JP2008131419A - Image processor, backup program and backup method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely back up data in the case of disaster. <P>SOLUTION: An MFP includes: a disaster information accepting section 153 for accepting symptom information about disasters; a data storage section 171 for storing data; a transmission destination determining section 163 for selecting any one communication medium out of a PSTN or a net line when the symptom information is accepted by the disaster information accepting section 153; and a transmission control section 155 for transmitting backup data stored in the data storage section 171 to the outside via the selected communication medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a backup program, and a backup method, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus having a function of backing up data by storing the data in another apparatus, a backup program executed by the image processing apparatus, and a backup Regarding the method.

  In recent years, multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as “MFPs”) have a hard disk as a mass storage device. For example, billing data, print job data, destination data for facsimile transmission, e-mail destination data, and transmission Various data such as history data for storing the history can be stored. However, if a disaster such as an earthquake, heavy rain, flood, or fire occurs, the data stored in the hard disk will be lost if the MFP is damaged. For this reason, it is desirable that a backup to be stored in another storage device is performed before data is lost. However, there is a problem that data cannot be transmitted and cannot be backed up when the communication infrastructure is damaged or when the line is concentrated and used and the amount of data communication increases.

  In order to cope with this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-307795 discloses a facsimile apparatus having a connection interface to a public switched telephone network and the Internet, and facsimile transmission using the public switched telephone network continues for a predetermined number of times. A facsimile apparatus characterized by having control means for switching to facsimile transmission via the Internet in case of failure is described.

However, since transmission must first be performed using the public telephone network, facsimile transmission via the Internet, which could be transmitted until then, becomes impossible to transmit while attempting facsimile transmission using the public telephone network. May end up.
JP 2000-307795 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of reliably backing up data in the event of a disaster.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a backup program and a backup method capable of reliably backing up data in an image processing apparatus at the time of a disaster.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above-described object, the image processing apparatus acquires the sign information by the acquisition unit that acquires the sign information regarding the disaster, the storage unit that stores the data, and the acquisition unit. At least a part of the data stored in the storage means by the selecting means for selecting any one of a plurality of types of communication media and the communication medium selected by the selecting means among the plurality of types of communication media Backup means for transmitting to the outside.

  According to this aspect, when the predictive information is acquired, any one of a plurality of types of communication media is selected, and at least a part of the data stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the outside by the selected communication media. Is done. Since data is transmitted by an optimal communication method in the situation where a disaster occurs, an image processing apparatus capable of reliably backing up data in the event of a disaster can be provided.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a transmission availability detection unit that detects whether or not data can be transmitted for each of a plurality of types of communication media, and the selection unit selects a communication medium that is detected by the transmission availability detection unit as being capable of transmitting data.

  Preferably, the plurality of types of communication media include a public telephone line network and the Internet.

  Preferably, the plurality of types of communication media include a public telephone line network and the Internet, and the selecting means selects the public telephone line network until a predetermined time elapses after the predictive information is acquired by the acquiring means. In addition, it includes time zone selection means for selecting the Internet after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  According to the present invention, data is transmitted by a communication means using a public telephone line network as a communication medium until a predetermined time elapses after the predictive information is acquired, and communicates over the Internet after the predetermined time elapses. Data is transmitted by communication means as a medium. When a predetermined time elapses after the disaster occurs, calls are inundated and communication using the public telephone line network as a communication medium becomes impossible. For this reason, data is transmitted using the public telephone line network as a communication medium before the public telephone line network is disabled, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, data is transmitted using the Internet as a communication medium. It can be transmitted reliably.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises transmission definition data storage means for storing definition data for associating a communication medium to be selected first among a plurality of types of communication media for each data stored in the storage means, and the selection means is in accordance with the transmission definition data. The data selection means for selecting one communication medium from a plurality of types of communication media for each piece of data stored in the storage means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the backup program is a backup program executed by an image processing apparatus provided with a storage unit for storing data, the step of acquiring predictive information related to a disaster, and the predictive information When one of the plurality of types of communication media is acquired, and at least a part of the data stored in the storage means using the selected communication media is transmitted to the outside. Let the image processing apparatus execute it.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a backup program capable of reliably backing up data at the time of a disaster.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a backup method is a backup method executed by an image processing apparatus including a storage unit for storing data, the step of acquiring predictive information related to a disaster, A step of selecting any one of a plurality of types of communication media when the information is acquired, and a step of transmitting at least a part of data stored in the storage means to the outside using the selected communication medium; Is executed by the image processing apparatus.

