JP7626185B2 - System and image processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, a server, and an image processing system including them.

One example of an image processing device is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) that has a print function, a scan function, and a fax function. The print function is a function for printing an image related to image data on a sheet such as printing paper. The scan function is a function for reading an image and generating image data. The fax function is a function for sending and receiving image data via a public telephone line. The MFP also has a copy function that is achieved by combining the scan function and the print function.

Some MFPs come with the basic functions described above as standard functions, but additional functions beyond the standard functions can be added for a fee. Examples of additional functions include a scan mail function that attaches image data read by the scan function to an e-mail and sends it, a scan upload function that uploads image data read by the scan function to a server on the Internet, and a download print function that downloads image data from a server on the Internet and prints it on a sheet using the print function.

Even if a user adds an additional function to an MFP, if the user has few opportunities to use the additional function, the expense of adding the additional function will be wasted. Therefore, a configuration has been proposed in which a trial mode is provided that limits the number of times or number of days the additional function can be used, and if the user requests continued use of the additional function during or after the trial mode has ended, continued use of the additional function is permitted.

JP 2005-33333 A

When an additional function can be tried free of charge under certain restrictions, the user, for example, accesses the server from an external terminal such as a PC (personal computer) when starting a trial of the additional function and sends device information about the MFP on which the additional function will be tried and user registration information about the user to the server. Then, when purchasing and using the additional function after the trial, the user accesses the server again from the external terminal and sends the device information and user registration information to the server again to obtain a license code for using the additional function from the server. After that, when the license code is entered into the MFP, the additional function can be used in its entirety.

Therefore, when trying out or using additional functions on an MFP, the user must enter both user information and device information, which is time-consuming for the user.

The object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, a server, and an image processing system that can reduce the effort required for users to input information.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image processing device exemplified in the form for implementing the invention is an image processing device comprising an image processing unit that performs at least one of a printing process for printing an image related to image data on a sheet and a reading process for reading an original image to obtain image data, a first communication unit that communicates with a server, a reception unit that receives information, a memory unit, and a control unit that controls the image processing unit to perform either a standard function or a paid function, wherein the memory unit stores device information related to the image processing device and address information of the server, and the control unit performs an authentication process related to the user information in response to user information being received by the reception unit, and when request information related to the paid function is received by the reception unit, transmits the device information stored in the memory unit from the first communication unit to the server using the address information stored in the memory unit, provided that authentication related to the authentication process is successful.

According to this configuration, the storage unit stores device information related to the image processing device and address information of the server. When user information related to a user who uses the image processing device is received by the reception unit and request information related to a paid function is received by the reception unit, the user information and the device information stored in the storage unit are sent to a server identified by the address information stored in the storage unit, provided that the authentication process related to the user information is successful. Therefore, the user does not need to perform an input operation to have the reception unit receive the device information, and the effort required for inputting the device information can be saved. As a result, the convenience of the image processing device can be improved.

The present invention can be realized not only in the form of an image processing device, but also in the form of, for example, an image processing system that includes the image processing device, and a server that constitutes the image processing system together with the image processing device.

The present invention reduces the effort required for users to input information, and improves the convenience of image processing devices.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the MFP. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 1) of a paid function usage process. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 2) of a paid function usage process. 11 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the flow of processing executed by a function server during a paid function usage process. 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the flow of processing executed by the function server during paid function usage processing. 13 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the flow of processing executed by the function server during paid function usage processing;

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

<Image Processing System>
1 is a system that enables functions other than standard functions to be added, for a fee, to an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 2. In addition to the MFP 2, the image processing system 1 includes a function server 3 (an example of a server) and a user terminal 4.

MFP2 (an example of an image processing device) comes equipped with print, scan, fax and copy functions as standard functions. The print function is a function for printing image data onto a sheet. The scan function is a function for reading an image and generating image data. The fax function is a function for sending and receiving image data via a public telephone line. The copy function is a function for reading an image from an original document and printing the image onto a sheet.

The MFP 2 is a network-compatible device, and is used by connecting to a LAN (Local Area Network) 5. The LAN 5 is connected to the Internet 6. Functions that can be added to the MFP 2 are paid functions that are realized by linking standard functions with communication via the LAN 5. The paid functions include, for example, an Internet fax function, a scan upload function, and a download print function. The Internet fax function is a function that receives an email from an external device, prints image data attached to the email on a sheet, and also attaches image data to an email and sends the email to an external device. The scan upload function is a function that reads an image by executing a scan job that uses the scan function, and uploads the read image data to a specified server. The download print function is a function that downloads image data from a specified server, and prints the image data on a sheet using the print function.

