JP4487485B2 - Network printer system, backup program, and network printer - Google Patents

Description

【００２６】
【表２】

【００２７】
アプリケーション３２は、自己のプリンタＰで利用するアプリケーション、例えば、プリンタの消耗品情報を定期的にサーバにアップするアプリケーション等が記録されており、例えばプリンタの電源を投入する度にＲＡＭに読み出され、ＣＰＵ４０による情報処理・加工によってその機能が実現されるようになっている。
【００２８】
アプリケーション設定データ３３は、このようなアプリケーションで利用される設定、例えば、以下の表３に示すように、消耗品データアップタイミングやアップ先サーバＩＰアドレス、アップデータ内容等といったアプリケーション設定データが記録されている。
【００２９】
【表３】

【００３０】
記録データ３４は、このアプリケーションによって記録されるデータ、例えば以下の表４に示すように、各種トナーの残量や印刷枚数などの各種印刷記録データが記録されるようになっている。
【００３１】
【表４】

【００３２】
また、データ構造データ３５は、この記録データ３４のフォーマットとこれまでに記録されたデータサイズ、例えば、以下の表５に示すような記録データフォーマットとデータサイズが記録されている。
【００３３】
【表５】

【００３４】
バックアップ情報３６は、これまでに他のプリンタＰにバックアップした履歴情報のことであり、バックアップデータを取得する際には、例えば、以下の表６に示すように時系列に記録された日時とＩＰアドレス情報を基に最新のバックアップを取りに行く場所を決定することができる。
【００３５】
【表６】

【００３６】
バックアップ先情報３７は、自己のバックアップデータをどこのプリンタＰにバックアップすべきかが記述されており、例えば、以下の表７に示すように、そのプリンタＰを特定するためのＩＰアドレスなどが記述されている。
【００３７】
【表７】

【００３８】
他プリンタバックアップデータ３８は、他のプリンタから送られてきたバックアップデータを保存するものであり、例えば、以下の表８に示すように、バックアップした日時とそのステータス等が記録されている。
【００３９】
【表８】