  If this situation is followed, the backup method which can back up data reliably at the time of a disaster can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a data backup system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a data backup system includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 1 that stores data for backup storage, a file transfer server (hereinafter referred to as “FTP server”) 3, and a personal computer (PC) 5. Are connected by a local area network (LAN) 11. The LAN 11 is connected to the Internet 12. Connected to the Internet 12 are a backup device 2 for backing up and storing data of the MFP 1, a disaster notification server 4, and a mail server 6 for sending and receiving e-mails.

  Therefore, the MFP 1 can communicate with the FTP server 3 and the PC 5 connected via the LAN 11, and further communicate with the backup device 2, the disaster notification server 4, and the mail server 6 connected via the Internet 12. Is possible. The MFP 1 is connected to a public switched telephone network 13 and can communicate with a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN 13.

  The disaster notification server 4 is installed in the Japan Meteorological Agency or each local government and transmits disaster notice information such as heavy rain, flood, lightning, earthquake, etc. to the MFP 1.

  The MFP 1 has a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, a print function, and a data storage function. The MFP 1 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) as a mass storage device for storing data, and stores various data.

  In the present embodiment, MFP 1, backup device 2 and disaster notification server 4 are installed in geographically separated areas. For example, it is desirable that the distance is several tens of kilometers or more. Further, it is desirable that the FTP server 3 be installed in an area geographically distant from the MFP 1, but if there is a LAN cable restriction, it is preferably installed in a different building, and when installed in the same building Are preferably located on different floors.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 1 includes information processing unit 101, facsimile unit 27, communication control unit 28, automatic document feeder (ADF) 21, image reading unit 22, image forming unit 23, and feeding unit. A paper unit 24 and a disaster sign detection unit 25 are included. The information processing unit 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 used as a work area of the CPU 111, a hard disk drive (HDD) 113 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, a display Unit 114, operation unit 115, data communication control unit 116, and data input / output unit 117. The CPU 111 is connected to the data input / output unit 117, the data communication control unit 116, the operation unit 115, the display unit 114, and the HDD 113, and controls the entire information processing unit 101. The CPU 111 is connected to the facsimile unit 27, the communication control unit 28, the ADF 21, the image reading unit 22, the image forming unit 23, the paper feeding unit 24, and the disaster sign detection unit 25, and controls the entire MFP 1.

  The disaster sign detection unit 25 includes a sensor that detects a P wave that is transmitted first when an earthquake occurs. When detecting the P wave, the disaster sign detection unit 25 immediately outputs a disaster occurrence signal indicating that the P wave has been detected to the CPU 111. The disaster sign detection unit 25 is connected to a building fire alarm and receives fire occurrence information. Upon receiving the fire occurrence information, the disaster sign detection unit 25 outputs a disaster occurrence signal to the CPU 111. Further, when the disaster sign detection unit 25 receives disaster notice information such as heavy rain, flood, lightning, or earthquake transmitted from the disaster notification server 4, the disaster sign detection unit 25 outputs a disaster occurrence signal to the CPU 111. Information for notifying the occurrence of a disaster such as the P wave, the fire occurrence information, and the disaster notice information will be collectively referred to as “predictive information”.

  The display unit 114 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 115 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The operation unit 115 includes a backup instruction key for accepting an input of a backup instruction by the user. Operation unit 115 further includes a touch panel provided on display unit 114. The display unit 114 and the operation unit 115 constitute an operation panel.

