JP6729001B2 - Image processing system, image processing apparatus, program and backup method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing system, an image processing device, a program, and a backup method, and more particularly to a technique of backing up an application installed to use the functions of the image processing device to another image processing device.

An image processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripherals) has a plurality of functions such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a FAX function, and executes a job related to a function designated by a user. In recent years, an API (Application Programming Interface) has been implemented in the internal system of such an image processing apparatus. Therefore, the application installed in the image processing apparatus can use each function of the image processing apparatus by using the API.

The application installed in the image processing apparatus allows the user to customize the configuration and contents of the screen displayed on the operation panel or the like, and thus can provide a user interface that is highly convenient for the user. When the application is started in the image processing apparatus, the application outputs a command using the API to the operating system or the like to acquire information about the function used by the application, and displays an operation screen or the like based on the information. For example, in the case of an application for using the FAX function, the application outputs an API command for acquiring registration information such as a fax destination registered in advance in the image processing apparatus, and registers the registration information via an operating system or the like. To get Then, the application displays an operation screen on which the user can select the FAX transmission destination based on the registration information thus acquired.

By the way, when one image processing apparatus in which an application is installed is down due to a failure or the like, the user may want to temporarily use the same application by using another image processing apparatus. For that purpose, it is necessary to save the backup of the application in another image processing apparatus before the one image processing apparatus goes down.

However, by simply storing only the backup of the application in another image processing apparatus, it is not possible to use the registration information such as the fax destination registered in advance in one image processing apparatus. On the other hand, when the application and the registration information such as the fax destination registered in one image processing apparatus are to be saved in another image processing apparatus, the registration information already saved in the other image processing apparatus is overwritten. There is a possibility that it will be deleted, or it will be merged with the registration information already stored in another image processing apparatus. If the registration information previously stored in another image processing apparatus is overwritten by the registration information of one image processing apparatus, the registration information registered in advance in another image processing apparatus cannot be used. There is. Also, if the registration information stored in another image processing apparatus and the registration information of the one image processing apparatus are merged, only the registration information of the one image processing apparatus is restored after the restoration of the one image processing apparatus. There is a problem that it becomes difficult to delete.

The problem described above is that an application stored as a backup in another image processing apparatus and an application already installed in another image processing apparatus are stored in a predetermined storage area using the same API command. The point is to obtain registration information such as existing fax destinations. That is, the registration information of one image processing apparatus stored as a backup in another image processing apparatus is stored in order to make the registration information of the other image processing apparatus usable in another image processing apparatus. It needs to be saved in the same storage area as the existing storage area, and problems such as overwriting and merging occur.

On the other hand, in the past, in a computer system consisting of a server and a mobile terminal, in order to compensate for the low program processing capability of the mobile terminal, the function call was changed to a stub function call, and all or part of the program for the mobile terminal on the server side. There is known a technique for doing so (for example, Patent Document 1). However, even if such a conventional technique is used, the above-mentioned problem cannot be solved.

JP, 2005-228183, A

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and when backing up an application installed in one image processing device to another image processing device, registration information is overwritten or merged. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system, an image processing device, a program, and a backup method that can effectively use an application backed up in another image processing device without being exposed.

To achieve the above object, in the invention according to claim 1, a first image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job and a second image processing apparatus having the same function as the above function are connected via a network. In the image processing system, the first image processing device includes: first storage means for storing first registration information registered in advance in order to use the function in a predetermined storage area; and the function. It is possible to utilize the function by outputting a plurality of kinds of commands to the job control means for controlling the execution of the job by operating the. The registration information request command for requesting the information stored in the storage area is output to the job control means to obtain the first registration information via the job control means, and the first registration information is obtained. And a backup execution unit configured to generate a backup data including the program data of the application and the first registration information and transmit the backup data to the second image processing apparatus. The second image processing apparatus stores a second storage unit that stores second registration information registered in advance to use the function in a predetermined storage area, and the backup unit when the backup data is received. The program data included in the data is stored in the second storage unit, and the first registration information included in the backup data is stored in the second storage unit different from the second registration information. Backup management means for storing and managing in a region, and one of the backup execution means and the backup management means requests the registration information of the plurality of types of commands described in the program data. The command is rewritten to another command that requests the first registration information stored in a storage area different from that of the second registration information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first aspect, the backup management means installs the program data so that the program data can be stored in the second state in a state in which the application can be started. The configuration is characterized in that it is stored in a storage means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first or second aspect, the second image processing device further includes a detection unit that detects an operating state of the first image processing device, The backup management means installs the program data and makes the application startable in response to the detection of the operation stoppage of the first image processing apparatus by the detection means. is there.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the third aspect, the backup management unit restarts the first image processing apparatus by the detection unit after the application can be activated. Is detected, the application is returned to a non-startable state.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the third or fourth aspect, the backup management unit updates the first registration information during a period in which the application can be activated. In this case, the first registration information is transmitted to the first image processing device when the restart of the first image processing device is detected by the detection means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, the backup management unit is configured to detect the restart of the first image processing apparatus by the detection unit. When transmitting the registration information of 1. to the first image processing apparatus, only the update information of the first registration information after the time of backup is transmitted to the first image processing apparatus.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the backup execution unit periodically generates the backup data and transmits the backup data to the second image processing apparatus. This is a feature.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the seventh aspect, the backup execution means, when the backup data is periodically generated, the backup consisting only of difference data from the previous backup data. The configuration is characterized by generating data.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the backup executing unit is configured to perform the backup when the function of the first image processing apparatus becomes unavailable. Among a plurality of types of commands, a command that uses the function of the first image processing apparatus is rewritten to a command that uses the function of the second image processing apparatus.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job, comprising: a storage unit that stores registration information registered in advance to use the function in a predetermined storage area; It is possible to use the function by operating a job control unit that controls the execution of a job and outputting a plurality of types of commands to the job control unit. Among the plurality of types of commands, the predetermined command can be used. By outputting a registration information request command for requesting the information stored in the storage area to the job control means, the registration information is acquired via the job control means, and a job is set based on the registration information. The backup execution means for generating backup data including the application program data and the registration information, and transmitting the backup data to another image processing apparatus having the same function as the function; and the backup execution means, The backup data is generated by rewriting the registration information request command of the plurality of types of commands described in the program data to another command requesting the registration information.

The invention according to claim 11 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the backup execution means periodically generates the backup data and transmits the backup data to the other image processing apparatus. Is.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, when the backup execution unit periodically generates the backup data, the backup that includes only difference data from the previous backup data. The configuration is characterized by generating data.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the backup execution unit is configured to provide the plurality of types when the function in the image processing apparatus becomes unavailable. Among the commands, a command that uses the function of the image processing apparatus is rewritten to a command that uses the function of the other image processing apparatus.

The invention according to claim 14 is an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with another image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job, and having the same function as the function, which is registered in advance to use the function. Storage means for storing registration information in a predetermined storage area, and, when backup data is received from the other image processing apparatus, program data of an application using the function included in the backup data is stored in the storage means. while saving the registration information of the other image processing apparatus included in the backup data, and a backup management means stores and manages the different storage area from the registration information in said storage means, said backup management The program data stored in the storage means by the means is a registration information request for requesting information stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage means among a plurality of types of commands described in the program data. The configuration is characterized in that the command is rewritten with another command requesting registration information of the other image processing apparatus .

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the backup management unit stores in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit among a plurality of types of commands described in the program data. The registration information request command for requesting the stored information is rewritten to another command for requesting the registration information of the other image processing apparatus.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect, the backup management unit stores the program data in a state in which the application can be started by installing the program data. The configuration is characterized in that it is stored in a means.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, the image processing apparatus further includes a detection unit that detects an operating state of the other image processing apparatus, and the backup management unit includes the detection unit. When the operation stop of the other image processing apparatus is detected by the means, the program data is installed and the application can be activated.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, after the backup management unit sets the application in a startable state, the detection unit restarts the other image processing apparatus. When the application is detected, the application is returned to a non-startable state.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect or the eighteenth aspect, the backup management unit updates the registration information of the other image processing apparatus during a period in which the application can be activated. In this case, the registration information of the other image processing apparatus is transmitted to the other image processing apparatus when the restart of the other image processing apparatus is detected by the detection unit. It is a composition.