【００４０】
次に、このような構成をしたネットワークプリンタシステムの動作フロー及び作用を説明する。
先ず、図４のフローチャート図に示すように、同一ネットワークＮ上に接続された各プリンタは、記憶装置３０のプリンタ設定データ３１に定められた間隔で、他の同機能、すなわちバックアップデータ管理部２０を持ったプリンタＰを探索する（ステップＳ１００）。例えば、表２の例では５分おきに他のプリンタを探索するようになっている。
【００４１】
次に、この探索の結果（ステップＳ１０２）、同一ネットワークＮ上に同じバックアップデータ管理部２０を持ったプリンタＰが見つかった（ＹＥＳ）なら、それらのうちどのプリンタにバックアップするかを決定する（ステップＳ１０４）。
ここで、発見されたプリンタＰの中からバックアップ先のプリンタを決定する方法としては、I．いずれか１台にのみバックアップする方法と、II．複数台にバックアップする方法とが考えられ、さらに、前者の方法Ａは、最初に見つかった１台のプリンタをバックアップ先とする方法（I−１）と、任意のプリンタをバックアップ先とする方法（I−２）とが考えられる。
【００４２】
すなわち、先ずI−１の方法としては、具体的には、▲１▼バックアップ先を探すプリンタは、同一ネットワークＮ内にＰｉｎｇ（Packet Internet Groper）を発信し、▲２▼応答があったプリンタ対してＳＮＭＰ（Simple Network Management Protocol）を送信し、そのプリンタのＭＩＢ（Management Information Base）を取得する。そして、▲３▼応答のあったプリンタのＭＩＢに、同じバックアップデータ管理部２０の機能が搭載されていることが記述されていれば、そのプリンタをバックアップ先として決定するものである。
【００４３】
これに対し、I−２の方法としては、具体的には、▲１▼最初に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＡとする）は、電源が入れられた際には他に電源が入っているプリンタが存在しないことからその時点ではなにもしないが、▲２▼次に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＢとする）は、同一ネットワークＮ上に、自己以外に先に電源が入れられたプリンタＡが既に存在するため、プリンタＡにバックアップするというリストを作成する。また、この時点でプリンタＡは、プリンタＢを認識できるため、同じくプリンタＢにバックアップするというリストを作成する。そして、プリンタＡ及びＢはそのリストを各々自己のプリンタ設定データ３１に保存すると共に互いに他のプリンタにそのリストを渡すことになる。▲３▼次に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＣとする）は、既に電源が入っているプリンタＡ、Ｂを発見するので、例えば、図５に示すように、プリンタＡはプリンタＢに、プリンタＢはプリンタＣに、プリンタＣはプリンタＡに自己のデータファイルを送るためのバックアップ先としたリストを作成し、そのリストを自身のプリンタ設定データ３１に保存すると共に、プリンタＡ、Ｂにもそのリストを渡すことになる。▲４▼そして、以下同様に最後に電源の入ったプリンタは、リストに自分を追加するように更新し、全プリンタに配布する。▲５▼また、最後に電源が入れられたプリンタは、電源の落ちたプリンタをリストから削除するために定期的に▲３▼のプリンタ発見〜リスト更新の処理を繰り返す。▲６▼そして、各プリンタはこのリストをみて自己のデータのバックアップ先の１台を決定することになる。
【００４４】
一方、IIの複数台にバックアップする方法としては、上記I−２の方法と同様に、▲１▼最初に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＡとする）は、電源が入れられた際には他に電源が入っているプリンタが存在しないことからその時点ではなにもしないが、▲２▼次に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＢとする）は、同一ネットワーク上に、自己以外に先に電源が入れられたプリンタＡが存在するため、バックアップ先リストとしてプリンタＡ、Ｂを載せたリストを作成し、自身のプリンタ設定データ３１に保存すると共に、プリンタＡにもそのリストを渡すことになる。▲３▼次に、電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＣという）は、同じくプリンタＡ、Ｂを発見するので、例えば、図６に示すように、プリンタＡはプリンタＢ及びＣに、プリンタＢはプリンタＡ及びＢに、プリンタＣはプリンタＡ及びＢに、それぞれ自己のデータファイルを送るためのバックアップ先としたリストを作成し、そのリストを自身のプリンタ設定データ３１に保存すると共に、プリンタＡ、Ｂにもそのリストを渡すことになる。▲４▼そして、以下同様に最後に電源の入ったプリンタは、リストに自分を追加するように更新し、全プリンタに配布する。▲５▼また、最後に電源が入れられたプリンタは、電源の落ちたプリンタをリストから削除するために定期的に▲３▼のプリンタ発見〜リスト更新の処理を繰り返す。▲６▼そして、各プリンタはこのリストをみて自己のデータのバックアップ先を決定することになる。
【００４５】
また、このバックアップリストの作成方法のうち、例えば、バックアップ先を１台とする形態としては、以下の手順通りとなる。
すなわち、先ず▲１▼最初に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＡとする）は、電源が入れられた際には他に電源が入っているプリンタが存在しないことからその時点ではなにもしないが、▲２▼次に電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＢとする）は、同一ネットワーク上に、自己以外に先に電源が入れられたプリンタＡが存在するため、プリンタＡとＢとでバックアップのペアを作成し、自身のプリンタ設定データ３１にバックアップ先を保存する。一方、▲３▼プリンタＡ、Ｂは、バックアップの際、お互いを認識できなかった場合は、相手の電源が落ちている、またはトラブルであると判断し、新たなペアを探す。次に、▲４▼プリンタＡ、Ｂに加え、新たに電源が入れられたプリンタ（プリンタＣとする）は、まだペアになっていないプリンタを探し、ペアになっているプリンタしか存在しない場合は、ペアに組み込み、３角形の形でＡ→Ｂ、Ｂ→Ｃ、Ｃ→Ａとするバックアップ先情報を作成し、プリンタＡ、Ｂに配布する。▲５▼プリンタＡ、Ｂ、Ｃともバックアップ先から応答がないことを発見した時点で、バックアップ先情報から削除し、残存ペアに連絡することになる。
