JP4636836B2 - Server apparatus, printing apparatus, data protection processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus that communicates with a partner apparatus connected via a network and receives image data, a control method for the image communication apparatus, and a program .

  With the spread of networking, network printing systems composed of printers equipped with storage devices (typically hard disk devices) have been put into practical use.

  Moreover, with the widespread use of the above hard disk devices (due to large capacity and low price), adverse effects such as data distribution, duplication, and waste of storage resources have become prominent. There is a great need for TCO reduction and efficient data management (security guarantees, security against destruction of hard disk devices, etc.) by efficiently using resources without using the system.

For example, there is a printer equipped with a BOX function for mounting a hard disk device on a printer connected to a network, creating a folder for each user in the hard disk device, and storing and managing files.
JP 2001-166890 A

  However, there are many users who are reluctant to save important user files in the hard disk device on the printer from the viewpoint of data safety management.

  Therefore, the BOX function of the current printer is not yet effective in terms of safely managing registration data for each user, and the use frequency and reliability of the user are low.

  In addition, as a proposal for improving data integrity, Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which a plurality of (three or more) hard disk devices are mounted on one printer for copying, but the cost performance is deteriorated accordingly. There are drawbacks.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to store data stored in a data storage unit of a newly connected printing apparatus and a data storage unit of another printing apparatus. It is to provide a mechanism that can be used as an area for mirroring.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mechanism that can use a part of the area of the data storage means of the printing apparatus rather than the entire area as a mirroring area.

  A server device according to the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A server device capable of communicating with a first printing device provided with a data storage means via a network, and when the second printing device is connected to the network, information on the data storage means provided in the second printing device. A copy of the information stored in the data storage means of the first printing device, based on the acquisition means to obtain and the information obtained by the obtaining means, a part of the area in the data storage means of the second printing device; Determining means for determining to be a mirror area for storing the data, and notifying the second printing apparatus to secure the mirror area determined by the determining means in the data storage means of the second printing apparatus, and It is the first that the area for mirroring the data stored in the data storage unit of the first printing apparatus is secured in the data storage unit of the second printing apparatus. And having a notification unit configured to notify the printing apparatus.

  The printing apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A printing apparatus comprising data storage means, wherein when the printing apparatus is connected to a network, transmission means for transmitting information relating to the data storage means to a server device capable of communication via the network; and the transmission means Secures a mirror area for storing a copy of the data transmitted from the server apparatus in response to the transmission of the information and stored in the data storage means of another printing apparatus connected via the network A receiving unit that receives an instruction to perform a copy of data stored in a data storage unit of another printing apparatus connected to the data storage unit via the network based on the instruction received by the receiving unit; Securing means for securing a mirror area for storage, and if the printing device executes a print job, execute the print job The data necessary for printing is stored in an area other than the mirror area in the data storage means, and the data stored in the data storage means of the other printing apparatus transmitted from the other printing apparatus is copied. And control means for controlling to store a copy of the data in the mirror area when received.

  The data protection processing method according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration.

  A data protection processing method in a server apparatus capable of communicating with a first printing apparatus including a data storage means, and information relating to data storage means included in the second printing apparatus when the second printing apparatus is connected to the network And acquiring a part of the area in the data storage unit of the second printing apparatus based on the information acquired in the acquisition step, the information stored in the data storage unit of the first printing apparatus A determination step for determining to be a mirror area for storing a copy, and notifying the second printing apparatus to secure the mirror area determined in the determination step in the data storage means of the second printing apparatus; An area for mirroring the data stored in the data storage unit of the first printing apparatus is provided in the data storage unit of the second printing apparatus. And having a notification step of notifying the first printing device that has been holding.

  Another data protection processing method according to the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A data protection processing method in a printing apparatus comprising a data storage means, wherein when the printing apparatus is connected to a network, a transmission step of transmitting information relating to the data storage means to a server device capable of communication via the network And storing a copy of data transmitted from the server device in response to transmitting the information in the transmission step and stored in the data storage means of another printing device connected via the network A receiving step of receiving an instruction to secure a mirror area of the printer, and a data storage unit of another printing apparatus connected to the data storage unit via the network based on the instruction received in the receiving step. A securing step for securing a mirror area for storing a copy of the recorded data; When the apparatus executes a print job, data necessary for executing the print job is stored in an area other than the mirror area in the data storage unit, and transmitted from the other printing apparatus, And a control step for controlling to store the copy of the data in the mirror area when a copy of the data stored in the data storage means of another printing apparatus is received.

According to the server device of the present invention, the data storage unit of the newly connected printing apparatus can be used as an area for mirroring the data stored in the data storage unit of another printing apparatus.

  According to the printing apparatus according to the present invention, a part of the area of the data storage unit of the printing apparatus can be used as an area for mirroring instead of the entire area.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Description of system configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a server apparatus and a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In this system, a host computer 300 and a printer 301 are connected to be communicable. It is the composition which becomes. The server apparatus 300A described later also includes hardware resources equivalent to those of the host computer 300, and a module that executes various mirroring processes for the hard disk of a printer that configures a printing system described later is stored in the external memory 11. . In addition, a driver module for executing the mirroring function is stored in the external memory 11 of the host computer 300, and each module performs communication processing via a network, so that unused data storage means existing on the printing system can be stored. Use it to execute data protection function processing.

  In FIG. 1, the host computer 300 includes a CPU 1. The CPU 1 executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 3 program ROM or the external memory 11, and the system. The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the bus 4.

  The ROM 3 program ROM or external memory 11 stores an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program for the CPU 1, and the ROM 3 font ROM or external memory 11 stores the above-mentioned document processing. Font data to be used for the document processing is stored, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores various data to be used when the document processing is performed.

  Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC) for accessing a boot program, various applications, font data, a user file, an edit file, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver), and the external memory 11. Control. The external memory 11 is configured by a hard disk (HD), a flexible disk (FD), or the like.

  A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 301 via the predetermined network 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 301. The CPU 1 executes, for example, processing (rasterization) of display information set in the RAM 2 into an outline font, thereby enabling WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor or the like displayed on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing. As a result, when executing printing, the user can open a window related to print settings, and set the printer 301 and print processing method settings for the printer driver, including selection of a print mode.

