described generally in the drawings shown herein, they can be modified and designed in a wide variety of forms. Accordingly, the following detailed description of the method and system embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but merely to illustrate one example of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

  The components of the embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated into hardware, firmware and / or software. While the exemplary embodiments described herein describe just one example of these forms, those skilled in the art will recognize these components as any of these within the scope of the invention. It will be understood that it can be implemented in the form.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide an interface and configuration (architecture) for integrating an image processing apparatus with an application of a remote calculation apparatus (remote calculation apparatus, calculation apparatus), and an environment that provides a solution impossible with an image processing apparatus alone. Contains. An application on the network may include basic equipment (infrastructure) and an interface that can program-control the functions of the image processing apparatus and can communicate with the user via the input panel of the image processing apparatus. Software functions that are not practical in the image processing apparatus can be executed on a server accessible from the image processing apparatus.

  In the present specification and claims, the image processing apparatus (IDev) will be described as an apparatus having an image processing function. The image processing functions here include functions such as image reading, printing, copying, image transmission (transmission and reception), and image conversion. Typical image processing apparatuses include a printer, a copier, a fax machine, an image reader, and an arithmetic unit that transmits, converts, or processes an image. The image processing apparatus (IDev) may have a plurality of image processing functions. For example, but not limited to, a multifunction peripheral (generally having multiple functions of a printer, image reader, copier and / or fax, or image transmitter / receiver ( MFP) is one type of image processing apparatus. Note that another image processing apparatus as the MFP may have a combination of functions other than those described above.

  In this specification and claims, a remote computing device (RCD) is a device capable of data processing and capable of communicating with other devices via a communication line. A remote computing device is a remote device that needs to have a communication line such as a network, telephone line, serial cable, or other wired or wireless line in order to communicate with other devices such as image processing devices. . Typical remote computing devices include a network server having a communication line, a network computer, other processing devices, and other storage devices.

  Several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. These embodiments include an image processing apparatus (IDev) 4. The image processing apparatus 4 may be a multifunction peripheral device (MFP) or a single function apparatus. The image processing apparatus 4 further includes a user interface (UI) panel 2. The user interface panel 2 includes an input button 14 and a display device 16. Alternatively, the user interface panel 2 may include a touch panel system. The touch panel system may or may not include the button 14. Further, user input and display may be executed via a separate UI device 8. The UI device 8 is connected to the image processing device 4 via, for example, a communication line 12 such as a USB, a network cable, and wireless. The UI device 8 may include not only a display device but also an input device such as a keyboard or a button. The display device provided in the UI device 8 may be a touch screen panel. Such a type of UI device 8 may further include an interface for transmitting a command input from the remote input device to the UI device 8. Further, the UI device 8 may include a storage device (for example, a memory stick, a USB memory card, etc.) configured to store input data to be transmitted to the image processing device 4.

  These embodiments further include a remote computing device (RCD) 6 linked to the image processing device 4 via a communication line such as the network 10. The network 10 may be a general wired line or a wireless line.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, menu data may be provided from the remote computing device 6 to the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 of the image processing device 4 via the network 10. When this menu data is sent to the image processing device 4, information can be exchanged with an application operating on the remote computing device 6 using the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 of the image processing device 4. The user input received by the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 may be returned directly to the remote computing device 6.

  A web service is a software application identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). URI interfaces and bindings have functions that are defined, described, and discovered by XML (Extensible Markup Language) artifacts, and can be used for other purposes via XML-based messages via Internet-based protocols. Supports direct information exchange with software applications.

  The application on the remote computing device 6 uses various functions of the image processing device 4 (a function that enables use, a function that disables use, a function that sets the usefulness of the device, and a device function) using one or more web services. Control functions, etc.).

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a network application operating on the remote computing device 6 can exchange information with the user of the image processing device 4 via the I / O panel (UI panel 2) of the image processing device 4. In the above embodiment, the user interface (UI) (that is, the touch panel, button, or display) of the image processing apparatus 4 can be controlled by the network application. There is also a form in which a custom display screen or a custom display menu is integrated with a user interface unique to the image processing apparatus 4. In the above embodiment, the control of the function of the image processing device 4 is executed in the standard operation mode executed in the image processing device 4 in response to the user input to the user interface of the image processing device 4, the application on the remote calculation device 6 and the like. The network resource can be handed off to an open system mode that is executed via user input at the user interface of the image processing device 4.

  In the above embodiment, an application operating on the network completely controls the UI of the image processing apparatus 4 so as to display text and graphics in an arbitrary format. In the above embodiment, the application can program display buttons, text boxes, graphics, and the like in a desired layout.

  The user interface arrangement may be easily programmed using a standard language such as a markup language. These languages include Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), and Extensible Hypertext Markup Language. A language (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language: XHTML) or the like can be used.

  An application of the remote calculation device 6 or a server application may be able to request that the keyboard UI be displayed on the UI panel 2 and the UI device 8 of the image processing device 4. This function can also be used in the image processing apparatus 4 and need not be recreated by the application of the remote calculation device 6. The remote computing device 6 may define a keyboard prompt or default value. In these embodiments, the remote calculation device 6 can change the name of each button in the user interface of the image processing device 4 such as an OK button or a cancel button, and can define other buttons.

  The image processing device 4 itself or the remote calculation device 6 may supply the menu template to the user interface of the image processing device 4.

(External authentication application)
Some embodiments of the present invention include an application of the remote computing device 6 registered as an external authentication server. The external authentication application controls access to the image processing apparatus 4 and controls the user interface of the image processing apparatus 4 at the top level (top-level control). The control of the user interface by the application may be the same method as the control by the internal auditor.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit of the image processing apparatus 4 checks whether an external authentication application is registered at the time of activation. If registered, the image processing apparatus 4 is in an unusable mode, and the application is connected to control the user interface. If the external authentication server cannot be used, an error message is displayed and the image processing apparatus 4 remains unusable. In this case, the image processing apparatus 4 tries to periodically connect to the external authentication server until it can be used. Table 1 below shows what controls the user interface when the image processing device 4 is in a disabled mode in a typical embodiment.

(Remote processing unit application)
In the embodiment of the present invention, the method for accessing the custom UI panel 2 of the image processing apparatus 4 may differ depending on the application. Some solutions, such as document management integration, preferably use a unique image transmission screen, while others display a UI panel that aggregates additional information about the image reading job. Other solutions, such as custom printing applications, may be accessed from individual modes other than specific functions.

  In order to meet the diversifying needs of these solution applications, the above embodiment supports multiple integration points for user interface control. These integration points are based on an operation (“trigger”) for registering an application by the user. In some embodiments, in order for the image processing apparatus 4 to grasp when the “trigger A” is generated when a connection command for the “remote processing apparatus B” is issued to the UI panel 2, the application executes the target apparatus (image processing apparatus). 4). In an exemplary embodiment, the application is integrated with the image processing device 4 at multiple “trigger” points.

  The remote calculation device 6 is registered in a specific function, and is connected when a hardware key of the above function (for example, image transmission) is pressed on the user interface of the image processing device 4. The user interface information supplied by the remote calculation device 6 is displayed in place of the standard function screen originally provided in the image processing device 4. This trigger can also be used for applications that replace existing functionality with full custom UI functionality. Examples of such applications include a selected image reading solution (alternative scan solution) and a special display. The special display is, for example, a screen corresponding to “Section 508” or an interface corresponding to other special needs. These special displays may be equipped with large buttons or other accommodations.