【００４６】
このような形式であれば、プリンタが２台以上の偶数であれば、ペアのみが存在し、プリンタが３台以上の奇数であれば３台の組が一つと、ペアが存在することになる。情報更新もペア、又は３台組のブロックレベルで最低限に抑えられるため、情報更新時のトラフィックはI−２の場合よりも節約することができる。また、バックアップ先、バックアップタイミングとしては、特に限定されるものではないが、▲１▼電源操作実状に合わせたバックアップ先・頻度の設定、▲２▼イベント発生タイミングでのバックアップ、▲３▼非印刷状態でのバックアップ等が考えられる。
【００４７】
すなわち、▲１▼電源操作実状に合わせたバックアップ先・頻度の設定としては、データ消失などの問題が発生するのは、その殆どがむやみに電源を落とされるときである。そのため、電源操作の履歴についてプリンタ自身が監視し、電源操作の多いプリンタから電源操作の少ないプリンタに電源操作の頻度に応じた頻度でバックアップするように設定すれば、より失われやすいデータをより失われにくいプリンタに保存することができ、効率的な保存とセキュリティレベルの向上を達成することができる。
【００４８】
また、▲２▼イベント発生タイミングでのバックアップとしては、エラーが発生したり、大量の印刷データを受信した等のケースでは、しばしば電源が落とされることが予想される。このため、このようなイベントが発生した時点で、予め他のプリンタへのバックアップを行うようにすれば、▲１▼と同様に効率的な保存とセキュリティレベルの向上を達成することができる。尚、電源が急に落とされることが予想されるイベントとしては、紙ジャムやトナー切れ、ネットワーク通信の不能などといったエラーイベントや、大領のデータを受信したときや裏紙を利用した等いったエラーに繋がりやすいイベントが考えられる。
【００４９】
さらに、▲３▼非印刷状態でのバックアップとは、ネットワークトラフィックが多くなりがちな印刷中にはバックアップを行わないことである。すなわち、最近の一部のプリンタにあっては節電のために印刷が一定時間行われないとスリープ状態に移行するため、このタイミングを見計らってバックアップを行うようにすれば、通信量の少ない時期にバックアップデータを送受信することになるため、ネットワーク上の不要なトラフィック増加を防止することが可能となる。
【００５０】
そして、このようにしてバックアップ先のプリンタが決定されたならば、バックアップデータ管理部２０のバックアップデータ送信手段２４によって、自己のプリンタ設定データ３１、アプリケーション設定データ３３、記録データ３４を通信部１０の通信機能を利用し、ネットワークＮを介してそのプリンタに送信（ステップＳ１０６）した後、そのバックアップ情報の詳しい内容、すなわち、バックアップ先と、いつ、どのようなデータをバックアップしたかを自己の記憶装置３０のバックアップ情報３６に記録する（ステップＳ１０８）。
【００５１】
次に、このプリンタは、同時に他のプリンタからバックアップデータが送信されてきたか否かを監視する（ステップＳ１１０）。そして、他のプリンタからバックアップデータが送信されてきたとき（ＹＥＳ）は、自己のバックアップデータ管理部２０のバックアップデータ受信手段２６によって、そのプリンタのバックアップデータ（プリンタ設定データ３１、アプリケーション設定データ３３、記録データ３４）を受信し（ステップＳ１１２）、そのバックアップデータを自己の記憶装置３０内の他プリンタバックアップデータ３８内に記録する（ステップＳ１１４）と共に、バックアップ元と、いつ、どのようなデータを受信してバックアップしたかを自己の記憶装置３０のバックアップ先情報３７に記録（ステップＳ１１６）してから、データ復元処理へ移行することになる。
【００５２】
これにより、仮にいずれかのプリンタの電源が突然落ちた場合や、故障してその自己データのバックアップ機能に異常が発生した場合でも、そのバックアップデータが全て消失するといった最悪のケースを未然に回避することができる。また、本発明はプリンタサーバ等にバックアップさせる方式ではないことから、プリンタサーバが設置されていない、あるいは設置されていてもストレージ容量が小さいプリンタサーバであっても、効率的にバックアップデータを保存することが可能となる。
【００５３】
尚、上記ステップＳ１０２で他のプリンタが見つからなかったときは、ステップ１０４〜Ｓ１０８を回避して、直ちにステップＳ１１０に移行し、また、ステップＳ１１０において、他のプリンタからバックアップデータが送信されてきていないときはそのまま処理を終了することになる。
次に、本発明においては、上記の如く単に互いのデータをバックアップし合うだけでなく、データ正確性判断手段２２とデータ復元手段２８を有し、自己の有するデータの正確性を定期的にあるいは随時判断し、正確性が損なわれていると判断したときは適宜必要なデータ復元処理を実行する機能を有している。
【００５４】
すなわち、このデータ復元処理は、例えば、図７のフローチャート図に示すように、先ずデータ正確性判断手段２２によって定期的にあるいは随時自己のバックアップデータ（プリンタ設定データ３１、アプリケーション設定データ３３、記録データ３４）に異常がないかを監視（ステップＳ２００）し、ないと判断したときはそのままデータ復元処理を終了することになるが、あると判断したときは自己のバックアップデータ受信手段２６により、バックアップ先の自己の正常なバックアップデータを受信する（ステップＳ２０２）共に、自己のデータ復元手段２８によって、受信した正常なデータを元に、異常のあるデータを復元（ステップＳ２０４）し、復元されたデータを、異常なデータに代わって保存する（ステップＳ２０６）ことになる。
【００５５】
これによって、その一部あるいは全部が壊れたデータや消失したデータを正確に復元することが可能となり、ネットワークプリンタシステムのデータ保持機能の信頼性を大幅に向上させることができる。
尚、この復元処理における復元設定としては、特に限定されるものではないが、以下の表９に示すように、「データサイズの一番大きいものを採用」する方式や、「足りないデータを組み合わせて作成」する方式、あるいは「日付が新しいものを採用する方式」などが考えられる。表９においては、２段目の「足りないデータを組み合わせて作成」する方式に「レ」点を入れてこの方式を有効にした例を示したものである。
【００５６】
【表９】

