JP4586736B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus control method, and image forming apparatus control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus. In particular, the present invention can be connected to a portable storage medium and can store data stored in the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that synchronizes data stored in a portable storage medium, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program.

  Removable memory (a type of portable storage medium) is inserted into an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals), which is a type of image forming device, and automatically stores the data stored in the MFP and the data stored in the removable memory. It is possible to synchronize with.

Regarding the data transfer method, the following Patent Document 1 discloses that the transfer source recording medium device is connected to the transfer destination recording medium, the name of the recording medium, the name of the recorded data, the capacity, the number of data, the data attributes, and the like. Is disclosed, and a technique for determining transfer based on information is disclosed.
JP 2002-373118 A

  As described above, when the removable memory is inserted into the MFP and the data stored in the MFP and the data stored in the removable memory are automatically synchronized, the MFP performs another job (JOB). When processing is in progress, there is a problem that the data synchronization processing is postponed and the convenience of the user is impaired.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a user-friendly image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to connect to a portable storage medium, data stored in the image forming apparatus, and data stored in the portable storage medium; The image forming apparatus that synchronizes data includes an execution unit that sequentially executes jobs, and a control unit that prioritizes data synchronization over processing of other jobs. When a portable storage medium is connected, When the job is being processed, the data synchronization of the portable storage medium is preferentially processed.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes operation display means for displaying that another job is being processed or that priority processing is being performed.

  Preferably, when a portable storage medium is connected, the image forming apparatus displays a priority processing confirmation message on the operation display means when another job is being processed, and performs priority processing after confirmation by the user. To do.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a first identification unit that identifies the content of the data to be synchronized. When the first identification unit identifies that the data is highly important, the control unit Increase the distribution of processing capacity for data synchronization processing.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus deletes data stored in the image forming apparatus after the data synchronization processing.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes second identification means for identifying a personal code stored in the portable storage medium, and the control means is based on the personal code identified by the second identification means, Change the priority processing speed and processing speed of data.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a use history of the data synchronization function corresponding to the personal code, identifies the personal code stored in the portable storage medium, and data corresponding to the personal code The use history of the synchronization function is stored in the storage means.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus identifies a personal code stored in a portable storage medium, and changes a data processing speed based on a use history of a data synchronization function corresponding to the personal code. .

  According to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to connect to a portable storage medium, and image formation that synchronizes data stored in the image forming apparatus and data stored in the portable storage medium. The apparatus control method includes an execution step for sequentially executing jobs, and a control step for giving priority to data synchronization over processing for other jobs, and when a portable storage medium is connected, When processing is in progress, priority is given to data synchronization of the portable storage medium.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image that can be connected to a portable storage medium and that synchronizes data stored in the image forming apparatus and data stored in the portable storage medium. The control program of the forming apparatus causes the computer to execute an execution step of sequentially executing jobs and a control step of giving priority to data synchronization over processing of other jobs, and when a portable storage medium is connected, When another job is being processed, the data synchronization of the portable storage medium is preferentially processed.

  According to these inventions, when a portable storage medium is connected, data synchronization of the portable storage medium can be prioritized when other jobs are being processed. It is possible to provide a good image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention detects other JOB processing when a removable memory is inserted, and gives priority to removable memory synchronization processing. In addition, the convenience of the user is not impaired by changing the distribution of the processing capacity of the CPU that is executing the control of each process as necessary.

  As a result, when the removable memory is inserted into the MFP and the data stored in the MFP and the data stored in the removable memory are automatically synchronized, the MFP is in the process of another job. Data synchronization can be prioritized.

  In the priority processing, it is desirable to change the priority processing order and processing speed (CPU processing capacity distribution) according to the data type and personal code stored in the removable memory.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to store the use history of the data synchronization function on the MFP side in accordance with the personal code stored in the removable memory, infer the necessary CPU processing capacity distribution from the history, and perform appropriate distribution. .

  In this way, data synchronization is prioritized, and by changing the priority processing order and processing speed according to the personal code and data type stored in the removable memory, the user who executes the synchronization processing and other users It is possible to prevent the convenience of both users with the user executing the JOB from being impaired.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to the figure, in an image forming apparatus 100, there are an operation display unit 102 for setting operation of various functions, an image reading unit 105 and an image processing unit 106 for reading an image and converting it into electronic data, and an electronic data conversion unit. ROM 103 and RAM 104 used as work areas, a data storage unit 108 for storing various data, an image forming unit 107 for forming an image for printing electronic data, and the configuration thereof are integrated. It has the control part 101 which controls.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 identifies an I / F unit (interface unit) 109 serving as a window for exchanging information in data synchronization with the removable memory 111, identification of data types stored in the removable memory 111, and a personal code. It has the identification part 110 which identifies. The identification unit 110 includes a data type identification unit 110a that identifies the type of data stored in the removable memory 111, and a personal code identification unit 110b that identifies a personal code.

