Image forming apparatus, backup control method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus and a backup control method capable of preventing pre-backed-up configuration information from being overwritten by configuration information from a new storage device. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a backup processing unit that backs up setting information stored in a non-volatile memory 5, a first determination processing unit that determines whether the non-volatile memory 5 is in an initial state when the timing for backing up the setting information arrives, and a first prohibition processing unit that prohibits the backup processing unit from backing up the setting information when the first determination processing unit determines that the non-volatile memory 5 is in the initial state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a backup control method.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus including a non-volatile storage device in which setting information is stored is known. Further, there is known the image forming apparatus capable of backing up the setting information stored in the storage device to an external storage device, and restoring the pre-backed up setting information to the post-replacement storage device when the storage device is replaced (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Meanwhile, in a case where the backup timing of the setting information arrives immediately after the storage device in the image forming apparatus is replaced with a new one, a problem arises that the pre-backed up setting information is overwritten by the setting information of the new storage device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a backup control method capable of suppressing pre-backed up setting information from being overwritten by setting information of a new storage device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a backup processing unit, a first determination processing unit, and a first prohibition processing unit. The backup processing unit backs up setting information stored in a non-volatile storage device. The first determination processing unit determines whether the storage device is in an initial state when the timing for backing up the setting information arrives. The first prohibition processing unit prohibits the backup processing unit from backing up the setting information if the first determination processing unit determines that the storage device is in the initial state.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a backup control method performed in an image forming apparatus and includes a backup step, a determination step, and a prohibition step. In the backup step, setting information stored in a non-volatile storage device is backed up. In the determination step, it is determined whether the storage device is in an initial state when the timing for backing up the setting information arrives. In the prohibition step, if the determination step determines that the storage device is in the initial state, the backup of the setting information by the backup step is prohibited. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent previously backed-up configuration information from being overwritten by configuration information from a new storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of backup control processing performed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a restore control process performed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] [Configuration of the image forming system 100] First, the configuration of the image forming system 100, including the image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 1, the communication paths between the components of the image forming system 100 are shown by dashed lines.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 comprises an image forming apparatus 1 and two optional devices 4 connected to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0013] One of the two optional devices 4 is the first optional device 2, which is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 in a communicative manner. The other of the two optional devices 4 is the second optional device 3, which is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 in a communicative manner via the first optional device 2. Note that the number of optional devices 4 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to two.

[0014] Image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device that has multiple functions, including a scanning function for reading images from original documents, a printing function for forming images on sheets based on image data, a fax function, and a copying function. Note that image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to a multifunction device; any device with the aforementioned printing function, such as a printer, fax machine, or copier, may be used.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, an operation display unit 15, a storage unit 16, an engine control unit 17, and a main control unit 18.

[0016] The ADF 11 conveys a document whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 12. The ADF 11 includes a document setting section, a plurality of conveyance rollers, a document presser, and a paper discharge tray.

[0017] The image reading unit 12 implements the scan function. The image reading unit 12 includes a document platen, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The image reading unit 12 reads an image from the document conveyed by the ADF 11, and outputs image data including the read image. Further, the image reading unit 12 reads an image from the document placed on the document platen, and outputs image data including the read image.

[0018] The image forming unit 13 implements the print function. For example, the image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 13 includes a plurality of image forming units corresponding to a plurality of printing colors, an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer device, a fixing device, and a paper discharge tray. The image forming unit 13 forms a color or monochrome image based on the image data output from the image reading unit 12. Further, the image forming unit 13 forms a color or monochrome image based on image data input from an external information processing apparatus. Note that the image forming unit 13 may form an image on a sheet by a method different from the electrophotographic method, such as an inkjet method.

[0019] The paper feeding unit 14 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 13. The paper feeding unit 14 includes a paper feed cassette and a plurality of conveyance rollers. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet supplied from the paper feeding unit 14.

[0020] Operation display unit 15 is a user interface of the image forming system 100. The operation display unit 15 includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit displays various types of information in response to control instructions from the main control unit 18. For example, the display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit inputs various types of information to the main control unit 18 in response to user operations. For example, the operation unit is an operation device including operation keys and a touch panel.

[0021] The storage unit 16 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the storage unit 16 is an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Note that the storage unit 16 may be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.