  On the other hand, the printer 301 includes a CPU 12. The CPU 12 outputs an image as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. Output a signal. Further, a control program for the CPU 12 is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data used when generating the output information. The data ROM of the ROM 13 stores the host computer 300 in the case of the printer 301 that does not use the external memory 14 such as a hard disk. Information used above is stored.

  The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer 300 via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 300 of information in the printer 301 and the like. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

  The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. Access to the hard disk (HD) and external memory 14 such as an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes the above-described operation panel, on which switches for operation, LED indicators, and the like are arranged.

  Further, at least one external memory 14 described above is provided, and is configured to be able to connect a plurality of external memories storing an optional font card and a program for interpreting printer control languages having different language systems in addition to the built-in font. May be. Further, a non-volatile NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 151.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the reader unit 300 and the printer unit 301 illustrated in FIG. 1, and particularly illustrates a case where a finisher is attached to the printer unit 301.

  In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a document feeder, which feeds documents one by one onto the platen glass 202 in order from the top, and discharges the document on the platen glass 202 after the document reading operation is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 202, the lamp 203 is turned on, and the movement of the scanner unit 204 is started to expose and scan the document. The reflected light from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 209 by mirrors 205, 206, 207 and a lens 208. Thus, the scanned image of the original is read by the CCD 209.

  Reference numeral 221 denotes a laser driver which drives the laser light emitting unit 210 and causes the laser light emitting unit 210 to emit laser light corresponding to the output image data. The laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 211, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 211.

  A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 211 by the developing device 212. In the case of a color machine, developing devices for four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are mounted. Then, at the timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, the recording paper is fed from any of the cassette 213, the cassette 214, and the manual paper feed stage 227, conveyed to the transfer unit 215, and developed on the photosensitive drum 211. The agent is transferred to the recording paper. The recording paper on which the developer is placed is conveyed to the fixing unit 216, and the developer is fixed to the image recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 216.

  The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 216 is discharged by the discharge roller 217. If double-sided recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 217 and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 217 is reversed. Then, the paper is guided to the refeed conveyance path 219 by the flapper 218. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 219 is fed to the transfer unit 215 at the timing described above.

  Further, when the main body is equipped with the Z-folding unit 226, the recording paper is conveyed to the Z-folding unit, and Z-folding is performed according to an operation from the operation unit 151.

  Further, when the finisher 220 is equipped, the discharged recording sheets are bundled to sort the recording sheets, and according to the designation from the user, the puncher 223 punches the recording sheet, and the stapler 224 performs the stapling. Is called.

  When the saddle stitcher 225 is used, the recording paper is bound by stitching the central portion of the recording paper and folding the central portion. The inserter 222 can feed a preprinted recording sheet as a cover sheet or a slip sheet, and does not pass through the recording sheet path of the printer unit, so that the sheet can be conveyed without being damaged. A job that does not use the saddle stitcher 225 passes through the paper discharge outlet 231 and is discharged to one of the movable trays 228 and 229. Both the movable trays 228 and 229 can move up and down, and when outputting to the movable tray 228, the movable tray 228 descends to the position of the paper discharge outlet 231. A job using the saddle stitcher 225 passes through the paper discharge outlet 232 and is discharged to the bookbinding tray 230.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the key arrangement of the operation unit 151 shown in FIG.

  In the figure, SW is a power switch and controls energization to the digital copying machine main body 101. A preheat key 302 is used to turn on / off the preheat mode. A copy A mode key 303 is used to select the copy A mode from a plurality of functions. A copy B mode key 304 is used to select the copy B mode from a plurality of functions. Copy A and Copy B have the same copy function, but if one of the copies has been read by the scanner, the next copy can be entered, so the two copies are used for the sake of clarity. It is divided.

  A mailbox key 305 is used when selecting a mailbox mode from a plurality of functions. The mailbox function is a function that has a storage area in the memory in the copying machine for each user or department, puts PDL or a scanned image in the memory area, and outputs it at any time. Reference numeral 306 denotes an expansion key, which is used when performing an operation on the PDL. Reference numerals 303 to 306 are also used when calling up each function screen of the LCD 316 described later, and the status of each job can be viewed on the display of the LCD 316.

  Reference numeral 307 denotes a copy start key, which is used to instruct the start of copying. Reference numeral 308 denotes a stop key which is used when copying is interrupted or stopped. A reset key 309 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. Reference numeral 310 denotes a guide key, which is used when it is desired to know each function.

  Reference numeral 311 denotes a user mode key which is used when the user changes the basic setting of the system. Reference numeral 312 denotes an interrupt key, which is used when an interrupt occurs during copying and copying is desired. Reference numeral 313 denotes a numeric keypad which is used when inputting numerical values. A clear key 314 is used to clear a numerical value. An ID key 315 is used when shifting to an ID input mode when using a copying machine.

  Reference numeral 316 denotes an LCD touch panel (LCD) composed of a combination of a liquid crystal screen and a touch sensor. An individual setting screen is displayed for each mode, and various detailed settings are made by touching the drawn keys. It is possible. It also displays the operation status of each job. Reference numeral 317 denotes a tally lamp indicating a communication state of the network, which is normally green, blinks green when communicating, and turns red when a network error occurs.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a copy standard screen of the LCD 316 shown in FIG. 3. In the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, the copy standard screen is activated as a default when the power is turned on.

  In the figure, 401 is a message line, which displays the status of the copy job as a message. Reference numeral 402 denotes a magnification display, which displays a magnification that is automatically determined according to a set magnification or a copy mode as a percentage. A sheet size display 403 displays the selected output sheet. When automatic sheet selection is set, a message “auto sheet” is displayed.

  Reference numeral 404 denotes a numerical value display indicating how many copies are made. Reference numeral 405 denotes a reduction key, which is used when a reduction copy is desired. Reference numeral 406 denotes an equal magnification key, which is used when it is desired to return to an equal magnification when reduction or enlargement is set. Reference numeral 407 denotes an enlargement key, which is used when an enlarged copy is desired. Reference numeral 408 denotes a zoom key, which is used when it is desired to perform a reduction copy or an enlargement copy by setting a magnification in fine units.