  The data communication control unit 116 is connected to the data input / output unit 117. The data communication control unit 116 controls the data input / output unit 117 according to an instruction from the CPU 111 and transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the data input / output unit 117. The data input / output unit 117 includes a LAN terminal 118 that is an interface for communication using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and a serial communication terminal 119 for serial communication.

  In the MFP 1, when a LAN cable for connecting to the LAN 11 is connected to the LAN terminal 118, the data communication control unit 116 controls the data input / output unit 117 to connect the FTP server 3 connected via the LAN terminal 118. Further, it communicates with the PC 5, and further communicates with the backup device 2, the disaster notification server 4 and the mail server 6 connected to the LAN 11 via the Internet 12. The MFP 1 receives data from the PC 5 and stores the received data in the HDD 113. Further, the MFP 1 causes the image forming unit 23 to print the data received from the PC 5 based on an instruction from the PC 5.

  When a device is connected to the serial communication terminal 119, the data communication control unit 116 controls the data input / output unit 117 to communicate with the connected device and input / output data. The serial communication terminal 119 can be connected to a memory card 119A incorporating a flash memory. The memory card 119A stores a backup program to be described later. The CPU 111 controls the data communication control unit 116 to read the backup program from the memory card 119A, store the read backup program in the RAM 112, and execute it. .

  The recording medium for storing the backup program is not limited to the memory card 119A, but a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) / MO (Magnetic Optical Disc / MD (Mini Disc)). / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), IC card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), semiconductor memory such as EEPROM (Electronically EPROM), etc. In addition, the CPU 111 can back up from a computer connected to the Internet 12. The program is downloaded and stored in the HDD 113, or the computer connected to the Internet writes the backup program in the HDD 113, and the backup program stored in the HDD 113 is loaded into the RAM 112 and executed by the CPU 111. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The facsimile unit 27 is connected to the PSTN 13 and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN 13 or receives facsimile data from the PSTN 13. The facsimile unit 27 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 113, converts the received facsimile data into print data that can be printed by the image forming unit 23, and outputs the print data to the image forming unit 23. As a result, the image forming unit 23 prints the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 27 on a recording sheet. In addition, the facsimile unit 27 converts the data stored in the HDD 113 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN 13.

  The communication control unit 28 is a network control unit for connecting the CPU 111 to the PSTN 13. In PSTN 13, when a call is made to the telephone number assigned to the backup destination apparatus and a line is connected to the backup destination apparatus, a predetermined number is established between the backup destination apparatus and the line while the line is connected. Communicate according to the protocol.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the functions of the CPU of the MFP together with information stored in the HDD. Referring to FIG. 3, CPU 111 includes disaster information receiving unit 153, backup unit 151 for backing up data stored in HDD 113, transmission control unit 155 for transmitting data for backup, and LAN 11. A network transmission control unit 157 for transmitting data via the PSTN, a PSTN transmission control unit 159 for transmitting data via the PSTN, and a backup setting unit 170 for accepting and storing the backup settings. Including.

  The HDD 113 includes a data storage unit 171 that stores data to be backed up, a priority storage unit 172 that defines the type and order of data to be backed up, destination information that defines a device that transmits data to be backed up, and the like. A transmission destination storage unit 173 for storing.

  The disaster information reception unit 153 outputs a backup instruction to the backup unit 151 when a disaster occurrence signal is input from the disaster sign detection unit 25. When the user presses the backup instruction key provided in the operation unit 115, the disaster information reception unit 153 outputs a backup instruction to the backup unit 151.

