JP2019160219A - Device, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce cost of backing up device customization-related information.SOLUTION: A device is provided, comprising an operating unit and a main unit, the operating unit having a storage processing unit configured to store a backup of information pertaining to customization of the operating unit in a storage unit belonging to the main unit at a predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a device, an information processing method, and a program.

  Store backups of customized contents such as applications and setting information installed on the device in an external storage, and when the device is replaced due to a device failure, etc., the backup is saved to the new device. By restoring, the state of the device before replacement can be restored for the new device.

  In particular, when a failure occurs, the storage may be damaged, so that the setting information stored in the storage is not lost, and therefore regular backup is performed.

  However, in the conventional method, it is necessary to prepare a storage external to the device, so that there is a problem that operation for backup is costly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the cost required for backup of information related to device customization.

  Accordingly, in order to solve the above-described problem, a device having an operation unit and a main body unit, and the operation unit stores a backup of information related to customization of the operation unit when a predetermined timing arrives. A storage processing unit for storing in the unit.

  The cost required for backing up information related to device customization can be reduced.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the information processing terminal 20 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the controller 11 and the information processing terminal 20 in embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of a backup process. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence performed regarding a return notification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes hardware such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, a network interface 16, and an SD card slot 17.

  The controller 11 is a board (computer) that constitutes the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. The main body is a relative expression with respect to the operation unit (operation panel). In FIG. 1, the controller 11 includes a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an HDD 114, a sub CPU 115, and the like. The ROM 113 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 112 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area for the loaded program, and the like. The CPU 111 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded in the RAM 112. The HDD 114 stores a program and various data used by the program.

  The sub CPU 115 is a CPU to which power is supplied even while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving state (or the energy saving state). The sub CPU 115 performs processing control according to the instructions of the program in the power saving state. In the present embodiment, the power saving state of the image forming apparatus 10 refers to a state in which power is not supplied to the CPU 111, the RAM 112, the ROM 113, and the like due to STR (Suspend To RAM) or hibernation. On the other hand, a state where power is supplied to the CPU 111 is referred to as a “normal state”. The normal state includes, for example, a low power state in which power is not supplied to the engine unit such as the scanner 12 and the printer 13 or the HDD 114.

  The scanner 12 is hardware (image reading means) for reading image data from a document. The printer 13 is hardware (printing means) for printing print data on printing paper. The modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line, and is used to execute transmission / reception of image data by FAX communication. The network interface 16 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The SD card slot 17 is used for reading a program stored in the SD card 80. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10, not only the program stored in the ROM 113 but also the program stored in the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed. The SD card 80 may be replaced by another recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). That is, the type of recording medium corresponding to the positioning of the SD card 80 is not limited to a predetermined one. In this case, the SD card slot 17 may be replaced by hardware corresponding to the type of recording medium.

  An information processing terminal 20 is also connected to the controller 11. The information processing terminal 20 is a device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. As an example of a smartphone, there is a terminal having a multi-function such as a call function as a mobile phone, an imaging function by a camera, and a Web information display function such as a PC. As an example of a tablet terminal, a tablet-type terminal that functions as a multifunction terminal in the same manner as a smartphone can be given.

  In the present embodiment, the information processing terminal 20 functions as an operation unit (operation panel) of the image forming apparatus 10. The controller 11 and the information processing terminal 20 are connected via a communication line such as a USB cable, short-range wireless communication, or LAN, for example.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing terminal 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2, the information processing terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a touch panel 204, an auxiliary storage device 205, a sub CPU 206, and the like.

  The ROM 202 and the auxiliary storage device 205 store programs installed in the information processing terminal 20. The RAM 203 reads the program from the ROM 202 or the auxiliary storage device 205 and stores it when there is an instruction to start the program. The CPU 201 implements functions related to the information processing terminal 20 in accordance with programs stored in the RAM 203. Note that eMMC may be used as the auxiliary storage device 205.

