JP4830747B2 - Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and external evacuation apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an external evacuation apparatus.

  In recent years, there is an urgent need for energy saving and power saving of electrical equipment. As a result, printing devices such as printers and copiers reduce the operating frequency or clock when printing is not frequently performed, that is, when printing is not performed for a certain period of time from the previous printing process. There are many things that shift to a power-saving state, such as by stopping supply.

  With regard to this type of technology, there is known a technique that shifts other circuits to a power saving state while maintaining the operation of a circuit that detects reception of print data, operation of a user interface, and the like even during power saving. Patent Document 1).

  Now, in today's LSI (Large Scale Integration), the miniaturization of the transistor, which is its structural unit, has progressed, and a phenomenon has occurred in which a current flows despite no switching operation. This current is called a leakage current, which becomes generally more prominent as the LSI becomes finer. Then, due to the generation of leakage current accompanying the miniaturization of the LSI, the conventional power saving system in which the operation speed of a part or the whole of the LSI is reduced or stopped cannot sufficiently obtain a power saving effect. .

  Therefore, a method of shutting off the power supply itself can be considered as the next step of power saving. In this case, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) mounted on a controller in the printing apparatus is used. Since the power supply is also cut off, the data stored in the volatile memory that must be held until the power is turned off is also erased. Therefore, when this device returns from power saving, it is necessary to rearrange the erased data, and it takes time to restart.

In order to reduce the time required for this restart, there is a method of saving the contents of the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory where the contents of the volatile memory are not lost even if the power supply is cut off before the power supply to the volatile memory is cut off. Conceivable. In this method, suspend (see Patent Document 2) for saving in a nonvolatile memory and hibernation for saving in a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) are generally known.
JP 2000-326590 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-074621

  Usually, printing devices are equipped with only the minimum amount of non-volatile memory that can hold the program code, font data, and initialization data that must be retained even when the power is turned off to reduce parts costs. Many HDDs are not installed.

  For this reason, the backup method described above requires a device such as a nonvolatile memory or HDD for storing the saved data in the volatile memory, but the device already provided in the apparatus has its save area. Since it cannot be ensured, these devices must be mounted separately, resulting in an increase in cost.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an external evacuation apparatus that can quickly shift to and / or return to a power saving state without increasing the cost.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention of an information processing system according to claim 1 comprises an information processing device having volatile storage means and one or a plurality of external evacuation devices, wherein the external evacuation device includes the information processing device. Save information storage means for storing a part of the stored contents stored in the volatile storage means of the information processing apparatus saved from the information processing apparatus as save information when the apparatus shifts to the power saving state; and the information Processing for requesting information processing to the information processing apparatus and for combining the request processing target information with the save information stored in the save information storage means when the processing apparatus is returned from the power saving state. ; and a request unit, the information processing apparatus includes a dividing means for dividing the synthesis information transmitted are combined by the process request means and the request to be processed information and the save information, the divided Comprising an information processing means for processing the return process means for restoring the save information divided by stages based on the area of the volatile memory means, the request information to be processed, which is divided by said dividing means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the information processing device includes a save destination that saves the save information from the one or more external save devices when the information processing device shifts to the power saving state. A save destination determining unit that determines an external save device, and a save processing unit that acquires the save information from the volatile storage unit and saves the save information in the external save device determined by the save destination determining unit .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the save destination determining means determines whether the save information is saved based on a priority order provided for the one or more external save devices. The external evacuation device to be determined is determined .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the information processing device calculates capacity information of the save information when the save destination determining unit determines an external save device as a save destination of the save information. The saving destination determining means determines an external saving device that is a saving destination of the saving information based on the capacity information of the saving information calculated by the calculating means.

Further, the invention of the information processing apparatus according to claim 5 includes a volatile storage unit that erases stored contents when the power is turned off, and one or a plurality of external evacuation devices when shifting to the power saving state. A save destination determining means for determining an external save device as a save destination for saving a part of the storage contents stored in the volatile storage means as save information; obtaining the save information from the volatile storage means; The save processing means for saving to the external save device determined by the save destination determining means, and when returning from the power saving state based on the information processing request from the external save device, the information is combined with the requested processing target information and transmitted. Dividing means for dividing the combined information into the save information and the information to be requested, return processing means for returning the save information divided by the dividing means to the original area of the volatile storage means, Serial includes an information processing means for processing the divided the request information to be processed was in splitting means.

