Backup program, backup system, and backup method

Abstract

To provide a backup program, a backup system and a backup method which perform backup of data stored in a printer so that the data can be read out even when the printer fails.SOLUTION: A management server obtains first printer information showing an operation state of a printer, from the printer (S329 and S333). The management server determines backup information to be backed up of information concerning the printer, on the basis of the obtained first printer information (S337 and S339). The management server obtains the determined backup information, from the printer (S345). The management server stores, in a storing part, the obtained backup information (S347).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a backup program, a backup system, and a backup method for backing up data stored in a printer.

Background Art

[0002] A method for backing up data stored in a printer has been proposed. For example, the printer described in Patent Document 1 includes a RAM and a hard disk. The printer performs backup by periodically copying the data stored in the RAM to the hard disk.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the method described in Patent Document 1, when the printer fails, it may be impossible to read the data backed up on the hard disk.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a backup program, a backup system, and a backup method for backing up data stored in a printer so that the data can be read even when the printer fails.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The backup program according to the first aspect of the present invention causes a computer of a device capable of communicating with a printer via a network to execute a first acquisition process of acquiring first printer information indicating an operating state of the printer from the printer, an information determination process of determining second printer information to be a backup target among the information related to the printer based on the first printer information acquired by the first acquisition process, a second acquisition process of acquiring the second printer information determined by the information determination process from the printer, and a storage process of storing the second printer information acquired by the second acquisition process in a storage unit.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the device acquires second printer information to be a backup target from the printer and stores it in the storage unit. In this case, the device can back up the second printer information so that it can be read even when the printer fails. Further, the device determines the second printer information based on the first printer information indicating the operating state of the printer and stores it in the storage unit. Thereby, the second printer information corresponding to the operating state of the printer can be acquired from the printer and backed up.

[0008] The backup program according to the second aspect of the present invention causes a computer of a printer to execute a first acquisition process of acquiring first printer information indicating an operating state of the printer, an information determination process of determining second printer information to be a backup target among the information related to the printer based on the first printer information acquired by the first acquisition process, a second acquisition process of acquiring the second printer information determined by the information determination process, and a storage process of storing the second printer information acquired by the second acquisition process in a storage unit. According to the second aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved.

[0009] A backup system according to a third aspect of the present invention is a backup system including a printer and a device capable of communicating with the printer via a network, wherein a first computer of the printer executes a first transmission process of transmitting first printer information indicating an operating state of the printer to the device, a second computer of the device executes a first acquisition process of acquiring the first printer information transmitted by the printer by the first transmission process, and an information determination process of determining second printer information to be a backup target among information regarding the printer based on the first printer information acquired by the first acquisition process, the first computer executes a second transmission process of transmitting the second printer information determined by the device by the information determination process to the device, and the second computer executes a second acquisition process of acquiring the second printer information transmitted by the printer by the second transmission process, and a storage process of storing the second printer information acquired by the second acquisition process in a storage unit. According to the third aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved.

[0010] A backup method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition process of acquiring first printer information indicating an operating state of a printer from the printer, an information determination process of determining second printer information to be a backup target among information regarding the printer based on the first printer information acquired by the first acquisition process, a second acquisition process of acquiring the second printer information determined by the information determination process from the printer, and a storage process of storing the second printer information acquired by the second acquisition process in a storage unit. According to the fourth aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings used are for explaining the technical features that the present invention can adopt. The configuration of the device described in the drawings is not intended to be limited thereto, but is merely an illustrative example.

[0013] <Overview of System 1> As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a printer 2, a terminal 3, a management server 4, and an external server 5. The printer 2, the terminal 3, the management server 4, and the external server 5 can communicate with each other via the network 9. Communication via the network 9 is executed by at least one of wired and wireless. The network 9 may be any one of a LAN, the Internet, and a dedicated line, or may have a configuration including two or more of these.

[0014] Printer 2 is a peripheral device equipped with an inkjet printing function. In response to receiving a print instruction from terminal 3, printer 2 executes a printing process. Also, printer 2 transmits backup information necessary for recovery in case of a failure to management server 4 in response to a request from management server 4. The backup information includes setting data, the number of printed sheets, ink usage, history data, etc. The setting data includes print mode, color / monochrome printing, single-sided / double-sided printing, firmware version, network settings, etc.