【００５７】
また、本実施の形態は図１に示すようにプリンタＰのみで構成されたネットワークプリンタシステムの例で説明したが、プリンタＰ同士でバックアップデータを保存し合うようにすれば、図２に示すように、複数のプリンタＰが設置された同一ネットワークＮ上にプリンタサーバＳや他のサーバあるいは各種デバイス等が接続された形態のネットワークプリンタシステムにも同様に適用できることは勿論である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】ネットワークプリンタシステムの実施の一形態を示す図である。
【図２】ネットワークプリンタシステムの他の実施の形態を示す図である。
【図３】プリンタの構成を示すブロック図である。
【図４】バックアップの基本処理を示すフォローチャート図である。
【図５】他の一台のプリンタにバックアップする場合を示す説明図である。
【図６】他の複数台のプリンタにバックアップする場合を示す説明図である。
【図７】データ復元処理の流れを示すフローチャート図である。
【符号の説明】
１０…通信部、２０…バックアップ管理部、２２…データ正確性判断手段、２４…バックアップデータ送信手段、２６…バックアップデータ受信手段、２８…データ復元手段、３０…記憶装置、３１…プリンタ設定データ、３２…アプリケーション、３３…アプリケーション設定データ、３４…記録データ、３５…データ構造データ、３６…バックアップ情報、３７…バックアップ先情報、３８…他プリンタバックアップデータ、４０…ＣＰＵ、Ｎ…ネットワーク、Ｐ…プリンタ、Ｓ…サーバ。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network printer system in which a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and in particular, a novel network printer system and backup program capable of efficiently backing up data inherent to each printer that is generated at each printer. The present invention relates to a backup method and a network printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in a printer having an application execution environment, data unique to the printer such as data used in the application, a setting file of the printer itself, operation recording, and the like are stored in the printer itself. The printer does not have a shutdown practice compared to a personal computer (PC), and the power is often suddenly turned off by a breaker.
[0003]
In this case, since the contents recorded in the buffer are not reflected in the storage device in the printer, the storage device may be adversely affected, and the data to be stored may be partially destroyed or all of the data may be lost. is there.
For this reason, for example, as shown in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3 and the like, the printer data is periodically stored using a storage (hard disk device or the like) such as a PC or a printer server connected to the printer through the same network. A method to notify automatically is considered.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 3065053
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-160180 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-183759 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the method of notifying the storage of a server or the like of the data of each printer in this way is not intended to back up the data of the printer, so the data sent to the server or the like is returned to the printer again and There are no considerations for restoring corrupted data.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention has been devised in order to effectively solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to efficiently back up and restore data generated in each printer connected to the network. A novel network printer system, backup program, backup method, and network printer are provided.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, the network printer system according to the first aspect is a network printer system in which a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and each of at least two or more of the plurality of printers has its own backup data. Backup data transmitting means for transmitting to other printers connected to the network, backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from other printers connected to the network, and other received printers And a storage device for storing backup data.
A network system according to mode 2 is the network printer system according to mode 1, wherein the plurality of printers are all printers connected to the network.
[0008]
By adopting such a configuration, even if one of the printers suddenly loses power, or even if a failure occurs in the backup function of its own data, the worst case is that all the backup data is lost. Cases can be avoided in advance. As a result, the risk of data loss can be dispersed and a more reliable system can be constructed. Further, since the backup data is not stored in the server or the like, the load on the server is not increased, and the storage is not unnecessarily consumed. Further, even in a system without a server, for example, a network printer system including a printing instruction terminal and a printer, backup data of each printer can be reliably and efficiently stored.
[0009]
The network printer system according to the third aspect is the network printer system according to the first or second aspect, in which data correctness determining means for confirming whether the data stored in the network printer system is normal or abnormal and the data stored in the network printer system. And a data restoring means for restoring the stored data based on its own backup data stored in another printer when it is determined that the data is abnormal.
[0010]
As a result, when all or part of the stored data is lost or damaged
Even so, the data can be accurately restored.
Further, the network printer system according to aspect 4 is the network printer system according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the backup data transmission means is any one of other arbitrarily set printers, or two or more printers. The self backup data is transmitted to the above.
[0011]
Thus, the backup data can be reliably transmitted to the backup destination printer and stored.
A network printer system according to mode 5 is the network printer system according to any one of modes 1 to 4, wherein the backup data includes recording data transmitted from the printer to the outside and data used by an application in the printer. And printer setting data relating to the operation of the printer.
[0012]
This makes it possible to back up the minimum data necessary for restoring damaged data.
The network printer according to the sixth aspect is a network printer connected to another printer via a network, and includes backup data transmission means for transmitting its own backup data to another printer connected to the network, and the network printer. And a backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from the other printer, and a storage device for storing the received backup data of the other printer.
Further, the network printer according to aspect 7 is the network printer according to aspect 6, wherein the data accuracy judgment means for confirming whether the data stored in the network printer is normal or abnormal, and the data stored in the network printer are abnormal. And a data restoring means for restoring the stored data based on its own backup data stored in another printer when it is determined that the data is present.
Further, the network printer according to the eighth aspect is the network printer according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the backup data transmitting means is self-regarded to any one of other arbitrarily set printers or two or more printers. The backup data is transmitted.