The invention according to claim 20 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the backup management means detects the restart of the other image processing apparatus by the detection means. When transmitting the registration information of the processing device to the other image processing device, only the update information of the registration information of the other image processing device after the backup is transmitted to the other image processing device. Is.

The invention according to claim 21 is a program executed in an image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job, wherein the image processing apparatus stores registration information registered in advance in order to use the function in a predetermined storage. It is possible to utilize the function by storing a storage unit in the area, a job control unit that operates the function to control execution of a job, and output a plurality of types of commands to the job control unit. Of the plurality of types of commands, the registration information is acquired via the job control unit by outputting a registration information request command requesting information stored in the predetermined storage area to the job control unit, An application for setting a job based on the registration information, the program generating backup data including the program data of the application and the registration information for the image processing apparatus, and the same function as the function. And executing the registration information request command of the plurality of types of commands described in the program data, the backup execution unit transmitting the registration information request command to the other image processing apparatus. Is rewritten to another command for requesting to generate the backup data.

The invention according to claim 22 is a program which is communicable with another image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job and which is executed in the image processing apparatus having the same function as the above-mentioned function. A storage unit for storing registration information registered in advance to use the function in a predetermined storage area, wherein the program receives backup data of the image processing apparatus from the other image processing apparatus. In this case, the program data of the application using the function included in the backup data is saved in the storage unit, and the registration information of the other image processing device included in the backup data is registered in the storage unit. The program data stored in the storage means by the backup management means functioning as a backup management means for storing and managing the information in a storage area different from the information includes a plurality of types of commands described in the program data. among them, the registration information request command for requesting the information given is stored in the storage area of the storage means, and characterized that you have rewritten into another command requesting the registration information of the other image processing apparatus It is a configuration that does.

The invention according to claim 23 is the program according to claim 22, wherein the backup management means is stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage means among a plurality of types of commands described in the program data. The registration information request command for requesting the registered information is rewritten to another command for requesting the registration information of the other image processing apparatus.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first image processing apparatus, the first registration information registered in advance to use the function of executing a job is stored in a predetermined storage area of the first storage means. , An application that can use the function by outputting a plurality of types of commands to a job control unit that controls execution of a job is installed, and the application and the first registration information are A backup method for backing up to a second image processing apparatus having the same function as the above, wherein the first image processing apparatus generates backup data including program data of the application and the first registration information. And transmitting the program data included in the backup data to the second storage means when the second image processing device receives the backup data. In addition, the first registration information included in the backup data is different from the storage area in which the second registration information registered in advance in the second storage means for using the function is stored. Storing and managing in a storage area, in the first image processing apparatus or the second image processing apparatus, in the predetermined storage area among the plurality of types of commands described in the program data Rewriting the registration information request command requesting the stored information to another command requesting the first registration information stored in a storage area different from the second registration information. This is a characteristic configuration.

According to the present invention, when an application installed in one image processing apparatus is stored as a backup in another image processing apparatus, the registration information of the one image processing apparatus is the same as the registration information of the other image processing apparatus. The data is stored in a different storage area different from the stored area. Further, the registration information request command included in the program data of the application is rewritten into a command requesting the registration information of the one image processing apparatus stored in another storage area. Therefore, the registration information is not overwritten or merged in the other image processing apparatus, and the application backed up in the other image processing apparatus can be effectively used.

It is a figure which shows one structural example of an image processing system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a 1st image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of a 1st image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of a 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation process until it saves the application of a 1st image processing apparatus as a backup in a 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation process at the time of rewriting a registration information request command in a 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram showing an example of functional composition of a backup execution part and a backup management part. It is a figure which shows the operation process until an application is installed in a 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the state which the application started in the 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation process until a 2nd image processing apparatus uninstalls an application. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the 1st image processing device. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the 2nd image processing device. It is a block diagram which shows the operation concept of the 1st and 2nd image processing apparatus in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the embodiments described below, members common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system 100 is configured such that the first image processing apparatus 1 and the second image processing apparatus 2 can communicate with each other via a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). .. The image processing apparatuses 1 and 2 are composed of, for example, an MPF, have a plurality of functions such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a FAX function, and can execute a job related to a function designated by a user. Although FIG. 1 exemplifies a case where two image processing devices 1 and 2 are connected to the network 3, the number of image processing devices is not limited to this, and may be three or more. .. Further, in addition to the image processing devices 1 and 2, an information processing device such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal may be connected to the network 3, or various servers may be connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first image processing apparatus 1. The image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage device 11, an operation panel 12, a communication interface 13, a scanner unit 14, a printer unit 15, and a FAX unit 16. The control unit 10 has a CPU 10a and a memory 10b, and controls the operation of each unit. The storage device 11 is a non-volatile storage unit (first storage unit) configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like. The storage device 11 has a program area 11a for storing a program 17 installed in the image processing apparatus 1 and a function for storing information and data for using each function of a scan function, a print function, a copy function and a FAX function. It has a data area 11b. The operation panel 12 functions as a user interface when a user uses the image processing apparatus 1. The operation panel 12 includes a display unit 12a that displays various operation screens that can be operated by the user, and an operation unit 12b that receives operations by the user. For example, the display unit 12a is configured by a color liquid crystal display, and the operation unit 12b is configured by a touch panel sensor provided on the screen of the display unit 12a. The communication interface 13 is for connecting the image processing apparatus 1 to the network 3. The scanner unit 14 operates when a scan function, a copy function, or a FAX transmission function is used, and optically reads a document set by a user to generate image data. The printer unit 15 operates when the print function, the copy function, or the FAX reception function is used, forms an image on a print medium such as a print sheet based on the image data to be printed, and outputs the image. The FAX unit 16 operates when the FAX transmission function and the FAX reception function are used, and transmits/receives FAX data via a public telephone network (not shown).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the second image processing apparatus 2. The image processing device 2 has the same configuration as the image processing device 1 described above. That is, the image processing apparatus 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage device 21, an operation panel 22, a communication interface 23, a scanner unit 24, a printer unit 25, and a FAX unit 26. The control unit 20 has a CPU 20a and a memory 20b, and controls the operation of each unit. The storage device 21 is a non-volatile storage unit (second storage unit) configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like. Like the storage device 11, the storage device 21 uses a program area 21a for storing the program 27 installed in the image processing device 2 and a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a FAX function. It has a functional data area 21b for storing information and data. The operation panel 22 functions as a user interface when the user uses the image processing apparatus 2, and has a display unit 22a that displays various operation screens that can be operated by the user, and an operation unit 22b that receives an operation by the user. And have. The communication interface 23 is for connecting the image processing apparatus 2 to the network 3. The scanner unit 24, the printer unit 25, and the FAX unit 26 are the same as the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, and the FAX unit 16 of the image processing apparatus 1.

An application for using each function such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a FAX function can be installed in each of the image processing apparatuses 1 and 2 configured as described above. A plurality of applications may be installed in each of the image processing devices 1 and 2. Such an application provides information necessary for setting a job such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a FAX function by using APIs installed in the internal systems of the image processing apparatuses 1 and 2. It is configured to be able to acquire and to submit a job to each of the image processing apparatuses 1 and 2. Then, the image processing system 100 of the present embodiment backs up the applications installed in the image processing apparatuses 1 and 2 to the other image processing apparatuses 2 and 1, and the image processing apparatuses 1 and 2 operate due to a failure or the like. When stopped, the application stored in the other image processing apparatuses 2 and 1 as a backup is activated so that the user can use the application even during the period when the operation is stopped. Hereinafter, the details of the image processing system 100 will be described in detail. In the following description, for simplification of the description, the case where the application installed in the first image processing apparatus 1 is stored in the second image processing apparatus 2 as a backup will be exemplified.

