JP2003241928A - Copying machine, copying function downloading method, and copying function downloading system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] When a new function needs to be added in accordance with a user's use situation, ROM replacement work, CD-RO
A copy function download system that can easily incorporate the newly added function into the copying machine 101 without performing an installation operation using M or the like. When adding another function different from a function pre-installed in a copying machine, a user can use a dedicated server from a copying machine via a network.
04 and the copier 101 from the dedicated server 104
Is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel. When a new function to be added to the copier 101 is selected from the displayed function list, information specifying this function is sent to the dedicated server 104, and the dedicated server 104 sends software of the function specified by the information to the network 103. Transfer to the copier 101 via For billing, services such as discounts can be obtained by adding various conditions when adding functions.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is for connecting, for example, a server holding software to a copying machine or the like capable of adding a function by software via a network and downloading the software from the server to the copying machine. Copier, copy function download system, and copy function download method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional copying machine has various functions such as an enlarging / reducing function and a double-sided copying function, which are incorporated at the time of sale, except for limited functions associated with hardware expansion such as a sorter. Therefore, the function realized by software cannot be added later. Also,
The controller software for controlling the copying machine is upgraded by a method in which a ROM in which the upgraded software is written is replaced by an ROM of an old version incorporated in the copying machine by a service person such as a dealer. There is. Alternatively, for copiers that store software on a hard disk, a serviceman may update the upgraded software to a CD-R.
In some cases, the method of installing from the OM to the hard disk in the copying machine is adopted.

Further, regarding the charge in the copying machine, although it may be charged depending on the number of copies or prints, it is charged according to the download of the software used in the copying machine or the function used. It never happened.

[0004]

The conventional copying machine as described above needs to have many functions in advance because it is impossible to add the functions. Each time the user uses the copying machine, he selects and uses a desired function from the functions built in advance. Therefore, if attention is paid to a specific user, not all of the functions of the copying machine are used, but only some of them are often used. Although the user uses only a part of the functions provided in the copying machine, he / she needs to purchase an expensive copying machine having extra functions that are not used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and a copying machine having a function suitable for each user and a copying function download method by selectively incorporating a function required by the user. And a copy function download system.

Further, by allowing the user to select a function and charging for the selected function, a copying machine having a necessary and sufficient function can be provided at a low cost, a copying function download method, and a copying function download system. The purpose is to provide.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following construction.

A copying function download system in which a server holding software and an image forming apparatus capable of adding a function by adding the software are connected, wherein the image forming apparatus is obtained from the server. Display means for displaying a list of functions that can be added based on the guide information, selecting means for selecting a desired function from the displayed function list, and specific information for specifying the function selected by the selecting means. Is transmitted to the server, and storage means for storing the software received from the server according to the specific information in an executable state. The guide information transmitting means for transmitting the guide information and the software specified by the specifying information received from the image forming apparatus are displayed on the screen. And a second transmission means for transmitting to the forming apparatus.

More preferably, the server further has a charging means for charging the specified software when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes deletion means for deleting the software stored by the storage means within a fixed period of time after receiving the software from the server. And a means for transmitting the specific information of the software deleted by the deleting means to the server, wherein the billing means receives the specific information of the software deleted by the deleting means, and deletes the deleted software. Exclude and recharge the software transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

More preferably, the billing means specifies a fixed amount from the amount corresponding to the specified software when two or more pieces of software are specified by the specifying information at the same time and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Discount.

More preferably, the billing means is such that when the software identified by the identification information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the software transmitted to the image forming apparatus is used in the image forming apparatus. If the period for which the software is used is limited, the amount according to the period of use is discounted from the amount according to the specified software.

Further preferably, when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the billing means uses the software transmitted to the image forming apparatus in the image forming apparatus. When the number of times is limited, the amount corresponding to the number of times of use is discounted from the amount of money corresponding to the specified software.

More preferably, the server charges for the number of times the specified software is used in the image forming apparatus when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. It further has a charging means for performing.

More preferably, the server charges a fee according to the number of days the specified software is used in the image forming apparatus when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. It further has a charging means for performing.

More preferably, the billing means uses the specified software in the image forming apparatus a certain number of times when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Each time you exceed the limit, you will be charged with a discount on the usage fee per time.