  The backup setting unit 170 causes the display unit 114 to display a transmission destination setting screen for setting transmission destination information necessary for transmitting data to a device that backs up and saves the data. The destination information is received and stored in the transmission destination storage unit 173 of the HDD 113. In addition, the backup setting unit 170 displays a priority setting screen for setting priority information that defines the order in which data is backed up on the display unit 114, and receives priority information input by the user to the operation unit 115. And stored in the priority storage unit 172 of the HDD 113.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission destination setting screen. Referring to FIG. 4, the transmission destination setting screen is a screen for selecting data to be backed up (backup data), a device (transmission destination) for storing the data for backup, and a communication medium. It is. A transmission destination can be specified for each of personal information, log data, and transmission waiting data. For personal information, any one of the backup device 2, the mail server 6, and the FTP server 3 can be selected as a transmission destination. Here, an example in which the backup device 2 is selected as a transmission destination is shown. Yes. In addition, either “net line” or “PSTN” can be specified as a communication medium. “Net line” indicates that the LAN 11 and the Internet 12 are used as communication media for transmitting data, and “PSTN” indicates that PSTN 13 is used as a communication medium for transmitting data. Here, an example is shown in which “net line” is selected as the communication medium for personal information. For log data, any one of the backup device 2, the mail server 6, and the FTP server 3 can be selected as a transmission destination. Here, an example is shown in which the mail server 6 is selected as the transmission destination. . In addition, an example in which “net line” is selected as the communication medium is shown. For the data waiting to be transmitted, any one of the backup device 2, the mail server 6 and the FAX can be selected as the transmission destination. Here, the FAX is selected as the transmission destination, and “PSTN” is set as the communication medium. A selected example is shown. The backup setting unit 170 stores, in the transmission destination storage unit 173, transmission definition data in which data to be backed up set on the transmission destination setting screen, a device that backs up the data, and a communication medium are associated with each other.

  Further, the transmission destination storage unit 173 stores transmission destination information related to a device that backs up data. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission destination information stored in the transmission destination storage unit. Referring to FIG. 5, the transmission destination information is data in which the device name of the device to be backed up is associated with the first access information and the second access information for accessing the device. The first access information of each of the backup device 2, the FTP server 3, and the mail server 6 is an IP address assigned to the device for accessing the communication medium as a net line, and the second access information is the PSTN for the communication medium. As the phone number assigned to that device for access. The first access information of the FAX is a telephone number assigned as an Internet telephone for accessing the communication medium as a network line, and the second access information is assigned as a fixed telephone for accessing the communication medium as a PSTN. It is a phone number.

  As a communication protocol, FTP can be used for the backup device 2 and the FTP server 3 regardless of whether the communication medium is a net line or a PSTN. For the mail server 6, SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) can be used regardless of whether the communication medium is a net line or a PSTN. Further, for FAX, when the communication medium is a net line, it is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), and when the communication medium is PSTN, for example, a protocol of G3 (Group 3) standard.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority setting screen. Referring to FIG. 6, the priority setting screen displays the data types of data to be backed up from a plurality of data types arranged in the order of backup. Here, the data types of personal information, log data, and transmission waiting data are selected as data to be backed up, and further, the order of backup is determined in the order of personal information, log data, and transmission waiting data. . The order can be changed by selecting the data type on the touch panel and instructing the UP key or the DOWN key.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the backup unit 151 includes a backup data determination unit 161 for determining data to be backed up based on the priority information stored in the priority storage unit 172, and the data determined to be backed up. A data reading unit 162 that reads from the data storage unit 171 and a transmission destination determination unit 163 that determines a transmission destination to which data for backup is transmitted and outputs the transmission destination to the transmission control unit 155 are included.

  When a backup instruction is input from the disaster information reception unit 153, the backup data determination unit 161 determines data to be backed up based on the priority information stored in the priority storage unit 172, and the file name of the determined backup data Is output to the data reading unit 162. The data reading unit 162 reads the data with the file name input from the backup data determination unit 161 from the data storage unit 171 and outputs the data to the transmission control unit 155. The data reading unit 162 may encrypt the read data and output the encrypted data to the transmission control unit 155.

  The transmission destination determination unit 163 reads transmission definition data and transmission destination information from the transmission destination storage unit 173. Then, the destination and communication medium associated with the backup data and the transmission definition data are extracted. Then, the destination information including the destination device name is read, and the destination information and the communication medium are output to the transmission control unit 155.

