JP5627376B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to backup control of an information processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, image forming apparatuses that store image data read from a scanner or image data obtained by developing PDL data sent from a computer via a network into a bitmap in a storage device such as a hard disk, and repeatedly read out and print out the image forming apparatus are known. It has been.

  In addition, the image forming function includes a server function that allows a storage device to store not only print image data but also a general-purpose file format document and share the file so that the document can be viewed and edited from a networked client computer. The device is realized.

  Since image data and documents stored in these storage devices are at risk of loss or destruction due to user's misoperation or system down, the system administrator backs up to secondary storage media. Is called.

  When starting the backup operation, the system administrator predicts the backup data size from the data capacity to be backed up in advance, and secures the free capacity of the secondary storage medium for storing the backup data based on the prediction. Thereafter, backup is started manually or automatic backup operation is started by setting scheduling.

  However, backup errors from other devices may cause backup errors due to insufficient storage space due to the consumption of the storage area of the secondary storage medium by the backup process or application, or the increase in the data capacity of the backup target by the backup start time. is there. When an error due to insufficient free space occurs, the administrator needs to perform backup again after solving the shortage of free space.

  A conventional backup device has a function of evaluating the possibility of failure of backup processing based on a predetermined relational expression using a backup execution interval, a backup data retention period, a capacity of a secondary storage medium, and the like. There is a thing (refer patent document 1).

  In this backup device, if it is determined that the process will fail before the backup is executed, the system administrator is notified of the possibility of the backup failure, and requests to review the backup settings, improving the operational manageability of the backup job. I am trying.

JP 2003-345637 A

  In the above-mentioned patent document 1, the possibility of backup processing failure verification and the backup data size notified to the system administrator are predicted and calculated from the data size to be backed up. However, the actual backup data size may not match the data size to be backed up.

  In particular, when a differential backup is requested for the entire backup data that has already been executed, or when a backup data encryption or backup data verification option is set, the difference from the actual backup data size becomes large.

  In such a case, the system administrator cannot know the actual backup data size, that is, the free space necessary for normal completion of the backup process, and can secure the free space necessary for the secondary storage medium. could not. This is also a problem in other image forming apparatuses such as personal computers and server apparatuses.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to enable a system administrator to confirm an accurate backup data size, and to secure a free space necessary for a secondary storage medium for storing backup data when a backup error occurs due to insufficient capacity. It is to provide a mechanism.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores data to be subjected to a backup process, a setting unit that registers a backup setting of the backup process, and the backup process stored in the storage unit according to the backup setting. Generating means for generating backup data of the target data in a specific data unit, and storing processing for storing each backup data generated by the generating means in a backup data storage destination according to the backup setting A storage processing unit; a calculation unit that calculates a total backup data size of the backup data by adding up the data sizes of the backup data generated by the generating unit; and There is an error in the save process If none, the continuation condition determining means for determining whether or not the backup configuration matches the continuation condition, when the error occurs, the backup set is determined to conform to the continuation condition by said continuation condition determination means If, although thereafter stops the storing process, have a, and control means for controlling to execute and continue thereafter for the generation process and the calculating process, the backup settings, the backup data encryption Information for setting the presence or absence of encryption, and the continuation condition is that the backup data is set to be encrypted in the backup setting as a condition for continuously executing the generation process and the calculation process It is characterized by including .
The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores data to be subjected to a backup process, a setting unit that registers a backup setting of the backup process, and the storage unit that stores the backup setting according to the backup setting. A generation unit that performs generation processing for generating backup data of data to be subjected to backup processing in a specific data unit, and a storage process for storing each backup data generated by the generation unit according to the backup setting in a backup data storage destination A storage processing means for performing the calculation, a calculation means for executing a calculation process for calculating the total backup data size of the backup data by adding up the data sizes of the backup data generated by the generating means, and a backup data storage destination insufficient capacity To save the data. When the error occurs, the continuation condition determining means for determining whether or not the backup setting matches the continuation condition, and if the error occurs, the continuation condition determining means determines that the backup setting matches the continuation condition. If it is determined, the storage processing is stopped thereafter, but the generation processing and the calculation processing are controlled to continue to be executed thereafter, and the backup setting includes backup data. Including the information for setting the presence / absence of a request for execution of data verification, and the continuation condition is set to request execution of data verification of backup data in the backup setting. It is characterized in that it is included in conditions for continuously executing the calculation process.
Furthermore, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores data to be subjected to backup processing, a setting unit that registers backup settings of the backup processing, and the storage unit that stores the backup settings according to the backup settings. A generation unit that performs generation processing for generating backup data of data to be subjected to backup processing in a specific data unit, and a storage process for storing each backup data generated by the generation unit according to the backup setting in a backup data storage destination A storage processing means for performing the calculation, a calculation means for executing a calculation process for calculating the total backup data size of the backup data by adding up the data sizes of the backup data generated by the generating means, and a backup data storage destination insufficient capacity To the save process If a backup error occurs, a continuation condition determination unit that determines whether the backup setting matches a continuation condition, and if the error occurs, the continuation condition determination unit determines that the backup setting matches the continuation condition. And the control unit for controlling the generation process and the calculation process to continue to be executed thereafter, and the backup setting is a backup target. Including information that sets whether to execute a whole backup that backs up all data that is to be backed up or a differential backup that backs up only the difference from the previous backup of the data to be backed up. , The backup setting is set to execute the differential backup Things, characterized in that it comprises a condition for continuously executing the generation processing and the calculation processing.