  The touch panel 204 is an electronic component having both an input function and a display function, and displays information, accepts input from a user, and the like. The touch panel 204 includes a display device 211, an input device 212, and the like.

  The display device 211 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and bears the display function of the touch panel 204. The input device 212 is an electronic component that includes a sensor that detects contact of a contact object with the display device 211. The contact object refers to an object that contacts the contact surface (surface) of the touch panel 204. Examples of such an object include a user's finger and a dedicated or general pen.

  The sub CPU 206 is a CPU to which power is supplied even while the information processing terminal 20 is in the power saving state (or the energy saving state). The sub CPU 206 performs processing control according to the instructions of the program in the power saving state. The power saving state of the information processing terminal 20 refers to a state where the supply of power to some hardware other than the sub CPU 206 is stopped or the amount of power supply is reduced.

  In the present embodiment, for example, when the information processing terminal 20 breaks down, the image forming apparatus 10 can restore the original function by replacing the information processing terminal 20 with a new one. However, the contents of customization for the information processing terminal 20 (for example, installation of applications, setting information regarding each application or other program, etc.) are lost. The information processing terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 have a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 3 in order to restore the customization contents early.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the controller 11 and the information processing terminal 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, the information processing terminal 20 has one or more standard applications 21a, one or more additional applications 21b, an application management unit 22, a setting management unit 23, a backup control unit 24, a restore control unit 25, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the information processing terminal 20 cause the CPU 201 to execute. In addition, the information processing terminal 20 includes a return unit 26. The return unit 26 is realized by processing that the sub CPU 206 executes one or more programs installed in the information processing terminal 20. Furthermore, the information processing terminal 20 includes a standard application storage unit 221, an additional application storage unit 222, a setting information storage unit 223, and the like. Each of these storage units can be realized using the auxiliary storage device 205, for example.

  The standard application 21a is a standard application (for example, a copy application, a scanner application, etc.) that is installed in advance when the image forming apparatus 10 is shipped.

  The additional application 21b is an application installed on the information processing terminal 20 by a request from the user when the image forming apparatus 10 is introduced into the user environment or after the start of operation in the user environment. Therefore, the type of the additional application 21b to be installed varies depending on the user environment. By installing the additional application 21b, the function of the information processing terminal 20 or the image forming apparatus 10 can be expanded. When the standard application 21a and the additional application 21b are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as “application 21”. Some applications 21 provide value (for example, a browser or the like) with respect to the information processing terminal 20, and other applications 21 communicate with the controller 11 and provide value as the image forming apparatus 10.

  The standard application storage unit 221 stores a file (hereinafter referred to as “application file”) in which the program of each standard application 21a is stored. The additional application storage unit 222 stores application files of the additional applications 21b.

  The application management unit 22 controls installation, update, and uninstallation of the additional application 21b, activation and stop of each application 21, and the like. The application management unit 22 also generates a backup of the application file of the additional application 21b. A backup is a copy of the original data stored (evacuated) in a storage location different from the storage location of the original data for the purpose of restoration. Also, storing (saving) a backup in a storage location different from the storage location of the original data is called backup processing.

  The setting management unit 23 manages setting information (setting values and the like of each setting item) of each application 21 stored in the setting information storage unit 223. For example, the setting management unit 23 changes each setting information according to an operation by the user. The setting management unit 23 also generates a backup of each setting information.

  The backup control unit 24 controls backup processing (save processing) for the application file of the additional application 21 b stored in the additional application storage unit 222 and the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 223.

  The restore control unit 25 controls restore processing (restoration processing) based on the backup generated by the backup processing.

  The return unit 26 controls the information processing terminal 20 to return from the power saving state to the normal state. The normal state of the information processing terminal 20 refers to a state that is not in the power saving state.