[0022] The engine control unit 17 controls the ADF 11, the image reading unit 12, the image forming unit 13, and the paper feed unit 14. For example, the engine control unit 17 is configured with an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC, DSP). As shown in Figure 2, the engine control unit 17 includes a non-volatile memory 17A. The non-volatile memory 17A is a non-volatile storage device such as EEPROM (registered trademark).

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the non-volatile memory 17A includes a setting information storage unit 17A1 used for storing first setting information. The first setting information is used by the engine control unit 17 to control each unit of the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the first setting information includes various setting values related to functions of the image forming apparatus 1, which are set automatically or manually (by user operation on the operation display unit 15). For example, the first setting information includes various setting values related to the scan function, various setting values related to the print function, various setting values related to the fax function, and various setting values related to the copy function. Note that the first setting information may include information indicating the number of operations of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1, such as the number of operations of the image forming unit 13. The first setting information may be any rewritable information among the information preset or registered in the image forming apparatus 1 in advance.

[0024] The main control unit 18 comprehensively controls the image forming system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the main control unit 18 includes a CPU 18A, ROM 18B, RAM 18C, and non-volatile memory 18D. The CPU 18A is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM 18B is a non-volatile memory that stores information such as control programs for the CPU 18A to perform various operations. The RAM 18C is a volatile or non-volatile memory used as temporary storage memory (work area) for the various operations performed by the CPU 18A. The non-volatile memory 18D is a non-volatile memory similar to the non-volatile memory 17A. The CPU 18A comprehensively controls the image forming system 100 by executing various control programs that are pre-stored in the ROM 18B.

[0025] The first optional device 2 is a function expansion unit that extends the functionality of the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the first optional device 2 is a post-processing device that performs a predetermined first post-processing on the image-formed sheets output from the image forming apparatus 1. The first post-processing is such as stapling to bind multiple sheets together. The first optional device 2 may also be a paper feeding unit that supplies sheets to the image forming section 13 of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the image forming system 100 may be equipped with multiple first optional devices 2 that have different functions from each other.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the first optional device 2 includes a control unit 21 that controls the first optional device 2. For example, the control unit 21 is composed of electronic circuits such as integrated circuits (ASIC, DSP). As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 21 includes a non-volatile memory 21A. The non-volatile memory 21A is a non-volatile memory device similar to the non-volatile memory 17A.

[0027] The first optional device 2 holds second setting information. As shown in Figure 1, the non-volatile memory 21A includes a setting information storage unit 21A1 used for storing the second setting information. The second setting information is used by the control unit 21 to control each part of the first optional device 2. Specifically, the second setting information includes various setting values ​​related to the functions of the first optional device 2, which are set automatically or manually (by user operation on the operation display unit 15). For example, the second setting information includes various setting values ​​related to the stapling function. The second setting information may also include information indicating the number of operations of the first optional device 2, such as the number of times the stapling process is executed. Furthermore, the second setting information may be any rewritable information among the information that is set or registered in the first optional device 2 in advance.

[0028] The second optional device 3 is a function expansion unit that extends the functionality of the first optional device 2. Specifically, the second optional device 3 is a function expansion unit capable of performing a second post-processing operation different from the first post-processing operation. The second post-processing operation includes punching holes in a sheet, folding a sheet, binding multiple sheets together, and sorting sheets. In the image forming system 100, multiple second optional devices 3 with different functions may be connected to a single first optional device 2. Also, in an image forming system 100 equipped with multiple first optional devices 2, one or more second optional devices 3 may be connected to each of the first optional devices 2.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the second optional device 3 includes a control unit 31 that controls the second optional device 3. For example, the control unit 31 is composed of electronic circuits such as integrated circuits (ASIC, DSP). As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 31 includes a non-volatile memory 31A. The non-volatile memory 31A is a non-volatile memory device similar to the non-volatile memory 17A.

[0030] The second optional device 3 holds third setting information. As shown in Figure 1, the non-volatile memory 31A includes a setting information storage unit 31A1 used for storing the third setting information. The third setting information is used by the control unit 31 to control each part of the second optional device 3. Specifically, the third setting information includes various setting values ​​related to the functions of the second optional device 3, which are set automatically or manually (by user operation on the operation display unit 15). For example, the third setting information includes various setting values ​​related to the punch function. The third setting information may also include information indicating the number of operations of the second optional device 3, such as the number of punch processing executions. Furthermore, the third setting information may be any rewritable information among the information that is set or registered in the second optional device 3 in advance.