  According to the present invention, an accurate backup data size can be confirmed by a system administrator, and when a backup error occurs due to a lack of capacity, a necessary free capacity can be secured in a secondary storage medium for storing backup data. .

1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration to which a multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the file server 103 or the client computer 104 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a backup setting registration processing procedure in the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a backup setting 501. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a backup setting screen 601. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a backup processing procedure in the multifunction peripheral 102 according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for determining a free space in advance in the multifunction peripheral 102 according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a continuation condition determination processing procedure in the MFP 102 according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a backup data generation processing procedure in the multifunction peripheral 102 according to the first embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Network configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration to which a multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a network that supports, for example, the TCP / IP protocol. Reference numeral 102 denotes a multifunction peripheral. Reference numeral 103 denotes a file server. A client computer 104 is used by a general user.

The multifunction machine 102, the file server 103, and the client computer 104 are connected to be communicable via the network 101.
For example, the client computer 104 displays and edits files stored in the multifunction peripheral 102 and the file server 103. Alternatively, the client computer 104 stores the created file in the multifunction peripheral 102 or the file server 103.

Further, the multifunction peripheral 102 stores the generated image data and backup data of the storage file in the file server 103.
Of course, these configurations are merely conceptual diagrams of general configurations, and it goes without saying that there may be a plurality of computers and multifunction peripherals used by general users. The image forming apparatus of the present invention does not have to be a multifunction peripheral, and it goes without saying that a device such as a scanner may be connected to the network as a single unit as the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

<Configuration of MFP 102>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the multifunction peripheral 102 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 2, the CPU 201 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 207 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204. Furthermore, the CPU 201 comprehensively controls various processes performed in the controller 225 according to the control program.

  A RAM 202 is a system work memory for the CPU 201 to operate, and is also a memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 203 stores a boot program for the apparatus. An HDD 204 is a hard disk drive, is managed by a file system, and can store system software and image data.

  The operation unit I / F 205 is an interface unit for connecting the system bus 207 and the operation unit 221. The operation unit I / F 205 receives image data to be displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the operation unit 221 from the system bus 207 and outputs the image data to the operation unit 221, and also receives information input from the operation unit 221. To 207.

A network I / F 206 is connected to a LAN, a WAN (network) 101, and a system bus 207, and exchanges data bidirectionally with other devices.
An image bus 220 is a transmission path for exchanging image data, and is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394.
The scanner image processing unit 212 corrects, processes, and edits image data received from the scanner unit 222 via the scanner I / F 211. The embedded information extraction unit 210 performs processing for detecting a pattern embedded in a background image and extracting additional information from image data. The compression unit 213 receives the image data from the scanner image processing unit 212 and compresses the data.

  The decompression unit 215 decompresses the data, raster-expands it, and sends it to the printer image processing unit 217. The printer image processing unit 217 receives the image data sent from the decompression unit 215 and performs image processing on the image data while referring to attribute data attached to the image data. The printer image processing unit 217 synthesizes the code image data generated by the code image generation unit 216 with the image data when there is an instruction.

  The code image generation unit 216 generates code image data such as a two-dimensional code image, a bar code image, and an image generated by an information embedding technique. The code image generation unit 216 generates a code image by executing a program stored in the RAM 202. The image data after image processing by the printer image processing unit 217 is output to the printer unit 223 via the printer I / F 218.

The image conversion unit 214 performs predetermined conversion processing such as rotation, color space conversion, binary multi-value conversion, image composition, and thinning on the image data.
The RIP unit 208 receives from the system bus 207 intermediate data generated based on the PDL code data, and generates bitmap data (multi-value). The generated bitmap data is compressed by the compression unit 209 and sent to the image bus 220.

  The authentication processing unit 227 performs print job authentication in addition to user and workgroup authentication using the user information input by the operation unit 221. It also manages authenticated user and workgroup information.