  Reference numeral 409 denotes a paper selection key, which is used when designating an output paper. Reference numeral 410 denotes a sorter key, which is used when setting a sorting or stapling mode. Reference numeral 411 denotes a double-sided key, which is used when setting the double-sided mode.

  Reference numeral 412 denotes a density display, which shows the current density. The density on the left side is light and the density on the right side is high. Further, the display of the density display 412 changes in conjunction with the light key 413 and the light key 415. The light key 413 is used when it is desired to reduce the density. The rich key 415 is used to increase the density. Reference numeral 414 denotes an automatic key, which is used when a mode for automatically determining density is used.

  A character key 416 is used to set a character mode that is automatically set to a density suitable for copying a character document. Reference numeral 417 denotes a character / photo key, which is used to set a character / photo mode that is automatically set to a density suitable for copying a document in which a photo is mixed. An application mode key 418 is used to set various copy modes that cannot be set on the copy standard screen.

  Reference numeral 419 denotes a print status key, which is used when it is desired to check the status of printing currently being performed by the digital copying machine main body 101. The print status key 419 always appears at this position as well as the copy standard screen, and the print status can be viewed at any time by pressing this key.

  An output destination setting key 420 is used to select where to output the scanned image. When the output destination setting key 420 is pressed, a transition is made to an output destination selection screen shown in FIG. The output destination includes its own printer engine (printing unit 17 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1), its own box shown in FIG. 5 described later, a printer engine of another machine connected to the same network, You can set the box of another machine. The printer engine and the box can be set simultaneously. For example, when sending to the printer engine of the own machine and the box of the other machine, a display like 421 is displayed. Local is your own machine, and Remote 1 is the name of the other machine.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a logical usage method of the external memory 14 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the external memory 14 is logically divided into a temporary area 501 and a box area 502 in the storage area of an image memory such as a hard disk according to the intended use.

  The temporary area 501 is a memory that temporarily stores PDL development data and image data from a scanner in order to change the output order of image data or to output a plurality of copies in a single scan. It is an area. The entire box area 502 is a storage area for using the box function, and is divided into a small number of registered storage areas (box areas 1, 2, 3, 4,...) Like 503 to 507. . Box areas (hereinafter referred to as boxes) 503 to 507 are assigned to each department such as each user or company, and a box name and a password can be attached to each box. A user can input a PDL job or a scan job into each box by designating a box, and by actually entering a password, the user can actually look inside the box, change settings, or perform print output.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which the server device, the host device, and the image processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 6, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 performs various arithmetic processes. The Network-IF unit 102 is a block that performs an interface with the external network 103. Generally, it corresponds to the TCP / IP protocol. A plurality of devices represented by the host 104 and the printer 105 are connected to the network 103.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 106 is a nonvolatile memory. Stores unmodified data such as various programs and fonts. A RAM (random read memory) 107 is a volatile memory represented by a DRAM. This is used for applications that require rewriting of the program work area, drawing data storage area, and the like.

  In this embodiment, an HDD (hard disk) 108 is provided as a representative storage device, and is used as a BOX function for storing print data from a network or a scanner in a folder for each user or for printing overlaid with print data. Stores fixed format data and the like.

  The panel-IF unit 109 is a block for controlling an LCD display device, buttons, and the like, and displays various printer settings and a BOX in the HDD. The Scanner-IF unit 110 performs communication control with the scanner device.

  By connecting a scanner device to the printer device via the Scanner-IF unit 110, a copy function can be realized.

  The image processing unit 111 performs drawing processing such as dither processing and edge processing and compression / decompression processing on print data acquired via the network 103 or the scanner device, and finally generates drawing data to be printed on the RAM 107. To do.

  The memory control unit 112 controls access to the ROM 106 and RAM 107. It has CPU memory access, DMA (direct memory access) control that directly accesses memory without going through the CPU, and a bus arbitration function when the CPU and other functional blocks access simultaneously.

  The video control unit 113 exchanges commands and status with the printer engine and transfers drawing data generated on the memory.

  The printing unit 114 prints drawing data on a print sheet and outputs it mainly in accordance with command information from the video control unit 113. In addition, a change in the state of the printer engine is notified to the controller side via the video control unit 113. The bus 115 collectively represents local buses and signal lines between the control bus and data bus and an arbitrary block.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 7A is a first network configuration example, and a plurality of hosts (Host 2002 to 2004, etc.) and a plurality of printers are provided in one network. This is an example in which (Printers 2006 to 2009) and a print server (server 2005) are connected.

  The printer may include a mixture of SFP (Single Function / Printer) and MFP (Multi Function / Printer).

  The second network configuration example shown in FIG. 7B is an example in which a high-speed (for example, 1000Base) local network 2019 is constructed on the print server 2013 connected to a low-speed (for example, 100Base) network 2010. .

  In the present embodiment, Printers 2014 to 2017, Host 2018, and the like are connected.

  As described above, the network configuration to which the present invention is applied may be a storage management server system configuration in which a print server is connected to manage storage. Although not described here, each printer is not configured as a print server. The present invention may also be applied to an interactive system in which hosts communicate with each other.

  In the following description, the first network configuration example shown in FIG. 7A will be described in detail.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a storage management server system (this system is called SSS) for the first network configuration shown in FIG. The server device, the printer, and the host device are provided with a controller unit including a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM as shown in FIG. 1 and an external memory, and an SSS is constructed therefrom. Hereinafter, it is assumed that similar hardware resources are provided in FIGS.

  In FIG. 8, the SSS compatible host and server indicate that the SSS compatible driver is installed, and the SSS compatible printer is described assuming that the SSS compatible firmware is installed.

  In FIG. 8, all of Host 2002-2004, Server 2005, and Printer 2006-2009 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which Printer 2006 is added as a new printer on the network.

  In FIG. 8, HDDs 3009 to 3014 connected to the printers 2006 to 2009, the server 2005, and the host 2004 by solid lines represent hard disk devices (hereinafter referred to as HDDs) that function as storage means installed in the devices.