A network printer according to mode 9 is the network printer according to any one of modes 6 to 8, wherein the backup data includes recording data transmitted from the printer to the outside, data used by an application in the printer, And printer setting data relating to the operation of the printer.
Further, the printer data backup program according to the tenth aspect includes a backup data transmission unit that transmits a computer of each printer connected to the same network to another printer connected to the same network. It is characterized by functioning as backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from other printers connected to the network and storage means for storing the received backup data.
[0013]
As a result, the same effect as that of the system of the form 1 can be obtained, and the computer system that is inherently provided in each printer can be used as it is, so that each means is newly realized by hardware. Excellent economic efficiency.
Further, the printer data backup program according to the eleventh aspect includes backup data transmission means for transmitting backup data of its own printer to the other printers connected to the same network to the computers of the respective printers connected to the same network, Backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from other printers connected to the network, storage means for storing the received backup data, and whether the data stored therein is normal or abnormal Data accuracy judgment means to check and data restoration means to restore the saved data based on own backup data saved in other printers when it is judged that the data stored in the printer is abnormal It is characterized by functioning as
[0014]
As a result, in addition to the effect of the form 10, even if a part or all of the stored data is lost or broken in the same manner as the form 3, the data can be accurately restored.
In the printer data backup method according to the twelfth aspect, a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and backup data of each printer is stored in any one of the other paired printers periodically or as needed via the network. It is characterized by doing so.
[0015]
As in the case of Form 1, even if an abnormality occurs in the data backup function of the printer, the worst case of erasing all the backup data can be avoided and a more reliable system can be constructed. it can.
In the printer data backup method according to the thirteenth aspect, a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and backup data of each printer is stored in a plurality of other printers periodically or as needed via the network. It is a feature.
[0016]
As a result, the same effects as those of the twelfth aspect can be obtained, and the backup data can be more reliably stored because the backup is made to a plurality of printers.
In the printer data backup method according to the fourteenth aspect, a plurality of printers are connected via a network, and the data of each printer is stored in another printer periodically or as needed via the network, while being stored in each printer. Check whether the stored data is normal or abnormal regularly or whenever necessary, and when it is determined that the stored data is abnormal, the stored data is stored on the basis of the backup data stored in the other printer. It is characterized by being restored.
[0017]
As a result, in addition to the effects of forms 12 and 13, it is possible to restore the data accurately even when part or all of the stored data is lost or corrupted in the same manner as in form 3 or the like. Become.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a network printer system according to the present invention. A plurality of printers P are connected to the same network N such as a LAN so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.
[0019]
Each of these printers P has a configuration that realizes the original functions of the printer, such as a printing function and a paper feed function, and, as shown in FIG. 3, a communication unit 10, a backup data management unit 20, a storage device 30, and a CPU 40. It is the structure mainly equipped with. The communication unit 10 provides a function of performing bidirectional communication with a print instruction device such as another printer P or PC via the network N, and is sent via the network N from a print instruction terminal (not shown). In addition to receiving incoming print data and print instructions, a communication function is provided for sending / receiving other backup data to / from other printers P as will be described later.
[0020]
The backup data management unit 20 is a configuration unique to the present invention for providing a function for managing the backup data of the printer P of the own printer, and includes a data accuracy determination unit 22, a backup data transmission unit 24, and a backup data reception unit. 26 and data restoring means 28 are mainly constituted.
This data accuracy judgment means 22 judges whether or not “record data” stored in its own printer P is correct based on “data structure data” and “record data” which will be described later. The CPU 40 realizes its function in accordance with a data accuracy judgment program read into the RAM.
[0021]
The backup data transmission unit 24 realizes a function of transmitting the “record data” to another printer P using the communication function of the communication unit 10 in order to back up its own “record data”. Similarly, the CPU 40 realizes the function according to the backup data transmission program.
The backup data receiving means 26 implements a function of receiving “record data” sent from another printer in order to create a backup of the other printer P in its own printer P. The CPU 40 realizes the function according to the data reception program.
[0022]
The data restoring means 28 realizes a function of restoring the “recording data” of its own printer P based on the backup data recorded on the other printer P. Similarly, the CPU 40 executes the function according to the backup data restoring program. The function is realized.
In addition to executing various programs for operating the backup data 20 as described above, the CPU 40 operates the original system and application of the printer.
[0023]
On the other hand, the storage device 30 is composed of a readable / writable hard disk device, a semiconductor memory, and the like originally provided for each printer P to store and save various data. The printer setting data 31, application 32, application setting data 33, recording data 34, data structure data 35, backup information 36, backup destination information 37, and other printer backup data 38 are mainly stored and saved. ing.
[0024]
The printer setting data 31 includes, for example, information specifying the printer such as the IP address, gateway address, or subnet mask of the printer as shown in Table 1 below, and other information as shown in Table 2 below. The printer-specific setting data such as a printer discovery interval for finding a printer, backup timing, the number of backup destinations, backup system information such as backup target data, and the like are recorded.
[0025]
[Table 1]