In addition to the standard output tray, the MFP2 also has five mailboxes MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, and MB5 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "mailbox MBs" unless a distinction is required) as output destinations for sheets with printed images. The mailboxes MBs are optional devices that can be added to the MFP2.

The function server 3 is, for example, a server provided by the manufacturer of the MFP 2, and is located on the Internet. The function server 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and a LAN interface (I/F) 14. The CPU 11 (an example of a server control unit) controls the operation of each unit of the function server 3 by executing a program stored in the ROM 12 (an example of a server storage unit). The ROM 12 includes a data-rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The RAM 13 is used as a work area when the CPU 34 executes the program. The LAN interface 14 (an example of a second communication unit) is an interface for connection to the LAN 5.

The user terminal 4 (an example of an external terminal) is a terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) operated by a user, and is connected to the LAN 5. When the user operates the user terminal 4, an instruction to execute a job using a standard function or a paid function can be sent from the user terminal 4 to the MFP 2 via the LAN 5.

LAN5 may be either a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, or may be a combination of a wired LAN and a wireless LAN.

<Electrical Configuration of MFP>
As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 2 includes a reading unit 21 (an example of an image processing unit) for the scan function, and a printing unit 22 (an example of an image processing unit) for the print function.

The method of image reading by the reading unit 21 may be an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) method in which the image on a sheet is read while the sheet is being transported, or an FB (Flat Bed) method in which the image on a sheet placed on a contact glass is read.

The method of image formation by the printing unit 22 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Furthermore, the image formed on the sheet may be a color image or a monochrome image.

The MFP 2 also includes an operation panel 23. The operation panel 23 includes an operation unit 24 and a display unit 25.

The operation unit 24 has operation keys (for example, a start key and a back key). When an operation key is operated, the operation is accepted by the operation unit 24, and a signal (data) corresponding to the content of the operation is output from the operation panel 23.

The display unit 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

The operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 may form a touch panel. Images of various information and operation buttons are displayed on the display unit 25 that forms the touch panel. When the user presses (touches) an operation button displayed on the display unit 25, the operation is accepted by the operation unit 24, and a signal (data) corresponding to the content of the operation is output from the operation panel 23. The following describes the case where the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 form a touch panel.

The MFP2 also includes a LAN interface (I/F) 26, a FAX interface (I/F) 27, and a control unit 28.

The LAN interface 26 (an example of a first communication unit and a reception unit) is an interface for connecting to the LAN 2.

The FAX interface 27 is an interface for connecting to a public telephone line used for facsimile communication, and is equipped with a modem with a built-in NCU (Network Control Unit), etc.

The control unit 28 includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 31, a ROM 32 (an example of a memory unit and device memory unit), and a RAM 33.

In addition to ROM 32 and RAM 33, the ASIC 31 is connected to a reading unit 21, a printing unit 22, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, a LAN interface 26, and a FAX interface 27.

The ASIC 31 has a built-in CPU 34 (an example of a control unit and device control unit). Signals output from the operation panel 23 and the like are input to the ASIC 31. The CPU 34 controls each unit including the reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, the operation unit 24, the display unit 25, the LAN interface 26, and the FAX interface 27 by executing a program stored in the ROM 32 based on the signals input to the ASIC 31 and the like.

The ROM 32 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The ROM 32 stores programs executed by the CPU 34 and various data. The ROM 32 also stores device information related to the MFP 2. The device information includes, for example, the model name of the MFP 2, the serial number of the MFP 2, whether an error has occurred, information on optional devices attached to the MFP 2, and information on the language used by the user or the factory settings. The information on the optional devices includes whether a mailbox MB is attached, the number of mailbox MBs if attached, whether a card reader that reads information from an IC card by NFC (Near Field Communication) communication is attached, and whether a barcode reader is attached. The ROM 32 also stores address information of the function server 3.

RAM 33 is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and is used as a work area when CPU 34 executes programs.

<Paid feature usage process>
A paid function is a function that can be added to the MFP 2 for a fee, but a user can try using (trial use) the paid function free of charge only for a certain trial period.

When a user wishes to try out a paid function, the user uses the web browser on the user terminal 4 to access a website on a server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) built into the MFP 2. The top page of this website displays multiple buttons, including a list display button that requests the display of a list of trialable paid functions. The user can operate the user terminal 4 to select a display request for a list of trialable paid functions, as shown in FIG. 3A, for example, by pressing the list display button with the mouse pointer.

