Apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To prevent a reduction in convenience due to restoration of backup data.SOLUTION: An apparatus includes: a duplication unit that records, in an external recording medium, both a duplicate of data which is stored in an internal recording medium included in the apparatus and a hash value of the data; and a restoration unit that when a hash value recorded in the external recording medium and the hash value of the data recorded in the internal recording medium are different, restores the data in the internal recording medium from the duplicate recorded in the external recording medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are devices that are capable of backing up data recorded on an internal recording medium (for example, setting data used by the device) to an external recording medium (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] If there is a possibility that data recorded on the internal recording medium has been lost (such as data corruption or loss), the user can maintain normal operation of the device by restoring the data from the external recording medium to the internal recording medium. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If an access to the internal recording medium occurs during restoration, a system malfunction may occur, and therefore, use of the device is restricted during restoration.

[0005] However, in the past, when an instruction to execute a restore was input to a device, the restore would be executed even if there was no loss in the data recorded on the internal recording medium, which could result in a loss of convenience for the user.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to reduce the decrease in convenience that accompanies the restoration of backed-up data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problem, the device has a duplication unit that records a copy of data stored in an internal recording medium of the device and a hash value of the data on an external recording medium, and a restoration unit that restores data to the internal recording medium from the copy recorded on the external recording medium when the hash value recorded on the external recording medium differs from the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This reduces the loss of convenience that accompanies the restoration of backed-up data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for a backup process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of backup data recorded on an external recording medium 80. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for a restore process. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of output of mismatch notification information. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display that notifies the user that restore processing is in progress. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first example of a processing procedure executed by an access control unit 121 in a degenerate mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second example of a processing procedure executed by the access control unit 121 in the degenerate mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 has hardware such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, an operation panel 15, a network interface 16, and a media slot 17.

[0011] The controller 11 includes a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, a HDD 114, and an internal recording medium 115. The ROM 113 stores various programs, data used by the programs, and the like. The RAM 112 is used as a storage area for loading programs and a work area for the loaded programs. The CPU 111 realizes various functions by processing the programs loaded into the RAM 112. The HDD 114 stores programs and various data used by the programs. The internal recording medium 115 stores data such as various setting information. For example, a NAND flash memory such as an eMMC may be used as the internal recording medium 115.

[0012] The scanner 12 is hardware (image reading means) for reading image data from an original. The printer 13 is hardware (printing means) for printing print data on printing paper. The modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line and is used to send and receive image data via FAX communication. The operation panel 15 is hardware equipped with input means such as buttons for receiving input from a user and display means such as an LCD panel. The LCD panel may have a touch panel function. In this case, the LCD panel also functions as an input means. The network interface 16 is hardware for connecting to a network (whether wired or wireless) such as a LAN. The media slot 17 is a connection port for, for example, an external recording medium 80. Examples of the external recording medium 80 include an SD card, a CD-ROM, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. In other words, the type of recording medium corresponding to the external recording medium 80 is not limited to a specific one. In this case, the media slot 17 may be hardware appropriate for the type of recording medium.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, image forming apparatus 10 includes access control unit 121, device control unit 122, operation control unit 123, communication control unit 124, replication unit 125, hash value calculation unit 126, restoration unit 127, comparison unit 128, and output unit 129. Each of these units is realized by processing executed by CPU 111 of one or more programs installed in image forming apparatus 10.

[0014] The copying unit 125 copies the data stored in the internal recording medium 115 and records the hash value of the data on the external recording medium 80, thereby backing up the data on the external recording medium 80.

[0015] When the hash value recorded on the external recording medium 80 differs from the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium 115, the restoration unit 127 restores data from the copy recorded on the external recording medium 80 to the internal recording medium 115.

[0016] The hash value calculation unit 126 calculates a hash value of the data stored in the internal recording medium 115 when the copying unit 125 performs a backup or when the restoration unit 127 performs a restore.

[0017] When the restoration unit 127 executes restoration, the comparison unit 128 compares the hash value recorded on the external recording medium 80 with the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium 115 .

