JP2017202579A - Image forming device and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device that can execute backup for shorter period of time than before without forcing a user to bear a burden and a control method for the image forming device.SOLUTION: The image forming device comprises: a control portion; and a memorizing portion for memorizing first count values constituted of at least one kind of count values and second count values constituted of at least one kind of count values. The control portion includes: a first backup portion which periodically backs up the first count values and the second count values into memories; a second backup portion which when receiving an instruction, backs up the first count values into the memories; and a predicting portion which predicts the second count values to be used for restoration, on the basis of at least either one of the first count values memorized in the memories related to the second count values and the plurality of second count values memorized in the memories.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a backup function.

  Concerning restoration technology for image forming devices, device settings and address book are backed up to an external storage medium such as a memory card or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and the backed up data is restored in case of device failure. Thus, a technique for efficiently restoring the image forming apparatus is used.

  Regarding backup in an image forming apparatus, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-135782 (Patent Document 1) discloses a first backup condition for automatically backing up processing history data at predetermined time intervals, and the processing history in a data file. A second backup condition for automatically backing up this processing history data when a predetermined amount of data is written is displayed on the setting screen so that it can be selectively set, and the backup interval and backup start date and time are set. The structure displayed on the same screen as the setting screen as possible is disclosed.

  The in-vehicle terminal device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-105649 (Patent Document 2) sends customized data, which is data specific to the vehicle, to the information center as it is, and a standard used in the same manner in various vehicles. As for data, the data amount for backup is reduced by adopting a configuration in which an identification code is sent to the information center instead of standard data.

  An image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-135545 (Patent Document 3) is a storage area or backup that is backed up according to whether or not the image data to be processed relates to a type of processing that requires backup. It accumulates in one of the storage areas that are not.

  An image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-094155 (Patent Document 4) includes management information selection means for selecting storage management information to be stored in a removable memory from management information. When receiving the save instruction, the save management information is saved in the removable memory.

JP 2008-135782 A JP-A-11-105649 JP 2002-135545 A JP 2007-094155 A

  By the way, when some abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, the user can back up the data of the image forming apparatus at that time in preparation for a case where data stored in the image forming apparatus is lost due to a failure. is there.

  Backup according to such an abnormality is normally performed while the user is using the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is desirable that the backup corresponding to the abnormality is performed in a short time so as not to hinder the user's business.

  However, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not take any consideration into shortening the backup time.

  In addition, the in-vehicle terminal device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured to omit backup of standard data that other vehicles also have, and the standard data may be stored in advance in an external device such as another vehicle. It is a premise. Further, since the in-vehicle terminal device is configured to perform backup for all customization data that is unique to the vehicle, there is a problem that backup takes a long time if the customization data has a large capacity.

  Further, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3 is configured to determine that the image data captured by the scanner is data that can be recaptured and omit backup, and the user can re-import the image data. There is a problem of forcing a burden.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 4 requires the user to select data to be backed up at the time of backup, which imposes a burden on the user and may cause forgetting to back up necessary data. There is.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object in one aspect is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing backup in a shorter time than before without imposing a burden on the user, and It is to provide a method for controlling the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus includes a control unit and a storage unit for storing a first count value configured by at least one type of count value and a second count value configured by at least one type of count value. The control unit includes a first backup unit that periodically backs up the first count value and the second count value in a memory, a second backup unit that backs up the first count value in the memory when an instruction is received, The second count value used for restoration is based on the first count value stored in the memory associated with the second count value and the count value of at least one of the plurality of second count values stored in the memory. And a prediction unit for making predictions.

  When the control unit receives an instruction to restore the storage unit, and the previous backup based on the timing at which the instruction is received is executed by the second backup unit, the control unit predicts the first A restoration unit that restores using the 2 count value is further included.

  The prediction unit performs the second operation at any one of the timing at which the restoration instruction for the storage unit is received and the timing at which the previous backup by the second backup unit is performed based on the timing at which the instruction is received. Predict the count value.

  The first count value includes at least one count value of the number of printed sheets for each paper size and the number of times of use for each function installed in the image forming apparatus.

  The control unit further includes a determination unit for determining whether the count value stored in the storage unit is included in the first count value or the second count value.

  The control unit is configured to be able to switch between the first mode and the second mode. The determination unit determines that the count value used in the first mode is included in the first count value, and determines that the count value used in the second mode is included in the second count value.

  The control unit further includes a holding unit that holds a reference history for each count value stored in the storage unit. The determination unit refers to the reference history to determine whether the count value stored in the storage unit is included in the first count value or the second count value.

  The determining unit refers to the reference history, determines that the count value that has been referred to among the count values stored in the storage unit is included in the first count value, and the count value that has not been referred to Is included in the second count value.

  The count value stored in the storage unit includes flag information related to backup. The determination unit determines whether the count value stored in the storage unit is included in the first count value or the second count value based on the flag information.

  The determination unit determines whether or not the related setting is valid for each of the count values stored in the storage unit, and the count value for which the related setting is determined to be valid is included in the first count value. It is determined that the count value for which the related setting is invalid is included in the second count value.

  The prediction unit is configured to predict the second count value used for restoration based on a plurality of second count values stored in the memory. The control unit further includes a prediction number counting unit that counts the number of predictions restored as the count value included in the second count value for each of the count values stored in the storage unit. The determination unit determines that, for each count value stored in the storage unit, a count value for which the number of predictions exceeds a predetermined number is included in the first count value.

  The second backup unit backs up the first and second count values in the memory when the period in which the first backup unit performs backup is longer than a predetermined period.

  The prediction unit predicts the second count value by multiplying the first count value by a predetermined parameter value related to the first count value.

