JP4930239B2 - Image forming apparatus, backup method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for backing up image data held by the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, in a network system such as an intranet, data for printing an image by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) included therein or data of an image obtained by scanning a document can be stored and managed. Has been done.

  Data stored in the image forming apparatus can be shared among a plurality of apparatuses in the network system. For example, the data can be accessed from another image forming apparatus in the network system, and a document or an image based on the data can be printed in the other image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the data can be accessed by a computer terminal such as a personal computer and the contents of the data can be displayed on the display of the computer terminal.

  The image forming apparatus normally stops supplying power to a storage device such as a hard disk when its own power supply is turned off. Therefore, for example, if the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off during maintenance of the image forming apparatus, other terminal devices in the network system cannot access the data stored in the storage device. . Therefore, a method of separating the power source for the hard disk from the power source for driving the other units can be considered. By doing so, it is possible to access the hard disk while the power supply for driving the other units is turned off and the maintenance work is performed.

  However, depending on the content of the maintenance, the image forming apparatus may be moved to another location. In such a case, the connection with the external power supply may be cut off and all the power supply systems of the image forming apparatus may be turned off. In this case, the conventional method as described above cannot use the data stored in the image forming apparatus even though the data is required. In addition, in order to suppress waste of power, the power supply of the entire room where the image forming apparatus is installed may be stopped. In this case as well, the data stored in the image forming apparatus cannot be used.

  In order to cope with this, switching to power supply using a battery is conceivable. Patent Documents 1 and 2 devise related technologies.

  Patent Document 1 describes a built-in electronic device that operates by connecting a first electronic device driven by a battery and a second electronic device separate from the first electronic device. . According to the method of Patent Literature 1, when the power source for supplying power to the second electronic device and the first electronic device and the second electronic device are connected to the embedded electronic device, A monitoring unit that monitors whether the output voltage has become a predetermined value or less, and when the voltage monitoring unit determines that the output voltage has become the predetermined value or less, Electric power is supplied from the battery of one electronic device.

According to the method of Patent Document 2, in a monitoring control device that monitors and controls power, an external power supply is monitored by a power supply monitoring circuit. Switch to a charged battery.
JP-A-7-219683 JP 2002-73104 A

  By using a battery as in the conventional method described above, the risk of not being able to access data stored in the image forming apparatus is reduced. However, since there is a problem that the battery runs out, there is a risk that access will eventually become impossible.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that data stored in an image forming apparatus can be more reliably accessed than ever before.

An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a plurality of other image forming apparatuses via a communication line, and stores user data that is user data. A user data storage unit that acquires power status data indicating a power supply unit to each of the other image forming apparatuses from each of the other image forming apparatuses, and the acquisition unit performs the other image forming process. Based on the power status data acquired from each of the apparatuses, the user data is preferentially ordered in the order of the other image forming apparatuses having the power over Ethernet as the power supply means and those having the battery . A selection unit that selects a backup destination device; and a transmission unit that transmits the user data to the selected backup destination.

Another image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from a plurality of other image forming apparatuses via a communication line, and is user data that is user data User data storage means for storing the power, acquisition means for acquiring the power status data indicating the time when the power of the other image forming apparatus was turned off from each of the other image forming apparatuses, and the acquisition means Based on the power status data acquired from each of the other image forming apparatuses, the backup of the user data is preferentially performed among the other image forming apparatuses with a short time during which the power is turned off. Selection means for selecting as a destination device and transmission means for transmitting the user data to the selected backup destination.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus is powered off, the acquisition unit acquires the power status data, the selection unit selects an image forming apparatus as a backup destination of the user data, and The transmission unit transmits the user data to the image forming apparatus selected by the selection unit.

  The user data includes authentication processing data used for authentication of the user when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus, and image data for reproducing an image registered by the user in the image forming apparatus. And the transmitting means transmits the authentication processing data included in the user data when the user registers the user data in the image forming apparatus, and the image data included in the user data. Is transmitted when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off.

  The transmission unit transmits the image data included in the user data to the same backup destination as the authentication processing data included in the user data.

  According to the present invention, access to data stored in the image forming apparatus can be made more reliable than before.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 2, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply related circuit 10n.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 includes image forming apparatuses 2A, 2B,..., Terminal apparatuses 3A, 3B,. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatuses 2A, 2B,... May be collectively referred to as “image forming apparatus 2”, and the terminal apparatuses 3A, 3B,. Similarly, other devices or members may be collectively described by omitting the serial numbers attached to the end of the reference numerals.

  Each of these devices can be connected to each other via a communication line NT. As the communication line NT, a LAN line, the Internet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used. Each of these devices is given a unique IP address in advance.

  A program and data for performing various processes in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 2 are installed in the terminal device 3. The user can remotely operate the image forming apparatus 2 using the terminal device 3 to execute printing or the like. As the terminal device 3, a personal computer, a workstation, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like is used.

  The image forming apparatus 2 is an image processing apparatus that integrates various functions such as a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, and a document server. Sometimes called a multi-function peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals).

  The “document server” provides a storage area corresponding to a folder or directory in a personal computer, which is called “box” or “personal box” for each user, and the user stores sentences, mathematical formulas, This is a function that allows the storage of document data (hereinafter referred to as “document data”) including symbols, photographs, diagrams, illustrations, and the like. Sometimes called “box function”.

  The image forming apparatus 2 performs various processes in cooperation with the terminal device 3. For example, an image is printed based on document data generated by the terminal device 3. This linkage function is generally called “network printing” or “PC printing”. It is also possible to acquire document data stored in another image forming apparatus 2 and perform printing based on the document data.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 2 scans an image of a document, and the document data obtained thereby can be transferred to the terminal apparatus 3 and stored. Such a linkage function is generally called “SCAN TO PC” or the like.

