JP6904288B2 - Equipment, information processing methods and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to devices, information processing methods and programs.

A backup of customized contents such as applications and setting information installed on the device is stored in the external storage, and when the device is replaced due to a device failure, the backup is sent to the new device. By restoring, the state of the new device before replacement can be restored.

In particular, when a failure occurs, the storage may be damaged, so that the setting information and the like stored in the storage are not lost, so that regular backup is performed.

However, in the conventional method, since it is necessary to prepare a storage outside the device, there is a problem that the operation for backup is costly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the cost required for backing up information related to device customization.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, the device has an operation unit and a main body unit, and when a predetermined timing arrives, the operation unit backs up information regarding customization of the operation unit. a storage processing unit for storing the parts, a setting unit for setting the predetermined timing to the main body portion, in response to a request from the body portion which has detected the arrival of the predetermined timing, the operation unit from the power-saving state When the main body unit notifies the arrival of the predetermined timing after returning from the power saving state, the storage processing unit stores the information in the storage unit .

The cost of backing up information about device customization can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 10 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the information processing terminal 20 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the functional structure example of the controller 11 and the information processing terminal 20 in embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of a process procedure of a backup process. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the processing procedure executed about return notification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes hardware such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, a network interface 16, and an SD card slot 17.

The controller 11 is a board (computer) that constitutes the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. The main body is a relative expression to the operation unit (operation panel). In FIG. 1, the controller 11 includes a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an HDD 114, a sub CPU 115, and the like. The ROM 113 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 112 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area of the loaded program, and the like. The CPU 111 realizes various functions by processing the program loaded in the RAM 112. The HDD 114 stores a program and various data used by the program.

The sub CPU 115 is a CPU to which power is supplied even while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving state (or energy saving state). The sub CPU 115 performs processing control according to the instruction of the program in the power saving state. In the present embodiment, the power saving state of the image forming apparatus 10 means a state in which power is not supplied to the CPU 111, RAM 112, ROM 113, and the like due to STR (Suspend To RAM) or hibernation. On the other hand, the state in which power is supplied to the CPU 111 is referred to as a "normal state". The normal state also includes, for example, a low power state in which power is not supplied to the engine unit of the scanner 12 and the printer 13 and the HDD 114.

The scanner 12 is hardware (image reading means) for reading image data from a document. The printer 13 is hardware (printing means) for printing print data on printing paper. The modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line, and is used for transmitting and receiving image data by FAX communication. The network interface 16 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The SD card slot 17 is used to read the program stored in the SD card 80. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10, not only the program stored in the ROM 113 but also the program stored in the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed. The SD card 80 may be replaced by another recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). That is, the type of recording medium corresponding to the positioning of the SD card 80 is not limited to a predetermined one. In this case, the SD card slot 17 may be replaced by hardware according to the type of recording medium.

An information processing terminal 20 is also connected to the controller 11. The information processing terminal 20 is, for example, a device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An example of a smartphone is a terminal having multiple functions such as a call function as a mobile phone, an image pickup function by a camera, and a Web information display function like a PC. An example of a tablet terminal is a tablet-type terminal that functions as a multifunctional terminal like a smartphone.

In the present embodiment, the information processing terminal 20 functions as an operation unit (operation panel) of the image forming apparatus 10. The controller 11 and the information processing terminal 20 are connected via, for example, a USB cable, short-range wireless communication, or a communication line such as a LAN.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the information processing terminal 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the information processing terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a touch panel 204, an auxiliary storage device 205, a sub CPU 206, and the like.

The ROM 202 and the auxiliary storage device 205 store programs and the like installed in the information processing terminal 20. The RAM 203 reads and stores the program from the ROM 202 or the auxiliary storage device 205 when the program is instructed to start. The CPU 201 realizes the function related to the information processing terminal 20 according to the program stored in the RAM 203. The eMMC may be used as the auxiliary storage device 205.

The touch panel 204 is an electronic component having both an input function and a display function, and displays information, accepts input from a user, and the like. The touch panel 204 includes a display device 211, an input device 212, and the like.