[0026]
[Table 2]

[0027]
The application 32 records an application used by its own printer P, such as an application that periodically uploads printer consumable information to the server, and is read into the RAM every time the printer is turned on, for example. The function is realized by information processing and processing by the CPU 40.
[0028]
In the application setting data 33, settings used in such an application, for example, as shown in Table 3 below, application setting data such as expendables data up timing, destination server IP address, updater contents, etc. are recorded. Yes.
[0029]
[Table 3]

[0030]
As the recording data 34, data recorded by this application, for example, as shown in Table 4 below, various printing recording data such as the remaining amount of various toners and the number of printed sheets are recorded.
[0031]
[Table 4]

[0032]
The data structure data 35 is recorded with the format of the recording data 34 and the data size recorded so far, for example, the recording data format and data size as shown in Table 5 below.
[0033]
[Table 5]

[0034]
The backup information 36 is history information that has been backed up to another printer P so far, and when acquiring backup data, for example, as shown in Table 6 below, the date and time recorded in chronological order and the IP Based on the address information, it is possible to decide where to get the latest backup.
[0035]
[Table 6]

[0036]
The backup destination information 37 describes to which printer P the own backup data should be backed up. For example, as shown in Table 7 below, the IP address for specifying the printer P is described. ing.
[0037]
[Table 7]

[0038]
The other printer backup data 38 stores backup data sent from another printer, and for example, as shown in Table 8 below, the date and time of backup and its status are recorded.
[0039]
[Table 8]