  The image forming apparatus 2 also has a function of backing up document data held by the image forming apparatus 2 by transmitting it to another image forming apparatus 2 at a timing when the power switch is turned off. This function will be described in detail later.

  The image forming apparatus 2 is supplied with power from a commercial power supply via an outlet provided on a wall of the room. Some models can be supplied with power by PoE (Power over Ethernet), battery, or both.

  The image forming apparatus 2 that supports PoE or battery automatically switches the power supply source to PoE or battery as soon as the switch for obtaining power from the commercial power supply is turned off. As a result, the hardware necessary for making it possible to access data stored in the image forming apparatus 2 from other devices such as a CPU 10a, a RAM 10b, a ROM 10c, a hard disk 10d, and a control circuit 10e, which will be described later. The operation can be continued.

  In the present embodiment, a group for the image forming apparatus 2 is defined in the image processing system 1. Each image forming apparatus 2 belongs to one of them. All the image forming apparatuses 2 in one network segment may be defined as one group, or a plurality of groups may be defined in one network segment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a CPU 10a, a RAM 10b, a ROM 10c, a hard disk 10d, a control circuit 10e, an operation panel 10f, a communication interface 10g, a printing device 10h, a scanner 10i, a facsimile modem 10j, and a PoE connection unit 10k. , A battery 10m, a power-related circuit 10n, a power management control unit 10p, and a switch 10r. However, the PoE connection unit 10k and the battery 10m are provided only in the image forming apparatus 2 corresponding to the power supply by PoE and the power supply by the battery, respectively.

  The hard disk 10d includes a user data storage unit 101, a backup destination storage unit 102, a user data registration / update processing unit 103, a command reception unit 104, an authentication processing unit 105, an fitness table storage unit 106, a priority level as shown in FIG. Storage unit 107, power-off history storage unit 108, power-related processing unit 109, backup start processing unit 110, priority acquisition unit 111, priority transmission unit 112, backup destination selection unit 113, data transmission unit 114, backup data storage unit 115 and a program and data for realizing functions such as the backup data registration / deletion unit 116 are installed. These programs and data are read to the RAM 10b as necessary. Then, the program is executed by the CPU 10a. Some or all of these programs and data may be stored in the ROM 10c. Some or all of these may be realized only by hardware such as the control circuit 10e.

  The scanner 10i is a device that optically reads an image such as a photograph, a character, a picture, or a chart drawn on a document sheet to generate document data.

  The printing apparatus 10h is an apparatus that prints an image on a sheet based on document data obtained by the scanner 10i or the facsimile modem 10j or document data transmitted from the terminal device 3 or the like. Printing can also be performed based on document data stored in another image forming apparatus 2.

  The communication interface 10g is a NIC (Network Interface Card) for communicating with other devices using a protocol such as TCP / IP.

  The control circuit 10e is a circuit for controlling devices such as the hard disk 10d, the scanner 10i, the printing device 10h, the communication interface 10g, the operation panel 10f, and the facsimile modem 10j.

  The operation panel 10f is provided with a numeric keypad, a touch panel, and the like, and the user inputs to the image forming apparatus 2 using them to make various settings. The touch panel also serves as a display device that notifies a user of a message or the like.

  The facsimile modem 10j transmits document data obtained by the scanner 10i or receives document data transmitted from another fax terminal via a public switched telephone network (PSTN) in accordance with a facsimile standard.

  The PoE connection unit 10k is an interface for receiving power supplied by PoE. The battery 10m is a battery that supplies power to the image forming apparatus 2 during a power failure. The switch 10r is a switch for switching whether to receive power supply from a commercial power source.

  The power supply related circuit 10 n converts and relays current supplied from a power supply such as a commercial power supply, PoE, and a battery so as to suit each hardware of the image forming apparatus 2. The power management control unit 10p performs various processes related to the power supply such as control of the power supply related circuit 10n. Here, the power supply related circuit 10n and the power management control unit 10p will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply related circuit 10n includes voltage conversion circuits D1 and D2, an AC / DC conversion circuit AD, a power supply connection circuit SK, and the like.

  The voltage conversion circuit D1 converts the voltage of the power supplied by PoE. The voltage conversion circuit D2 converts the voltage of power supplied by the battery 10m. The AC / DC conversion circuit AD converts an alternating current sent from a commercial power source into a direct current.

  The power supply connection circuit SK includes voltage detection units DK1, DK2, DK3, a DC / DC conversion circuit DD, and the like. Electric power from each power source is supplied to each hardware of the image forming apparatus 2 via the power source connection circuit SK.

  The voltage detector DK1 detects the voltage after conversion by the voltage conversion circuit D1. The voltage detector DK2 detects the voltage after conversion by the voltage conversion circuit D2. The voltage detector DK3 detects the voltage after the current conversion by the AC / DC conversion circuit AD. When these voltage detectors DK1, DK2, and DK3 detect the voltage, they send the value of the detected voltage to the power management control unit 10p. The DC / DC conversion circuit DD performs DC / DC conversion of the current to be sent to each hardware of the image forming apparatus 2 so as to match the image forming apparatus 2.

  The power management control unit 10p monitors the state of a line (power supply line) for supplying power by PoE and records it in a memory or the like. When the switch 10r is turned off, a signal indicating that the switch 10r is turned off is sent to the power-related processing unit 109 and the backup start processing unit 110, which will be described later, and the power to each hardware of the image forming apparatus 2 is also transmitted. Switch the supply means to PoE or battery.

  When the switch 10r is turned on, a signal indicating that is sent to the power-related processing unit 109. When the voltage is detected by the voltage detection unit DK, the power supply related processing unit 109 is notified of which voltage detection unit DK is detecting the voltage.

  Further, based on the voltage detected by the voltage detector DK3, the AC / DC conversion circuit AD is controlled to adjust the voltage from the commercial power source.