The display device 211 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and is responsible for the display function of the touch panel 204. The input device 212 is an electronic component including a sensor that detects contact of a contact object with the display device 211. The contact object means an object that comes into contact with the contact surface (surface) of the touch panel 204. Examples of such an object include a user's finger, a dedicated or general pen, and the like.

The sub CPU 206 is a CPU to which power is supplied even while the information processing terminal 20 is in the power saving state (or energy saving state). The sub CPU 206 performs processing control according to the instruction of the program in the power saving state. The power saving state of the information processing terminal 20 means a state in which the power supply to some hardware other than the sub CPU 206 is stopped or the power supply amount is reduced.

In the present embodiment, for example, when the information processing terminal 20 fails, the image forming apparatus 10 can recover its original function by replacing it with a new information processing terminal 20. However, the contents of customization for the information processing terminal 20 (for example, application installation, setting information regarding each application or other programs, etc.) are lost. The information processing terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 have a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 3 for the early return of the customized contents.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the controller 11 and the information processing terminal 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, the information processing terminal 20 has one or more standard applications 21a, one or more additional applications 21b, an application management unit 22, a setting management unit 23, a backup control unit 24, a restore control unit 25, and the like. Each of these parts is realized by a process of causing the CPU 201 to execute one or more programs installed in the information processing terminal 20. Further, the information processing terminal 20 has a return unit 26. The return unit 26 is realized by a process of causing the sub CPU 206 to execute one or more programs installed in the information processing terminal 20. Further, the information processing terminal 20 has a standard application storage unit 221, an additional application storage unit 222, a setting information storage unit 223, and the like. Each of these storage units can be realized by using, for example, the auxiliary storage device 205.

The standard application 21a is a standard application (for example, a copy application, a scanner application, etc.) that is pre-installed at the time of shipment of the image forming apparatus 10.

The additional application 21b is an application installed on the information processing terminal 20 at the request of the user or by the user himself / herself when the image forming apparatus 10 is introduced into the user environment or after the operation is started in the user environment. Therefore, the type of the additional application 21b to be installed differs depending on the user environment. By installing the additional application 21b, the functions of the information processing terminal 20 or the image forming apparatus 10 can be expanded. When the standard application 21a and the additional application 21b are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as "application 21". Some of the apps 21 provide value with respect to the information processing terminal 20 (for example, a browser), while others communicate with the controller 11 to provide value as the image forming apparatus 10.

The standard application storage unit 221 stores a file (hereinafter, referred to as "application file") in which the program of each standard application 21a is stored. The application file of each additional application 21b is stored in the additional application storage unit 222.

The application management unit 22 controls the installation, update and uninstallation of the additional application 21b, and the start and stop of each application 21. The application management unit 22 also generates a backup of the application file of the additional application 21b. Backup refers to duplication of original data that is stored (saved) in a storage location different from the storage location of the original data for the purpose of restoration (restoration). In addition, storing (saving) a backup in a storage location different from the storage location of the original data is called a backup process.

The setting management unit 23 manages the setting information (setting values of each setting item, etc.) of each application 21 stored in the setting information storage unit 223. For example, the setting management unit 23 changes each setting information according to an operation or the like by the user. The setting management unit 23 also generates a backup of each setting information.

The backup control unit 24 controls a backup process (save process) for the application file of the additional application 21b stored in the additional application storage unit 222 and the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 223.

The restore control unit 25 controls the restore process (restoration process) based on the backup generated by the backup process.

The return unit 26 controls the return of the information processing terminal 20 from the power saving state to the normal state. The normal state of the information processing terminal 20 means a state in which the information processing terminal 20 is not in a power saving state.

On the other hand, the controller 11 has a service layer 121, an engine control unit 122, and the like. Each of these parts is realized by a process of causing the CPU 111 to execute one or more programs installed in the controller 11. The controller 11 also has a return unit 123. The return unit 123 is realized by a process of causing the sub CPU 115 to execute one or more programs installed in the controller 11. The controller 11 further has a backup storage unit 131. The backup storage unit 131 can be realized by using, for example, the HDD 114.