Further, the invention of the external evacuation device according to claim 6 is the storage contents stored in the volatile storage means of the information processing device evacuated from the information processing device when the information processing device shifts to the power saving state. A save information storage unit that stores a part of the information as save information; and when the information processing apparatus is returned from the power saving state, the information processing apparatus is requested to process information, and the request processing target information is stored in the save processing information. Processing request means for combining and transmitting the saved information stored in the information storage means is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly shift to and / or return to a power saving state without increasing costs.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an external evacuation apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention.

  In this information processing system, a printing apparatus 10, a print server 61, and a plurality of client apparatuses 62 are connected via a network 60 configured by a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like. . The print server 61 is not necessarily a necessary component.

  Here, the client device 62 is a general-purpose personal computer or the like handled by the user, and a plurality of client devices 62 are provided on the network 60. When the user performs a predetermined operation from the client device 62 to instruct printing, print data based on this instruction is generated and sent to the print server 61. This print data is finally sent to the printing apparatus 10 for printing.

  The print server 61 functions to manage and control printing. Specifically, the print data is received from the client device 62 and transferred to the printing device 10 to execute printing.

  The printing apparatus 10 receives print data sent from the print server 61 and performs printing based on the data. The printing apparatus 10 is largely divided into a print control unit 11 that performs overall control of the entire printing apparatus, and a printing unit 12 that performs printing on a recording medium such as paper based on control from the print control unit 11. The print control unit 11 includes a nonvolatile memory 22 that retains stored contents even when the power is turned off, a volatile memory 23 that erases stored contents when the power is turned off, and a compression unit that compresses print data. 24, a decompression unit 25 that decompresses and restores compressed print data, an HDD 26 having a large storage area, a network interface 27 that controls communication via the network 60, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus). ), A user interface 29 that plays a role of connecting the user and the printing apparatus 10, and each of these. CPU for the operation control and management (Central Processing Unit) 21 and is provided. Note that the configuration of the printing apparatus 10 is merely an example, and for example, the HDD 26, the compression unit 24, and the expansion unit 25 may be omitted.

  When the printing apparatus 10 has not been used for a certain period of time, the printing apparatus 10 shifts to a power saving state that consumes less power than in a normal operation state. The return from the power saving state to the normal operation state is triggered by, for example, a user operation from the user interface 29, data reception from the network interface 27, or the like. When the printing apparatus 10 shifts to the power saving state, the power supply to the volatile memory 23 is interrupted, and the stored contents of the memory are erased. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 10, before the power supply to the volatile memory 23 is interrupted when the power saving state is shifted, a part of the data in the volatile memory 23 (hereinafter, this data is referred to as backup data). 23a) is saved in the print server 61, the client device 62, and the like connected via the network 60. Further, when returning from the power saving state, the saved backup data 23 a is returned to the original area of the volatile memory 23 and restored.

  Here, a part of the functional configuration of the printing apparatus described in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows one or more backup devices (in this embodiment, backup device A and backup device B) 50 in addition to the printing device 10 described in FIG. The backup device 50 corresponds to the print server 61 or the client device 62 described with reference to FIG. 1, but any device having a storage device capable of saving the backup data 23a can be used instead.

  The printing control unit 11 of the printing apparatus 10 includes, as various processing functions, a volatile memory 23, a setting information holding unit (printing apparatus) 31, a backup destination information table creation unit 32, a backup destination determination unit 33, and a power saving recovery. An instruction unit 34, a backup data amount calculation unit 35, a backup data acquisition unit 36, a backup processing unit (printing device) 37, a backup recovery processing unit (printing device) 38, and a backup control unit (printing device) 39 And a print processing unit 40. Various processing functions provided on the print control unit 11 are realized mainly by the CPU 21 described in FIG. 1 executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 22, the HDD 26, or the like.

  The setting information holding unit (printing apparatus) 31 functions to hold various setting information. One of the setting information held in the setting information holding unit (printing apparatus) 31 is a backup destination information table. Details of this backup destination information table will be described later.

  The backup destination information table creation unit 32 has a function of creating the backup destination information table described above. The table creation by the backup destination information table creation unit 32 is performed based on information manually input by the user and information obtained from the backup device 50 side.

  The backup destination determination unit 33 has a function of determining a backup device 50 as a save destination of the backup data 23a. The backup destination determination unit 33 determines the save destination based on the backup destination information table held in the setting information holding unit (printing apparatus) 31.

  The power saving return instruction unit 34 has a function of transmitting a command for instructing a return from the power saving state (hereinafter, this command is referred to as a power saving return instruction) to the backup device 50 in the transition to the power saving state. The backup device 50 that has received the power saving return instruction from the power saving return instruction unit 34 returns to the normal operation state.