First, the first image processing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the first image processing apparatus 1. The CPU 10a of the control unit 10 executes the various programs 17 stored in the program area 11a to cause the control unit 10 to function as a job control unit 30, an application 40, and a backup execution unit 50, as shown in FIG. Make it work. The job control unit 30 controls the execution of jobs in the image processing apparatus 1, and includes an operating system (hereinafter, simply referred to as “OS”) 31 configured by basic software of the image processing apparatus 1 and its OS 31. It is configured by an internal web server (hereinafter, simply referred to as “IWS”) 34 that operates above.

The OS 31 functions by the OS program being executed by the CPU 10a among the various programs 17 stored in the program area 11a. The OS 31 is a processing unit that controls the hardware resources of the image processing apparatus 1, and has an API 32 that controls the storage device 11, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, and the FAX unit 16. The API 32 is an interface for controlling the storage device 11, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, and the FAX unit 16 via the OS 31. In this API 32, a command library 33 in which a plurality of commands are registered is installed. Then, when the OS 31 receives a command from the outside such as the IWS 34, the OS 31 refers to the command library 33 to execute the process defined in the received command. Therefore, the OS 31 is configured to control each of the storage device 11, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, and the FAX unit 16 according to a command received from the outside such as the IWS 34.

The IWS 34 functions by the IWS program being executed by the CPU 10a among the various programs 17 stored in the program area 11a. The IWS 34 controls the storage device 11, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, and the FAX unit 16 via the OS 31, and is a processing unit that relays data communication between the application 40 and the OS 31. The IWS 34 also has an API 35 for controlling the storage device 11, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, and the FAX unit 16. The API 35 is an interface for controlling the storage device 11, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, and the FAX unit 16 via the IWS 34. A command library 36 in which a plurality of commands are registered is implemented in this API 35. Then, when the IWS 34 receives a command from the outside such as the application 40, the IWS 34 refers to the command library 36 to execute the process defined in the received command. That is, the IWS 34 generates a command conforming to the API 32 of the OS 31 in order to control each of the storage device 11, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, and the FAX unit 16 according to the command received from the application 40, and the command is generated. Is output to the OS 31.

The application 40 functions by the CPU 10a executing an application program of the various programs 17 stored in the program area 11a. The application 40 is an application for using at least one of the scan function, the print function, the copy function, and the FAX function in the image processing apparatus 1, and outputs a command using the API 35 of the IWS 34 to the IWS 34. The storage device 11, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, and the FAX unit 16 can be controlled via the job control unit 30.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the application 40 does not directly output a command to the OS 31 but outputs a command to the IWS 34, so that the storage device 11, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit. 15 and the FAX unit 16 can be indirectly controlled. One of the reasons for such a configuration is to improve security. For example, in the command library 33 implemented in the API 32 of the OS 31, important commands for rewriting the hardware settings of the scanner unit 14 and the printer unit 15 are registered, so that such important commands are stored. If the application 40 directly outputs to the OS 31, there is a problem that the hardware settings and the like are rewritten by the application 40 without permission. In particular, when the application 40 is provided by a third vendor, a malicious application may be created. Therefore, it is not preferable for the application 40 to directly output a command to the OS 31. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the IWS 34 relays the data communication between the application 40 and the OS 31, thereby preventing the application 40 from outputting an important command for rewriting the hardware settings and the like to the OS 31, thereby ensuring security. Is to improve.

The application 40 causes the operation panel 12 to display an operation screen for using the functions of the image processing apparatus 1 on the display unit 12 a of the operation panel 12, and allows the user to operate the operation unit 12 b of the operation panel 12. By accepting or accepting, the function of the image processing apparatus 1 is controlled via the job control unit 30. The application 40 also communicates with the information processing terminal connected to the network 3 via the communication interface 13 to display an operation screen on the information processing terminal or receive operation information output from the information processing terminal. It is also possible to control the functions of the image processing apparatus 1 by remote control from the information processing terminal.

Such an application 40 has an operation detection unit 41, a function control unit 42, and a display control unit 43. The operation detection unit 41 is a processing unit that detects an operation by the user. When the operation detector 41 detects an operation by the user, the operation information is output to the function controller 42. The function control unit 42 controls the function of the image processing apparatus 1 by communicating with the IWS 34 of the job control unit 30. The function control unit 42 has a command output unit 42a that outputs a command for using the API 35 to the IWS 34. Then, the command output unit 42a outputs a plurality of types of commands registered in the command library 36 of the API 35 to the IWS 34 to utilize the function of the image processing apparatus 1 via the job control unit 30. The display control unit 43 generates an operation screen for a user to operate based on the information acquired from the job control unit 30 by the function control unit 42, and performs a process of displaying the operation screen on the display unit 12a or the like.

For example, when the application 40 is an application that uses the FAX function, the application 40 causes the function control unit 42 to function at the time of startup and stores the registration information 18 regarding the FAX destination registered in the image processing apparatus 1 in advance in the job control unit 30. To get from. At this time, the command output unit 42a outputs, to the IWS 34, a registration information request command that requests the registration information 18 regarding the FAX destination among the plurality of registration information 18 stored in the function data area 11b of the storage device 11. Accordingly, the IWS 34 outputs an API command requesting the registration information 18 regarding the FAX destination to the OS 31, acquires the registration information 18 regarding the FAX destination from the OS 31, and outputs the registration information 18 to the application 40. In this way, when the application 40 acquires the registration information 18 relating to the FAX destination, it causes the display control unit 43 to function, generates an operation screen that allows the user to perform an operation of selecting the FAX transmission destination, and displays the operation screen. It is displayed on the display unit 12a or the like. Then, the application 40 sets the job based on the user's operation on the operation screen. After that, when the user gives an instruction to start the FAX transmission, the application 40 causes the command output unit 42a of the function control unit 42 to function, and gives a command to the FAX transmission destination selected by the user to send the FAX. Output to IWS34. As a result, the job control unit 30 controls the execution of the job designated by the application 40.

In this way, the application 40 controls the function of the image processing apparatus 1 by appropriately outputting a plurality of types of commands registered in the command library 36 of the IWS 34 to the IWS 34. In particular, the application 40 outputs a registration information request command for requesting the registration information 18 stored in the function data area 11b of the storage device 11 to the IWS 34 from among the plurality of types of commands, thereby causing the registration information 18 to be transmitted via the IWS 34. Is acquired, and the job can be set based on the registration information 18.

The backup execution unit 50 functions by the CPU 10a executing a backup program of the various programs 17 stored in the program area 11a. The backup execution unit 50 is a processing unit that performs processing for saving the application 40 as described above in the second image processing apparatus 2 as a backup. The backup execution unit 50 is resident in the control unit 10 when the image processing apparatus 1 is operating normally, and periodically performs backup processing at predetermined time intervals. When starting the backup process, the backup execution unit 50 acquires the program data relating to the application 40 from the program area 11a and the registration information 18 used by the application 40 from the function data area 11b. At this time, the backup execution unit 50 may output the command to the IWS 34 to acquire the program data and the registration information 18 via the IWS 34. However, not limited to this, the backup execution unit 50 may acquire the program data and the registration information 18 from the OS 31 by directly outputting a command to the OS 31. Then, the backup execution unit 50 generates backup data that is a combination of the program data of the application 40 and the registration information 18 used by the application 40, and sends the backup data to the second image processing apparatus 2.

Next, the second image processing device 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the second image processing apparatus 2. The CPU 20a of the control unit 20 executes the various programs 27 stored in the program area 21a, thereby causing the control unit 20 to function as a job control unit 60, an application 70, and a backup management unit 80, as shown in FIG. Make it work. The job control unit 60 controls the execution of a job in the image processing apparatus 2 and, like the first image processing apparatus 1, includes an OS 61 and an IWS 64.

The OS 61 functions by the CPU 20a executing an OS program of the various programs 27 stored in the program area 21a. The OS 61 is a processing unit that controls the hardware resources of the image processing apparatus 2, and controls the storage device 21, the scanner unit 24, the printer unit 25, and the FAX unit 26, like the OS 31 of the first image processing apparatus 1. Has an API 62 for. The API 62 is equipped with a command library 63 in which a plurality of commands are registered. The command registered in the command library 63 is the same as the command registered in the command library 33 in the first image processing apparatus 1.

