JP2015158724A - image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can easily transfer backup data while spending as less time as possible for the backup of data of a recording medium, and can easily protect data to deal with the instability of the recording medium.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (11) can connect a recording medium (15) storing data thereto. The image forming apparatus (11) includes a printing unit (25) that prints data read out from the recording medium (15), and a data protection processing unit (28) that performs processing to backup the print data read out from the recording medium (15) in a storage unit (24) in parallel with print processing by the printing unit (25) to store the backup data for a certain period of time.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints data from a recording medium that records photographic data or the like.

  In recent years, a service for printing image data such as a photograph using a multi-function peripheral (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product) such as a convenience store has become widespread. In this case, a recording medium (for example, a memory card such as a USB memory or smart media (registered trademark) storing image data) is inserted into the image forming apparatus, and desired image data is selected and printed.

  However, the data stored in the recording medium may be damaged. For example, there is a possibility that data is damaged due to static electricity, or a defective sector is generated due to deterioration caused by writing / reading many times.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for backing up data recorded on a recording medium. A read error is checked on a specific recording medium loaded in the MFP, and when an error is detected, backup data is recorded on another recording medium.

JP 2006-228272 A

  In a store service such as a convenience store, when the MFP reads data from a recording medium and performs printing processing, after the user has approved that there is a possibility of data corruption due to the insertion or removal of the recording medium, the recording medium is removed. Get connected, read data and print. However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, if no malfunction occurs at the time of connection to the MFP, the backup process is not performed, and if data corruption occurs after the printing medium is taken out from the MFP after the printing process, the restoration is performed. There is no way to do it.

  If the stored data is always backed up for all the recording media loaded in the MFP in order to solve this problem, the operation becomes complicated and processing may be delayed.

  In addition, customer authentication is usually required for backup services, and it is necessary to set authentication by performing various processes. In addition, when accessing backup data, you must perform processing to enter the authentication setting information. The process is complicated and the backup data cannot be read and transferred easily.

  Further, when the recording medium has become unstable due to long-term use or the like, there is a possibility that data recorded on the recording medium may be lost if it is left unattended. In this case, a refresh function is added to the memory, or a refresh application is provided in a terminal device such as a camera, a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer to which the memory is connected. However, if this function is not provided in the memory itself or if it is not provided in the terminal device, the memory is not refreshed, and the stored data may be lost due to deterioration of the recording medium due to long-term use. is there.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention can easily transfer backup data without taking as much time as possible to back up data on the recording medium, and can easily protect the data even when the recording medium becomes unstable. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving the above.

  The present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of connecting a recording medium storing data, a printing unit for printing data read from the recording medium, and a printing process by the printing unit after connecting the recording medium In parallel with this process, a data protection processing unit is provided that performs a process of backing up the print data read from the recording medium to a storage device and stores the backup data for a certain period.

  The present invention is also an image forming apparatus capable of connecting a recording medium storing data, and a printing unit for printing data read from the recording medium, and printing by the printing unit after connecting the recording medium In parallel with the processing up to the processing, a data confirmation processing unit that extracts data satisfying a predetermined condition from the recording medium, and a process that backs up the extracted data read from the recording medium to a storage device, and the backed up data is constant And a data protection processing unit for storing the period.

  The predetermined condition is that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the data was stored in the recording medium.

  The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus to which a recording medium storing data can be connected, a printing unit that prints data read from the recording medium, and a data confirmation processing unit that reads identification information from the recording medium; In parallel with the process from the connection of the recording medium to the printing process by the printing unit, the process of backing up the data read from the recording medium to a data storage area corresponding to the identification information of the storage device, And a data protection processing unit for storing backup data for a certain period.

  Here, the backup processing synchronizes data in the data storage area and data in the recording medium.

  The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus to which a recording medium storing data can be connected, and a printing unit that prints data read from the recording medium and whether the recording medium needs to be refreshed. A process for refreshing the data on the recording medium when it is confirmed that a refresh is necessary in parallel with the data confirmation processing unit to be confirmed and the processing from the connection of the recording medium to the printing process by the printing unit. And a data protection processing unit to be performed.

  Here, the data confirmation processing unit may confirm a defective sector of the recording medium, and the data protection processing unit may perform refresh when the number of defective sectors exceeding a predetermined value has occurred.

  Further, the data confirmation processing unit may store a refresh history of the recording medium and determine to perform refresh when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous refresh.

  Further, the storage device may be a device connected via a network.