[0031] Hereinafter, the first setting information, the second setting information, and the third setting information may be collectively referred to as "setting information." Furthermore, the non-volatile memory 17A, non-volatile memory 21A, and non-volatile memory 31A in which the setting information is stored may be collectively referred to as "non-volatile memory 5." Non-volatile memory 5 is an example of a non-volatile storage device of the present invention. Non-volatile memory 17A is an example of a first storage device of the present invention. Furthermore, non-volatile memory 21A and non-volatile memory 31A are examples of a second storage device of the present invention.

[0032] Incidentally, there is an image forming apparatus that can back up the first setting information stored in the non-volatile memory 17A to an external storage device, and restore the previously backed-up first setting information to the non-volatile memory 17A after replacement when the non-volatile memory 17A is replaced.

[0033] In this case, if the backup timing for the first setting information occurs immediately after the non-volatile memory 17A or the circuit board on which the non-volatile memory 17A is mounted is replaced with a new one in the image forming apparatus, a problem arises in which the previously backed-up first setting information is overwritten by the first setting information of the new non-volatile memory 17A.

[0034] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as described below, it is possible to suppress the overwriting of the previously backed-up setting information by the setting information of a new non-volatile memory 5.

[0035] [Functional configuration of the main control unit 18] Next, the functional configuration of the main control unit 18 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the main control unit 18 includes a backup processing unit 51, a first determination processing unit 52, a first prohibition processing unit 53, a reception processing unit 54, a restore processing unit 55, a second determination processing unit 56, and a second prohibition processing unit 57.

[0037] Specifically, the ROM 18B of the main control unit 18 contains pre-stored operation control programs that enable the CPU 18A to function as each of the aforementioned processing units. The CPU 18A then functions as each of the aforementioned processing units by executing the operation control programs stored in the ROM 18B.

[0038] The operation control program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium and stored in a non-volatile storage device such as the storage unit 16. Furthermore, some or all of the processing units included in the main control unit 18 may be composed of electronic circuits. Also, the operation control program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as individual processing units included in the main control unit 18.

[0039] The backup processing unit 51 backs up the configuration information stored in the non-volatile memory 5.

[0040] For example, when a predetermined execution timing arrives, the backup processing unit 51 executes a third backup process to back up the third configuration information stored in the non-volatile memory 31A of the second option device 3.

[0041] In the third backup process, the third configuration information stored in the non-volatile memory 31A of the second option device 3 is transferred to the first option device 2, which is communicatively connected to the second option device 3. In addition, in the third backup process, the third configuration information transferred from the second option device 3 is backed up in the first option device 2. Specifically, in the third backup process, the third configuration information (backup data) transferred from the second option device 3 is stored in the backup data storage unit 21A2 (see Figure 1) in place of the existing data stored in the backup data storage unit 21A2. The backup data storage unit 21A2 is a storage area in the non-volatile memory 21A that is pre-configured for backup purposes.

[0042] Furthermore, after the execution of the third backup process, the backup processing unit 51 executes a second backup process to back up the second configuration information and other data stored in the non-volatile memory 21A of the first option device 2.

[0043] In the second backup process, the second and third setting information stored in the non-volatile memory 21A of the first optional device 2 are transferred to the engine control unit 17. In the second backup process, the engine control unit 17 backs up the second and third setting information transferred from the first optional device 2. Specifically, in the second backup process, both the second and third setting information (backup data) transferred from the first optional device 2 are stored in the backup data storage unit 17A2 (see Figure 1) in place of the existing data stored in the backup data storage unit 17A2. The backup data storage unit 17A2 is a storage area in the non-volatile memory 17A that is pre-configured for backup purposes.

[0044] Furthermore, after the execution of the second backup process, the backup processing unit 51 executes a first backup process to back up the first setting information and other data stored in the non-volatile memory 17A of the engine control unit 17.