  There is also a form in which the menu of each function in the image processing apparatus 4 may be displayed on the touch screen. Further, this menu may be registered by a remote calculation device 6 such as a server. This allows the solution application to supply custom content and continue to use some of the standard functions provided by the image processing device 4. When a button assigned to a custom application is selected, a menu is displayed with the solution registered for that function. The user can select the desired solution and the remote computing device 6 is connected to receive instructions.

  There is also a form in which the stand-alone RCD mode for supplying the application of the remote computing device 6 can be accessed from the job queue portion of the user interface displayed on the full screen. This trigger point can be used for applications that are not included in one of the standard device functions of the image processing device 4, such as a custom printing solution in the image processing device 4, for example. When the RCD menu is selected, the menu is displayed together with the solution application registered in the general RCD mode. The user selects the desired solution and the remote computing device 6 is connected to receive instructions.

(Hardware key interaction)
In some embodiments of the present invention, when the image processing device 4 is available, an additional hardware key is used to manage the device. Table 2 shows the hardware key assignments in an exemplary embodiment.

  In addition to logout by pressing down the * key, logout by timeout may be executed. Alternatively, it may be set to automatically delete (or set to disable use) when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds to 240 seconds) elapses. In these embodiments, if no action is taken within the time of the automatic erasure setting, the device automatically returns to the disabled mode and attempts to connect to the remote computing device 6 to re-control the user interface.

(Error & jam notification)
Depending on the particular solution, a remote computing device application (RCU application) may completely or partially control the user interface of the image processing device 4 and a particular image job. In the case of partial control, the remote computing device 6 may be able to respond to information exchange of the user interface in the native mode while monitoring the click, and may control the job. Further, as a partial control, the remote computing device application may be integrated with the unique mode (user interface trigger = function custom menu). The image processing device 4 may send all error and jam notifications to the associated remote computing device application.

  In the case where the remote computing device application completely controls the user interface and job of the image processing device 4, there may be a form in which errors and jam notifications are processed in different ways depending on the type of error. In the case of a recoverable error, a notification is transmitted to the remote computing device application, and the application performs a process of displaying a message on the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 and resolving the notified error. In the case of an error that cannot be repaired, information is exchanged between the image processing apparatus mode and the RCD mode, and the error state is appropriately processed (for example, a command to erase the jam is given to the user).

(Handoff control)
The image processing apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of applications at various points in the image processing job. These applications are not particularly limited, but include, for example, an external authentication application, a standard RCD application, and a unique mode of the image processing apparatus 4. In the following description, the main body that performs control in each process and what kind of control is possible for various processes of the typical job in the typical embodiment will be described.

  Step 1: The user presents proof data for accessing the image processing apparatus in the user interface of the image processing apparatus. This process is controlled by a remote calculation device 6 such as an external authentication application or an internal accounting (inherent mode) built in the image processing device 4 itself. At the end of this step, the image processing device is ready for use. The above external authentication application may also specify default parameters or disable certain job parameters (eg, the default file format is PDF, but the user can change it) Also, the color mode may be set to black and white so that the user cannot change it.)

  Step 2: The user sets job parameters using one of the eigenmode farms of the image processing device or a standard RCD application. At the end of this process, the user makes an input to start the job. When this input is made, an optional notification is sent to the standard RCD application. This standard RCD application then changes the job parameters as needed. An example of an application that requests notification when a user performs input is an e-mail application. The user uses a unique image transmission screen or other input means to select an image reading option and to select an email recipient. The user then selects a custom application button and selects a scan-to-e-mail option from the menu. Next, the e-mail application displays a custom screen for setting permission for the user's file. When the user places a document on the image reader and starts processing, the e-mail application takes in the destination parameters set by the user and changes the target destination to the FTP server of the e-mail application. The e-mail application then receives the file, grants the appropriate permissions, and sends the e-mail selected by the user to the recipient. As in some embodiments, when the application creates and displays a thumbnail of the scanned image and allows the user to confirm, at this point, the application of the remote computing device re-controls the user interface. You may request.

  Step 3: When the job is started, the image processing apparatus executes image reading or RIPing of the job and spools it to the HDD. If the image processing apparatus is configured to authenticate a job using an external authentication application, it sends a click report to the application and waits for a command. The external authentication application can send / print jobs, cancel jobs, or change job parameters (change job parameters to make them usable). For example, the rule-based printing application requests a job parameter change after receiving a click report. Some rule-based printing applications support rule-based printing and rule-based image reading, which limits the actions each user can perform based on time, destination, and many other parameters. For example, it can be set so that only users in the marketing group can read a high-quality color image. For example, when another group of users selects color, 600 dpi, the rule-based application changes the parameter to color, 200 dpi. At the end of this step, the job is allowed or canceled.

  Step 4: When the standard RCD application in Step 2 designates a destination as a temporary storage destination in the HDD, this step may be omitted. In addition, this process may be executed by a Java (registered trademark) application operating on the image processing apparatus 4 in some embodiments. For example, a government agency may have a custom encryption application that runs on the image processing device 4. The custom encryption application takes the image-read document, encrypts it, and then requests the image processing device 4 to send the document to the target destination selected by the user in step 2. Note that in some forms it may be beneficial to send a notification to the external authentication application after this step and after the send / print step. After this step is beneficial because the image processing device does not know how long the file is stored on the hard disk or what the application does with it. It is.

  Step 5: In the final step, the file is actually output. In typical embodiments, the file is transmitted over a network or printed at a terminal. At the end of this step, a notification that the job has been completed successfully is sent to the external authentication application. It may be transmitted to the standard RCD application.

(Device control and management API)
The API allows a remote computing device application to control access to an image processing device that executes vend applications and manage the image processing device 4 from a remote location.

(Device Control and Vend API)
In some embodiments of the present invention, device control and sales APIs may allow applications to enable or disable access to the image processing device 4 and track clicks. The device control and sales API causes the remote calculation device 6 to perform the following control.

  Enabling / disabling the functions of the image processing device 4: This enables or disables the remote computing device 6 to access the entire image processing device 4 or to specific functions of the image processing device 4. It is possible to exercise the rights of individual users. In some exemplary embodiments, for example, the functions described in Table 3 are optionally enabled or disabled depending on the application.

  Report used clicks: At the end of a normal job, the used clicks are reported back to the remote computing device RCD.

  Debit Mode: In these embodiments, the application specifies whether the current job requires authentication when enabling the image processing device 4. In this case, the job is spooled in the memory, and click information (for example, information defined in Table 4) is transmitted to the remote computing device 6. The remote calculation device 6 notifies the image processing device 4 whether the job should be deleted or output / transmitted. At this time, the application can select whether to change the job parameter. If the application does not require authentication, the job continues normally and a click report is sent at the end of the job.

  Print Job Billing: In these embodiments, the remote computing device 6 performs a walk-up function and print job monitoring. When charging a print job, the image processing apparatus 4 monitors all the print jobs that are sent, and sends the charge data in the PJL header to the remote computing device 6 for verification before printing the job. The remote calculation device 6 verifies this billing data (or its shortage) and gives the image processing device 4 information indicating whether the job should be continued or canceled.

