JP2004208019A - Digital copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital copying machine excellent in fault tolerance resistance/restoration property of a hard disk device used as a storage device. <P>SOLUTION: The digital copying machine is provided with a first storage means which outputs picture information after γ-correction to a picture processing means outputting it on paper and which temporarily stores it, a second storage means (HDD) for storing picture information accumulated in the first storage means and a compression/expansion means. Picture information input/output control in the second storage means has a means controlling two different storage devices by one control means. When picture information is stored or stored picture information is read, reading error information of the storage device is collated. When abnormality is detected, a picture is formed by picture information which is read from both storage devices or picture information which is read from one storage device. An RAID control means is arranged with an outer network transfer means of accumulated data of the storage means, NIC if preferable, as a control means of the second storage means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital copying machine, and more particularly, to a digital copying machine having a hard disk device used as a storage device, which is excellent in fault tolerance and recoverability.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the advent of digital copying machines, a large amount of digital information can be stored, processed, or printed on recording paper by converting document information into digital information. Further, the colorization of the image forming unit has been advanced, and a large amount of digital information has been handled as compared with a case where a simple black-and-white document is handled. The increase in the volume of digital information is due not only to the manuscript information but also to the increase in the volume of data handled due to the spread of the Internet and the like, and the types of information have been diversified. For example, in the past, text or graph-sized manuscripts were often copied or printed, but recently, it is not unusual to copy or print presentation materials with product photos taken with digital cameras. Absent.
[0003]
Such an increase in the amount of information to be handled is expected to spread further. In addition, a storage device for temporarily storing such data, particularly a hard disk device, is required to have a large capacity and high performance, and at the same time, there is a problem in dealing with fault tolerance. Should a hard disk (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as HDD) fail, the loss of lost data is large, but the loss due to business interruption and the work cost required for recovery are enormous. Become.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-69261 discloses a technique related to solving the above-described problems, for example, a document reading unit that optically reads a document and photoelectrically converts the read document to obtain an image signal. In a digital copying apparatus having an image output means for forming an image signal read on a sheet on a paper and outputting the image signal, a primary storage means for outputting the image signal to the paper and simultaneously storing the image signal in a primary storage means, and accumulating the primary storage means Secondary storage means for accumulating the obtained image signal, compression / expansion means for compressing / expanding the image signal when inputting / outputting the image signal to / from the storage means, and inputting / outputting image data to / from the secondary storage means, A control unit for performing predetermined image processing on the image data stored in the primary storage unit, and a control unit that outputs a read error when outputting image data from the secondary storage unit. Is disclosed an invention of a digital copying apparatus characterized by comprising an error notifying means for notifying an error, in the present invention, means for notifying by detecting a read error has been proposed.
[0005]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-24851 discloses an image processing apparatus used in an image forming apparatus using a disk memory device as an image data storage memory, before the disk memory device fails. A failure prediction means for predicting a failure; and a restriction means for restricting use of a processing function for processing image data using the disk memory device when a failure of the disk memory device is predicted by the failure prediction device. An invention of an image processing apparatus is disclosed. In the present invention, a method for avoiding a failure of an HDD is predicted in advance, and based on the prediction, a problem that occurs when a failure occurs is reduced. Has been proposed.
[0006]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-143748 discloses an invention of a printer with a built-in disk, which comprises means for shifting the power-on timing of each disk in a printer with a built-in disk having two or more disk devices. In the present invention, means for providing two or more HDDs and shifting the power-on timing is proposed.
[0007]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-240907 discloses a disk memory unit capable of writing and reading image information and information relating to an image, a disk memory region of the disk memory unit being divided into a plurality of units, and a failure for each disk memory region. Failure prediction means for performing prediction and an area where a failure is predicted by the failure prediction means are confirmed, and when image information and information relating to the image are stored in this area, image information, And an image output means for reading and outputting information relating to an image. An invention of a digital image forming apparatus is disclosed. In this invention, data management of an HDD is performed based on failure prediction information of the HDD. Digital image forming apparatuses have been proposed.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, digital copiers are increasingly equipped with large-capacity magnetic disk storage devices such as hard disks. Therefore, various information such as a large-capacity image read by a scanner, adjustment parameter information for operating a digital copying machine, and user information is stored in an HDD.
