JP2016063301A - Image formation device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent or decrease confirmation mistake of correspondence relation between a new image formation device and an old image formation device compared to the case when the correspondence relation is manually confirmed.SOLUTION: Old individual identification information identifying an old image formation device is inputted into a new image formation device for replacement. The old individual identification information is generated on the basis of at least one of setting information of the old image formation device and external device information of the old image formation device. An individual identification information generation unit 22 of the new image formation device generates new individual identification information including the same kind of information as information included in the old individual identification information to identify an own machine on the basis of at least one of setting information of the own machine and external device information of the own machine. The old individual identification information is collated with the new individual identification information on the basis of a collation condition according to the kind of information included in the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information so that a collation result is displayed on a UI part 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

  When the image forming apparatus (old image forming apparatus) is replaced with another image forming apparatus (new image forming apparatus), the new image forming apparatus inherits the setting contents of the old image forming apparatus (for example, data such as a destination). There is.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a system that acquires a setting value from one printer and transmits a setting command for setting the setting value to the other printer.

JP 2010-117843 A

  By the way, if the old image forming apparatus and the new image forming apparatus are not associated with each other, the setting contents of the old image forming apparatus are mistakenly transferred to another image forming apparatus that is not the new image forming apparatus to be replaced. Can cause problems. For example, when a plurality of old image forming apparatuses and a plurality of new image forming apparatuses are replaced at the same time, such a problem may occur when the old and new image forming apparatuses are not associated with each other. However, when information about the new image forming apparatus is not known until the new image forming apparatus is transported to the installation location, it is difficult to perform association in advance. In such a case, for example, when the new image forming apparatus is installed, the operator himself / herself has to confirm the correspondence relationship, which causes a problem that the work for taking over is troublesome. In addition, according to the manual work of the operator, an incorrect association may be made.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent or reduce an error in confirming the correspondence as compared with the case of manually confirming the correspondence with the old image forming apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 1 is generated based on at least one of old setting information set in the old image forming apparatus and information related to an external device of the old image forming apparatus, and the old image forming apparatus is At least one of first acquisition means for acquiring old individual identification information for identification, new setting information set in the own machine for replacement with respect to the old image forming apparatus, and information regarding the external apparatus of the own machine The information including the same type of information as the information included in the old individual identification information, generating means for generating new individual identification information for identifying the own machine, the old individual identification information, An output means for outputting a result of collation with the new individual identification information, wherein collation is performed in accordance with a collation condition according to the type of information included in the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information. And output means for outputting, as an image forming apparatus having a.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the output means outputs a result of collation for each piece of information included in the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information. The image forming apparatus described in the above.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the output means determines whether or not the corresponding information between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information is completely matched according to the type of the individual information. Or the degree of coincidence between the corresponding information between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information is output for each individual information as a result of collation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is a need for a perfect match between the second acquisition means for acquiring data transferred from the old image forming apparatus to the own apparatus, and the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a control unit that prohibits acquisition of the data by the second acquisition unit when the pieces of information to be matched do not match. 5.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the computer is generated based on at least one of the old setting information set in the old image forming apparatus and the information related to the external device of the old image forming apparatus, and the old image is generated. Acquisition means for acquiring old individual identification information for identifying a forming apparatus, new setting information set in a new image forming apparatus for replacement with respect to the old image forming apparatus, and information relating to an external device of the new image forming apparatus Generating means for generating new individual identification information for identifying the new image forming apparatus, including information of the same type as the information included in the old individual identification information, based on at least one of the information , An output means for outputting a result of collation between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information, which is included in the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information And output means for outputting a result of the collation in accordance with the matching condition corresponding to the type of broadcast, a program to function as a.

  According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, as compared with the case where the correspondence relationship with the old image forming apparatus is confirmed manually, the confirmation error of the correspondence relationship is prevented or reduced.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the collation result can be confirmed for each piece of information.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, collation is performed according to the usage environment of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, data takeover mistakes are prevented or reduced as compared to the case where data is acquired when the information for which perfect matching is requested does not match.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows a management apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of a display part. It is a figure which shows an example of data ID and individual identification information. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of a display part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production | generation process of old individual identification information. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a collation process. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the process by an image forming system.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system includes one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10, a management apparatus 40, and a terminal apparatus 60. The image forming apparatus 10, the management apparatus 40, and the terminal apparatus 60 are connected to a communication path N such as a network. In the example shown in FIG. 1, three image forming apparatuses 10 are connected to the communication path N. However, this number is an example, and the number of image forming apparatuses 10 may be one. There may be four or more. Further, the terminal device 60 may not be connected to the communication path N, and a plurality of terminal devices 60 may be connected to the communication path N. Other network devices or the like may be connected to the communication path N.