  The backup data amount calculation unit 35 functions to calculate the capacity of the backup data 23a, and the backup data acquisition unit 36 functions to acquire data in a predetermined area in the volatile memory 23 as the backup data 23a. The predetermined area that the backup data acquisition unit 36 acquires as the backup data 23a may be determined in advance when the printing apparatus is manufactured, or may be configured to be arbitrarily determined by the administrator of the printing apparatus. Good.

  The backup processing unit (printing device) 37 performs a function of transmitting the backup data 23a to the backup device 50 determined by the backup destination determination unit 33 and saving the backup data 23a. Further, the backup restoration processing unit (printing device) 38 requests the backup device 50 to return the backup data 23a, writes the backup data 23a returned as a response to this request in the original area of the volatile memory 23, It fulfills the function of returning the volatile memory 23 to the state before backup.

  The backup control unit (printing apparatus) 39 has a function of performing overall control of backup processing in the printing apparatus 10. That is, various processing functions configured on the print control unit 11 during the backup process operate according to instructions from the backup control unit (printing apparatus) 39. The backup control unit (printing apparatus) 39 also controls input / output of data generated between the processing functions.

  The print processing unit 40 functions to control printing by the printing unit 12. That is, print data is sent to the printing unit 12 and printing by the printing unit 12 is executed. This completes the description of the various processing functions that make up the printing apparatus 10.

  Next, a part of the functional configuration of the backup device 50 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the backup device A and the backup device B have substantially the same configuration, here, the configuration of the backup device A will be described as a representative.

  The backup device A includes a setting information holding unit (backup device) 51, a backup setting information table creation unit 52, a backup data storage unit 53, a backup area securing unit 54, and a backup processing unit (backup device) as various processing functions. ) 55, a backup restoration processing unit (backup device) 56, and a backup control unit (backup device) 57.

  The setting information holding unit (backup device) 51 fulfills a function of holding various setting information. One of the setting information held in the setting information holding unit (backup device) 51 is a backup setting information table. Details of this backup setting information table will be described later.

  The backup setting information table creation unit 52 functions to create the backup setting information table described above. Creation of the table by the backup setting information table creation unit 52 is performed based on information manually input by the user and information obtained from the backup device 50 itself.

  The backup data storage unit 53 has a function of storing the backup data 23a, and the backup area securing unit 54 has a function of securing a predetermined area in the backup data storage unit 53 as a storage area for the backup data 23a.

  The backup processing unit (backup device) 55 functions to save the backup data 23 a sent from the printing apparatus 10 to the storage area in the backup data storage unit 53 secured by the backup area securing unit 54. Further, the backup restoration processing unit (backup device) 56 returns the backup data 23a stored in the backup data storage unit 53 in response to a request from the printing apparatus 10 and restores the backup data 23a to the printing apparatus 10. Fulfill.

  The backup control unit (backup device) 57 fulfills a function of performing overall control of backup processing in the backup device 50. That is, various processing functions configured on the backup device 50 during the backup process operate according to instructions from the backup control unit (backup device) 57. The backup control unit (backup device) 57 also controls input / output of data generated between the processing functions. The above is the description of the various processing functions that constitute the backup device A.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the backup setting information table held in the setting information holding unit (backup device) 51 and the backup destination information table held in the setting information holding unit (printing device) 31. explain. FIG. 4 shows an example of the table layout of the backup setting information table, and FIG. 5 shows an example of the table layout of the backup destination information table.

  In the backup setting information table, as shown in FIG. 4, an IP (Internet Protocol) address and a MAC (Media Access Control) address for identifying the own device, a storage area allocation method at the time of backup, and the allocation The capacity and the secured location, the power saving (presence / absence) setting of the own device, the ratio in the power saving state with respect to the normal operation state in the own device, and the operation speed indicating the performance of the own device are set and held. Note that the area allocation method item and the static allocation capacity item of the backup setting information table are manually input by the user at the time of initial setting or the like, but the settings of other items are information from the backup device 50 itself. It is done by obtaining.

  On the other hand, in the backup destination information table, as shown in FIG. 5, the priority for determining the backup destination device corresponding to the backup destination device name and the IP address for identifying the backup destination device And the MAC address, the method for securing the storage area in the backup destination device, the secured capacity and location, the power saving (presence / absence) setting of the backup destination device, and the power saving in the normal operation state of the backup destination device The state ratio and the operation speed indicating the performance of the backup destination apparatus are set and held. The setting of items other than the priority order items in this backup destination information table is performed by obtaining from the backup device 50 side. Although details of the priority items will be described later, they are set by manual input by the user or automatic setting by an automatic setting algorithm. This automatic setting algorithm is a function incorporated in the backup destination information table creation unit 32.