  5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user data DU, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the output history table TS, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the login history table TL, and FIG. 8 is when registering the user data DU. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first fitness table TA, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second fitness table TB, and FIG. 11 is a diagram of the power-off history table TF. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of priority calculation processing, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of backup destination selection processing. Next, processing of each part of the image forming apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

  In FIG. 3, the user data storage unit 101 stores user data DU for each user who uses the image processing system 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the user data DU includes user attribute data DZ and user registration document data DS.

  The user attribute data DZ indicates “user number”, “password”, “home device information”, and the like.

  The “user number” is identification information for distinguishing the user related to the user data DU from other users. “Password” is a password that is input as authentication information when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 2. Here, “login” means that a user who has been authenticated can enter a state such as printing in the image forming apparatus 2.

  The “home device information” is identification information for identifying the “home device” that is the image forming apparatus 2 that is frequently used by the user. The home device can be selected when the user registers his / her user data DU. One or a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 can be selected as the home apparatus. In this embodiment, an IP address is used as the identification information of the home device.

  In addition, the user attribute data DZ includes various types of data related to the settings of the image forming apparatus 2. For example, data for customizing the screen displayed on the touch panel according to the preference of the user is included.

  The user registration document data DS includes document data DSB, document attribute data DSA, output history table TS, and login history table TL.

  The document data DSB is document data for reproducing an image of a document composed of sentences, mathematical formulas, symbols, photographs, charts, illustrations, and the like.

  The document attribute data DSA indicates an attribute of the document data DSB, for example, a name (data name or file name) for identifying the document data DSB and a user link. “User link” is the user number of the user (registered user) who registered the document data DSB in the image forming apparatus 2. That is, here, the same number as the user number indicated in the user attribute data DZ is shown.

  The output history table TS is a table showing how many times the document data DSB is output in each image forming apparatus 2 as shown in FIG.

  The “apparatus address” indicates the IP address of the image forming apparatus 2. “Number of outputs” indicates the number of times the document data DSB has been output in the past in the image forming apparatus 2 of the record.

  The “output” mentioned here includes printing, transmission by a fax protocol, transmission to another apparatus attached to an e-mail, and other image forming apparatus 2 or terminal apparatus 3. It includes transmitting based on a protocol such as SMB (Server Message Block).

  The login history table TL is a table indicating the number of times a registered user of the document data DSB has logged into each of the image forming apparatuses 2 as shown in FIG.

  The “apparatus address” indicates the IP address of each image forming apparatus 2. “Login count” indicates the number of times a registered user of the document data DSB has logged in to the image forming apparatus 2 of the record in the past.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the backup destination storage unit 102 stores the IP address of the image forming apparatus 2 that is the backup destination of the user attribute data DZ in association with the user number indicated in the user attribute data DZ.

  The user data registration update processing unit 103 performs processing for registering or updating user data DU. Here, the process for registering the user data DU will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The user inputs the user number, password, and IP address of the image forming apparatus 2 as the home apparatus using the operation panel 10f (# 101), and issues an instruction to complete the input and execute registration of the user data DU. 2 (Yes in # 102), the user data registration / update processing unit 103 receives the input contents and generates user attribute data DZ using them. Then, the user data DU including the user attribute data DZ is registered (input) by storing it in the user data storage unit 101 (# 103). Thereby, registration of the user data DU is completed.

  At the stage where the user data DU is registered, the user data DU includes only the user attribute data DZ. The user registration document data DS is added and registered in the user data DU every time the user causes the image forming apparatus 2 to perform processing such as printing thereafter. This will be described later.

  Further, the user data registration update processing unit 103 cooperates with a backup start processing unit 110 and a backup destination selection unit 113 described later to perform backup processing (backup processing of user attribute data DZ included in the registered user data DU). )I do.

  In this backup process, first, the backup destination selection unit 113 selects two image forming apparatuses 2 as backup destinations, and the IP addresses of the selected image forming apparatuses 2 are stored in the backup destination storage unit 102 (# 104). ). This selection procedure will be described in detail later. The user data registration / update processing unit 103 transmits the user attribute data DZ to the two selected image forming apparatuses 2 (# 105). Further, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 2 itself is transmitted together with the user attribute data DZ.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when user attribute data DZ is transmitted from another image forming apparatus 2, the user data registration update processing unit 103 generates and registers backup user data DU. That is, user data DU including the transmitted user attribute data DZ is generated, and stored in its own user data storage unit 101 in association with the IP address transmitted together with the user attribute data DZ. At this time, a backup flag indicating that the user data DU is backup data (backup data) is added to the user data DU.

  After the user data DU is registered, the user may perform an operation of updating the user attribute data DZ of the user data DU by changing a password or the like. Then, the user data registration update processing unit 103 updates the user attribute data DZ based on the data input for update by the user.

  When the user attribute data DZ is updated, a process for causing the two image forming apparatuses 2 storing the backup data of the user attribute data DZ to perform the same update is performed. Specifically, an IP address stored in association with the user number indicated in the user attribute data DZ related to the current update is acquired from the backup destination storage unit 102. Based on the IP address, data indicating the contents of the update and the user number are transmitted to the two image forming apparatuses 2 as backup destinations.

  Each of the user data registration update processing units 103 of the two backup image forming apparatuses 2 updates the user attribute data DZ corresponding to the user number based on the transmitted data.

  When updating the user attribute data DZ, a backup destination may be selected again, and the updated user attribute data DZ may be backed up. In that case, the updated user attribute data DZ itself is transmitted. In addition, the IP address stored in the backup destination storage unit 102 is used to notify the image forming apparatus 2 that holds the user attribute data DZ before update as backup data to be deleted.

  The user data registration update processing unit 103 generates user registration document data DS by the following procedure, for example, and adds it to the user data DU.