  The image forming apparatus 10 has, for example, a printer function and a scan function. The image forming apparatus 10 may have a copy function and a facsimile function. The image forming apparatus 10 has a function of transmitting data to the management apparatus 40 and a function of receiving data from the management apparatus 40. The image forming apparatus 10 may have a function of receiving data from the terminal device 60 and storing the data. The management apparatus 40 has a function of receiving data from the image forming apparatus 10 and storing the data. Further, the management apparatus 40 has a function of transmitting data to the image forming apparatus 10. The terminal device 60 is, for example, a device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. The terminal device 60 may have a function of transmitting data to the image forming apparatus 10 and a function of receiving data from the image forming apparatus 10.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as a hard disk. The storage unit 12 stores original data 14 and setting data 16. Further, the storage unit 12 may store image data generated by reading by the image reading unit 34 to be described later, or image data transmitted from the terminal device 60.

  The original data 14 is data for generating individual identification information described later. The original data 14 includes information such as device identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 (own apparatus), network setting information, FAX information of the own apparatus (fax number of the own station), and the like. The device identification information includes, for example, information such as the product name, serial number, name, installation location, contact information, administrator information, and comments of the image forming apparatus 10. The network setting information includes, for example, information such as an IP address, a gateway address, a domain name, DNS / DHCP server information, and authentication server information.

  The setting data 16 is data stored in the own device. The setting data 16 includes, for example, information such as user information, authentication information, destination information, and storage location information regarding the storage location (folder or directory) of image data. The user information is identification information of the user of the image forming apparatus 10 of his / her own, for example, a name or a user ID. The authentication information includes, for example, user information and password information. The password information is information for confirming that the user is the person himself / herself, for example, a password. The destination information includes, for example, information such as the name and name of the facsimile destination, the FAX number of the destination, and the telephone number.

  The user interface unit (UI unit) 18 includes an operation unit and a display unit. The operation unit is an input device such as an operation panel. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

  The control unit 20 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 20 includes an individual identification information generation unit 22, a backup data generation unit 24, a collation unit 26, and an acquisition unit 28.

  The individual identification information generation unit 22 identifies the own device based on at least one of the original data 14 (corresponding to an example of setting information) and the external device information stored in the storage unit 12 of the own device. The individual identification information is generated. Examples of external device information include external server information (for example, management device 40 information), device identification information of other image forming apparatuses 10 that form a cluster in a serverless environment, and other information in the same network. Information such as device identification information of the image forming apparatus 10, information of the terminal device 60, and the like. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the original data 14 includes information on an external device. For example, the individual identification information generation unit 22 may adopt information selected by the operator from the original data 14 as the individual identification information. Hereinafter, when the own image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to the old image forming apparatus (the image forming apparatus 10 to be replaced), the generated individual identification information is referred to as “old individual identification information”. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 10 itself corresponds to the new image forming apparatus (replacement image forming apparatus 10), the generated individual identification information is referred to as “new individual identification information”. In the present embodiment, the old and new image forming apparatuses 10 generate new and old individual identification information using the same type of information.

  The backup data generation unit 24 generates backup data for the setting data 16. This backup data may be the setting data 16 itself or a part of the data included in the setting data 16. For example, data included in the backup data may be selected by the operator using the operation unit of the UI unit 18. The backup data generation unit 24 is used in the old image forming apparatus. This backup data is data carried over from the old image forming apparatus to the new image forming apparatus.

  The collation unit 26 collates the individual identification information of the own device with the individual identification information of another image forming apparatus 10. The collation unit 26 is used in, for example, a new image forming apparatus. In this case, the collation unit 26 collates the new individual identification information of the own apparatus that is the new image forming apparatus with the old individual identification information of the old image forming apparatus. The collation unit 26 may determine whether or not the old and new individual identification information completely match, or may calculate the degree of coincidence between the old and new individual identification information. For example, the collation unit 26 performs either a complete match determination or a coincidence calculation according to the type of information included in the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information. At this time, the collation unit 26 performs collation for each piece of information included in the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information. The control unit 20 may display the collation result on the display unit of the UI unit 18. For example, the control unit 20 displays a collation result for each piece of information on the display unit.

  The acquisition unit 28 is used in a new image forming apparatus. The acquisition unit 28 acquires backup data according to the collation result by the collation unit 26. As will be described later, when backup data is stored in the management device 40, the acquisition unit 28 acquires backup data from the management device 40.

  The communication unit 30 is a communication interface connected to the communication path N. The communication unit 30 has a function of receiving data from other devices and a function of transmitting data to other devices. In the old image forming apparatus, when the backup data is generated by the backup data generation unit 24, the communication unit 30 transmits the backup data to the management device 40. As will be described later, the management device 40 stores backup data. In addition, the management apparatus 40 transmits data identification information (for example, data ID) for identifying backup data to the old image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the backup data. The communication unit 30 receives the data identification information, and the control unit 20 causes the storage unit 12 to store the data identification information, for example.

  The image forming unit 32 forms an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium such as paper. In the old image forming apparatus, the data identification information and the old individual identification information transmitted from the management apparatus 40 may be printed on a sheet by the image forming unit 32. Hereinafter, a sheet on which these pieces of information are printed is referred to as a “collation sheet”.