The IWS 64 functions by the CPU 20a executing an IWS program of the various programs 27 stored in the program area 21a. The IWS 64 controls the storage device 21, the scanner unit 24, the printer unit 25, and the FAX unit 26 via the OS 61, and relays data communication between the application 70 and the OS 61. Like the IWS 34 of the first image processing apparatus 1, this IWS 64 also has an API 65 for controlling the storage device 21, the scanner unit 24, the printer unit 25, and the FAX unit 26. A command library 66 in which a plurality of commands are registered is installed in the API 65. The command registered in the command library 66 is the same as the command registered in the command library 36 in the first image processing apparatus 1.

The application 70 functions by the CPU 20a executing an application program of the various programs 27 stored in the program area 21a. The application 70 is an application for using at least one function of the scan function, the print function, the copy function, and the FAX function in the image processing apparatus 2, and outputs a command using the API 65 of the IWS 64 to the IWS 64. The storage device 21, the scanner unit 24, the printer unit 25, and the FAX unit 26 can be controlled via the job control unit 60.

The application 70 includes an operation detection unit 71, a function control unit 72, and a display control unit 73, and is configured to use the function of the image processing apparatus 2 via the job control unit 60. The mode in which the application 70 uses the function of the image processing apparatus 2 via the job control unit 30 is the same as that of the first image processing apparatus 1. That is, the function control unit 72 includes a command output unit 72a, and the command output unit 72a outputs a command using the API 65 to the IWS 64, so that the function of the image processing apparatus 2 is performed via the job control unit 60. Is configured to utilize. Then, like the application 40 of the first image processing apparatus 1, the application 70 is also stored in the function data area 21b of the storage device 21 among the plurality of types of commands registered in the command library 66 of the IWS 64. By outputting a registration information request command for requesting the registration information 28 to the IWS 64, the registration information 28 can be acquired via the IWS 64, and a job can be set based on the registration information 28.

The backup management unit 80 functions by the CPU 20a executing a backup program of the various programs 27 stored in the program area 21a. The backup management unit 80 is a processing unit that stores backup data transmitted from the first image processing apparatus 1 in the image processing apparatus 2 as a backup and manages the backup data. The backup management unit 80 resides in the control unit 20 when the image processing apparatus 2 is operating normally, and performs backup processing in response to receiving backup data from the first image processing apparatus 1. .. Upon receiving the backup data from the image processing apparatus 1, the backup management unit 80 stores the program data of the application 40 and the registration information 18 included in the backup data in the storage device 21.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation process until the application 40 of the first image processing apparatus 1 is stored as a backup in the second image processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 6, this operation process proceeds when the backup process is started in the first image processing apparatus 1. At the backup start timing, the image processing apparatus 1 causes the backup execution unit 50 to function and starts the backup process (process P10). Then, the image processing apparatus 1 reads the program data of the application 40 (process P11) and the registration information 18 used by the application 40 (process P12). Then, the image processing apparatus 1 analyzes the command described in the program data of the application 40 and rewrites the registration information request command for requesting the registration information 18 from the IWS 34 with another command (process P13). For example, the image processing apparatus 1 sends a registration information request command requesting the registration information 18 stored in the function data area 11b of the storage device 11 to the storage area where the registration information 18 is stored in the second image processing apparatus 2. Is rewritten to a command requesting the registration information 18. As a result, the registration information request command described in the program data of the application 40 is no longer a command for requesting the registration information 18 stored in the function data area 11b, but a command for acquiring the registration information 18 from another storage area. Will be rewritten as However, the image processing apparatus 1 does not rewrite commands other than the registration information request command included in the program data. Then, the image processing apparatus 1 generates backup data D1 including the program data PD in which the registration information request command is rewritten to another command and the registration information 18 (process P14), and the backup data D1 is processed by the second image processing. It is transmitted to the device 2 (process P15).

Upon receiving the backup data D1 from the first image processing apparatus 1, the second image processing apparatus 2 causes the backup management unit 80 to start processing. That is, the image processing apparatus 2 saves the program data PD included in the backup data D1 in the storage device 21 (process P16) and the registration information 18 included in the backup data D1 in the storage device 21 (process P17). .. At this time, the image processing device 2 does not install the program data PD of the application 40, but saves it in the storage device 21 as simple data. Therefore, the program data PD of the application 40 is not stored in the program area 21a of the storage device 21 but in a state different from the program area 21a, and the application 40 cannot be started in the image processing apparatus 2. Saved in state. Further, when saving the registration information 18, the image processing apparatus 2 does not save the registration information 18 in the function data area 21b, but saves it in another area different from the function data area 21b. This prevents the registration information 28 stored in advance in the function data area 21b from being overwritten by the registration information 18 of the first image processing apparatus 1 or being merged with the registration information 18. be able to. Therefore, for example, in the case where the first image processing apparatus 1 is used in one department and the second image processing apparatus 2 is used in another department, the first image processing apparatus 1 When the registration information 18 registered in the second image processing apparatus 2 and the registration information 28 registered in the second image processing apparatus 2 are completely different information, the inconvenience caused by the overwriting or the merging can be eliminated. The registered information 28 and the registered information 28 can be managed separately. In this way, the second image processing apparatus 2 saves and manages the backup data D1 transmitted from the first image processing apparatus 1 in the storage device 21.

In the operation process described above, the case where the registration information request command is rewritten in the first image processing apparatus 1 has been described. However, the rewriting of the registration information request command may be performed in the second image processing device 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation process when the registration information request command is rewritten in the second image processing apparatus 2. In this operation process, when the backup process is started in the first image processing apparatus 1 (process P10), the program data of the application 40 is read out in the image processing apparatus 1 (process P11) and is further used by the application 40. The registration information 18 is read (process P12). Then, the image processing apparatus 1 generates backup data D1 including the program data of the application 40 as it is (process P14), and transmits the backup data D1 to the second image processing apparatus 2.

Upon receiving the backup data D1 from the first image processing apparatus 1, the second image processing apparatus 2 first extracts the program data of the application 40 from the backup data D1 and analyzes the command described in the program data. Then, the image processing apparatus 2 rewrites the registration information request command for requesting the registration information 28 from the IWS 64 with another command (process P18). For example, the image processing apparatus 2 sends a registration information request command requesting the registration information 28 stored in the function data area 21b of the storage device 21 to the storage area where the registration information 18 is stored in the second image processing apparatus 2. Is rewritten to a command requesting the registration information 18. As a result, the registration information request command described in the program data of the application 40 is not the command requesting the registration information 28 stored in the function data area 21b, but the command for acquiring the registration information 18 from another storage area. Will be rewritten as However, the image processing device 2 does not rewrite commands other than the registration information request command included in the program data. Then, the image processing apparatus 2 saves the program data PD in which the registration information request command is rewritten to another command in the storage device 21 (process P16). At this time, the image processing device 2 does not install the program data PD of the application 40, but saves it in the storage device 21 as simple data. Therefore, the program data PD of the application 40 is not stored in the program area 21a of the storage device 21 but in a state different from the program area 21a, and the application 40 cannot be started in the image processing apparatus 2. Saved in state. The image processing apparatus 2 also stores the registration information 18 included in the backup data D1 in the storage device 21 (process P17). At this time, the image processing apparatus 2 does not save the registration information 18 in the function data area 21b, but saves it in another area different from the function data area 21b. This prevents the registration information 28 stored in advance in the function data area 21b from being overwritten by the registration information 18 of the first image processing apparatus 1 or being merged with the registration information 18. be able to.

Next, detailed functional configurations of the backup execution unit 50 and the backup management unit 80 that realize the above operation process will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the backup execution unit 50 of the image processing apparatus 1 and the backup management unit 80 of the image processing apparatus 2. First, the backup execution unit 50 of the image processing apparatus 1 has a program data reading unit 51, a command rewriting unit 52, a registration information reading unit 53, a backup data generating unit 54, and a backup data transmitting unit 55. .. The backup management unit 80 of the image processing apparatus 2 also includes a backup data acquisition unit 81, a command rewriting unit 82, a program data storage unit 83, a registration information storage unit 84, an operating state detection unit 85, and an application control unit 86. And have.