[0018] If the hash value recorded on the external recording medium 80 and the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium 115 compared by the comparison unit 128 are different, the output unit 129 outputs information indicating that the copy and the data are different.

[0019] The access control unit 121 controls access by each unit to the internal recording medium 115. All accesses from each unit to the internal recording medium 115 are made via the access control unit 121. For example, the access control unit 121 restricts access to the internal recording medium 11580 during the period when the restoration unit 127 is restoring data to the internal recording medium 115. Alternatively, during the period when the restoration unit 127 is restoring data to the internal recording medium 115, the access control unit 121 switches the write destination of data on the internal recording medium 115 to an area on the internal recording medium 115 that is different from the area to which the data is restored.

[0020] The device control unit 122 controls various hardware components of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0021] The operation control unit 123 controls operations performed via the operation panel 15. In this embodiment, the operation control unit 123 prevents operations on the operation unit (operation panel 15) of the image forming apparatus 10 from being accepted during the period in which the restoration unit 127 restores data to the internal recording medium 115.

[0022] The communication control unit 124 controls communication with the outside via the network interface 16 etc. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 124 prevents communication from being received from the outside during the period when the restoration unit 127 is restoring data to the internal recording medium 115.

[0023] The following describes the processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing procedure for backup processing.

[0024] When a backup execution instruction is input via the operation panel 15 (S101), the duplication unit 125 determines whether the external recording medium 80 is available for use (S102). If the external recording medium 80 is set in the media slot 17 and has sufficient free space, the duplication unit 125 determines that the external recording medium 80 is available for use; otherwise, the duplication unit 125 determines that the external recording medium 80 is unavailable. Sufficient free space is, for example, the total amount of data to be backed up. Note that the data to be backed up may be all data stored in the internal recording medium 115, or may be only a portion of the data. Furthermore, the data to be backed up may be selected by the user in response to the backup execution instruction.

[0025] If the external recording medium 80 is not available (No in S102), the processing procedure in FIG. 3 ends. If the external recording medium 80 is available (Yes in S102), a loop process L1 including steps S103 and S104 is executed for each piece of data to be backed up among the data recorded on the external recording medium 80. Hereinafter, the data to be processed in the loop process L1 will be referred to as "target data." Note that each piece of data may be stored in a file and stored in the internal recording medium 11580. In this case, the loop process L1 will be executed for each file to be backed up.

[0026] In step S103, the hash value calculation unit 126 calculates a hash value of the target data, and then the duplication unit 125 records the duplication (copy) of the target data and the hash value on the external recording medium 80 in association with each other.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of backup data recorded on the external recording medium 80. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the file (file name) of the data to be backed up and the hash value of the data are associated with each other so as to form a pair and are recorded on the external recording medium 80.

[0028] When the loop process L1 has been executed for all data to be backed up, the processing procedure in FIG. 3 ends.

[0029] Next, a processing procedure for restoring (recovering) backed-up data will be described.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for restore processing.

[0031] When an instruction to execute a restore is input via the operation panel 15 (S201), the restoration unit 127 determines whether the external recording medium 80 can be used (S202). If the external recording medium 80 is set in the media slot 17, the restoration unit 127 determines that the external recording medium 80 is usable, and if not, determines that the external recording medium 80 is not usable.

[0032] If the external recording medium 80 is not available (No in S202), the processing procedure in FIG. 5 ends. If the external recording medium 80 is available (Yes in S202), the restoration unit 127 notifies each unit that will transition to a state in which functions are degraded (limited) during restoration (hereinafter referred to as "degraded mode") of the start of restoration (S203). For example, the restoration unit 127 notifies the access control unit 121, the operation control unit 123, the communication control unit 124, etc. of the start of restoration. Each unit that receives the notification of the start of restoration transitions to the degraded mode. Note that the degraded mode is provided to prevent various processes (programs) running in the image forming apparatus 10 from accessing the data area of ​​the internal recording medium 115 that is to be restored while the restoration process is being executed. The control executed by each unit that transitions to the degraded mode will be described later.

[0033] Next, the restoration unit 127 acquires the hash value of each piece of data recorded on the external recording medium 80 from the external recording medium 80 (S204).