  Each HDD 3009 to 3014 is divided (partitioned) into several small blocks.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the print processing system according to the present invention, and corresponds to the mirroring request processing procedure by the server 2005 shown in FIG. In addition, (1001)-(1006) show each step.

  First, information such as the IP address of the server is set in the Printer 2006 newly added on the network, and the HDD 3011 is initialized (1001). The server 2006 in which the server information is set is requested by the server 2005 for its own management information (IP address, hardware spec <CPU performance, installed memory type and capacity, HDD performance, capacity, etc.) and a request for the initial usable capacity in the HDD 3011. (In FIG. 8, an arrow pointing from Printer 2006 to Server 2005 represents this) (1002). Upon receiving the notification, the server 2005 registers a new printer 2006 and starts managing the HDD 3011 in the printer 2006 from this point.

  Therefore, the printer 2006 itself, that is, the controller of the printer 2006 and the like cannot use the hard disk 3011 of the installed printer 2006 without permission when entering the management of the server 2005.

  The server 2005 releases the initial usable area to the printer 2006 based on the request for the usable capacity of the HDD 3011 of the printer 2006.

  At the same time, comparing the performance of Printer 2006 (HDD capacity, access speed, etc.) from the existing printer and host already registered in Server 2005 (a host in which a part of the HDD is released for SSS) and the performance of the registered device, A partner (set) for mirroring the data of Printer 2006 is selected from printers on the network (1003).

  Here, the mirroring means copying (copying) a part or all of the data stored in the Printer 2006.

  When the above preparation is completed, the controller of Server 2005 provides the initial allocation area and mirroring partner (set) information to Printer 2006, and information about the mirroring request source (in this case, Printer 2006) to Printer 2006 selected as the mirroring partner. And the mirroring area information (size, etc.) are respectively notified (the arrows from Server 2005 to Printer 2006 and Printer 2007 shown in FIG. 8 indicate that necessary information is notified to the respective printers) (1004).

  In the HDD 3011 of the Printer 2006, a halftone dot area is an area allocated as an initial usable area, and the range of the solid arrow indicates an area that can be freely used by the controller and firmware of the Printer 2006.

  In the same HDD 3011, a dotted arrow (white area in the figure) is a reserved area and indicates an area under the management of Server 2005.

  Similarly, the halftone dot area of the hard disk 3012 of the printer 2007 is an area allocated as a mirroring area for the printer 2006, and the mirroring data requested by the printer 2006 under the management of the firmware of 2007 is stored (replicated) in this area. .

  A dashed line from Printer 2006 to Printer 2007 in FIG. 8 indicates that the mirroring partner of Printer 2006 is Printer 2007. In FIG. 8, similarly, the printer 2007 has a printer 2008, the printer 2008 has a printer 2009, and the printer 2009 and the server 2005 have a host 2004 as a mirroring partner.

  If there is BOX registration from the Host 2002 or Host 2003 user in FIG. 8 to the Printer 2006 that has completed registration and setting for SSS, the mirroring partner information set in the Printer 2006 is also notified to the Host 2002 and Host 2003 users. (1005).

  Each host (SSS compatible driver software) that has received the notification stores the mirroring partner information in a hard disk (not shown) or the like. Step (1006) will be described later.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a storage management server system (this system is called SSS) for the first network configuration shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, an arrow from Printer 2006 to Host 2002 and Host 2003 indicates that mirroring partner information is notified to a user registered as a BOX in Printer 2006.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the storage resource mirroring state in the printing system according to the present invention, and shows an example in which a BOX folder is viewed from the screen of the display device and the panel screen of the printer provided on the user's host. is there.

  For example, when the user Matsumoto creates a mirroring BOX when registering a BOX in the Printer 2006 shown in FIG. 10, two BOXes are created as shown in FIG.

  “Matsumoto BOX” 5001 is a normal BOX, and a file (data) stored therein is not mirrored. The file (data) stored in “Matsumoto BOX” 5002 (with face mark) is mirrored to the mirroring partner.

  In this way, the user may use different BOXes depending on the importance of the file to be saved. If an important file that should never be lost is stored in the mirroring BOX, data integrity is ensured.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a storage management server system (this system is called SSS) for the first network configuration shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 12, an arrow from Host 2003 to Printer 2006 indicates that the Host 2003 user has saved a file in the mirroring BOX.

An arrow from Printer 2006 to Printer 2007 indicates that a mirroring request for data stored in the mirroring BOX is being made. Upon receiving the request, the Printer 2007 saves the request data in the halftone dot area of the HDD 3012 assigned as the mirroring area (1006), and ends this processing. If the printer is an MFP, it is saved. In some cases, the original data is converted into a plurality of data formats such as print data, FAX data, and thumbnail data in advance.

  In this way, the data generated by the Printer 2006 related to the original data can be stored in the Printer 2007. Although not described in FIG. 12, a host (such as Host 2003 in FIG. 12) that holds mirroring partner information can directly request a mirroring request from the mirroring partner.

  As will be described later, it is necessary for the host to be able to directly read and write the mirroring partner when a trouble occurs in the printer registered in the BOX. In this case, a printer in which a BOX is newly registered should be notified of its host information to the mirroring partner.

  As a result, the partner can also directly respond to the mirroring request from the host.

  Further, the operation of the storage management server system will be described with reference to the drawings.

  13 to 15 are diagrams showing an example of a storage management server system (this system is called SSS) for the first network configuration shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows the movement when the available area allocated to the printer 2007 firmware is insufficient from the system state shown in FIG. 12, and the arrow from the printer 2007 to the server 2005 in FIG. This represents a state in which the server 2005 is notified. Receiving the expansion request, Server 2005 confirms the HDD status of the registered Printer 2007, and if it is determined that expansion is possible, notifies the printer 2007 of expansion allocation. This situation is indicated by an arrow from Server 2005 to Printer 2007.

  In FIG. 13, the firmware usable area (broken line block) of the HDD 3012 of the Printer 2007 is added.

  FIG. 14 shows the operation when the mirroring area is insufficient. Here, since the mirroring area of the printer 2009 for the printer 2008 is insufficient, the printer 2008 notifies the server 2005 of a mirroring addition request. This situation is indicated by an arrow from Printer 2008 to Server 2005.