The finisher unit 226 performs various post-processing such as stapling, punching, and sorting on a sheet bundle in which a plurality of sheets discharged from the printer unit 223 are bundled.
The backup control unit 219 controls backup of data stored in the HDD 204 and restoration of backup data. The backup control unit 219 generates backup data from image data or a document read from the HDD 204 according to the specified setting, and stores the generated backup data in the file server 103 via the network I / F 206. In addition, the backup control unit 219 obtains backup data stored in the file server 103 and restores it to the HDD 204 to restore the state at the time of backup execution. The backup control unit 219 is a functional unit realized by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204.

<Configuration of File Server 103 and Client Computer 104>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the file server 103 or the client computer 104 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The file server 103 or the client computer 104 includes a CPU 301 that executes software stored in the ROM 302 or the HDD 311. The CPU 301 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 304. A RAM 303 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 301.

A keyboard controller (KBD C) 305 controls an instruction input from a keyboard (KBD) 309 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 306 denotes a display controller (DISC C), which controls display on a display module (DISPLAY) 310 constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display. A disk controller (DKC) 307 controls the HDD 311 which is a mass storage device.
Reference numeral 308 denotes a network I / F, which exchanges data bidirectionally with other devices via a LAN or WAN (network) 101.

<Backup setting registration procedure>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a backup setting registration processing procedure in the MFP 102 according to the first embodiment. Note that S401 to S407 in the figure indicate steps, and are executed by the backup control unit 219. That is, the above steps are realized by the CPU 201 of the multi-function peripheral 102 reading out and executing a control program recorded in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204 so as to be readable by a computer.

First, when the backup control unit 219 receives a backup setting registration request input from the operation unit 221 via the operation unit I / F 205 (S401), the process proceeds to S402.
Next, in S402, the backup control unit 219 reads the backup setting 501 as shown in FIG. 5 stored in the HDD 204, and displays it on the display unit of the operation unit 221 on the backup setting screen 601 as shown in FIG. To control. Then, the backup control unit 219 controls to accept backup setting editing and registration requests from the user on the backup setting screen 601. Here, the backup setting 501 and the backup setting screen 601 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the backup setting 501, which is stored in the HDD 204.
The backup setting 501 includes setting information such as a backup setting last update date 502, a backup type 503, host information 504, account information 505 and 506, storage destination folder information 507, encryption settings 508 and 509, and data verification settings 510. .

  The backup setting last update date (Update) 502 indicates information on the last update date of the backup setting 501. The backup type (OpereationKind) 503 is setting information for designating, for example, not (not) performing backup, performing full backup, or performing differential backup. Note that the whole backup indicates that all data to be backed up is backed up, and the differential backup indicates that only the difference from the previous backup of the data to be backed up is backed up.

  Host information (Host Address) 504 is setting information for designating a host (for example, the file server 103) that is a storage destination of backup data. The account information 505 and 506 are setting information for setting the host account information (user ID (UserID) 505, password (Password) 506) set in the host information 504. The save destination folder information (FolderPath) 507 is setting information for setting a folder path as a save destination of backup data in the host set by the host information 504.

  The settings 508 and 509 related to encryption include setting information (Encryption) 508 for setting whether backup data is encrypted (TRUE) or not (FALSE), and a password (Encryption Password) 509 used for encryption. The data verification setting (Verification) 510 is setting information for setting whether to perform data verification of backup data (TRUE) or not (FALSE).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the backup setting screen 601, which is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 221.
In the backup setting screen 601, 602 is for editing and displaying the setting information of the backup type (OpereationKind) 503.
603 is host information (Host Address) 504, 604 is a user name (User ID) 505, 605 and 606 is a password (Password) 506, and 607 is for editing and displaying setting information of a storage destination folder information (FolderPath) 507, respectively. Is.

  Reference numeral 608 is for editing and displaying the setting information (Encryption) 508. Reference numerals 610 and 611 are used for editing and displaying setting information of a password (Encryption Password) 509 used for encryption. Note that the number of characters that can be input is provided in 610 and 611. Reference numeral 609 is for editing and displaying the setting information of the data verification setting (Verification) 510.

  Reference numeral 612 denotes an OK button which is an instruction for requesting registration of the backup setting 501 edited on the backup setting screen 601. A cancel button 613 is a button for instructing to end the backup setting screen 601 without registering the backup setting 501 edited on the backup setting screen 601.

Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.
When the backup control unit 219 receives a backup setting registration request from the user via the operation unit I / F 205 (that is, detects that the OK button 612 has been pressed) (S403), the process proceeds to S404. Proceed.

