Data processing apparatus, data processing method, and storage medium

Abstract

To improve convenience when reading / writing electronic data from / to a storage medium.SOLUTION: A data processing apparatus that reads electronic data stored in a plurality of storage media includes a reading unit that reads each of a plurality of pieces of partial data obtained by dividing the electronic data and control information indicating an order in which the pieces of partial data are connected from each of the plurality of storage media, and a restoring unit that restores the electronic data by connecting the plurality of pieces of partial data read from the plurality of storage media according to the order indicated by the control information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a data processing device, a data processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques for reading and writing electronic data from and to a storage medium are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that includes a reader / writer that reads information stored in a short-range wireless communication authentication device and writes information to the short-range wireless communication authentication device, acquires customization information stored in the short-range wireless communication authentication device via short-range wireless communication, stores log information of selections made on a customization screen for each user in the short-range wireless communication authentication device, and updates the customization screen based on the customization information for each user that includes the log information stored in the short-range wireless communication authentication device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-263484 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional technologies have room for improvement in convenience when reading and writing electronic data. For example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 assumes that the amount of data stored in a short-range wireless communication authentication device is equal to or less than the storage capacity of the short-range wireless communication authentication device, and does not take into consideration storing one piece of electronic data in multiple storage media.

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve convenience when reading and writing electronic data to a storage medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A data processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a data processing device that reads electronic data stored on multiple storage media, and includes a reading unit that reads from each of the multiple storage media each of multiple partial data pieces into which the electronic data is divided and control information indicating the order in which the partial data are to be concatenated, and a restoration unit that restores the electronic data by concatenating the multiple partial data pieces read from the multiple storage media in accordance with the order indicated in the control information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, convenience in reading and writing electronic data from and to a storage medium is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a data processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of an NFC card. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a writing process. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an export screen. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reading process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an import screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an example of a data processing system that reads and writes electronic data to a storage medium. In this embodiment, the data processing system stores one piece of electronic data in one or more storage media and reads electronic data stored in one or more storage media. As an example, the data processing system can use one or more storage media to import and export electronic data stored in a first device to a second device. As another example, the data processing system can use one or more storage media to back up electronic data stored in one device.

[0011] In this embodiment, the electronic data may be setting data indicating setting information of the electronic device. The electronic device may include, for example, office equipment, home appliances, or facility equipment. For example, the electronic device may be a scanner. The electronic device is not limited to a scanner, but may also include a printer, a facsimile machine, a digital multifunction peripheral / product / printer (MFP), and the like.

[0012] In this embodiment, the storage medium may be a portable storage medium. The storage medium may be a medium from which data can be read and written via wireless communication. As an example, the storage medium may be an IC card with an embedded IC chip. As an example, the IC card may be an NFC (Near Field Communication) card that allows data to be written to the IC chip and data written to the IC chip to be read via NFC. The storage medium is not limited to an NFC card, and may include a memory card having a memory element such as a flash memory, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc.

[0013] For example, electronic data may be read from or written to a storage medium for purposes such as data import / export or backup. If the amount of electronic data is larger than the storage capacity of the storage medium, it is necessary to divide one piece of electronic data and store it on multiple storage media. For example, the storage capacity of an NFC card is at most a few kilobytes. NFC cards are primarily used for purposes such as personal authentication, and often store authentication information. While the storage capacity of an NFC card is sufficient for storing authentication information, it is insufficient for storing setting data for electronic devices.

[0014] For example, there are cases where office equipment such as scanners are deployed at multiple locations with the same settings. If it is not possible to store all of the scanner's setting data on an NFC card, it is possible to store only key setting information, such as network settings, on the NFC card. In this case, an NFC card storing the network settings is packaged with the scanner and delivered to each location. At each location, an employee imports the network settings from the NFC card into the scanner, and the other setting data is distributed via the network.

[0015] The above operation has the effect of improving user convenience to a certain extent, since it is only necessary to import the network settings. However, with the above operation, the scanner device cannot be used immediately even if the settings are imported from the NFC card. Furthermore, the above operation cannot be applied to configurations where the scanner device is not connected to a network. Therefore, even with the above operation, there is still room for improvement in user convenience.

[0016] This embodiment aims to improve the convenience of reading and writing electronic data from storage media. In this embodiment, each of multiple partial data segments obtained by dividing electronic data and control information indicating the order in which the partial data segments are to be concatenated is read from each of multiple storage media, and the multiple partial data segments read from the multiple storage media are concatenated in the order indicated by the control information. In one aspect, this embodiment allows multiple storage media on which electronic data is stored to be read in any order, thereby improving the convenience of reading and writing electronic data from storage media.

[0017] <Overall structure> The overall configuration of a data processing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a data processing system.

[0018] 1, a data processing system 1000 includes two scanner devices 10 (10-1, 10-2) and one or more NFC cards C. The scanner device 10 is an example of an electronic device. The NFC card is an example of a storage medium.

[0019] Hereinafter, when there are multiple scanner devices 10, they will be distinguished from one another by using sub-numbers such as "scanner device 10-1," "scanner device 10-2," etc. When a "scanner device 10" or the like is used without using a sub-number, it applies to all scanner devices 10.

[0020] The scanner device 10 is an example of an image reading device that optically reads an image formed on an image-forming medium. The scanner device 10 may output image data read from the image-forming medium. The scanner device 10 may perform data processing such as optical character recognition (OCR) on the image data read from the image-forming medium and output the processing results. The scanner device 10 may transmit the image data or the processing results for the image data to an information processing device such as a personal computer or a server via a communication network.