  Here, an area securing method item in the backup destination information table will be described. It can be seen that static reservation is set as the area reservation method of the backup apparatus A, and dynamic reservation is set as the area reservation method of the backup apparatus B. The static allocation indicates that a backup dedicated area for storing the backup data 23a is reserved in the backup apparatus in advance, and dynamic allocation indicates the backup dedicated area for storing the backup data 23a. This indicates that the area corresponding to the capacity information of the backup data 23a received from the printing apparatus 10 is dynamically secured each time without securing in advance.

  Next, priority items in the backup destination information table will be described. As described above, the priority order is set by a user's manual input or automatic setting by an automatic setting algorithm. When setting priorities by automatic setting, it is necessary to clarify in advance what the user wants to prioritize. Specifically, the priority setting by the automatic setting algorithm is as follows: (1) priority is given to static securing, (2) priority is given to a high probability that power saving is not in progress, (3) priority is given to fast operation speed, (4 ) It will be performed based on either the area securing location or the like.

  When the priority is set by the method (1), it is possible to know whether or not the area has been secured without making an inquiry to the backup device 50 side. It can be said that it is useful. Moreover, it can be said that setting the priority by the method (2) is useful when it is desired to quickly shift the printing apparatus 50 to the power saving state or to return from the power saving state. Further, when the priority is set by the method (3), it can be said that it is useful when it is desired to perform the backup process in a short time because the backup device 50 having an excellent processing speed is preferentially selected. In the case of setting the priority by the method (4), whether or not it is useful depends on the capacity of the backup data 23a. For example, HDDs are generally useful when the capacity of backup data 23a is large because a recording area with a large capacity is easier to secure than Flash-ROM, but in the case of HDDs, vibration occurs during writing and reading. This is because sector corruption may occur and data may be lost. Therefore, when the backup device 50 moves frequently, it may be useful to preferentially select the Flash-ROM.

  The above is an explanation of the backup setting information table and the backup destination information table. The table items of the backup destination information table shown in FIG. 5 include the IP address and the MAC address. This is the printing in this embodiment. This is because the apparatus 10 and the backup apparatus 50 are connected via the network 60. Since the IP address executes a ping (Packet Internet Groper) command, the MAC address is used to execute a Wake-ON-LAN function. Therefore, when the printing apparatus 10 and the backup apparatus 50 are connected via communication means other than the network 60, it is necessary to change the table items according to the communication means.

  Here, the operation of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the operation for determining the backup destination in the printing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  This process is started prior to shutting off the power supply to the volatile memory 23 when the printing apparatus 10 shifts to the power saving state. When this process is started, the backup destination determination unit 33 first refers to the backup destination information table of the setting information holding unit (printing device) 31 and acquires information on the backup device 50 that is a backup destination candidate (step). S101). The information of the backup device 50 that is a backup destination candidate is acquired in order from the highest priority, but if all the backup devices 50 cannot become backup destinations, the acquisition fails (in step S102). (YES), a message to that effect is displayed on the display (step S103), and this process is stopped. Note that this cancellation may be temporarily performed and re-executed after a predetermined time.

  When the information of the backup device 50 that is a backup destination candidate is successfully acquired (NO in step S102), the backup destination determination unit 33 next confirms the area securing method in the backup device 50. . That is, referring to the backup destination information table, it is confirmed whether static reservation or dynamic reservation is set in the area reservation method item in the corresponding backup device 50.

  As a result, if the backup destination candidate area securing method is dynamic securing (NO in step S104), the backup destination determining unit 33 confirms whether or not the backup device 50 is saving power. This is for confirming whether or not the backup device 50 is in a state where the backup data 23a can be received. For example, in the case of network connection, it is sufficient to check whether there is a reply to the ping command. In the case of USB connection, the USB bus is in an idle state (idle state for 3 ms). If so, you can check the time during power saving. Information necessary for confirming whether or not power saving is in progress is held in advance in a setting information holding unit (printing apparatus) 31.

  Here, if the backup device 50 is not in power saving (NO in step S105), the process proceeds to the next process, but if the backup device 50 is in the power saving state (YES in step S105), A power saving return instruction is transmitted from the power saving return instruction unit 34 (step S106), and the backup device 50 is returned from the power saving state. In order to restore the backup device 50 from the power saving state, for example, the Wake-ON-LAN function may be used in the case of network connection, and the remote wake-up function may be used in the case of USB connection. Information necessary for returning the backup device 50 from the power saving state is held in advance in the setting information holding unit (printing device) 31.