  In step S404, the backup control unit 219 confirms whether there is a backup setting that has received the registration request that violates the input rule or does not match. For example, if the input contents 605 and 606 in FIG. 6 do not match or the input contents 610 and 611 do not match, the backup control unit 219 determines that inconsistency is detected. Also, if the number of characters input at 610 and 611 is out of range, it is determined that inconsistency is detected. Further, when the character input in 603 is a character that cannot be used to specify the host information (Host Address) 504, it is determined that inconsistency is detected. Further, when the character input in 607 is a character that cannot be used for specifying the save destination folder information (FolderPath) 507, it is determined that inconsistency is detected.

If it is determined in S405 that inconsistency is detected, the backup control unit 219 returns the process to S403.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S405 that no inconsistency has been detected, the backup control unit 219 stores (registers) the backup setting 501 set on the backup setting screen 601 in the HDD 204 in S407, and ends the process.

<Backup processing procedure>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a backup processing procedure in the MFP 102 according to the first embodiment. Note that S701 to S728 in the figure indicate steps, and are executed by the backup control unit 219. That is, the above steps are realized by the CPU 201 of the multi-function peripheral 102 reading out and executing a control program recorded in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204 so as to be readable by a computer.

First, when the backup control unit 219 receives a backup start request input from the operation unit 221 via the operation unit I / F 205 (S701), the process proceeds to S702.
In step S <b> 702, the backup control unit 219 acquires the backup setting 501 stored in the HDD 204.
In step S <b> 703, the backup control unit 219 determines whether to perform full backup or differential backup based on the setting information 502 in the backup setting 501. If the setting information 502 of the backup setting 501 is set not to back up, the processing is ended as it is (not shown).

  If it is determined in S703 that differential backup is to be executed, the backup control unit 219 sets a save flag (held in the RAM 202) indicating whether to save backup data to ON (S706). The process proceeds to S712.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the entire backup is to be executed, the backup control unit 219 advances the processing to S704.
In S704, the backup control unit 219 performs the free space prior determination process shown in FIG. 8, and proceeds to S705 in response to the processing result.
In step S <b> 705, the backup control unit 219 determines whether backup is possible based on the result of the determination of the free space in step S <b> 704. If it is determined that backup is possible (Yes in S705), the backup control unit 219 sets the save flag to ON (S706), and the process proceeds to S712.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S705 that backup is not possible (No in S705), the backup control unit 219 displays a message indicating a capacity shortage error on the display unit of the operation unit 221 via the operation unit I / F 205. (S707).

Next, in S708, the backup control unit 219 performs the backup data generation continuation condition determination process shown in FIG. 9, and advances the process to S709 in response to the result.
In step S709, the backup control unit 219 determines whether or not to continue processing from the processing continuation condition determination result in step S708. If it is determined that the processing continuation condition is not met and the processing is not continued (No in S709), the backup control unit 219 advances the processing to S711.

  In step S711, the backup control unit 219 displays the backup target data size acquired in the free space prior determination in step S704 on the display unit of the operation unit 221 via the operation unit I / F 205, and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S709 that the processing continuation condition is met and the processing is continued (Yes in S709), the backup control unit 219 sets the save flag to OFF (S710) and advances the processing to S712.

  In step S712, the backup control unit 219 searches for an unprocessed file (an unprocessed file among files in the backup target data storage area in the HDD 204). Note that the backup target data storage area may be a predetermined area, or may be configured to be set by the user from the operation unit 221. It is assumed that the setting information of the backup target data storage area is stored in the HDD 204.

  Next, in S713, the backup control unit 219 performs backup data generation processing shown in FIG. 10 on the unprocessed file searched in S712 (hereinafter referred to as the target file).

  Next, in S714, the backup control unit 219 checks the save flag and determines whether the save flag is ON. If it is determined in S714 that the save flag is set to OFF (No in S714), the backup control unit 219 advances the process to S724.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S714 that the save flag is set to ON (Yes in S714), the backup control unit 219 advances the process to S715.
In step S715, the backup control unit 219 performs processing for storing backup data in accordance with the backup setting 501. In step S716, the backup control unit 219 determines whether the backup data has been successfully stored (successful writing) in step S715. When it is determined that the writing is successful (Yes in S716), the backup control unit 219 updates the archive attribute of the target file to a value indicating “Backup completed” (S728), and advances the process to S724. The archive attribute will be described later in the description of FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the backup data storage has failed (write failure) (No in S716), the process proceeds to S717.
In step S <b> 717, the backup control unit 219 determines whether the cause of the storage failure is a lack of storage destination capacity. If it is determined that the cause of the failure in storage is not a lack of storage destination capacity (No in S717), the backup control unit 219 displays a message indicating the error factor on the display unit of the operation unit 221 via the operation unit I / F 205. Display (S718), and the process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the cause of the storage failure is insufficient storage capacity (Yes in S717), the backup control unit 219 advances the process to S719.
In S <b> 719, the backup control unit 219 displays a message indicating that the backup data storage process is to be stopped due to a lack of capacity on the display unit of the operation unit 221 via the operation unit I / F 205.