[0021] The scanner device 10 has a built-in control device 100. That is, the scanner device 10-1 has a built-in control device 100-1, and the scanner device 10-2 has a built-in control device 100-2. The control device 100 is an example of an information processing device that controls the operation of the scanner device 10. The control device 100 controls the scanning operation of the scanner device 10 based on setting data pre-stored in a storage device.

[0022] The control device 100 has a function of importing and exporting setting data using an NFC card C. The control device 100-1 may write setting data for the scanner device 10-1 stored in a storage device to one or more NFC cards C. The control device 100-2 may read the setting data for the scanner device 10-1 written to one or more NFC cards C and store it in a storage device as setting data for the scanner device 10-2. This allows the data processing system 1000 to import and export setting data for the scanner device 10-1 to and from the scanner device 10-2. The control device 100 is an example of a data processing device.

[0023] Although the configuration in which the setting data of the scanner device 10-1 is transferred to and from the scanner device 10-2 has been described above, the configuration in which the scanner device 10-1 or the scanner device 10-2 backs up the setting data to the NFC card C may also be used. In this case, the data processing system 1000 may include one scanner device 10 incorporating the control device 100. The control device 100 may write the setting data of the scanner device 10 stored in a storage device to the NFC card C. The control device 100 may also read the setting data of the scanner device 10 written to the NFC card C and store it in the storage device.

[0024] 1 is merely an example, and various system configurations are possible depending on the application and purpose. For example, the data processing system 1000 may include three or more scanner devices 10. For example, the data processing system 1000 may include one scanner device 10-1 and two or more scanner devices 10-2. This allows the setting data of the scanner device 10-1 to be loaded onto multiple scanner devices 10-2 via the NFC card C.

[0025] The control device 100 may be an information processing device that is not built into the scanner device 10 but is capable of communicating with the scanner device 10 via a wired or wireless network. For example, the control device 100 may be an information processing terminal such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. When the control device 100 is realized by an information processing terminal, the information processing terminal may have a built-in NFC module capable of reading and writing to an NFC card C, or may have an externally connected external NFC reader / writer capable of reading and writing to an NFC card C.

[0026] <Hardware configuration> The control device 100 included in the scanner device 10 may be realized by, for example, a computer.

[0027] 2, the control device 100 includes a processor 600, a main memory device 602, an auxiliary memory device 604, a network IF (Interface) 606, a display control device 608, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader / writer 610, an input control device 612, and a scanner control device 614. The processor 600 and the main memory device 602 form a so-called computer. Each piece of hardware in the control device 100 is connected to one another via a bus 616.

[0028] The processor 600 is an example of a computing device that realizes the overall control and functions of the control device 100. The processor 600 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphic processing unit (GPU). The processor 600 reads programs and data from a storage device such as the auxiliary storage device 604 onto the main storage device 602, and executes the processing described in the programs.

[0029] The main memory device 602 is an example of a memory device that provides a working area when the processor 600 executes a program. The main memory device 602 may be a volatile semiconductor memory in which programs and data are erased when the power is turned off. The main memory device 602 may include, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0030] The auxiliary storage device 604 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The auxiliary storage device 604 may include, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 604 may include basic software (OS: Operating System) that controls the entire control device 100, and applications that provide various functions on the OS.

[0031] The display control device 608 is an example of a control device that controls a display device used to present various information to a user. The display device controlled by the display control device 608 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0032] The IC card reader / writer 610 is an example of a control device that reads and writes data from and to an IC card having an IC chip. The IC card reader / writer 610 may be, for example, an NFC module that reads or writes data by communicating with an IC chip embedded in an NFC card C via short-range wireless communication. The IC card reader / writer 610 may be realized as an external NFC reader / writer that is externally connected to the control device 100 via various wired or wireless interfaces.

[0033] The input control device 612 is an example of a control device that controls an input device used by a user to input various information. Examples of the input device controlled by the input control device 612 may include a touch panel, operation keys, buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0034] The network IF 606 is an interface for connecting to a communication network and performing data communication, and may be connected to the communication network via various wired or wireless interfaces.

[0035] The scanner control device 614 is an example of a control device that controls the scanning operation of the scanner device 10. In the scanning operation, an image-forming medium placed on a loading section of the scanner device 10 is fed to a transport path by the rotation of a transport roller, and an image formed on one or both sides of the image-forming medium is captured by a reading section disposed near the transport path. The image captured by the reading section is subjected to image processing by a control circuit of the scanner device 10, and image data representing the image formed on the image-forming medium is generated.

[0036] The various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 604 may be installed by, for example, inserting a storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) into a drive device and reading out the various programs stored in the storage medium using the drive device. Alternatively, the various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 604 may be installed by downloading them from a network via the network IF 606.

[0037] <Functional configuration> The functional configuration of the control device 100 provided in the scanner device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device.

[0038] 3, the control device 100 includes a data storage unit 101, an information acquisition unit 110, a division unit 120, a writing unit 130, a reading unit 140, a determination unit 150, a restoration unit 160, and a screen display unit 170. The control device 100 functions as the data storage unit 101, the information acquisition unit 110, the division unit 120, the writing unit 130, the reading unit 140, the determination unit 150, the restoration unit 160, and the screen display unit 170 by executing a program installed in advance.

[0039] For example, the data storage unit 101 is realized by the auxiliary storage device 604 shown in Fig. 2. For example, the information acquisition unit 110, the division unit 120, the writing unit 130, the reading unit 140, the determination unit 150, the restoration unit 160, and the screen display unit 170 are realized by a process in which a program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 604 onto the main storage device 602 shown in Fig. 2 is executed by the processor 600 or the IC card reader / writer 610.