When the list display button is pressed, the web browser screen switches from the top page to the login page. When the user operates the user terminal 4 and inputs a user ID and password on the login page, a connection request is sent from the MFP 2 to the function server 3. The address information of the function server 3 is stored in the ROM 32 of the MFP 2. In addition, the user ID and password input on the login page are sent from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 for user authentication (server authentication) by the function server 3.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a connection request from the MFP 2 (S11: YES), it performs connection authentication using the user ID and password received following the connection request (S12). Specifically, an authentication database is constructed in the ROM 12 of the function server 3. The user IDs and passwords of users who can use paid functions are registered in association with each other in the authentication database. In connection authentication, the CPU 11 checks whether the combination of user ID and password received from the MFP 2 is registered in the authentication database.

If the user ID and password combination is registered in the authentication database, the connection authentication is successful, and if the user ID and password combination is not registered in the authentication database, the connection authentication is unsuccessful. If the connection authentication is successful (S13: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a connection response to the MFP 2 that permits the connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 (S14). On the other hand, if the connection authentication is unsuccessful (S13: NO), the CPU 11 denies the connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3.

After sending the connection response, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 judges whether the current connection request from the MFP 2 is a connection request (an example of request information) for trial registration of a paid function (S15). Whether the connection request is for trial registration can be determined based on whether the connection request was received before connection authentication or a notification of continued function use, which will be described later, was received. That is, if the CPU 11 received a connection request before connection authentication, it judges that the current connection request is a connection request for trial registration, and if it received a notification of continued function use before connection authentication, it judges that the current connection request is not a connection request for trial registration.

If the connection request from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 is a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (S15: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 waits to receive device information from the MFP 2 (S16).

On the other hand, when the MFP 2 receives a connection response from the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the ASIC 31 of the MFP 2 transmits the device information stored in the ROM 32 to the function server 3 from the LAN interface 26, as shown in FIG. 3A.

When the function server 3 receives the device information sent from the MFP 2 (S16: YES), as shown in Figures 3A and 4A, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 creates a list of paid functions that the user can try out on the MFP 2 from the user ID and the device information (S17). For example, trialable paid functions are set for each user, and the trialable paid functions are registered in the authentication database in association with the user ID. The CPU 11 selects paid functions that can be used on the MFP 2 from the paid functions registered in association with the user ID based on the information on the optional equipment included in the device information received from the MFP 2, and creates the list by determining the selected paid functions as trialable paid functions.

After creating the list of trialable paid functions, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends an instruction to the MFP 2 to display the created list (S18). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays, on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2, a list of trialable paid functions for the user, as well as a function selection page that allows the user to select one of the paid functions included in the list, as shown in FIG. 3A.

The user operates the user terminal 4 to select the paid function that the user wishes to try on the function selection page. When the paid function is selected, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the function server 3 of the selected paid function. As shown in Figures 3A and 4A, when the function server 3 receives a notification of the paid function selected by the user (S19: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the notified paid function can be enabled on the MFP 2 (S20), as shown in Figure 4B.

Below, we will look at what happens when a user selects the Internet fax function.

For example, if the Internet fax function selected by the user has already been tried on the MFP 2 in the past, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines that the Internet fax function cannot be enabled (S20: NO). In this case, the CPU 11 notifies the MFP 2 of an error (S21) and ends this series of processes. In response to the error notification from the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays a page notifying the error on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2.

If the Internet fax function selected by the user can be enabled on the MFP 2 (S20: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a notification to the MFP 2 to enable the Internet fax function (S22), as shown in Figures 3A and 4B.

When the MFP2 receives this activation notification, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 activates the Internet fax function for trial use, as shown in FIG. 3A, and starts the countdown of the trial period.

The CPU 11 of the function server 3 also checks whether the user is logged in to the MFP 2 (S23) and whether a mailbox MB is attached to the MFP 2 (S24), as shown in FIG. 4B. If the user is logged in to the MFP 2 (S23: YES) and a mailbox MB is attached to the MFP 2 (S24: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends an instruction to the MFP 2 to display a screen for selecting one of the mailbox MBs (S25). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays a mailbox selection page that accepts the user's selection of a mailbox MB on the screen of a web browser that accesses a server built into the MFP 2, as shown in FIG. 3A.