  Moreover, you may provide the user confirmation process part which confirms whether a backup process may be implemented to a user.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform backup and data refresh processing while performing parallel processing with printing of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the processing time while preventing the printing processing from being hindered. In this way, convenience for customers using the image forming apparatus can be improved.

1 is a block diagram showing a data printing system including an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process of data stored in a recording medium by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating backup processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating backup data restoration processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the printing process in 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a recording medium check process according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the preservation | save process of the check log | history in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the backup process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the printing process in 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the refresh process in 4th Embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a data printing system including an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
The data printing system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 11, a cloud server 12, and an information terminal device 13, which are connected to each other via a network 14.

  The image forming apparatus 11 is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product), and can be connected to a display unit 21 made of liquid crystal or the like, an input unit 22 such as a button or a touch panel provided on the display screen, and a network 14. Unit 23, storage unit 24 for storing data, printing unit 25 for printing based on data, media input / output unit 26 for detachably connecting recording medium 15 and reading / writing data, and control for controlling each unit The unit 27 is provided. The image forming apparatus 11 is installed in a convenience store or the like, and can perform a service for printing image data such as a photograph.

  The control unit 27 performs a data protection processing unit 28 that controls data protection processing such as data backup processing and refresh processing, and searches and extracts data of a predetermined condition from the data of the recording medium 15 and reads identification information and the like. A data confirmation processing unit 29 that performs processing, a user confirmation processing unit 30 that displays on the display unit 21 and prompts the user to confirm the execution of processing by the input unit 22, and a print control unit 31 that controls the printing unit 25. .

  The cloud server 12 includes a communication unit 32 connected to another device via the network 14, a storage unit 33 that records data, and a control unit 34 that controls each unit.

  The information terminal device 13 is a notebook computer, a tablet terminal, a smart phone, a camera, or the like, and a display unit 35 made of liquid crystal or the like, a communication unit 36 connected to the outside via a network, and a recording medium 15 are detachably connected. A media input / output unit 37 capable of reading and writing data and a control unit 38 capable of controlling each unit are provided.

  The recording medium 15 is, for example, a memory card such as smart media (registered trademark), a USB memory, a magneto-optical disk, or the like, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 11 or the information terminal apparatus 13 to store or read data. Is.

[First Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, data printed by the image forming apparatus 11 is backed up and stored for a certain period. The predetermined period is, for example, about 10 days to 2 weeks, and data is erased when this period is exceeded. This assumes a simple backup service when printing photo data or the like in a store.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process of data stored in a recording medium by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating backup processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating backup data restoration processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

First, the printing process of the image forming apparatus will be described.
The recording medium 15 is connected to the media input / output unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 11 (step S11). The user operates the input unit 22 to select data to be printed from the data stored in the recording medium 15 (step S12). Next, the user performs print settings such as print paper type, paper size, print color, and print layout (step S13).

  When the print control unit 31 in the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 confirms that the user presses the print processing start button of the input unit 22 (step S14), the print control unit 31 causes the printing unit 25 to execute the printing process of the selected data. (Step S15). When the printing process is finished (step S16), the process is finished.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 11 performs the following process as a parallel process simultaneously with the print execution process after step S15. The user confirmation processing unit 30 of the control unit 27 performs a display for confirming the backup processing to the user on the display unit 21 and confirms whether the user performs the backup processing (step S17). If the user does not accept the backup process, the process ends. When the user accepts the backup process, the data protection processing unit 28 of the control unit 27 performs the backup process (step S18).

  The backup confirmation and backup processing in steps S17 and S18 are performed while giving priority to the printing processing, depending on the load status of the image forming apparatus. In other words, if possible, the process is performed in parallel with the print process. If the print process is disturbed, only the print process is performed, and the backup process is performed during the waiting time of the print process.

  Here, the backup process is performed after the print start button in step S14 is pressed. However, at any point in time after the print data is selected in step S12, the backup confirmation and backup process in steps S17 and S18. May be done.

Next, the backup process in step S18 will be described with reference to FIG.
The user confirmation processing unit 30 of the control unit 27 displays on the display unit 21 whether or not the user is a new user and confirms with the user (step S21). If the user is not a new user, the user inputs user registration information (user ID and password) from the input unit 22 and logs in (step S22). If the user is a new user through the input unit 22, user registration information (user ID and password) is set from the input unit 22, and new user registration is performed (step S23). Then, a data storage area for the user is secured in the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage unit 33 of the cloud server 12 (step S24). The backup data is stored in the user data storage area secured in the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage unit 33 of the cloud server 12 (step S25).