[0009]
However, the HDD, which is a precision device, is a device that is susceptible to vibration and shock and easily breaks down as compared with a normal LSI storage device due to structural problems, although the reliability is gradually increasing. Therefore, when an HDD is mounted on an embedded device, writing / reading to / from the HDD may suddenly become impossible one day due to problems such as a temperature environment, a vibration / shock environment, and the like.
[0010]
Therefore, when mounting an HDD in an embedded device, it can be said that it is essential to improve fault tolerance and recoverability with a view to failure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the problems associated with the prior art as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital copying machine in which a hard disk device used as a storage device has excellent fault tolerance and recoverability. .
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first digital copying machine according to the present invention comprises:
A digital reading device that optically reads a document and photoelectrically converts the read document to obtain image information; and an image output device that forms an image on paper and outputs the image information read by the document reading device. In a copier,
First storage means for temporarily storing read image information and parameter information necessary for operation of the digital copying machine;
A second storage unit for storing data stored in the first storage unit;
Network transfer means for transferring the data stored in the first and second storage means to an external network;
With
In controlling the second storage unit, the data is transferred from the transfer unit to an external network to save the data stored in the second storage unit when an abnormality is detected.
[0012]
A hard disk (HDD) is used as the second storage unit.
The network transfer means is preferably a NIC (Network Interface Card). The NIC saves the data by attaching parameter information necessary for operating the digital copying machine stored in the second storage means to an e-mail and sending it.
[0013]
When inputting data to the second storage means, it is preferable to include a means for compressing and expanding data.
A first digital copying machine according to the present invention has at least one HDD mounted thereon, and obtains access parameter information of each HDD at power-on or during operation of a device to perform HDD failure prediction and management. If any of the HDDs is predicted to fail, a save process for transferring data to an external network is performed. If two or more HDDs are mounted, the digital copier is operated with the substitute HDD.
[0014]
In the prior art, for example, when a failure is predicted for one HDD, the use of that area is stopped and another area is used, or the function of the digital copying machine using the HDD is stopped.
Further, as another conventional technique, when two or more HDDs are used, for example, in order to operate these HDDs in real time, the power-on timing of each HDD is changed so that simultaneous access cannot be disabled. There is technology.
[0015]
According to the present invention, image data, adjustment data, user information, and the like are transferred to the outside when a failure is predicted, thereby improving the recoverability of the HDD. When two or more HDDs are used, the function of the HDD is improved. It allows you to work around restrictions.
In the present invention, in a digital copier equipped with an HDD, the failure of the HDD is predicted preferably by using the SMART function of the IDE-HDD.
[0016]
Then, when a failure prediction is detected, data is transferred to an Ethernet (Ethernet) (Internet or LAN) using the built-in NIC, and the data is saved.
More specifically, with regard to adjustment data and parameter information of a digital copying machine having a relatively small amount of data, the digital copying machine itself attaches data as an attached file to an e-mail using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and provides a service. To the address set by the administrator or administrator. For image data or the like having a large data amount, data is saved by transferring the image data to an externally installed FTP server using FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
[0017]
When the first digital copying machine according to the present invention has two or more HDDs, in addition to transferring data to the external network and saving data, a RAID system (described later) is used. If any of the HDDs is predicted to fail using hardware or software), the digital copying machine may be operated with an alternative HDD.
[0018]
Further, a second digital copying machine according to the present invention comprises:
A digital reading device that optically reads a document and photoelectrically converts the read document to obtain image information; and an image output device that forms an image on paper and outputs the image information read by the document reading device. In a copier,
A first storage unit that includes a γ correction unit that corrects the read image information, and outputs the γ corrected image information to an image processing unit for outputting the image information on a sheet and temporarily stores the image information.
A second storage unit for storing the image information stored in the first storage unit;
With
A compression / expansion means for compressing / expanding image information when inputting / outputting image information to / from the first and second storage means is provided. The input / output control of image information in the second storage means is different depending on one control means. Means for controlling the two storage devices, when reading the stored image information or when comparing the read error information of the storage device, and when an abnormality is detected, both storage devices It is characterized in that an image is formed by the image information read from the storage device or by the image information read from one of the storage devices.
[0019]
A hard disk (HDD) is used as the second storage unit.
Further, it is preferable that the control means of the second storage means includes a control means based on RAID (Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks).