  A control method for the image forming apparatus to back up the count value stored in the storage unit to the memory includes a step of periodically backing up the first count value and the second count value stored in the storage unit to the memory. A step of backing up the first count value in a memory when an instruction is received, a second count value used for restoration, a first count value stored in a memory associated with the second count value, and a memory Predicting based on at least one of the plurality of second count values stored in.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the control method according to the embodiment, backup can be executed in a shorter time than before without imposing a burden on the user.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the data stored in the memory | storage device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the count value table according to Embodiment 1. It is a figure explaining an example of the prediction table according to Embodiment 1. It is a figure explaining an example of the history information according to Embodiment 1. It is a figure explaining the data structure of the count value according to Embodiment 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating backup control according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating restoration (restoration) control according to the first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram explaining the functional structure of the control part for performing said series of backup control and restoration control. It is a figure explaining the data structure of the count value according to Embodiment 2. It is a figure explaining the count value table according to Embodiment 2. It is a figure explaining the reference table according to Embodiment 3. 10 is a flowchart illustrating backup control of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart for explaining restoration (restoration) control according to the sixth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating backup control according to the sixth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[A. Embodiment 1]
(A1. Image forming system 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment. The image forming system 1 includes a server 100 and an image forming apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 200 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 100.

  The image forming apparatus 200 has two types of backup modes, a normal backup mode and an abnormal backup mode. In the normal backup mode, data stored in the image forming apparatus 200 is backed up (replicated) to the server 100 periodically (for example, once a week). On the other hand, in the abnormal backup mode, when some abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus 200, a part of the data stored in the storage device in response to an input from the user is stored in the memory (not shown) of the server 100. Back up.

  The server 100 stores the data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 200 in a memory and transmits the data to the image forming apparatus 200 in response to an instruction from the image forming apparatus 200. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 200 can restore the data at the time of backup.

(A2. Image forming apparatus 200)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication interface (I / F) 220, a print processing unit 230, an operation unit 240, a paper feed cassette 250, and a paper discharge unit 260. And a scanner 265 and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 270.

  The control unit 210 governs the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 200. The communication interface 220 is a device for communicating with the server 100. For example, the communication interface 220 is a wireless local area network (LAN) card, and the image forming apparatus 200 can communicate with the server 100 connected to the LAN or WAN (wide area network) via the communication interface 220. Composed.

  The print processing unit 230 forms image data input to the image forming apparatus 200 on a sheet (recording material). For example, the operation unit 240 includes a screen having a touch panel and a liquid crystal display, and physical buttons, and accepts user input.

  In response to the input of the print instruction, the paper feed cassette 250 sends the paper to a conveyance path (not shown). The paper transported through the transport path is sent to the paper discharge unit 260 after an image is formed by the print processing unit 230. The scanner 265 reads a document placed on the plantain glass and outputs the obtained signal to a scanner processing unit 360 described later. The ADF 270 feeds the stacked sheets one by one from the top layer to the transport path.

  The image forming apparatus 200 is configured to be connectable to the post-processing apparatus 280. The post-processing device 280 performs processing such as stapling, punching, and folding on the paper on which the image is formed. When performing such processing, the image forming apparatus 200 switches the conveyance path so that the paper on which the image is formed is sent to the post-processing device 280 instead of the paper discharge unit 260.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 210 includes a CPU (Central Processor Unit) 310, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 320, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 330, and an interface (I / F) 340.

  The CPU 310 implements the overall processing of the image forming apparatus 200 by reading and executing the program stored in the ROM 330. The CPU 310 may be any of a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), and other circuits having arithmetic functions.

  The RAM 320 is typically a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and temporarily stores data and image data necessary for the CPU 310 to operate the program. Therefore, the RAM 320 functions as a so-called working memory.

  The ROM 330 is typically a flash memory or the like, and stores programs executed by the CPU 310 and various setting information related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 200.

  The interface 340 is electrically connected to the communication interface 220, the print processing unit 230, the image processing unit 350, the operation unit 240, the scanner processing unit 360, the storage device 370, and the RTC (Real Time Clock) unit 380. Connected and exchanges signals with various devices.

  The image processing unit 350 performs predetermined image processing such as gamma correction processing, spatial filter processing, gradation reproduction processing, and positional deviation correction processing on the input image data. The scanner processing unit 360 is a logic that controls the reading process in the scanner 265, and generates image data by performing various processes (such as pre-processing and noise removal processing) on the image data read by the scanner 265. . Note that the processing executed by the image processing unit 350 and the scanner processing unit 360 in other aspects may be executed by the control unit 210.

  The storage device 370 stores various settings of the image forming apparatus 200, image data captured by the scanner 265, data input via the communication interface 220, and the like. The RTC unit 380 is a device for measuring time, and continues to keep time with a built-in battery even when power supply to the image forming apparatus 200 is stopped. Next, data stored in the storage device 370 will be described.

(A3. Storage device 370)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating data stored in the storage device 370 according to the first embodiment. The storage device 370 includes a first data group 410 and a second data group 420. The first data group 410 includes a first count value 415, and the second data group 420 includes a second count value 425.

  The first count value 415 is a generic name of count values included in the first data group 410, and is configured by at least one type of count value. The second count value 425 is a generic name of the count values included in the second data group 420, and includes at least one type of count value. The count value is a value counted by the image forming apparatus 200. Examples of the count value include the number of printed sheets, the number of times punch processing has been performed using the post-processing device 280, and the cumulative operating time of the image forming apparatus 200. Hereinafter, the first count value 415 and the second count value 425 are collectively referred to simply as a count value.