More preferably, the billing means uses the specified software in the image forming apparatus for a certain number of days when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Each time you exceed the limit, you will be billed at a discounted usage fee per day.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a copying function download system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<System Configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, the copying function download system connects the copying machine 101 owned by the user 102 and the dedicated server 104 of the copying machine manufacturer 105 via the network 103, and the network 103 is connected. Corresponding software via dedicated server 1
This is a system for downloading from 04 to the copying machine 101.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the configuration of each of the server and the copying machine shown in FIG. 1 in more detail.

In FIG. 19, the server 104 is a ROM
A CPU 1901 for executing various processes including a download process described later based on a program stored in 1903 or the RAM 1902 is provided. CPU1 for each device connected to the system bus 1904
901 controls overall. RAM 1902 is a CPU
It functions as a main memory, work area, etc. of 1901.
A keyboard controller (KBC) 1905 controls key inputs from the keyboard 1909 and a pointing device (not shown). CRT controller (CRTC)
1906 controls the display on the CRT display 1910. The disk controller (HDC) 1907 is used for boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the copying machine 104.
It is connected to a hard disk 1911 or the like that stores software modules and the like downloaded to the hard disk 1911 to control access to the hard disk 1911. The network interface 1908 is connected to the copying machine 104 via the network 103 and executes communication control processing with the copying machine 104.

On the other hand, in the copying machine 104, the CPU 19
A system bus 1915 executes a control program stored in the ROM 1913 or the RAM 1919.
It centrally controls access to various devices connected to the printer, and outputs an image signal as output information to the printer unit 1802 connected via the printer unit I / F 1916. CPU 1912 is the network interface 1
Communication processing with the server 104 is possible via the 918 and the network 103, and information from the copying machine can be notified to the server 104. RAM191
Reference numeral 9 is a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 1921. The network interface 1918 controls communication of status information such as print status information via the server 104 and the network 103. The reader unit interface 1920 is a reader unit 180 that optically scans a document and reads it as electronic data.
Connected to 1. Nonvolatile programmable memory 191
4 stores a program (software) downloaded from the server 104. A hard disk may be used instead of the nonvolatile programmable memory. When the program is stored in the non-volatile programmable memory, it can be stored in a pre-allocated location in an executable format. On the other hand, when stored in the hard disk, the program is stored in the hard disk as a program module in units of load segment, and RAM is stored for each load segment.
1919 loaded and executed. Operation unit 1013
Includes a display panel and a keyboard, and allows an operator to input instructions such as providing guidance information to be described later to the operator and selecting software to be downloaded.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the copying machine 101. The copying machine 101 includes a reader unit 1801 and a printer unit 1802. The document feeding device 1101 of the reader unit 1801 feeds documents one by one from the last page onto the platen glass 1102, and ejects the document on the platen glass 1102 after the reading operation of the document is completed. When the original is conveyed onto the platen glass 1102, the lamp 1103
Is turned on, and the scanner unit 1104 is started to move to expose and scan the document. The reflected light from the document at this time is reflected by the CCD image sensor (hereinafter CC) by the mirrors 1105, 1106, 1107 and the lens 1108.
1109). In this way, the image of the scanned document is read by the CCD 1109.
The image data output from the CCD 1109 is subjected to predetermined processing and then transmitted to the controller unit 1110.

Laser driver 12 of printer section 1802
Reference numeral 21 drives the laser emission unit 1201 and causes the laser emission unit 1201 to emit laser light according to the image data output from the reader unit 1801. This laser light is applied to the photosensitive drum 1202,
A latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on 2. Developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 1202 by the developing device 1203. Then, the cassette 1204 and the cassette 1 are synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation.
A recording sheet is fed from any of 205 and a transfer unit 1206
Then, the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 1202 is transferred to the recording paper. The recording paper on which the developer is placed is the fixing unit 120.
7, the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 1207. The recording paper having passed through the fixing unit 1207 is discharged by the discharge roller 1208, and the sorter 12
20 stores the discharged recording paper in each pin and sorts the recording paper. If sorting is not set, the sorter 1220 stores the recording paper on the uppermost pin.
When double-sided recording is set, the discharge roller 1
After the recording paper is conveyed to 208, the discharge roller 1
The rotation direction of 208 is reversed, and the flapper 1209 guides it to the re-feeding conveyance path. If multiplex recording is set, the flapper 1209 guides the recording paper to the re-feeding conveyance path so that the recording paper is not conveyed to the discharge roller 1208. The recording sheet guided to the sheet re-feeding conveyance path is fed to the transfer unit 1206 at the timing described above.