  Reports on unconfirmed jobs: In these embodiments, the remote computing device RCD requests monitoring of print jobs that the remote computing device RCD cannot associate with a particular user, such as device reports and incoming fax jobs. The remote computing device RCD can register to receive the number of clicks for all unconfirmed jobs and charge these jobs to a general account.

(Device management API)
In some embodiments of the present invention, a device management API may allow a network application to remotely set and manage an image processing device. In a typical embodiment, the device management API can cause the remote computing device 6 to perform the following control.
Device status—The remote computing device 6 requests the current status of the image processing device 4. This is the same state information that is reported on embedded web pages.
Device configuration—The remote computing device 6 retrieves a list of installed options supported by the image processing device 4.
Web page setting—The remote computing device 6 retrieves and sets any configurable value on the embedded web page.
Key operation program—The remote operation device 6 searches and sets an arbitrary value configurable in a key operation program including software keys.
Custom settings—The remote computing device 6 searches and sets any configurable value in the custom settings.
Job status—The job status remote computing device RCD searches the current job queue and history information to change the priority of jobs in the queue or delete the job.
Number of clicks—The remote calculation device 6 searches for the total number of clicks in the image processing device 4 and the number of clicks of each function based on the account code.
Data security setting-The remote computing device 6 searches for status information (eg, final deletion) on the DSK and starts a data erasure function.
-Red data (RED DATA)-The remote computing device 6 searches for all data normally transmitted with a red message (RED message) or the like.
Remote reboot—The remote computing device 6 initiates a reboot of the image processing device 4.

  The above classifications are only described as exemplary embodiments detailing which settings should be included. In some embodiments, the actual API is classified for each functional area. This is because the key operation setting and the web page setting may overlap.

(INTERNAL ACCOUNTING API)
The internal billing API allows a remote computing device application to configure an internal billing system and report the number of clicks. In some exemplary embodiments, the internal billing API includes the following:
Set audit options—The remote computing device 6 sets audit options including what modes of auditing are possible. The above modes include, for example, “account number security”, “invalid account job cancellation”, and the like.
Account code management—The remote computing device 6 adds, edits, or deletes account codes.
Account restriction—The remote computing device application specifies an upper limit on the number of clicks for each account code or for all account codes.
Account reset—The remote computing device application resets the number of clicks for an individual account or for all accounts.
-Click search-The remote calculation device 6 searches the number of clicks of each account code by function.

(Font and Form Management API)
Some of the above embodiments may include font and format management APIs. The font and format management API allows RCD applications to remotely download and manage fonts and formats to mass storage. In some embodiments, the font and format management API may allow the remote calculation device 6 to perform the following control.
Mass storage device control—The remote computing device 6 application retrieves mass storage device state information, including storage capacity, available space, and write inhibit mode, and changes the write inhibit state.
Resource List—The remote computing device application searches a list of stored fonts and formats (eg, font or macro ID, font number, font / format name, escape sequence, file size, etc.).
Resource download—The remote computing device application downloads PCL fonts, PCL macros, PS fonts, and formats. Any special processing that is performed when a resource is downloaded via a web page is also performed when the resource is downloaded via an open system.
Delete resource-The remote computing device application deletes all resources stored in the mass storage device.
Upload resource-The remote computing device application uploads individual or all resources. In the case of an image processing device 4 that cannot perform efficient memory management, the server application can “defragment” mass storage using this function.
Font / Macro ID—The remote computing device application assigns or changes the ID assigned to the PCL font and macro.

(Firmware Management API (Firmware Management API))
In some of the above embodiments, a remote management device or network application may remotely download and manage image processing device firmware by means of a firmware management API. In a typical embodiment, the firmware management API can cause the remote computing device 6 (for example, a server) to perform the following control.
Firmware version—The remote computing device application retrieves the current firmware version number.
Service mode—The remote computing device application puts the MFP in service mode and locks out other jobs that would hinder firmware upgrades. When the service mode request is received, the image processing apparatus 4 stops receiving the transmitted job, ends all jobs in the queue, and notifies the server that the image processing apparatus 4 is in the service mode. .
Firmware update—The remote computing device 6 downloads the latest firmware version to the image processing device 4. If restart is necessary, the image processing apparatus 4 is automatically restarted after the download is completed.
Download status—The image processing device 4 sends a status notification (normal / error) to the remote computing device 6 after downloading the firmware.
Revert to old version—If the firmware is not updated normally, request the image processing device 4 to revert to the old firmware version.

(Device function API)
In some of the above embodiments, the device function API allows remote computing device applications to provide new custom solutions using the functionality of existing image processing devices.

(Image transmission API)
In some of the above-described embodiments, the remote control device can be controlled by the image transmission API as follows.
Image transmission parameters—The remote computing device RCD application obtains and sets the following image reading and fax parameter values:
-Color or black and white-Image mode-text, text / photo, photo; exposure level-resolution-File format-file type, compression, number of file pages-Original-document size, single-sided / duplex, rotation, job build (job build)
・ File name ・ Subject ・ Message ・ Sender ・ Scheduled transmission time ・ Page division
・ Cover ・ Transmission message (confidential, emergency, etc.)
-Thin paper image reading-Destination-Document filing-Image reading start-The application of the remote computing device RCD starts the image reading function (the same as when the user presses the start button).

  In some embodiments, the remote computing device 6 can change the default value of the image processing device 4 or the value of the current job. Further, the remote calculation device 6 may specify whether or not the user can change the image reading parameter for the current job. If one remote computing device application (eg, access control application) specifies that the parameter cannot be changed and a second application (eg, document management application) attempts to set the parameter, a notification is sent to the second application. The setting is not changed.

(Print API)
In some embodiments, the remote computing device may present the print job via a standard print channel. In some embodiments, the print API may cause the remote computing device to perform the following control.
PJL searching (sniffing) —The application of the remote computing device RCD registers with the image processing device to contact for instructions when a specific PJL command is found in the print job. The remote processing device can instruct the image processing device IDev to replace the command, cancel the job, or continue printing. This interface can be used for applications such as billing and is compatible with other types of applications.

(Copy API)
In the above embodiment, a copy API (Copy API) may cause the remote computing device to perform the following control.
Copy parameters—The remote computing device RCD application obtains and sets the following copy parameter values:

Color or black and white Exposure-Text, text / photo, photo, super photo; exposure level Paper selection (per tray)
・ Copy rate ・ Double-sided copy: 1-to-1, 1-to-2, 2-to-2, 2-to-1; edge binding ・ Eject / eject tray, sort, staple, group, offset ・ Original size ・ Special functions-margin change, Erasing, pamphlet, etc.-Document filing / copy start-The application of the remote computing device RCD starts the copy function (starts in the same way as when the user presses the start button).

  In some embodiments, the remote computing device can change the default value of the image processing device or the value of the current job. Further, the remote calculation device may specify whether or not the user can change the copy parameter for the current job.