  Next, the printing apparatus 10 calculates the data amount of the backup data 23a in the backup data amount calculation unit 35 (step S107). When this calculation is completed, the backup destination determination unit 33 inquires of the backup destination candidate backup device 50 whether or not a recording capacity corresponding to the calculated data amount can be secured (step S108). This inquiry is made by sending an area reservation inquiry notification from the printing apparatus 10 to the backup apparatus 50 side. The area reservation inquiry notification includes information such as the calculated data amount (hereinafter, this data amount is referred to as backup data amount information).

  As a result of the inquiry, if a response indicating that the storage capacity cannot be secured is sent from the backup device 50 side (NO in step S109), the printing apparatus 10 returns to the process of step S101 again, and the next backup is performed. The same processing as described above is performed for the destination candidate, but when a response indicating that the storage capacity can be secured is sent from the backup device 50 side (YES in step S109), the backup device 50 Is determined as the backup destination.

  By the way, when it is confirmed in step S104 that the backup destination candidate area securing method is static securing (YES in step S104), the printing apparatus 10 uses the backup data 23a in the backup data amount calculation unit 35. Is calculated (step S110). When this calculation is completed, the backup destination determination unit 33 compares the calculated data amount with the capacity set as the static secured capacity in the backup destination information table, and calculates the above for the corresponding backup destination candidate. It is confirmed whether or not a storage capacity corresponding to the data amount can be secured (step S111). As a result, if the calculated data amount exceeds the capacity set as the statically reserved capacity, backup is impossible (NO in step S112), and the printing apparatus 10 again performs the process in step S101. Returning, the same processing as described above is performed for the next backup destination candidate, but when the calculated data amount falls within the capacity set as the static secured capacity (YES in step S112), the backup destination is determined. The unit 33 checks whether or not the backup device 50 is saving power in the same manner as in step S105 described above, and if it is saving power (YES in step S113), returns the backup device 50 from the power saving state. After that (step S114), if power saving is not being performed (NO in step S113), the backup device 5 is not performed as it is. To determine as a backup destination.

  In FIG. 6, when the backup device 50 is in the power saving state, the operation is to return from the power saving state. However, if power saving is important, the backup destination candidate is in the power saving state. The priority order may be lowered. That is, when it is determined in step S105 and step S113 that the backup destination candidate is saving power, the subsequent processing is stopped and the next priority order candidate is examined. With such a configuration, a device that has a high priority and that is not in power saving is preferentially selected as a backup destination candidate, so that the power saving backup device 50 need not be restored as much as possible, thereby contributing to energy saving.

  Next, the operation on the backup device 50 side when determining the backup destination in the printing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The backup device 50 stands by until a power saving return instruction or an area reservation inquiry notification is sent from the printing device 10 side (NO in step S201 and NO in step S202). The area reservation inquiry notification is sent only when the area reservation method in the backup device 50 is dynamic reservation.

  Here, when a power saving return instruction is sent from the printing apparatus 10 side, the backup control unit (backup apparatus) 57 returns the self apparatus from the power saving state to the normal operation state in accordance with the instruction (step) S203), the backup device 50 again shifts to the standby state in step S201 and step S202.

  When an area allocation inquiry notification is sent from the printing apparatus 10 side, the backup area allocation unit 54 stores the storage area corresponding to the backup data amount information included in the notification on the backup data storage unit 53. An attempt is made to secure it (step S204). If the storage area has failed to be secured (YES in step S205), a response indicating that the area has failed to be secured is sent back to the printing apparatus 10 (step S207), but the storage area is secured. If successful (NO in step S205), a response to the effect that the area has been successfully secured is returned to the printing apparatus 10 side (step S206). Thereafter, the backup device 50 again shifts to the standby state in step S201 and step S202.

  Next, an operation when the backup data 23a on the printing apparatus 10 side is saved in the backup apparatus 50 will be described with reference to FIG. This processing is started after the backup destination is determined by the processing described with reference to FIGS.

  In this process, first, the backup processing unit (printing apparatus) 37 of the printing apparatus 10 transmits a transmission start identifier to the backup apparatus 50 determined as the backup destination (step S301). Then, the backup device 50 receives the transmitted transmission start identifier in the backup processing unit (backup device) 55 (step S302). The transmission start identifier serves to make the backup device 50 recognize the start of transmission of backup data, and the backup device 50 that receives the transmission start identifier processes data sent from the printing device 10 side as backup data thereafter. become.