Document feeder 1101 and sorter 1
220 is not an indispensable component, and can be selectively added by the user when the device is purchased.

Here, the copying machine 101 has a basic function among a plurality of functions configured by software. The basic functions include, for example, a function of scanning and copying an original placed on the original placing table by pressing a copy button, and a function of performing a specified number of copies of an original, which is a basic function of a copying machine. Function. In this embodiment, the basic function is a function corresponding to the hardware configuration of the copying machine, and if the copying machine is equipped with the document feeding apparatus 1101, it is placed on the document feeding apparatus 1101. In the case of a copying machine to which the sorter 1220 is added, the function of scanning the originals one by one and copying the designated number of copies is basically the function of discharging each copy to the sorter when a plurality of copies are designated. It shall be included in the function.

The copying machine 101 is constructed so that the functions can be added to the basic functions by installing software corresponding to other functions. The functions that can be added include, for example, a document image rotation function, a binding margin securing function, a scaling function such as enlargement / reduction, a double-sided document copy, and a plurality (N sheets) of documents are collectively output on one sheet N. In-one function, color filtering function to filter and copy only the specified color components of the original image, trim function to copy only the area specified by the operator or only the area excluding the specified area, and placed on the platen There is a page continuous shooting function for copying two double-page spreads of a book, an image processing function such as color inversion, edge enhancement, contour extraction, and pseudo gradation processing of a photo original.

The copying machine 101 has a liquid crystal display panel and an operation unit 1013 provided with a plurality of keys such as a copy start key, a numeric keypad, and a function selection key. In the copying machine 101, a process of displaying a list of functions that can be added on the liquid crystal display panel based on guide information obtained from the server 104 via the network 103 and a list of the functions that can be added by key operation are selected. It is configured to be able to execute a process of selecting a function and a process of transmitting specific information for specifying the selected function to the dedicated server 104 via the network 103.

The dedicated server 104 holds a plurality of software for adding a function to the copying machine 101, and transfers the corresponding software to the copying machine 101 according to an access from the copying machine 101 via the network 103.
The copying machine 101 receives it and stores it in the nonvolatile programmable memory 1914. In addition, the dedicated server 104
Is configured to transmit the guide information to the copying machine 101 via the network 103.

<Download procedure> Next, FIG. 15 and FIG.
The procedure of each of the copying machine and the server at the time of download will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 15 shows the processor 1912 of the copying machine 101, and FIG.
This is a procedure of a program executed by the processor 1901 of No. 04.

When adding other functions to the copying machine 101 in addition to the functions already built in, the user must copy the copying machine 1
01 is connected to the network 103, and a predetermined operation is performed by the operation unit 1013 of the copying machine 101. As a result, the dedicated server 104 is accessed via the copier 101 network 103. FIG. 15 starts here.

When the copying machine 101 accesses the dedicated server 104, a login screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel of the operation unit 1013 of the copying machine 101 as shown in FIG. 2 (S1501). Next, the user is prompted to input the user name and the password received at the time of purchasing the copying machine 101 on this login screen by operating the keys of the operation unit 1013 (S1502). When the user inputs the user name and password from the operation unit 1013, the user name and password are sent to the dedicated server 104 via the network 103 as a part of the login message (S).
1503, message Sf in FIG. 1).

Server 10 that received the login message
4 executes the procedure of FIG. 16 (A). Dedicated server 104
Authenticates the user by checking the user name and password sent from the copying machine 101 against the values registered in advance (S1601). Here, if there is a matching entry as a result of the collation, it is determined that the user authentication has succeeded, and the dedicated server 104 transmits data indicating a list of functions (installable software) that the copying machine 101 can add via the network 103. To send to the copier 101 (S160
3, message Sb in FIG. 1). If the authentication is unsuccessful, a message indicating that the login has failed is displayed on the copying machine 101.
(S1602).

On the other hand, the copying machine 101 receives the data transmitted by the server 104 in step S1602 or S1603 in FIG. 16 (FIG. 15, S1504). Then, it is determined from the received data whether or not the login is successful (S1505), and when a message indicating that the login has failed is received, a message indicating that the login has failed and a message indicating that the login has failed is sent to the operation unit 1013. It is displayed and the next procedure is selected (S1511). If the user thereafter desires a retry and makes a predetermined input indicating the intention, the process branches from step S1512 to step S1501, and if the user does not make a retry, the download process is performed. To suspend.