[0034] Next, the hash value calculation unit 126 calculates the hash value of each data to be restored from among the data group recorded on the internal recording medium 115 (S205). The data to be restored refers to data that corresponds to data recorded on the external recording medium 80 (for example, data with the same file name).

[0035] Next, the comparison unit 128 compares the hash value calculated in step S204 with the hash value calculated in step S205 for each data to be restored, and determines whether or not the two values ​​match in their entirety (S206).

[0036] If the two are completely identical (No in S206), it means that each data to be restored among the data group recorded on the internal recording medium 115 is the same as the data recorded on the external recording medium 80. In this case, restoring data from the external recording medium 80 to the internal recording medium 115 by restricting the use of the image forming apparatus 10 would impair user convenience. Therefore, in this case, the restoration unit 127 proceeds to step S210 without executing the restoration.

[0037] On the other hand, if the hash value calculated in step S204 and the hash value calculated in step S205 differ for at least some of the data (Yes in S206), the output unit 129 outputs information indicating that the data recorded on the external recording medium 80 differs from the data recorded on the internal recording medium 115 (hereinafter referred to as "mismatch notification information") (S207). The mismatch notification information may be output by displaying it on the operation panel 15, for example.

[0038] 6 is a diagram showing an example of output of mismatch notification information, which is shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, an example of output of mismatch notification information is shown via a screen 510 and a screen 520.

[0039] First, the output unit 129 displays a screen 510 on the operation panel 15. The screen 510 includes a message indicating that the data recorded (backed up) on the external recording medium 80 does not match the data recorded on the internal recording medium 115.

[0040] When list display button 511 is pressed on screen 510, output unit 129 displays screen 520 on operation panel 15. Screen 520 includes a list of names (file names) of data whose hash values ​​do not match.

[0041] When the user makes a predetermined input (specifically, presses the execute button 521 on the screen 520) (Yes in S208), the restoration unit 127 restores (restores) the data (copy) recorded on the external recording medium 80 to the internal recording medium 115 (S209). At this time, each piece of data on the internal recording medium 115 is overwritten with data on the external recording medium 80 that has the same file name as the data. At this time, only data whose hash values ​​do not match may be restored, or all data recorded on the external recording medium 80 may be restored.

[0042] When copying of all data to be restored from the external recording medium 80 to the internal recording medium 115 is completed, the restoration unit 127 notifies each unit (e.g., the access control unit 121, the operation control unit 123, and the communication control unit 124) that the restore has been completed in step S203 (S210). Each unit that has received the notification that the restore has started returns from the degenerate mode (cancels the degenerate mode).

[0043] On the other hand, if the user does not make a specified input (specifically, if the end button 512 on screen 510 or the end button 522 on screen 520 is pressed) (No in S208), the restoration unit 127 proceeds to step S210 without executing step S209.

[0044] In this way, if the hash values ​​do not match, the user is queried as to whether or not to perform the restore, and the restore is performed only if the user has entered the required input. This makes it possible to prevent the user's intended changes from being invalidated by being overwritten by the backup if the user intentionally changes data in the internal recording medium 115 after the backup (for example, if the data has been changed by changing the settings of the image forming device 10, etc.).

[0045] Next, the control (processing) executed by each unit that has transitioned to the degenerate mode will be described.

[0046] When the operation control unit 123 transitions to the degraded mode, it displays a screen 530 as shown in Fig. 7 to notify the user that restore processing is in progress, and does not accept operations from the user (use of various functions of the image forming apparatus 10) until the degraded mode is released. Note that the screens 510 and 520 in Fig. 6 may be displayed superimposed on the screen 530. This allows operations on the screens 510 and 520.

[0047] When the communication control unit 124 transitions to the degenerate mode, it notifies the host environment that the system status of the image forming device 10 is busy or undergoing restore processing, so as not to accept various requests (e.g., job execution requests) from the network interface 16 or interfaces for communication with the outside, such as USB, until the degenerate mode is released, thereby notifying the outside that a job cannot be executed.