The program data reading unit 51 of the backup execution unit 50 is a processing unit that reads the program data PD of the application 40 from the program area 11 a of the storage device 11. The command rewriting unit 52 is a processing unit that analyzes the command described in the program data PD read by the program data reading unit 51 and rewrites the registration information request command included in the program data PD with another command. When the registration information request command is rewritten in the second image processing apparatus 2, the backup execution unit 50 does not need to include the command rewriting unit 52. The registration information reading unit 53 is a processing unit that reads the registration information 18 used by the application 40 from the function data area 11b of the storage device 11. The backup data generation unit 54 is a processing unit that generates the backup data D1 including the program data PD and the registration information 18. At this time, the backup data generation unit 54 may generate the backup data D1 including the storage area designation information that designates the storage area of the registration information 18 to be stored. The backup data transmission unit 55 is a processing unit that transmits the backup data D1 generated by the backup data generation unit 54 from the communication interface 13 to the second image processing device 2.

On the other hand, the backup data acquisition unit 81 of the backup management unit 80 is a processing unit that acquires the backup data D1 transmitted from the first image processing apparatus 1 via the communication interface 23. The command rewriting unit 82 extracts the program data PD from the backup data D1 acquired by the backup data acquisition unit 81, analyzes the command described in the program data PD, and requests the registration information request command included in the program data PD. Is a processing unit that rewrites the command into another command. When the registration information request command is rewritten in the first image processing apparatus 1, the backup management unit 80 does not need to include the command rewriting unit 82. The program data storage unit 83 is a processing unit that acquires the program data PD in which the registration information request command is rewritten to another command and stores the program data PD in an area different from the program area 21a of the storage device 21. The registration information storage unit 84 is a processing unit that stores the registration information 18 included in the backup data D1 in an area different from the functional data area 21b. When the backup data D1 includes storage area designation information, the registration information storage unit 84 is a storage area different from the function data area 21b and registered in the storage area designated by the first image processing apparatus 1. Save the information 18.

When the program data PD of the application 40 and the registration information 18 are stored in the storage device 21 of the image processing apparatus 2 as described above, the operating state detection unit 85 of the backup management unit 80 operates. .. The operating state detection unit 85 is a processing unit that detects a change in the operating state of the image processing apparatus 1, and detects when the image processing apparatus 1 is in an operating stop state due to some failure or the like. Then, the operating state detection unit 85 causes the application control unit 86 to function.

The application control unit 86 is a processing unit that reads the program data PD stored in an area different from the program area 21a, installs the program data PD, and stores the program data PD in the program area 21a. As a result, the application 40 can be activated in the image processing apparatus 2. Therefore, when the first image processing apparatus 1 becomes unusable due to some reason, the user of the first image processing apparatus 1 activates the application 40 on the second image processing apparatus 2 to generate the first image processing apparatus 1. It becomes possible to temporarily use the same application 40 as when the image processing apparatus 1 of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation process until the application 40 is installed in the second image processing apparatus 2. As described above, the backup execution unit 50 of the image processing apparatus 1 regularly performs backup processing. That is, the image processing apparatus 1 generates the backup data D1 at the first backup start timing, and transmits the backup data D1 to the image processing apparatus 2 (process P20). Upon receiving the backup data D1 from the image processing apparatus 1, the image processing apparatus 2 stores the registration information 18 and the like in the storage device 21 (process P21).

At the next backup start timing, the image processing apparatus 1 again generates backup data D1 and transmits the backup data D1 to the image processing apparatus 2 (process P22). At this time, the image processing apparatus 1 may omit the retransmission of the same data as the previously transmitted backup data D1 and generate and transmit the backup data D1 consisting of only the difference data from the previous backup data D1. .. As a result, the data amount can be reduced when the backup data D1 is transmitted for the second time and thereafter, so that efficient data transmission can be performed. When the image processing apparatus 2 receives the backup data D1 from the image processing apparatus 1 again, the image processing apparatus 2 saves the registration information 18 in the storage device 21 (process P23). At this time, when the backup data D1 is composed of only the difference data, the image processing apparatus 2 updates the registration information 18 by adding the difference data to the registration information 18 already stored in the storage device 21. To do.

When the backup data D1 is regularly transmitted from the first image processing apparatus 1 to the second image processing apparatus 2 as described above, the operating state detection unit 85 determines that the operating state detection unit 85 outputs the data from the first image processing apparatus 1. If the backup data D1 is regularly received, it can be determined that the first image processing apparatus 1 is operating normally. On the other hand, when the operation of the first image processing apparatus 1 is stopped due to a failure or the like (process P24), the transmission of the backup data D1 from the first image processing apparatus 1 is interrupted. Therefore, when the backup data D1 from the first image processing apparatus 1 is not received even after the lapse of a predetermined time or longer, the operating state detection unit 85 determines that the first image processing apparatus 1 has stopped operating (process P25). ). Then, the application control unit 86 functions to install the program data PD of the application 40 and bring the application 40 into a startable state (process P26). At this time, the application control unit 86 may add information defining the process corresponding to the command rewritten in the program data PD to the command library 66 of the API 65 in the IWS 64. As a result, the application 40 can be activated in the second image processing device 2.

In addition to the above-described detection method, the operating state detection unit 85 periodically transmits a signal to the first image processing apparatus 1 and sends a response from the first image processing apparatus 1, for example. It may be possible to detect whether or not it is operating normally depending on the presence or absence.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a state where the application 40 is activated in the second image processing apparatus 2. When the application 40 is activated in the image processing apparatus 2, the application 40 outputs the rewritten command to acquire the registration information 18 to the IWS 64. Information defining a process corresponding to a command output from the application 40 is registered in the command library 66 in the API 65 of the IWS 64. Therefore, the IWS 64 outputs a command requesting the registration information 18 to the OS 61. The OS 61 reads the registration information 18 stored in an area different from the function data area 21b based on the command from the IWS 64 and outputs it to the IWS 64. Upon acquiring the registration information 18 from the OS 61, the IWS 64 outputs the registration information 18 to the application 40. Therefore, the application 40 acquires the registration information 18 stored in an area different from the function data area 21b via the job control unit 60, and sets a job in which the operation by the user is reflected based on the registration information 18. can do.

On the other hand, when the application 70 installed in the image processing apparatus 2 from the beginning outputs the registration information request command to the IWS 64, the application 70 can acquire the registration information 28 stored in the function data area 21b. It is possible to set a job that reflects the operation by the user based on the registration information 28.

That is, the application 70 accesses the interface 65a of the API 65 for acquiring the registration information 28 of the function data area 21b, while the application 40 stores the registration information 18 stored in an area different from the function data area 21b. The interface 65b of the API 65 for acquisition is accessed. As a result, even if the application 70 and the application 40 use the same function such as the FAX function, the respective applications 70, 40 acquire different registration information 28, 18 and are operable by the user. The screen can be displayed on the display unit 22a or the like. Therefore, when the user of the first image processing apparatus 1 activates the application 40 temporarily available in the second image processing apparatus 2, the user is registered in advance in the first image processing apparatus 1. The FAX transmission destinations can be selected by displaying a list of FAX destinations and the like. When the user of the second image processing apparatus 2 activates the application 70, a list of fax destinations registered in advance in the second image processing apparatus 2 can be displayed and a fax transmission destination can be selected.

In addition, the operating state detection unit 85 causes the application control unit 86 to function again when the first image processing apparatus 1 starts restarting. Then, the application control unit 86 uninstalls the application 40 that is in the usable state in the image processing apparatus 2 and returns the application 40 to the unbootable state. That is, since the user of the first image processing apparatus 1 can use the application 40 by using the restarted first image processing apparatus 1, the second image processing apparatus 2 cannot start the application 40 in the original state. Return to. However, the second image processing apparatus 2 is still in the state of storing the program data PD of the application 40 as a backup. Therefore, when the operation of the first image processing apparatus 1 is stopped again, the application 40 in the second image processing apparatus 2 is ready to be started again.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation process until the second image processing apparatus 2 uninstalls the application 40. When the first image processing apparatus 1 starts restarting (process P30), the first image processing apparatus 1 returns to a state in which the backup data D1 can be transmitted to the second image processing apparatus 2. Therefore, at the backup start timing, the image processing apparatus 1 generates backup data D1 and transmits it to the image processing apparatus 2 (process P31).