Next, in S720, the backup control unit 219 performs the backup data generation continuation determination process shown in FIG. 9, and the process proceeds to S721 in response to the result.
In S721, the backup control unit 219 determines whether or not to continue the process from the process continuation condition determination result in S720. If it is determined that the processing continuation condition is not met and the processing is not continued (No in S721), the backup control unit 219 advances the processing to S723.

  In S723, the backup control unit 219 displays the backup target data size acquired in the free space prior determination on the display unit of the operation unit 221 via the operation unit I / F 205 (S723), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S721 that the processing continuation condition is met and the processing is continued (Yes in S721), the backup control unit 219 sets the save flag to OFF (S722), and advances the processing to S724.

  In step S724, the backup control unit 219 performs a calculation process of adding (integrating) the backup data size generated in step S713 to the total backup data size (held in the RAM 202). Note that the total backup data size is initialized to “0” when a backup request is received in S701.

  In step S <b> 725, the backup control unit 219 confirms whether a processing cancel request (stop request) is received from the operation unit 221 via the operation unit I / F 205. If it is determined that a process cancellation request has been received (Yes in S725), the backup control unit 219 ends the process. The processing cancel request (cancellation request) may be accepted only when the save flag is OFF.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S725 that a process cancel request has not been received (No in S725), the backup control unit 219 advances the process to S726.
In step S <b> 726, the backup control unit 219 confirms whether reading (processing) of all files in the backup target data storage area in the HDD 204 has been completed. If it is determined that all files have not yet been read (processed) (No in S726), the backup control unit 219 returns the process to S712.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S726 that reading (processing) of all files in the backup target data storage area in the HDD 204 has been completed (Yes in S726), the backup control unit 219 advances the process to S727. .
In step S727, the backup control unit 219 displays the total backup data size on the display unit of the operation unit 221 via the operation unit I / F 205, and ends the process.

<Backup data storage destination free space pre-judgment processing procedure>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for determining a free space in advance in the multifunction peripheral 102 according to the first embodiment. This process corresponds to the process of S704 shown in FIG. Further, S801 to S807 in FIG. 8 indicate steps, and are executed by the backup control unit 219. That is, the above steps are realized by the CPU 201 of the multi-function peripheral 102 reading out and executing a control program recorded in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204 so as to be readable by a computer.

  First, in step S801, the backup control unit 219 acquires information on the backup target data storage area from the HDD 204, and performs data size acquisition processing for calculating the data size of the backup target data from the acquired information (S802). For example, the data size (S) of the backup target data is calculated from the block size (s1) of the backup target data storage area, the total number of data blocks (b1), and the number of free blocks (f1) as follows.

S (number of used blocks × block size) = (b1−f1) × s1
In step S <b> 803, the backup control unit 219 acquires backup data storage area information (504 to 507) from the backup setting 501, and acquires a free capacity that calculates the free capacity of the backup data storage area from the acquired information. . For example, the free capacity (F) of the backup data storage area is calculated from the block size (s2) of the backup data storage area, the total number of data blocks (b2), and the number of free blocks (f2) as follows.

F = (number of empty blocks × block size) = f2 × s2
In step S <b> 805, the backup control unit 219 compares the data size (S) of the backup target data with the free capacity (F) of the backup data storage area, and determines whether S> F.

If it is determined that S> F (Yes in S805), the backup control unit 219 determines that backup is not possible (S806), and ends the process.
On the other hand, if it is determined that S ≦ F (No in S805), the backup control unit 219 determines that backup is possible (S807) and ends the process.

<Backup data generation continuation condition judgment processing procedure>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a continuation condition determination processing procedure in the MFP 102 according to the first embodiment. This process corresponds to the processes of S708 and S720 shown in FIG. Further, S901 to S905 in FIG. 9 indicate steps, which are executed by the backup control unit 219. That is, the above steps are realized by the CPU 201 of the multi-function peripheral 102 reading out and executing a control program recorded in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204 so as to be readable by a computer.

  First, in step S901, the backup control unit 219 determines the backup type from the setting information 503 of the backup setting 501. If the backup control unit 219 determines that the backup is differential backup, the backup control unit 219 determines that the process is to be continued (S905), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S901 that the backup type is full backup, the backup control unit 219 advances the process to S902.
In step S <b> 902, the backup control unit 219 confirms whether or not encryption is designated from the setting information 508 of the backup setting 501. If it is determined that encryption is specified (Yes in S902), the backup control unit 219 determines that the process is to be continued (S905) and ends the process.