[0048] When the access control unit 121 shifts to the degenerate mode, it restricts access to the internal recording medium 115 from sources other than the restoration unit 127 until the degenerate mode is released.

[0049] Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining a first example of a processing procedure executed by the access control unit 121 in the degenerate mode. In Fig. 8, the same step numbers are assigned to the same steps as in Fig. 3. Also, Fig. 8 shows an example in which the request to write to the internal recording medium 115 is made by the device control unit 122, but similar processing is executed even if the request to write is made by a source other than the device control unit 122.

[0050] Before transitioning to the degenerate mode, when the device control unit 122 requests the access control unit 121 to write data recorded on the internal recording medium 115 (S310), the access control unit 121 executes writing to the data in accordance with the request from the device control unit 122 (S320).

[0051] Thereafter, as explained in FIG. 5, when the restoration unit 127 notifies the access control unit 121 of the start of restoration (S203), the access control unit 121 transitions to the degenerate mode.

[0052] In the degenerate mode, when the device control unit 122 requests the access control unit 121 to write data recorded on the internal recording medium 115 (S330), the access control unit 121 rejects the request from the device control unit 122 and does not write to the internal recording medium 115 (S340). However, in response to a write request for restoring data from the external recording medium 80 executed by the restoration unit 127 in step S209 of Fig. 5 (S209-1), the access control unit 121 writes in accordance with the request (S209-2).

[0053] Thereafter, as explained in FIG. 5, when the restoration unit 127 notifies the access control unit 121 that the restoration is complete (S210), the access control unit 121 returns from the degenerate mode.

[0054] After returning from the degenerate mode, when the device control unit 122 requests the access control unit 121 to write data recorded on the internal recording medium 115 (S350), the access control unit 121 executes writing to the data in accordance with the request from the device control unit 122 (S360).

[0055] In the degenerate mode, reading of data recorded on the internal recording medium 115 may be permitted.

[0056] Alternatively, an area (hereinafter referred to as a "temporary area") where temporary writing is permitted even in the degenerate mode may be provided in the storage area of ​​the internal recording medium 115, in an area different from the area where data is restored (restored) from the external recording medium 80. The processing procedure executed by the access control unit 121 in this case will be described below.

[0057] 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first example of a processing procedure executed by the access control unit 121 in the degenerate mode. In FIG. 9, the same steps as those in FIG. 8 are assigned the same step numbers, and their description will be omitted.

[0058] 9, step S340 in Fig. 8 is replaced with step S340a. In step S340a, the access control unit 121 writes data to the temporary area in response to the request without rejecting the request from the device control unit 122. That is, the access control unit 121 switches the write destination in response to the request to the temporary area.

[0059] When the degenerate mode is released (S210), the access control unit 121 acquires the data written to the temporary area during the degenerate mode (S211) and merges the data into the original storage area (S212).

[0060] According to the processing procedure of FIG. 9, it is possible to eliminate the need for complicated control such as re-requesting each unit that requested writing to the internal recording medium 115 during the degenerate mode to write again after the degenerate mode is switched on.

[0061] For example, if the internal recording medium 115 is an eMMC, the area to be restored and the temporary area can be managed in separate partitions, and treated as separate device files within the system, allowing the two areas to be accessed in parallel.

[0062] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if a user instructs that data backed up to external recording medium 80 (backup data) be restored to internal recording medium 115, if the data recorded on internal recording medium 115 is the same as the backup data, the restore process is not executed. In this case, it is possible to prevent usage restrictions on image forming apparatus 10 from occurring due to the execution of the restore. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the decrease in convenience due to the restoration of backed up data.

[0063] Furthermore, by switching to a degenerate mode while the restore process is being executed, it is possible to restrict access to the internal recording medium 115. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of system abnormalities caused by accessing the internal recording medium 115 during restore.

[0064] Note that the present embodiment may be applied to any device other than image forming apparatus 10 as long as the device is capable of recording data on an external recording medium. The device may be, for example, a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board with an electronic blackboard function that allows mutual communication), an output device such as digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, industrial machinery, an imaging device, a sound collection device, medical equipment, a network home appliance, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game console, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a wearable PC, or a desktop PC.