  On the other hand, the controller 11 includes a service layer 121, an engine control unit 122, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the controller 11 cause the CPU 111 to execute. The controller 11 also has a return unit 123. The return unit 123 is realized by a process that the sub CPU 115 causes one or more programs installed in the controller 11 to execute. The controller 11 further includes a backup storage unit 131. The backup storage unit 131 can be realized using the HDD 114, for example.

  The engine control unit 122 controls the scanner 12, the printer 13, and the like.

  The service layer 121 provides an API (Application Program Interface) for the engine control unit 122. The API may be, for example, an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) -based Web API. The service layer 121 causes the engine control unit 122 to execute processing in response to a request input via the API from the application 21, the backup control unit 24, the restore control unit 25, and the like of the information processing terminal 20.

  The return unit 123 controls the controller 11 to return from the power saving state to the normal state.

  The backup storage unit 131 stores a backup (such as an application file and setting information of the additional application 21b) generated in the backup process performed by the backup control unit 24 of the information processing terminal 20. That is, in the present embodiment, the backup related to the information processing terminal 20 is stored in the image forming apparatus 10, not outside the image forming apparatus 10. Note that the backup storage unit 131 may be configured using some partitions of the HDD 114. In this case, the information processing terminal 20 uses the backup storage unit 131 transparently (as part of the file system of the information processing terminal 20) by mounting the partition on the NFS (Network File System). be able to.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure of backup processing. The backup process is basically executed automatically. As a main trigger (trigger) of backup, when the information processing terminal 20 is activated, when the installation state of the additional application 21b is changed (when installation, uninstallation, or update is performed), the setting information of the application 21 Etc. at the time of change.

  However, since the backup process takes time, the timing when it is assumed that the user is performing an operation, such as immediately after starting the information processing terminal 20, immediately after installing the additional application 21b, or immediately after changing the setting information. In the case where it is possible to perform backup after a certain period of time elapses, and there is no operation by the user (for example, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) as the display device 211 is OFF) Etc.), backup is executed.

  The backup processing is controlled by the backup control unit 24. If the information processing terminal 20 has shifted to the power saving state after the predetermined time has elapsed, the backup control unit 24 realized by the CPU 201 The process cannot be started. This is because the information processing terminal 20 does not have a mechanism for automatically returning to the normal state unless there is an external input when the information processing terminal 20 shifts to the power saving state.

  Therefore, the backup control unit 24 returns to the time when the information processing terminal 20 returns from the power saving state when the information processing terminal 20 is activated, when the installation state of the additional application 21b is changed, or when the setting information is changed (hereinafter, referred to as the information processing terminal 20) "Return time") is set in the service layer 121. Hereinafter, such setting is referred to as “return time setting”. The backup control unit 24 starts backup processing in response to a return notification transmitted from the service layer 121 when the return time specified in the return time setting has arrived.

  In step S101, when the backup control unit 24 receives the above-described return notification from the service layer 121, the backup control unit 24 transmits a backup processing execution request to the service layer 121 (S102). The execution request corresponds to an inquiry as to whether or not the backup process can be executed. However, the backup control unit 24 may ignore the return notification when the information processing terminal 20 is estimated to be operated by the user, such as when the display device 211 is ON. .

  The service layer 121 determines the state of the controller 11 (the usage state of the CPU 111, the usage state of the HDD 114, the job state, etc.) in response to the execution request (inquiry as to whether or not the backup process can be executed), and starts the backup process. Whether or not it is possible is determined (S103). For example, when the load (usage rate) of the CPU 111 is equal to or greater than a threshold, when the HDD 114 is accessed, or when a job is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 is being used by the user ( If the service layer 121 is estimated to be used via the network, the service layer 121 determines that the backup process cannot be started. On the other hand, when it is estimated that the image forming apparatus 10 is not being used by the user, the service layer 121 determines that the backup process can be started.