(Document Filing API)
In the above embodiment, there is a document filing API that may cause the remote calculation device to perform the following control.
Backup / Restore-Remote Computing Device RCD application imports and exports batch files along with all document filing data. In some embodiments, this package may be in a proprietary format. Because this package contains documents that are not accessible to password protected individuals. This package is generally used for restoration when a failure occurs or when copying to another device.
File / Folder List—The application of the remote calculation device 6 searches, changes, and creates new files and folders for storage in the image processing device 4 (or for management of the image processing device 4).
File download-The remote computing device 6 downloads a new file to the document filing system and designates a folder, a file name, a user name, and a password.
User list—The remote computing device application searches, modifies, and registers new users for storage in the image processing device 4 (or for management of the image processing device 4).
HDD status—The remote computing device application searches the current HDD status, such as% (ratio of capacity) assigned to the main folder, quick folder, custom folder, and remaining%.
Document filing parameters—The remote computing device application obtains and sets various values (eg, the values shown below) when saving a file to document filing:
・ Exposure ・ Resolution ・ Original-Size, Single-sided / Double-side ・ File information-User name, File name, Folder, Confidential, Password ・ Special mode-Erase, bag binding copy, 2IN1, job build, card shot
Start printing—The remote computing device application selects one of the stored files and starts printing, eg reflecting the following parameters:
・ Paper size / source ・ Discharge-sort / grouping, discharge tray, staple, punch, offset ・ Single-sided / double-sided (tablet / booklet)
・ Tandem printing ・ Number of copies ・ Deleting or saving after printing ・ Transmission start-The application of the remote computing device selects one of the stored files, for example, reflecting the following parameters Start:
・ Resolution ・ File format ・ Destination ・ Timer ・ Sender ・ File name ・ Subject ・ Message.

(security)
By enabling the image processing apparatus 4 to be controlled by an external application, the image processing apparatus 4 is exposed to a new security vulnerability. In the embodiment of the present invention that provides security measures, the following typical items are security concerns, which are addressed by the interface of the remote computing device 6.

  Access to the interface of the remote computing device 6 is limited to legitimate applications. The embodiment provides extensive access and control of the image processing device 4, which poses a significant security risk. While the interface in these embodiments is protected from access by attackers, setting up and using an effective solution remains easy.

  Confidential data (user certification data and job data) is protected during network transmission. The reason why the user certification data and the job data are protected during network transmission is to ensure theft prevention, prevention of device operation monitoring by an intruder, and prevention of message alteration due to man-in-the-middle attacks. The image processing device 4 establishes a secure socket layer (SSL) and other connections so as to ensure data safety while communicating between the image processing device 4 and the remote computing device application. Supported.

  The administrator can restrict access to the image processing apparatus 4. For users who require strict security, the administrator can disable access from the remote computing device 6 or restrict access to specific applications. The administrator can arbitrarily register only a limited number of applications that can access the interface of the image processing apparatus 4.

  The remote computing device application can be prevented from being “spoofed” by the image processing device 4. The remote calculation device 6 can authenticate the image processing device 4 connected to the remote calculation device 6. This is because an intruder pretends to be the image processing device 4 to collect network configuration and password information, monitor the file / folder configuration of the document management system, and check the security settings and DSK status of the image processing device 4. This is so that it cannot be distracted.

  The remote computing device 6 can be prevented from being “spoofed” by the server. The image processing device 4 must be able to authenticate all remote computing devices 6 connected to the image processing device 4. This is to prevent an intruder from impersonating the IP address of the remote computing device 6. By pretending to be a remote computing device 6, an intruder steals user proof data, transfers scanned documents, modifies device configuration or firmware (to give access to unauthorized users or The access control system can be stopped (to initiate a denial of service attack on the user).

  The access control / sales application is not at risk when the remote computing device 6 is in an unusable state. When the remote calculation device 6 is not usable, it is not permitted to give the image processing device 4 open access. If the remote computing device 6 is activated but cannot be used or cannot be used at any time (for example, when someone disconnects the network cable), the image processing device 4 is immediately disabled and an error occurs. A message is displayed.

  Administrators can adjust the security level based on the needs of the enterprise and / or application. Security requirements have a significant impact on the time spent developing remote computing device applications and the resources required to run the solution. Users utilizing some embodiments have one image processing device 4, no IT staff, and access control and all devices from small businesses using simple image reading or printing applications. May extend to government agencies with audit trails that record their actions. The security measures taken to protect the interface of the image processing apparatus 4 can be adjusted by the administrator so as to match the target environment.

  The image processing device 4 and the remote computing device application can communicate user certification data with each other. The user may be prompted to log in at multiple points during the job. For example, the access control application or billing application controls all device access, the image processing device 4 performs user authentication that enables image transmission, and the document management application prompts the user before displaying the folder list. Request to log in. In many environments, all these applications use a common user database. For this reason, in some embodiments, it may be desirable for the application to communicate user certification data with each other so that the user does not need to repeat the authentication process.

  Some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. These embodiments include an image processing device configured to communicate with a remote computing device such as a server connected via a communication line, for example. The image processing apparatus 30 includes a user interface 32 and a display 36. The user interface 32 is a user input device 34, such as a keyboard, one or more buttons, knobs or switches, or a touch screen panel. The display 36 may be a user input device in the form of a touch screen panel.

  The image processing device 30 is generally capable of performing one or more image processing functions. Examples of the image processing function here include, but are not limited to, image reading, printing, copying, fax communication (transmission and reception), and the like.

  In this embodiment, a communication line 38 is further provided. The communication line 38 may be wired (as shown in FIG. 3). As the cable, for example, a network cable, a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a serial cable, a parallel cable, for example, a power communication line such as a home plug connection line, or other cables can be used. . Alternatively, the communication line 38 may be wireless. As the wireless connection, for example, IEEE 802.11 (b) standard connection, Bluetooth connection, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) connection, or other wireless connection can be used.

  An example of the operation of the image processing apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In these embodiments, first, the image processing device 30 receives menu data from a remote computing device (not shown in FIG. 3) (step 40). This remote calculation device is connected to the image processing device 30 via a wired or wireless communication line 38. Next, the menu data is displayed on the display 36 of the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30 (step 42). The purpose of displaying the remote menu data in this way is to speed up input by the user on the user input device 34 of the user interface 32.

  The image processing apparatus 30 of the above embodiment is configured to receive an input by the user after the remote menu data is displayed and to transmit the user input data to the remote computing device (step 44). In some embodiments, this user input data is processed by a remote computing device. The process includes, for example, execution of an application in the remote computing device, access to data stored in the remote computing device, communication of the data, and the like.

  The image processing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment is configured to receive data generated by the processing of the user input data (step 46). The received data may include data generated by an application executed on the remote computing device after user input. The image processing device 30 may also receive data stored in a remote computing device such as a file server after processing of user input.

  When the image processing apparatus 30 receives the processing data (step 46), the image processing apparatus 30 executes a specific function in accordance with the data or by using the data (step 48). For example, but not limited to this, the image processing device 30 prints a document stored in the remote computing device and modified on the remote computing device in response to a user input. As another example, but not limited to this, when the image processing apparatus 30 receives the processing data in step 46, the function of the image processing apparatus 30 (for example, image reading, copying, printing, fax communication). May be made active or usable.