RAID is for preventing a disk subsystem from going down due to a hard disk failure. In recent years, hardware RAID controllers for realizing RAID have been naturally lined up as server options for personal computers, and there are also standard personal computer servers. Previously, the only way to extend a SCSI controller was to use a SCSI disk. However, the situation has changed in recent years, and a RAID product called "IDE RAID" for personal computer servers using an inexpensive IDE hard disk has appeared.
[0020]
The present invention provides a digital copying machine provided with a storage device having excellent fault tolerance in IDE RAID in consideration of such component information. Further, the present invention is characterized in that a hard disk is incorporated in a hot-swappable drive bay so that a failed hard disk can be quickly and easily replaced.
[0021]
Recent IDE hard disks are equipped with a function called SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology). This is for realizing a self-diagnosis function of the HDD, and for checking item numerical values such as a read error rate and a seek error rate of a hard disk, and notifying a system control unit or an operator if there is a change from the previous check. The function of this is realized. Since these values tend to change as the life of the hard disk approaches, it is a guide for backing up data or replacing it with a new hard disk. In the present invention, these numerical items are checked at intervals specified in advance, and when starting the apparatus. The configuration diagram of the storage register for these numerical items conforms to FIG. 7 described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-24851.
[0022]
If the HDD needs to be replaced based on the failure prediction, the HDD is replaced in a hot-swappable drive bay. The HDD is stored in the drive bay, and the power is shut off by releasing the key, and the HDD can be replaced.
The second digital copying machine according to the present invention may further include a network transfer unit for transferring the data stored in the first and second storage units to an external network, and the second storage unit When an error is detected, the data stored in the second storage means can be transferred to an external network by the transfer means in order to save the data. NIC is preferable as the network transfer means. The NIC saves the data by attaching parameter information necessary for operating the digital copier stored in the second storage means to the e-mail and sending it.
[0023]
According to the first digital copying machine of the present invention, which is equipped with at least one HDD, when a failure prediction of the HDD is detected, a device having a small data amount such as an adjustment parameter is required to operate. For important information, it is possible to immediately send the data to an administrator or service person in the form of attaching the data to an e-mail to notify the failure prediction. Also, for image information or the like having a large amount of data, it is possible to make a backup by sequentially transferring files to an external server using FTP or the like. This makes it possible to easily recover data.
[0024]
Further, according to the second digital copying machine of the present invention in which two or more HDDs are mounted, the same data is written to two or more HDDs by using the RAID technology, and the HDD is damaged. By performing prediction and management, when one of the HDDs fails, it is possible to operate the HDD with an alternative HDD. As a result, even if one HDD fails or a failure is predicted, normal operation can be performed, and data recovery work is facilitated. In the second digital copying machine according to the present invention, the reliability of the digital copying machine can be improved by using the data saving method employed in the first digital copying machine according to the present invention. Become.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments (examples) of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an image processing and system of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flow of the read image information is indicated by a broken line.
[0026]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes the digital copier of the present invention as a whole.
The digital copying machine 10 includes a document reading unit 12 and a first storage unit 14 for temporarily storing image information read by the document reading unit and parameter information necessary for operating the digital copying machine. I have.
Further, the digital copying machine 10 includes a second storage unit 16 for storing the data stored in the first storage unit 14. Further, the digital copier 10 includes a network transfer unit 20 for transferring the data stored in the first storage unit 14 and the second storage unit 16 to the external network 18.
[0027]
Further, the digital copying machine 10 includes an image output unit 22 that forms an image on a sheet from the data stored in the first storage unit 14 and the second storage unit 16 and outputs the image.
Further, the digital copier 10 has a central processing unit as a control unit including, for example, a CPU for controlling the original reading unit 12, the first storage unit 14, the second storage unit 16, and the network transfer unit 20. A processing device 24 is provided.
[0028]
The document reading means 12 includes a reading circuit 26. The reading circuit 26 optically reads the document via an image scanner (not shown), photoelectrically converts the read document, and amplifies the read document with, for example, an amplifier. Thereafter, the A / D converter is configured to obtain image information converted into digital data of 2 n gradations (for example, 256 gradations) per pixel.
[0029]
The document reading means 12 includes a shading correction circuit 28. The image information obtained by the reading circuit 26 is used by the shading correction circuit 28 to correct color unevenness of an input image generated by an image scanner or the like. It has become.