Upon receiving the backup data D1 from the image processing apparatus 1, the image processing apparatus 2 stores the registration information 18 in the storage device 21 (process P32). In addition, the image processing apparatus 2 detects that the image processing apparatus 1 has started restarting upon receiving the backup data D1 from the image processing apparatus 1 (process P33). When the restart of the image processing apparatus 1 is detected, the backup management unit 80 determines whether the registration information 18 has been updated during the period in which the application 40 is temporarily available in the image processing apparatus 2. The determination is made (process P34). For example, when the application 40 in the image processing apparatus 2 is temporarily available, the user of the first image processing apparatus 1 activates the application 40, and a new FAX destination is added to the registration information 18. Etc. may be additionally registered. Since such additional information is not registered in the first image processing apparatus 1, the second image processing apparatus 2 sends the first image after the restart of the first image processing apparatus 1 is started. It is preferable to send the added update information to the processing device 1. Therefore, if the registration information 18 has been updated during the period in which the application 40 is temporarily available, the backup management unit 80 generates update information D2 of the registration information 18 (process P35) and updates it. The information D2 is transmitted to the first image processing apparatus 1 (process P36). Thereby, the first image processing apparatus 1 can acquire the information added to the registration information 18 in the second image processing apparatus 2 during the period in which the operation is stopped. Then, the first image processing apparatus 1 updates the registration information 18 based on the update information D2 (process P37). Further, the second image processing apparatus 2 uninstalls the application 40 that has been temporarily available so that the application 40 cannot be used in the second image processing apparatus 2 (process P38).

The image processing apparatus 2 can detect the restart of the image processing apparatus 1 by receiving the backup data D1 from the image processing apparatus 1 as described above. However, in addition to this, for example, the image processing apparatus 2 detects a restart of the image processing apparatus 1 by periodically transmitting a signal to the image processing apparatus 1 and receiving a response from the image processing apparatus 1. It may be done. Further, when the image processing apparatus 1 starts restarting, a return signal is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2, and the image processing apparatus 2 receives the return signal so that the restart of the image processing apparatus 1 is detected. You can

As described above, the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment stores the application 40 of the first image processing apparatus 1 in the second image processing apparatus 2 as a backup when the first and second image processing apparatuses 1 and 2 are used. In any one of the above, since the registration information request command included in the application 40 is rewritten to another command, the application 40 is provided in an area different from the functional data area 21b in which the registration information 28 of the second image processing apparatus 2 is stored. The registration information 18 used by the user can be stored and managed, and the registration information 18 can be appropriately read based on the command output from the application 40 when the application 40 is activated in the second image processing apparatus 2. become able to. Therefore, when the application 40 installed in the first image processing apparatus 1 is backed up in the second image processing apparatus 2, the registration information 28 unique to the second image processing apparatus 2 is overwritten, The registration information 18 of the first image processing apparatus 1 is never merged with the registration information 28 unique to the second image processing apparatus 2. Further, the application 40 backed up in the second image processing apparatus 2 can be effectively used.

Next, a processing procedure performed in the first image processing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the first image processing apparatus 1. This flowchart shows the processing procedure performed by the backup execution unit 50 described above. When this process is started, the backup execution unit 50 determines whether it is the backup process execution timing (step S10). When it is the execution timing of the backup process (YES in step S10), the backup execution unit 50 determines whether the program data PD of the application 40 has already been transmitted to the second image processing apparatus 2 (step S11). ). As a result, when the program data PD is not yet transmitted to the second image processing apparatus 2 (NO in step S11), the backup execution unit 50 reads the program data PD of the application 40 from the program area 11a of the storage device 11. (Step S12). The backup execution unit 50 analyzes all of the plurality of types of commands described in the program data PD to extract the registration information request command from the plurality of types of commands. As a result, only the registration information request command for calling the registration information 18 in the function data area 11b via the IWS 34 is extracted from the program data PD. Then, the backup execution unit 50 rewrites the registration information request command described in the program data PD with another command (step S13). If the program data PD of the application 40 has already been transmitted to the second image processing apparatus 2 (YES in step S11), the processes in steps S12 and S13 are skipped.

Subsequently, the backup execution unit 50 reads the registration information 18 used by the application 40 that is the backup target (step S14). Then, if the registration information 18 has already been transmitted to the second image processing apparatus 2, the backup execution unit 50 extracts the difference data between the registration information 18 read in step S14 and the previously transmitted registration information 18. Yes (step S15). If the registration information 18 has not been transmitted to the second image processing apparatus 2, the process of step S15 may be skipped.

Then, the backup execution unit 50 generates backup data D1 (step S16) and transmits the backup data D1 to the second image processing apparatus 2 (step S17). At this time, in the case of the second and subsequent transmissions, since only the difference data of the registration information 18 is transmitted as the backup data D1, the backup data D1 can be efficiently transmitted.

Subsequently, the backup execution unit 50 determines whether or not the update information has been received from the second image processing device 2 (step S18). That is, immediately after the first image processing apparatus 1 is restarted, the update information of the registration information 18 may be received from the second image processing apparatus 2. Therefore, the backup execution unit 50 periodically determines whether or not the update information is received from the second image processing device 2. As a result, when the update information is received (YES in step S18), the backup execution unit 50 updates the registration information 18 stored in the function data area 11b based on the update information (step S19). If the update information has not been received, the process of step S19 is skipped. After that, the process performed by the backup execution unit 50 returns to step S10, and the above-described process is repeated.

Next, a processing procedure performed in the second image processing apparatus 2 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the second image processing apparatus 2. This flowchart shows a processing procedure performed by the backup management unit 80 described above. Upon starting this process, the backup management unit 80 determines whether or not the backup data D1 has been received from the first image processing apparatus 1 (step S20). When the backup data D1 is received from the first image processing device 1 (YES in step S20), the backup management unit 80 performs a process of saving the backup data D1. That is, if the backup data D1 includes the program data PD of the application 40, the backup management unit 80 stores the program data PD in an area different from the program area 21a of the storage device 21 (step S21). Further, the backup management unit 80 saves the registration information 18 included in the backup data D1 in an area different from the functional data area 21b of the storage device 21 (step S22). When the backup data D1 is not received (NO in step S20), the processes of steps S21 and S22 are skipped.

Subsequently, the backup management unit 80 determines whether the operation stop of the first image processing apparatus 1 is detected (step S23). If the operation stop of the first image processing apparatus 1 is not detected (NO in step S23), the backup management unit 80 does not perform any special processing. On the other hand, when the operation stop of the first image processing apparatus 1 is detected (YES in step S23), the backup management unit 80 reads the program data PD of the application 40 stored in the storage device 21 as a backup, By installing the program data PD and saving it in the program area 21a, the application 40 can be activated (step S24). As a result, the user of the first image processing apparatus 1 can activate the application 40 in the second image processing apparatus 2 and execute the job.

Next, the backup management unit 80 determines whether or not the restart of the first image processing apparatus 1 is detected (step S25). When the restart of the first image processing apparatus 1 is not detected (NO in step S25), the backup management unit 80 does not perform any special process. On the other hand, when the restart of the first image processing apparatus 1 is detected (YES in step S25), the backup management unit 80 uninstalls the program data PD of the application 40 from the program area 21a, and the second The application 40 is returned to the state in which it cannot be started in the image processing apparatus 2. After that, the backup management unit 80 determines whether or not the registration information 18 has been updated during the usable period of the application 40 (step S27). As a result, when the registration information 18 has been updated (YES in step S27), the backup management unit 80 generates update information of the registration information 18 after the application 40 is installed (step S28), and the update information is stored as the first information. 1 to the image processing apparatus 1 (step S29). If the registration information 18 has not been updated (NO in step S27), the processes in steps S28 and S29 are skipped. After that, the processing by the backup management unit 80 returns to step S20, and the above-described processing is repeated.