[0015] Printer 2 has a control unit 20, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication interface (I / F) 25, and a printing unit 26. Control unit 20 includes a CPU 21 and a memory 22. CPU 21 is in charge of overall control of printer 2. Memory 22 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. Memory 22 stores at least the programs executed by CPU 21. Operation unit 23 has a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to printer 2 by operating operation unit 23. Display unit 24 is a display for displaying various information. Communication I / F 25 is a driver element for connecting to network 9 and performing communication. Printing unit 26 is an inkjet printing mechanism. A cartridge for storing ink is mounted on printing unit 26. Printing unit 26 executes printing using the ink in the cartridge.

[0016] Terminal 3 is a notebook PC. Terminal 3 may be a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, tablet PC, desktop PC, etc. Terminal 3 transmits a print instruction to printer 2 in response to an operation by the user. Also, terminal 3 executes communication with management server 4 for subscribing to a service plan applied to printer 2 in response to an operation by the user.

[0017] The service plan includes a flat-rate printing service, an automatic ordering service, and a backup service. The flat-rate printing service is a service in which, only when the number of printed sheets in a predetermined period (for example, one month) exceeds the contract printing quantity (for example, 1000 sheets), the billing amount obtained by adding the additional fee corresponding to the number of printed sheets exceeding the contract printing quantity and the flat-rate fee is paid. The automatic ordering service is a service in which, when the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge mounted on the printing unit 26 of Printer 2 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount, a new cartridge is automatically ordered and delivered. The backup service is a service in which the backup information of Printer 2 is backed up by the management server 4. In addition, as an option for the backup service, in addition to the management server 4, the backup can also be performed by an external server 5.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, as service plans, an S plan, an M plan, and an L plan with different fees are prepared. The fees increase in the order of the S plan, the M plan, and the L plan. The higher the fee plan, the more advantageous it is for the user. For example, the contract printing quantity that is the standard for the flat-rate printing service increases in the order of the S plan, the M plan, and the L plan. Also, the initial value of the period for backing up the backup information becomes shorter in the order of the S plan (period Ts), the M plan (period Tm), and the L plan (period Tl). That is, the frequency of backing up the backup information increases in the order of the S plan, the M plan, and the L plan. Also, the option to perform backup on the external server 5 in addition to the management server 4 is attached only to the more advantageous M plan and L plan.

[0019] The terminal 3 has a control unit 30, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication I / F 35. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 31 and a memory 32. The CPU 31 is in charge of overall control of the terminal 3. The memory 32 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 32 stores at least the programs executed by the CPU 31. The operation unit 33 includes a keyboard and a mouse. The user can input various instructions to the terminal 3 by operating the operation unit 33. The display unit 34 is a display for displaying various information. The communication I / F 35 is a driver element for connecting to the network 9 and performing communication.

[0020] The management server 4 manages information regarding the printer 2. Examples of information regarding the printer 2 include the service plan to which the printer 2 subscribes, backup information of the printer 2, etc.

[0021] The management server 4 has a control unit 40 and a communication I / F 43. The control unit 40 includes a CPU 41 and a memory 42. The CPU 41 is in charge of overall control of the management server 4. The memory 42 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 42 stores at least the programs executed by the CPU 41, an account table 421 (see FIG. 3), and a service table 422 (see FIG. 4). The communication I / F 43 is a driver element for connecting to the network 9 and performing communication.

[0022] The external server 5 is a storage server that stores backup information. The external server 5 has a control unit 50 and a communication I / F 53. The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51 and a memory 52. The CPU 51 is in charge of overall control of the external server 5. The memory 52 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 52 stores at least the programs executed by the CPU 51. The communication I / F 53 is a driver element for connecting to the network 9 and performing communication.

[0023] In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which one printer 2 and one terminal 3 are connected to a network 9. However, in the present embodiment, the number of printers 2 and terminal 3 connected to the network 9 is not limited to one, and two or more may be used. The number of printers 2 and terminal 3 is not limited to the same number, and different numbers may be used. For example, one user may operate one terminal 3 and perform a procedure for subscribing to a service plan applied to each of a plurality of printers 2.

[0024] The printer 2, the terminal 3, the management server 4, and the external server 5 may download a program from another server connected to the network 9 and store it in their respective memories. Further, the programs of the printer 2, the terminal 3, the management server 4, and the external server 5 may be updated by a program received from another server connected to the network 9. Further, the programs of the printer 2, the terminal 3, the management server 4, and the external server 5 may be provided to each in a state stored in a storage medium.