The engine control unit 122 controls the scanner 12, the printer 13, and the like.

The service layer 121 provides an API (Application Program Interface) for the engine control unit 122. The API may be, for example, an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) -based Web API. The service layer 121 causes the engine control unit 122 to execute a process according to a request input from the application 21, the backup control unit 24, the restore control unit 25, and the like of the information processing terminal 20 via the API.

The return unit 123 controls the return of the controller 11 from the power saving state to the normal state.

The backup storage unit 131 stores backups (application files, setting information, etc. of the additional application 21b) generated in the backup process performed by the backup control unit 24 of the information processing terminal 20. That is, in the present embodiment, the backup related to the information processing terminal 20 is stored in the image forming apparatus 10 instead of outside the image forming apparatus 10. The backup storage unit 131 may be configured by using a part of the partition of the HDD 114. In this case, the information processing terminal 20 mounts the partition by NFS (Network File System), so that the backup storage unit 131 is transparently used (as a part of the file system of the information processing terminal 20) from the information processing terminal 20. be able to.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the backup process. The backup process is basically executed automatically. The main triggers for backup are when the information processing terminal 20 is started, when there is a change in the installation status of the additional application 21b (when installation, uninstallation, or update is performed), and the setting information of the application 21. Etc. at the time of change.

However, since the backup process takes time, it is assumed that the user is performing an operation immediately after the information processing terminal 20 is started, immediately after the additional application 21b is installed, or immediately after the setting information is changed. Is not executed, and if it is possible to confirm the availability of backup after a certain period of time has passed at these timings, and there is no operation by the user (for example, the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) as the display device 211 is OFF). The backup is executed when it can be determined.

The backup processing is controlled by the backup control unit 24, but if the information processing terminal 20 has transitioned to the power saving state after a certain period of time, the backup control unit 24 realized by the CPU 201 backs up. Unable to start processing. This is because the information processing terminal 20 does not have a mechanism for automatically returning to the normal state when the power saving state is entered, unless there is an input from the outside.

Therefore, the backup control unit 24 returns to the information processing terminal 20 from the power saving state when the information processing terminal 20 is started, the installation state of the additional application 21b is changed, or the setting information is changed (hereinafter, the time). “Return time”) is set in the service layer 121. Hereinafter, such a setting is referred to as "return time setting". The backup control unit 24 starts the backup process in response to the return notification sent from the service layer 121 when the return time specified in the return time setting arrives.

In step S101, when the backup control unit 24 receives the above-mentioned return notification from the service layer 121, it transmits a backup processing execution request to the service layer 121 (S102). The execution request corresponds to an inquiry as to whether or not the backup process can be executed. However, the backup control unit 24 may ignore the return notification when the information processing terminal 20 is presumed to be operated by the user, such as when the display device 211 is ON. ..

The service layer 121 determines the state of the controller 11 (the usage state of the CPU 111, the usage state of the HDD 114, the job state, etc.) in response to the execution request (inquiry about whether or not the backup process can be executed), and starts the backup process. It is determined whether or not it is possible (S103). For example, when the load (usage rate) of the CPU 111 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, when access to the HDD 114 is occurring, when a job is being executed, or the like, the image forming apparatus 10 is being used by the user ( When it is estimated that the service is being used via the network), the service layer 121 determines that the backup process cannot be started. On the other hand, when it is estimated that the image forming apparatus 10 is not being used by the user, the service layer 121 determines that the backup process can be started.

Subsequently, the service layer 121 transmits a response indicating the determination result (information indicating whether or not the backup process can be started) to the backup control unit 24 (S104). By determining whether or not the backup process can be started by the service layer 121, the backup process can be excluded from other operations. As a result, it is possible to avoid a conflict between the backup process and the reboot of the image forming apparatus 10 during backup (after updating the firmware, etc.) or the initialization of the HDD 114. Therefore, it is possible to safely execute the backup process by preventing an unexpected error from occurring during the backup.