On the other hand, when it is determined that encryption is not designated (No in S902), the backup control unit 219 advances the process to S903.
In step S <b> 903, the backup control unit 219 confirms whether there is a data verification request from the setting information 510 of the backup setting 501. If it is determined that there is a data verification request (Yes in S903), the backup control unit 219 determines that the process is to be continued (S905) and ends the process.
On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no data verification request (No in S903), the backup control unit 219 determines that the process is to be continued (S904), and ends the process.

<Backup data generation processing procedure>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a backup data generation processing procedure in the MFP 102 according to the first embodiment. This process corresponds to the process of S713 illustrated in FIG. Further, S1001 to S1009 in FIG. 10 indicate steps, and are executed by the backup control unit 219. That is, the above steps are realized by the CPU 201 of the multi-function peripheral 102 reading out and executing a control program recorded in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204 so as to be readable by a computer.

  First, in step S <b> 1001, the backup control unit 219 determines the backup type from the setting information 503 of the backup setting 501. If it is determined that the backup type is full backup, the backup control unit 219 advances the processing to S1004.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1001 that the backup type is differential backup, the backup control unit 219 advances the process to S1002.
In step S1002, the backup control unit 219 acquires the archive attribute of the target file, and determines whether the archive attribute indicates “backed up” (S1003).

  The archive attribute is information set in a file mainly for the purpose of saving file backup information. The archive attribute is set to on / off for each file. When the archive attribute is on, the file is automatically backed up. The archive attribute is turned on when a new file is created or the contents are changed and saved. Also, when a file backup is created, the archive attribute is turned off and the archive information is automatically deleted.

If it is determined that the archive attribute of the target file indicates “backed up” (Yes in S1003), the backup control unit 219 ends the process.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the archive attribute of the target file indicates “not yet backed up” (the backup attribute is ON) (No in S1003), the backup control unit 219 advances the process to S1004.

  In S1004, the backup control unit 219 reads the target file, and determines whether all data in the target file has been read (S1005). If it is determined that reading of all data has not been completed (No in S1005), the backup control unit 219 returns to the processing of S1004 and repeats this processing until reading of all data is completed.

  If it is determined that the reading of all data has been completed (Yes in S1005), the backup control unit 219 confirms the presence / absence of encryption designation from the setting information 508 of the backup setting 501 (S1006). If it is determined that encryption is designated (Yes in S1006), the backup control unit 219 encrypts the data read in S1005 (S1007), and advances the process to S1008. In this case, this encrypted data is used as backup data.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that encryption is not designated (No in S1006), the backup control unit 219 advances the processing to S1008 without encrypting the read data. In this case, the unencrypted data is used as backup data.

  In step S1008, the backup control unit 219 confirms the presence / absence of a data verification request from the setting information 510 of the backup setting 501. If it is determined that there is a data verification request (Yes in S1008), the backup control unit 219 generates a hash of the data read in S1005 and adds it to the backup data (S1009). finish.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no request for a data verification request (No in S1008), the backup control unit 219 ends the process without generating the hash of the read data.

  Note that the hash generated in step S1009 is used to detect corruption or falsification of backup data when performing restoration. For example, the backup control unit 219 generates a hash from a file read from the backup data, and compares it with the hash generated in S1009 included in the backup data. If the hashes do not match, it is determined that the backup data has been damaged or tampered with, and the restore ends with an error.

  As described above, according to the processing described in the first embodiment, the system administrator can confirm a more accurate backup data size when the backup processing ends in error due to insufficient capacity of the backup data storage destination. As a result, it is possible to execute the backup process after securing the necessary free space, and to improve the operational manageability and accuracy.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the backup setting registration request (S401 in FIG. 4) and the backup start request (S701 in FIG. 7) are instructed from the operation unit 221 has been described. However, these requests may be instructed from the computer 104 via the network 101. In this case, various notifications (402, S406 in FIG. 4, S707, S711, S718, S719, S723, S727, etc. in FIG. 4) to the operator performed on the display unit of the operation unit 221 are displayed on the display module of the computer 104. (DISPLAY) 310 is configured. Also, in this case, the reception of various instructions (403 in FIG. 4, S725 in FIG. 7, etc.) performed from the operation unit 221 is performed from the keyboard (KBD) 309 of the computer 104 or a pointing device (not shown).

  In addition, a file in which a notification of a pre-acquired data size or a backup data size is recorded may be stored in the HDD 204, or a configuration in which each notification content is printed out by the printer unit 223 may be used.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration is shown in which backup data generation processing, storage processing, and total backup data size integration processing (calculation processing) are performed in units of files. However, the unit for performing these processes may be other data units (for example, folder units, set data size units, and other specific data units) instead of file units.