  Subsequently, the service layer 121 transmits a response indicating the determination result (information indicating whether the backup process can be started) to the backup control unit 24 (S104). The service layer 121 determines whether or not the backup process can be started, so that the backup process can be excluded from other operations. As a result, it is possible to avoid contention between backup processing and rebooting of the image forming apparatus 10 during backup (after updating the firmware), initialization of the HDD 114, and the like. Therefore, an unexpected error can be prevented from occurring during the backup, and the backup process can be executed safely.

  If the response indicates that the backup process cannot be started, the backup control unit 24 sets the return notification to the service layer 121 again without executing step S105 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, when the response indicates that the backup process can be started, the backup control unit 24 requests the application management unit 22 to execute the backup process (S105).

  In response to the request from the backup control unit 24, the application management unit 22 generates list information of the application 21 file of the additional application 21b stored in the additional application storage unit 222 (S106). Subsequently, the application management unit 22 generates an archive (including a case where the application file is compressed) of the additional application 21b included in the list information (S107), and backs up the archive to the NFS-mounted backup storage unit 131. (S108). Subsequently, the application management unit 22 notifies the backup control unit 24 of the result of backup processing (information indicating success / failure) (S109).

  Note that the application 21 file of the standard application 21a is not included in the backup even if the information processing terminal 20 is replaced, the standard application 21a is also installed in advance on the information processing terminal 20 after replacement. Because. By excluding the application 21 file of the standard application 21a from the backup, the consumed capacity of the HDD 114 can be reduced.

  Subsequently, the backup control unit 24 requests the setting management unit 23 to execute the backup process (S110). Note that step S110 and subsequent steps may be executed only when the backup process of the additional application 21b is successful.

  In response to a request from the backup control unit 24, the setting management unit 23 requests each application 21 (each standard application 21a and each additional application 21b) to execute backup processing (S111). In response to the request, each application 21 generates a predetermined file (setting file) in the auxiliary storage device 205 for each application 21, and the setting of the application 21 stored in the setting information storage unit 223 or the HDD 114 of the controller 11. Information is written in the setting file of the application 21. Subsequently, each application 21 notifies the execution result of the backup process including the path name of the setting file of the application 21 to the setting management unit 23 (S112). Each time the execution result is notified from each application 21, the setting management unit 23 notifies the backup control unit 24 of the progress of the backup process (S113). For example, the total number of applications 21 that perform setting information backup processing and the number of applications 21 that have been notified of the execution result may be notified as the progress status.

  When the backup is completed for all the applications 21 that perform setting information backup processing, the setting management unit 23 generates an archive (including a case where the application 21 is compressed) of the setting file of each application 21 (S114), and stores the archive in the NFS. It is stored as a backup in the mounted backup storage unit 131 (S115). Subsequently, the setting management unit 23 notifies the backup control unit 24 of the result of the backup process (S116).

  Regarding the setting information, the backup is generated not only for the additional application 21b but also for the standard application 21a when the information processing terminal 20 is exchanged in a state where the setting information of the standard application 21a is changed. In addition, the changed setting information is not stored in the information processing terminal 20 after the replacement.

  Subsequently, a processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 10 regarding the return notification in step S101 will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed regarding the return notification. In FIG. 5, the same steps as those in FIG. 4 are given the same step numbers.

  When the information processing terminal 20 is activated, when the installation state of the additional application 21b is changed, or when the setting information is changed, the backup control unit 24 determines the backup start time (S201). For example, the backup start time may be determined after a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time.

  Subsequently, the backup control unit 24 notifies the service layer 121 of the return time setting in which the backup start time is designated as the return time (S202). The service layer 121 stores the return time in, for example, the RAM 203 (S203).

  Thereafter, when the service layer 121 detects that the return time has arrived, if both the information processing terminal 20 and the controller 11 are in a normal state, the service layer 121 transmits a return notification to the backup control unit 24 (S101). In response to the return notification, the backup control unit 24 executes step S102 and subsequent steps in FIG.