The document reading means 12 includes a spatial filter circuit 30, and the image information corrected for the color unevenness by the shading correction circuit 28 is converted by the spatial filter circuit 30 into a spatial frequency corresponding to a change in shading of the image. The filter is configured to act on a filter that emphasizes high frequencies so that a clear image can be obtained.
[0030]
Further, the document reading means 12 includes a main scanning magnification circuit 32. The main scanning magnification circuit 32 electrically changes the magnification and reduction of the image information processed by the spatial filter circuit 30 in the main scanning direction. It is designed to double. In a digital copying machine, the main scanning magnification has been conventionally performed by an image processing circuit, and the magnification in the sub-scanning direction has been conventionally performed by switching the speed of the scanner according to the magnification.
[0031]
The image information that has been subjected to the main scanning scaling process by the main scanning scaling circuit 32 is input to the first storage unit 14.
That is, the first storage means 14 includes a memory control circuit 34 and a memory 36 made of, for example, an SDRAM or a DIMM. Under the control of the circuit 34, the image data is temporarily stored in the memory 36. At this time, under the control of the memory control circuit 34, the image information may be compressed and temporarily stored in the memory 36 as image data via the compression / expansion circuit 38.
[0032]
The memory 36 stores adjustment data necessary for the operation of the digital copier and parameter information including output conditions for jobs and pages such as designation of a paper discharge destination and presence or absence of staples. It has become so.
As described above, the image data and the adjustment data and parameter information necessary for the operation of the digital copying machine stored in the first storage unit are stored in the second storage unit 16.
[0033]
In the second storage means 16, for example, a hard disk 42 such as an IDE HDD is connected via a hard disk interface (HDD I / F) 40 such as a PCI-IDE RAID IC.
On the other hand, the image data stored in the memory 36 of the first storage unit 14 and the hard disk 42 of the second storage unit 16 may be appropriately compressed and decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 38 under the control of the central processing unit 24. , The compressed image data is decompressed again and sent to an image output means 22 for forming and outputting an image on a sheet.
[0034]
The image output means 22 includes a γ correction circuit 44. The γ correction circuit 44 converts a γ value (a ratio between a change in image brightness and an input / output voltage) of the image signal data into an image. Is corrected so that it looks natural. That is, the closer the γ value is to 1, the more natural the image looks. Generally, image information reading apparatuses such as image scanners, video cameras, and displays have different γ values, so The circuit 44 performs gamma correction so that the image looks natural.
[0035]
Next, in the γ correction circuit 44, the gradation of the color of the image is corrected by the gradation correction circuit 46 with the γ-corrected image information.
Then, the image information corrected by the gradation correction circuit 46 is sent to an LD control circuit 48 for controlling the driving of the writing laser diode (LD) so that an image is formed on a sheet and output. Has become.
[0036]
The hard disk 42 includes a first hard disk 42a and a first hard disk 42b.
In this case, the second storage means 16, that is, the means for controlling the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b, preferably includes a control means based on RAID (Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks).
[0037]
That is, RAID is for preventing a disk subsystem from going down due to a hard disk failure. In recent years, a hardware RAID controller for realizing RAID has been lined up as a server option of a personal computer.
Accordingly, for example, an inexpensive IDE hard disk called "IDE RAID" for personal computer servers is provided, and by using this, a storage device with excellent fault tolerance is provided by "IDE RAID". Can be provided.
[0038]
It is also desirable to install the hard disk in a hot-swappable drive bay so that a failed hard disk can be replaced quickly and easily.
Such an IDE hard disk is equipped with a function called SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology). This is for realizing a self-diagnosis function of the HDD, and for checking item numerical values such as a read error rate and a seek error rate of a hard disk, and notifying a system control unit or an operator if there is a change from the previous check. The function of this is realized.
[0039]
Since these values tend to change as the life of the hard disk approaches, it is a guide for backing up data or replacing it with a new hard disk. These numerical items may be checked at intervals specified in advance, and may be checked when the apparatus is started.
The configuration diagram of the storage register for these numerical items can be appropriately set, for example, according to FIG. 7 described in JP-A-11-24851.
[0040]
Further, when the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b need to be replaced based on the failure prediction, the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b may be replaced in the hot-swappable drive bay.
That is, for example, the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b are stored in the drive bay, and the power can be shut off by releasing the key, and the hard disk can be replaced. .