The user operates the user terminal 4 to select one of the mailbox MBs attached to the MFP 2 on the mailbox selection page. When one of the mailbox MBs is selected, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the function server 3 which mailbox MB is selected. When the function server 3 receives this notification (S26: YES), as shown in Figures 3A and 4B, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends an instruction to the MFP 2 to set the notified mailbox MB as the mailbox MB for the logged-in user (S27).

Then, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 registers the device information received from the MFP 2 in the ROM 12 in association with the user information (user ID) (S28). As a result, the MFP 2 is registered as a device that has already tried out the Internet fax function (trial registration).

Then, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a notification to the MFP 2 that the trial registration of the MFP 2 has been completed (S29), and ends the series of processes. When the MFP 2 receives the notification, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays a page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2, as shown in FIG. 3B, notifying the user that the trial registration of the MFP 2 has been completed.

When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the Internet fax function was enabled and the countdown of the trial period for the Internet fax function has ended, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 detects the end of the trial period for the Internet fax function.

After the trial period of the Internet fax function has ended, when the user uses the web browser of the user terminal 4 to access the website of the server built into the MFP 2, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the user of the end of the trial period of the Internet fax function on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2, and displays a trial period end notification page that inquires about continued use of the Internet fax function. When the user operates the user terminal 4 and selects continued use of the Internet fax function on the trial period end notification page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 switches the web browser screen from the trial period end notification page to the login page. When the user operates the user terminal 4 and enters a user ID and password on the login page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 sends a notification of continued use of the function to the function server 3. In addition, for user authentication by the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 sends the user ID and password entered on the login page from the MFP 2 to the function server 3.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a notification of continued function use from the MFP 2, it determines that the notification of continued function use is a connection request (S11: YES) and performs connection authentication using the user ID and password received following the connection request (S12). If the connection authentication is successful (S13: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a connection response to the MFP 2 that permits connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 (S14).

After sending the connection response, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the current connection request from the MFP 2 is a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (S15). Because the current connection request is a connection request due to a notification of continued use of the function, the CPU 11 determines that it is not a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (S15: NO). The CPU 11 then determines whether the current connection request from the MFP 2 is a connection request (an example of request information) for official registration of use of the Internet fax function (S30).

If the connection request from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 is not a connection request for official registration of the Internet fax function (S30: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 rejects the connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3.

If the connection request from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 is a connection request for officially registering the Internet fax function (S30: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the MFP 2 has been registered for trial use (S31).

If the MFP 2 has not been registered for trial use (S31: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 instructs the MFP 2 to send device information and waits to receive device information from the MFP 2 (S32).

If the MFP 2 has completed trial registration (S31: YES), or if device information has been received from the MFP 2 (S32: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends to the MFP 2 an instruction to display a payment information input page that requests the user to input payment information (S33). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays the payment information input page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2, as shown in FIG. 3B.

When a user operates the user terminal 4 and inputs information regarding payment by credit card or IC card on the payment information input page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the function server 3 of the input payment information.

When the function server 3 receives a notification of payment information from the MFP 2 (S34: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the payment by the user's credit card or the like is valid, as shown in Figures 3B and 4C, and if the payment is valid, approves the payment (S35: payment processing).

Then, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 creates a receipt in the form of a PDF file (S36). At this time, the CPU 11 refers to the device information and creates the receipt in the language used by the MFP 2 based on the language information included in the device information.

The CPU 11 of the function server 3 also sends permission to start using the Internet fax function officially (S37).

Then, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 confirms from the device information of the MFP 2 that the print function is available on the MFP 2 (S38).

If the MFP 2 can use the print function (S38: YES), as shown in Figures 3B and 4C, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends to the MFP 2 an instruction to display a receipt printing confirmation page that asks the user whether to print a receipt (S39). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays the receipt printing confirmation page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2, as shown in Figure 3B.

When a user operates the user terminal 4 and selects printing of a receipt on the receipt printing confirmation page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 sends a notification to the function server 3 that printing of a receipt has been selected.

As shown in Figures 3B and 4C, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a notification from the MFP 2 that printing of a receipt has been selected (S40: YES), it sends an instruction to print a receipt to the MFP 2 (S41). The CPU 11 then registers the MFP 2 in the ROM 12 as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function (S42), and ends this series of processes.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the MFP 2 receives an instruction to print a receipt from the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 controls the printing unit 22 to print the receipt. The CPU 34 also displays a registration success notification page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2, notifying the user that the MFP 2 has been registered as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function, and then ends the series of processes.