When the response indicates that the backup process cannot be started, the backup control unit 24 sets the return notification to the service layer 121 again without executing step S105 or later.

On the other hand, when the response indicates that the backup process can be started, the backup control unit 24 requests the application management unit 22 to execute the backup process (S105).

In response to the request from the backup control unit 24, the application management unit 22 generates list information of the application 21 file of the additional application 21b stored in the additional application storage unit 222 (S106). Subsequently, the application management unit 22 generates an archive (including the case where it is compressed) of the application file of the additional application 21b included in the list information (S107), and backs up the archive to the NFS-mounted backup storage unit 131. It is saved as (S108). Subsequently, the application management unit 22 notifies the backup control unit 24 of the result of the backup process (information indicating success or failure) (S109).

The application 21 file of the standard application 21a is not included in the backup even when the information processing terminal 20 is replaced, because the standard application 21a is also installed in advance on the information processing terminal 20 after the exchange. Because there is. By excluding the application 21 file of the standard application 21a from the backup, the consumption capacity of the HDD 114 can be reduced.

Subsequently, the backup control unit 24 requests the setting management unit 23 to execute the backup process (S110). The steps S110 and subsequent steps may be executed only when the backup process of the additional application 21b is successful.

In response to the request from the backup control unit 24, the setting management unit 23 requests each application 21 (each standard application 21a and each additional application 21b) to execute the backup process (S111). In response to the request, each application 21 generates a predetermined file (setting file) in the auxiliary storage device 205 for each application 21, and sets the application 21 stored in the setting information storage unit 223 or the HDD 114 of the controller 11. Write the information to the setting file of the application 21. Subsequently, each application 21 notifies the setting management unit 23 of the execution result of the backup process including the path name of the setting file of the application 21 (S112). The setting management unit 23 notifies the backup control unit 24 of the progress of the backup process each time the execution result is notified from each application 21 (S113). For example, the total number of applications 21 that back up the setting information and the number of applications 21 for which the execution result has been notified may be notified as the progress status.

When the backup of all the applications 21 that perform the backup process of the setting information is completed, the setting management unit 23 generates an archive (including the case where it is compressed) of the setting file of each application 21 (S114), and NFS the archive. It is saved as a backup in the mounted backup storage unit 131 (S115). Subsequently, the setting management unit 23 notifies the backup control unit 24 of the result of the backup process (S116).

Regarding the setting information, the backup is generated not only for the additional application 21b but also for the standard application 21a when the information processing terminal 20 is exchanged while the setting information of the standard application 21a is changed. This is because the changed setting information is not stored in the information processing terminal 20 after the exchange.

Subsequently, the processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 10 with respect to the return notification in step S101 will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure executed for the return notification. In FIG. 5, the same steps as those in FIG. 4 are assigned the same step numbers.

The backup control unit 24 determines the backup start time when the information processing terminal 20 is started, when the installation state of the additional application 21b is changed, or when the setting information is changed (S201). For example, the backup start time may be determined after a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time.

Subsequently, the backup control unit 24 notifies the service layer 121 of the return time setting in which the backup start time is designated as the return time (S202). The service layer 121 stores the return time in, for example, the RAM 203 (S203).

After that, when the service layer 121 detects the arrival of the return time, if both the information processing terminal 20 and the controller 11 are in the normal state, the service layer 121 transmits a return notification to the backup control unit 24 (S101). The backup control unit 24 executes step S102 and subsequent steps in FIG. 4 in response to the return notification.

Alternatively, when the information processing terminal 20 is in the power saving state and the controller 11 is in the normal state at the timing when the return time arrives, the service layer 121 is supplied with power even if the information processing terminal 20 is in the power saving state. The recovery unit 26 realized by the sub CPU 206 is requested to recover from the power saving state (S221). The return unit 26 returns the information processing terminal 20 from the power saving state to the normal state in response to the request (S222). When the return is completed, the return unit 26 transmits a response indicating the completion of the return to the service layer 121 (S223). The service layer 121 transmits a return notification to the backup control unit 24 in response to the response (S101). The backup control unit 24 executes step S102 and subsequent steps of FIG. 4 in response to the return notification after returning to the normal state.