[0025] <Account table 421, Service table 422> FIG. 3 shows an example of an account table 421 stored in the memory 42 of the management server 4. In the account table 421, an account, a user ID, and a password are associated. FIG. 4 shows an example of a service table 422 stored in the memory 42 of the management server 4. In the service table 422, an account, a printer ID, a service plan, and a cartridge are associated. Further, the service plan includes flag information and a period as setting information for the backup service. The flag information indicates whether the backup function for backing up the backup information is valid or invalid. The period indicates the period for backing up the backup information.

[0026] Each piece of information is stored in the account table 421 and the service table 422 by a subscription sequence (see FIG. 5) described later. Further, the setting information (flag information and period) of the backup service is set by a backup sequence (see FIGS. 6 and 8) described later.

[0027] <Service enrollment sequence> Referring to FIG. 5, the enrollment sequence, which is a communication sequence executed to enroll in a service plan, will be described. Note that enrollment in the service plan is executed by the user operating the terminal 3. Hereinafter, for ease of understanding the description, the CPU 21 of the printer 2 executing a process is rephrased as "the printer 2 executes the process". The CPU 31 of the terminal 3 executing a process is rephrased as "the terminal 3 executes the process". The CPU 41 of the management server 4 executing a process is rephrased as "the management server 4 executes the process". The CPU 51 of the external server 5 executing a process is rephrased as "the external server 5 executes the process".

[0028] First, the terminal 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the account creation screen received from the management server 4. The account creation screen includes text boxes for entering a user name and a password. The user of the terminal 3 operates the operation unit 33 to enter the user name and password in the text boxes of the account creation screen. The terminal 3 transmits an account creation request including the entered user name and password to the management server 4 (S101).

[0029] The management server 4 receives the account creation request (S301). The management server 4 generates an account in response to the received account creation request (S303). The management server 4 associates the user name and password included in the account creation request with the generated account and stores it in the account table 421 (see FIG. 3).

[0030] Next, the terminal 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the service subscription screen received from the management server 4. The service subscription screen includes a text box for entering the printer ID of the printer 2 that subscribes to the service plan, a checkbox for selecting the service plan, and a start button. The user of the terminal 3 operates the operation unit 33 to enter the printer ID of the printer 2 that subscribes to the service plan. Further, the user selects the checkbox of the service plan to be subscribed. Then the user selects the start button. The terminal 3 transmits a service start request including the entered printer ID and the selected service plan to the management server 4 (S103).

[0031] The management server 4 receives the service start request (S305). The management server 4 associates the printer ID and the service plan included in the received service start request with the account generated in S303 and stores them in the service table 422 (see FIG. 4) (S307). Further, the management server 4 determines the initial value of the period defined for each service plan as the backup period corresponding to the service plan (S309). The management server 4 stores the determined initial value of the period in the service table 422 (S309).

[0032] Next, the management server 4 transmits a PIN code to the terminal 3. The terminal 3 receives the PIN code from the management server 4 and causes it to be displayed on the display unit 34. The user of the terminal 3 operates the operation unit 23 of the printer 2 to enter the PIN code displayed on the display unit 34. The printer 2 transmits the entered PIN code to the management server 4. The management server 4 receives the PIN code from the printer 2 and transmits a token to the printer 2. The printer 2 receives the token from the management server 4. Thereby, communication becomes possible between the printer 2 and the management server 4.

[0033] The printer 2 transmits cartridge information including its own printer ID and the cartridge used to the management server 4 (S201). The management server 4 receives the cartridge information (S311). The management server 4 stores, in the service table 422 (see FIG. 4), the cartridge included in the received cartridge information in association with the same printer ID as the printer ID included in the received cartridge information (S313). Note that when the management server 4 executes the automatic ordering service, it determines the cartridge to be ordered by referring to the service table 422.

[0034] <Backup sequence> Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the backup sequence, which is a communication sequence executed to provide a backup service, will be described. Note that it is assumed that the printer 2 has already subscribed to the M plan as a service plan by executing the subscription sequence shown in FIG. 5. In the M plan, the initial value of the backup period is Tm (see FIG. 2). Also, the M plan comes with an option to back up backup information to the external server 5.

[0035] <First backup sequence> The first backup sequence shown in FIG. 6 shows the backup sequence when the backup function is enabled.