If the MFP 2 is unable to use the print function due to an error or the like (S38: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the user's email address has been registered as user information (S43).

If the email address has already been registered (S43: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends to the MFP 2 an instruction to display a receipt sending permission page that confirms permission to send the receipt as an attachment to an email. In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays the receipt sending permission page on the screen of a web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2.

When the user operates the user terminal 4 and permission to send a receipt is granted on the receipt sending permission page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 sends a notification to the function server 3 that permission to send the receipt has been granted.

When the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a notification from the MFP 2 that sending of the receipt is permitted (S44: YES), it attaches the receipt to an e-mail and sends it to the user's e-mail address (S45). The CPU 11 then registers the MFP 2 in the ROM 12 as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function (S42), and ends this series of processes.

If the user's email address is not registered (S43: NO), or if the user has refused to send the receipt on the receipt sending permission page and the function server 3 has received a notification of this from the MFP 2 (S44: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends to the MFP 2 an instruction to display an email address input page that requests the input of an email address (S46). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays the email address input page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2.

When the user operates the user terminal 4 to input an email address on the email address input page, that email address is sent from the MFP 2 to the function server 3. When the function server 3 receives the email address (S47: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 attaches a receipt to an email and sends it to the user's email address (S45). The CPU 11 then registers the MFP 2 in the ROM 12 as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function (S42), and ends this series of processes.

<Action and effect>
As described above, the ROM 32 stores device information about the MFP 2 and address information about the function server 3. When user information about a user who uses the MFP 2 is received by the LAN interface 26, the user information and device information stored in the ROM 32 are sent accordingly to the function server 3 identified by the address information stored in the ROM 32. This eliminates the need for the user to input device information into the MFP 2 (operation of the user terminal 4), thereby eliminating the need to input device information. As a result, the convenience of the MFP 2 can be improved.

When a user officially uses a paid function, payment information is sent from the MFP2 to the function server 3. When the function server 3 receives the payment information, a PDF file of a receipt is created in the function server 3. If the user wishes, the PDF file of the receipt is sent from the function server 3 to the MFP2, and the PDF file of the receipt is printed in the MFP2. This allows the user to easily obtain a receipt.

In addition, if multiple mailbox MBs are installed in the MFP2, when starting a trial of a paid function that uses a printer function, such as an Internet fax function, one of the multiple mailbox MBs can be set as the user's mailbox MB. This allows the user to conveniently try out the mailbox MB.

<Modification>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in other forms.

For example, in the above embodiment, the MFP 2 and the user terminal 4 are connected via a LAN 5, but the MFP 2 and the user terminal 4 may be connected via a USB cable.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the LAN interface 26 is an example of the first communication unit and the reception unit, but the first communication unit and the reception unit may be provided in the MFP 2 as separate components. For example, the MFP 2 may be provided with the LAN interface 26 as an example of the first communication unit, and the operation unit 24 or a USB interface for USB connection as an example of the second communication unit.

When starting a trial of a paid function, the user ID and password, which are examples of user information, are sent from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 in the above description, but the user information sent from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 may include the user's credit card number. In this case, it is possible to eliminate the need for the user to input payment information such as a credit card number when the MFP 2 is registered as a device that can officially use the paid function.
Furthermore, although a connection request for trial registration or full-use registration has been given as an example of request information, this request information may also include the user's credit number.

In the above embodiment, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 and the CPU 11 of the function server 3 execute each process. However, the MFP 2 may have multiple CPUs, and the multiple CPUs may work together to execute each process, or the function server 3 may have multiple CPUs, and the multiple CPUs may work together to execute each process,

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an MFP2 having an image forming function and an image reading function was given as an example of an image processing device, but the image processing device may be a single-function printer having a printer function, or a single-function scanner having a scanner function.

In addition, various design modifications can be made to the above-mentioned configuration within the scope of the claims.