[0040] The data storage unit 101 stores setting data indicating setting information of the scanner device 10. The setting data may be stored in advance in the data storage unit 101. The setting data may be generated by the input control device 612 when a user of the scanner device 10 operates the input device.

[0041] The information acquisition unit 110 acquires information related to the NFC card C and information related to the setting data. The information acquisition unit 110 may acquire information indicating the storage capacity of the NFC card C. The information indicating the storage capacity may be the free space available for additional storage on the NFC card C. The information acquisition unit 110 may acquire information indicating the data amount of the setting data.

[0042] The dividing unit 120 divides the setting data stored in the data storage unit 101 into a plurality of pieces of electronic data. Hereinafter, the plurality of pieces of electronic data obtained by dividing the setting data will be referred to as "partial data." The dividing unit 120 may divide the setting data into a plurality of partial data by dividing the setting data into equal data length intervals. The dividing unit 120 may divide the setting data into a plurality of partial data so that the data volume of each partial data is equal to or less than the storage capacity of the NFC card C.

[0043] When dividing the setting data into a plurality of partial data, the dividing unit 120 may perform predetermined data processing on the setting data. The predetermined data processing may include at least one of compression and encryption, for example.

[0044] The writing unit 130 writes the partial data to the NFC card C. The writing unit 130 repeatedly writes one piece of partial data to one NFC card C for each of the plurality of partial data into which the dividing unit 120 divided the setting data.

[0045] The writing unit 130 may perform predetermined data processing on the partial data when writing the partial data to the NFC card C. The predetermined data processing may include at least one of compression and encryption, for example.

[0046] The writing unit 130 associates control information with the partial data and writes the control information to the NFC card C. The control information is information used to control reading and writing of the NFC card C. In this embodiment, the control information includes at least information indicating the order in which the partial data are linked (hereinafter referred to as "linking order information"). The linking order information may be numerical values ​​assigned to each partial data in ascending order from the top when the setting data is divided into a plurality of partial data.

[0047] The control information may include information indicating the total number of NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written. The information indicating the total number of NFC cards C may be information indicating the amount of setting data. The total number of NFC cards C can be calculated by dividing the amount of setting data by the storage capacity of the NFC card C.

[0048] The control information may include identification information that identifies a set of multiple NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written. Unique identification information may be assigned each time the process of writing setting data to an NFC card C is executed. In this case, different identification information is assigned to different NFC cards C to which the same setting data is written.

[0049] The control information may include information indicating the amount of partial data. The control information is not limited to this information, and may include various information for controlling reading and writing of the NFC card C.

[0050] The reading unit 140 reads the partial data from the NFC card C. For each of the multiple NFC cards C to which setting data has been written, the reading unit 140 repeatedly reads one piece of partial data from one NFC card C. The reading unit 140 reads the partial data together with control information associated with the partial data from the NFC card C.

[0051] The reading unit 140 repeatedly reads the partial data and the control information from the NFC card C until the partial data or the control information read from the read NFC card C satisfies a predetermined termination condition. As an example, the termination condition may be that the number of read NFC cards C reaches the total number of NFC cards C indicated in the control information. As an example, the termination condition may be that the sum of the data amounts of the partial data read from the read NFC cards C reaches the data amount of the setting data indicated in the control information. As an example, the termination condition may be that the partial data read from the read NFC card C contains a termination symbol (e.g., an EOF (End of File) code).

[0052] The determination unit 150 determines whether or not to read partial data from the currently read NFC card C. The determination unit 150 may determine whether or not to read partial data from the NFC card C based on the control information read from the currently read NFC card C.

[0053] As one example, if the linking order information indicated in the control information read from the NFC card C currently being read overlaps with the linking order information indicated in the control information read from the already read NFC card C, the determination unit 150 may determine not to read the partial data from the NFC card C currently being read. As another example, if the identification information indicated in the control information read from the NFC card C currently being read differs from the identification information indicated in the control information read from the already read storage medium, the determination unit 150 may determine not to read the partial data from the NFC card C currently being read.

[0054] The restoration unit 160 restores the setting data based on the plurality of partial data read from the NFC card C. The restoration unit 160 may restore the setting data based on the control information read from the NFC card C. The restoration unit 160 may restore the setting data by combining the plurality of partial data in accordance with linking order information indicated in the control information.

[0055] The restoration unit 160 stores the setting data restored from the plurality of partial data in the data storage unit 101. If the setting data is already stored in the data storage unit 101, the restoration unit 160 may update the setting data stored in the data storage unit 101 with the restored setting data. The restoration unit 160 may allow the user to select whether or not to update the setting data stored in the data storage unit 101 with the restored setting data.

[0056] The screen display unit 170 displays an operation screen on the display device. The operation screen is a screen for accepting operations related to reading and writing of the NFC card C. The screen display unit 170 may accept an operation to start writing setting data. The screen display unit 170 may accept an operation to start reading setting data.

[0057] When writing setting data to NFC cards C, the screen display unit 170 may display the total number of NFC cards C required on the operation screen. The screen display unit 170 may display information about the NFC cards C to which data has already been written on the operation screen. The information about the NFC cards C to which data has already been written may include information indicating the number of NFC cards C to which data has already been written. The information indicating the number of NFC cards C to which data has already been written may include the order of the NFC cards C to which data is currently being written. The screen display unit 170 may accept input of authentication information for reading setting data from the NFC cards C.

[0058] When reading setting data from an NFC card C, the screen display unit 170 may display on the operation screen the total number of NFC cards C to which setting data has been written. The screen display unit 170 may display information about the NFC cards C that have already been read on the operation screen. The information about the NFC cards C that have already been read may include information indicating the number of NFC cards C that have already been read. The information indicating the number of NFC cards C that have already been read may include the order in which the NFC cards C are being read. The screen display unit 170 may accept input of authentication information before reading setting data from an NFC card C.