[0036] The terminal 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the backup setting screen received from the management server 4. The backup setting screen includes a text box for entering the printer ID of the printer 2 and a checkbox for switching between enabling and disabling the backup function. The user of the terminal 3 operates the operation unit 33 to enter the printer ID of the printer 2 in the text box and selects the checkbox so that the backup function is enabled. The terminal 3 transmits backup setting information including the entered printer ID and an instruction to enable the backup function to the management server 4 (S121).

[0037] The management server 4 receives backup setting information from the terminal 3 (S321). The management server 4 stores, as the setting information of the service plan associated with the same printer ID as the printer ID included in the received backup setting information in the service table 422 (see FIG. 4), flag information indicating that the backup function is enabled (S323).

[0038] Next, the terminal 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the cycle setting screen received from the management server 4. The cycle setting screen includes a text box for inputting the printer ID of the printer 2 and a text box for inputting the backup cycle. The user of the terminal 3 operates the operation unit 33 to input the printer ID of the printer 2 and the cycle T1 into the respective text boxes. The terminal 3 transmits cycle setting information including the input printer ID and cycle T1 to the management server 4 (S123).

[0039] The management server 4 receives cycle setting information from the terminal 3 (S325). The management server 4 changes the cycle of the service plan corresponding to the same printer ID as the printer ID included in the received cycle setting information in the service table 422 (see FIG. 4) from the cycle Tm which is the initial value to the cycle T1 included in the received cycle setting information and stores it (S327).

[0040] Note that if the user does not desire to change the backup cycle, S123, S325, and S327 are omitted. In this case, the cycle in the service table 422 remains the initial value cycle Tm.

[0041] The printer 2 transmits error information and device information to the management server 4 as information indicating the operating state of the printer 2 (S223, S227). The error information is information indicating an error that has occurred in the printer 2. Examples of errors include paper jams, cartridge recognition errors, printer driver errors, communication errors, memory errors, etc. The device information is information indicating the usage status of the printer 2. Examples of usage status include the number of printed sheets, the amount of ink used, etc., and the operating time of the printer 2.

[0042] The printer 2 determines whether it has detected an error (S221). If the printer 2 determines that it has detected an error (S221: YES), it transmits printer information including its own printer ID and error information to the management server 4 (S223). The management server 4 receives the printer information from the printer 2 (S329). The management server 4 associates the printer ID and error information included in the received printer information and stores them in the memory 42 (S331). On the other hand, if the printer 2 determines that it has not detected an error (S221: NO), it does not transmit the printer information to the management server 4.

[0043] The printer 2 determines whether the period U for transmitting the device information has arrived (S225). If the printer 2 determines that the period U has arrived (S225: YES), it transmits printer information including its own printer ID and device information to the management server 4 (S227). The management server 4 receives the printer information from the printer 2 (S333). The management server 4 associates the printer ID and device information included in the received printer information and stores them in the memory 42 (S335). On the other hand, if the printer 2 determines that the period U has not arrived (S225: NO), it does not transmit the printer information to the management server 4.

[0044] Based on the error information and device information stored in the memory 42 by the processes of S331 and S333, the management server 4 determines the necessity of backup (S337). More specifically, the management server 4 determines the possibility that the printer 2 with the printer ID stored in the memory 42 in S331 and S335 fails as the necessity of backup. Note that the higher the possibility that the printer 2 fails, the higher the probability that the recovery operation of the failed printer 2 will be performed. Therefore, the necessity of backing up the backup information required for recovery also increases.

[0045] Further, the management server 4 further determines backup information to be targeted for backup based on the determined necessity (S339). Note that the management server 4 increases the types and amounts of data determined as backup information for printers 2 with a higher likelihood of failure. For this reason, the backup information backed up from a printer 2 with a higher likelihood of failure has a larger capacity.