  In the terminal device 3, the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 2 by accessing the image forming apparatus 2 as a printing destination and inputting his / her user number and password. At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 performs user authentication processing, which will be described later. Then, the user designates registration of the document data DSB and then instructs execution of PC printing. Then, the document data DSB to be printed is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 executes printing based on the document data DSB.

  In parallel with or before or after the printing process, the user data registration / update processing unit 103 generates the document attribute data DSA, the login history table TL, and the output history table TS, and the document attribute data DSA, the login history table User registration document data DS including TL, output history table TS, and the document data DSB used for printing is generated. And it adds to the user data DU of the user.

  The document attribute data DSA indicates the data name of the document data DSB and the user number of the user. The data name may be automatically determined by the user data registration / update processing unit 103 using the date and time of printing, or may be determined by the user.

  In the output history table TS, a record corresponding to the image forming apparatus 2 that has performed printing this time is registered, and “1” is stored as the “output count” value of the record. If output processing such as printing is not performed when registering the document data DSB, an empty output history table TS without a record is generated.

  The initial value of the login history table TL differs depending on whether or not the current document data DSB is registered in the user data DU of the user for the first time.

  In the case of registration for the first time, a record corresponding to the image forming apparatus 2 to which the user has logged in is registered in the login history table TL. Then, “1” is stored as the value of “login count” of the record.

  In the case of the second and subsequent ones, the login history table TL of the user included in the other user registration document data DS that has already been generated is copied, and the user registration document data DS registered this time is copied. Used as the login history table TL.

  The user registration document data DS is registered based on the document data DSB obtained along with various other processes. For example, registration can be performed based on document data DSB obtained at the time of scanning, copying, fax transmission, or fax reception. In this case as well, as in the case of PC printing, registration of the user registration document data DS is executed if registration of the document data DSB is designated in advance by the user.

  It is also possible to register the user registration document data DS by transferring the document data DSB stored in the terminal device 3 or another image forming device 2 to the image forming device 2. The document data DSB registered in the image forming apparatus 2 can be shared by all the image forming apparatuses 2 and the terminal apparatuses 3 in the image processing system 1.

  After registration, the registered user registration document data DS may be updated by changing the data name or the like.

  When the user performs an operation to change the data name of the document data DSB, the user data registration / update processing unit 103, based on the content input by the user, the data name indicated in the document attribute data DSA corresponding to the document data DSB Update.

  When an output process such as printing is performed based on the registered document data DSB, the user data registration update processing unit 103 updates the output history table TS included in the user registered document data DS of the output document data DSB. To do. Specifically, the “output count” value of the record corresponding to the output image forming apparatus 2 is incremented by one. If the record corresponding to the output image forming apparatus 2 is not registered, a record corresponding to the image forming apparatus 2 with the value of “number of times of output” being “1” is newly registered.

  Each time a user logs in to the image forming apparatus 2, the user data registration / update processing unit 103 searches the user data DU of the user based on the user number, and updates all login history tables TL included therein. Specifically, the “login count” value of the record corresponding to the logged-in image forming apparatus 2 in each login history table TL is incremented by one.

  The command receiving unit 104 receives commands and various information input by the user using the operation panel 10f.

  The authentication processing unit 105 searches the user attribute data DZ stored in the user data storage unit 101 based on the user number input by the user who is going to use the image forming apparatus 2 from now on, and the input password is The user authentication process is performed by comparing with the password indicated in the user attribute data DZ.

  However, the user attribute data DZ corresponding to the input user number may not be registered in the image forming apparatus 2. In that case, the user number is transmitted to another image forming apparatus 2 in the image processing system 1, and the transmission of the user attribute data DZ corresponding to the user number is requested. The other image forming apparatuses 2 that have received the request respectively check their own user data storage unit 101, and if the user attribute data DZ corresponding to the user number is stored, regardless of the presence or absence of the backup flag Then, it is transmitted to the requesting image forming apparatus 2. As a result, even if the image forming apparatus 2 in which the user attribute data DZ is first registered is shut down or cannot be accessed, the user attribute data DZ is acquired from the backup destination image forming apparatus 2. User authentication.

  The authentication processing unit 105 performs user authentication processing using the user number and password indicated in the transmitted user attribute data DZ.

  When authentication is possible, a screen for instructing the image forming apparatus 2 to execute processing is displayed on the touch panel provided on the operation panel 10f.

  The fitness table storage unit 106 stores the first fitness table TA shown in FIG. 9 and the second fitness table TB shown in FIG.

  The first fitness table TA is a table showing the fitness as a backup destination for each power supply pattern (power supply pattern) of the image forming apparatus 2.

  In FIG. 9, a “power supply pattern” indicates a combination of power supply units to the image forming apparatus 2. In the example of FIG. 9, “with PoE”, “with battery”, and “commercial power supply only” are shown.

  “With PoE” means that power can be supplied by PoE when power cannot be supplied from a commercial power source. “With battery” means that power can be supplied from the battery when power cannot be supplied from the commercial power source. “Commercial power supply only” means that only power supply from the commercial power supply is supported.

  “Adaptability” indicates how much the image forming apparatus 2 having the power supply pattern indicated in the record is suitable as a backup destination. The larger the value shown in this adaptability, the higher the adaptability. Hereinafter, this degree is referred to as “first fitness”.

  The second fitness table TB is a table indicating the fitness as a backup destination of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the frequency with which the power supply from the switch 10r, that is, the commercial power supply is turned off.

  In FIG. 10, “power-off frequency” indicates “very low”, “low”, and “high” indicating the frequency of turning off the switch 10r (power-off frequency).

  “Many” means that there is a time period in which the switch 10r is turned off every day. For example, when the switch 10r is turned off at night every day, it corresponds to “many”. “Low” means that there is a period in which the switch 10r is not turned off and is continuously turned off for a predetermined time or more. In the present embodiment, a case where there is a period in which the power is not turned off and is continuously turned off for 12 hours or more within the past 10 days corresponds to “few”. For example, when the switch 10r is turned off only on the weekend, this corresponds to “less”. “Very little” means that neither “high” nor “low” is applicable.