[0059] The functional configuration of the control device 100 shown in Fig. 3 is one example, and it goes without saying that there are various examples of functional configurations depending on the application and purpose. The division of processing units such as the data storage unit 101, information acquisition unit 110, division unit 120, writing unit 130, reading unit 140, determination unit 150, restoration unit 160, and screen display unit 170 shown in Fig. 3 is one example.

[0060] For example, at least two of the information acquisition unit 110, the division unit 120, the writing unit 130, the reading unit 140, the determination unit 150, the restoration unit 160, and the screen display unit 170 may be integrated into one processing unit. Also, for example, at least one of the information acquisition unit 110, the division unit 120, the writing unit 130, the reading unit 140, the determination unit 150, the restoration unit 160, and the screen display unit 170 may be divided into multiple processing units. Also, for example, the data storage unit 101 may be divided into multiple storage units.

[0061] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of an NFC card. As shown in Fig. 4, NFC card C has a data structure in which multiple fixed-length blocks are arranged. In this embodiment, NFC card C includes 256 blocks, and each block can store 16 bytes.

[0062] In Fig. 4, the shaded areas are write-protected areas. Header information is stored in the fourth block. Encrypted data is stored in the fifth and sixth blocks, the eighth and tenth blocks, the twelfth and fourteenth blocks, etc. The encrypted data is an example of partial data.

[0063] The header information includes control information. The header information includes a card identifier, a total number of cards, a card number, and a data size. The card identifier is an example of identification information that identifies a set of multiple NFC cards C on which setting data is written. The total number is an example of information indicating the total number of multiple NFC cards C on which setting data is written. The card number is an example of information indicating the concatenation order of the partial data written to the NFC card C. The data size is an example of information indicating the data volume of the partial data written to the NFC card C.

[0064] <Data processing method> A data processing method executed by the data processing system 1000 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. The data processing method includes a write process (see Figure 5) and a read process (see Figure 7). The write process is a process for writing setting data to an NFC card. The read process is a process for reading setting data from an NFC card.

[0065] <Write processing> The write process executed by the control device 100-1 of the scanner device 10-1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the write process. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an export screen. The export screen is an example of an operation screen for the write process.

[0066] In step S101, screen display unit 170 of control device 100-1 displays an export screen. The user performs an operation on the export screen to start writing setting data. Screen display unit 170 accepts the operation to start writing setting data.

[0067] Fig. 6(A) is an example of an export screen displayed when writing of setting data is started. As shown in Fig. 6(A), the export screen accepts input of a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code, which is an example of authentication information. When the user presses the start button on the export screen, screen display unit 170 accepts an operation to start writing of setting data.

[0068] When the screen display unit 170 receives an operation to start writing the setting data, it displays an instruction to hold the NFC card C over the scanner device 10-1 on the export screen. The user holds the NFC card C over a predetermined position on the scanner device 10-1. The predetermined position may be any position where the IC card reader / writer 610 can communicate with the IC chip embedded in the NFC card C via short-range wireless communication.

[0069] 6(B) is an example of an export screen instructing the user to hold the NFC card C. When the user holds the NFC card C over a predetermined position, the IC card reader / writer 610 of the control device 100-1 connects to the NFC card C held over the predetermined position.

[0070] In step S102, the information acquisition unit 110 of the control device 100-1 acquires information indicating the storage capacity of the NFC card C connected in step S101. The information acquisition unit 110 may receive the information indicating the storage capacity from the NFC card C connected in step S101 via short-range wireless communication.

[0071] In step S103, the information acquisition unit 110 of the control device 100-1 determines whether the connected NFC card C is the first one. For example, the information acquisition unit 110 stores the number of NFC cards C on which writing has been performed, and may determine that the connected NFC card C is the first one if the number of NFC cards C on which writing has been performed is zero.

[0072] If the currently connected NFC card C is the first one (YES), the information acquisition unit 110 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the currently connected NFC card C is the second or subsequent one (NO), the information acquisition unit 110 proceeds to step S110.

[0073] In step S104, the information acquisition unit 110 of the control device 100-1 acquires information indicating the data amount of the setting data stored in the data storage unit 101. The information acquisition unit 110 may acquire the data amount when the setting data is compressed. If the setting data is compressed and stored in the NFC card C, the total number of NFC cards C required can be reduced.

[0074] In step S105, the information acquisition unit 110 of the control device 100-1 calculates the total number of NFC cards C required to store the setting data based on the storage capacity of the NFC cards C and the amount of setting data. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 110 divides the amount of setting data by the storage capacity of the NFC cards C and rounds up to the nearest integer.

[0075] The information acquisition unit 110 determines the data size of the partial data based on the total number of NFC cards C. The division unit 120 may determine the data size of the partial data so that the data size of the partial data is equal to or less than the storage capacity of the NFC card C. For example, the information acquisition unit 110 may divide the data size of the setting data by the total number of NFC cards C. The information acquisition unit 110 sends information indicating the data size of the partial data to the division unit 120.

[0076] The screen display unit 170 displays on the export screen the total number of NFC cards C. The screen display unit 170 also displays on the export screen the order of the NFC cards C being written.

[0077] 6(C) is an example of an export screen displayed while writing to the first NFC card. As shown in FIG. 6(C), the export screen may, for example, display a message indicating that four NFC cards are required and that writing is currently being performed on the first of the four NFC cards.

[0078] In step S106, the dividing unit 120 of the control device 100-1 receives information indicating the data amount of the partial data from the information acquiring unit 110. The dividing unit 120 reads out the setting data from the data storage unit 101.