[0046] Specifically, it is as follows. The management server 4 determines the coefficient of the weighting parameter in 10 levels from "0" to "9" based on the error information and device information stored in the memory 42 in S331 and S335. Specific examples of the weighting parameter include "the number of times error information is received per day", "cumulative operation time", "cumulative number of printed sheets", etc. For example, when the number of times error information is received per day is 0 to 1 time, the coefficient is determined to be "0", when the number of times is 2 to 10 times, the coefficient is determined to be "5", and when the number of times is 11 or more, the coefficient is determined to be "9". Also, for example, when the cumulative operation time is 0 to 100 hours, the coefficient is determined to be "0", when the operation time is 101 to 7,500 hours, the coefficient is determined to be "5", and when the number of times is 7,500 to 15,000 hours, the coefficient is determined to be "9". Also, for example, when the cumulative number of printed sheets is 0 to 1,000 sheets, the coefficient is determined to be "0", when the operation time is 1,001 to 500,000 sheets, the coefficient is determined to be "5", and when the number of times is 500,000 to 1,000,000 hours, the coefficient is determined to be "9". Then, based on the total value of the coefficients of each weighting parameter, the likelihood that the printer 2 will fail is determined to be either 0%, 30%, 50%, or 70% (S337).

[0047] Next, the management server 4 determines, as backup information, the data defined in advance for each possibility of failure. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the possibility of the printer 2 failing is 30%, the setting data of the printer 2 is determined as backup information. When the possibility of the printer 2 failing is 50%, the setting data of the printer 2, the number of printed sheets, and the ink usage amount are determined as backup information. When the possibility of the printer 2 failing is 70%, the setting data of the printer 2, the number of printed sheets, the ink usage amount, and the history data are determined as backup information (S339). Note that when the possibility of the printer 2 failing is 0%, no backup is performed.

[0048] When the management server 4 determines that the possibility of the printer 2 failing is either 30%, 50%, or 70%, it determines whether the period of the service table 422 has arrived (S341). In S327, since the period of the service table 422 has been changed to the period T1, the management server 4 determines whether the period T1 has arrived. When the period of the service table 422 is not changed in S327, the management server 4 determines whether the period Tm, which is the initial value of the period in the M plan, has arrived.

[0049] When the management server 4 determines that the period T1 has arrived (S341: YES), it transmits a backup request for requesting the transmission of the backup information determined in S339 to the printer 2 corresponding to the printer ID in the service table 422 (S343).

[0050] The printer 2 receives the backup request from the management server 4 (S229). The printer 2 transmits the backup information requested by the received backup request to the management server 4 (S231). The management server 4 receives the backup information from the printer 2 (S345). The management server 4 executes the backup of the backup information by storing the received backup information in the memory 42 (S347).

[0051] The management server 4 determines whether an option to back up backup information to the external server 5 is attached in the service plan to which the printer 2 subscribes (S349). Here, since the service plan to which the printer 2 subscribes is the M plan, the management server 4 determines that the option is attached (see FIG. 2) (S349: YES). The management server 4 transmits the backup information to the external server 5 in order to store the backup information in the memory 52 of the external server 5 (S351).

[0052] The external server 5 receives the backup information from the management server 4 (S421). The external server 5 executes the backup of the backup information by storing the received backup information in the memory 52 (S423).

[0053] On the other hand, for example, when the service plan to which the printer 2 subscribes is the S plan, the management server 4 determines that the option is not attached (see FIG. 2) (S349: NO). In this case, the management server 4 does not transmit the backup information to the external server 5.

[0054] <Second Backup Sequence> The second backup sequence shown in FIG. 8 shows the backup sequence when the backup function is disabled. The same processes as those in the first backup sequence shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0055] The terminal 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the backup setting screen received from the management server 4. The user of the terminal 3 operates the operation unit 33 to input the printer ID of the printer 2 into the text box and selects the check box so that the backup function is disabled. The terminal 3 transmits the backup setting information including the input printer ID and the instruction to disable the backup function to the management server 4 (S161).

[0056] The management server 4 receives backup setting information from the terminal 3 (S361). The management server 4 stores, as the setting information of the service plan associated with the same printer ID as the printer ID included in the received backup setting information in the service table 422 (see FIG. 4), flag information indicating that the backup function is invalid (S363).

[0057] Next, the management server 4 changes the content of the service plan stored in the service table 422 to content that is more advantageous for the user (S365). For example, the management server 4 increases the contract printing number that is the standard for the flat-rate printing service in the M plan from 12,000 sheets (see FIG. 2) to 20,000 sheets. Since the setting for disabling the backup function is made, the management server 4 does not make a change to enable the backup function.

[0058] The printer 2 transmits printer information including error information and device information to the management server 4 as printer information indicating the operating state of the printer 2 (S223, S227). The management server 4 receives the printer information from the printer 2 (S329, S333). The management server 4 associates the printer ID, error information, and device information included in the received printer information and stores them in the memory 42 (S331, S335). The management server 4 determines the possibility of the printer 2 malfunctioning as the necessity of backup in order to determine the backup information to be the target of backup (S337).