  Several more specific embodiments of the image processing apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described embodiment, the image processing device 30 is configured to receive menu data formatted in the markup language from the remote computing device (step 50). The communication line through which the menu data is communicated may be constructed and maintained using a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Examples of the markup language include hypertext markup language (HTML), extensible markup language (XML), wireless markup language (WML), extensible hypertext markup language (XHTML), and / or others. Can be used.

  Upon receiving the menu data (step 50), the image processing device 30 displays the received menu data on the user interface display 36 of the image processing device 30 (step 52). Similar to the above-described embodiment, the menu data is generally for prompt input by the user on the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30. Display of the remotely stored menu data (step 52) may be accomplished using a browser application provided with the image processing device 30.

  In the above embodiment, the image processing device 30 is further configured to transmit user input received via the user interface 32 to the remote computing device (step 54). Upon receiving the user input, the remote calculation device executes the application or processes the received user input and returns the processing result to the image processing device 30. The image processing device 30 is further configured to receive processing data from the remote computing device (step 56). In some embodiments, the image processing device 30 may perform one or more functions after receiving processing data (step 56).

  Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment includes a remote computing device (RCD) 60 with a communication line 64. As the communication line 64, use a network cable (as shown in FIG. 6), a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a serial cable, a parallel cable, for example, a power communication line such as a home plug connection, or other wired lines. Can do. Alternatively, the connection via the communication line 64 may be, for example, an IEEE 802.11 (b) standard connection, a Bluetooth connection, an infrared connection as defined by the Infrared Communication Association (IrDA) standard, or other wireless connection. . In some embodiments, the remote computing device 60 may further include a data storage device 62. The data storage device 62 is typically a hard drive, but may be an optical drive device such as a compact disk drive, flash memory, or other storage device.

  An embodiment of the remote computing device 60 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In these embodiments, the remote computing device 60 includes a processor 72. The processor 72 processes data and executes programs such as an operating system and applications. The remote computing device 60 further includes a memory 74. The memory 74 may be a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). In general, any application processed by processor 72 is loaded into memory 74. The remote computing device 60 further includes a network interface 78. This network interface 78 allows the remote computing device 60 to communicate with another device such as the image processing device 30. In some embodiments, the remote computing device 60 further includes a user interface (UI) 80, but this is not necessary in many embodiments. The remote calculation device 60 also includes a storage device 62 that stores applications and data accessed by the image processing device 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The processor 72, memory 74, storage device 62, network interface 78, and optional user interface 80 are generally connected by a system bus 76. This enables data transmission between the members. The communication line 64 connects the remote computing device 60 to another device via the network interface 78.

  In some embodiments described with respect to FIG. 8, remote computing device 60 has menu data stored in storage device 62 or memory 74. The menu data may be displayed on the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30. The menu data may be stored in various formats and configurations. In some embodiments, the menu data may be in the form of terms expressed in a markup language. Markup languages include hypertext markup language (HTML), extensible markup language (XML), wireless markup language (WML), extensible hypertext markup language (XHTML), and / or other languages. Can be used. In the present embodiment, the menu data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 via the communication line 64 in step 82. Accordingly, the menu data configured to be displayed on the image processing device 30 is stored in the remote calculation device 60.

  Next, the remote computing device 60 of some embodiments is configured to receive user input (step 84). This user input is input via the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30 and transmitted to the remote computing device 60 via the communication lines 38 and 64. When receiving this input data, the remote calculation device 60 processes the input data (step 86). This processing step 86 may be a step of converting this data into a new format, a step of executing a command in this data, or another processing step. The remote calculation device 60 processes the input data (step 86), and then returns the processing result to the image processing device 30. The image processing device 30 uses the received processing result for processing in the image processing device 30 or a function executed in the image processing device 30.

  Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the remote computing device 60 transmits menu data configured for the display 36 of the image processing device 30 using a markup language (step 90). The markup language menu data is received by the image processing apparatus 30 and displayed to the user. Thus, normally, the user can quickly input on the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30. This user input is transmitted to the remote computing device RCD 60 by the image processing device 30, and the remote computing device RCD 60 receives input data for quickly displaying menu data on the image processing device 30 (step 92). Further, the remote computing device RCD 60 processes the received input data (step 94). This processing step may be, for example, a step of selecting, recording, changing, etc. the format, document, or other data stored in the remote computing device RCD 60, and authenticates the user identified by the user input. May be a step, may be a step of translating a document input by the user, may be a step of generating a map or other instruction related to the user input, or other processing or function It may be.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The above-described embodiment includes at least one remote calculation device RCD60 and a plurality of image processing devices 30a to 30d. In the above embodiment, at least one of the image processing apparatuses 30 a to 30 d includes the user interface 32 having the display 36 and the user input panel 34. The user input panel 34 may be integrated with the display (ie, a touch screen) or may be an input device that is separate from the display. The remote computing device RCD 60 is connected to the image processing devices 30 a to 30 d through a communication line and the network 100. Thereby, data transmission between the remote calculation device RCD60 and the image processing devices 30a to 30d is possible.

  In the above embodiment, the menu data is stored in the remote computing device RCD 60 and is transmitted to at least one of the image processing devices 30a to 30d. This menu data is displayed on the user interface. Each of the image processing devices 30a to 30d is configured to receive the menu data, accept a user input (step 112), and transmit the accepted user input to the remote computing device 60 (step 114). When receiving the user input data, the remote computing device 60 processes this data in the same manner as in the previous embodiment (step 116). Then, the result of the process (step 116) is returned to the arbitrarily combined image processing apparatuses 30a to 30d (step 118).

  In the above-described embodiment, processing capability, resources, and functionality are supplied to the plurality of image processing devices 30a to 30d using a single remote calculation device RCD60. At this time, these resources are not reproduced in each image processing apparatus. In some embodiments, processing data generated in response to an input to an image processing device 30a may be transmitted to another image processing device 30d for output or final processing of the processing data. There is also.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus (IDev) 120 includes a user interface 124. The user interface 124 can accept user input and can display data to the user. The user interface 124 generally includes a display. This display is often in the form of a touch panel. This display is used to display data to the user. This data is, for example, menu data for quick user selection such as user ID and password, data input, format selection, and other input. The image processing apparatus 120 includes a communication line 122. As the communication line 122, a general computer network connection, a serial cable, or a wired or wireless communication line described in another embodiment can be used. The communication line 122 connects the image processing apparatus 120 to remote computing devices (RCD) 126a and 126b such as servers. The remote computing devices 126a, 126b may be for storing documents such as formats and other data, and may be used to make the data accessible from the image processing device 120. . The remote computing devices RCD 126a and 126b may also execute applications that exchange information with the image processing device 120 and its user interface 124, and applications that receive input to the image processing device 120 and its user interface 124. . In some embodiments, the database 125 may be linked to the image processing device 120 and / or the remote computing devices 126a and 126b. In some embodiments, the remote calculation device 126b or the database 125 may be connected to the image processing device 120 via a wide area network such as the Internet 128.

(Embodiment for charging data retention)
The billing data holding system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The billing data holding system system includes an image processing device (IDev) 131, a main billing server (PAS) 133, and a lightweight billing backup server (LABS) 132.

  The image processing apparatus 131 includes a communication unit 1311 that communicates with the outside, a control unit 1312 that comprehensively controls operations of various components in the image processing device 131 according to a computer program, and a storage unit 1313 that stores various data. Yes. Note that the image processing device 131 may have the same configuration as the image processing devices 4, 30 (30 a to 30 d), 120, 131 described above.