  User registration is performed in order to prevent others from accessing the backup data. Here, the user sets user registration information by himself. The backup destination may be the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage unit 33 of the cloud server 12 as described above. When stored in the cloud server 12, for example, data can be accessed from the image forming apparatus 11 of the affiliated store developing the store service, and access is also possible by inputting user registration information from the information terminal device 13 via the Internet. It becomes possible. Whether the backup destination is the image forming apparatus 11 or the cloud server 12 may be set from the beginning or may be selectable by the user.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 11 appropriately sets user registration information (user ID, password) and converts the information into a QR code (registered trademark) so as to avoid troublesome user registration operations, and is provided in the MFP. You may print with the thermal printer for receipt (receipt) printing. The user accesses the data on the cloud by reading the QR code on the printed thermal paper with a mobile phone or the like. The user ID of the user registration information may be generated, for example, by the image forming apparatus 11 from the store information and the processing date, and the password may be generated by randomly combining alphabets and numbers. In this way, the user does not need to set and input user registration information by himself / herself, can save the trouble of storing the information, and can improve operability.

The image forming apparatus 11 or the cloud server 12 stores the data used for printing for a certain period (for example, two weeks). After this period, it is automatically deleted.
The backup service may limit the capacity and delete the user when the capacity is exceeded. Moreover, you may combine both a period and capacity restrictions. Further, whenever the user uses the print many times, the print data is stored and accumulated each time, and the backup data increases.

  Now, assume that after the printing process is finished, the user pulls out the recording medium 15 from the media input / output unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 11 and connects it to the information terminal device 13, for example, a camera. Therefore, when the data is checked, if there is an error and the data cannot be read, the backup data can be read from the image forming apparatus 11 or the cloud server 12 and restored.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, the user confirmation processing unit 30 displays on the display unit 21 a prompt for user login (step S31). When the user inputs user login information from the input unit 22, login processing is performed on the backup service. It performs (step S32). The image forming apparatus 11 or the cloud server 12 confirms whether or not the user is a registered user (step S33). If it is not a registered user, the display unit 21 displays that login is not possible, and the process ends. When it is authenticated that the user is a registered user, the image forming apparatus 11 or the cloud server 12 grants data access permission (step S34). The print data stored in the user data storage area of the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage unit 33 of the cloud server 12 is accessed to read the data, and the data is recorded on the storage medium or another storage medium. (Step S35).

  Thus, since only the data that has undergone the printing process is backed up, the print data can be recovered even if the print data is damaged within the backup service period. In addition, since the backup process is performed in parallel with the print process using the waiting time while giving priority to the print process, the process does not take time and the print process can be prevented from being hindered as much as possible. Further, since the user is asked whether or not to back up in step S17, it is possible to cope with the case where the user determines that the backup is unnecessary.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, in backup processing, data satisfying a predetermined condition is extracted from a storage medium and backed up.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the printing process in the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a recording medium check process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a check history storage process according to the second embodiment.

First, the printing process of this embodiment will be described.
The processing in steps S41 to S46 in FIG. 5 is the same as steps S11 to S16 in the first embodiment in FIG. The following processing is performed in parallel with this printing processing.

  When the recording medium 15 is connected to the media input / output unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 11 (step S41), the data confirmation processing unit 29 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 sets the recording medium 15 in advance. A check is performed (step S47). For example, the time stamp of each data is checked, and the data whose predetermined time has passed (the data from the date of creation or update to the current time exceeding the predetermined value) is extracted. The data protection processing unit 28 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 confirms whether the extracted backup data exists and the backup flag is set (step S48). If there is no extracted data and no flag is set, the process is terminated. When the extracted data exists and the flag is set, the user confirmation processing unit 30 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 displays on the display unit 21 whether or not to back up the extracted data, and inquires the user ( Step S49). When the user operates from the input unit 22 to make a backup, the data protection processing unit 28 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 backs up to the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage unit 33 of the cloud server 12. Is performed (step S50), and the process is terminated. If the user inputs that backup is not performed, the process is terminated without doing anything.

  The backup processing in steps S47 to S50 is performed in parallel with the printing processing in steps S41 to S46. However, as in the first embodiment, the print processing in steps S41 to S46 is performed with priority. Also, it is assumed that the printing process ends in the recording medium check process in step S47, but this case can be dealt with as described below.

A check process for extracting data under a predetermined condition in step S47 will be described with reference to FIG.
The user inputs check conditions in advance, or allows the user to input check conditions on this occasion. For example, as described above, the extraction item is a time stamp of data, and the data extraction condition is data after a certain period of time has passed. The data confirmation processing unit 29 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 extracts data under this predetermined condition (step S61). Here, during the check, it is confirmed whether or not the print control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 11 has finished the printing process (step S62). If not completed, the data confirmation processing unit 29 confirms whether all the data in the recording medium 15 has been checked (step S63). If all the data have not been checked, the process returns to step S61. When all the data has been checked, the process is terminated.