  The controller 210 backs up both the first data group 410 and the second data group 420 to the server 100 in the normal backup mode. As an example of the normal backup mode, the control unit 210 confirms that the image forming apparatus 200 is not being used by the user at midnight every Sunday, and stores all data (first data) stored in the storage device 370. The group 410 and the second data group 420) are backed up to the server 100. As a result, the image forming apparatus 200 can back up all data stored in the storage device 370 without interfering with the user's work.

  On the other hand, the control unit 210 backs up only the first data group 410 to the server 100 in the abnormal backup mode. As an example of the abnormal backup mode, the control unit 210 backs up the first data group 410 to the server 100 when a predetermined operation is input to the operation unit 240.

  In the above description, the image forming apparatus 200 is configured to back up all data in the storage device 370 to the server 100 in the normal backup mode, but is not limited thereto. In another aspect, the storage device 370 may include a third data group that is not backed up by the server 100 even in the normal backup mode and the abnormal backup mode. The third data group is, for example, a program that defines the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 200, and includes data that can be restored by downloading from the server 100 or an external apparatus.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the count value table 510 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the count value table 510 includes a first count value 415 and a second count value 425. The first count value is constituted by, for example, the number of printed sheets for each paper size, the cumulative operation time of the image forming apparatus 200, and the like. The second count value is configured by, for example, the number of scans in which an image is captured using the scanner 265, the rotation time of the paper discharge roller provided in the paper discharge unit 260, and the like.

  Control unit 210 updates the value of count value table 510 related to the operation every time an operation is performed. For example, when printing on A4 size paper, control unit 210 counts up the number of A4 printed sheets stored in count value table 510. Note that the count value table 510 is stored in the storage device 370.

(A4. Prediction of second count value 425)
The second count value 425 can be predicted from the first count value 415 correlated with the second count value 425 or the history information of the second count value 425.

<A4-1. Prediction from first count value 415>
For example, the rotation time of the paper discharge roller included in the second count value 425 is predicted based on the number of printed sheets for each paper size included in the first count value 415, which correlates with the rotation time of the paper discharge roller. More specifically, the control unit 210 rotates the discharge roller at a certain point in time by multiplying the number of prints for each sheet size at a certain point by the rotation time of the discharge roller required for printing one sheet. Time can be predicted. That is, the control unit 210 multiplies the first count value 415 correlated with the second count value 425 to be predicted by a predetermined parameter related to the first count value 415 to thereby obtain the second count value to be predicted. 425 is predicted.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a prediction table according to the first embodiment. The prediction table is a table for storing information necessary for predicting the second count value 425. In the prediction table 610 illustrated in FIG. 6, as an example, the rotation time of the discharge roller required for printing one sheet for each sheet size is stored. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 210 discharges paper required for printing one sheet of paper stored in the prediction table 610 to A4, B5, and A3 size printing sheets (10000 sheets, 5000 sheets, and 2000 sheets). By adding the rotation time of the roller, it can be predicted that the rotation time of the paper discharge roller is 35500 seconds.

  In the above description, the paper discharge roller has been described as an example of the second count value 425 that can be predicted from the first count value 415. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As another example, when the image forming apparatus 200 adopts the electrophotographic method, the second count value 425 such as the rotation time of the transfer roller, the rotation time of the paper feed roller, the rotation time of the fixing roller, and the rotation time of the photoconductor is set. The number of printed sheets for each paper size included in the first count value 415 can be predicted. When the image forming apparatus 200 adopts a full-color electrophotographic system, the control unit 210 counts the number of printed sheets for each color for each color.

<A4-2. Prediction from history information of second count value 425>
Referring to FIG. 5 again, there is no correlated first count value 415 in the number of scans included in the second count value 425. Therefore, the number of scans included in the second count value 425 cannot be predicted from the first count value 415 (for example, the number of printed sheets for each paper size). Therefore, for the second count value 425 that cannot be predicted from the first count value 415, the control unit 210 predicts the second count value 425 at a certain time from the history information of the second count value 425. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of history information 710 according to the first embodiment. The history information is configured by collecting two or more data in which the second count value 425 is associated with the date and time when the second count value 425 is acquired. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the history information 710 is configured by collecting two points of data in which the number of scans as the second count value 425 is associated with the date and time. Note that the server 100 also retains history information for the second count value 425 (for example, the number of faxes) that cannot be predicted from the other first count value 415, similarly to the number of scans.

  For example, the control unit 210 backs up the data associated with the date and time and the number of scans to the server 100 once a week in the normal backup mode. The control unit 210 acquires the date and time information by referring to the RTC unit 380. The server 100 holds, in the history information 710, data associated with the most recent two times and the number of scans received from the image forming apparatus 200. The server 100 transmits history information 710 to the image forming apparatus 200 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 200.

  The image forming apparatus 200 predicts the number of scans at a certain time point based on the history information 710 received from the server 100. As an example, the control unit 210 performs backup in the abnormal backup mode at 14:00 on April 21, 2016, and predicts the number of scans at the time point based on a restoration instruction from the user.

  In this case, the control unit 210 refers to the history information 710 and scans 100 times by the scanner 265 in one week from April 11, 2016 at 2:00 to April 18, 2016 at 2:00 ( = 200-100) Judge that it is going. Subsequently, the control unit 210 predicts that scanning by the scanner 265 is performed 50 times from 4:00 on April 18, 2016 to 14:00 on April 21, 2016 after ½ week has elapsed. To do. Then, the control unit 210 predicts that the number of scans at 14:00 on April 21, 2016 is 250.

  As described above, the second count value 425 can be predicted from the correlated first count value 415 (hereinafter also referred to as “second count value 425-1”), and cannot be predicted from the first count value 415. (Hereinafter also referred to as “second count value 425-2”).