[0079] The dividing unit 120 divides one piece of partial data from an unwritten portion of the setting data. Specifically, the dividing unit 120 acquires only the amount of partial data from the beginning of the unwritten portion of the setting data. The dividing unit 120 also sets the range of the acquired partial data from the setting data as written. If the amount of data in the unwritten portion of the setting data is smaller than the storage capacity of the NFC card C, the dividing unit 120 may acquire the entire unwritten portion as partial data.

[0080] When writing to the first NFC card C, the dividing unit 120 generates identification information to be used for writing the setting data. In this case, the dividing unit 120 also initializes the linking order information. For example, the dividing unit 120 may initialize the linking order information to 1. When writing to the second or subsequent NFC cards C, the dividing unit 120 updates the linking order information. For example, the dividing unit 120 may increment the linking order information. The dividing unit 120 sends the partial data, the identification information, and the linking order information to the writing unit 130.

[0081] In step S107, the writing unit 130 of the control device 100-1 receives the partial data, identification information, and linking order information from the dividing unit 120. The writing unit 130 generates control information to be associated with the partial data. In this embodiment, the control information includes the identification information generated in step S106, the total number of NFC cards C calculated in step S105, the linking order information determined in step S106, and the data amount of the partial data determined in step S104.

[0082] In step S108, the writing unit 130 of the control device 100-1 writes the partial data divided in step S106 and the control information generated in step S107 to the NFC card C connected in step S101. Specifically, the writing unit 130 stores the control information in the header information of the NFC card C, divides the partial data into a predetermined number of bytes, and stores them in predetermined blocks of the NFC card C.

[0083] In step S109, the writing unit 130 of the control device 100-1 determines whether writing of the setting data is complete. For example, the writing unit 130 may increment the number of NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written, and determine that writing of the setting data is complete when the number of NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written is equal to or greater than the total number of NFC cards C.

[0084] If it is determined that the writing of the setting data is complete (YES), the writing unit 130 ends the writing process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the writing of the setting data is not complete (NO), the writing unit 130 returns the process to step S101.

[0085] When the process returns to step S101, the screen display unit 170 of the control device 100-1 displays on the export screen a message that writing to the NFC card C has been completed and an instruction to hold the next NFC card C. The user holds the next NFC card C over a predetermined position on the scanner device 10-1.

[0086] Fig. 6(D) is an example of an export screen instructing the user to hold the next NFC card C. As shown in Fig. 6(D), the export screen may, for example, display a message indicating that writing to the first NFC card has been completed and an instruction to hold the next NFC card. When the user holds the NFC card C over a predetermined position on the scanner device 10-1, the IC card reader / writer 610 of the control device 100-1 connects to the NFC card C held over the predetermined position.

[0087] In step S102, the information acquisition unit 110 acquires information indicating the storage capacity of the connected NFC card C. In step S103, the information acquisition unit 110 determines whether the connected NFC card C is the first NFC card. In this case, since the second NFC card C is currently connected, the information acquisition unit 110 proceeds to step S110.

[0088] In step S110, the information acquisition unit 110 of the control device 100-1 determines whether the storage capacity of the connected NFC card C is sufficient to store the partial data. For example, if the storage capacity of the connected NFC card C is equal to or greater than the storage capacity of the first NFC card C, the information acquisition unit 110 may determine that the storage capacity of the NFC card C is sufficient.

[0089] If it is determined that the storage capacity of the connected NFC card C is sufficient (YES), the information acquisition unit 110 proceeds to step S106. At this time, the screen display unit 170 displays the order of the NFC card C being written to on the export screen. On the other hand, if it is determined that the storage capacity of the connected NFC card C is not sufficient (NO), the information acquisition unit 110 proceeds to step S111.

[0090] Fig. 6(E) is an example of an export screen displayed while writing to a second NFC card. As shown in Fig. 6(E), the export screen may, for example, display a message indicating that four NFC cards are required, that writing to one NFC card has been completed, and that writing to the second of the four NFC cards is currently in progress.

[0091] In step S111, the screen display unit 170 of the control device 100-1 displays on the export screen a notice that writing to the NFC card C is not possible. After that, the screen display unit 170 returns the process to step S101. When the process returns to step S101, the screen display unit 170 displays on the export screen an instruction to hold up another NFC card C.

[0092] When the process proceeds to step S106, the division unit 120 of the control device 100-1 divides one partial data from the unwritten portion of the setting data. Thereafter, the control device 100-1 executes the processes from step S107 to step S109 again on the new partial data. In this way, the control device 100-1 repeatedly writes the partial data to the NFC card C until it determines in step S109 that writing of the setting data is complete.

[0093] 6(F) is an example of an export screen that is displayed when writing of the setting data is completed. As shown in FIG. 6(F), the export screen may, for example, display a message indicating that writing of the setting data is completed.

[0094] <Reading process> The reading process executed by the control device 100-2 of the scanner device 10-2 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the reading process. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an import screen. The import screen is an example of an operation screen in the reading process.

[0095] In step S201, screen display unit 170 of control device 100-2 displays an import screen. The user performs an operation on the import screen to start reading setting data. Screen display unit 170 accepts the operation to start reading setting data.

[0096] 8A is an example of an import screen that is displayed when starting to read setting data. As shown in FIG. 8A, the import screen accepts input of a PIN code, which is an example of authentication information. When the user presses the start button on the import screen, screen display unit 170 performs authentication processing using the PIN code, and if authentication is successful, accepts an operation to start reading the setting data.