[0059] The management server 4 determines whether to notify the user of the necessity of backup based on the possibility determined in S337. For example, when the management server 4 determines that the possibility of the printer 2 malfunctioning is either 50% or 70%, it determines to notify the user of the necessity of backup (S367: YES). In this case, the management server 4 transmits a notification request to the terminal 3 (S369).

[0060] The terminal 3 receives a notification request from the management server 4 (S163). The terminal 3 causes the display unit 34 to display a notification screen for notifying the user that it is highly necessary to enable the backup function (S165). When the user who has checked the notification screen operates the terminal 3 to enable the backup function, processing is executed based on the first backup sequence shown in FIG. 6.

[0061] On the other hand, when the management server 4 determines that the probability of the printer 2 failing is either 0% or 30%, it determines not to notify the user of the necessity of backup (S367: NO). In this case, the management server 4 does not send a notification request to the terminal 3.

[0062] <Actions and effects of this embodiment> The management server 4 receives backup information to be backed up from the printer 2 (S345) and stores it in the memory 42 (S347). In this case, the management server 4 can back up the backup information so that it can be read even if the printer 2 fails. Therefore, for example, the failed printer 2 can be restored with the backed-up backup information.

[0063] The management server 4 determines backup information based on the error information and device information of the printer 2 (S337, S339), and sends a backup request to the printer 2 to obtain the determined backup information (S343). Thereby, the management server 4 can obtain and back up backup information corresponding to the operating state (error information and device information) of the printer 2 from the printer 2.

[0064] The management server 4 determines the necessity of backup (S337), and determines the data to be the target of the backup information according to the determined necessity (S339). Thereby, the management server 4 can adjust the capacity of the backup information according to the necessity of backup, so that the communication volume of the network 9 during backup can be suppressed.

[0065] Backup information is necessary to recover the failed printer 2. In contrast, the management server 4 determines the possibility of the printer 2 failing as the necessity of backup (S337). The management server 4 determines the backup information based on the determined possibility. In this case, the management server 4 can efficiently recover the failed printer 2 with the backup information by adjusting the backup information according to the possibility of the printer 2 failing.

[0066] The management server 4 can efficiently recover the printer 2 using the large-capacity backup information by increasing the capacity of the backup information received from the printer 2 that is likely to fail with a high probability. On the other hand, the management server 4 can suppress the communication volume of the network 9 during backup by reducing the capacity of the backup information received from the printer 2 that is likely to fail with a low probability.

[0067] When the management server 4 receives backup setting information enabling the backup function (S321), it receives the backup information by sending a backup request to the printer 2 (S343, S345). On the other hand, when the setting to disable the backup function is made (S363), the management server 4 does not send a backup request to the printer 2 and does not receive the backup information from the printer 2. In this case, for example, a user who desires to back up the backup information can cause the management server 4 to execute the backup by inputting an operation to enable the backup function to the terminal 3. On the other hand, a user who does not desire to back up the backup information can prevent the backup by the management server 4 from being executed by inputting an operation to disable the backup function to the terminal 3. Therefore, the user can suppress unnecessary backups from being executed by the management server 4.

[0068] If the backup of backup information is not performed, the traffic of network 9 is suppressed. On the other hand, when the management server 4 receives backup setting information that disables the backup function (S361), the management server 4 changes the content of the service plan to which the printer 2 subscribes to a content that is more advantageous to the user (S365). Thereby, the management server 4 can return the profit generated by the suppression of the traffic to the user.

[0069] The initial value of the period for backing up backup information is defined in advance for each service plan (see FIG. 2). For this reason, the management server 4 can back up the backup information at a period defined for each service plan (S341). Also, when the management server 4 receives the period setting information from the terminal 3, the management server 4 changes the initial value of the period defined for each service plan to the period included in the period setting information (S327). Therefore, the user can operate the terminal 3 to input a desired period, and thereby cause the management server 4 to execute the backup at the desired period.

[0070] The management server 4 executes the backup by storing the backup information in the memory 42 (S345). Also, the management server 4 can execute the backup by transmitting the backup information to the external server 5 and causing the external server 5 to store the backup information in the memory 52. In this case, the security of the backup information can be made stronger.