  Upon receiving the request for expansion, the Server 2005 confirms the usage status of the HDD 3014 of the Printer 2009. In this case, the Server 2005 determines that it is impossible to further add a mirroring area to the Printer 2009, and this is sufficient for the HDD 3011 of the newly added Printer 2006. This indicates that it is determined that there is a vacancy, and it is determined that the additional mirroring area is assigned to the Printer 2006.

  The arrow from Server 2005 to Printer 2006 in FIG. 14 notifies partner 2006 of mirroring partner information and mirroring area information.

  An arrow from Server 2005 to Printer 2008 notifies newly added mirroring partner information and mirroring addition allocation information.

  A mirror area (brick block) of Printer 2008 (part number is entered here) is assigned to HDD 3011 of Printer 2006.

  Therefore, it can be seen that the mirroring partner connected by the one-dot broken line of Printer 2008 in FIG. 14 is further connected to Printer 2006 in addition to Printer 2009.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the mirroring partner is not limited to one and may have a plurality of partners.

  Further, FIG. 15 shows a state in which the Printer 2007 is requesting an expansion because the usable area of the firmware is insufficient again.

  An arrow from Printer 2007 to Server 2005 represents an addition request. Here, the Server 2005 confirms the status of the HDD 3012 of the Printer 2007, and if the usable area is expanded as it is, it is determined that the HDD 3012 of the Printer 2007 is extremely compressed. It was planned that the HDD 3012 should be added after moving to the Printer 2008 with sufficient margin and freeing up the reserved area of the HDD 3012 of the Printer 2007.

  In FIG. 15, an arrow from Server 2005 to Printer 2008 notifies that a mirroring area is newly created.

  An arrow pointing from Server 2005 to Printer 2006 notifies that the mirroring partner for Printer 2005 is changed. After receiving the partner change notification, the printer 2006 stops the mirroring request to the printer 2007 and then notifies the server 2005 that it is ready to change the mirroring partner (an arrow from the printer 2006 to the server 2005 indicates this). To do.

  An arrow from Server 2005 to Printer 2007 notifies that the mirroring area of Printer 2006 is moved to the mirroring area of Printer 2008 with respect to Printer 2006.

  Upon receiving this notification, the Printer 2007 makes a transfer request for all the data in the mirroring area of the Printer 2006 to the mirroring area of the Printer 2008 (for the Printer 2006), and moves all the data.

  In FIG. 15, it can be seen that the mirroring area in the HDD 3012 of the Printer 2007 has been moved to the HDD 3013 of the Printer 2008 (halftone block).

  At this time, Server 2005 notifies Printer 2007 of the extension area of the usable area. In FIG. 15, it can be seen that the firm usable area (dashed line block) of Printer 2008 is added.

  As described above, the mirroring partner may be changed or the mirroring area may be moved depending on the situation. Further, there may be a case where one printer becomes a partner of a plurality of printers, such as Printer 2008.

  In this case, the Printer 2008 must store the two partner areas and perform mirroring to an appropriate area according to the request source.

[Second Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the storage management server system (SSS) determines a mirroring partner at the time of new registration of an SSS-compatible printer or the like, or changes the mirroring partner depending on the use state of a hard disk provided in the printer. Next, a description will be given of a return process when a trouble occurs in an SSS-compatible printer, host, and server in the storage management server system (SSS).

  In the following explanation, it is assumed that the user uses the BOX from his / her host. However, basically the same return processing is performed even when the BOX is used from the printer panel.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the print processing system according to the present invention. In the return processing procedure when a trouble occurs in the BOX of the SSS printer by the server 2005 shown in FIG. Correspond. Note that (1101) to (1112) indicate steps, steps (1101) to (1106) correspond to processing steps on the host side, and steps (1107) to (1112) indicate processing steps between each printer and the server. Corresponding to

  When a user who has registered a BOX in the printer's hard disk tries to print data in the BOX from his / her host (1101), it is determined whether or not a trouble has occurred (1102), and no problem occurs. If it is determined that printing has not been performed, normal processing is performed (1105), and printing ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1102) that a trouble has occurred in which data in the BOX cannot be used, the host driver software notifies the user and the server that a problem has occurred (1103). .

  Further, the user is inquired by displaying on the display device a user interface (not shown) as to whether or not the mirroring partner's printer uses the data in the mirroring partner to continue the printing process (1104).

  Of course, in this example system, the mirroring partner is a printer as shown in FIG. If the host is not the printer, it may be read from the host to its own host and printed by another printer.

  In step (1104), if the host controller determines that the mirroring partner is to be used, normal processing is performed and printing ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1104) that it will not be used, cancel processing is executed (1106), and this processing ends.

  When the mirroring partner is used, for example, when a part of the stored data is corrected and printed, the updated data of the mirroring BOX is stored in the mirroring partner.

  At this time, the host enters the return sequence mode at the time of notifying the malfunction (step 1103).

  Then, the server that has received the defect notification from the host contacts the administrator by e-mail or the like. The administrator who has received the notification performs failure analysis and restoration work of the defective printer (1107). When the return work is completed, the administrator sets the return content in the server.

  Next, the server that has received the return setting notifies the recovered printer of the return contents, so that the controller unit of the printer waits to receive the return notification (1108). Determines whether or not the content of the return notification is partial damage and replacement of the HDD (1109), and if it is determined that the HDD is partial damage and replacement, the controller unit of the printer receives a request from the mirroring partner. All the data including the past data and the data saved or updated before the restoration is written back to the own HDD and restored to the original state (1110).

  On the other hand, if the controller unit of the printer determines in step (1109) that there is no abnormality in the HDD and the failure is another cause, only the data that has been saved or updated before the return is written back and returned (1111). ), Go to step (1112).

  Then, the controller unit of the restored printer notifies the BOX registered user (that is, to the host driver) and the server that the restoration process has been completed (1112), and ends the restoration sequence.

  With this notification, all the hosts and servers that have entered the return sequence cancel the return sequence.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the print processing system according to the present invention, and corresponds to the return processing procedure when a trouble occurs in the mirroring partner. Note that (1201) to (1210) indicate steps, steps (1201) to (1204) correspond to processing steps to be executed by the controller unit on the printer side, and steps (1205) to (1210) correspond to the requested printer. This corresponds to a processing step to be executed by a controller unit such as a server.