  “Adaptability” indicates how much the image forming apparatus 2 with the power-off frequency indicated in the record is adapted as a backup destination. The larger the value shown in this adaptability, the higher the adaptability. Hereinafter, this degree may be referred to as “second fitness”.

  The priority storage unit 107 stores a priority indicating the degree to which the image forming apparatus 2 itself is preferentially selected as a backup destination of another image forming apparatus 2. The procedure for calculating the priority will be described in detail later.

  The power-off history storage unit 108 stores a power-off history table TF for recording a time period in which the switch 10r of the image forming apparatus 2 is turned off as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the “power-off time zone” indicates a time zone in which the switch 10r of the image forming apparatus 2 is turned off.

  The power-related processing unit 109 performs the following various processes relating to the power supply of the image forming apparatus 2 based on a signal from the power management control unit 10p indicating whether the switch 10r is turned on or off.

  Each time the switch 10r of the image forming apparatus 2 is switched from off to on, a record indicating the time zone from the off date to the on date is added to the power-off history table TF.

  Further, the state of power supply from each power source to the image forming apparatus 2 is monitored, and processing for obtaining priority based on the state (priority calculation processing) is performed. Here, the priority calculation processing will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the switch 10r of the image forming apparatus 2 is turned on, a signal indicating that is sent from the power management control unit 10p to the power related processing unit 109. Then, the power-related processing unit 109 starts priority calculation processing.

  In the priority calculation process of FIG. 12, the power supply related processing unit 109 checks the current power supply state based on which voltage detection unit DK (FIG. 4) detects the voltage. Thereby, it is determined which power supply means can supply power to the image forming apparatus 2 (# 201).

  When the voltage detector DK1 detects the voltage, it is determined that the power can be supplied by PoE. When the voltage detector DK2 detects the voltage, it is determined that the battery can supply power. When the voltage detector DK3 detects the voltage, it is determined that the power can be supplied from the commercial power source.

  Note that, even if the image forming apparatus 2 itself supports PoE, depending on the state of the PoE power supply line, power may not be supplied by PoE. In such a case, for example, the voltage is not detected by the voltage detection unit DK1 (or only a voltage equal to or lower than a predetermined value is detected), and therefore it is not determined that the power supply by PoE is possible.

  Based on the determination result and the first fitness table TA in FIG. 9, the first fitness is obtained as follows. If power supply by PoE is possible (Yes in # 202), “2” is obtained as the first fitness, and this is temporarily stored in the RAM 10b (# 203). If the battery can supply power (No in # 202 and Yes in # 204), “1” is obtained as the first fitness and stored (# 205). If only the supply of power from the commercial power supply is possible (No in # 202 and No in # 204), “0” is obtained as the first fitness and stored (# 206).

  In parallel with or before or after the processing of steps # 201 to # 206, the second fitness is obtained based on the power-off history table TF and the second fitness table TB of FIG.

  If the power-off history table TF indicates that there is a time zone in which the switch 10r is turned off every day for the past week (Yes in # 207), “1” is obtained as the second fitness, and the RAM 10b (# 208). If not (No in # 207), the process proceeds to step # 209.

  If the power off history table TF indicates that the switch 10r has been turned off for 12 hours or more in the past 10 days (Yes in # 209), “2” is set as the second fitness. Find and save (# 210). If there is no period in which the switch 10r is turned off for 10 hours or more (No in # 209), “1” is obtained as the second fitness and stored (# 211).

  Then, the sum of the stored first fitness and second fitness is obtained and stored in the priority storage unit 107 as the priority of the image forming apparatus 2 (# 212).

  For example, when it is determined that the commercial power supply and PoE can be supplied to the image forming apparatus 2, the first fitness is “2” (see FIG. 9). Further, when the frequency with which the power is turned off corresponds to “extremely low” shown in FIG. 10, the second fitness is “3”. In this case, “2 + 3 = 5” is obtained as the priority.

  The backup start processing unit 110 gives instructions to each unit to perform processing (backup processing) for backing up the user attribute data DZ or user registration document data DS stored in the user data storage unit 101, and performs backup processing. Start.

  When the user data DU is registered, the backup processing of the user attribute data DZ is received from the user data registration update processing unit 103 and started at that timing.

  When the power-related processing unit 109 receives a signal indicating that the switch 10r has been turned off, the backup processing of the user registration document data DS receives a notification indicating that and starts at that timing.

  The priority acquisition unit 111 holds each of the image forming apparatuses 2 that belong to the same group as the image forming apparatus 2 and that can be connected to each other at the time of backup processing. Request priority transmission and get it.

  When the priority transmission unit 112 receives a priority transmission request from another image forming apparatus 2, the priority transmission unit 112 transmits the priority stored in the priority storage unit 107 to the other image forming apparatus 2.

  Based on the priority of the image forming apparatus 2 stored in the priority storage unit 107 and the priority of the other image forming apparatus 2 acquired by the priority acquisition unit 111, the backup destination selection unit 113 Processing for selecting a backup destination device from the image forming apparatuses 2 (backup destination selection processing) is performed.

  Here, the procedure of the backup destination selection process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, it is assumed that backup destination selection processing is performed in the image forming apparatus 2A.

  In FIG. 13, the priority acquisition unit 111 requests other image forming apparatuses 2 belonging to the same group as the image forming apparatus 2A to transmit the respective priorities (# 301). Upon receiving the request, the priority transmission unit 112 of the other image forming apparatus 2 transmits the priority stored in the priority storage unit 107 to the image forming apparatus 2A. The priority acquisition unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 2A receives the priority transmitted from the other image forming apparatus 2 and stores it in a predetermined storage area such as a memory (# 302).