[0045] In the first backup process, the first setting information, second setting information, and third setting information stored in the non-volatile memory 17A of the engine control unit 17 are transferred to the main control unit 18. In addition, in the first backup process, the main control unit 18 backs up the first setting information, second setting information, and third setting information transferred from the engine control unit 17. Specifically, in the first backup process, all of the first setting information, second setting information, and third setting information transferred from the engine control unit 17 (backup data) are stored in the backup data storage unit 18D1 (see Figure 1), replacing the existing data stored in the backup data storage unit 18D1. The backup data storage unit 18D1 is a storage area in the non-volatile memory 18D that is pre-configured for backup purposes.

[0046] In the second backup process, the second setting information of the first optional device 2, acquired from the first optional device 2, is stored in the backup data storage unit 17A2 of the engine control unit 17 and the backup data storage unit 18D1 of the main control unit 18. In the third backup process, the third setting information of the second optional device 3, acquired from the second optional device 3, is stored in the backup data storage unit 21A2 of the first optional device 2, which is communicatively connected to the second optional device 3, the backup data storage unit 17A2 of the engine control unit 17, and the backup data storage unit 18D1 of the main control unit 18.

[0047] For example, the execution timing is a timing that occurs at a predetermined interval. Alternatively, the execution timing may be the timing at which the operation display unit 15 receives a predetermined user operation.

[0048] The first determination processing unit 52 determines whether the non-volatile memory 5 is in its initial state when the timing for backing up the setting information arrives.

[0049] The aforementioned initial state is a state in which the non-volatile memory 5 contains initial data that is written to the non-volatile memory 5 during the manufacturing of the device (image forming apparatus 1 or optional device 4) that includes the non-volatile memory 5. The main control unit 18 may perform an initialization process to return the non-volatile memory 5 to the aforementioned initial state in response to a predetermined user operation on the operation display unit 15.

[0050] For example, a predetermined specific storage area in the non-volatile memory 5 stores state information used to determine whether the non-volatile memory 5 is in the initial state. At the time of factory shipment of the device including the non-volatile memory 5, the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 5 stores first information indicating that the non-volatile memory 5 is in the initial state. The first information is overwritten with second information indicating that the non-volatile memory 5 is not in the initial state when information is written to the non-volatile memory 5. For example, the second information is the serial number of the circuit board on which the non-volatile memory 5 is mounted. In this case, the first information is arbitrary information different from the serial number. The second information only needs to be information that can identify the non-volatile memory 5.

[0051] For example, when the execution timing arrives, the first determination processing unit 52 determines whether the non-volatile memory 31A is in the initial state based on the state information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 31A.

[0052] Furthermore, when the execution timing arrives, the first determination processing unit 52 determines whether the non-volatile memory 21A is in the initial state based on the state information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 21A.

[0053] Furthermore, when the execution timing arrives, the first determination processing unit 52 determines whether the non-volatile memory 17A is in the initial state based on the state information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 17A.

[0054] The first prohibition processing unit 53 prohibits the backup processing unit 51 from backing up the setting information when the first determination processing unit 52 determines that the non-volatile memory 5 is in the initial state.

[0055] For example, the first prohibition processing unit 53 prohibits the execution of the third backup processing, the second backup processing, and the first backup processing by the backup processing unit 51 when the first determination processing unit 52 determines that one or more of the non-volatile memory 31A, non-volatile memory 21A, and non-volatile memory 17A are in the initial state.

[0056] For example, when the first prohibition processing unit 53 prohibits the backup of the setting information by the backup processing unit 51, it displays a first message indicating this on the operation display unit 15.

[0057] The reception processing unit 54 accepts a designation operation that specifies either the optional equipment 4 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 or the engine control unit 17. The designation operation is an operation to specify the restore target for which the setting information will be restored.

[0058] For example, when a predetermined call operation is received by the operation display unit 15, the reception processing unit 54 displays the designated operation reception screen used for the designated operation on the operation display unit 15.

[0059] Here, on the designated operation reception screen, the optional equipment 4 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 and the restoreable equipment from which the setting information has been backed up by the backup processing unit 51 are presented in an identifiable manner. The designated operation reception screen also accepts the designated operation to select one of the presented restoreable equipment.

[0060] The restore processing unit 55 restores the previously backed-up configuration information to the non-volatile memory 5.