  In step S62, when the printing process is completed in the middle of checking the recording medium 15, the user confirmation processing unit 30 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 displays on the display unit 21 whether to continue the check and informs the user. Confirm (step S64). If the user continues the process, the data confirmation processing unit 29 continues the check and performs data extraction (step S65). This is continued until all data are checked (step S66). If it is determined in step S64 that the user does not continue the check, the data confirmation processing unit 29 stores the history of the checked data in the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage unit 33 of the cloud server 12 (step S67). ). When the check process is completed, the data confirmation processing unit 29 confirms whether or not the extracted data exists (step S68), and if it exists, sets a backup flag (step S69) and performs the process. finish. If the extracted data does not exist, the process ends without setting a flag.

  As described above, when the printing process that is performing the parallel process during the data check process of the recording medium 15 is completed, the process can be performed according to the user's request by asking the user to continue the check process. If the check process is interrupted in the middle of the check, the check history is saved, and when the recording medium 15 is next connected, the history is read and the check process is continued except for the data previously checked. To do.

The check history storage process in step S67 will be described with reference to FIG.
The user confirmation processing unit 30 of the control unit 27 displays on the display unit 21 whether or not the user is a new user and confirms with the user (step S71). If the user is not a new user, the user inputs user registration information (user ID and password) from the input unit 22 and logs in (step S72). If the user is a new user through the input unit 22, user registration information (user ID and password) is set from the input unit 22, and new user registration is performed (step S73). Then, a data storage area for the user is secured in the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage unit 33 of the cloud server 12 (step S74). The check history is stored in the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage unit 33 of the cloud server 12 (step S75).

  The backup process in step S50 is basically the same as the backup process in FIG. However, if the check history is saved in step S67, the new user has already been confirmed in steps S21, S23, and S24 related to the new user, and will be omitted.

  The data recovery from the backup data is the same as the process of the flowchart in FIG.

  Since all the extracted data is backed up, the extracted data can be backed up even if data is damaged. In addition, the extracted data is backed up in parallel with the print process while giving priority to the print process using the waiting time of the print process, etc., so the process does not take time and the print process is not hindered as much as possible. You can

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, backup synchronization is automatically performed from the identification information of the recording medium 15. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing backup processing in the third embodiment. 7 shows another embodiment of the backup process in step S18 in the print process of FIG.

  The recording medium 15 may be provided with identification information (manufacturer ID, product ID, serial number, etc.) so that it can be identified as an individual recording medium. In the present embodiment, this identification information is used for backup.

  Since the recording medium 15 is connected to the media input / output unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 11 (step S11 in FIG. 2), the data confirmation processing unit 29 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 performs the identification information of the recording medium 15. Is read (step S81). Similar to the above-described embodiment, the backup data is stored in the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage unit 33 of the cloud server 12. The data protection processing unit 28 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 It is confirmed whether there is a storage area corresponding to the same identification information in the backup data (step S82). If there is a storage area for the same identification information, backup is performed by synchronizing the data in the recording medium 15 with the data at the storage destination. That is, regarding the backup of the same identification information, the same data is not stored, and the data not in the backup data is stored (step S83). If the storage area of the same identification information does not exist in the storage destination, the user confirmation processing unit 30 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 displays on the display unit 21 whether the user is a new user and confirms with the user (step) S84). If the user is not a new user, a storage area corresponding to the identification information is secured in the user storage area (step S87). If the user is a new user through the input unit 22, user registration information (user ID and password) is set from the input unit 22, and new user registration is performed (step S85). Then, a data storage area for the user is secured in the storage section 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 or the storage section 33 of the cloud server 12 (step S86), and a storage area corresponding to the identification information is secured in the storage area (step S87). . The backup data synchronized with the recording medium is written in the storage area corresponding to the identification information (step S83).

  The image forming apparatus 11 and the cloud server 12 automatically secure a storage area based on the identification information of the recording medium 15 and store backup data there. Whether backup processing or new user registration is to be performed is displayed to prompt the user for confirmation, but may be performed automatically. In that case, it sets based on identification information, and user registration information is printed and shown to the user.

  By creating a backup synchronized with the recording medium 15 as described above, the backup time can be shortened because the same backup data is not saved when the same recording unit is repeatedly backed up.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, refresh processing is performed by detecting deterioration of the recording medium 15.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating print processing according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a refresh process in the fourth embodiment.