  When a process of saving a new file in a BOX in the hard disk of an SSS printer and printing it is started (1201), when the original data or the data converted for printing is requested to the mirroring partner, The requesting printer controller determines whether or not a failure (trouble) has occurred in the mirroring partner of the other party (in this embodiment, the hard disk of any printer in the system) (1202). If it is determined that no occurrence has occurred, normal processing is performed (1204), and printing is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step (1202), if a trouble occurs in the mirroring partner and the controller of the requesting printer determines that it does not respond to the request or cannot store the copy, the printer that received the processing request (hereinafter, the requested printer) ) Notifies the user and the server that a failure has occurred to the mirroring partner (1203), performs normal processing (1204), and ends printing.

  At this time, the host and the requested printer are in the return sequence mode.

  The server that has received the defect notification from the request printer contacts the administrator by e-mail or the like. The administrator who receives the notification performs failure analysis and restoration work for the defective mirroring partner. When the return work is completed, the administrator sets the return content in the server (1205).

  Then, the server that has received the return setting notifies the request printer that the mirroring partner has returned together with the return content. When this request is received by the controller of the requesting printer (1206), the controller of the requesting printer determines whether the return content is a partial damage or replacement of the HDD (1207), and the return content. If it is determined that the HDD is partially damaged or replaced, the mirroring partner is requested to mirror all data currently in its mirroring BOX, and the normal state is restored (1208).

  On the other hand, if the controller of the requesting printer determines in step (1207) that there is no abnormality in the HDD and the failure is another cause, only the data that has been saved or updated before the return is written back and returned (1209). ), Go to step (1210).

  Then, the request printer that has returned to the original state notifies the requesting host and server that were requested until the return to the normal state after the mirroring partner has returned (1210). This process ends.

  The requesting host and server that have received this notification cancel the return sequence.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the print processing system according to the present invention, and corresponds to the return processing procedure when the server is down. Reference numerals (1301) to (1306) denote steps, and steps (1301) to (1306) correspond to processing steps to be executed by a controller unit such as a printer and a server.

  When a server down is detected for some reason, the administrator promptly conducts investigation / recovery work (1301). The administrator confirms whether the mirroring partner information remains in the restored server, determines whether or not the HDD is partially damaged and replaced (1302), and the partner is determined to be partially damaged or replaced by the HDD. If it is determined that no information remains, the server's previously saved mirroring partner information is set in the server (1303).

  Then, the restored server sucks up the management information so far based on the set partner information and automatically restores the contents of the hard disk to the original state. Further, the current state is investigated and the normal state is restored (1305).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1302) that there is no problem with the HDD on the server, the server investigates the current state, quickly returns to the normal state (1304), and proceeds to step (1306).

  Then, the server that has completely returned to the normal state notifies the administrator and the printer and host registered in itself of the return (1306), and ends this processing.

  According to the above embodiment, a printer on a network creates one or more partners with other printers and hosts connected to the same network, and mirrors (duplicates) important data for the partners. This ensures data integrity, improves the reliability of storing data on network printers, and reduces costs (TCO) by optimally managing and effectively utilizing high-capacity hard disk drive resources effective.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  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.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification, but the following embodiments. Needless to say, is also included. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 16 will be described.

[Embodiment 1]
A printing apparatus having data storage means via a network, a server apparatus capable of communicating with a host device, and recognizing unused areas that can be secured by each data storage means provided in the printing apparatus, Setting means for setting a mirror area for replicating registered information (by executing the storage management module provided in the server 3004 shown in FIG. 8, that is, the controller unit including the CPU of the server apparatus 300A shown in FIG. And a notification means (not shown in FIG. 8) for notifying the printing apparatus which should secure the mirror area set by the setting means. The storage management module provided in the server 3004 is a controller provided with the CPU of the server apparatus 300A shown in FIG. Department notifies by executing step (1004) shown in FIG. 9) and a server apparatus characterized by having a.

  Thereby, the unused area of the data storage means provided in the printing apparatus on the network is centrally managed, and the unused area secured on each data storage means is secured by the data storage means of the other printing apparatus. Mirror processing can be performed with unused areas, the unused areas of the data storage means of each printing device can be used effectively, and even if a failure occurs in the server device, the data storage means of multiple printing devices There is an effect that it is possible to reliably restore the data registered in the data storage unit of the printing apparatus by reconstructing the configured mirror environment.

[Embodiment 2]
The usage state of each data storage means is monitored, and the change means for changing the mirror area set by the setting means (by executing the storage management module provided in the server 3004 shown in FIG. 8, that is, as shown in FIG. The controller unit including the CPU of the server apparatus 300A includes steps (1001) to (1003) illustrated in FIG. 9. The notification unit is based on the mirror area changed by the changing unit. The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein mirror area information is notified to the printing apparatus that should secure the changed mirror area.

  Thereby, even if the mirroring area is insufficient, it is possible to flexibly cope with the use of another unused area of the printing apparatus on the network as a new mirror area.

[Embodiment 3]
2. The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data storage means can store information processed by the printing apparatus and box information registered in a set box area.

  As a result, when the box function is used in the printing apparatus, even if a failure occurs in the data storage means in which the box area is secured, the same data is transferred from the data storage means of another mirrored printing apparatus. The data protection function that can be acquired and restored can be strengthened.

[Embodiment 4]
2. The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting means can set a one-to-one mirror area relationship or a one-to-n mirror area relation for each data storage means.

  As a result, even if the mirroring area is insufficient, another unused area of the printing apparatus on the network is used as a new mirror area, so that it is possible to flexibly cope with an increase in registered data.