[0097] When the screen display unit 170 receives an operation to start reading the setting data, it displays on the import screen an instruction to hold the NFC card C. The user holds the NFC card C over a predetermined position of the scanner device 10-2.

[0098] 8(B) is an example of an import screen instructing the user to hold the NFC card C. When the user holds the NFC card C over a predetermined position on the scanner device 10-2, the IC card reader / writer 610 of the control device 100-2 connects to the NFC card C held over the predetermined position.

[0099] In step S202, the reading unit 140 of the control device 100-2 reads the partial data and control information from the NFC card C connected in step S201. Specifically, the reading unit 140 reads the control information from the header information of the NFC card C, and reads the partial data from a predetermined block of the NFC card C.

[0100] The screen display unit 170 displays on the import screen the total number of NFC cards C indicated in the control information read from the NFC cards C. The screen display unit 170 also displays on the import screen the order of the NFC cards C being read.

[0101] 8(C) is an example of an import screen displayed while the first NFC card is being read. As shown in FIG. 8(C), the import screen may, for example, display a message indicating that four NFC cards are required and that the first of the four NFC cards is being read.

[0102] In step S203, the reading unit 140 of the control device 100-2 determines whether there are multiple NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written. For example, if the total number of NFC cards C indicated in the control information is two or more, the reading unit 140 may determine that there are multiple NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written. On the other hand, if the total number of NFC cards C indicated in the control information is one or less, or if the control information does not indicate the total number of NFC cards C, the reading unit 140 may determine that there are not multiple NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written (in other words, the setting data has been written to one NFC card C).

[0103] If it is determined that there are multiple NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written (YES), the reading unit 140 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are not multiple NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written (NO), the reading unit 140 sends one piece of partial data to the restoration unit 160 as the setting data, and proceeds to step S211.

[0104] In step S204, the screen display unit 170 of the control device 100-2 displays on the import screen a message indicating that reading of the NFC card C has been completed and an instruction to hold the next NFC card C. The user holds the next NFC card C over a predetermined position of the scanner device 10-2.

[0105] 8(D) is an example of an import screen instructing the user to hold the next NFC card C. As shown in FIG. 8(D), the import screen may, for example, display a message indicating that the first NFC card has been read and an instruction to hold the next NFC card. When the user holds the NFC card C over a predetermined position on the scanner device 10-2, the IC card reader / writer 610 of the control device 100-2 connects to the NFC card C held over the predetermined position.

[0106] In step S205, the reading unit 140 of the control device 100-2 reads the partial data and control information from the NFC card C connected in step S204. Specifically, the reading unit 140 reads the control information from the header information of the NFC card C, and reads the partial data from a predetermined block of the NFC card C.

[0107] Fig. 8(E) is an example of an import screen displayed while the second NFC card is being read. As shown in Fig. 8(E), the import screen may, for example, display a message indicating that four NFC cards are required, that one NFC card has been read, and that the second of the four NFC cards is currently being read.

[0108] In step S206, the determination unit 150 of the control device 100-2 determines whether the identification information indicated in the control information read from the currently connected NFC card C is the same as the identification information indicated in the control information read from the already read NFC card C. If it is determined that the identification information is the same (YES), the determination unit 150 proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if it is determined that the identification information is not the same (NO), the determination unit 150 proceeds to step S208.

[0109] In step S207, the determination unit 150 of the control device 100-2 determines whether the linking order information indicated in the control information read from the currently connected NFC card C overlaps with the linking order information indicated in the control information read from the already read NFC card C. If it is determined that the linking order information does not overlap (YES), the determination unit 150 proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if it is determined that the linking order information overlaps (NO), the determination unit 150 proceeds to step S208.

[0110] In step S208, the screen display unit 170 of the control device 100-2 displays a notice on the import screen that NFC card C cannot be read. If it is determined in step S206 that the identification information is not identical, the screen display unit 170 displays a notice on the import screen that an NFC card with inconsistent identification information has been read. If it is determined in step S207 that the linking order information is duplicated, the screen display unit 170 displays a notice on the import screen that the same NFC card has been read. Thereafter, the screen display unit 170 deletes the partial data read from NFC card C, and the process returns to step S204. When the process returns to step S204, the screen display unit 170 displays an instruction to hold up another NFC card C on the import screen.

[0111] In step S209, the reading unit 140 of the control device 100-2 determines whether the partial data or control information read from the read NFC card C satisfies a predetermined termination condition. If it is determined that the predetermined termination condition is satisfied (YES), the reading unit 140 sends the plurality of partial data and control information read from the read NFC card C to the restoration unit 160, and the process proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined termination condition is not satisfied (NO), the reading unit 140 returns the process to step S204.

[0112] When the process returns to step S204, the screen display unit 170 of the control device 100-2 displays on the import screen a message indicating that reading of the NFC card C has been completed and an instruction to hold the next NFC card C. The user holds the next NFC card C over a predetermined position of the scanner device 10-2.

[0113] In step S205, the reading unit 140 of the control device 100-2 reads the partial data and control information from the NFC card C connected in step S204. Thereafter, the control device 100-2 executes the processes from step S205 to step S209 again for the new partial data and control information. In this way, the control device 100-2 repeatedly reads the partial data and control information from the NFC card C until it determines in step S209 that reading of the setting data has been completed.

[0114] In step S210, the restoration unit 160 of the control device 100-2 receives the plurality of partial data and the control information from the reading unit 140. The restoration unit 160 restores the setting data by combining the plurality of partial data in accordance with the linking order information indicated in the control information.

[0115] 8(F) is an example of an import screen that is displayed while the setting data is being restored. As shown in FIG. 8(F), the import screen may, for example, display a message indicating that the settings are being reflected.