  The main billing server 133 comprehensively controls the operation of various components in the main billing server 133 according to a communication unit (recovery message sending unit, current data receiving unit, log request sending unit) 1331 that communicates with the outside, and a computer program. And a storage unit 1333 for storing various data. The control unit 1332 functions as an update unit that updates data in the storage unit 1333. This update includes updating the accounting log of the image processing device with data based on the temporary image processing device activity log obtained from the lightweight accounting backup server 132 as described below.

  The lightweight billing backup server 132 includes a communication unit 1321 that communicates with the outside, a control unit 1322 that controls the operation of various configurations in the lightweight billing backup server 132 according to a computer program, and a data storage that stores various data. A portion 1323 is provided. The data storage unit 1323 stores a temporary image processing apparatus activity log described below. Here, a plurality of lightweight accounting backup servers 132 are provided, and the image processing apparatus includes a list of lightweight accounting backup servers accessible by the multiple excess method.

  The main server 133 or the lightweight billing backup server 132 may have the same configuration as the above-described remote calculation devices 6, 60, 126a and 126b.

  The embodiment of the present invention may include a method and system for holding accounting data of an image processing apparatus (IDev) when the main server becomes unavailable. In such an embodiment, a lightweight billing backup server (LABS) application is provided that can run on other servers or run on any networked computing device.

  In a typical image processing apparatus system, the image processing apparatus is charged. In other words, the image processing apparatus is connected to an application operating on the server, and this application performs processing for storing the activity of the apparatus. In addition to storing device activity (such as the number of copies made for each individual or each account), the server application enables or disables the functionality of the image processing device, for example with respect to user certification. This is done for the purpose of charging for the use of the image processing apparatus for each account or for each individual. In a typical system, when a problem occurs in the billing application or when the billing application is temporarily unavailable, the image processing apparatus becomes totally unusable and the user uses the image processing apparatus. May not be able to be processed. The image processing apparatus may remain usable, but no record using the image processing apparatus remains. This is generally unacceptable in a commercial environment.

  Some embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems that have the ability to continue to charge control an image processing device if the primary billing server goes down. In such an embodiment, billing control is performed by a lightweight billing backup server (LABS) operating on one or more personal computers in the system. When the main billing server starts operating as it was, the main billing server queries the LABS for billing data and updates the activity log of the main image processing device.

  Also, an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a device having a list of available lightweight billing backup servers (LABS). This list information may be, for example, in the form of a URL that points the web server entry point of the application to the LABS. This list may be managed manually or may be populated by some form of search mechanism. If the primary billing server is unavailable, the image processing device attempts to connect to the first LABS in the list and tries to connect to each subsequent labs in the list until the connection is successful. Once the connection is successful, the connected LABS takes over the charging control of the image processing apparatus.

  In some cases, the LABs do not fully implement the same functions that a primary billing server (PAS) application performs. For example, a Labs may only have department information for a particular department that typically uses a separate image processing device, rather than having the entire enterprise data as a primary billing server. This is not a limitation. The LABS may perform all of the functions of the PAS or may perform functions that are a limited subset. There is also a form in which the Labs implements only user login and click calculation functions. In such embodiments, there may be IDve functions that are not available to the user.

  When the main charging server is restored online, a message indicating that the main charging server is operating as before may be transmitted to the image processing apparatus. In this case, the image processing apparatus informs the Labs of this, and transfers temporary image processing apparatus charging log (TIAL) data (temporary image processing apparatus activity data) recorded by the LABS to the main charging server. You may instruct. Eventually, the image processing apparatus returns to the original state and transmits the charging data to the main charging server until the main charging server becomes unavailable again.

  The LABS and PAS may communicate directly when the PAS requests TIAL data and when it receives TIAL data from the LABS. However, communication may be performed via the image processing apparatus without using direct communication from the LAB S to the PAS.

  Some embodiments of the present invention include an image processing device connected to one or more additional image processing devices and one or more remote computing devices (RCDs) operating a LABS application. . These image processing devices may further communicate with the main billing server.

  The embodiment of the invention described with reference to FIG. 13A may comprise a plurality of networked (remote) computing devices 135A-135E, 132A-132C, which are connected via a communication network 134. It is linked to a plurality of image processing apparatuses 131A-131C that are charged. These image processing devices 131A-131C and arithmetic devices 135A-135E, 132A-132C may be further linked to a main billing server (PAS) 133. The PAS stores IDev activity data received from the image processing apparatuses 131A to 131C and billing data in association with each image processing apparatus.

  The (remote) computing devices 135A-135E, 132A-132C networked by the network 134 may function as LABS. These LABs are applications that run on computing devices and provide some billing control and / or IDev activity recording functions. These LABs may be part of a computing device having some other main function. There are also forms where the LABs are part of a typical client computing device, or a workstation used for document processing and drafting, or some other key application. The LABS application may run in the background and may be transparent to the user of the main computing device.

  When the main billing server 133 goes offline, the image processing devices 131A-131C may send billing data to the lightweight billing backup servers (LABS) 132A-132E, 135A-135C. The LABS 132A-132E and 135A-135C temporarily store data until the main billing server 133 comes back online.

  In the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 13B, the system includes a computing device 136 connected to an image processing device 137 and a main billing server 138. In such an embodiment, the computing device 136 includes components that function as a lightweight billing backup server (LABS) 139. This component is connected to a network 134 (for example, a wired connection or a wireless connection network). The components of such an embodiment function in the same way as the other embodiments, but the scale of the network is very small.

  The embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 14A includes a charge-controlled image processing apparatus that performs the functions of the image processing apparatus for the user. Further, the image processing device may provide a user with access to a remote application. Typically, the user logs on to the system by providing account data and user proof data, and the image processing device and / or its local or remote application authenticates the user proof data and associates it with the user's account. Allow access to the system When a user accesses an image processing device function, local application and / or remote application, the image processing device monitors this activity and reports the activity to a billing server. This report is made to the primary billing server (PAS) or the lightweight billing backup server (LABS), depending on the current state of the network and server.

  If all servers, devices, and network components are functioning properly (the image processing device can use PAS), the image processing device determines that PAS can be used (step 140); Activity data (image processing device activity data) is transmitted to the main billing server (PAS) (step 141). Alternatively, the message may be sent using an acknowledgment process to determine PAS availability. If the PAS cannot be used (step 142), the image processing apparatus accesses the list of LABS that the apparatus itself has (or can be accessed by the apparatus) (step 143), and whether the LABS in the list can be used. Determine (step 144). If it is determined that a certain LAB S is available (step 145), the image processing apparatus transmits activity data to the LAB S (step 146). The LAB maintains a temporary IDev activity log (TIAL) for the image processing apparatus. If the labs are not available (step 145), the image processing device proceeds down the list to other labs until it finds an available labs and determines if each labs is available (step 144). Then, when an available Labs is determined, the image processing apparatus transmits activity data to the Labs (Step 147). Alternatively, the process may be performed after the image processing apparatus transmits each activity message. Further, once an available Labs is found, this Labs may be represented as a current billing server (CAS), and all activity data will be stored on that server until availability changes occur. There is also a form that is transmitted to.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of LABs may be used by a single image processing apparatus or a plurality of image processing apparatuses. Moreover, the form which allocated local LABS to the area | region where the area which PAS uses differs may be sufficient. If the PAS becomes unavailable, the image processing device may report to the local LABs depending on its geographic location, account status, user credentials, image processing device type, or some other local identifier. Good. Each region may comprise a series of LABs. Further, the local LAB S may have another local LAB as a backup LAB S described in the image processing apparatus list.