[0061] Specifically, when the designated operation is received by the reception processing unit 54, the restore processing unit 55 restores the configuration information corresponding to the designated device, which has been previously backed up by the backup processing unit 51, to the designated device specified by the designated operation.

[0062] For example, the restore processing unit 55 executes a first restore process to restore the first setting information when the designated device is the engine control unit 17.

[0063] In the first restore process, the first setting information stored in the backup data storage unit 18D1 of the main control unit 18 is transferred to the engine control unit 17. Also in the first restore process, the engine control unit 17 restores the first setting information transferred from the main control unit 18. In other words, in the first restore process, the first setting information (backup data) transferred from the main control unit 18 is stored in the setting information storage unit 17A1, replacing the existing first setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 17A1.

[0064] Furthermore, if the designated device is the first option device 2, the restore processing unit 55 executes a second restore process to restore the second configuration information corresponding to the first option device 2.

[0065] In the second restore process, the second setting information corresponding to the designated device from the backup data storage unit 17A2 of the engine control unit 17 is transferred to the designated device. Also in the second restore process, the second setting information transferred from the engine control unit 17 is restored in the designated device. In other words, in the second restore process, the second setting information (backup data) transferred from the engine control unit 17 is stored in the setting information storage unit 21A1 in place of the existing second setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 21A1. This makes it possible to shorten the transfer time of the second setting information compared to a configuration in which the second setting information corresponding to the designated device from the backup data storage unit 18D1 of the main control unit 18 is transferred to the designated device.

[0066] Furthermore, if the designated device is the second option device 3, the restore processing unit 55 executes a third restore process to restore the third configuration information corresponding to the second option device 3.

[0067] In the third restore process, the third setting information corresponding to the designated device from the backup data storage unit 21A2 of the first optional device 2, which is communicably connected to the designated device, is transferred to the designated device. In addition, in the third restore process, the third setting information transferred from the first optional device 2 is restored in the designated device. In other words, in the third restore process, the third setting information (backup data) transferred from the first optional device 2 is stored in the setting information storage unit 31A1 in place of the existing third setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 31A1. This makes it possible to shorten the transfer time of the third setting information compared to a configuration in which the third setting information corresponding to the designated device from the backup data storage unit 18D1 of the main control unit 18 or the backup data storage unit 17A2 of the engine control unit 17 is transferred to the designated device.

[0068] In the image forming system 100, if both the first optional device 2 and the second optional device 3, which is communicatively connected to the first optional device 2, are replaced simultaneously, no data will be stored in the backup data storage unit 21A2 of the replaced first optional device 2. In this case, the restore processing unit 55 can restore the third setting information stored in the backup data storage unit 17A2 of the engine control unit 17 to the replaced second optional device 3.

[0069] The second determination processing unit 56 determines, when the timing for restoring the setting information arrives, whether the non-volatile memory 5 is in the non-initial state and is a different device from the source from which the setting information to be restored was obtained.

[0070] For example, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the setting information is backed up, an association process is performed to associate the setting information with the second information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 5 from which the setting information was obtained.

[0071] The second determination processing unit 56 then determines whether the non-volatile memory 5 is in the non-initial state based on the state information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 5 of the designated device. If the second determination processing unit 56 determines that the non-volatile memory 5 of the designated device is in the non-initial state, it then determines whether the non-volatile memory 5 is a different device from the source from which the setting information to be restored was obtained, based on the second information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 5 and the second information associated with the setting information to be restored.

[0072] The second prohibition processing unit 57 prohibits the restore processing unit 55 from restoring the setting information if the second determination processing unit 56 determines that the non-volatile memory 5 is in a non-initial state and is a different device from the source from which the setting information to be restored was obtained.

[0073] For example, when the second prohibition processing unit 57 prohibits the restoration of the setting information by the restore processing unit 55, it causes the operation display unit 15 to display a second message indicating that.

[0074] [Backup control processing] The backup control method of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 3, along with an example of the procedure for backup control processing performed by the main control unit 18 in the image forming apparatus 1. Here, steps S11, S12, etc. represent the processing procedure (step) numbers performed by the main control unit 18.

[0075] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the main control unit 18 determines whether or not the execution timing has arrived.