If the login is successful, the copying machine 10
1, the function list received from the dedicated server 104 via the network 103, that is, the installable software list is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel of the operation unit 1013 as shown in FIG. 3 (S1506). In the display of this function list, the name of the function that can be added (installable software) and the amount of money to be paid when adding the function are displayed, and the functions already installed are shown in FIG. Although not displayed, it is displayed so as to be identifiable by a shading process or the like.

For the functions already installed, the server 1
04, but also in the copying machine 104. When managed by the copying machine 104, for example, the non-volatile programmable memory 1914 is installed with specific information for specifying a software module that can be installed and corresponding flag indicating that the software module has been installed. Software can be managed by holding the table.

Now, the copying machine 101 performs step S1507.
Let the user select the software (function) to install. Here, the user selects one or more functions from the displayed function list as a function to be newly added to the copying machine 101, and presses the "OK" key to confirm the selected function.

When a function is selected, the copying machine 101 transmits specific information for specifying the selected function, for example, a code given in advance for each function, to the dedicated server 104 via the network 103 (S1508, FIG. 1). Message Sf).

The dedicated server 104, which has received the characteristic information,
The procedure of FIG. 16 (B) is executed. The server 104 extracts software corresponding to the function specified by the specifying information from the copying machine 101 from the library 1041 of the storage device such as the hard disk 1911, and the network 1
03 to the copying machine 101 (S1611,
Message Sb in FIG. 1). In addition, the dedicated server 104 is
When the software is transferred to the copying machine 101, the charging information according to the transferred software is simultaneously sent to the copying machine 1
01 (S1612).

On the other hand, the copying machine 101 fetches the software received from the dedicated server 104 via the network 103 and stores it in the memory such as the nonvolatile programmable memory 1914 or the hard disk (S1509).
As a result, the function selected by the user by the loaded software is added to the copying machine 101. The installation table described above can be used as a table showing the functions available in the copying machine 104. For example, when the copying machine 101 displays a key for a user to operate on the operation unit 1013, this installation table is referred to, and only the basic function and the installed function (that is, the flag-set function) are displayed. By displaying the software key for designating the execution of the function, the user's operation can be limited to the available functions. Then, if the entry points of the respective installed software are further registered in this installation table, the designated function can be realized by executing the program from the entry points. When the software is stored in the hard disk, the program is loaded from the hard disk to the RAM based on the specific information, and the loaded program is executed.

When the copying machine 101 receives the billing information, it displays the billing information on the liquid crystal display panel of the operation unit 1013 as shown in FIG. In the screen example of FIG. 4, as the billing information, the imported software (function) and the amount thereof are displayed in association with each other and the total amount is displayed.

The fee incurred for downloading the software in this way will be paid from the user 101 to the manufacturer 105 at a later date according to a settlement method such as bank transfer or direct debit.

By the above procedure, the software for realizing the function required by the user is selectively downloaded to the copying machine, and the user can use the function by paying the price of the downloaded software. .
Therefore, it is possible to provide a copying machine at a low price corresponding to the price of the function that the user does not need, and yet to satisfy the required function. You can

Further, the user can add a function each time a new function is needed. Therefore, the initial cost at the time of purchasing the copying machine can be suppressed.

Further, it becomes possible to newly add a function which is not provided at the time of designing the copying machine by creating software for realizing the function thereafter. For this purpose, it is necessary to prepare a preliminary area in the non-volatile programmable memory of the copying machine or the installation table.

[Second Embodiment] As a second embodiment,
A copy function download system will be described in which a new function can be used free of charge during a trial period when a new function is incorporated in the copying machine 101. Copy machine 101
In step S1506, the “trial period” is displayed together with the list of installable software on the liquid crystal panel of the operation unit 1013 as shown in FIG. The display content is included in the list transmitted by the server 104 in step S1603. During this "trial period", the user 102 can try the downloaded function free of charge, and if it decides that the function is unnecessary, it can cancel the incorporation into the copying machine 101. The system of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 18 and 19. Also, the download procedure itself is shown in FIG.
16 is similar to FIG. However, after downloading,
The copying machine 101 differs from the first embodiment in that the procedure of FIG. 17A is executed, and the server 104 executes the procedure of FIG. 17B.