[0065] Each function of the present embodiment can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0066] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0067] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A device, a duplication unit that records a copy of data stored in an internal recording medium of the device and a hash value of the data on an external recording medium; a restoration unit that restores data to the internal recording medium from the copy recorded on the external recording medium when the hash value recorded on the external recording medium differs from the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium; An apparatus characterized by having: <2> During the period in which the restoration unit restores the data to the internal recording medium, the device does not accept any operation on an operation unit thereof or any communication from outside. Characterized by <1> The equipment described. <3> an output unit that outputs information indicating that the copy and the data are different when the hash value recorded on the external recording medium and the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium are different; characterized in that it has <1> or <2> The equipment described. <4> the restoration unit restores data from the copy recorded on the external recording medium to the internal recording medium when a predetermined input is made in accordance with the information. Characterized by <3> The equipment described. <5> an access control unit that restricts access to the internal recording medium during a period when the restoration unit is restoring data to the internal recording medium; characterized in that it has <1> ~ <4> Any of the devices listed. <6> the access control unit switches a write destination of data on the internal recording medium to an area on the internal recording medium different from an area to which the data is restored during a period in which the restoration unit restores the data on the internal recording medium. Characterized by <5> The equipment described. <7> The equipment, a duplication procedure for recording a copy of data stored in an internal recording medium of the rigid device and a hash value of the data onto an external recording medium; a restoration procedure for restoring data to the internal recording medium from the copy recorded on the external recording medium when the hash value recorded on the external recording medium differs from the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium; An information processing method comprising: <8> To the equipment, a duplication procedure for recording a copy of data stored in an internal recording medium of the rigid device and a hash value of the data onto an external recording medium; a restoration procedure for restoring data to the internal recording medium from the copy recorded on the external recording medium when the hash value recorded on the external recording medium differs from the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium; A program characterized by executing the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10 Image forming device 11 Controller 12 Scanner 13 Printers 14 Modem 15 Operation panel 16 Network Interfaces 17 Media Slots 80 External recording media 111 CPU 112 RAM 113 ROM 114 HDD 115 Internal recording media 121 Access control section 122 Equipment control section 123 Operation control section 124 Communication control unit 125 Reproduction Department 126 Hash value calculation unit 127 Restoration Department 128 Comparison Section 129 Output Section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0069] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-258512

Claims

1. A device, a duplication unit that records a copy of data stored in an internal recording medium of the device and a hash value of the data on an external recording medium; a restoration unit that restores data to the internal recording medium from the copy recorded on the external recording medium when the hash value recorded on the external recording medium and the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium differ; An apparatus characterized by having:

2. During the period in which the restoration unit restores the data to the internal recording medium, the device does not accept any operation on an operation unit thereof or any communication from outside.

2. The device of claim 1.

3. an output unit that outputs information indicating that the copy and the data are different when the hash value recorded on the external recording medium and the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium are different; 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

4. the restoration unit restores data from the copy recorded on the external recording medium to the internal recording medium when a predetermined input is made in accordance with the information.

4. The device of claim 3.

5. an access control unit that restricts access to the internal recording medium during a period when the restoration unit is restoring data to the internal recording medium; 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

6. the access control unit switches a write destination of data on the internal recording medium to an area on the internal recording medium different from an area to which the data is restored during a period in which the restoration unit restores the data on the internal recording medium.

6. The device according to claim 5.

7. The equipment, a duplication procedure for recording a copy of data stored in an internal recording medium of the rigid device and a hash value of the data onto an external recording medium; a restoration procedure for restoring data to the internal recording medium from the copy recorded on the external recording medium when the hash value recorded on the external recording medium differs from the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium; An information processing method comprising:

8. To the equipment, a duplication procedure for recording a copy of data stored in an internal recording medium of the rigid device and a hash value of the data onto an external recording medium; a restoration procedure for restoring data to the internal recording medium from the copy recorded on the external recording medium when the hash value recorded on the external recording medium differs from the hash value of the data recorded on the internal recording medium; A program characterized by executing the following.

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