[0076] Here, if the main control unit 18 determines that the execution timing has arrived (Yes side of S11), it proceeds to step S12. If the execution timing has not arrived (No side of S11), the main control unit 18 waits for the execution timing to arrive in step S11.

[0077] <Step S12> In step S12, the main control unit 18 performs a first determination process to determine whether each non-volatile memory 5 is in the initial state. The process in step S12 is an example of the determination step of the present invention and is performed by the first determination processing unit 52 of the main control unit 18.

[0078] Specifically, in the first determination process, it is determined whether the non-volatile memory 31A is in the initial state based on the state information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 31A. In addition, in the first determination process, it is determined whether the non-volatile memory 21A is in the initial state based on the state information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 21A. In addition, in the first determination process, it is determined whether the non-volatile memory 17A is in the initial state based on the state information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 17A.

[0079] <Step S13> In step S13, the main control unit 18 switches the subsequent processing according to the result of the first determination process. Specifically, if the first determination process determines that one or more of the non-volatile memory 31A, non-volatile memory 21A, and non-volatile memory 17A are in the initial state (Yes side of S13), the main control unit 18 moves the processing to step S15. If the first determination process determines that none of the non-volatile memory 31A, non-volatile memory 21A, and non-volatile memory 17A are in the initial state (No side of S13), the main control unit 18 moves the processing to step S14.

[0080] <Step S14> In step S14, the main control unit 18 performs a backup of the setting information. The process in step S14 is an example of the backup step of the present invention and is performed by the backup processing unit 51 of the main control unit 18.

[0081] Specifically, the main control unit 18 sequentially executes the third backup process, the second backup process, and the first backup process.

[0082] <Step S15> In step S15, the main control unit 18 displays the first message on the operation display unit 15 instead of performing the processing in step S14. The processing in step S15 is an example of a prohibition step of the present invention and is performed by the first prohibition processing unit 53 of the main control unit 18.

[0083] [Restore control process] Next, with reference to Figure 4, an example of the procedure for the restore control process executed by the main control unit 18 in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0084] Furthermore, the main control unit 18 executes the restore control process when the call operation is received by the operation display unit 15.

[0085] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the main control unit 18 displays the specified operation reception screen on the operation display unit 15. The processing in step S21 is performed by the reception processing unit 54 of the main control unit 18.

[0086] <Step S22> In step S22, the main control unit 18 determines whether or not the specified operation has been received on the specified operation reception screen.

[0087] Here, if the main control unit 18 determines that the specified operation has been accepted (Yes side of S22), it proceeds to step S23. If the specified operation has not been accepted (No side of S22), the main control unit 18 waits for the acceptance of the specified operation in step S22.

[0088] <Step S23> In step S23, the main control unit 18 executes a second determination process to determine whether the non-volatile memory 5 of the designated device specified by the specified operation is in a non-initial state and is a different device from the source from which the setting information to be restored is obtained. The process in step S23 is executed by the second determination processing unit 56 of the main control unit 18.

[0089] Specifically, in the second determination process, it is determined whether the non-volatile memory 5 is in the non-initial state based on the state information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 5 of the designated device. Furthermore, in the second determination process, if it is determined that the non-volatile memory 5 of the designated device is in the non-initial state, it is determined whether the non-volatile memory 5 is a different device from the source from which the restored setting information was obtained, based on the second information stored in the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 5 and the second information associated with the restored setting information.

[0090] <Step S24> In step S24, the main control unit 18 switches the subsequent processing according to the result of the second determination process. Specifically, if the second determination process determines that the non-volatile memory 5 of the designated device is in a non-initial state and is a different device from the source from which the setting information to be restored is obtained (Yes side of S24), the main control unit 18 moves the processing to step S26. If the second determination process does not determine that the non-volatile memory 5 of the designated device is in a non-initial state and is a different device from the source from which the setting information to be restored is obtained (No side of S24), the main control unit 18 moves the processing to step S25.

[0091] <Step S25> In step S25, the main control unit 18 restores the previously backed-up configuration information of the designated device to the non-volatile memory 5 of the designated device. The process in step S25 is performed by the restore processing unit 55 of the main control unit 18.

[0092] Specifically, the main control unit 18 executes the first restore process when the designated device is the engine control unit 17.