[0040]
Next, the operation flow and operation of the network printer system configured as described above will be described.
First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, each printer connected on the same network N has the same function, that is, the backup data management unit 20 at an interval determined in the printer setting data 31 of the storage device 30. Is searched for a printer P having (step S100). For example, in the example of Table 2, another printer is searched every 5 minutes.
[0041]
Next, as a result of this search (step S102), if a printer P having the same backup data management unit 20 is found on the same network N (YES), it is determined to which printer among them a backup (step S102). S104).
Here, as a method of determining a backup destination printer from among the discovered printers P, I.I. A method of backing up only to one of the devices; A method of backing up to a plurality of printers is conceivable, and the former method A includes a method (I-1) in which the first printer found first is a backup destination and a method in which an arbitrary printer is used as a backup destination ( I-2) is considered.
[0042]
That is, as the method I-1, specifically, (1) a printer searching for a backup destination transmits a Ping (Packet Internet Groper) within the same network N, and (2) for a printer that has responded. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is transmitted, and the MIB (Management Information Base) of the printer is acquired. If the MIB of the printer that has responded (3) describes that the function of the same backup data management unit 20 is installed, that printer is determined as the backup destination.
[0043]
On the other hand, as a method of I-2, specifically, (1) the printer (printer A) that is turned on first is turned on when the power is turned on. Although there is no printer at that time, nothing is done at that time. (2) The printer that is turned on next (printer B) is turned on first on the same network N other than itself. Since the printer A already exists, a list for backup to the printer A is created. At this point, since printer A can recognize printer B, it creates a list for backup to printer B as well. The printers A and B store the lists in their own printer setting data 31 and pass the lists to other printers. (3) Next, the printer that is turned on (referred to as printer C) finds printers A and B that are already turned on. For example, as shown in FIG. Printer B creates a list as a backup destination for sending its data file to printer C, and printer C saves the list in its own printer setting data 31 and also to printers A and B. You will pass that list. {Circle over (4)} Then, in the same manner, the printer that is turned on last is updated to add itself to the list and distributed to all printers. {Circle around (5)} The printer that has been turned on lastly repeats the printer discovery to list update processing of {circle around (3)} in order to delete the printer that has been turned off from the list. {Circle over (6)} Each printer looks at this list and decides one of its data backup destinations.
[0044]
On the other hand, as a method of backing up to a plurality of units II, as in the method I-2 above, (1) the printer that was first turned on (referred to as printer A) is turned on when the power is turned on. Although there is no other printer that is turned on, nothing is done at that point. (2) The printer that is turned on next (printer B) is the first on the same network. Since there is a printer A that is turned on, a list including the printers A and B is created as a backup destination list, stored in its own printer setting data 31, and the list is also passed to the printer A. Become. (3) Next, since the printer that is turned on (referred to as printer C) discovers printers A and B, for example, as shown in FIG. Printers A and B and printer C create lists as backup destinations for sending their data files to printers A and B, store the lists in their own printer setting data 31, and That list is also passed to B. {Circle over (4)} Then, in the same manner, the printer that is turned on last is updated to add itself to the list and distributed to all printers. {Circle around (5)} The printer that has been turned on lastly repeats the printer discovery to list update processing of {circle around (3)} in order to delete the printer that has been turned off from the list. (6) Then, each printer looks at this list and determines the backup destination of its own data.
[0045]
Of the backup list creation methods, for example, the following procedure is used to form one backup destination.
That is, (1) the printer that is first turned on (referred to as printer A) does nothing at that time because there is no other printer that is turned on when the power is turned on. However, (2) the printer that was turned on next (referred to as printer B) is backed up by printers A and B because there is a printer A that was turned on first on the same network. And a backup destination is stored in its own printer setting data 31. On the other hand, {circle over (3)} If the printers A and B cannot recognize each other at the time of backup, the printers A and B determine that the other party's power is off or is in trouble, and search for a new pair. Next, (4) in addition to the printers A and B, the printer that is newly turned on (referred to as printer C) searches for a printer that is not yet paired. The backup destination information including A → B, B → C, and C → A is created in the form of a triangle and distributed to the printers A and B. (5) When it is found that there is no response from the backup destination for any of the printers A, B, and C, the printers A, B, and C are deleted from the backup destination information, and the remaining pairs are notified.
[0046]
In such a format, if the number of printers is an even number of two or more, only a pair exists, and if the number of printers is an odd number of three or more, one pair of three units exists. . Since the information update is also suppressed to the minimum at the block level of a pair or triplex, the traffic at the time of information update can be saved as compared with the case of I-2. Also, the backup destination and backup timing are not particularly limited. (1) Backup destination / frequency setting in accordance with the power supply operation status, (2) Backup at event occurrence timing, (3) Non-printing Backup in the state can be considered.
[0047]
That is, {circle around (1)} in setting the backup destination and frequency in accordance with the actual power supply operation, problems such as data loss often occur when the power is turned off unnecessarily. For this reason, if the printer itself monitors the history of power operations and sets backups from printers with high power operations to printers with low power operations at a frequency that corresponds to the frequency of power operations, more easily lost data is lost. It can be stored in a hard-to-break printer, and efficient storage and improved security level can be achieved.
[0048]
As for backup at event occurrence timing (2), it is expected that the power is often turned off when an error occurs or a large amount of print data is received. Therefore, if backup to another printer is performed in advance when such an event occurs, efficient storage and improvement of the security level can be achieved as in the case of (1). Events that are expected to suddenly turn off include error events such as paper jams, running out of toner, network communication failure, etc. Events that can easily lead to errors are considered.
[0049]
Further, {circle around (3)} backup in a non-printing state means that backup is not performed during printing which tends to increase network traffic. That is, some recent printers go to sleep if printing is not performed for a certain period of time in order to save power. Since backup data is transmitted and received, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary increase in traffic on the network.
[0050]
When the backup destination printer is determined in this way, the backup data transmission means 24 of the backup data management unit 20 sends its own printer setting data 31, application setting data 33, and recording data 34 to the communication unit 10. After transmitting to the printer via the network N using the communication function (step S106), the detailed contents of the backup information, that is, the backup destination, and what data was backed up when and what data was backed up 30 backup information 36 (step S108).
[0051]
Next, the printer monitors whether backup data has been transmitted from another printer at the same time (step S110). When backup data is transmitted from another printer (YES), the backup data receiving unit 26 of its own backup data management unit 20 causes the backup data (printer setting data 31, application setting data 33, Recording data 34) is received (step S112), the backup data is recorded in the other printer backup data 38 in its own storage device 30 (step S114), and the backup source, and when and what data is received. After recording the backup in the backup destination information 37 of the storage device 30 (step S116), the process proceeds to the data restoration process.
[0052]
As a result, even if one of the printers suddenly loses power, or if a malfunction occurs in the backup function for its own data, it is possible to avoid the worst case where all the backup data is lost. be able to. In addition, since the present invention is not a system for backing up to a printer server or the like, backup data can be efficiently stored even if the printer server is not installed or is a printer server with a small storage capacity. It becomes possible.
[0053]
If no other printer is found in step S102, steps 104 to S108 are avoided and the process immediately proceeds to step S110. In step S110, backup data is not transmitted from the other printer. At that time, the process is terminated.
Next, in the present invention, in addition to backing up each other's data as described above, the data accuracy judging means 22 and the data restoring means 28 are provided, and the accuracy of the data held by itself is periodically or It has a function to perform necessary data restoration processing as appropriate when it is determined as needed and it is determined that the accuracy is impaired.
[0054]
That is, for example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the data restoration processing is performed first by the data accuracy judging means 22 periodically or as needed by the self backup data (printer setting data 31, application setting data 33, recording data). 34) monitors whether there is an abnormality (step S200). If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the data restoration process is terminated. If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the backup data receiving means 26 uses the backup destination. The normal backup data is received (step S202), and the data restoring means 28 restores the abnormal data based on the received normal data (step S204). Save it in place of the abnormal data (step S206) To become.
[0055]
As a result, it is possible to accurately restore partially or completely broken or lost data, and the reliability of the data holding function of the network printer system can be greatly improved.
The restoration setting in this restoration process is not particularly limited, but as shown in Table 9 below, a method of “adopting the largest data size” or “combining insufficient data” "Created by", or "Method of adopting new date". Table 9 shows an example in which this method is validated by adding a “re” point to the method of “creating by combining missing data” in the second stage.
[0056]
[Table 9]