  The image reading unit 34 reads an image formed on a recording medium such as paper. Thereby, image data is generated. In the new image forming apparatus, the image on the verification sheet may be read by the image reading unit 34. In this case, verification image data representing the data identification information and the old individual identification information is generated. The collation unit 26 of the new image forming apparatus collates the old individual identification information represented in the image data for collation with the new individual identification information of the own apparatus. For example, the control unit 20 of the new image forming apparatus reads the old individual identification information from the verification image data by executing an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) process on the verification image data. The collation unit 26 collates the read old individual identification information and new individual identification information.

  Note that the control unit 20 of the old image forming apparatus may store the data identification information and the old individual identification information in a recording medium other than paper. For example, the control unit 20 may store such information in a portable recording medium such as a USB memory or an optical disk. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may transmit the information to the management device 40 and the information may be stored in the management device 40. In such a case, at the time of verification, the verification unit 26 acquires the old individual identification information from the recording medium or the management device 40 and performs verification.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the management device 40. The communication unit 42 is a communication interface connected to the communication path N. The communication unit 42 has a function of receiving data from other devices and a function of transmitting data to other devices. For example, the communication unit 42 has a function of receiving backup data from the image forming apparatus 10, a function of transmitting backup data to the image forming apparatus 10, and a function of transmitting data identification information of backup data to the image forming apparatus 10. ing.

  Backup data 46 is stored in the storage unit 44. This backup data 46 is data generated by the old image forming apparatus and transmitted to the management apparatus 40.

  The control unit 48 controls the operation of each unit of the management device 40. The control unit 48 includes an identification information generation unit 50. The identification information generation unit 50 generates data identification information (for example, a data ID) for identifying the backup data 46. The control unit 48 stores the backup data and the data identification information in the storage unit 44 in association with each other.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen for selecting information used as individual identification information. The control unit 20 displays the screen 70 on the display unit of the UI unit 18. This screen 70 is displayed on the display unit of the UI unit 18 of the old image forming apparatus, for example. Reference numeral 72 indicates the contents of the original data 14. A selection button 74 is displayed on the screen 70. When an operator uses the operation unit of the UI unit 18 and presses the selection button 74, information used as individual identification information is selected. In the example shown in FIG. 4, “network setting”, “FAX setting”, and “identification information of other devices” are selected (the selection button 74 is indicated by a black circle in the figure). In this case, the network setting information, FAX information, and device identification information of the external device in the original data 14 are included in the individual identification information by the individual identification information generation unit 22. These examples are merely examples. For example, individual information (IP address, gateway address, etc.) in the network setting information may be individually selected as individual identification information.

  Reference numeral 76 denotes an item for selecting a matching condition. For example, either “complete match” or “match degree calculation” is selected for each piece of information. The selection button 78 is a button for selecting “complete match”. The selection button 80 is a button for selecting “Match level calculation”. When the operator uses the operation unit of the UI unit 18 and presses the selection buttons 78 and 80, either “complete match” or “calculation of match” is selected. As an example, “complete match” is selected for “network setting” and “FAX setting” (the selection button 78 is indicated by a black circle in the figure). For “identification information of other devices”, “computation degree calculation” is selected (the selection button 80 is indicated by a black circle in the figure). At the time of collation, the collation unit 26 collates the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information according to the selected collation condition. For example, when “complete match” is selected, the collation unit 26 determines whether or not the information for which “complete match” is selected completely matches between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information. Then, the determination result is output. When “match degree calculation” is selected, the collation unit 26 calculates the degree of match between the information for which “match degree calculation” is selected between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information, The degree of match is output.

  Note that the matching condition may not be selected. In this case, information for which no matching condition has been selected is treated as if “perfect match” was selected. Further, the collation condition may not be selected. In this case, the item indicated by reference numeral 76 and the selection buttons 78 and 80 are not displayed on the screen 70.

  When the information used as the individual identification information and the matching condition are selected on the screen 70 and the generation button 82 is pressed by the operator, the individual identification information generation unit 22 of the old image forming apparatus performs the old individual identification according to the selection. Generate information. The image forming unit 32 of the old image forming apparatus prints the data identification information and the old individual identification information on a sheet. When the collation condition is selected, the image forming unit 32 prints collation condition information indicating the collation condition of each information on a sheet. When a recording medium other than paper is used, data identification information, old individual identification information, and verification condition information are stored in the recording medium. Also, type information indicating the type of information used as the individual identification information (for example, IP address, FAX number, etc.) may be printed on paper or stored on a recording medium.

  Information used as individual identification information may be determined in advance. In this case, the screen 70 is not displayed on the display unit. Alternatively, information set as default may be displayed on the screen 70, and information used as individual identification information may be added or deleted by the worker.

  Here, specific examples 1 to 4 of individual identification information and collation conditions will be described. The information used as the individual identification information is assumed to be selected according to, for example, the operation status of the image forming apparatus 10 or the user's needs. For example, information that is assumed to be completely identical between the new and old image forming apparatuses 10, that is, information that can be used in common in the old and new image forming apparatuses 10 is assumed to be used as the individual identification information. . In addition, it is assumed that information that is assumed to have a relatively high degree of match between the new and old image forming apparatuses 10 is used as individual identification information. That is, it is assumed that information that can determine that the new image forming apparatus is a replacement apparatus is used as the individual identification information.