  In the above example, the history information 710 is configured to hold data in which the second most recent count value 425 and the date / time associated with the latest two times are stored, but is not limited thereto. In another aspect, the history information 710 may be configured to hold data in which the second count value 425 for three times or more and the date and time are associated. In such a case, the control unit 210 uses a plurality of approximate expressions stored in the storage device 370 for the history information 710 and predicts the second count value 425 using the approximate expression having the highest determination coefficient. It may be. According to the configuration, the control unit 210 can predict the second count value 425 with higher accuracy.

(A5. Data structure of count value)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the count value according to the first embodiment. The count value has a first flag 820 and a second flag 830 in addition to the count number 810 as its data structure.

  The count number 810 is a value that the control unit 210 counts up, such as the number of printed sheets for each paper size.

  The first flag 820 is flag information for indicating whether the count value stored in the storage device 370 is included in the first count value 415 or the second count value 425. As an example, the first flag 820 is composed of two values “0” / “1”. The controller 210 determines that the count value when the first flag 820 is “0” is the first count value 415, and determines that the count value when the first flag 820 is “1” is the second count value 425.

  Accordingly, the control unit 210 includes the count value stored in the storage device 370 as being included in the first count value 415 that is the backup target in the abnormal backup mode or included in the second count value 425 that is not the backup target. Can be determined. In another aspect, the first flag 820 may be configured to be settable by the user via the operation unit 240. Note that flag information (first flag 820) indicating whether data other than the count value stored in the storage device 370 is included in the first data group 410 or the second data group 420 is added. May be.

  The second flag 830 is flag information for indicating whether the count value included in the second count value 425 is the second count value 425-1 or the second count value 425-2. As an example, the second flag 830 is composed of binary values of “0” / “1”. The controller 210 determines that the second count value 425 when the second flag 830 is “0” is the second count value 425-1, and the second count value 425 when the second flag 830 is “1” It is determined that the count value is 425-2. In addition, the 1st count value 415 assumes that the 2nd flag 830 is blank (Null).

  Accordingly, when the server 100 refers to the second flag 830 and determines that the second count value 425-2, the server 100 can determine that it is necessary to retain history information regarding the second count value 425-2. Next, the series of backup controls will be described with reference to a flowchart.

(A6. Backup control)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating backup control according to the first embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 9 is realized by the CPU 310 included in the control unit 210 executing a control program stored in the ROM 330. In other aspects, some or all of the processing may be performed by circuit elements or other hardware. These assumptions also apply to the flowcharts shown below.

  In step S920, control unit 210 determines whether or not an input of a backup instruction has been received. When control unit 210 determines that an input of a backup instruction has been received (YES in step S920), the process proceeds to step S940. Otherwise (NO in step S920), control unit 210 returns the process to step S920 and waits for an input of a backup instruction.

  In step S940, the control unit 210 determines whether the input backup instruction is the normal backup mode or the abnormal backup mode. More specifically, the control unit 210 determines that the normal backup mode is set when it is determined that the time measured by the RTC 380 unit satisfies a predetermined period. It is assumed that the predetermined period is stored in the storage device 370. On the other hand, when a predetermined operation is input from the operation unit 240, the control unit 210 determines that the abnormal backup mode is set.

  When the control unit 210 determines that the input backup instruction is the normal backup mode (normal in step S940), the control unit 210 proceeds to step S960 to transfer the first data group 410 and the second data group 420 to the server 100. Back up.

  When the control unit 210 determines that the input backup instruction is the abnormal backup mode (abnormal in step S940), the control unit 210 proceeds to step S980 and backs up the first data group 410 to the server 100. In step S980, the control unit 210 refers to the first flag 820 for the count value stored in the storage device 370, and backs up the count value determined to be the first count value 415 to the server 100.

  Note that when the control unit 210 transmits the first data group 410 and the second data group 420 to the server 100 in step S960 or step S980, the control unit 210 transmits the data to the server 100 in association with the transmission date and time.

  According to the above, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment can reduce the time required for backup in the abnormal backup mode by excluding the second count value 425 that can be predicted at the time of restoration (restoration) from the backup target. As a result, the image forming apparatus 200 can reduce the time during which the user cannot use the image forming apparatus 200 due to the abnormal backup mode, and can prevent the user's work or business from being hindered.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment does not request the user to select data that needs to be backed up every time the abnormal backup mode is set. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 200 can prevent the user's work or business from being hindered by the abnormal backup mode. Next, restoration control of the storage device 370 will be described.

(A7. Restoration control)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating restoration (restoration) control according to the first embodiment.

  In step S <b> 1010, the control unit 210 determines whether a restore instruction for the storage device 370 is input from the operation unit 240. If controller 210 determines that a restoration instruction has been input (YES in step S1010), control proceeds to step S1020. Otherwise (NO in step S1010), control unit 210 returns the process to step S1010 and waits until a restoration instruction is input.

  In step S <b> 1015, the control unit 210 transmits a request signal for requesting the first data group 410 and the second data group 420 for restoration to the server 100.

  In step S <b> 1020, the server 100 receives a request signal from the image forming apparatus 200. In step S1025, the server 100 determines whether the previous (most recent) backup was the normal backup mode or the abnormal backup mode based on the timing at which the request signal was received. More specifically, when the date and time associated with the first data group 410 and the second data group 420 stored in the memory match, the server 100 determines that the previous backup was in the normal backup mode. If they do not match, it is determined that the previous backup was in the abnormal backup mode.

  If server 100 determines that the previous backup was in the normal backup mode (normal in step S1025), server 100 advances the process to step S1030. When that is not right (it is abnormal in step S1025), the control part 210 advances a process to step S1035.