  The transmission control unit 155 determines access information for transmitting data first from the transmission destination information input from the transmission destination determination unit 163 and the communication medium. Specifically, when the communication medium is “net line”, the first access information defined by the destination information is determined, and when the communication medium is “PSTN”, the second access is defined by the destination information. Decide on information. When the communication medium is “net line”, transmission control unit 155 outputs backup data input from data reading unit 162 and first access information defined by transmission destination information to net line transmission control unit 157. The backup data is transmitted to the transmission destination device determined by the first access information. Further, when the communication medium is “PSTN”, the transmission control unit 155 outputs the backup data input from the data reading unit 162 and the second access information defined by the transmission destination information to the PSTN transmission control unit 159. The backup data is transmitted to the destination device determined by the second access information.

  The transmission control unit 155 causes the network line transmission control unit 157 or the PSTN transmission control unit 159 to transmit backup data. If the transmission fails, the transmission control unit 155 causes the other to transmit backup data. Thereby, even if it is a case where it cannot transmit with a communication medium predetermined with transmission destination information, backup data is transmitted with a communication medium different from a predetermined communication medium. As a result, the backup data can be reliably transmitted and stored.

  The net line transmission control unit 157 controls the data communication control unit 116 to transmit the backup data to the destination device specified by the first address information. When the transmission destination apparatus is the mail server 6, the network transmission control unit 157 generates backup e-mail including the backup data in the attached file and having a predetermined e-mail address as the destination, and the data communication control unit 116 And the generated electronic mail is transmitted to the mail server 6 specified by the first address information.

  The PSTN transmission control unit 159 controls the communication control unit 28 to make a call to the second address information and to transmit backup data to the device that has received the call. When the destination device is the mail server 6, the PSTN transmission control unit 159 generates an email including the backup data in the attached file and having a predetermined email address as the destination. Then, the communication control unit 28 is controlled to send an e-mail to the mail server 6 that has received the call.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of backup processing executed by the CPU of the MFP in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 111 executes a backup instruction detection process (step S01). The details of the backup instruction detection process will be described later, but the backup flag is set to ON when predictive information is accepted or the user presses the backup instruction key, otherwise the backup flag is set to OFF. It is a process to set.

  In step S02, it is determined whether the backup flag is set to ON as a result of executing the backup instruction detection process. If the backup flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S03, and if it is OFF, the process returns to step S01.

  In step S03, priority information is read from the priority storage unit 172, and data to be backed up is read from the data storage unit 171 in descending order of priority. Then, the transmission definition data is read from the transmission destination storage unit 173, and the transmission destination device of the data read in step S03 is determined. According to the transmission definition data set on the transmission destination setting screen shown in FIG. 4, when the data read in step S03 is personal information, the backup device 2 is determined as the transmission destination, and in the case of log data, the mail is sent. The server 6 is determined as the transmission destination, and in the case of transmission waiting data, FAX is determined as the transmission destination.

  Next, a transmission medium determination process is executed (step S05). Although the communication medium determination process will be described later, it is a process for determining a communication medium of either a net line or a PSTN. Then, “1” is set to the variable N (step S06). The variable N is set to the number of times one piece of backup data has been transmitted.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the communication medium determined in the communication medium determination process is a net line (step S07). If so, the process proceeds to step S08; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S08, the data read in step S03 is transmitted to the transmission destination determined in step S04 via a net line.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a communication error has been detected (step S09). If no communication error is detected, the process proceeds to step S10. If a communication error is detected, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S10, it is determined whether transmission is completed. If the transmission is complete, the process proceeds to step S11; otherwise, the process returns to step S09. In step S11, it is determined whether there is backup data to be processed next. If there is unprocessed backup data, the process proceeds to step S03. If not, the process ends.