(Specific example 1)
Assume that a fixed IP address is assigned to the old image forming apparatus and the same fixed IP address is scheduled to be assigned to the new image forming apparatus. In this case, since the IP address is a fixed value, it is assumed that the IP address is used as individual identification information. In addition, it is assumed that a perfect match of IP addresses is required as a verification condition. That is, if the fixed IP addresses completely match between the new and old image forming apparatuses 10, it is estimated that the new image forming apparatus is a device for replacing the old image forming apparatus. On the other hand, if the fixed IP addresses do not match, it is estimated that the new image forming apparatus is not a replacement apparatus. As described above, the fixed IP address is information that can determine that the new image forming apparatus is an apparatus for replacing the old image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is assumed that the fixed IP address is used as the individual identification information and “complete match” is selected as the matching condition. When the fixed IP address is used as the individual identification information, the control unit 20 acquires the backup data by the acquisition unit 28 only when the fixed IP address completely matches between the old and new individual identification information. May be allowed. When the two fixed IP addresses do not completely match, the control unit 20 prohibits the acquisition unit 28 from acquiring backup data. Thereby, backup data is acquired by the correct new image forming apparatus for replacement. Even when there is no perfect match, backup data takeover mistakes are prevented or reduced as compared with the case where the acquisition of backup data is allowed.

(Specific example 2)
Assume that the IP address of the image forming apparatus 10 is assigned by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). In this case, since the IP address is not a fixed value, it is assumed that the IP address is not used as individual identification information. That is, since the IP address fluctuates, it is difficult to determine whether or not the new image forming apparatus is a device for replacing the old image forming apparatus even if this IP address is used as individual identification information. . Thus, this IP address is not information that can be used to determine that the new image forming apparatus is a replacement apparatus for the old image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is assumed that this IP address is not used as individual identification information.

(Specific example 3)
When the same FAX number (local number) is scheduled to be used in the old and new image forming apparatuses 10, it is assumed that the FAX number is used as individual identification information. Further, it is assumed that the FAX number is required to be completely matched as a collation condition. That is, if the FAX numbers completely match between the old and new image forming apparatuses 10, it is estimated that the new image forming apparatus is a device for replacing the old image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when the FAX numbers do not match, it is estimated that the new image forming apparatus is not a replacement apparatus. As described above, the FAX number is information that can determine that the new image forming apparatus is an apparatus for replacing the old image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is assumed that the FAX number is used as the individual identification information and “complete match” is selected as the matching condition. In addition, when the FAX number is used as the individual identification information, the control unit 20 permits the acquisition of the backup data by the acquisition unit 28 only when the FAX number completely matches between the old and new individual identification information. May be. When the two FAX numbers do not completely match, the control unit 20 prohibits the acquisition unit 28 from acquiring backup data. Thereby, backup data is acquired by the correct new image forming apparatus for replacement. Even when there is no perfect match, backup data takeover mistakes are prevented or reduced as compared with the case where the acquisition of backup data is allowed.

(Specific example 4)
It is assumed that a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 are to be replaced at the same time, and each image forming apparatus 10 is set in a separate room. In addition, it is assumed that the network in each room is operated in different subnets. In this case, it is assumed that the MAC address of the peripheral device in the subnet is used as the individual identification information. That is, it is assumed that peripheral devices in the subnet are different for each subnet. Therefore, by using the MAC address of the peripheral device in the subnet as the individual identification information, it can be determined that the new image forming apparatus is a device for replacing the old image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is assumed that the MAC address of the peripheral device is used as the individual identification information. On the other hand, depending on the timing, the peripheral device may be turned off or the peripheral device may be temporarily removed from the subnet. Therefore, even if the new image forming apparatus is an apparatus for replacing the old image forming apparatus, the MAC addresses of the peripheral devices may not completely match between the old and new image forming apparatuses 10. Therefore, it is assumed that “matching degree calculation” is required as a matching condition. At the time of collation, for example, the collation unit 26 calculates, as the degree of coincidence, the number and ratio of matching MAC addresses in old and new individual identification information. At this time, when the degree of coincidence (number or ratio) is equal to or greater than the threshold, the collation unit 26 may determine that the MAC addresses match in the old and new individual identification information. Of course, “complete match” may be selected as the matching condition. In this case, the collation unit 26 determines whether or not the MAC addresses completely match in the new and old individual identification information.

  The specific example described above is merely an example, and different information may be used as the individual identification information depending on the operation status of the image forming apparatus 10 or the user's needs, or another matching condition may be selected.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of collation paper. The verification sheet is created by the old image forming apparatus, and has data identification information and old individual identification information printed thereon. The data ID “data0001” is an example of data identification information of backup data. As the old individual identification information, for example, network setting information, a FAX number, and peripheral device information (external device information) are printed on paper. As shown in FIG. 4, when the collation condition is selected, the collation condition information indicating the collation condition of each information is also printed on the collation paper. In addition, type information indicating the type of information used as the individual identification information may be printed on the verification sheet.