  When a predetermined time elapses after the request of step # 301, the backup destination selection unit 113 reads the stored priorities of the other image forming apparatuses 2.

  When the backup target is the user attribute data DZ (Yes in # 303), the backup destination selection unit 113 starts with the highest priority among the other image forming apparatuses 2 that have transmitted the priority. Is selected as a backup destination for the user attribute data DZ (# 304).

  Further, the IP address of the selected image forming apparatus 2 is stored in the backup destination storage unit 102 in association with the user number indicated in the user attribute data DZ (# 305).

  When the backup target is the user registration document data DS (No in # 303), the backup destination selection unit 113 stores the image stored in each priority and priority storage unit 107 of the other image forming apparatus 2. The priority of the forming apparatus 2A itself is compared (# 306), and the comparison result is stored (# 307).

  If the priority of the image forming apparatus 2A itself is the highest (Yes in # 308), the process ends without selecting a backup destination.

  If the priority of the image forming apparatus 2A itself is not the maximum (No in # 308), the other image forming apparatus 2 having the maximum priority is selected as the backup destination (# 309).

  Returning to FIG. 3, the data transmission unit 114 sends the user registration document data DS stored in the user data storage unit 101 to other image forming apparatuses 2 selected by the backup destination selection unit 113 as backup destinations. Send. At this time, along with the user registration document data DS, an IP address which is identification information of the image forming apparatus 2 itself is transmitted.

  However, if the backup destination selection unit 113 does not select a backup destination (Yes in # 308 in FIG. 13), no transmission is performed.

  The backup data storage unit 115 stores user registration document data DS transmitted from another image forming apparatus 2 as backup data.

  The backup data registration / deletion unit 116 registers the backup data in the backup data storage unit 115 and deletes the backup data stored in the backup data storage unit 115.

  When registering the backup data, the user registration document data DS, which is the backup data, is stored in the backup data storage unit 115 in association with the IP address of the other image forming apparatus 2 transmitted along with the user registration document data DS.

  The backup data is deleted at a predetermined timing. For example, it is checked by periodically sending a predetermined command such as “Ping” whether the image forming apparatus 2 that has transmitted the backup data is in an accessible state by turning on the power. When it is confirmed that access is possible, the backup data is deleted.

  By backing up the user registration document data DS in this way, even if the image forming apparatus 2 to which the document data is registered is turned off and cannot be accessed, the image forming apparatus 2 at the backup destination can not access it. Document data can be used. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a risk that necessary document data cannot be used in pull printing or the like.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the image forming apparatus 2 from when the power is turned on until printing is performed and the power is turned off. Next, the flow of processing of the image forming apparatus 2 from when the power is turned on until the user logs in to execute printing and when the power is turned off will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, it is assumed that the user uses the image forming apparatus 2A.

  In FIG. 14, the user goes to the location of the image forming apparatus 2A in order to cause the image forming apparatus 2A to print the document data DSB that has been input in advance. If the image forming apparatus 2A is turned off, the switch 10r is turned on (# 401).

  When the switch 10r is turned on, the image forming apparatus 2A is activated and calculates its own priority by the method already described with reference to FIG. 12 (# 402).

  When the image forming apparatus 2A is activated, the user performs an operation for login using the operation panel 10f. At that time, first, the user's user number is input (Yes in # 403). Then, the authentication processing unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 2A reads the user attribute data DZ (personal information) of the user data DU corresponding to the user number from the user data storage unit 101 and stores it in the RAM (# 404).

  Subsequently, when the user inputs a password (Yes in # 405), the authentication processing unit 105 compares the password indicated in the read user attribute data DZ with the input password. If they match (Yes in # 406), the user is logged in. If they do not match (No in # 406), a message indicating that authentication could not be performed is displayed, prompting the user to re-enter the password.

  When the login is completed, the user data registration update processing unit 103 updates the login history table TL included in the user data DU of the user. That is, the value of “login count” in the record corresponding to the image forming apparatus 2A is incremented by one (# 407). If there are a plurality of user registration document data DS for the user, all the login history tables TL included therein are updated.

  Thereafter, a screen (setting screen) for setting various functions such as printing or scanning is displayed on the touch panel (# 408). At this time, a setting screen is displayed based on data for screen customization included in the user data DU of the user.

  For example, in the case of a setting screen for copying, a screen in which the magnification is set to “same size”, the number of copies is set to “2 copies”, and the sort is set to “valid” is displayed at the initial display stage. In the case of the image forming apparatus 2 that is not equipped with the corresponding function, the user can recognize that the function cannot be used by making the display mode different from other items such as dimming the display of the function.

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 2A waits for an input from the user. When the user inputs a print execution instruction (No in # 409 and Yes in # 410), the user data registration update processing unit 103 first updates the output history table TS included in the user data DU of the user. . That is, the “output count” value of the record corresponding to the image forming apparatus 2A in the output history table TS included in the user registration document data DS of the document data DSB to be printed this time is incremented by one (# 411). . The output history table TS is updated every time output based on the document data DSB is performed.

  In parallel with or before or after this, the image forming apparatus 2A performs printing based on the document data DSB (# 412).

  When a logout instruction is input (Yes in # 409), the touch panel is returned to the initial display, and the set printing conditions are reset (# 413). Further, the password read in step # 404 is deleted from the RAM (# 414).

  If the input is not performed for a predetermined time, the user is automatically logged out (Yes in # 409), and the processes after step # 413 are performed.

  Thereafter, when the switch 10r of the image forming apparatus 2A is turned off by the user (# 415), the backup process is started. In the backup process, the backup destination selection unit 113 selects the image forming apparatus 2 as the backup destination of the user registration document data DS by the method described in FIG. 13 (# 416). Since this time is a backup of the user registration document data DS, the process from step # 306 is performed in FIG. 13, and one backup destination image forming apparatus 2 is selected.