  In step S1030, the server 100 transmits the first data group 410 and the second data group 420 stored in the memory in the previous normal backup mode to the image forming apparatus 200. At this time, the server 100 transmits a signal indicating that the previous backup data is in the normal backup mode to the image forming apparatus 200 together with the transmission of data.

  In step S <b> 1035, the server 100 transmits the first count value 415 at the previous backup stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus 200. In this step, the server 100 transmits the history information of the second count value 425-2 stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus 200. In this step, the server 100 transmits data other than the count value stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus 200. In step S <b> 1035, the server 100 transmits a signal indicating that the previous backup was in the abnormal backup mode to the image forming apparatus 200 along with the transmission of these data.

  In step S <b> 1040, the control unit 210 receives data for restoration and information about the previous backup from the server 100. In step S <b> 1045, based on the signal received from server 100, control unit 210 determines whether the previous backup was in the normal backup mode or the abnormal backup mode. When controller 210 determines that the previous backup was in the normal backup mode (normal in step S1045), control proceeds to step S1050. When that is not right (it is abnormal in step S1045), the control part 210 advances a process to step S1055.

  In step S1050, the control unit 210 restores the first data group 410 and the second data group received from the server 100 to the storage device 370.

  In step S <b> 1055, the control unit 210 restores data other than the count value and the first count value 415 from the data received from the server 100 to the storage device 370.

  In step S1060, control unit 210 determines whether or not history information has been received from server 100 for each of second count values 425 to be stored in storage device 370. For the second count value 425 (second count value 425-1) for which history information has not been received from the server 100, the control unit 210 advances the process to step S1065. On the other hand, the control part 210 advances a process to step S1070 about the 2nd count value 425 (2nd count value 425-2) which received log | history information from the server.

  In step S1065, the control unit 210 predicts the second count value 425-1 that has not received history information based on the correlated first count value 415 and the corresponding prediction table.

  In step S1070, the control unit 210 predicts the second count value 425-2 that has received the history information based on the history information.

  In step S1075, the control unit 210 restores (restores) the second count value 425 predicted in steps S1065 and 1070 to the storage device 370.

  According to the above, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment can predict and restore the second count value 425 even when the second count value 425 is excluded from the backup target in the abnormal backup mode.

(A8. Functional configuration of control unit 210)
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the control unit 210 for executing the series of backup control and restoration control.

  Referring to FIG. 11, control unit 210 has an input reception unit 1110, a first determination unit 1120, a second determination unit 1130, a backup unit 1140, and a restoration as main functional configurations related to backup control and restoration control. A section 1150 and a prediction section 1160. The backup unit 1140 includes a first backup unit 1141 for executing the normal backup mode and a second backup unit 1142 for executing the abnormal backup mode.

  The input receiving unit 1110 receives an input of an abnormal backup mode execution instruction from the operation unit 240 and outputs a message to that effect to the second determining unit 1130 and the backup unit 1140.

  The second determination unit 1130 receives an input from the input reception unit 1110, determines data included in the first data group 410 among data stored in the storage device 370, and outputs a determination result to the backup unit 1140. .

  Based on the input of the abnormal backup mode execution instruction from the input reception unit 1110 and the determination result from the second determination unit 1130, the backup unit 1140 is stored in the storage device 370 by the second backup unit 1142. The data group 410 is backed up to the server 100.

  The first determination unit 1120 monitors the RTC unit 380 and, when determining that the time counted by the RTC unit 380 satisfies a predetermined cycle, outputs the fact to the backup unit 1140.

  The backup unit 1140 uses the first backup unit 1141 to back up the first data group 410 and the second data group 420 stored in the storage device 370 to the server 100 in response to an input from the first determination unit 1120.

  The input receiving unit 1110 receives an input of an instruction to restore the storage device 370 from the operation unit 240 and outputs the instruction to the restoring unit 1150.

  The restoration unit 1150 transmits a request signal for requesting the first data group 410 and the second data group 420 for restoration to the server 100 in response to an input from the input reception unit 1110.

  When the server 100 determines that the previous backup was in the normal backup mode in response to the input of the request signal from the restoration unit 1150, the first data group 410 and the second data group 420 stored in the memory are imaged. To device 200. On the other hand, when the server 100 determines that the previous backup was in the abnormal backup mode, the server 100 displays the history information of the first count value 415 and the second count value 425-2 stored in the memory, and data other than the count value as an image. Transmit to the forming apparatus 200. The server 100 transmits to the image forming apparatus 200 a signal notifying whether the previous backup was in the normal backup mode or the abnormal backup mode together with the restoration data.

  Based on the signal received from the server 100, the restoration unit 1150 determines whether the previous backup was in the normal backup mode or the abnormal backup mode. If the restoration unit 1150 determines that the previous backup was in the normal backup mode, the restoration unit 1150 restores the restoration data received from the server 100 to the storage device 370.

  When the restoration unit 1150 determines that the previous backup was in the abnormal backup mode, the restoration unit 1150 outputs a signal informing the fact to the prediction unit 1160 and stores the data other than the count value and the first count value 415 in the storage device 370. Restore.

  In response to the input of the signal from the restoration unit 1150, the prediction unit 1160 uses the history information for the second count value 425 (second count value 425-2) that has received the history information from the server 100 to detect the previous abnormality. A second count value 425 in the backup mode is predicted. On the other hand, for the second count value 425 (second count value 425-1) for which the history information has not been received from the server 100, the prediction unit 1160 determines the previous count based on the correlated first count value 415 and the prediction table 610. The second count value 425 in the abnormal backup mode is predicted.

  The prediction unit 1160 outputs the predicted second count value 425 to the restoration unit 1150. The restoration unit 1150 restores the second count value 425 input from the prediction unit 1160 to the storage device 370.