  The data synchronization use history corresponding to the personal code is stored in the data storage unit 108 and can be viewed on the operation display unit 102.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the image forming apparatus 100 configured as described above.

  When the removable memory 111 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100 for data synchronization (S201), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not other JOBs are being processed, and performs different operations accordingly.

  If the image forming apparatus 100 has not processed another JOB (NO in S202), normal data synchronization processing (S203) is performed. That is, the data stored in the MFP and the data stored in the removable memory are automatically synchronized.

  On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 100 is processing another job (YES in S202), the image forming apparatus temporarily stops the other job and prioritizes the data synchronization process (S204).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of the display screen of the operation display unit 102 in the data synchronization priority process (S204).

  In the figure, Nos. 01 to 02 indicate JOBs being processed first. When priority is given to data synchronization, the message “Data synchronization JOB priority processing is in progress” is displayed at the bottom, and the status display column for the job being processed among the jobs No. 01 to 02 is displayed. “Pause” is displayed. Thereby, priority processing of data synchronization processing to the removable memory can be clearly indicated.

  By performing the above processing, the user does not go to the front of the image forming apparatus 100 and wait for the user performing the data synchronization processing of the removable memory. Thereby, user convenience can be improved.

[Second Embodiment]
Since the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 is processing another job (YES in S202), the other job is temporarily stopped and the data synchronization processing is performed with priority (S204). However, in the present embodiment, the processing shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.
When the removable memory 111 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100 for data synchronization (S401), if the image forming apparatus 100 is processing another JOB (YES in S402), the type of data to be synchronized Is identified (S404). The image forming apparatus performs different operations depending on the type (importance) of the identified data (S405).

  If the synchronization target data is not an important document (NO in S405), the data synchronization process is prioritized as in the process of step S204 in FIG. 2 (this process is referred to as “priority process (1 ) ").

  On the other hand, if the synchronization target data is an important document (YES in S405), unlike the priority process (1), a process with a higher priority is performed in step S406 (this process is referred to as "priority process"). (2) ").

  Here, increasing the priority level indicates not only increasing the processing order but also performing an operation of increasing the processing speed by concentrating the processing capability of the control unit 101 on the data synchronization processing.

  Further, after the data synchronization process in step S406 is completed, the data in the image forming apparatus is deleted (S407). As a result, the security is enhanced.

  For data type identification, there is a method for identifying keyword data such as “important” and “secret” included in the data, and a method for identifying whether the data file itself is an encrypted file. It is possible to use it.

  In this way, according to the present embodiment, when a highly important document such as a confidential document is synchronously processed, the processing order is increased and the processing capacity distribution of the CPU is increased, so that processing is performed preferentially. After the processing, the data in the image forming apparatus main body is deleted. As a result, highly important documents can be processed quickly, and security can be improved.

[Third Embodiment]
Since the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the removable memory is inserted, if the image forming apparatus is processing another JOB, the data synchronization processing is automatically prioritized. There was a problem like this. In other words, assuming that a user who has instructed execution of another job has already come to a document to be printed out to the image forming apparatus, the user may feel inconvenience.

  In the present embodiment, in order to eliminate such a concern, a confirmation dialog as to whether or not to prioritize data synchronization processing is displayed on the operation display unit 102 to accept the user's selection.

  As a result, it is possible to reflect the consideration of the user instructing the data synchronization processing to the other JOB user, and the dissatisfaction between the users can be solved.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.
When the removable memory 111 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100 for data synchronization (S601), if the image forming apparatus 100 is processing another JOB (YES in S602), priority processing confirmation processing (S603) When the user selects not to perform priority processing (NO in S603), normal processing is performed in which processing is performed in the order in which JOBs are received (S606).

  On the other hand, if there is an instruction to perform priority processing (YES in S603), the personal code stored in the removable memory is identified (S604), and the degree of priority processing is changed in accordance with the personal code in step S605. (This process is referred to as “priority process (3)”). That is, the priority processing order and processing speed (CPU processing capacity distribution) are changed according to the personal code.

  The personal code here includes, for example, data related to the position, and the degree of priority processing may be determined based on the data related to the position.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a screen displayed on operation display unit 102 in step S603 of FIG. 5 for confirming whether or not to prioritize data synchronization processing.