  In the first embodiment, the description has been given using the file server 103 connected to the network 101 as the secondary storage medium of the backup data storage destination. However, the backup data storage destination may be a hard disk or other recording media connected by an external interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) of the multi-function peripheral 102.

  According to the present embodiment, even when backup processing is executed in a multifunction machine that is not connected to the network, the system administrator can confirm the exact backup data size when a capacity shortage error occurs.

  In the first and second embodiments, when an error due to insufficient capacity of the backup data storage destination occurs, the backup data generation process is continued and the total backup data size is calculated. In addition, when an error other than insufficient capacity occurs (No in S717), the backup data generation process is stopped.

  However, even if the error is other than the capacity shortage, the total backup data size may be calculated by continuing the process, such as when the storage process cannot be continued due to network disconnection or USB cable pullout during the storage process. is there. In the case of such an error that allows continuation of processing, the backup data generation processing may be continued and the total backup data size may be calculated, as in the case of an error due to insufficient capacity.

  According to the present embodiment, even when an error other than the shortage of capacity cannot be continued, the system administrator can confirm the exact backup data size.

  As described above, even when a capacity shortage error occurs in the backup processing of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is determined whether the processing continuation condition is met, and if the processing continuation condition is met, the backup data generation processing is continued. Calculate the backup data size. As a result, the system administrator can confirm the exact backup data size, and even when a backup error occurs due to a lack of capacity, it is possible to secure a necessary free capacity in the secondary storage medium for storing the backup data.

  In each of the above embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to the backup processing of the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to backup processing of other information processing apparatuses such as personal computers and servers.

It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.
Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.
Moreover, all the structures which combined said each Example are also contained in this invention.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not. That is, the present invention includes all the combinations of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof.

102 MFP 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 HDD
219 Backup control unit 221 Operation unit 501 Backup setting

Claims (11)