  When the transmission start identifier is transmitted, the printing apparatus 10 acquires the backup data 23a from the volatile memory 23 in the backup data acquisition unit 36 (step S303), and the backup processing unit (printing apparatus) 37 acquires the backup data 23a. The backup data 23a is transmitted to the backup device 50 (step S304). Receiving this, the backup processing unit (backup device) 55 of the backup device 50 stores the transmitted backup data 23a in the backup data storage unit 53 (step S305). Then, this process ends.

  Next, an operation when the backup data 23a saved in the backup device 50 is returned to the printing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started when the printing apparatus 10 returns from the power saving state after the backup data 23a described in FIG. 8 is saved.

  When an event (for example, a user operation from the user interface 29 or data reception from the network interface 27) that triggers a power saving return occurs in the printing apparatus 10, the printing apparatus 10 supplies power when the power saving state is entered. The power supply is resumed for the interrupted part and the initialization process is executed. As part of the process, the backup data 23a saved in the backup device 50 is written back.

  Here, the backup restoration processing unit (printing apparatus) 38 of the printing apparatus 10 transmits a return request identifier to the backup apparatus 50 (step S401). Then, the backup device 50 receives the returned return request identifier in the backup return processing unit (backup device) 56 (step S402).

  Receiving this return request identifier, the backup device 50 obtains the backup data 23a from the backup data storage unit 53 in the backup restoration processing unit (backup device) 56, and transmits it to the printing device 10 (step S403). Receiving this, the backup restoration processing unit (printing apparatus) 38 on the printing apparatus 10 side writes the backup data 23a back to the original area of the volatile memory 23 (step S404). Thereby, the volatile memory 23 returns to the state before the power saving transition. Then, this process ends.

  Next, Example 2 will be described. In the second embodiment, the case where the backup device 50 described in the first embodiment has a function as a print client (client device 62) will be described. In this case, the backup data 23a can be combined with the print data and returned to the printing apparatus 10. In addition, since the whole structure in Example 2 is the same as FIG. 1 which demonstrated the said Example 1, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, a part of the functional configuration of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since what attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG. 2 which demonstrated the said Example 1 operate | moves substantially the same, only a different point is demonstrated here.

  The print control unit 11 of the printing apparatus 10 includes a composite data dividing unit 41 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The combined data dividing unit 41 has a function of dividing the backup data 23a combined with the print data into print data and backup data 23a. The division by the synthetic data division unit 41 is performed based on synthetic address information described later. The above is the description of the various processing functions that constitute the printing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.

  Next, a part of the functional configuration of the backup device 50 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since what attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG. 3 which demonstrated the said Example 1 operate | moves substantially the same, only a different point is demonstrated here. Further, since the backup device A and the backup device B have substantially the same configuration as in the first embodiment, the configuration of the backup device A will be described as a representative here.

  The backup device A includes a print data generation unit 58 and a print data synthesis unit 59 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

  The print data generation unit 58 has a function of generating print data based on a print instruction from the user, and the print data synthesis unit 59 has a function of synthesizing the backup data 23a with the generated print data. The composition by the print data composition unit 59 is performed based on the composite address information sent from the printing apparatus 10 side. This completes the description of the various processing functions that constitute the backup device A according to the second embodiment.

  Here, the operation of the information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the operations on the printing device 10 side and the backup device 50 side when determining the backup destination are substantially the same as the operations described in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  First, the operation when the backup data 23a on the printing apparatus 10 side is saved in the backup apparatus 50 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started after the backup destination is determined.

  In this process, first, the backup processing unit (printing apparatus) 37 of the printing apparatus 10 transmits a transmission start identifier to the backup apparatus 50 determined as the backup destination (step S501). Then, the backup device 50 receives the transmitted transmission start identifier in the backup processing unit (backup device) 55 (step S502). The transmission start identifier serves to make the backup device 50 recognize the start of transmission of backup data, and the backup device 50 that receives the transmission start identifier processes data sent from the printing device 10 side as backup data thereafter. become.

  When the transmission start identifier is transmitted, the printing apparatus 10 acquires the backup data 23a from the volatile memory 23 in the backup data acquisition unit 36 (step S503), and the backup processing unit (printing apparatus) 37 acquires the backup data 23a. The backup data 23a is transmitted to the backup device 50 (step S504). Receiving this, the backup processing unit (backup device) 55 of the backup device 50 stores the transmitted backup data 23a in the backup data storage unit 53 (step S505).