[0116] In step S211, the restoration unit 160 of the control device 100-2 stores the setting data in the data storage unit 101. If it is determined in step S203 that there are multiple NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written, the restoration unit 160 stores the setting data restored in step S210 in the data storage unit 101. If it is determined in step S203 that there are not multiple NFC cards C to which the setting data has been written, the restoration unit 160 stores the setting data received from the reading unit 140 in the data storage unit 101.

[0117] 8(G) is an example of an import screen that is displayed when the setting data has been stored. As shown in FIG. 8(G), the import screen may, for example, display a message indicating that the settings have been applied. When the user presses the OK button, the control device 100-2 may restart the scanner device 10-2 to make the setting data effective.

[0118] <Effects of the embodiment> The control device 100-2 reads electronic data stored in a plurality of storage media. The control device 100-2 reads, from each of the plurality of storage media, each of a plurality of partial data pieces obtained by dividing the electronic data and control information indicating the order in which the partial data pieces are to be concatenated, and restores the electronic data by concatenating the plurality of partial data pieces read from the plurality of storage media in accordance with the order indicated in the control information. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, the storage media on which the partial data pieces are stored can be read in any order, thereby improving the convenience of reading and writing electronic data from and to the storage media.

[0119] The control device 100-2 may repeatedly read the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until the partial data or the control information read from the read storage medium satisfies a predetermined end condition. In one aspect, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether to end reading of the storage medium based on the read storage medium.

[0120] The control information may indicate the total number of storage media onto which the partial data has been written. The control device 100-2 may repeatedly read the partial data and the control information from the multiple storage media until the number of storage media that have been read reaches the total number of storage media. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine whether to end reading of the storage media based on the number of storage media that have been read.

[0121] The control information may indicate the data volume of the electronic data. The control device 100-2 may repeatedly read the partial data and the control information from the multiple storage media until the sum of the data volumes of the partial data read from the read storage media equals the data volume of the electronic data. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine whether to end reading of the storage media based on the data volume of the read electronic data.

[0122] The control device 100-2 may repeatedly read the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until the partial data read from the read storage medium contains a terminal symbol. In one aspect, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine whether to end reading of the storage medium based on the content of the read partial data.

[0123] The control device 100-2 may display the total number of storage media to which partial data has been written. According to one aspect, the present embodiment allows the user to check the number of storage media to be read.

[0124] The control device 100-2 may display information about the storage medium that has already been read. According to one aspect, the present embodiment allows the user to check information about the storage medium that has already been read.

[0125] The control device 100-2 may determine whether to read partial data from the storage medium being read based on the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read. According to one aspect, this embodiment can prevent electronic data from being read from an incorrect storage medium.

[0126] The control device 100-2 may determine not to read the storage medium being read if the order indicated in the control information read from the storage medium being read overlaps the order indicated in the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the same storage medium from being read multiple times.

[0127] The control information may indicate identification information that identifies a set of multiple storage media. If the identification information indicated in the control information read from the storage medium being read differs from the identification information indicated in the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read, the control device 100-2 may determine not to read the storage medium being read. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, reading of storage media storing different electronic data can be prevented.

[0128] The control device 100-1 stores electronic data in a plurality of storage media. The control device 100-1 divides the electronic data into a plurality of partial data, associates each of the plurality of partial data with control information indicating the order in which the partial data should be linked, and writes the data to each of the plurality of storage media. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, the plurality of storage media on which electronic data is stored can be read in any order, thereby improving the convenience of reading and writing electronic data from and to the storage media.

[0129] The storage medium may be a medium from which data can be read and written via wireless communication. The storage medium may be an NFC card. The electronic data may include setting data for the electronic device. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, the setting data for the electronic device can be read and written using multiple NFC cards.

[0130] [supplement] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform 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 perform each of the above-described functions.

[0131] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0132] The disclosed technology may take the following forms as described below.