FIG. 17A shows the copying machine 101 when the user performs an operation for deleting unnecessary software from the software added in the procedure of FIGS. 15 and 16 in the copying machine 101. This is the processing procedure to be performed.

First, when a predetermined operation for canceling software is performed, a list of software currently being installed and currently being used for trial is displayed on the operation unit 1013 (S1701). Whether or not it is in use can be determined, for example, by providing a trial period column for each software in the installation table described in the first embodiment. In this case, when the deletion operation is performed, the date is read from the clock built in the copying machine 101, the read date is compared with the trial period corresponding to the installed software from the installation table, and the date is within the trial period. If so, it is displayed as a list as software in use.

Then, the user is made to select the software to be canceled from this list (S1702). When the software is selected, the selected software is deleted from the memory or the hard disk, and the installation table indicates that it is not installed. Then, the cancellation of the software during the trial period and the specific information of the software are transmitted to the server 104 (S1).
703). Here, the software itself may not be deleted, and only the installation table may be returned to the uninstalled state. Then, the billing information newly transmitted from the server 104 is received and displayed (S1704).

On the other hand, the server 104 receives the data transmitted by the copying machine 101 in step S1703 of FIG. 17A, and executes the procedure of FIG. 17B. First, regarding the canceled software, it is assumed that the software has not been originally downloaded, and the charging information is regenerated (S1711). The billing information is transmitted to the copying machine 101 (S1712). The copying machine uses this billing information in step S
Received at 1704.

It is also possible to provide a trial flag indicating "trial" corresponding to each software and set the trial flag at the time of cancellation when the trial software is canceled once. . And
When displaying the list of downloadable software in step S1506 in FIG. 15, the copying machine 101 displays a proviso that the trial period is not permitted for the software for which the trial flag is set. FIG. 17
Also in step S1701 of (A), software for which the trial flag is set is not displayed as a cancellation target. In this way, it is possible to prevent the software from being repeatedly used. Of course, this trial flag can be provided in the server 104.

In the server 104, step S17
Based on the billing information regenerated in 11, the bill for the downloaded software is billed later.

As described above, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, by allowing cancellation of the downloaded software within the trial period, the user can download only the truly necessary function. it can. No charge is applied for software canceled within the trial period, so the user can try various functions. Further, the manufacturer of the copying machine can determine the function required by the user by managing the download status of the user.

Furthermore, by limiting the number of trials,
It is possible to prevent a situation in which the price of software cannot be substantially obtained.

[Third Embodiment] In the present embodiment, in the copying function download system according to the first and second embodiments, when two or more functions are simultaneously incorporated in the copying machine 101, the price of software is reduced. Give a certain discount to. This can be realized by including a discount in the billing information downloaded from the server 104 to the copying machine 101 together with the software. The copying machine 101, which has received this billing information, displays a message on the liquid crystal panel of its operation unit as shown in FIG.
Instead of displaying, the discount information as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

With this configuration, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to provide incentives to users who purchase in bulk.

[Fourth Embodiment] In this embodiment, in the copying function download system according to the first and second embodiments, the period of use of the software to be downloaded is set in advance. The setting of this period of use may be registered in the installation table for each software.

When a new function is installed in the copying machine 101, a display asking whether to limit the period in which the newly installed function is used is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation unit, as shown in FIG. When the user selects one for limiting the period used here, next, a period input screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation unit. Here, the user inputs the period by operating the keys of the operation unit. The period information input from this operation unit is sent to the dedicated server 104 via the network 103. This procedure is performed between steps S1507 and S1508 of FIG. 15, and in step S1508, the specific information of the selected software is transmitted to the server 104 together with the input period information.

The dedicated server 104 calculates the discount rate based on the period information sent from the copying machine 101, and sends the billing information including the discount rate to the copying machine 101 via the network 103. This process is executed by including it in the procedure of FIG. The billing information including the discount rate is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operating means of the copying machine 101 as shown in FIG. 9 instead of the display of FIG.

With this configuration, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a user whose period of use is limited has
Software can be used at low cost.

[Fifth Embodiment] In this embodiment, the number of times the software to be downloaded is used is set in advance in the copying function download system according to the first and second embodiments. The setting of the number of times of use may be registered in the installation table for each software.