  At the time of collation, the image on the collation paper shown in FIG. 5 is read by the image reading unit 34 of the new image forming apparatus. The control unit 20 of the new image forming apparatus reads the data ID “data0001” and the old individual identification information from the verification image data by performing OCR processing on the verification image data generated by the reading. When the collation condition information and type information are printed on the collation paper, the information is also read from the collation image data. The old individual identification information and verification condition information are used for verification processing, and the data ID is used for backup data acquisition processing. The type information is used for generating new individual identification information.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen showing the collation result. The control unit 20 displays this screen 90 on the display unit of the UI unit 18. This screen 90 is displayed on the display unit of the UI unit 18 of the new image forming apparatus, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 6, an IP address, a FAX number, a gateway IP address, and peripheral device information (external device information) are used as individual identification information. In this case, the collation unit 26 performs collation conditions according to individual information for each of the IP address, FAX number, gateway IP address, and peripheral device information between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information. Check according to. Specifically, the collation unit 26 collates the IP address included in the old individual identification information and the IP address included in the new individual identification information according to the collation condition for the IP address. The same applies to other information. For example, with respect to the IP address, FAX number, and gateway IP address, it is determined whether or not the old and new individual identification information completely match. For the peripheral device information, the degree of match is calculated. Of course, these are only examples, and other information may be used as the individual identification information.

  For example, with respect to “IP address”, the collation result is “not matched because of DHCP”. That is, since the IP address fluctuates, a collation result “not matched” is obtained. The collation result “same” is obtained for “FAX number” and “IP address of gateway”. Further, as “peripheral device information”, a collation result “six devices are the same” is obtained. This number indicates, for example, the number of matching MAC addresses in the old and new individual identification information. Of course, the matching MAC address ratio may be calculated by the matching unit 26 and displayed on the display unit. Note that when the number or ratio of the matching MAC addresses is equal to or greater than the threshold, the matching unit 26 may determine that the peripheral device information matches in the old and new individual identification information.

  The collation unit 26 may determine whether or not the new image forming apparatus corresponds to a replacement apparatus based on the collation result (matching degree). For example, when the number of pieces of information (items) that match between the old and new individual identification information is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the collation unit 26 determines that the new image forming apparatus corresponds to the replacement apparatus. At this time, for information (items) whose degree of match is calculated, such as “peripheral device information”, when the degree of match (number or ratio) is equal to or greater than a threshold, the old and new individual identification information matches It is determined that In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, it is assumed that “peripheral device information” is determined to match in the old and new individual identification information. On the other hand, when the number of pieces of information (items) that match between the old and new individual identification information is less than the threshold, the collation unit 26 determines that the new image forming apparatus is not a replacement apparatus. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, it is determined that “FAX number”, “gateway IP address”, and “peripheral device information” match between the old and new individual identification information. Accordingly, the collation unit 26 determines that the new image forming apparatus corresponds to the replacement apparatus. For example, the control unit 20 displays a message such as “... is considered to be a replacement device” on the screen 90 of the display unit.

  The worker refers to the collation result shown in FIG. 6 and determines whether or not it is necessary to acquire backup data. On the screen 90, for example, a button 92 for instructing acquisition and a button 94 for rejecting acquisition are displayed. When the operator presses the button 92 using the operation unit of the UI unit 18, the acquisition unit 28 acquires backup data. For example, when the worker refers to the collation result of each information and determines that the new image forming apparatus is a replacement apparatus, the operator instructs acquisition of backup data. On the other hand, when the operator determines that the new image forming apparatus is not a replacement apparatus, the operator does not instruct acquisition of backup data. When the button 94 is pressed, the process ends.

  The acquisition of backup data by the new image forming apparatus may be permitted only when the FAX numbers completely match between the old and new individual identification information. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the same applies to the fixed IP address. When both FAX numbers (fixed IP addresses) match, for example, the control unit 20 of the new image forming apparatus accepts pressing of a button 92 for an acquisition instruction, and causes the acquisition unit 28 to acquire backup data. If both FAX numbers (fixed IP addresses) do not match, the control unit 20 does not accept pressing of the button 92. This prohibits the acquisition of backup data by the new image forming apparatus. Alternatively, when both FAX numbers (fixed IP addresses) do not match, the control unit 20 may not display the button 92 in the screen 90.

  Next, an example of generation processing of old individual identification information will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is executed by the old image forming apparatus.

  First, the operator uses the operation unit of the UI unit 18 of the old image forming apparatus to instruct generation of old individual identification information (S01). The individual identification information generation unit 22 of the old image forming apparatus collects original data (S02). At this time, the individual identification information generation unit 22 sends the original data (the original data 14 stored in the storage unit 12 of the own device and the external device connected to the communication path N (for example, another image forming apparatus 10, Information) of the management device 40 and the terminal device 60). Next, the individual identification information generation unit 22 generates old individual identification information based on the original data (S03). For example, the individual identification information generation unit 22 includes information selected by the worker in the old individual identification information. When the old individual identification information is generated, the old individual identification information is output (S04). For example, the old individual identification information is printed on the sheet by the image forming unit 32. Alternatively, the old individual identification information may be stored in a portable recording medium.