On the other hand, when the controller shifts to the power saving state, the service layer 121 sets the recovery time in the recovery unit 123 before shifting to the power saving state (S231), and then shifts the controller 11 to the power saving state (S231). S232). The return unit 123 for which the return time has been set waits for the arrival of the return time. When the return time arrives, the return unit 123 returns the controller 11 to the normal state (S233). When the controller 11 returns to the normal state, steps S221 to S224 described above are executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the information related to the customization for the information processing terminal 20 (additional application 21b, setting information, etc.) is stored in the storage unit on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the need to install an external storage device can be reduced. Therefore, the cost required for backing up the information regarding the customization of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

Although the image forming apparatus 10 has been described above as an example of the device, the present embodiment may be applied to other devices having an operation unit such as a projector, an electronic blackboard, or a video conferencing system. ..

Further, the program of the application 21 and the setting information related to the program may be backed up.

It should be noted that each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array) and conventional circuit modules.

In the present embodiment, at least one of the application management unit 22 and the setting management unit 23 is an example of the storage processing unit. The backup storage unit 131 is an example of a storage unit. The backup control unit 24 is an example of an inquiry unit and a setting unit. The return unit 26 is an example of a return unit.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various aspects are within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. It can be transformed and changed.

10 Image forming device 11 Controller 12 Scanner 13 Printer 14 Modem 16 Network interface 17 SD card slot 20 Information processing terminal 21a Standard application 21b Additional application 22 App management unit 23 Setting management unit 24 Backup control unit 25 Restore control unit 26 Restore unit 80 SD Card 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 ROM
114 HDD
115 sub CPU
121 Service layer 122 Engine control unit 123 Return unit 131 Backup storage unit 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 Touch panel 205 Auxiliary storage 206 Sub CPU
211 Display device 212 Input device 221 Standard application storage unit 222 Additional application storage unit 223 Setting information storage unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-177689

Claims (5)

A device that has an operation unit and a main body unit.
The operation unit
When a predetermined timing arrives, the storage processing unit that stores the backup of the information related to the customization of the operation unit in the storage unit of the main body unit, and the storage processing unit.
A setting unit that sets the predetermined timing to the main body unit,
It has a return unit that restores the operation unit from the power saving state in response to a request from the main body unit that has detected the arrival of the predetermined timing.
When the arrival of the predetermined timing is notified from the main body unit after returning from the power saving state, the storage processing unit stores the information in the storage unit.
A device that features that. The information includes at least one of a program installed in the operation unit and setting information related to the program.
The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is characterized by the above. The operation unit
When the predetermined timing arrives, the main body unit has an inquiry unit that inquires whether or not the information can be stored.
When the storage processing unit responds to the inquiry that the storage is possible, the storage processing unit stores the information in the storage unit.
The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is characterized by the above. The operation unit of the device having the operation unit and the main body unit
When a predetermined timing arrives, a storage processing procedure for storing a backup of information related to customization of the operation unit in the storage unit of the main body unit and a storage processing procedure.
A setting procedure for setting the predetermined timing on the main body, and
In response to the request from the main body unit that has detected the arrival of the predetermined timing, the return procedure for returning the operation unit from the power saving state is executed.
When the arrival of the predetermined timing is notified from the main body after returning from the power saving state, the storage processing procedure stores the information in the storage unit.
An information processing method characterized by the fact that. In the operation unit of the device having the operation unit and the main body unit,
When a predetermined timing arrives, a storage processing procedure for storing a backup of information related to customization of the operation unit in the storage unit of the main body unit and a storage processing procedure.
A setting procedure for setting the predetermined timing on the main body, and
In response to a request from the main body unit that has detected the arrival of the predetermined timing, a return procedure for returning the operation unit from the power saving state is executed.
When the arrival of the predetermined timing is notified from the main body after returning from the power saving state, the storage processing procedure stores the information in the storage unit.
A program characterized by that.

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