When a new function is incorporated into the copying machine 101, a display asking whether to limit the number of times the newly incorporated function is used is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation unit, as shown in FIG. If you select the one that limits the number of times you can use it, the next step is
A use count input screen as shown in 1 is displayed. Here, the user inputs the number of times of use by operating the keys of the operation unit. The usage count information input from the operation unit is sent to the dedicated server 104 via the network 103. This procedure is performed between steps S1507 and S1508 of FIG. 15, and in step S1508, the specific information of the selected software is transmitted to the server 104 together with the input frequency information.

The dedicated server 104 calculates the discount rate based on the number-of-uses information sent from the copying machine 101 and sends the billing information including the discount rate to the copying machine 101 via the network 103. This process is executed by including it in the procedure of FIG. The billing information including the discount rate is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operating means of the copying machine 101 as shown in FIG. 12 instead of the display of FIG.

With this configuration, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a user whose number of times of use is limited is
Software can be used at low cost.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the sixth embodiment, in the copying function download system according to the first and second embodiments, when a new function is incorporated in the copying machine 101, the number of times the function is used is changed. You will be charged.
Therefore, even when the list of installable functions is displayed, the price item is not displayed as shown in FIG. Further, even when the software is downloaded, the server 104 does not need to generate the billing information, and the copying machine 101 does not display the billing information.

In the case of the present embodiment, the copying machine 101 counts the number of times the incorporated function is used, each time the function is executed. Then, for every certain period, the total number of times of use information for that period is sent to the dedicated server 104 via the network 103, the dedicated server 104 calculates the amount of money according to the number of times of use, and the calculated charging information is sent to the network
It is sent to the copying machine 101 via 03. The billing information sent from the dedicated server 104 to the copying machine 101 via the network 103 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operating means of the copying machine 101 as shown in FIG.
3 is displayed. Each time the number of times of use exceeds a certain number of times, the usage fee per time of the incorporated function is discounted.

By doing so, it is possible to realize complete pay-per-use for software. Therefore, for users who use downloaded functions infrequently,
There is an advantage that a desired function can be used at low cost.

[Seventh Embodiment] In this embodiment, in the copying function download system according to the first and second embodiments, when a new function is incorporated in the copying machine 101, the function is changed according to the number of days to use the function. You will be charged.
Therefore, even when the list of installable functions is displayed, the price item is not displayed as shown in FIG. Further, even when the software is downloaded, the server 104 does not need to generate the billing information, and the copying machine 101 does not display the billing information.

In the case of this embodiment, the copying machine 101 counts the number of days when the incorporated function is used. Then, for each certain period, the total usage day information of the period is sent to the dedicated server 104 via the network 103, the dedicated server 104 calculates the amount of money according to the number of usage days, and the calculated charging information is copied via the network 103. Send to machine 101. The billing information sent from the dedicated server 104 to the copying machine 101 via the network 103 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operating means of the copying machine 101 as shown in FIG.
As the number of days of use exceeds a certain number of days, the usage fee per day of the incorporated function is discounted.

By doing so, the software is charged according to the number of days from the date of downloading the software. Therefore, for example, when the copying machine is a leased product and the usage period is limited to a certain period, for the period from the start of using the copying machine to the download of new functions,
There is no need to pay for the function, and the financial burden on the user can be reduced.

As described above, in the first to seventh embodiments, when adding another function different from the function already incorporated in the copying machine 101, the function to be added on the copying machine 101 is selected. By doing so, the software of the added function can be imported from the dedicated server 104 and installed. Therefore, when it becomes necessary to add a new function according to the usage situation of the user, the newly added function can be added to the copying machine without replacing the ROM or installing the CD-ROM. 101
Can be easily incorporated into.

Further, the dedicated server 104 is the copying machine 10
When the software is transferred to No. 1, the charging information corresponding to the transferred software is simultaneously transmitted to the copying machine 101, and the copying machine 101 receiving this charging information displays the charging information on the liquid crystal display panel of the operating means. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm the added function and its amount from the displayed billing information.

Even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (eg, host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.), a device composed of one device (eg, copying machine, facsimile). Device).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) recording a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to supply a computer of the system or apparatus ( Alternatively, it is achieved by the CPU or MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention. Become.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer is operated based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code. It also includes a case where a CPU or the like included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By selectively incorporating the functions required by the user, it is possible to realize a copying machine, a copying function downloading method, and a copying function downloading system having a function suitable for each user.