  Next, an example of the collation process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is executed by the new image forming apparatus.

  First, the operator instructs collation using the operation unit of the UI unit 18 of the new image forming apparatus (S10). Subsequently, the old individual identification information is input to the new image forming apparatus (S11). For example, when the old individual identification information is printed on a sheet (collation sheet), the image on the collation sheet is read by the image reading unit 34 of the new image forming apparatus. Thereby, image data representing the old individual identification information is generated. When the old individual identification information is stored in the portable recording medium, the old individual identification information is input to the new image forming apparatus via the portable recording medium. The individual identification information generation unit 22 of the new image forming apparatus includes original data (the original data 14 stored in the storage unit 12 of the own device and an external device connected to the communication path N (for example, another image forming apparatus). 10, information on the management device 40 and the terminal device 60) is collected (S12). Next, the individual identification information generation unit 22 generates new individual identification information including the same type of information as the old individual identification information based on the original data (S13). Then, the collation unit 26 of the new image forming apparatus collates the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information (S14), and outputs a collation result (S15). For example, the collation unit 26 collates each piece of information included in the old and new individual identification information and outputs a collation result for each piece of information. The operator refers to the collation result and instructs whether or not to acquire backup data. When an acquisition instruction is given by the operator, the acquisition unit 28 of the new image forming apparatus acquires backup data of the old image forming apparatus (S16). This backup data is stored as setting data 16 in the storage unit 12 of the new image forming apparatus (S17).

  Next, an example of overall processing when the old and new image forming apparatuses 10 are replaced will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In the stage before the replacement, the setting data 16 is not stored in the storage unit 12 of the new image forming apparatus.

  First, the operator uses the operation unit of the UI unit 18 of the old image forming apparatus to instruct generation of backup data of the old image forming apparatus. The backup data generation unit 24 of the old image forming apparatus generates backup data of the setting data 16 stored in the storage unit 12 of the old image forming apparatus according to the instruction (S20). At this time, part or all of the setting data 16 is included in the backup data. The communication unit 30 of the old image forming apparatus transmits backup data to the management apparatus 40 (S21). The control unit 48 of the management device 40 stores the backup data in the storage unit 44 (S22). Further, the identification information generation unit 50 generates a data ID for identifying the backup data (S23). The control unit 48 associates the data ID with the backup data. The communication unit 42 of the management apparatus 40 transmits the data ID to the old image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the backup data (S24).

  The individual identification information generation unit 22 of the old image forming apparatus collects original data (original data 14 of the own device, information of the external device) (S25), and generates old individual identification information from the original data (S26). For example, the control unit 20 of the old image forming apparatus displays the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 4 on the display unit of the UI unit 18. The worker selects information used as the old individual identification information in consideration of the operation status of the old image forming apparatus, user needs, and the like. In addition, the worker may select a collation condition for each information. The individual identification information generation unit 22 includes information selected by the worker in the old individual identification information. Then, the image forming unit 32 of the old image forming apparatus prints the data ID and the old individual identification information transmitted from the management apparatus 40 on a sheet (S27). Thereby, the collation paper shown in FIG. 5 is created. When the collation condition (“complete match” or “match degree calculation”) is selected, the collation condition information is also printed on the collation paper. Also, type information indicating the type of information used as the old individual identification information may be printed on the verification paper. The old individual identification information or the like may be stored in a portable recording medium without being printed on paper.

  Next, the operator moves to the new image forming apparatus and instructs the new image forming apparatus to read the verification sheet. The image reading unit 34 of the new image forming apparatus reads the image on the verification paper in accordance with the instruction (S28). Thereby, the image data for collation showing data ID and old individual identification information is generated. When the collation condition information and type information are also printed on the collation paper, the information is also displayed in the collation image data. For example, the control unit 20 reads the data ID, the old individual identification information, the matching condition information, and the type information from the matching image data by executing an OCR process on the matching image data. When old individual identification information or the like is stored in the portable recording medium, the old individual identification information or the like is input to the new image forming apparatus via the portable recording medium. Next, the individual identification information generation unit 22 of the new image forming apparatus collects original data (original data 14 of the own device, information of the external apparatus) (S29), and generates new individual identification information from the original data ( S30). At this time, the individual identification information generation unit 22 generates new individual identification information including the same type of information as the old individual identification information. For example, the individual identification information generation unit 22 generates new individual identification information including information of the same type as the old individual identification information represented in the matching image data. Alternatively, the individual identification information generation unit 22 may generate new individual identification information including the type information indicated by the type information with reference to the type information. To explain with a specific example, when the old individual identification information includes the fixed IP address of the old image forming apparatus, the individual identification information generating unit 22 of the new image forming apparatus uses the fixed IP address of the new image forming apparatus. Is included in the new individual identification information. Then, the collation unit 26 of the new image forming apparatus collates the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information (S31), and outputs a collation result (S32). When the matching condition is specified and the matching condition information is represented in the matching image data, the matching unit 26 performs matching according to the matching condition. For example, the collation unit 26 collates each piece of information according to the collation conditions for each piece of information included in the old and new individual identification information, and outputs a collation result for each piece of information. The control unit 20 displays the collation result on the display unit of the UI unit 18 as shown in FIG. When the operator instructs acquisition of backup data using the operation unit of the UI unit 18, the acquisition unit 28 of the new image forming apparatus transmits a data ID to the management apparatus 40 (S33). The control unit 48 of the management apparatus 40 acquires backup data corresponding to the data ID from the storage unit 44, and the communication unit 42 transmits the backup data to the new image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the data ID (S34). . The control unit 20 of the new image forming apparatus stores the backup data transmitted from the management apparatus 40 in the storage unit 12 as the setting data 16 (S35).