  The data transmission unit 114 transmits all the user registration document data DS stored in the user data storage unit 101 to the image forming apparatus 2 selected as the backup destination (# 417). The image forming apparatus 2 selected as the backup destination stores the transmitted user registration document data DS in its backup data storage unit 115. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 2A is shut down (# 418). However, when the image forming apparatus 2A supports power supply by PoE or a battery, the power supply source is switched to the corresponding power supply means.

  According to the present embodiment, data registered in the image forming apparatus 2 is automatically backed up to the image forming apparatus 2 selected as the backup destination. In that case, the image forming apparatus 2 that can determine that the supply of power is difficult to stop based on the power supply unit is given priority, and the frequency with which the power is turned off based on the power-off history table TF is low. The image forming apparatus 2 is preferentially selected as a backup destination.

  Thus, even if the image forming apparatus 2 in which the data is registered becomes inaccessible, the user can use the data from the image forming apparatus 2 that is the backup destination. In this case, since the backup is performed for the image forming apparatus 2 that is unlikely to be inaccessible because the power is turned off, the backed up data can be used more reliably than before.

  By the way, there is a case where the power supply by PoE is stopped due to the change of the communication line due to the replacement of the connection destination hub. In such a case, processing for updating the priority of the image forming apparatus 2 may be performed. In this case, if the image forming apparatus 2 stores the user attribute data DZ as backup data, the user attribute data DZ may be backed up again by selecting the backup destination of the user attribute data DZ. In that case, for example, the following is performed.

  When the power-related processing unit 109 receives from the power management control unit 10p a signal indicating that the voltage is no longer detected by the voltage detection unit DK1 in FIG. 4, that is, a signal indicating that the supply of power by PoE has been stopped. The priority of the image forming apparatus 2 is obtained by the method described above.

  Next, the user data storage unit 101 is referenced to check whether there is user attribute data DZ stored as backup data. This check is performed based on whether or not a backup flag is included in the user data DU.

  If there is data stored as backup data, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 2 that is the backup request source stored in association with the user data DU is acquired. Then, using the acquired IP address, the request source image forming apparatus 2 is notified that the priority has been changed, and the user number indicated in the user attribute data DZ is transmitted.

  Upon receiving the notification, the backup start processing unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 2 performs a backup process for the user attribute data DZ corresponding to the user number.

  In the present embodiment, two image forming apparatuses 2 are selected as backup destinations of the user attribute data DZ, but only one may be selected. Alternatively, three or more units may be selected. Two or more image forming apparatuses 2 may be selected as backup destinations of the user registration document data DS.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the user registration document data DS is transmitted as backup data when the switch 10r of the image forming apparatus 2 is turned off has been described. However, user attribute data DZ or other data such as priority is also included. Alternatively, it may be transmitted as backup data. In that case, the image forming apparatus 2 that has received the backup data stores the backup data in its own backup data storage unit 115.

  In the present embodiment, the backup destination of the user registration document data DS is selected and backed up separately from the user attribute data DZ. However, both may be backed up to the same backup destination. In this case, the backup destination IP address of the user attribute data DZ corresponding to the user registration document data DS to be backed up is acquired from the backup destination storage unit 102, and the user registration is performed with respect to the image forming apparatus 2 of the IP address. Document data DS is transmitted as backup data.

  In the present embodiment, three combinations of the commercial power source and PoE, the commercial power source and battery, and the commercial power source are shown in the power supply pattern of FIG. 9, but other combinations may be used. For example, a combination of a commercial power source, PoE, and a battery may be used instead of the commercial power source and PoE combination. Or you may add the combination of a commercial power source, PoE, and a battery to three combinations shown in FIG. In this case, the first fitness value for the combination of the commercial power source, PoE, and battery is “3”.

  In this embodiment, the sum of the first fitness level and the second fitness level is set as the priority of the image forming apparatus 2, but only one of the first fitness level and the second fitness level may be used as the priority level. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 2 that performs the backup process acquires the priority stored in the other image forming apparatus 2 and selects the backup destination based on the priority is shown. You may carry out by the method of. For example:

  Each image forming apparatus 2 stores power management data indicating whether power can be supplied from “commercial power”, “PoE”, or “battery”. The image forming apparatus 2 that performs the backup process requests and acquires the transmission of the power management data from other image forming apparatuses 2. Based on the acquired power management data, the image forming apparatus 2 that can determine that the supply of power is difficult to stop is selected as a backup destination.

  In this embodiment, user authentication is performed by a method using a user number and a password, but other methods using an ID card, a wireless IC tag, or biometric authentication (such as fingerprint authentication or face authentication) are used. You may make it perform.

  In the present embodiment, the backup process is performed at the timing when the power of the image forming apparatus 2 is turned off. However, the power may be unexpectedly turned off due to a power failure or the like. You may make it perform regularly also in a certain time slot | zone. Alternatively, it may be performed at the timing when the document data DSB is updated. The backup process may be performed only when the priority value of the image forming apparatus 2 itself is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

  Prior to selecting a backup destination, a command indicating a backup request may be transmitted to each image forming apparatus 2. Then, for example, data indicating the data amount (size) of the document data DSB to be backed up is added to the command, and a response as to whether or not the document data DSB can be backed up is prompted based on the data. You may do it.

  In that case, the image forming apparatus 2 that has received the request compares the data amount with the free capacity of its own hard disk 10d to determine whether or not the document data DSB can be received, and as a result. Is notified to the requesting image forming apparatus 2. The requesting image forming apparatus 2 selects a backup destination from the image forming apparatuses 2 that have notified that backup is possible.