[0093] Furthermore, the main control unit 18 executes the second restore process when the designated device is the first option device 2.

[0094] Furthermore, the main control unit 18 executes the third restore process when the designated device is the second option device 3.

[0095] <Step S26> In step S26, the main control unit 18 displays the second message on the operation display unit 15 instead of performing the processing in step S25. The processing in step S26 is performed by the second prohibition processing unit 57 of the main control unit 18.

[0096] Thus, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the non-volatile memory 5 is in its initial state, the backup of the setting information stored in the non-volatile memory 5 is prohibited. This prevents the previously backed-up setting information from being overwritten by the setting information in a new non-volatile memory 5.

[0097] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1, if the non-volatile memory 5 is in a non-initial state and is from a different device than the source from which the setting information to be restored is acquired, the restoration of the setting information to the non-volatile memory 5 is prohibited. This makes it possible to protect the setting information of the replaced optional device 4 from being erased by restoration if the optional device 4 is accidentally replaced.

[0098] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0099] <Note 1> An image forming apparatus comprising: a backup processing unit that backs up configuration information stored in a non-volatile storage device; a first determination processing unit that determines whether the storage device is in an initial state when the timing for backing up the configuration information arrives; and a first prohibition processing unit that prohibits the backup processing unit from backing up the configuration information when the first determination processing unit determines that the storage device is in the initial state.

[0100] <Note 2> The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 1, comprising: a restore processing unit that restores the previously backed-up setting information to the storage device; a second determination processing unit that determines, when the timing for restoring the setting information arrives, whether the storage device is in a non-initial state and is a different device from the source from which the setting information to be restored was obtained; and a second prohibition processing unit that prohibits the restore processing unit from restoring the setting information if the second determination processing unit determines that the storage device is in a non-initial state and is a different device from the source from which the setting information to be restored was obtained.

[0101] <Note 3> The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the storage device includes a first storage device provided in the image forming apparatus and a second storage device provided in an optional device connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0102] <Note 4> A backup control method performed in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a backup step of backing up setting information stored in a non-volatile storage device; a determination step of determining whether the storage device is in an initial state when the timing for backing up the setting information arrives; and a prohibition step of prohibiting the backup of the setting information by the backup step if the determination step determines that the storage device is in the initial state. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 1. Image forming apparatus 2. Option 1 Equipment 3. Second Optional Equipment 4. Optional Equipment 5. Non-volatile memory 11 ADF 12 Image reading unit 13 Image forming unit 14 Paper feed section 15 Operation display section 16 Memory section 17 Engine Control Unit 18 Main Control Unit 18A CPU 18B ROM 18C RAM 18D Non-Volatile Memory 21 Control Unit 31 Control Unit 51 Backup Processing Unit 52 First Determination Processing Unit 53 First Prohibition Processing Unit 54 Reception Processing Section 55 Restore Processing Unit 56 Second Determination Processing Unit 57 Second Prohibition Processing Unit 100 Image Forming Systems

Claims

1. A backup processing unit that backs up configuration information stored in a non-volatile storage device, A first determination processing unit determines whether the storage device is in its initial state when the timing for backing up the aforementioned setting information arrives. When the first determination processing unit determines that the storage device is in the initial state, the first prohibition processing unit prohibits the backup processing unit from backing up the setting information, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

2. A restore processing unit that restores the previously backed-up configuration information to the storage device, A second determination processing unit determines, when the timing for restoring the aforementioned setting information arrives, whether the storage device is in a non-initial state and is a different device from the source from which the aforementioned setting information to be restored was obtained. If the second determination processing unit determines that the storage device is in a non-initial state and is a different device from the source from which the setting information to be restored is obtained, the second prohibition processing unit prohibits the restore processing unit from restoring the setting information, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The storage device includes a first storage device provided in the image forming apparatus and a second storage device provided in an optional device connected to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A backup control method performed in an image forming apparatus, A backup step that backs up configuration information stored in a non-volatile storage device, A determination step to determine whether the storage device is in its initial state when the timing for backing up the aforementioned configuration information arrives, If the determination step determines that the storage device is in the initial state, a prohibition step is made to prohibit the backup of the configuration information by the backup step, Backup control method including

Images