[0071] The management server 4 determines whether an option for backing up the backup information to the external server 5 is attached in the service plan to which the printer 2 subscribes (S349). When the management server 4 determines that the option is attached (S349: YES), the management server 4 transmits the backup information to the external server 5 in order to store the backup information in the memory 52 of the external server 5 (S351). In this way, the management server 4 can determine whether to back up the backup information by the external server 5 according to the service plan, and cause the external server 5 to execute the backup as necessary.

[0072] <Modification Example> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. A part of the processing executed by the management server 4 may be executed by the printer 2 instead of the management server 4. For example, when the printer 2 determines that an error has been detected (S221: YES), it may store the error information in the memory 22 (S331). Further, when the cycle U arrives (S225: YES), the printer 2 may store the device information in the memory 22 (S333). Based on the error information and device information stored in the memory 22, the printer 2 may determine backup information to be the backup target (S337, S339). The printer 2 may transmit the determined backup information to the management server 4 (S231). The management server 4 may receive the backup information from the printer 2 (S345) and store it in the memory 42 (S347).

[0073] The management server 4 may determine the necessity of backup from only either one of the error information and the device information. Further, the management server 4 may determine the necessity of backup based on information other than the error information and the device information. For example, the management server 4 may determine the possibility of the printer 2 malfunctioning based on the manufacturing date of the printer 2, the operating time per month, the number of printed sheets per month, the amount of ink used per month, etc., as the necessity of backup.

[0074] The method in the case where the possibility of the printer 2 malfunctioning is determined by the management server 4 may be settable by the user. Specifically, the user may be able to set the coefficient of the weighting parameter to a desired value. For example, the user may set the coefficient of the weighting parameter based on the error information to be larger than the coefficient of the weighting parameter based on the device information. The backup information determined according to the necessity of backup may be settable by the user.

[0075] Even if information other than the possibility of the failure of the printer 2 is determined as the necessity of backup. For example, when the capacity of the history data stored in the memory 22 of the printer 2 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the management server 4 may determine that the necessity of backup is high. Further, when the elapsed time since the backup of the backup information is completed has passed a predetermined time, the management server 4 may determine that the necessity of backup is high.

[0076] When the backup function is disabled, the management server 4 may change the service plan itself. For example, when the backup function is disabled, the management server 4 may change the service plan from the M plan to the L plan.

[0077] A plurality of printers 2 may be managed by one user. In this case, the user may be able to set the printer 2 for which the management server 4 preferentially backs up the backup information among the plurality of printers 2. The system 1 may include a plurality of external servers 5. The backup information may be backed up by the plurality of external servers 5.

[0078] The backup information may not be stored in the management server 4 and may be stored only in the memory 52 of the external server 5. When a plurality of external servers 5 are connected to the network 9, the backup information may be stored in the respective memories 52 of the plurality of external servers 5.

[0079] The printer 2 may be a multifunction device having a scan function, a FAX function, etc. in addition to the printing function. The printing method of the printer 2 is not limited to the inkjet method and may be other printing methods. Some or all of the processes executed by the management server 4 may be executed by another device (for example, a dedicated device).

[0080] <Others> Printer information including error information or device information is an example of the "first printer information" of the present invention. Backup information is an example of the "second printer information" of the present invention. The management server 4 is an example of the "device" of the present invention. The external server 5 is an example of the "external device" of the present invention. The memory 42 of the management server 4 and the memory 52 of the external server 5 are examples of the "storage unit" of the present invention. The memory 42 of the management server 4 is an example of the "first storage unit" of the present invention. The memory 52 of the external server 5 is an example of the "second storage unit" of the present invention. The processes of S329 and S333 are examples of the "first acquisition process" of the present invention. The processes of S337 and S339 are examples of the "information determination process" of the present invention. The process of S345 is an example of the "second acquisition process" of the present invention. The processes of S347 and S351 are examples of the "storage process" of the present invention. The process of S337 is an example of the "first determination process" of the present invention. The process of S339 is an example of the "second determination process" of the present invention. The processes of S321 and S361 are examples of the "first setting acquisition process" of the present invention. The process of S365 is an example of the "change process" of the present invention. The process of S327 is an example of the "second setting acquisition process" of the present invention. The process of S347 is an example of the "first storage process" of the present invention. The process of S351 is an example of the "second storage process" of the present invention. The process of S349 is an example of the "determination process" of the present invention. The CPU 21 of the printer 2 is an example of the "first computer" of the present invention. The CPU 41 of the management server 4 is an example of the "second computer" of the present invention. The processes of S223 and S227 are examples of the "first transmission process" of the present invention. The process of S231 is an example of the "second transmission process" of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0081] 1: System 2: Printer 3: Terminal 4: Management Server 5: External Server 9: Network