[Embodiment 5]
Internal registration means for registering the mirror area information set by the setting means in the data storage means (the controller unit having the CPU of the server apparatus 300A shown in FIG. 1 performs registration by executing step (1002) shown in FIG. ) And external registration means for externally registering the mirror area information registered by the internal registration means in each data storage means provided in the host device (step not shown by the controller unit including the CPU of the server device 300A shown in FIG. 1) And registering it in the data storage means of one of the host devices on the network), and determining means for determining a failure occurrence state in which access to the data storage means becomes impossible (the server apparatus shown in FIG. 1) A controller unit having a 300A CPU executes step (1302) shown in FIG. If the determination means determines that a failure has occurred in the storage means, the mirror area information registered by the registration means is acquired from the host device and stored on the storage means. And recovery means for recovering the mirror area information (recovered by executing steps (1303) to (1305) shown in FIG. 18 by the controller unit including the CPU of the server apparatus 300A shown in FIG. 1). The server apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

  As a result, the unused area of the data storage means of each printing apparatus is effectively used, and even if a failure occurs in the server device, a mirror environment constituted by the data storage means of a plurality of printing apparatuses is reconstructed. As a result, the data registered in the data storage means of the printing apparatus can be reliably recovered.

[Embodiment 6]
A printing apparatus capable of communicating with a host device, a server apparatus, and another printing apparatus provided with data storage means via a network, and secured in the data storage means based on mirror area information notified from the server apparatus Mirror area setting means for securing the mirror area (the CPU 12 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1 performs area setting processing according to the mirror area information notified in step (1004) shown in FIG. 9), and the data storage means Along with the update of the mirror area, a copy request means for transferring the updated data together with the copy request to the other printing apparatus specified by the mirror area information (the CPU 12 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. (Step 1101 shown in FIG. 4) and an update received based on a copy request from the other printing apparatus Copy execution means for overwriting the recorded data in the mirror area secured in the data storage means (requested by the CPU 12 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1 by executing step (1105) shown in FIG. 16), and the data A notification means (the CPU 12 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1) notifies the server apparatus and other printing apparatuses in which the mirror area is secured by monitoring the failure occurrence state or the recovery state for the storage means. A printing apparatus comprising: steps (1102) and (1103) shown in FIG.

  Thereby, the data protection processing function that effectively uses the unused area of the data storage means provided in the printing apparatus can be remarkably improved.

[Embodiment 7]
When recognizing that a failure has occurred in the data storage means, after recovery from the failure, the mirror area information is obtained from the server device, and information is obtained from the mirror area secured in another data storage means. There is a recovery means (the CPU 12 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1 recovers by executing steps (1107) to (1112) shown in FIG. 16) that is acquired and re-registered in the non-failed data storage means. The printing apparatus according to Embodiment 6, wherein

  As a result, even if a failure occurs in the data storage means, the same data can be reproduced from the mirror area secured in the data storage means of another printing apparatus and restored, and the printing apparatus is provided. The data protection processing function that effectively uses the unused area of the data storage means can be greatly improved.

[Embodiment 8]
A data protection processing method in a printing apparatus provided with data storage means via a network, a server apparatus capable of communicating with a host apparatus, recognizing an unused area that can be secured in each data storage means provided in the printing apparatus, Setting step for setting a mirror area for copying information registered in each data storage means (by executing the storage management module provided in the server 3004 shown in FIG. 8, that is, the CPU of the server apparatus 300A shown in FIG. 1 is provided. (The controller unit sets by executing steps (1001) to (1003) shown in FIG. 9), and a notification step of notifying mirror area information to the printing apparatus that should secure the mirror area set by the setting step (The storage management module included in the server 3004 shown in FIG. Data protection processing method, wherein a controller unit including a CPU for location 300A has a notifying by performing the steps (1004)) shown in FIG.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 1 can be expected.

[Embodiment 9]
A change step for monitoring the usage status of each data storage means and changing the mirror area set in the setting step (by executing the storage management module provided in the server 3004 shown in FIG. 8, that is, as shown in FIG. The controller unit including the CPU of the server apparatus 300A includes steps (1001) to (1003) illustrated in FIG. 9), and the notification step is based on the mirror area changed by the change step. The data protection processing method according to claim 8, wherein mirror area information is notified to the printing apparatus that should secure the changed mirror area.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 2 can be expected.

[Embodiment 10]
9. The data protection processing method according to claim 8, wherein the data storage means can store information processed by the printing apparatus and box information registered in a set box area.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiment 3 can be expected.

[Embodiment 11]
9. The data protection processing method according to embodiment 8, wherein the setting step enables setting of a one-to-one mirror region relationship or a one-to-n mirror region relationship for each data storage means.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of Embodiment 4 can be expected.

[Embodiment 12]
An internal registration step for registering the mirror area information set in the setting step in the data storage means (the controller unit including the CPU of the server apparatus 300A shown in FIG. 1 executes the step (1002) shown in FIG. 9 for registration) ), And an external registration step for externally registering the mirror area information registered in the internal registration step in each data storage means provided in the host device (step not shown in the controller unit including the CPU of the server device 300A shown in FIG. 1) And registering it in the data storage means of one of the host devices on the network), and determining step (server apparatus 300A shown in FIG. 1) for determining the occurrence state of the failure that makes the data storage means inaccessible Step (1) shown in FIG. 02), and when the determination step determines that a failure has occurred in the data storage means, the mirror area information registered in the registration step is acquired from the host device and the mirror on the data storage means is acquired. A recovery step for recovering the area information (recovered by executing steps (1303) to (1305) shown in FIG. 18 by the controller unit having the CPU of the server apparatus 300A shown in FIG. 1). The data protection processing method according to embodiment 8.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of Embodiment 5 can be expected.

[Embodiment 13]
A data protection processing method in a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a host apparatus, a server apparatus, and another printing apparatus provided with data storage means via a network, and storing data based on mirror area information notified from the server apparatus A mirror area setting step for securing the mirror area secured in the means (the CPU 12 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1 performs area setting processing according to the mirror area information notified in step (1004) shown in FIG. 9); With the update of the mirror area of the data storage means, a copy request step for transferring the updated data together with the copy request to the other printing apparatus specified by the mirror area information (of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1). CPU 12 requests by executing step (1101) shown in FIG. 16) and the other printing apparatus. A replication execution step of overwriting the mirror area secured in the data storage means with the updated data received based on the replication request (the CPU 12 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1 executes the step (1105) shown in FIG. And a notification step of monitoring the failure occurrence state or recovery state of the data storage means and notifying the server device and another printing device in which a mirror area is secured (see FIG. The CPU 12 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1 includes steps (1102) and (1103) shown in FIG.