First, the printing process of this embodiment will be described.
The processing in steps S91 to S96 in FIG. 9 is the same as steps S11 to S16 in the first embodiment in FIG. The following processing is performed in parallel with this printing processing.

  When the recording medium 15 is connected to the media input / output unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 11 (step S91), the data confirmation processing unit 29 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 sets the recording medium 15 in advance. A defect check is performed (step S97). The condition is, for example, a sector defect of the recording medium 15. When the sector defect reaches a certain amount, the condition for refreshing is set. The data protection processing unit 28 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 confirms whether or not this refresh condition is satisfied (step S98), and ends the process if the condition is not satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the user confirmation processing unit 30 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 displays on the display unit 21 whether or not to refresh the recording medium 15 and inquires the user (step S99). . When the user operates from the input unit 22 to make a backup, the data protection processing unit 28 of the control unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 11 performs a refresh process (step S100) and ends the process. If the user inputs that no refresh is to be performed, the process ends without doing anything.

Next, the refresh process in step S100 will be described with reference to FIG.
All data on the recording medium 15 is backed up in the storage unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 11 (step S101). The recording medium 15 is formatted (step S102). Then, all the backup data is written to the recording medium 15 (step S103).

  Although the predetermined number of defective sectors is used as the refresh condition, it may be based on the refresh history. For example, the refresh history may be stored in a storage area corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium 15, and the refresh determination may be performed based on the refresh date and time information and the number of refresh times included therein. A predetermined time from the previous refresh is set as a refresh condition, and a refresh exceeding a predetermined number of times is disabled.

  In this way, since the refresh process is performed in parallel with the print process using the waiting time while giving priority to the print process, the process does not take time and the print process can be prevented as much as possible.

  The program that operates in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be a program that controls a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like (a program that causes a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments related to the present invention. . Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) during the processing, and then stored in various ROMs such as Flash ROM (Read Only Memory) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive), Reading, correction, and writing are performed by the CPU as necessary. In addition, a program for realizing the function of each component may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing of each unit. Good. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

  The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. The program may be a program for realizing a part of the functions described above, and may be a program capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the invention may be changed in design without departing from the gist of the present invention. Is also included.

10: Data printing system 11: Image forming device 12: Cloud server 13: Information terminal device 14: Network 15: Recording medium 21: Display unit 22: Input unit 23: Communication unit 24: Storage unit 25: Printing unit 26: Media input Output unit 27: control unit 28: data protection processing unit 29: data confirmation processing unit 30: user confirmation processing unit 31: print control unit 32: communication unit 33: storage unit 34: control unit 35: display unit 36: communication unit 37 : Media input / output unit 38: Control unit

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus capable of connecting a recording medium storing data,
A printing unit for printing data read from the recording medium;
Data for backing up the print data read from the recording medium to a storage device in parallel with the processing from the connection of the recording medium to the printing process by the printing unit, and storing the backup data for a certain period of time A protection processing unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus capable of connecting a recording medium storing data,
A printing unit for printing data read from the recording medium;
In parallel with the processing from the connection of the recording medium to the printing process by the printing unit, a data confirmation processing unit that extracts data satisfying a predetermined condition from the recording medium;
A process for backing up the extracted data read from the recording medium to a storage device, and a data protection processing unit for storing the backed up data for a certain period;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined condition is that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since data was stored in the recording medium. An image forming apparatus capable of connecting a recording medium storing data,
A printing unit for printing data read from the recording medium;
A data confirmation processing unit for reading identification information from the recording medium;
In parallel with the processing from the connection of the recording medium to the printing process by the printing unit, the data read from the recording medium is backed up to the data storage area corresponding to the identification information of the storage device, and the backup A data protection processing unit for storing data for a certain period of time;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the backup processing synchronizes data in the data storage area and data on the recording medium. An image forming apparatus capable of connecting a recording medium storing data,
A printing unit for printing data read from the recording medium;
It was confirmed that refresh was necessary in parallel with the data confirmation processing unit for confirming whether the recording medium needs to be refreshed and the processing from the connection of the recording medium to the printing processing by the printing unit. A data protection processing unit for performing a process of refreshing the data of the recording medium,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The data confirmation processing unit confirms a defective sector of the recording medium,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the data protection processing unit performs a refresh when the number of defective sectors exceeds a predetermined value.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the data confirmation processing unit stores a refresh history of the recording medium and determines to perform refresh when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous refresh.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a device connected via a network.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a user confirmation processing unit that confirms whether the user may perform backup processing.

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