  If a communication error is detected in step S09, the variable N is incremented by 1 (step S12), and it is determined whether the variable N has exceeded the threshold value T (step S13). The threshold T is the number of communication errors that are permitted when one piece of backup data is transmitted. The threshold value T is a predetermined value. If variable N exceeds threshold value T, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S15. When the process proceeds to step S15, transmission by PSTN is executed. In step S14, an error process is executed and the process ends. If the backup data cannot be transmitted using any of a plurality of communication media, the transmission is stopped and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S15, the data read in step S03 is transmitted by PSTN 7 to the transmission destination determined in step S04. Then, it is determined whether or not a communication error has been detected (step S16). If no communication error is detected, the process proceeds to step S17. If a communication error is detected, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S17, it is determined whether transmission is completed. If transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S11; otherwise, the process returns to step S16. In step S11, it is determined whether there is backup data to be processed next. If there is unprocessed backup data, the process proceeds to step S03. If not, the process ends.

  If a communication error is detected in step S16, the variable N is incremented by 1 (step S18), and it is determined whether or not the variable N exceeds the threshold value T (step S19). If variable N exceeds threshold value T, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S08. When the process proceeds to step S08, transmission via the net line is executed. In step S14, an error process is executed and the process ends. If the backup data cannot be transmitted using any of a plurality of communication media, the transmission is stopped and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the backup instruction detection process. The backup instruction detection process is a process executed in step S01 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, it is detected whether or not the backup instruction key is pressed by the user (step S21). If the backup instruction key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, it is determined whether a P wave has been detected. If a disaster occurrence signal indicating that a P wave has been detected is input from the disaster sign detector 25, it is determined that a P wave has been detected. If a P wave is detected, the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not sign information has been accepted. When the disaster sign detection unit 25 receives fire occurrence information from a building fire alarm or when it receives disaster notice information such as heavy rain, flood, lightning or earthquake from the disaster notification server 4, it outputs a disaster occurrence signal To do. The CPU 111 determines whether this disaster occurrence signal is input. If disaster information is input, it is determined that sign information has been accepted, and the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S25, disaster information is analyzed. As a result of the analysis, if it is determined that backup is necessary, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S27. For example, the detected value of the P wave is compared with a predetermined value to determine whether backup is necessary.

  In step S22, the backup flag is set to ON and the process returns to the backup process. In step S27, the backup flag is set to OFF and the process returns to the backup process.

  FIG. 9 is a first flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the communication medium determination process. Referring to FIG. 9, CPU 111 determines a communication medium defined in transmission definition data corresponding to backup data as a communication medium for transmitting backup data (step S31), and returns the process to the backup process. .

  As described above, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, when the predictive information is acquired, one of the PSTN 13 and the network lines 11 and 12 is selected, and backup data is transferred to an external apparatus by the selected communication medium. Sent. Since backup data is transmitted using an optimal communication medium in the event of a disaster, data can be reliably backed up during a disaster.

<Modification>
Although the MFP 1 in the above-described embodiment sets the communication medium with the transmission definition data corresponding to the backup data, the MFP 1 in the modification communicates the backup data for a predetermined time after the backup flag is turned on. After a predetermined time elapses after transmission on the medium PSTN, backup data is transmitted on the communication medium net line.

  For this reason, it is not necessary to set the communication medium on the transmission destination setting screen shown in FIG. 4, and the transmission definition data need not define the communication medium.

  FIG. 10 is a second flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the communication medium determination process. Referring to FIG. 10, CPU 111 determines whether or not the elapsed time after the backup flag is turned on exceeds threshold value TT (step S41), and if it does not exceed threshold value TT, the process is performed. The process proceeds to step S42, and if the threshold value TT is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S42, the communication medium is set to PSTN, and the process returns to the backup process. In step S43, the communication medium is set to the net line, and the process returns to the backup process.