  Alternatively, when the information processing terminal 20 is in the power saving state and the controller 11 is in the normal state at the timing when the return time arrives, the service layer 121 is supplied with power even if the information processing terminal 20 is in the power saving state. The return unit 26 realized by the sub CPU 206 is requested to return from the power saving state (S221). In response to the request, the return unit 26 returns the information processing terminal 20 from the power saving state to the normal state (S222). When the return is completed, the return unit 26 transmits a response indicating the completion of the return to the service layer 121 (S223). In response to the response, the service layer 121 transmits a return notification to the backup control unit 24 (S101). The backup control unit 24 executes step S102 and subsequent steps in FIG. 4 in response to the return notification after returning to the normal state.

  On the other hand, when the controller shifts to the power saving state, the service layer 121 sets the return time in the return unit 123 before shifting to the power saving state (S231), and then shifts the controller 11 to the power saving state (S231). S232). The return unit 123 set with the return time waits for the return time to arrive. When the return time arrives, the return unit 123 returns the controller 11 to the normal state (S233). When the controller 11 returns to the normal state, the above-described steps S221 to S224 are executed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, information related to customization of the information processing terminal 20 (additional application 21b, setting information, and the like) is stored in the storage unit on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the need to install an external storage device can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the cost required for backing up information related to customization of the image forming apparatus 10.

  In the above, the image forming apparatus 10 has been described as an example of the device. However, the present embodiment may be applied to other devices having an operation unit such as a projector, an electronic blackboard, or a video conference system. .

  Further, the program of the application 21 and the setting information related to the program may be a backup target.

  Note that each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the “processing circuit” in this specification means a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or designed to execute each function described above. It includes devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array), and conventional circuit modules.

  In the present embodiment, at least one of the application management unit 22 and the setting management unit 23 is an example of a storage processing unit. The backup storage unit 131 is an example of a storage unit. The backup control unit 24 is an example of an inquiry unit and a setting unit. The return unit 26 is an example of a return unit.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Deformation / change is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Controller 12 Scanner 13 Printer 14 Modem 16 Network interface 17 SD card slot 20 Information processing terminal 21a Standard application 21b Additional application 22 Application management part 23 Setting management part 24 Backup control part 25 Restore control part 26 Restoration part 80 SD Card 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 ROM
114 HDD
115 Sub CPU
121 Service Layer 122 Engine Control Unit 123 Return Unit 131 Backup Storage Unit 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 Touch Panel 205 Auxiliary Storage Device 206 Sub CPU
211 Display device 212 Input device 221 Standard application storage unit 222 Additional application storage unit 223 Setting information storage unit

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-177689

Claims (6)

A device having an operation unit and a main body unit,
The operation unit is
When a predetermined timing arrives, a storage processing unit that stores a backup of information related to customization of the operation unit in a storage unit included in the main body unit,
A device characterized by comprising: The information includes at least one of a program installed in the operation unit and setting information related to the program.
The device according to claim 1. The operation unit is
When the predetermined timing arrives, the main body unit has an inquiry unit that inquires whether the information can be stored,
The storage processing unit stores the information in the storage unit when it is answered that the storage is possible in response to the inquiry.
The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above. The operation unit is
A setting unit for setting the predetermined timing in the main body unit;
In response to a request from the main body that has detected arrival of the predetermined timing, a return unit that returns the operation unit from a power saving state,
The storage processing unit stores the information in the storage unit when notified of arrival of the predetermined timing from the main body unit after returning from the power saving state.
The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a device. The operation unit of the device having an operation unit and a main body unit,
When a predetermined timing arrives, a storage processing procedure for storing a backup of information related to customization of the operation unit in a storage unit included in the main body unit,
The information processing method characterized by performing. In the operation unit of the device having the operation unit and the main body unit,
When a predetermined timing arrives, a storage processing procedure for storing a backup of information related to customization of the operation unit in a storage unit included in the main body unit,
A program characterized by having executed.

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