As described above, the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes the first image processing apparatus 1 having the function of executing a job and the second image processing apparatus 2 having the same function as the first image processing apparatus 1. And are connected via the network 3. Then, the first image processing apparatus 1 generates backup data D1 including the program data PD of the application 40 and the first registration information 18 used by the application 40, and uses the backup data D1 as the second image processing apparatus. It is a configuration for transmitting to No. 2. In addition, when the second image processing apparatus 2 receives the backup data D1 from the first image processing apparatus 1, the second image processing apparatus 2 saves the program data PD included in the backup data D1 in the storage device 21 and stores the program data PD in the backup data D1. The configuration is such that the included first registration information 18 is stored and managed in a storage area in the storage device 21 different from the second registration information 28. Then, in the image processing system 100, in one of the first image processing apparatus 1 and the second image processing apparatus 2, a plurality of types of commands described in the program data PD are stored in a predetermined storage area. The registration information request command for requesting the registered information is rewritten to another command for requesting the first registration information 18 stored in a storage area different from that of the second registration information 28.

According to the image processing system 100 having such a configuration, when the application 40 installed in the first image processing apparatus 1 is backed up in the second image processing apparatus 2, the registration in the second image processing apparatus 2 is performed. The information 28 is not overwritten, the registration information 18 is not merged with the registration information 28, and the application 40 backed up in the second image processing apparatus 2 can be effectively used. become. In particular, when the application 40 is activated in the second image processing apparatus 2, the application 40 can acquire only the first registration information 18 and reflect the first registration information 18 on the operation screen or the like. .. Therefore, even when the user of the first image processing apparatus 1 activates the application 40 on the second image processing apparatus 2, it is the same as the screen for selecting the FAX destination displayed on the first image processing apparatus 1. The screen can be displayed. Therefore, for the user, there is an advantage that even when the application 40 is used in the second image processing apparatus 2, the job setting operation can be performed on the operation screen that is familiar to the user.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. For example, in the image processing system 100 similar to that of the first embodiment, even if the FAX unit 16 of the first image processing apparatus 1 fails, the scan function, the print function, the copy function, etc. of the first image processing apparatus 1 will not be processed by the user. Can be used. Therefore, even if the FAX unit 16 of the first image processing apparatus 1 fails, it is possible to use other functions such as a scan function and a print function without stopping the operation of the first image processing apparatus 1. In some cases, the operating state of the first image processing apparatus 1 may be continued. However, if the first image processing apparatus 1 continues to operate, the user forgets that the FAX function of the first image processing apparatus 1 cannot be used, and even if the FAX unit 16 is out of order. Regardless, a case may occur in which the FAX function of the first image processing apparatus 1 is used. In the present embodiment, a mode in which the user can use the FAX function even in such a case will be described. Also in the present embodiment, the configurations of the first image processing apparatus 1 and the second image processing apparatus 2 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the operation concept of the first and second image processing apparatuses 1 and 2 in the second embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 14A, the first image processing apparatus 1 includes a backup execution unit 50. Then, the backup execution unit 50 of the present embodiment is configured to detect that some functions of the first image processing apparatus 1 are unavailable. For example, if the FAX unit 16 fails, the backup execution unit 50 detects that the FAX function cannot be used. When the backup execution unit 50 detects that some functions have become unavailable, the backup execution unit 50 causes the command rewriting unit 52 to operate. Then, the command rewriting unit 52 rewrites the command for operating the function that has become unavailable, out of the plurality of types of commands output by the application 40 to the IWS 34, to another command. That is, the command rewriting unit 52 rewrites the command using the function of the first image processing apparatus 1 into the command using the function of the second image processing apparatus 2. For example, when the FAX unit 16 of the first image processing apparatus 1 fails and the FAX function cannot be used, the command rewriting unit 52 outputs a command output from the application 40 to the IWS 34 to operate the FAX unit 16. , A command for operating the FAX unit 26 of the second image processing apparatus 2 is rewritten. As a result, when the application 40 uses the FAX function, a command is output to the IWS 64 of the second image processing apparatus 2 via the communication interfaces 13 and 23, as shown in FIG. 14B. By operating the FAX unit 26 of the second image processing apparatus 2, it becomes possible to use the FAX function of the second image processing apparatus 2. Although the case where the FAX function of the first image processing apparatus 1 cannot be used is illustrated here, the same applies when other functions cannot be used.

As described above, the backup execution unit 50 of the present embodiment selects the first image processing apparatus 1 from among the plurality of types of commands output by the application 40 when the function of the first image processing apparatus 1 becomes unavailable. The command that uses the function that cannot be used in step 2 is rewritten to the command that uses the same function in the second image processing apparatus 2. Therefore, even when the user of the first image processing apparatus 1 mistakenly tries to use the function that is no longer available, the application 40 uses the function of the second image processing apparatus 2 to execute the job specified by the user. Will be able to run.

Then, when the FAX unit 16 of the first image processing apparatus 2 is repaired and the FAX function can be used, the backup execution unit 50 restores the command output by the application 40 to the IWS 34 to the original command. .. Therefore, when the FAX function of the first image processing apparatus 1 returns to the usable state, the application 40 returns to the state of using the FAX function of the first image processing apparatus 1.

Further, other configurations and operations in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Therefore, for example, when the first image processing apparatus 1 is brought into the operation stop state for repair of the FAX unit 16, the user of the first image processing apparatus 1 activates the application 40 on the second image processing apparatus 2. As a result, the application 40 can be temporarily used in the second image processing apparatus 2.

(Modification)
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be applied.

For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the first image processing apparatus 1 directly transmits the backup data D1 to the second image processing apparatus 2 has been illustrated. However, the transmission form of the backup data D1 is not limited to the form in which it is directly transmitted from the first image processing apparatus 1 to the second image processing apparatus 2. For example, when the relay server is provided in the network 3, the first image processing apparatus 1 transmits the backup data D1 to the relay server, and the second image processing apparatus 2 performs the first image processing via the relay server. The backup data D1 transmitted from the device 1 may be acquired. The relay server in this case may be provided in a local network such as LAN or may be provided in a cloud on the Internet.

Further, the network 3 may be provided with a license server that manages the license of the application 40 installed in the first image processing apparatus 1. In such a case, the first image processing apparatus 1 preferably sets a failure flag in the license server when the operation is stopped due to a failure or the like. As a result, the license server can recognize that the application 40 cannot be used in the first image processing apparatus 1. Then, when installing the program data PD of the application 40, the second image processing apparatus 2 accesses the license server and receives the installation permission by the license server. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the application 40 stored as a backup in the second image processing apparatus 2 from being illegally used. Then, when the first image processing apparatus 1 recovers from the failure, the license server sets a recovery flag. When the application 40 is started in the second image processing apparatus 2, the application 40 confirms whether or not the return flag is set in the license server, and if the return flag is set, the start processing of the application 40 is started. Kill it. As a result, it is possible to prevent the application 40 from being used simultaneously by both the first image processing apparatus 1 and the second image processing apparatus 2. With such a configuration, the license server can manage the application 40 temporarily used by the second image processing apparatus 2 with the same license as the application 40 of the first image processing apparatus 1. There are also advantages.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the application 40 of the first image processing apparatus 1 is stored in the second image processing apparatus 2 as a backup has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the application 70 of the second image processing apparatus 2 can be stored in the first image processing apparatus 1 as a backup. In this case, the backup execution unit 50 described above may be provided in the second image processing apparatus 2, and the backup management unit 80 described above may be provided in the first image processing apparatus 1.

In the above embodiment, the case where the network 3 is provided with the two image processing devices 1 and 2 has been illustrated. On the other hand, when the network 3 is provided with three or more image processing devices, the first image processing device 1 selects one device for saving the backup data D1 from the other two or more image processing devices. Then, the backup data D1 may be transmitted to the selected device. In this case, the first image processing apparatus 1 may select one apparatus having the same function as the function used by the application 40 to be backed up from the other two or more image processing apparatuses. preferable. As a result, when the operation of the first image processing apparatus 1 is stopped, the application 40 can be effectively used by activating the application 40 in the image processing apparatus storing the backup data D1.