  Note that the acquisition unit 28 may acquire backup data from the management device 40 according to the collation result without depending on the operator's instruction. For example, when the number of pieces of information (items) that match between the old and new individual identification information is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the acquisition unit 28 may acquire backup data from the management device 40.

  As described above, when checking the correspondence manually by comparing the old individual identification information generated by the old image forming apparatus with the new individual identification information generated by the new image forming apparatus In comparison, the new and old image forming apparatuses can be easily associated with each other, and an association error can be prevented or reduced. Further, compared to the case of handing over manually, the backup data can be easily transferred from the old image forming apparatus to the new image forming apparatus, and mistakes in data takeover can be prevented or reduced. For example, by including the destination data in the backup data, the migration of the destination data becomes simple. When this transition is performed manually, it is assumed that the operator manually inputs individual destinations to the new image forming apparatus. In this case, an input error may occur, and the time required for the input increases. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, compared to the case of manual input, the migration of destination data is simplified, data migration errors are prevented or reduced, and the time required for the migration is shortened.

  Further, when the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 are replaced, and the outer shapes of the plurality of new image forming apparatuses are the same or substantially the same, the individual new image forming apparatuses are distinguished from each other only by the outer shape, and the individual old image forming apparatuses are distinguished. It is not easy to associate with. In this embodiment, even in such a case, since the new and old image forming apparatuses are collated using the individual identification information, each new image forming apparatus is distinguished and corresponds to each old image forming apparatus. Attached.

  Further, by printing the old individual identification information on a sheet, the correspondence between the new and old image forming apparatuses can be confirmed by the operator. In the new image forming apparatus, the old individual identification information is input to the new image forming apparatus by reading the paper. Therefore, compared with the case where old individual identification information is input manually, the input becomes simple.

  In this embodiment, a matching condition is selected for each piece of information used as individual identification information. Thereby, collation processing according to the operational status of the image forming apparatus 10 and the needs of the user is executed.

(Another embodiment)
The control unit 48 of the management device 40 may manage the download history of each backup data. For example, when the backup data corresponding to the data ID transmitted from the new image forming apparatus has been downloaded, the control unit 48 transmits information indicating that the data has been downloaded to the new image forming apparatus. The control unit 20 of the new image forming apparatus displays information indicating that the download has been completed on the display unit of the UI unit 18. Thereby, it can be confirmed by the operator whether there is an error in the data migration processing. For example, when an image on the same verification sheet is erroneously read by a plurality of new image forming apparatuses, it can be confirmed by an operator whether there is an error in the processing.

  Further, the control unit 48 of the management device 40 may count the number of times each backup data is downloaded. In this case, the control unit 48 may prohibit downloading of backup data whose number of downloads is equal to or greater than a threshold.

(Still another embodiment)
The backup data may be transferred to a plurality of new image forming apparatuses. In this case, the backup data may be classified into common data and individual data. The common data is data that is transferred to all of the plurality of new image forming apparatuses. The individual data is data transferred separately to each new image forming apparatus. To give a specific example, the destination data includes 100 destinations, the first to 50th destination data is used as common data, and the 51st to 100th destination data is individual data. Assumed to be used as For example, it is assumed that only common data is transferred to the new image forming apparatus A, and common data and individual data are transferred to the new image forming apparatus B. In this case, the control unit 48 of the management device 40 may classify the backup data into common data and individual data. Alternatively, individual data for each new image forming apparatus may be generated in advance and stored in the storage unit 44 of the management apparatus 40. In this case, the new individual identification information and the individual data are stored in the storage unit 44 in association with each other. When receiving the data ID from the new image forming apparatus, the control unit 48 of the management apparatus 40 transmits individual data and common data corresponding to the new image forming apparatus to the new image forming apparatus.

  Further, the communication unit 30 of the old image forming apparatus may transmit the old individual identification information to the management apparatus 40. The control unit 48 of the management device 40 stores the data ID, the old individual identification information, and the backup data in the storage unit 44 in association with each other. When the data ID is transmitted from the new image forming apparatus to the management apparatus 40, the control unit 48 of the management apparatus 40 transmits old individual identification information corresponding to the data ID to the new image forming apparatus. The collation unit 26 of the new image forming apparatus collates the old individual identification information transmitted from the management apparatus 40 with the new individual identification information. As described above, the old individual identification information may be transmitted from the management apparatus 40 to the new image forming apparatus.