  According to the above, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment can reduce the time required for backup in the abnormal backup mode by excluding the second count value 425 that can be predicted at the time of restoration (restoration) from the backup target. As a result, the image forming apparatus 200 can prevent the user's work or business from being hindered in the abnormal backup mode.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment does not request the user to select data that needs to be backed up every time the abnormal backup mode is set. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 200 can prevent the user's work or business from being hindered by the abnormal backup mode.

[B. Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the control unit 210 determines whether the count value stored in the storage device 370 is included in the first count value 415 or the second count value 425, flag information ( The determination is made with reference to the first flag 820), but is not limited thereto. The control unit 210 according to the second embodiment includes the count value included in the first count value 415 or the second count value 425 based on whether the count value is viewable by the user (consumer). Judge whether or not Hereinafter, control of the image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment, and therefore only differences will be described.

  The control unit 210 according to the second embodiment is configured to be switchable between a user mode and a service mode. The user mode is a mode in which a user (consumer) of the image forming apparatus 200 can operate. On the other hand, the service mode is a mode that can be operated by a service person who performs maintenance management of the image forming apparatus 200. As an example, the control unit 210 is configured to switch from the user mode to the service mode when a predetermined password is input from the operation unit 240.

  The count value stored in the storage device 370 is displayed on the operation unit 240 (hereinafter, also referred to as “user count value”) in the user mode and displayed on the operation unit 240 in the service mode. Can be classified into those (hereinafter also referred to as “service count values”).

  The user count value is a count value intended to be utilized by the user. For example, depending on the user, the number of printed sheets may be limited for each individual or each department. In such a case, the user needs to confirm the exact number of printed sheets for each individual or department. Therefore, the user count value needs to be included in the first count value 415 that is a backup target even in the abnormal backup mode.

  On the other hand, the service count value is a count value used for a serviceman to grasp the actual usage of the user. The service count value is, for example, the use time (or the number of times of use) of consumables (imaging unit, developing unit, fixing unit, etc.) and the use of various functions (fax, scanner 265, various post-processing by post-processing device 280, etc.) Number of times. The service person can sufficiently grasp the actual usage of the user even if the service count value uses a predicted value instead of an accurate value. Therefore, the service count value is included in the second count value 425 that is not a backup target in the abnormal backup mode. Hereinafter, a configuration and control for the control unit 210 to determine whether the count value stored in the storage device 370 is the user count value or the service count value will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a count value according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, the count value according to the second embodiment is different from the count value according to the first embodiment in that it includes identification information 1210 instead of the first flag 820 and the second flag 830. In the identification information 1210, a different number is set for each count value stored in the storage device 370.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a count value table 1300 according to the second embodiment. A count value table 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the storage device 370 and the server 100 according to the second embodiment. The count value table 1300 holds data in which identification information 1210, a display mode 1310, and necessity / unnecessity of history information 1320 are associated.

  The display mode 1310 indicates whether the corresponding identification information 1210 (count value) is displayed in the user mode or the service mode. In another aspect, the user / serviceman may check the count value not via the operation unit 240 but via a terminal (for example, a personal computer) configured to be communicable with the image forming apparatus 200.

  The necessity / unnecessity of history information 1320 indicates whether or not history information is necessary for predicting the corresponding identification information 1210 (count value) at the time of restoration.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, the count value of the identification information “0001” represents the cumulative number of printed sheets of department A. The count value is displayed in the user mode and does not require history information at the time of restoration.

  The count value of the identification information “0004” represents the cumulative number of times the scanner 265 is used. The count value is displayed depending on the service mode, and requires history information at the time of restoration.

  The control unit 210 according to the embodiment collates the identification information 1210 and the count value table 1300 for each count value stored in the storage device 370 and confirms the corresponding display mode 1310 in the abnormal backup mode. The control unit 210 determines that the count value in which the display mode 1310 is “user mode” is included in the first count value 415, and backs up to the server 100. On the other hand, the control unit 210 determines that the count value in which the display mode 1310 is “service mode” is included in the second count value 425 and does not back up to the server 100.

  According to the above, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment determines whether or not it is a backup target in the abnormal backup mode based on whether the count value is used in the user mode or the service mode. be able to.

  Note that the server 100 determines whether each of the second count values 425 input from the image forming apparatus 200 is the second count value 425-1 or the second count value 425-2 in the count value table 1300 history. Judgment is made with reference to information necessity / unnecessity 1320. Specifically, the server 100 determines that the count value in which the necessity / unnecessity 1320 of the history information is “necessary” is the second count value 425-2. Further, the server 100 determines that the count value in which the display mode 1310 is “service mode” and the history information necessity / unnecessary 1320 is “unnecessary” is the second count value 425-1.

[C. Embodiment 3]
Another control example for determining whether the count value is included in the first count value 415 or the second count value 425 will be described. The control unit 210 according to the third embodiment determines whether the count value is included in the first count value 415 or the second count value 425 based on the number of times the user refers to the count value.

  The user count value described in the second embodiment is a count value intended to be used by the user, but is not necessarily used by all users. An example of the number of printed sheets for each department (hereinafter also referred to as “number of printed sheets for each department”) will be described. If there is a limit on the number of printed pages for each department, the user needs to check the number of printed sheets for each department. If not, the user does not need to check the number of printed sheets for each department. Accordingly, it is assumed that a user who is not limited in the number of prints for each department does not transition to a screen (on the operation unit 240) on which the number of prints for each department is displayed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a reference table 1410 according to the third embodiment. A reference table 1410 is stored in the storage device 370 according to the third embodiment. The reference table 1410 holds the count value identification information 1210 and the number of times the count value is displayed on the operation unit 240 in association with each other. The control unit 210 updates the reference count of the count value stored in the reference table 1410 every time the count value is displayed on the operation unit 240. That is, the reference table 1410 shows the reference history for each count value.