Further, by allowing the user to select a function and charging for the selected function, a copying machine having a necessary and sufficient function can be provided at a low cost, a copying function download method, and a copying function download system. Can be realized.

Alternatively, when it becomes necessary to add a new function in accordance with the user's usage situation, this new function can be added without the need to replace the ROM or install the CD-ROM. Can be easily incorporated into a copying machine.

By charging the amount of money according to the downloaded software, it is possible to collect the fee for adding the software to the copying machine.

Further, by displaying the billing information of the software downloaded to the copying machine, the added function and the amount thereof can be easily confirmed from the displayed billing information.

Furthermore, by adding various conditions to the software billing system, the price of the downloaded software can be reduced, and the user can positively incorporate new functions into the copying machine.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying function download system according to first to seventh exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG.

3 is a diagram showing an example of a function list screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG.

4 is a diagram showing an example of a billing information screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a trial period is displayed on the function list screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the charge information screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG.
It is a figure which shows an example in case the discount information by simultaneous installation of one or more functions is displayed.

7 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG. 1 as to whether to limit the use period.

8 is a diagram showing an example of a use period input screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG.

9 is a diagram showing an example of a case where discount information for a limited period of use is displayed on the billing information screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG.

10 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen asking whether to limit the number of times of use displayed on the copying machine shown in FIG.

11 is a diagram showing an example of a use frequency input screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a billing information screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG.
It is a figure which shows an example in case the discount information by the limited number of times of use is displayed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a charge information screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG. 1 according to the number of times of use.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a billing information screen displayed on the copying machine of FIG. 1 according to the number of days of use.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a software download procedure by a copying machine.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a software download procedure by the server.

FIG. 17A is a flowchart of a software canceling procedure by the copying machine. (B) is a flowchart of a software cancellation procedure by the server.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the copying machine.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a server and a copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Copier 102 users 103 network 104 dedicated server 105 Copier manufacturer

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 AQ06 HJ07 HJ08                       HQ17 HX10                 2H027 DA45 EE07 EE10 EJ06 EJ15                       GB11 GB13 ZA09                 5B021 AA19 BB01 BB04 BB08 CC06                 5C062 AA05 AA13 AA29 AB20 AB23                       AB38 AB42 AC41 AC42 AC43                       AF00 BA04