Storage means for storing data to be backed up;
Setting means for registering backup settings for the backup process;
Generation means for performing generation processing for generating backup data of the data to be subjected to the backup processing stored in the storage means according to the backup setting in a specific data unit;
A storage processing unit for performing a storage process for storing each backup data generated by the generation unit according to the backup setting in a backup data storage destination;
A calculation means for executing a calculation process for calculating the total backup data size of the backup data by adding up the data sizes of the backup data generated by the generation means;
A continuation condition determining means for determining whether or not the backup setting matches a continuation condition when an error occurs in the storage process due to a lack of capacity of a backup data storage destination ;
When the error has occurred, when the backup condition determination unit determines that the backup setting matches the continuation condition, the storage process is stopped thereafter, but the generation process and the calculation process continue thereafter. Control means for controlling to execute,
I have a,
The backup setting includes information for setting whether to encrypt backup data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the continuation condition includes a condition that encryption of backup data is set in the backup setting as a condition for continuously executing the generation process and the calculation process . Storage means for storing data to be backed up;
Setting means for registering backup settings for the backup process;
Generation means for performing generation processing for generating backup data of the data to be subjected to the backup processing stored in the storage means according to the backup setting in a specific data unit;
A storage processing unit for performing a storage process for storing each backup data generated by the generation unit according to the backup setting in a backup data storage destination;
A calculation means for executing a calculation process for calculating the total backup data size of the backup data by adding up the data sizes of the backup data generated by the generation means;
A continuation condition determining means for determining whether or not the backup setting matches a continuation condition when an error occurs in the storage process due to a lack of capacity of a backup data storage destination ;
When the error has occurred, when the backup condition determination unit determines that the backup setting matches the continuation condition, the storage process is stopped thereafter, but the generation process and the calculation process continue thereafter. Control means for controlling to execute,
I have a,
The backup setting includes information for setting the presence / absence of a request for execution of data verification of backup data,
The continuation condition includes that the request for execution of data verification of backup data is set in the backup setting as a condition for continuously executing the generation process and the calculation process. Information processing device. Storage means for storing data to be backed up;
Setting means for registering backup settings for the backup process;
Generation means for performing generation processing for generating backup data of the data to be subjected to the backup processing stored in the storage means according to the backup setting in a specific data unit;
A storage processing unit for performing a storage process for storing each backup data generated by the generation unit according to the backup setting in a backup data storage destination;
A calculation means for executing a calculation process for calculating the total backup data size of the backup data by adding up the data sizes of the backup data generated by the generation means;
A continuation condition determining means for determining whether or not the backup setting matches a continuation condition when an error occurs in the storage process due to a lack of capacity of a backup data storage destination ;
When the error has occurred, when the backup condition determination unit determines that the backup setting matches the continuation condition, the storage process is stopped thereafter, but the generation process and the calculation process continue thereafter. Control means for controlling to execute,
I have a,
The backup setting is information that sets whether to execute a full backup that backs up all data to be backed up or a differential backup that backs up only the difference from the previous backup of the data to be backed up Including
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the continuation condition includes a condition that execution of the differential backup is set in the backup setting in a condition for continuously executing the generation process and the calculation process . The backup setting includes backup data storage destination information,
Data size acquisition means for acquiring the size of data to be backed up stored in the storage means;
Free space acquisition means for acquiring the free space of the backup data storage destination;
Free space pre-determining means for comparing in advance the data size acquired by the data size acquiring means and the free capacity acquired by the free capacity acquiring means and determining in advance whether or not the backup data storage destination capacity is insufficient And having
The control unit controls the generation process and the calculation process so that the storage process is not executed when the free capacity preliminary determination unit determines that a shortage of free capacity occurs, but the storage process is not executed. Item 4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3 . An operation means for notifying an operator of the occurrence of the error when the error has occurred, and for accepting a request to cancel the generation process and the calculation process that are continuously executed,
When receiving the request to stop the generation process and the calculation process from the operating means, said control means, according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls to stop the generation process and the calculating process The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims. The information processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an image forming apparatus. The specific data unit is an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a file unit. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus having a storage means for storing data to be backed up,
A setting step of registering a backup set of pre-Symbol backup process,
A generating step for generating process of generating the backup data subject to data of the backup process stored in the storage means in accordance with prior Symbol backup set with a specific data unit,
A storage processing step in accordance with previous SL backup settings for saving process of saving each backup data generated in the generation step to the backup data storage location,
A calculation step of performing calculation processing of calculating the total backup data size of the backup data by integrating the data size of each backup data generated in the previous SL generation step,
Ba Tsu If click updater destination error in the storage process by insufficient capacity occurs, the continuation condition determining whether the backup configuration matches the continuation condition,
If the error occurs, if the backup setting is determined to match the continuation condition in the continuation condition determination step, the storage process is stopped thereafter, but the generation process and the calculation process continue thereafter. A control step for controlling to be executed,
I have a,
The backup setting includes information for setting whether to encrypt backup data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the continuation condition includes that the generation of the backup data is set in the backup setting as a condition for continuously executing the generation process and the calculation process . Control method. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus having a storage means for storing data to be backed up,
A setting step of registering a backup set of pre-Symbol backup process,
A generating step for generating process of generating the backup data subject to data of the backup process stored in the storage means in accordance with prior Symbol backup set with a specific data unit,
A storage processing step in accordance with previous SL backup settings for saving process of saving each backup data generated in the generation step to the backup data storage location,
A calculation step of performing calculation processing of calculating the total backup data size of the backup data by integrating the data size of each backup data generated in the previous SL generation step,
Ba Tsu If click updater destination error in the storage process by insufficient capacity occurs, the continuation condition determining whether the backup configuration matches the continuation condition,
If the error occurs, if the backup setting is determined to match the continuation condition in the continuation condition determination step, the storage process is stopped thereafter, but the generation process and the calculation process continue thereafter. A control step for controlling to be executed,
I have a,
The backup setting includes information for setting the presence / absence of a request for execution of data verification of backup data,
The continuation condition includes that the request for execution of data verification of backup data is set in the backup setting as a condition for continuously executing the generation process and the calculation process. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus having a storage means for storing data to be backed up,
A setting step of registering a backup set of pre-Symbol backup process,
A generating step for generating process of generating the backup data subject to data of the backup process stored in the storage means in accordance with prior Symbol backup set with a specific data unit,
A storage processing step in accordance with previous SL backup settings for saving process of saving each backup data generated in the generation step to the backup data storage location,
A calculation step of performing calculation processing of calculating the total backup data size of the backup data by integrating the data size of each backup data generated in the previous SL generation step,
Ba Tsu If click updater destination error in the storage process by insufficient capacity occurs, the continuation condition determining whether the backup configuration matches the continuation condition,
If the error occurs, if the backup setting is determined to match the continuation condition in the continuation condition determination step, the storage process is stopped thereafter, but the generation process and the calculation process continue thereafter. A control step for controlling to be executed,
I have a,
The backup setting is information that sets whether to execute a full backup that backs up all data to be backed up or a differential backup that backs up only the difference from the previous backup of the data to be backed up Including
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the continuation condition includes a condition that execution of the differential backup is set in the backup setting in a condition for continuously executing the generation process and the calculation process . Control method. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10 .

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