Claims

1. A computer of a device capable of communicating with a printer via a network, a first acquisition process of acquiring first printer information indicating an operating state of the printer from the printer, an information determination process of determining second printer information to be a backup target among information regarding the printer based on the first printer information acquired by the first acquisition process, a second acquisition process of acquiring the second printer information determined by the information determination process from the printer, a storage process of storing the second printer information acquired by the second acquisition process in a storage unit, and a backup program for causing the above to be executed.

2. The information determination process includes: a first determination process of determining a backup necessity degree based on the first printer information, and a second determination process of determining the second printer information according to the necessity degree determined by the first determination process. The backup program according to claim 1, characterized by including the above.

3. The first determination process: The backup program according to claim 2, wherein based on the first printer information, a possibility that the printer fails is determined as the necessity degree.

4. The second determination process: The backup program according to claim 2, wherein based on the necessity degree determined by the first determination process, the larger the capacity of the second printer information is determined as the possibility that the printer fails is higher.

5. The computer is further caused to execute a first setting acquisition process of acquiring backup setting information indicating whether to perform backup, and the second acquisition process: When the backup setting information indicating that backup is to be performed is acquired by the first setting acquisition process, the second printer information is acquired from the printer, and when the backup setting information indicating that backup is not to be performed is acquired by the first setting acquisition process, the second printer information is not acquired from the printer. The backup program according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. When the setting information indicating that backup is not to be performed is acquired by the first setting acquisition process, the computer is further caused to execute a change process of changing a service applied to the printer to a service having higher advantage for a user.

7. Based on the service applied to the printer, the computer is further caused to execute timing determination processing for determining the timing at which the second printer information is acquired from the printer by the second acquisition processing. The second acquisition processing is The backup program according to claim 1, wherein the second printer information is acquired from the printer at the timing determined by the timing determination processing.

8. The computer is further caused to execute second setting acquisition processing for acquiring timing setting information indicating the timing at which the second printer information is acquired from the printer by the second acquisition processing. The second acquisition processing is The backup program according to claim 1, wherein the second printer information is acquired from the printer at the timing acquired by the second setting acquisition processing.

9. The storage processing is The backup program according to claim 1, wherein at least one of first storage processing for storing the second printer information in a first storage unit which is the storage unit of the apparatus and second storage processing for storing the second printer information in a second storage unit which is the storage unit of an external device capable of communicating via the network is executed.

10. Determination processing for determining which of the first storage processing and the second storage processing is to be executed based on the service applied to the printer, is further caused to be executed by the computer, The storage processing is The backup program according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the first storage processing and the second storage processing determined by the determination processing is executed.

11. On a computer of a printer, first acquisition processing for acquiring first printer information indicating an operating state of the printer, information determination processing for determining second printer information to be a backup target among the information regarding the printer based on the first printer information acquired by the first acquisition processing, second acquisition processing for acquiring the second printer information determined by the information determination processing, storage processing for storing the second printer information acquired by the second acquisition processing in a storage unit, A backup program for causing the above to be executed.

12. A backup system including a printer and a device capable of communicating with the printer via a network, The first computer of the printer is Execute a first transmission process of transmitting first printer information indicating the operating state of the printer to the device. The second computer of the device executes a first acquisition process of acquiring the first printer information transmitted by the printer by the first transmission process, and executes an information determination process of determining second printer information to be a backup target among the information related to the printer based on the first printer information acquired by the first acquisition process. The first computer executes a second transmission process of transmitting the second printer information determined by the device by the information determination process to the device. The second computer executes a second acquisition process of acquiring the second printer information transmitted by the printer by the second transmission process, and executes a storage process of storing the second printer information acquired by the second acquisition process in a storage unit. A backup system characterized by the above.

13. A first acquisition process of acquiring first printer information indicating the operating state of a printer from the printer, an information determination process of determining second printer information to be a backup target among the information related to the printer based on the first printer information acquired by the first acquisition process, a second acquisition process of acquiring the second printer information determined by the information determination process from the printer, and a storage process of storing the second printer information acquired by the second acquisition process in a storage unit. A backup method characterized by comprising the above.

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