  Note that the matching process may be executed by the management device 40. In this case, the communication unit 30 of the new image forming apparatus sends the old individual identification information input by image reading or the like, the new individual identification information of the own device, and the data ID input by image reading or the like to the management apparatus 40. Send. The control unit 48 of the management apparatus 40 collates the old individual identification information transmitted from the new image forming apparatus with the new individual identification information, and transmits information indicating the collation result to the new image forming apparatus. The control unit 20 of the new image forming apparatus displays the collation result on the display unit of the UI unit 18. When the operator gives an instruction to acquire backup data, information indicating the instruction is transmitted from the new image forming apparatus to the management apparatus 40. The communication unit 42 of the management apparatus 40 transmits backup data to the new image forming apparatus according to the instruction. Alternatively, the communication unit 42 of the management apparatus 40 may transmit backup data to the new image forming apparatus according to the result of the collation without depending on the operator's instruction.

  The individual identification information may be generated by the management device 40. In this case, the old and new image forming apparatuses 10 transmit the original data collected by themselves to the management apparatus 40. The control unit 48 of the management device 40 generates new and old individual identification information based on the original data. The old individual identification information is transmitted from the management apparatus 40 to the old image forming apparatus, and the new individual identification information is transmitted from the management apparatus 40 to the new image forming apparatus.

  In the above embodiment, the backup data is provided to the new image forming apparatus via the management apparatus 40, but the backup data may be provided to the new image forming apparatus by another method. For example, the new image forming apparatus and the old image forming apparatus may be directly connected. In this case, the acquisition unit 28 of the new image forming apparatus directly acquires backup data from the old image forming apparatus according to the collation result. Alternatively, the backup data may be stored on a portable recording medium. In this case, the acquisition unit 28 of the new image forming apparatus acquires backup data from the portable recording medium connected to the new image forming apparatus according to the collation result. In such a case, the management device 40 is not used, and backup data is not transmitted to the management device 40.

  In the present embodiment, the old image forming apparatus may not include the collation unit 26 and the acquisition unit 28. Further, the new image forming apparatus may not include the backup data generation unit 24.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by cooperation of hardware resources and software. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a processor such as a CPU (not shown). The function of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the processor reading and executing a program stored in a storage device (not shown). The program is stored in the storage device via a storage medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. Alternatively, each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by hardware resources such as a processor and an electronic circuit. In the realization, a device such as a memory may be used.

  Moreover, the management apparatus 40 is implement | achieved by cooperation with a hardware resource and software as an example. Specifically, the management device 40 includes a processor such as a CPU (not shown). The processor reads out and executes a program stored in a storage device (not shown), thereby realizing functions of each unit of the management device 40. The program is stored in the storage device via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. Or each part of the management apparatus 40 may be implement | achieved by hardware resources, such as a processor and an electronic circuit, for example. In the realization, a device such as a memory may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus, 12, 44 Storage part, 14 original data, 16 Setting data, 18 User interface part (UI part), 20, 48 Control part, 22 Individual identification information generation part, 24 Backup data generation part, 26 Verification part 28 Acquiring unit 30, 42 Communication unit 32 Image forming unit 34 Image reading unit 40 Management device 46 Backup data 50 Identification information generating unit 60 Terminal device

Claims (5)

Old individual identification information for identifying the old image forming apparatus, which is generated based on at least one of the old setting information set in the old image forming apparatus and the information related to the external device of the old image forming apparatus First acquisition means for acquiring
Information included in the old individual identification information based on at least one of the new setting information set in the own machine for replacement with respect to the old image forming apparatus and the information on the external apparatus of the own machine And generating means for generating new individual identification information for identifying the own device,
Output means for outputting a result of collation between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information, and a collation condition according to the type of information included in the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information Output means for outputting the result of matching according to
An image forming apparatus. The output means outputs a result of collation for each piece of information included in the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The output means, depending on the type of the individual information, a result indicating whether or not corresponding information between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information is completely matched, or the old One of the degrees of coincidence between pieces of information corresponding between the individual identification information and the new individual identification information is output for each individual information as a result of matching,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. Second acquisition means for acquiring data transferred from the old image forming apparatus to the own apparatus;
A control means for prohibiting the acquisition of the data by the second acquisition means when the information required to be completely matched between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information does not match,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. Computer
Old individual identification information for identifying the old image forming apparatus, which is generated based on at least one of the old setting information set in the old image forming apparatus and the information related to the external device of the old image forming apparatus Obtaining means for obtaining
Included in the old individual identification information based on at least one of the new setting information set in the new image forming apparatus for replacement with respect to the old image forming apparatus and the information related to the external device of the new image forming apparatus Generating means for generating new individual identification information for identifying the new image forming apparatus;
Output means for outputting a result of collation between the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information, and a collation condition according to the type of information included in the old individual identification information and the new individual identification information Output means for outputting the result of matching according to
Program to function as.

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