  Subsequently, the backup processing unit (printing device) 37 of the printing apparatus 10 refers to the setting information holding unit (printing device) 31 and confirms the return method of the backup data 23a at the time of power saving recovery. As a result of the confirmation, if the setting is made to return the backup data 23a saved in the backup device 50 to the print data in the same manner as in the first embodiment without combining it with the print data when the printing device 10 returns to power saving. (NO in step S506), the process is terminated as it is, but when the printer 10 is restored to save power, the backup data 23a is combined with the print data and returned to the printer 10 side. In this case (YES in step S506), the backup processing unit (printing apparatus) 37 transmits the combined return flag and the combined address information to the backup apparatus 50 (step S507). In the backup device 50, the combined return flag and the combined address information sent from the printing device 10 side are held in the setting information holding unit (backup device) 51 (step S508). Then, this process ends. Here, the composite return flag indicates that when the printing apparatus 10 returns to power saving by printing from the backup apparatus 50 that is the save destination of the backup data 23a, the backup data 23a is combined with the print data and sent. It is a flag to do. The composite address information is information that designates in which area of the print data the backup data 23a is to be combined at the time of such combination.

  Next, an operation when the backup data 23a saved in the backup device 50 is returned to the printing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started when the printing apparatus 10 returns from the power saving state after the backup data 23a described with reference to FIG. 12 is saved. Here, it is assumed that the power saving return factor of the printing apparatus 10 is that the print data is sent from the backup apparatus 50 side that saved the backup data 23a.

  When the user performs a predetermined operation from the backup device 50 to instruct printing, the backup device 50 transmits a notification to the effect that the print data is to be transmitted to the printing device 10 (step S601). Then, the printing apparatus 10 that has received this starts recovery from the power saving state (step S602). That is, the power supply is resumed for the portion where the power supply is cut off when the power saving state is entered, and the initialization process is executed. As part of the process, the backup data 23a saved in the backup device 50 is written back.

  Here, the backup restoration processing unit (printing apparatus) 38 of the printing apparatus 10 transmits a return request identifier to the backup apparatus 50 (step S603). Then, the backup device 50 receives the returned return request identifier in the backup return processing unit (backup device) 56 (step S604).

  Upon receiving this return request identifier, the backup restoration processing unit (backup device) 56 of the backup device 50 refers to the setting information holding unit (backup device) 51 and checks whether or not the composite return flag exists. As a result, if the composite return flag does not exist, it is determined that there is no composition (no composition in step S605), and the original area of the volatile memory 23 of the printing apparatus 10 is processed through the same processing as in the first embodiment. After the backup data 23a has been written back (step S608), this processing ends. However, if a composite return flag exists, it is determined that there is a composite (combined in step S605), and the backup recovery processing unit (Backup device) 56 is based on the combined address information held in the setting information holding unit (backup device) 51, and the backup data stored in the backup data storage unit 53 is added to the print data generated by the print data generation unit 58. 23a is synthesized (step S606), and the synthesized data (hereinafter, this data is referred to as synthesized data). It refers) to the printing apparatus 10 (step S607).

  In the printing apparatus 10 that has received the composite data, the composite data dividing unit 41 divides the composite data into backup data and print data (step S609), and the backup restoration processing unit (printing apparatus) 38 uses the volatile memory 23. The backup data 23a is written back to the original area (step S610). Thereby, the volatile memory 23 returns to the state before the power saving transition. Further, when the volatile memory 23 returns to the state before the power saving transition and the printing apparatus 10 returns from the power saving state, the print processing unit 40 sends the print data to the printing unit 12 and printing by the printing unit 12 is executed. (Step S611). Then, this process ends.

  Although the above is an example of typical embodiment of this invention, this invention is not limited to the Example shown to the said and drawing, It can implement suitably deform | transforming within the range which does not change the summary. .

  For example, in the second embodiment, the case where the backup device 50 is the client device 62 has been described as an example. However, the backup device 50 may be the print server 62, and another device may be the backup device 50. Also good. Here, for example, when the backup device 50 exists separately from the client device 62, in order to synthesize print data and send it to the printing device 10, for example, the print data is sent from the client device 62 to the backup device 50. If the backup device 50 combines the backup data 23a and the print data, the print data combined with the backup data 23a can be transmitted to the printing device 10 as in the second embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 is described as an example of an apparatus that needs to save data when shifting to the power saving state. However, the printing apparatus 10 is not limited to the printing apparatus, and the power saving state is not particularly limited. Any device may be used as long as it is necessary to save data when moving to the network. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the case where the backup data 23a is combined with the print data has been described. However, the backup data 23a may be restored to the original apparatus by combining with the data other than the print data.