  In the abnormal backup mode, the control unit 210 according to the third embodiment collates the identification information 1210 and the reference table 1410 for each count value stored in the storage device 370 and confirms the corresponding reference count. The control unit 210 determines that the count value with the reference count “0” is the second count value 425, and determines that the count value with the reference count not “0” is the first count value 415.

  Based on the above, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the third embodiment can determine whether or not the backup target is in the abnormal backup mode based on whether or not the count value is referred to.

  In another aspect, control unit 210 determines that a count value with a reference count less than a predetermined count (for example, five) is second count value 425 and sets a count value equal to or greater than the predetermined count as first count value 415. The structure to judge may be sufficient.

[D. Embodiment 4]
Among the count values stored in the storage device 370, there is a count value related to the setting of the image forming apparatus 200 (hereinafter also referred to as “set count value”). For example, the number of prints for each department described in the second and third embodiments is related to the setting for the restriction on the number of prints for each department.

  When the restriction on the number of prints for each department is enabled, the user is expected to display the number of prints for each department on the operation unit 240. Therefore, the setting count value for which the relevant setting is valid needs to be included in the first count value 415 that is the target of backup in the abnormal backup mode.

  On the other hand, when the restriction on the number of prints for each department is disabled, the user does not display the number of prints for each department on the operation unit 240. Therefore, the setting count value in which the related setting is invalidated is included in the second count value 425 that is not subject to backup in the abnormal backup mode.

  In the abnormal backup mode, the control unit 210 according to the fourth embodiment determines the first count value 415 for each setting count value stored in the storage device 370 when the related setting is enabled, and disables it. Is determined to be the second count value 425.

  As an example in which the control unit 210 determines whether or not the count value stored in the storage device 370 is a set count value, an item indicating whether or not the count value table 1300 illustrated in FIG. 13 is a set count value. May be provided.

  According to the above, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the fourth embodiment can include the setting count value whose setting is invalidated in the second count value 425. As a result, the amount of backup data in the abnormal backup mode can be reduced, and the time required for backup can be shortened.

[E. Embodiment 5]
When the previous (most recent) backup based on the time of restoration (restoration) is in the abnormal backup mode, the control unit 210 predicts the second count value 425-2 based on the history information.

  At this time, the control unit 210 predicts the second count value 425-2 based on the old history information as the period T1 in which the normal backup mode is executed is longer. That is, the longer the period T1, the lower the prediction accuracy of the second count value 425-2. In one aspect, the user can set the period T1 by operating the operation unit 240.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the history information is configured to hold the information associated with the second count value 425-2 and the date and time for a predetermined number of times, but for example, for a predetermined period (for example, for the past two months) ) It is also conceivable that the configuration is held. In such a case, the longer the period T1, the smaller the data held by the history information, and the lower the prediction accuracy of the second count value 425-2.

  In order to ensure the prediction accuracy of the second count value 425-2, the control unit 210 according to the fifth embodiment has the first data group 410 and the first data in the abnormal backup mode when the cycle T1 is longer than the threshold cycle T2. The two data groups 420 are backed up to the server 100. As an example, the threshold period T2 is set to one month. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment can prevent the prediction accuracy of the second count value 425-2 from being lowered due to the short period T1.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating backup control of image forming apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment. Since the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 9 are the same, the description of those parts will not be repeated.

  In step S940, when control unit 210 determines that the input backup instruction is the abnormal backup mode (abnormal in step S940), the process proceeds to step S1510.

  In step S1510, control unit 210 determines whether cycle T1 for executing the normal backup mode is longer than threshold cycle T2. These period T1 and threshold period T2 are stored in the storage device 370.

  If controller 210 determines that cycle T1 is longer than threshold cycle T2 (YES in step S1510), control proceeds to step S960, and first data group 410 and second data group 420 are backed up to server 100. To do.

  If controller 210 determines that cycle T1 is equal to or less than threshold cycle T2 (NO in step S1510), control proceeds to step S980 and backs up only first data group 410 to server 100.

  Based on the above, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment can prevent the prediction accuracy of the second count value 425-2 from being lowered due to the short period T1 for executing the normal backup mode.

[F. Embodiment 6]
The first count value 415 is restored based on the actual measurement value instead of the predicted value. The second count value 425-1 is predicted based on the first count value 415 that is an actual measurement value. Therefore, no matter how many times restoration is executed, the predicted value of the second count value 425-1 has little error from the actual measurement value.

  On the other hand, the second count value 425-2 is predicted based on the past second count value 425-2 (history information). Therefore, as the second count value 425-2 is restored, an error from the actually measured value increases.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the sixth embodiment is based on the number of times each of the count values stored in the storage device 370 is restored as the second count value 425-2 (hereinafter also referred to as “predicted number C”). Take control. In the abnormal backup mode, the image forming apparatus 200 determines that the count value for which the predicted count C exceeds the threshold count (for example, 10) is included in the first count value 415. That is, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the sixth embodiment determines that the count value having a large number of predictions C is a backup target even in the abnormal backup mode in order to avoid an error from being further increased.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating restoration control according to the sixth embodiment. In addition, since it is the same about the part which attached | subjected the same code | symbol as FIG. 10, the description about the part is not repeated.

  If server 100 determines in step S1025 that the previous backup was in the abnormal backup mode (abnormal in step S1025), the process proceeds to step S1610.

  In step S1610, the server 100 counts up each predicted number C of the second count value 425-2.