  On this screen, the user can select whether or not to give priority to data synchronization. If priority is given, the data synchronization processing is performed in preference to the JOB being executed and waiting, and if priority is not given, the processing is the next processing after the last registered JOB (or JOB being processed). Synchronous processing is performed.

[Modification]
Further, the use history of each user's data synchronization processing is stored in the data storage unit 108 in association with the personal code, and the control unit 101 is based on the use history data corresponding to the personal code recognized by personal identification. May manage priority processing.

  Thereby, the process according to the request for every user is attained, and there exists an effect of leading to an improvement of a user's satisfaction and convenience.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of storing a usage history of the data synchronization process.
Referring to the figure, every time data synchronization processing is performed, the use history is stored in the storage device in association with the personal code in step S701.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the data synchronization priority processing (3).
Referring to the figure, the use history data corresponding to the personal code of the user who performs the synchronization process in step S801 is acquired. In step S802, the processing speed is changed according to the usage history. In step S803, synchronization processing is performed at a predetermined processing speed.

[Effects of the embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, when the removable memory is inserted in the image forming apparatus, the processing of other JOBs is detected, the synchronous processing of the removable memory is prioritized, and the processing capability of the CPU executing the control of each processing is determined. Distribution can be changed. As a result, more user-friendly synchronization processing (data transfer processing) can be performed without impairing user convenience.

[Others]
Note that the processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, and the program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card and provided to the user. You may decide to do it. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  In addition, it should be thought that the said embodiment is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the image forming apparatus 100. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen of the operation display part 102 in a data synchronous priority process (S204). 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit 102 in step S603 of FIG. 5 for confirming whether or not to prioritize data synchronization processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process which memorize | stores the usage history of a data synchronous process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the synchronous priority process (3) of data.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus (MFP), 101 Control part (CPU), 102 Operation display part, 103 ROM, 104 RAM, 105 Image reading part, 106 Image processing part, 107 Image forming part, 108 Data storage part, 109 I / F , 110 identification unit, 111 removable memory, 300 data synchronization priority processing screen, 500 data synchronization priority processing confirmation screen.

Claims (10)

In an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a portable storage medium and synchronizes data stored in the image forming apparatus and data stored in the portable storage medium.
Execution means for sequentially executing jobs;
An identification means for identifying the contents of data to be synchronized ,
When a portable storage medium is connected and another job is being processed , if it is identified that the data to be synchronized is highly important data, the processing capacity is allocated to the data synchronization. An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for preferentially processing data synchronization over other jobs by making the value larger than other jobs .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation display unit that displays that another job is being processed or a priority process is being performed.   3. When a portable storage medium is connected, when another job is being processed, a priority processing confirmation message is displayed on the operation display means, and priority processing is performed after user confirmation. The image forming apparatus described in 1. After the data synchronization processing, characterized by erasing the data stored in the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit identifies data having high importance by identifying a keyword included in the data to be synchronized with data. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the control unit identifies data having high importance by identifying whether the data to be synchronized is encrypted. apparatus. Further comprising identification means for identifying the personal code stored in the portable storage medium as the importance,
When the portable storage medium is connected, the control means increases data synchronization priority processing speed and processing speed on the basis of the personal code identified by the identification means, so that the data is higher than other jobs. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein priority is given to synchronization. Storage means for storing a history of use of the data synchronization function according to the personal code as the importance,
The control means includes
Each time data synchronization processing is performed, the personal code stored in the portable storage medium is identified, and the use history of the data synchronization function corresponding to the personal code is stored in the storage means,
The data synchronization is prioritized over other jobs by increasing the data synchronization processing speed based on the usage history when the portable storage medium is connected. The image forming apparatus described. In a control method of an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a portable storage medium and synchronizes data stored in the image forming apparatus and data stored in the portable storage medium.
An execution step that executes jobs sequentially;
Identifying the contents of the data to be synchronized ;
When a portable storage medium is connected and another job is being processed , if it is identified that the data to be synchronized is highly important data, the processing capacity is allocated to the data synchronization. And a control step for preferentially processing data synchronization over other jobs by making this larger than other jobs . In a control program for an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a portable storage medium and synchronizes data stored in the image forming apparatus and data stored in the portable storage medium.
An execution step that executes jobs sequentially;
Identifying the contents of the data to be synchronized ;
When a portable storage medium is connected and another job is being processed , if it is identified that the data to be synchronized is highly important data, the processing capacity is allocated to the data synchronization. A control program for an image forming apparatus that causes a computer to execute a control step for preferentially processing data synchronization over other jobs by making the process larger than other jobs .

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