1. Image processing device (first image processing device)
2 Image processing device (second image processing device)
3 network 11 storage device (first storage means)
21 storage device (second storage means)
30,60 job control unit (job control means)
40, 70 application 50 backup execution unit (backup execution means)
80 Backup management unit (backup management means)
85 Operating state detection unit (detection means)

Claims (24)

An image processing system in which a first image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job and a second image processing apparatus having the same function as the above function are connected via a network,
The first image processing device is
First storage means for storing first registration information registered in advance in order to use the function in a predetermined storage area;
Job control means for operating the function to control execution of a job;
It is possible to use the function by outputting a plurality of types of commands to the job control unit, and a registration information request for requesting information stored in the predetermined storage area among the plurality of types of commands. An application that obtains the first registration information via the job control unit by outputting a command to the job control unit and sets a job based on the first registration information,
Backup executing means for generating backup data including the program data of the application and the first registration information and transmitting the backup data to the second image processing apparatus;
Equipped with
The second image processing device,
Second storage means for storing second registration information registered in advance in order to use the function in a predetermined storage area;
When the backup data is received, the program data included in the backup data is saved in the second storage unit, and the first registration information included in the backup data is stored in the second storage unit. Backup management means for storing and managing in a storage area different from the second registration information in
Equipped with
One of the backup execution means and the backup management means is
Another command for requesting the registration information request command of the plurality of types of commands described in the program data for the first registration information stored in a storage area different from that of the second registration information. An image processing system characterized by being rewritten into. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the backup management unit saves the program data in the second storage unit in a state in which the application can be started by installing the program data. .. The second image processing apparatus further includes a detection unit that detects an operating state of the first image processing apparatus,
The backup management means installs the program data and puts the application into a startable state when the operation stop of the first image processing apparatus is detected by the detection means. The image processing system according to Item 1 or 2. The backup management unit resets the application to a non-startable state when the detection unit detects the restart of the first image processing apparatus after the application is set to the startable state. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein The backup management means may detect the restart of the first image processing apparatus by the detection means when the first registration information is updated during a period in which the application can be activated. The image processing system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first registration information is transmitted to the first image processing apparatus. The backup management means transmits the first registration information to the first image processing apparatus when the restart of the first image processing apparatus is detected by the detection means, and after the backup time. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein only the update information of the first registration information in step 1 is transmitted to the first image processing apparatus. 7. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the backup execution unit periodically generates the backup data and sends the backup data to the second image processing apparatus. 8. The image processing system according to claim 7, wherein the backup execution means, when the backup data is regularly generated, generates the backup data that is composed only of difference data from the previous backup data. When the function in the first image processing apparatus becomes unavailable, the backup execution means sets a command to use the function in the first image processing apparatus among the plurality of types of commands, 9. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the command is rewritten to a command that uses the function of the second image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job,
Storage means for storing registration information registered in advance in order to use the function in a predetermined storage area;
Job control means for operating the function to control execution of a job;
It is possible to use the function by outputting a plurality of types of commands to the job control unit, and a registration information request for requesting information stored in the predetermined storage area among the plurality of types of commands. An application that obtains the registration information via the job control unit by outputting a command to the job control unit, and sets a job based on the registration information.
Backup execution means for generating backup data including the program data of the application and the registration information and transmitting the backup data to another image processing apparatus having the same function as the above;
Equipped with
The backup execution means rewrites the registration information request command of the plurality of types of commands described in the program data with another command requesting the registration information to generate the backup data. Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the backup execution unit periodically generates the backup data and transmits the backup data to the other image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the backup execution unit, when regularly generating the backup data, generates the backup data that is composed only of difference data from the previous backup data. When the function in the image processing apparatus becomes unusable, the backup execution unit executes, in the other image processing apparatus, a command for using the function in the image processing apparatus among the plurality of types of commands. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image processing apparatus rewrites the command to use the function. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with another image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job and having the same function as the above function,
Storage means for storing registration information registered in advance in order to use the function in a predetermined storage area;
When backup data is received from the other image processing apparatus, the program data of the application that uses the function included in the backup data is stored in the storage unit, and the other image processing included in the backup data is performed. Backup management means for storing and managing device registration information in a storage area different from the registration information in the storage means;
Equipped with
The program data stored in the storage unit by the backup management unit requires information stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit out of a plurality of types of commands described in the program data. An image processing apparatus, wherein the registration information request command is rewritten with another command for requesting registration information of the other image processing apparatus. The backup management means executes a registration information request command for requesting information stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage means from among a plurality of types of commands described in the program data, the other image processing. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the registration information of the apparatus is rewritten to another command that requests it. 16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the backup management unit saves the program data in the storage unit in a state in which the application can be activated by installing the program data. Further comprising a detection means for detecting the operating state of the other image processing apparatus,
The backup management unit installs the program data and sets the application in a startable state when the operation of the other image processing apparatus is detected by the detection unit. The image processing device according to any one of 14 to 16. The backup management unit may return the application to the unbootable state when the detection unit detects the restart of the other image processing apparatus after the application is set to the bootable state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that When the registration information of the other image processing apparatus is updated during the period in which the application can be activated, the backup management unit detects the restart of the other image processing apparatus by the detection unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the registration information of the other image processing apparatus is transmitted to the other image processing apparatus accordingly. The backup management means transmits the registration information of the other image processing apparatus to the other image processing apparatus when the restart of the other image processing apparatus is detected by the detection means, and when the backup is performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein only the update information of the registration information of the other image processing apparatus thereafter is transmitted to the other image processing apparatus. A program executed in an image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job,
The image processing device,
Storage means for storing registration information registered in advance in order to use the function in a predetermined storage area;
Job control means for operating the function to control execution of a job;
It is possible to use the function by outputting a plurality of types of commands to the job control unit, and a registration information request for requesting information stored in the predetermined storage area among the plurality of types of commands. An application that obtains the registration information via the job control unit by outputting a command to the job control unit, and sets a job based on the registration information.
Equipped with
The program, the image processing device,
Backup execution means for generating backup data including the program data of the application and the registration information and transmitting the backup data to another image processing apparatus having the same function as the above;
Function as
The backup execution means rewrites the registration information request command of the plurality of types of commands described in the program data with another command requesting the registration information to generate the backup data. And the program. A program which can be communicated with another image processing apparatus having a function of executing a job and which is executed in the image processing apparatus having the same function as the above,
The image processing device,
Storage means for storing registration information registered in advance in order to use the function in a predetermined storage area,
Equipped with
The program, the image processing device,
When backup data is received from the other image processing apparatus, the program data of the application that uses the function included in the backup data is stored in the storage unit, and the other image processing included in the backup data is performed. Backup management means for storing and managing device registration information in a storage area different from the registration information in the storage means,
To function as,
The program data stored in the storage unit by the backup management unit requires information stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage unit out of a plurality of types of commands described in the program data. registration information request command, the program characterized that you have rewritten into another command requesting the registration information of the other image processing apparatus. The backup management means executes a registration information request command for requesting information stored in the predetermined storage area of the storage means, among the plurality of types of commands described in the program data, the other image processing. 23. The program according to claim 22, wherein the program is rewritten to another command that requests registration information of the device. A job for controlling execution of a job in a first image processing apparatus that stores first registration information registered in advance in order to use a function of executing a job in a predetermined storage area of a first storage unit. An application capable of utilizing the function by outputting a plurality of types of commands to the control means is installed, and the application and the first registration information are provided with the same function as the function. A backup method for backing up to the second image processing device,
The first image processing device generates backup data including the program data of the application and the first registration information, and transmits the backup data to the second image processing device;
When the second image processing device receives the backup data, the second image processing device saves the program data included in the backup data in a second storage unit, and at the same time, stores the first registration information included in the backup data. Is stored in a storage area different from the storage area in which the second registration information registered in advance in order to use the function in the second storage means is stored and managed.
In the first image processing apparatus or the second image processing apparatus, a registration information request for requesting information stored in the predetermined storage area among the plurality of types of commands described in the program data. Rewriting the command to another command requesting the first registration information stored in a storage area different from the second registration information;
A backup method comprising:

Images