  The description of the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 14B describes the data recovery process that takes place when a PAS that has been unavailable becomes available. In this embodiment, when the PAS becomes available (step 148), the PAS sends a recovery message. When the image processing apparatus receives the recovery message, the image processing apparatus resumes transmission of activity data to the PAS (step 149). In addition, the Labs may further receive a recovery message and send a temporary IDev activity log (TIAL) to the PAS as a response. In an embodiment where the Labs does not receive a recovery message, the image processing device responds to the recovery message by sending a message to the Labs that says “Send TIAL to PAS” (step 150). May be. Once the PAS receives the TIAL data, it updates the primary IDev activity log (PIAL) with the temporary data logged while the PAS was not available (step 151).

  The embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 15 includes an image processing apparatus that can transmit messages and activity data to PAS and LABS. Moreover, the form in which PAS and LABS communicate directly may be used. In such an embodiment, if the PAS cannot be used, the image processing apparatus cannot transmit activity data to the PAS. This is detected by a message acknowledgment process, PAS network pinging, or other methods.

  When the PAS is no longer available (step 154), the image processing device accesses the LABS list to determine the address of the alternative LABS (step 155). Then, the image processing apparatus determines whether the first LABS in the list can be used. In some embodiments, this is done by sending a message to the first labs in the list (step 156) in accordance with the send / acknowledge process. When an affirmative response is received from the first LAB S (step 157), the image processing apparatus transmits activity data to the first LAB S (step 159). The first Labs then compiles the sent data into TIAL. If the first Labs does not acknowledge the message, the image processing device sends a message to the next Labs in the list (step 158), this process is acknowledged by the Labs, receives activity data, and compiles TIAL. Continue until you do.

  The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 16 includes an image processing apparatus that can communicate with the LABS. In such an embodiment, these elements follow a typical process for holding activity data while a LABS failure occurs after a PAS failure. In this exemplary process, the image processing device sends activity data to the LAB, which compiles the TIAL. In such an embodiment, a send and acknowledge process is used. However, in alternative embodiments, other methods may determine whether LABS can be used. The image processing device may send a message to the LAB in the hope that an acknowledgment (ACK) will be made (step 162). When the ACK is received (step 164), the image processing apparatus IDev continues to transmit activity data to the LABs (step 168). If no ACK is received (step 164), the image processing device accesses the LABS list and sends a message to the next LABS in the list in the hope that an ACK will be made (step 166). This process continues until the image processing device message receives an ACK. When the ACK is received, the image processing apparatus transmits the activity data to the affirmed LABS.

  The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 17 includes a method and / or system for recovering data transmission to a primary billing server (PAS) after an unavailable period. In such an embodiment, the PAS is brought online (step 170) upon connection to the network and has full functionality. The PAS then sends a recovery message that is received by any image processing device on the network in addition to other devices (step 172). Upon receipt of the recovery message, the image processing device IDev responds by resuming transmission of activity data to the PAS (step 173). In addition, the image processing apparatus may be configured to respond to the recovery message by transmitting a message for instructing the “LABS used” to “send TIAL to the PAS”. Next, the PAS receives the TIAL data (step 176) and updates the primary IDev activity log (PIAL) with the TIAL data (step 178).

  The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 18 includes a method and / or system for recovering data to a primary billing server (PAS) after an unavailable period. In such an embodiment, the PAS is brought online (step 180) upon connection to the network and is fully functional. The PAS then sends a recovery message that is received by any image processing device on the network in addition to other devices (eg, LABs) (step 182). Upon receiving the recovery message, the image processing device IDev responds by resuming transmission of activity data to the PAS (step 183). Alternatively, the TIAL data recorded by the LABs may be transmitted to the PAS (step 184) to respond to the recovery message. The TIAL data may be transmitted in response to a specific request. When the PAS receives the TIAL data (step 186), the PAS updates the main IDev activity log (PIAL) with the TIAL data (step 188).

  The terms and expressions used in this specification are for explaining the contents and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Moreover, these terms and expressions are not intended to make any difference with respect to the features or parts of the invention shown and described. That is, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined. Such embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, a system including a printer, a copier, a scanner, a fax machine, and the like that are charged.

1 is a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention including an image processing device connected to a remote computing device. 1 is a diagram illustrating a typical user interface for an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process with an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process using the markup language in an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a remote computing device. It is a block diagram which shows the component of a remote computing device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in a remote computing device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process using the markup language in a remote computing device. It is a figure which shows the system provided with the several image processing apparatus connected to a remote arithmetic unit. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the system shown by FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates components of an embodiment of the present invention that includes multiple remote computing devices and linked resources. It is a figure which shows an example of a system provided with an image processing apparatus, a calculating device, a main accounting server, and a LABS. It is a figure which shows an example of a system provided with an image processing apparatus, the arithmetic unit which has a lightweight accounting backup server, and a main accounting server. It is a chart which shows the flow of a process which hold | maintains image processing apparatus activity data when a malfunction arises in the main accounting server. It is a chart which shows the flow of a process which recovers temporary image processing apparatus activity data after recovery of a main accounting server. It is a chart which shows the flow of processing which finds a lightweight accounting backup server when a malfunction occurs in the main accounting server. It is a chart which shows the flow of processing which finds a new lightweight accounting backup server when a malfunction occurs in the current lightweight accounting backup server. It is a chart which shows the flow of one process which recovers temporary image processing apparatus activity data after recovery of a main accounting server. It is a chart which shows the flow of another process which recovers temporary image processing apparatus activity data after the recovery of a main accounting server. It is a block diagram which shows the component of the accounting data holding system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 UI panels 4, 30 (30a to 30d), 120, 131 (131A to 131C), 137 Image processing device (IDev)
6, 60, 126a, 126b Remote computing device (RCD)
8 UI devices 132 (132A to 132C), 135 (135A to 135E), 139 Lightweight accounting backup server (LABS)
133,138 Main billing server (PAS)
1311 Communication unit 1312 Control unit 1313 Storage unit 1321 Communication unit 1322 Control unit 1323 Data storage unit 1331 Communication unit (recovery message transmission unit, current data reception unit, log request transmission unit)
1332 Control unit (update unit)
1333 storage unit

Claims (28)