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A copying function download system in which a server holding software and an image forming apparatus capable of adding a function by adding the software are connected to each other, wherein the image forming apparatus is connected to the server. Display means for displaying a list of functions that can be added based on the obtained guidance information,
Selecting means for selecting a desired function from the displayed list of functions; first transmitting means for transmitting specific information for specifying the function selected by the selecting means to the server; Storage means for storing the software received from the server in an executable state, the server receiving guide information from the image forming apparatus and guide information transmitting means for transmitting the guide information to the image forming apparatus. And a second transmitting unit that transmits the software specified by the specified information to the image forming apparatus. 2. The server further comprises a charging unit for charging the specified software when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The copy function download system according to item 1. 3. The image forming apparatus further includes a deleting unit that can delete the software stored by the storing unit within a certain period of time after receiving the software from the server, and the deleting unit. Further comprising means for transmitting the specific information of the software deleted by the server to the server, and the billing means, when receiving the specific information of the software deleted by the deleting means, excludes the deleted software. 3. The copying function download system according to claim 2, wherein the software transmitted to the image forming apparatus is charged again. 4. The billing unit discounts a fixed amount from the amount of money according to the specified software when two or more software are specified at the same time by the specifying information and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. 3. The copying function download system according to claim 2, wherein: 5. The period when the software transmitted to the image forming apparatus is used in the image forming apparatus when the software identified by the identifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. 3. The copying function download system according to claim 2, wherein, when the number is limited, the amount according to the specified software is discounted from the amount according to the specified software. 6. The number of times that the software transmitted to the image forming apparatus is used in the image forming apparatus, when the software identified by the identification information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, The copy function download system according to claim 2, wherein, if limited, the amount corresponding to the number of times of use is discounted from the amount corresponding to the specified software. 7. The server charges a fee according to the number of times the specified software is used in the image forming apparatus when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The copying function download system according to claim 1, further comprising means. 8. The server charges a fee according to the number of days that the specified software is used in the image forming apparatus when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The copying function download system according to claim 1, further comprising means. 9. The billing means, when the software identified by the identification information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the number of times the identified software is used in the image forming apparatus exceeds a certain number of times. 8. The copying function download system according to claim 7, wherein a charge for each use is discounted and charged. 10. The billing means uses the specified software in the image forming apparatus for a certain number of days when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Every
9. The copying function download system according to claim 8, wherein the usage fee per day is discounted and charged. 11. A copying function downloading method in a system in which a server holding software and an image forming apparatus capable of adding a function by adding the software are connected to each other, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises: A display step of displaying a list of functions that can be added based on guide information obtained from the server, a selection step of selecting a desired function from the displayed list of functions, and a function selected by the selecting means are specified. For transmitting specific information for the first to the server
A guide information transmitting step of performing a transmitting step and a storing step of storing the software received from the server in an executable state according to the specific information, and transmitting the guide information to the image forming apparatus in the server. And a second transmitting step of transmitting software identified by the identification information received from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus, the copying function downloading method. 12. The server further comprises a billing step of billing the identified software when the software identified by the identification information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Claim 11
How to download the described copy function. 13. An image forming apparatus connected to a server that holds software, a display unit that displays a list of functions that can be added based on guide information obtained from the server, and a list of the displayed functions. Selecting means for selecting a desired function from the transmitting means, transmitting means for transmitting specific information for specifying the function selected by the selecting means to the server, and software transmitted by the server according to the specific information. And a storage unit that stores the software in an executable state. 14. Deletion means capable of deleting the software stored by the storage means within a fixed period of time after receiving the software from the server,
14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising means for transmitting the specific information of the software deleted by the deleting means to the server. 15. A server connected to an image forming apparatus capable of adding a function by adding software, the guide information relating to software that can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. A server having guide information transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus, and transmitting means for transmitting software specified by the specifying information received from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. 16. The charging device according to claim 15, further comprising a charging unit for charging the specified software when the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. server. 17. When the image forming apparatus deletes the software received within a certain period after the image forming apparatus receives the software, the billing unit excludes the deleted software to remove the image forming apparatus. 17. The server according to claim 16, wherein the software transmitted to the server is charged again. 18. The billing unit discounts a fixed amount from the amount of money according to the specified software when two or more software are specified at the same time by the specifying information and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The server according to claim 16, wherein: 19. The period when the software transmitted to the image forming apparatus is used in the image forming apparatus when the software identified by the identifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. 17. The server according to claim 16, wherein when the number is limited, the amount corresponding to the period of use is discounted from the amount corresponding to the identified software. 20. When the software identified by the identification information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the billing unit determines how many times the software transmitted to the image forming apparatus is used in the image forming apparatus. The server according to claim 16, wherein, when limited, the amount corresponding to the number of times of use is discounted from the amount corresponding to the specified software. 21. When the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus further comprises a charging unit that charges according to the number of times the specified software is used in the image forming apparatus. The server according to claim 15, wherein: 22. When the software specified by the specifying information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus further comprises a charging unit for charging according to the number of days the specified software is used in the image forming apparatus. The server according to claim 15, wherein: 23. When the software identified by the identification information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the billing unit uses the identified software in the image forming apparatus more than a certain number of times. Every
22. The server according to claim 21, wherein the server is charged by discounting the usage fee per time. 24. When the software identified by the identification information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the billing unit uses the identified software in the image forming apparatus for more than a certain number of days. Every
23. The server according to claim 22, wherein the usage fee per day is discounted and charged. 25. A method of downloading software in an image forming apparatus connected to a server holding software, the displaying step displaying a list of functions that can be added based on guide information obtained from the server, A selection step of selecting a desired function from the displayed list of functions, a transmission step of transmitting specific information for specifying the function selected by the selection means to the server, and the server according to the specific information. Receiving the software transmitted by the software, and storing the software in an executable state. 26. A method of downloading software in a server connected to an image forming apparatus, the function of which can be added by adding software, wherein the image forming apparatus can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. A guide information transmitting step of transmitting guide information related to different software, and a transmitting step of transmitting software specified by the specifying information received from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. 27. A computer program for causing a computer to execute each step in the method according to claim 25 or 26. 28. A computer-readable memory for storing the computer program of claim 27.