[0041]
By the way, there are several standards for such RAID technology. The contents are organized into the following four items.
(1) RAID 0 (striping)
Striping writes data to multiple hard disks in a distributed manner, so if you increase the number of hard disks to two, the speed doubles. The data is divided into small writing units, which are alternately written to two hard disks. It is a method of writing.
(2) RAID 1 (mirroring)
Mirroring writes the same data to a plurality of guard disks simultaneously. That is, there is a state in which a plurality of the same objects exist as reflected in a mirror. The advantage is that the security is high, and even if one of the hard disks fails, one failed hard disk can be removed and operated. In addition, since the operation can be performed while comparing the contents of the two hard disks, it is strong against data corruption.
(3) RAID 0 + 1 (striping + mirroring)
This RAID technique is a method of preparing two sets of striping and performing mirroring. This method requires at least four hard disks, but has both safety and high speed.
(4) RAID 5
This RAID technique is a method in which at least three hard disks are prepared and, while striping, parity data necessary for restoring data of the drive is automatically generated and written to another hard disk. According to this method, even if one of the three hard disks is broken, the use of the hard disks is continued although the speed is reduced in the remaining two hard disks. Although this method is not as good as RAID 0 (striping), it can secure high speed by striping, and is not as good as mirroring, but has high security.
[0042]
Although not particularly limited, the digital copier according to the present invention preferably employs RAID 1 (mirroring) technology in consideration of the above standards.
That is, the same data is written to the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b by using the RAID technology, and the failure prediction and management of the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b are performed. ing.
[0043]
Accordingly, when one of the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b fails, it is possible to operate the HDD with an alternative HDD. Therefore, even if one HDD fails or a failure is predicted, normal operation can be performed, and data recovery work is facilitated.
In this case, in this embodiment, two hard disks, the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b, are used as the hard disks 42. However, the number is appropriately changed as described above depending on the type of the RAID. It is possible to do.
[0044]
Furthermore, by predicting and managing the failure of the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b, an abnormality is detected in one of the first hard disk 42a and the second hard disk 42b, or in both of the hard disks. When it is detected, it operates as follows.
In other words, the SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) function checks the numerical values of items such as the hard disk read error rate and seek error rate, and stores the changed image signal from the previous check. When reading the stored image information, or when reading out the stored image information, the read error information is compared, and if an abnormality is detected, that is, if the hard disk fails or is predicted to fail, the following is performed. It is designed to work.
[0045]
Data stored in the memory 36 of the first storage means 14 and the hard disk 42 of the second storage means 16 are transferred to the external network 18 via the network transfer means 20.
That is, the network transfer unit 20 is configured by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) and transfers data to an Ethernet® (Internet or LAN) to save the data.
[0046]
More specifically, with regard to adjustment data and parameter information of a digital copying machine having a relatively small amount of data, the digital copying machine itself attaches data as an attached file to an e-mail using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and provides a service. It is sent to the address set by the administrator or administrator.
For image data or the like having a large data amount, data is saved by transferring the image data to an externally installed FTP server using FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
[0047]
In the above embodiment, a plurality of hard disks are used as the hard disk 42, but a single hard disk may be used.
In the above embodiment, the embodiment including the network transfer unit 20 has been described. However, as described above, when a plurality of hard disks using the RAID technology are used as the hard disks 42 of the second storage unit 16, It is not necessary to provide the network transfer means 20. For example, when a hard disk fails or a failure is predicted, a warning lamp is displayed on an operation panel or the like to urge the user to replace the hard disk. For example, various changes can be made without departing from the purpose of the present invention.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital copying machine in which a hard disk device used as a storage device has excellent fault tolerance and recoverability. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital copying machine capable of reducing data loss due to HDD failure.