  In the backup process, the user registration document data DS requested to be backed up by another image forming apparatus 2 and saved is also set as a backup target. That is, not only user registration document data DS originally stored in the image forming apparatus 2 but also user registration document data DS stored in the backup data storage unit 115 as backup data, that is, a user registration document including a backup flag. The data DS is also backed up to another image forming apparatus 2 as a backup target.

  When power can be supplied from the battery, the time for which the image forming apparatus 2 continues to operate with the battery is calculated based on the capacity of the battery, and a high priority is set when the time is long. It may be.

  When the power supply means is PoE, the amount of power supplied is limited by the PoE supply side state, and the amount of power may change. A higher priority may be set as the amount of power increases.

  In addition, the entire image processing system 1, the image forming apparatus 2, and the terminal device 3, or the configuration and function of each unit, the configuration and contents of each table, the contents indicated by each data, the contents or order of processing, etc. It can be changed appropriately according to the purpose.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of the image processing system which concerns on this invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of a power supply related circuit. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of user data. It is a figure which shows the example of an output log | history table. It is a figure which shows the example of a login log | history table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process at the time of registration of user data. It is a figure which shows the example of a 1st fitness table. It is a figure which shows the example of a 2nd fitness table. It is a figure which shows the example of a power-off log | history table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a priority calculation process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a backup destination selection process. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of the image forming apparatus from when the power is turned on until printing is performed and the power is turned off.

Explanation of symbols

2 Image forming apparatus 101 User data storage unit (user data storage means)
103 User data registration update processing unit (transmission means)
111 Priority acquisition unit (acquisition means)
113 Backup destination selection unit (selection means)
114 Data transmission unit (transmission means)
DSB document data (image data)
DU User data DZ User attribute data (authentication processing data)
NT communication line

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a plurality of other image forming apparatuses via a communication line,
User data storage means for storing user data which is user data;
Obtaining means for obtaining power status data indicating means for supplying power to each of the other image forming apparatuses from each of the other image forming apparatuses;
Based on the power status data acquired by the acquisition unit from each of the other image forming apparatuses, the other image forming apparatuses, in the order of those having a power over Ethernet and those having a battery, as a power supply unit. Preferentially, a selection means for selecting a device as a backup destination of the user data;
A transmission means for transmitting the user data to the selected backup destination;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a plurality of other image forming apparatuses via a communication line,
User data storage means for storing user data which is user data;
Acquisition means for acquiring, from each of the other image forming apparatuses, power status data indicating a time during which the power of the other image forming apparatus has been turned off ;
Based on the power status data acquired from each of the other image forming apparatuses by the acquiring unit, the other image forming apparatuses having a short power off time are preferentially selected. Selection means for selecting as a backup device of user data;
A transmission means for transmitting the user data to the selected backup destination;
An image forming apparatus comprising: When the image forming apparatus is turned off,
The acquisition means acquires the power status data,
The selecting means selects an image forming apparatus as a backup destination of the user data,
The transmission unit transmits the user data to the image forming apparatus selected by the selection unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein. The user data includes authentication processing data used for authentication of the user when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus, image data for reproducing an image registered by the user in the image forming apparatus, Including
The transmission unit transmits the authentication processing data included in the user data when a user registers the user data in the image forming apparatus, and the image data included in the user data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Sent when the device is turned off,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . The transmission means transmits image data included in the user data to the same backup destination as the authentication processing data included in the user data;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 . A data backup method in an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from other image forming apparatuses via a communication line and storing user data as user data,
From each of the other image forming apparatuses, obtain power status data indicating power supply means to the other image forming apparatuses,
Based on the power status data acquired from each of the other image forming apparatuses, the other image forming apparatuses are preferentially ordered in the order of those having a power over Ethernet as a power supply means and those having a battery. , selects a device to backup destination of the user data,
Sending the user data to the selected backup destination;
A backup method characterized by that. A data backup method in an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from other image forming apparatuses via a communication line and storing user data as user data,
From each of the other image forming apparatuses, obtain power status data indicating the time when the power of the other image forming apparatus was turned off ,
Based on the power status data acquired from each of the other image forming apparatuses, the backup of the user data is preferentially performed among the other image forming apparatuses with a short time during which the power is turned off. Select as the first device,
Sending the user data to the selected backup destination;
A backup method characterized by that. The user data includes authentication processing data used for authentication of the user when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus, image data for reproducing an image registered by the user in the image forming apparatus, Including
The data for the authentication process included before SL user data transmitted when the user registers the user data to the image forming apparatus, the image data included in the user data, the power of the image forming apparatus Send when turned off,
The backup method according to claim 6 or 7 . In a computer capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from other image forming apparatuses via a communication line and storing user data as user data,
A process of acquiring power status data indicating means for supplying power to each of the other image forming apparatuses from each of the other image forming apparatuses;
Based on the power status data acquired from each of the other image forming apparatuses, the other image forming apparatuses are preferentially ordered in the order of those having a power over Ethernet as a power supply means and those having a battery. , Processing for selecting a device as a backup destination of the user data;
A process of transmitting the user data to the selected backup destination;
A computer program for executing In a computer capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from other image forming apparatuses via a communication line and storing user data as user data,
A process of acquiring power status data indicating the time during which the power of the other image forming apparatus was turned off from each of the other image forming apparatuses;
Based on the power status data acquired from each of the other image forming apparatuses, the backup of the user data is preferentially performed among the other image forming apparatuses with a short time during which the power is turned off. Processing to select as the destination device;
A process of transmitting the user data to the selected backup destination;
A computer program for executing The user data includes authentication processing data used for authentication of the user when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus, image data for reproducing an image registered by the user in the image forming apparatus, Including
The data for the authentication process included before SL user data transmitted when the user registers the user data to the image forming apparatus, the image data included in the user data, the power of the image forming apparatus Causing the computer to perform processing to be transmitted when turned off,
The computer program according to claim 9 or 10 .

Images