[0057]
Further, although the present embodiment has been described with reference to an example of a network printer system configured by only the printer P as shown in FIG. 1, if backup data is stored between the printers P, as shown in FIG. Of course, the present invention can be similarly applied to a network printer system in which a printer server S, another server, or various devices are connected to the same network N where a plurality of printers P are installed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a network printer system.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a network printer system.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer.
FIG. 4 is a follow chart showing basic backup processing;
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a case where backup is performed to another printer.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a case where backup is performed to other plural printers.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of data restoration processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Communication part, 20 ... Backup management part, 22 ... Data accuracy judgment means, 24 ... Backup data transmission means, 26 ... Backup data reception means, 28 ... Data restoration means, 30 ... Storage device, 31 ... Printer setting data, 32 ... Application, 33 ... Application setting data, 34 ... Recording data, 35 ... Data structure data, 36 ... Backup information, 37 ... Backup destination information, 38 ... Other printer backup data, 40 ... CPU, N ... Network, P ... Printer , S ... server.

Claims (9)

A network printer system in which a plurality of printers are connected via a network,
Among the plurality of printers, at least two or more printers are transmitted from backup data transmitting means for transmitting their own backup data to other printers connected to the network, and from other printers connected to the network. Backup data receiving means for receiving backup data received, and storage means for storing backup data of the other received printers ,
When the printer having the above means is turned on, it searches for other printers that are already turned on, and specifies the backup destination information list for each printer from the searched printers. Generated and distributed to each printer,
The network printer system, wherein the backup data transmitting means transmits its own backup data to a backup destination printer designated in the received backup destination information list . The network printer system according to claim 1.
The network printer system, wherein the plurality of printers are all printers connected to the network. The network printer system according to claim 1 or 2,
A printer provided with each of the above means
Data accuracy judgment means to check whether the data stored in the printer is normal or abnormal, and backup of the printer stored in another printer when it is determined that the data stored in the printer is abnormal network printer system further comprising a data restoring means for restoring the saved data data based on. The network printer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The network printer system according to claim 1, wherein the backup data includes recording data transmitted from the printer to the outside, data used by an application in the printer, and printer setting data regarding the operation of the printer. A network printer connected to another printer via a network,
Backup data transmitting means for transmitting its own backup data to another printer connected to the network, backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from another printer connected to the network, and the reception Storage means for storing backup data of other printers,
When the power is turned on, it searches for other printers that are turned on first, generates a backup destination information list that specifies the backup destination of each printer from the searched printers, and distributes it to each printer. ,
The network printer, wherein the backup data transmitting means transmits its own backup data to a backup destination printer specified in the received backup destination information list . The network printer according to claim 5 .
A data accuracy judgment means for confirming whether the data stored by the user is normal or abnormal,
And a data restoring means for restoring the stored data based on the backup data stored in another printer when it is determined that the data stored in the printer is abnormal. Network printer. The network printer according to claim 5 or 6 ,
The network printer, wherein the backup data includes recording data transmitted from the printer to the outside, data used by an application in the printer, and printer setting data regarding the operation of the printer. Each printer computer connected to the same network
Backup data transmitting means for transmitting backup data of its own printer to another printer connected to the same network; backup data receiving means for receiving backup data transmitted from another printer connected to the network; , Function as a storage means for storing the received backup data ,
When the power is turned on, another printer that is turned on first is searched, and a backup destination information list that specifies the backup destination of each printer is generated from the searched printers and distributed to each printer. And a printer data backup program that functions to transmit the backup data to the backup destination printer specified in the received backup destination information list . In the printer data backup program according to claim 8,
The computer of each printer further includes data accuracy judgment means for confirming whether the data stored in the printer is normal or abnormal, and other printers when it is determined that the data stored in the printer is abnormal. A printer data backup program which functions as a data restoring means for restoring stored data based on its own backup data stored in the printer.

Images