  In step S <b> 1620, the server 100 transmits the history information of the first count value 415 and the second count value 425-2 stored in the memory, the predicted count C, and data other than the count value to the image forming apparatus 200.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating backup control according to the sixth embodiment. Since the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 9 are the same, the description of those parts will not be repeated.

  In step S980, the control unit 210 backs up the first data group 410 to the server 100 in response to switching to the abnormal backup mode.

  In step S1710, control unit 210 determines whether or not predicted number C is greater than threshold number Cth for each second count value 425.

  When it is determined that the predicted number C is greater than the threshold number Cth for each of the second count values 425 (YES in step S1710), control unit 210 backs up second count value 425 to server 100 ( Step S1720). On the other hand, control unit 210 does not back up to server 100 for second count value 425 determined to be not (NO in step S1710).

  Based on the above, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the sixth embodiment backs up the count value having the large predicted number C even in the abnormal backup mode. As a result, the image forming apparatus 200 can suppress further spread of an error from the actual measurement value for the count value having a large number of predictions C.

[G. Modified example]
In the first to sixth embodiments, the image forming apparatus 200 backs up the backup data in the memory of the server 100, but is not limited thereto. For example, the image forming apparatus 200 may be configured to be communicable with another image forming apparatus and backed up to the other image forming apparatus. Further, the image forming apparatus 200 may include a second storage device and perform a backup on the second storage device. In this case, the image forming apparatus 200 executes a series of controls performed by the server 100.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the second count value 425 is predicted by the image forming apparatus 200. However, in another aspect, the server 100 may perform the prediction.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the image forming apparatus 200 is configured to predict the second count value 425 of the timing at which the previous backup was performed when a restoration instruction is input. In the aspect, the second count value 425 at the timing when the restoration instruction is input may be predicted.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the abnormal backup mode is executed when a predetermined operation is input to the operation unit 240. However, in any other aspect, when any abnormality is detected. It may be executed automatically.

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

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system, 100 server, 200 Image forming apparatus, 210 Control part, 220 Communication interface, 230 Print processing part, 240 Operation part, 250 Paper feed cassette, 260 Paper discharge part, 265 Scanner, 280 Post-processing apparatus, 320 RAM , 330 ROM, 340 interface, 350 image processing unit, 360 scanner processing unit, 370 storage device, 410 first data group, 415 first count value, 420 second data group, 425 second count value, 510, 1300 count value Table, 610 prediction table, 710 history information, 810 count, 820 first flag, 830 second flag.

Claims (14)

A control unit;
A storage unit for storing a first count value constituted by at least one type of count value and a second count value constituted by at least one type of count value;
The controller is
A first backup unit that periodically backs up the first count value and the second count value in a memory;
A second backup unit that backs up the first count value to the memory when receiving an instruction;
The second count value used for restoration is set to at least one of the first count value stored in the memory associated with the second count value and the plurality of second count values stored in the memory. An image forming apparatus including a prediction unit for performing prediction based on a count value.   When the control unit receives an instruction to restore the storage unit, and the previous backup based on the timing at which the instruction is received is executed by the second backup unit, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restoration unit that restores using the predicted second count value.   The prediction unit at any one of a timing at which a restoration instruction for the storage unit is received and a timing at which a backup by the second backup unit is performed based on the timing at which the instruction is received. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second count value is predicted.   4. The first count value according to claim 1, wherein the first count value includes at least one count value of the number of printed sheets for each sheet size and the number of times of use for each function installed in the image forming apparatus. 5. Image forming apparatus.   The control unit further includes a determination unit for determining whether the count value stored in the storage unit is included in the first count value or the second count value. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 4 above. The control unit is configured to be able to switch between the first mode and the second mode,
The determination unit
Determining that the count value used in the first mode is included in the first count value;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein it is determined that a count value used in the second mode is included in the second count value. The control unit further includes a holding unit that holds a reference history for each count value stored in the storage unit,
The determination unit refers to the reference history to determine whether the count value stored in the storage unit is included in the first count value or the second count value. 6. The image forming apparatus according to 6.   The determining unit refers to the reference history, determines that the count value that has been referred to among the count values stored in the storage unit is included in the first count value, and is referred to The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein it is determined that a count value having no error is included in the second count value. The count value stored in the storage unit includes flag information related to backup,
The determination unit according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether the count value stored in the storage unit is included in the first count value or the second count value based on the flag information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The determination unit
Determining whether the relevant setting for each of the count values stored in the storage unit is valid;
Determining that the count value determined to be valid for the related setting is included in the first count value;
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second count value is determined to include a count value determined that the related setting is invalid. 11. The prediction unit is configured to predict the second count value used for restoration based on a plurality of second count values stored in the memory;
The control unit further includes a prediction number counting unit that counts the number of predictions restored as the count value included in the second count value for each of the count values stored in the storage unit,
The determination unit according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein, for each count value stored in the storage unit, the count value for which the number of predictions exceeds a predetermined number is determined to be included in the first count value. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1.   The said 2nd backup part backs up the said 1st and 2nd count value to the said memory, when the period when the said 1st backup part performs backup is longer than a predetermined period, The one of Claims 1-11 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1.   The prediction unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the prediction unit predicts the second count value by multiplying the first count value by a predetermined parameter value related to the first count value. The image forming apparatus described. A control method for an image forming apparatus to back up a count value stored in a storage unit to a memory,
Backing up the first count value and the second count value periodically stored in the storage unit in the memory;
Backing up the first count value to the memory when receiving an instruction;
The second count value used for restoration is set to at least one of the first count value stored in the memory associated with the second count value and the plurality of second count values stored in the memory. And a step of predicting based on the count value.