  Further, the processing in the printing apparatus 10 and the backup apparatus 50 described in the above embodiment may be configured to be executed by a program installed in a computer. This program can be provided not only by a communication means such as a network but also by storing it in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  The information processing system, the information processing apparatus, and the external evacuation apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and a printing apparatus that are provided with an information processing apparatus and an external evacuation apparatus.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the information processing system concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows a part of functional structure of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a part of a functional configuration of a backup device 50. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the table layout of a backup setting information table. It is a figure which shows an example of the table layout of a backup setting information table. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when determining a backup destination in the printing apparatus 10; 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation on the backup device 50 side when determining a backup destination in the printing device 10. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the backup data 23a on the printing apparatus 10 side is saved in the backup apparatus 50. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the backup data 23a saved in the backup device 50 is returned to the printing device 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a part of a functional configuration of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a part of a functional configuration of a backup device 50 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the backup data 23a on the printing apparatus 10 side according to the second embodiment is saved in the backup apparatus 50; 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the backup data 23a saved in the backup device 50 according to the second embodiment is returned to the printing device 10.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing apparatus 11 Print control part 12 Printing part 21 CPU
22 Non-volatile memory 23 Volatile memory 23a Backup data 24 Compression unit 25 Expansion unit 26 HDD
27 Network Interface 28 USB Interface 29 User Interface 31 Setting Information Holding Unit (Printing Device)
32 Backup destination information table creation unit 33 Backup destination determination unit 34 Power saving return instruction unit 35 Backup data amount calculation unit 36 Backup data acquisition unit 37 Backup processing unit (printing device)
38 Backup recovery processing unit (printing device)
39 Backup control unit (printing device)
40 Print Processing Unit 41 Composite Data Dividing Unit 50 Backup Device 51 Setting Information Processing Unit (Backup Device)
52 Backup setting information table creation unit 53 Backup data storage unit 54 Backup area securing unit 55 Backup processing unit (backup device)
56 Backup recovery processing unit (backup device)
57 Backup control unit (backup device)
58 Print Data Generating Unit 59 Print Data Combining Unit 60 Network 61 Print Server 62 Client Device

Claims (6)

An information processing apparatus having volatile storage means;
One or more external evacuation devices,
The external evacuation device is
Save information storage means for storing, as save information, a part of the storage contents stored in the volatile storage means of the information processing apparatus saved from the information processing apparatus when the information processing apparatus shifts to the power saving state ; ,
When returning the information processing apparatus from the power saving state, the information processing apparatus is requested to perform information processing, and the save information stored in the save information storage means is combined with the information of the request processing target and transmitted. Processing request means for performing,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A dividing unit that divides the save information and the request processing target information from the combined information that is combined and transmitted by the processing request unit;
Return processing means for returning the save information divided by the dividing means to the original area of the volatile storage means;
An information processing system comprising: information processing means for processing the request processing target information divided by the dividing means . The information processing apparatus includes:
A save destination determining means for determining an external save device as a save destination for saving the save information from the one or a plurality of external save devices when shifting to the power saving state;
The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a save processing unit that acquires the save information from the volatile storage unit and saves the save information in an external save device determined by the save destination determining unit . The save destination determining means includes
The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein an external save device as a save destination of the save information is determined based on a priority order provided for the one or more external save devices . The information processing apparatus includes:
Calculation means for calculating capacity information of the save information when the save destination determination means determines an external save device as a save destination of the save information.
Further comprising
The save destination determining means includes
The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein an external save device that is a save destination of the save information is determined based on the capacity information of the save information calculated by the calculation unit . Volatile storage means that erases stored contents when the power is turned off,
A save destination that determines an external save device that is a save destination for saving a part of the storage contents stored in the volatile storage means as save information from one or a plurality of external save devices when shifting to the power saving state A determination means;
Save processing means for acquiring the save information from the volatile storage means and saving the save information to an external save device determined by the save destination determining means;
Division that divides the information to be saved and the information to be requested from the synthesized information that is synthesized and transmitted to the information to be processed when requested to return from the power saving state based on the information processing request from the external saving device Means,
Return processing means for returning the save information divided by the dividing means to the original area of the volatile storage means;
Information processing means for processing the information to be processed by the requesting means divided by the dividing means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Save information storage means for storing, as save information, a part of the storage contents stored in the volatile storage means of the information processing apparatus saved from the information processing apparatus when the information processing apparatus shifts to the power saving state; ,
When returning the information processing apparatus from the power saving state, the information processing apparatus is requested to perform information processing, and the save information stored in the save information storage means is combined with the information of the request processing target and transmitted. An external evacuation device comprising processing request means for performing.

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