[0133] (Appendix 1) A data processing device that reads electronic data stored in a plurality of storage media, a reading unit that reads, from each of the plurality of storage media, each of the plurality of partial data obtained by dividing the electronic data and control information indicating an order in which the partial data are to be linked; a restoration unit that restores the electronic data by linking the plurality of partial data read from the plurality of storage media in accordance with the order indicated in the control information; A data processing device comprising: (Appendix 2) the reading unit repeatedly reads the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until the partial data or the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read satisfies a predetermined end condition. 2. A data processing device according to claim 1. (Appendix 3) the control information further indicates a total number of the storage media on which the partial data is written; the reading unit repeats reading the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until the number of the storage media that has been read reaches the total number of the storage media. 3. A data processing device according to claim 2. (Appendix 4) the control information further indicates a data amount of the electronic data; the reading unit repeatedly reads the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until the sum of the data amounts of the partial data read from the storage media that have already been read becomes the data amount of the electronic data. 3. A data processing device according to claim 2. (Appendix 5) the reading unit repeatedly reads the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until a terminal symbol is included in the partial data read from the storage medium that has already been read. 3. A data processing device according to claim 2. (Appendix 6) a display unit that displays the total number of the storage media on which the partial data is written, 6. A data processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) the display unit further displays information about the storage medium that has already been read. 7. A data processing device according to claim 6. (Appendix 8) a determination unit that determines whether to read the partial data from the storage medium currently being read, based on the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read; 8. A data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) the determination unit determines not to read the partial data from the storage medium being read when the order indicated in the control information read from the storage medium being read overlaps with the order indicated in the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read. 9. A data processing device according to claim 8. (Appendix 10) the control information further indicates identification information for identifying a set of the plurality of storage media; the determination unit determines not to read the partial data from the storage medium being read when the identification information indicated in the control information read from the storage medium being read differs from the identification information indicated in the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read. 9. A data processing device according to claim 8. (Appendix 11) A data processing device that stores electronic data in a plurality of storage media, a division unit that divides the electronic data into a plurality of partial data; a writing unit that writes each of the plurality of partial data items to each of the plurality of storage media in association with control information that indicates an order in which the partial data items are to be linked; A data processing device comprising: (Appendix 12) The storage medium is a medium on which data can be read and written via wireless communication. 12. A data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. (Appendix 13) The storage medium is an NFC card. 13. A data processing device according to claim 12. (Appendix 14) The electronic data includes setting data for an electronic device. 14. A data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. (Appendix 15) A procedure in which a first data processing device divides electronic data into a plurality of partial data; a step in which the first data processing device writes each of the plurality of partial data to each of a plurality of storage media in association with control information indicating an order in which the partial data are to be linked; a step in which a second data processing device reads each of the plurality of partial data and control information indicating an order in which the partial data are to be linked from each of the plurality of storage media; a step in which the second data processing device restores the electronic data by linking the plurality of partial data read from the plurality of storage media in accordance with the order indicated in the control information; A data processing method comprising: (Appendix 16) A data processing device that reads electronic data stored in a plurality of storage media, a step of reading, from each of the plurality of storage media, each of a plurality of partial data obtained by dividing the electronic data and control information indicating an order in which the partial data are to be linked; a step of restoring the electronic data by linking the plurality of partial data read from the plurality of storage media in accordance with the order indicated in the control information; A program to execute. (Appendix 17) A data processing device that stores electronic data in a plurality of storage media, Dividing the electronic data into a plurality of partial data; a step of writing each of the plurality of partial data items to each of the plurality of storage media in association with control information indicating an order in which the partial data items are to be linked; A program to execute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] C: NFC card 10: Scanner device 100: Control device 101: Data storage unit 110: Information acquisition department 120: Split part 130: Writing section 140: Reading unit 150: Judgment section 160:Restoration Department 1000 Data Processing Systems

Claims

1. A data processing device that reads electronic data stored in a plurality of storage media, a reading unit that reads, from each of the plurality of storage media, each of the plurality of partial data obtained by dividing the electronic data and control information indicating an order in which the partial data are to be linked; a restoration unit that restores the electronic data by linking the plurality of partial data read from the plurality of storage media in accordance with the order indicated in the control information; A data processing device comprising:

2. the reading unit repeatedly reads the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until the partial data or the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read satisfies a predetermined end condition.

2. The data processing device according to claim 1.

3. the control information further indicates a total number of the storage media on which the partial data is written; the reading unit repeats reading the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until the number of the storage media that has been read reaches the total number of the storage media.

3. The data processing device according to claim 2.

4. the control information further indicates a data amount of the electronic data; the reading unit repeatedly reads the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until the sum of the data amounts of the partial data read from the storage media that have already been read becomes the data amount of the electronic data.

3. The data processing device according to claim 2.

5. the reading unit repeatedly reads the partial data and the control information from the plurality of storage media until a terminal symbol is included in the partial data read from the storage medium that has already been read.

3. The data processing device according to claim 2.

6. a display unit that displays the total number of the storage media on which the partial data is written, 6. A data processing device according to claim 1.

7. the display unit further displays information about the storage medium that has already been read.

7. The data processing device according to claim 6.

8. a determination unit that determines whether to read the partial data from the storage medium currently being read, based on the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read; 6. A data processing device according to claim 1.

9. the determination unit determines not to read the partial data from the storage medium being read when the order indicated in the control information read from the storage medium being read overlaps with the order indicated in the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read.

9. A data processing device according to claim 8.

10. the control information further indicates identification information for identifying a set of the plurality of storage media; the determination unit determines not to read the partial data from the storage medium being read when the identification information indicated in the control information read from the storage medium being read differs from the identification information indicated in the control information read from the storage medium that has already been read.

9. A data processing device according to claim 8.

11. A data processing device that stores electronic data in a plurality of storage media, a division unit that divides the electronic data into a plurality of partial data; a writing unit that writes each of the plurality of partial data items to each of the plurality of storage media in association with control information that indicates an order in which the partial data items are to be linked; A data processing device comprising:

12. The storage medium is a medium on which data can be read and written via wireless communication.

12. A data processing device according to claim 1 or 11.

13. The storage medium is an NFC card.

13. A data processing apparatus according to claim 12.

14. The electronic data includes setting data for an electronic device.

12. A data processing device according to claim 1 or 11.

15. A procedure in which a first data processing device divides electronic data into a plurality of partial data; a step in which the first data processing device writes each of the plurality of partial data to a plurality of storage media in association with control information indicating an order in which the partial data are to be linked; a step in which a second data processing device reads each of the plurality of partial data and control information indicating an order in which the partial data are to be linked from each of the plurality of storage media; a step in which the second data processing device restores the electronic data by linking the plurality of partial data read from the plurality of storage media in accordance with the order indicated in the control information; A data processing method comprising:

16. A data processing device that reads electronic data stored in a plurality of storage media, a step of reading, from each of the plurality of storage media, each of a plurality of partial data obtained by dividing the electronic data and control information indicating an order in which the partial data are to be linked; a step of restoring the electronic data by linking the plurality of partial data read from the plurality of storage media in accordance with the order indicated in the control information; A program to execute.

17. A data processing device that stores electronic data in a plurality of storage media, Dividing the electronic data into a plurality of partial data; a step of writing each of the plurality of partial data items to each of the plurality of storage media in association with control information indicating an order in which the partial data items are to be linked; A program to execute.

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