  The MFP 1 in the modified example transmits backup data using PSTN as a communication medium until a predetermined time TT elapses after the backup flag is turned ON, and after the predetermined time TT elapses, the network line is used as a communication medium. Send backup data. When a predetermined time TT elapses after the occurrence of the disaster, calls are flooded and communication using the PSTN 13 as a communication medium becomes impossible. Before the predetermined time TT elapses after the disaster occurs, the PSTN 13 is considered to have relatively few calls. During this period, the PSTN 13 is used as a communication medium to transmit backup data while the PSTN 13 is relatively free. Data can be transmitted reliably. In addition, there is a risk that calls will be flooded after a predetermined time and communication using PSTN 13 as a communication medium may be disabled, but data cannot be transmitted using PSTN 13 as a communication medium because data is transmitted using a net line as a communication medium. Even so, data can be transmitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 has been described. However, the backup program that causes the CPU 111 of the MFP 1 to execute the backup process illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10 and the backup that causes the MFP 1 to execute the backup process illustrated in FIGS. It goes without saying that the invention can be understood as a method.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) When it is detected that the data cannot be transmitted using a communication medium selected from the plurality of types of communication media, the selection unit is configured to select another communication medium from the plurality of types of communication media. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a selection unit.

It is a figure showing the whole data backup system outline in one of the embodiments of the invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a CPU of an MFP together with information stored in an HDD. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a transmission destination setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission destination information memorize | stored in a transmission destination memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows an example of a priority setting screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of backup processing executed by the CPU of the MFP according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a backup instruction | indication detection process. It is a 1st flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a communication medium determination process. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a communication medium determination process.

Explanation of symbols

  1 MFP, 2 backup device, 3 FTP server, 4 disaster notification server, 5 PC, 6 mail server, 11 LAN, 12 Internet, 13 PSTN, 21 ADF, 22 image reading unit, 23 image forming unit, 24 paper feeding unit, 25 Disaster sign detection unit, 27 Facsimile unit, 28 Communication control unit, 101 Information processing unit, 111 CPU, 112 RAM, 113 HDD, 114 Display unit, 115 Operation unit, 116 Data communication control unit, 117 Data input / output unit, 119A Memory card 151 Backup unit 153 Disaster information reception unit 155 Transmission control unit 157 Net line transmission control unit 157 Net line transmission control unit 159 PSTN transmission control unit 161 Backup data determination unit 162 Data reading unit 163 Destination determination unit, 1 0 backup setting unit, 171 data storage unit, 172 priority storage unit, 173 transmission destination storage section.

Claims (7)

An acquisition means for acquiring predictive information about the disaster;
Storage means for storing data;
Selecting means for selecting any one of a plurality of types of communication media when the predictive information is acquired by the acquiring means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: backup means for transmitting at least a part of data stored in the storage means to the outside using a communication medium selected by the selection means among the plurality of types of communication media. Further comprising transmission availability detection means for detecting whether data can be transmitted for each of the plurality of types of communication media;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a communication medium that is detected as being capable of transmitting data by the transmission availability detection unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of types of communication media include a public telephone line network and the Internet. The plurality of types of communication media include a public telephone line network and the Internet,
The selection means selects the public telephone line network until a predetermined time elapses after the predictive information is acquired by the acquisition means, and selects the Internet after the predetermined time elapses. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising another selection unit. For each data stored in the storage means, further comprising definition data storage means for storing definition data for associating a communication medium selected first among the plurality of types of communication media,
2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit includes a data-specific selection unit that selects one communication medium from the plurality of types of communication media for each data stored in the storage unit according to the definition data. Forming equipment. A backup program executed by an image processing apparatus provided with a storage means for storing data,
Obtaining predictive information about the disaster;
Selecting any one of a plurality of types of communication media when the sign information is acquired;
A backup program for causing the image processing apparatus to execute at least a part of data stored in the storage unit on the selected communication medium. A backup method executed by an image processing apparatus provided with a storage means for storing data,
Obtaining predictive information about the disaster;
Selecting any one of a plurality of types of communication media when the sign information is acquired;
A backup method for causing the image processing apparatus to execute at least a part of data stored in the storage unit on the selected communication medium.

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