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of Embodiment 6 can be expected.

[Embodiment 14]
When recognizing that a failure has occurred in the data storage means, after recovery from the failure, the mirror area information is obtained from the server device, and information is obtained from the mirror area secured in another data storage means. There is a recovery step (the CPU 12 of the printer 301 shown in FIG. 1 recovers by executing steps (1107) to (1112) shown in FIG. 16) that is acquired and re-registered in the non-failed data storage means. The data protection processing method according to embodiment 15, wherein

  Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of Embodiment 7 can be expected.

[Embodiment 15]
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the data protection processing method according to any one of Embodiments 8 to 14.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiments 8-14 can be expected.

[Embodiment 16]
A program that causes a data protection processing method according to any one of embodiments 8 to 14 to be executed.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to Embodiments 8-14 can be expected.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a server apparatus and a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the reader part and printer part which were shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the keyboard layout of the operation part shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a copy standard screen of the operation panel shown in FIG. 3. It is a schematic diagram which shows the logical usage method of the image memory shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a server device, a host device, and an image processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the printing system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a storage management server system with respect to the 1st network structure shown to (a) of FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print processing system according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a storage management server system with respect to the 1st network structure shown to (a) of FIG. It is a figure explaining the mirroring state of the storage resource in the printing system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a storage management server system with respect to the 1st network structure shown to (a) of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a storage management server system with respect to the 1st network structure shown to (a) of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a storage management server system with respect to the 1st network structure shown to (a) of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a storage management server system with respect to the 1st network structure shown to (a) of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd data processing procedure in the print processing system which concerns on this invention. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the print processing system according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th data processing procedure in the printing processing system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the printing system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 CPU
11, 14 External memory 300 Host computer 300A Server 301 Printer

Claims (10)

A communication capable server devices via the first printing equipment and a network comprising a data storage means,
When the second printing device is connected to the network, an acquisition unit for the second printing device to obtain information about Lud over data storing means comprises,
A mirror for storing a copy of the information stored in the data storage unit of the first printing apparatus in a partial area in the data storage unit of the second printing apparatus based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit Determining means for determining to be an area;
Thereby notify the second printing device to ensure the data storage means of the second printing unit mirrors region determined by said determining means, mirroring the data stored in the data storage means of said first printing device Notification means for notifying the first printing apparatus that the area for doing so has been secured in the data storage means of the second printing apparatus ;
The server apparatus characterized by having. The determining means further determines an area for storing data for the second printing apparatus to execute printing in the data storage means of the second printing apparatus,
The notifying means further notifies the data storing means of the second printing apparatus to reserve an area for storing data for the second printing apparatus to execute printing, which is determined by the determining means. The server device according to claim 1. A third printing device further comprising data storage means is connected to the network,
The notification means further notifies the second printing apparatus that an area for mirroring data stored in the data storage means of the second printing apparatus is secured in the data storage means of the third printing apparatus. server device according to claim 1, characterized in that. A printing apparatus Ru comprising a data storage means,
Transmitting means for transmitting information relating to the data storage means to a server device capable of communication via the network when the printing apparatus is connected to a network;
Mirror for storing a copy of data stored in data storage means of another printing apparatus connected via the network, which is transmitted from the server apparatus in response to the transmission of the information by the transmission means Receiving means for receiving an instruction to secure the area;
Based on the instruction received by the receiving unit, a mirror area is secured for storing a copy of the data stored in the data storing unit of another printing apparatus connected to the data storing unit via the network. Securing means;
When the printing apparatus executes a print job, data necessary for executing the print job is stored in an area other than the mirror area in the data storage unit and transmitted from the other printing apparatus A control unit that controls to store the copy of the data in the mirror area when a copy of the data stored in the data storage unit of the other printing apparatus is received;
A printing apparatus comprising: A data protection processing method in a communication capable server devices as the first print equipment comprising a data storage means,
When the second printing device is connected to the network, an acquisition step of the second printing device to obtain information about Lud over data storing means comprises,
Based on the information acquired by the acquisition step, wherein a portion of the area in the data storage means of the second printing device, for storing a copy of information stored in the data storage means of said first printing device A decision step to decide to be a mirror region of
Thereby notify the second printing device to secure the mirror region determined Oite the determination step in the data storage means of the second printing apparatus, data stored in the data storage means of said first printing device A notification step for notifying the first printing device that an area for mirroring is secured in the data storage means of the second printing device ;
A data protection processing method comprising: The determining step further determines an area for storing data for the second printing apparatus to execute printing in the data storage means of the second printing apparatus,
The notifying step further notifies that the area for storing data for the second printing apparatus to execute printing determined in the determining step is secured in the data storage means of the second printing apparatus. The data protection processing method according to claim 5 . A third printing device further comprising data storage means is connected to the network,
The notifying step further notifies the second printing apparatus that an area for mirroring the data stored in the second printing apparatus data storage means is secured in the data storage means of the third printing apparatus. 6. The data protection processing method according to claim 5, wherein: A data protection processing method in printing apparatus Ru comprising a data storage means,
A transmission step of transmitting information relating to the data storage means to a server device capable of communication via the network when the printing device is connected to a network;
Mirror for storing a copy of data stored in data storage means of another printing apparatus connected via the network, transmitted from the server apparatus in response to transmitting the information in the transmission step A receiving step for receiving an instruction to secure an area;
Based on the instruction received in the receiving step, a mirror area is secured for storing a copy of the data stored in the data storage unit of another printing apparatus connected to the data storage unit via the network. Securing steps,
When the printing apparatus executes a print job, data necessary for executing the print job is stored in an area other than the mirror area in the data storage unit and transmitted from the other printing apparatus A control step for controlling to store the copy of the data in the mirror area when receiving a copy of the data stored in the data storage means of the other printing device;
A data protection processing method comprising: Program for executing a data protection method according to the server device in any one of claims 5-7. A program for causing a printing apparatus to execute the data protection processing method according to claim 8 .

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