A charging data holding method for holding charging data of an image processing apparatus for which charging control is performed when a failure occurs in a main charging server,
Determining whether the main billing server of the image processing device is valid;
If the primary billing server is not valid, accessing from the image processing device a list having at least one lightweight billing backup server;
Determining from the list whether a lightweight billing backup server is valid until a valid lightweight billing backup server is found;
When the effective lightweight charging backup server is found, transmitting image processing device activity data including the charging data to the lightweight charging backup server;
A billing data holding method comprising:   2. The accounting data holding method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of transmitting the image processing apparatus activity data to the main accounting server when the main accounting server is valid.   2. The accounting data holding method according to claim 1, wherein the determining step includes a step of transmitting a message and a step of receiving an acknowledgment.   2. The accounting data holding method according to claim 1, wherein the lightweight accounting backup server is an application that operates on a computing device connected to the image processing apparatus via a network.   The list has an order for accessing at least one lightweight charging backup server. In the list, the lightweight charging backup servers are arranged in an order that is geographically close to the image processing apparatus. The accounting data holding method according to claim 1, wherein:   The list includes an order for accessing at least one lightweight charging backup server, and the list includes the lightweight charging backup servers arranged in an order based on a network topology. The charging data holding method described in 1.   2. The accounting data holding method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of continuing to transmit the accounting data to the effective lightweight accounting backup server until the main accounting server becomes effective. A charging data holding method for holding charging data of an image processing apparatus for which charging control is performed when a failure occurs in a main charging server,
The image processing device receiving a recovery message from the main billing server including an instruction to nominate the main billing server as a current billing server for holding image processing device activity data;
Starting transmission of image processing device activity data including the billing data from the image processing device to the main billing server;
The image processing device requesting a temporary image processing device activity log from the lightweight billing backup server;
The image processing device receiving the temporary image processing device activity log from the lightweight billing backup server;
The image processing device forwarding the temporary image processing device activity log to the primary billing server designated as the current billing server;
A billing data holding method comprising:   The step of requesting the temporary image processing device activity log, the step of receiving the temporary image processing device activity log, and the step of transferring the temporary image processing device activity log include: 9. The billing data retention method according to claim 8, wherein the billing data holding method is replaced by a step of requesting that a temporary image processing device activity log be directly transmitted to the main billing server. A billing data recovery method for recovering billing data of an image processing apparatus for a main billing server recovered after a failure,
Transmitting a recovery message indicating recovery from the recovered main charging server to the charging-controlled image processing apparatus;
Receiving, as a response to the recovery message, image processing device activity data including the current billing data from the image processing device;
Sending a temporary image processing device activity log request to the image processing device;
Receiving the temporary image processing device activity log from the image processing device;
Updating the image processing device activity log in the main billing server with data based on the temporary image processing device activity log;
A billing data recovery method comprising:   The step of transmitting the temporary image processing device activity log request includes transmitting a request to the image processing device for requesting the temporary image processing device activity log from an affiliated lightweight billing backup server. The charging data recovery method according to claim 10.   11. The accounting data recovery method according to claim 10, wherein the temporary image processing device activity log request is a part of the recovery message.   11. The accounting data recovery method according to claim 10, wherein the temporary image processing apparatus activity log is received from the image processing apparatus.   12. The accounting data recovery method according to claim 11, wherein the temporary image processing apparatus activity log is received from a lightweight accounting backup server. A billing data recovery system for recovering billing data of an image processing apparatus for a billing server recovered after a failure,
A recovery message transmitter for transmitting a recovery message from the recovered primary billing server to at least one network connected device;
A current data receiver for receiving image processing device activity data including the current billing data from the image processing device;
A log request transmission unit for transmitting a temporary image processing device activity log request;
A log receiving unit for receiving the temporary image processing device activity log;
An update unit for updating a charging log of the image processing apparatus in the main charging server with data based on the temporary image processing apparatus activity log;
A billing data recovery system comprising:   16. The request for the temporary image processing device activity log includes a request for the image processing device to request the temporary image processing device activity log from an affiliated lightweight billing backup server. The billing data recovery system described in 1.   16. The accounting data recovery system according to claim 15, wherein the log request transmission unit directly transmits the temporary image processing device activity log request to a lightweight accounting backup server. A billing data holding method for holding billing data of an image processing device when a malfunction occurs in a main billing server,
Receiving a usability request from an image processing device whose main billing server has become unusable at a lightweight billing backup server operating as an application on a computing device connected to the network;
Responding to the availability request by establishing availability;
Receiving image processing device activity data including the accounting data from the image processing device;
Holding a temporary image processing device activity log including the image processing device activity data;
A billing data holding method comprising:   19. The accounting data holding method according to claim 18, wherein the lightweight accounting backup server is not the main function of the network-connected computing device.   19. The accounting data holding method according to claim 18, wherein the image processing apparatus activity data includes user accounting data associated with an image processing apparatus function activity.   19. The accounting data holding method according to claim 18, wherein the image processing apparatus activity data includes user accounting data associated with a remote application activity accessed via the image processing apparatus.   The image processing device activity data includes user billing data, image processing device function activity data, and remote application activity data of a remote application accessed via the image processing device. Item 19. The accounting data holding method according to Item 18. A billing data holding method for holding billing data of an image processing device when a malfunction occurs in a main billing server,
In a lightweight accounting backup server application that operates on a networked computing device and operates to store a temporary image processing device activity log for the image processing device during a period when the primary charging server is unavailable, Receiving a request for a dynamic image processor activity log;
Transmitting the temporary image processing device activity log to the temporary image processing device activity log receiving unit;
A billing data holding method comprising: An image processing device activity data holding method for holding image processing device activity data when a failure occurs in a main server,
Setting a primary billing server to hold an image processing device activity log;
If the primary billing server is not available, setting a lightweight billing backup server in a device remote from the primary billing server to hold a temporary image processing device activity log;
If the main billing server is available, sending image processing device activity data to the main billing server;
If the primary billing server is not available, sending image processing device activity data to the lightweight billing backup server;
Transmitting the temporary image processing device activity log from the lightweight charging backup server to the main charging server after the unavailable period of the main charging server;
And a step of updating the image processing apparatus activity log with the temporary image processing apparatus activity log after the unusable period.   25. The image of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of lightweight billing backup servers that are independent devices, wherein the image processing device comprises a list of lightweight billing backup servers accessible by a multiple excess method. Processing device activity data holding method.   25. Terminating the unavailable period by sending a message from the main billing server to the lightweight billing backup server and requesting the temporary image processing device activity log. Image processing apparatus activity data holding method.   The unavailable period is terminated by a message from the main charging server to the image processing apparatus, the temporary image processing apparatus activity log is requested, and the temporary processing from the lightweight charging backup server is performed at the image processing apparatus. 25. The image processing device activity data holding method according to claim 24, further comprising a step of requesting a static image processing device activity log and transferring the temporary image processing device activity log to the main billing server. A billing data holding system for holding billing data of an image processing apparatus,
A plurality of network-connected computing devices;
At least one lightweight billing backup server application operating on a networked computing device and functioning as a lightweight billing backup server;
A main billing server connected to the network;
At least one image processing device;
When the main billing server is available and the main billing server holds an image processing device activity log including the billing data, the image processing device reports its activity data to the main billing server. ,
If the primary billing server is not available, the image processing device reports its activity data to the at least one lightweight billing backup server,
If the image processing device reports to the lightweight billing backup server, the at least one lightweight billing backup server maintains a temporary image processing device activity log;
The lightweight billing backup server reports to the main billing server after the unavailable period of the main billing server, and sends a temporary image processing device activity log to the main billing server,
The primary billing server updates the image processing device activity log with the temporary image processing device activity log;
A billing data holding system characterized by the above.