[0049]
In the case of a digital copying machine equipped with only one HDD, the first digital copying machine according to the present invention is used, and in the case of a digital copying machine equipped with two or more HDDs, the first and second digital copying machines according to the present invention are used. With the second digital copying machine, data loss can be largely avoided.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to mount a HDD in a digital copying machine which is considered to be bad in a temperature environment or a vibration / shock environment without any problem, and to easily restore original data even in the case of a failure. It is.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an image processing and system of an example of a digital copying machine according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Digital copier
12 Document reading means
14 first storage means
16 second storage means
18 ・ ・ ・ External network
20 Network transfer means
22 ... image output means
24 ··· Central processing unit
26 ··· Reading circuit
28 ··· Shading correction circuit
30 ... spatial filter circuit
32 ··· Main scanning magnification circuit
34 ··· Memory control circuit
36 ··· Memory
38 ··· Compression / expansion circuit
40: Hard disk interface (HDD I / F)
42a... First hard disk
42b... Second hard disk
44 ・ ・ ・ γ correction circuit
46 ... gradation correction circuit
48 ··· LD control circuit

Claims (20)

Document reading means for optically reading a document, photoelectrically converting the read document to obtain image information,
A digital copying machine having an image output unit that forms an image on paper and outputs the image information read by the document reading unit,
First storage means for temporarily storing image information read by the document reading means and parameter information necessary for operation of the digital copying machine;
A second storage unit for storing data stored in the first storage unit;
Network transfer means for transferring the data stored in the first storage means and the second storage means to an external network;
With
When controlling the second storage means, if an abnormality is detected, the data stored in the second storage means is transferred to an external network via the network transfer means and saved. A digital copying machine characterized by: 2. The digital copying machine according to claim 1, wherein said second storage means is a hard disk. The network transfer means saves data by sending parameter information necessary for operating the digital copying machine stored in the second storage means to an external network by attaching the information to an e-mail. 3. A digital copying machine according to claim 1, wherein 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein parameter information necessary for operating the digital copier attached to the electronic mail is set to be sent to an address of a specific computer on an external network. Digital copier. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the network transfer unit is configured to save the data by transmitting the image information stored in the second storage unit to an external network. 2. A digital copying machine according to claim 1. 6. The digital copying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image information stored in the second storage unit is sent to a specific external server on an external network to save the data. Machine. 7. The digital copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the network transfer unit is a NIC (Network Interface Card). 8. The digital copying machine according to claim 1, further comprising a compression / expansion means for compressing / expanding data when inputting / outputting data from / to said second storage means. Γ correction means for correcting the image information read by the document reading means,
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information after the γ correction by the γ correction unit is output to the image processing unit and temporarily stored in the first storage unit. A digital copier according to any of the above. Document reading means for optically reading a document, photoelectrically converting the read document to obtain image information,
A digital copying machine having an image output unit that forms an image on paper and outputs the image information read by the document reading unit,
First storage means for temporarily storing image information read by the document reading means and parameter information necessary for operation of the digital copying machine;
A second storage unit for storing data stored in the first storage unit;
Storage device control means for controlling the first storage means and the second storage means,
When an abnormality is detected by the storage device control unit when controlling the second storage unit,
An image is formed by image information read from both the first storage means and the second storage means, or by image information read from either one of the first storage means and the second storage means. A digital copying machine characterized by being constituted. 11. The digital copying machine according to claim 10, further comprising a control unit using a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) as a unit for controlling the second storage unit of the storage device control unit. 12. The digital copying machine according to claim 10, wherein said second storage means is a hard disk. Network transfer means for transferring the data stored in the first storage means and the second storage means to an external network;
When controlling the second storage unit, if an abnormality is detected, the data stored in the second storage unit is transferred to an external network via the network transfer unit and saved. The digital copying machine according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The network transfer means saves data by sending parameter information necessary for operating the digital copying machine stored in the second storage means to an external network by attaching the information to an e-mail. 14. A digital copying machine according to claim 10, wherein 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein parameter information necessary for operating the digital copying machine attached to the e-mail is set to be sent to a specific computer address on an external network. Digital copier. 16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the network transfer unit is configured to save the data by sending the image information stored in the second storage unit to an external network. 2. A digital copying machine according to claim 1. 17. The digital copying apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the image information stored in the second storage unit is sent to a specific external server on an external network to save the data. Machine. 18. The digital copying machine according to claim 13, wherein said network transfer unit is a NIC (Network Interface Card). 19. The digital copying machine according to claim 10, further comprising a compression / expansion means for compressing / expanding data when inputting / outputting data from / to said second storage means. Γ correction means for correcting the image information read by the document reading means,
20. The image processing device according to claim 10, wherein the image information after the γ correction by the γ correction unit is output to the image processing unit and temporarily stored in the first storage unit. A digital copier according to any of the above.

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