1: Image processing system 2: MFP
3: Function server 4: User terminal 11: CPU
12: ROM
14: LAN interface 21: Reading unit 22: Printing unit 26: LAN interface 27: FAX interface 32: ROM
34: CPU
MB1-5: Mailbox

Claims (24)

A system including an image processing device and a server,
The image processing device includes:
A receiving interface is provided.
It is configured to be able to execute standard functions,
A special function is enabled to execute the special function,
A trial mode for trial execution of the special function may be enabled,
a memory in which identification information of the image processing device is stored, and the identification information stored in the memory is transmitted to the server when the trial mode is enabled;
the special function is not a function provided by the server but a function provided by the image processing device using the standard function,
The image processing device for enabling the trial mode includes:
after transmitting the identification information to the server, in response to receiving information for enabling a try mode via the receiving interface, the try mode is enabled;
when the trial mode is enabled, executing a process for detecting whether the trial mode is within a valid period;
The special function can be executed during a period during which the trial mode is valid, and the trial mode can be disabled when the trial mode is no longer valid; and
The special function is enabled in response to receiving information for enabling the special function via the receiving interface;
The server,
configured to, when receiving identification information of the image processing device in which the trial mode is disabled via a network, perform output for enabling the trial mode in the image processing device indicated by the received identification information, and store the received identification information as identification information of the image processing device in which the trial mode is enabled;
The system is configured to, when receiving information requesting that the special function be enabled in the image processing device via the network, perform an output for enabling the special function. 2. The system of claim 1,
The system, wherein the identification information includes a serial number of the image processing device. 2. The system of claim 1,
A system in which the identification information includes information on optional equipment installed in the image processing device. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
both the standard function and the special function include execution of image processing,
The system, wherein the image processing includes at least one of outputting image data by the image processing device and generating image data by the image processing device . 5. The system of claim 4,
There are multiple standard features and multiple special features,
A system, wherein the plurality of standard functions and the plurality of special functions are functions including execution of the image processing. 6. A system according to claim 4 or 5, comprising:
The image processing device includes:
a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet;
a reading unit that reads an image and generates image data;
The system, wherein the image processing includes at least one of printing image data using the printing unit and generating image data by reading an image using the reading unit. 7. The system of claim 6,
The special functions include an Internet fax function that receives an e-mail from an external source, prints image data attached to the e-mail on a sheet using the printing unit, and also attaches the image data to an e-mail and sends the e-mail to an external destination. 8. A system according to claim 6 or 7, comprising:
The special functions include a scan upload function of reading an image using the reading unit and uploading image data generated by the reading to an upload server. A system according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The special functions include a download print function of downloading image data from a download server and printing the image data on a sheet using the printing unit. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A system, wherein the standard function and the special function both include generation of data by the image processing device and transmission of the generated data. 11. The system of claim 10,
There are multiple standard features and multiple special features,
A system, wherein the plurality of standard functions and the plurality of special functions are functions including generation of data by the image processing device and transmission of the generated data. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A system, wherein the standard function and the special function both include receiving data and processing the received data in the image processing device . 13. The system of claim 12,
There are multiple standard features and multiple special features,
A system, wherein the plurality of standard functions and the plurality of special functions are functions including receiving data and processing the received data by the image processing device . An image processing device that is configured to be able to execute a standard function, to be able to execute a special function by enabling the special function, and to be able to enable a trial mode for executing the special function on a trial basis,
a memory in which identification information of the image processing device is stored, and the image processing device is configured to transmit the identification information stored in the memory to a server when the trial mode is enabled;
The trial mode is enabled based on an output for enabling the trial mode performed by the server;
when the trial mode is enabled, executing a process for detecting whether the trial mode is within a valid period;
The special function can be executed during a period during which the trial mode is valid, and the trial mode can be disabled when the trial mode is no longer valid; and
The special function may be enabled based on an output for enabling the special function from the server;
The special function is not a function provided by the server, but a function provided by the image processing device using the standard function. 15. The image processing device according to claim 14,
both the standard function and the special function include execution of image processing,
The image processing device, wherein the image processing includes at least one of outputting image data by the image processing device and generating image data by the image processing device . 16. The image processing device according to claim 15,
There are multiple standard features and multiple special features,
An image processing device, wherein the plurality of standard functions and the plurality of special functions are functions including execution of the image processing. 17. The image processing device according to claim 15,
a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet;
a reading unit that reads an image and generates image data;
The image processing device, wherein the image processing includes at least one of printing image data using the printing unit and generating image data by reading an image using the reading unit. 18. The image processing device according to claim 17,
The special functions include an Internet fax function that receives an e-mail from an external source, prints image data attached to the e-mail on a sheet using the printing unit, and also attaches the image data to an e-mail and sends the e-mail to an external destination, the image processing device. 19. The image processing device according to claim 17,
The special functions include a scan upload function of reading an image using the reading unit and uploading image data generated by the reading to an upload server. The image processing device according to any one of claims 17 to 19,
The special functions include a download print function of downloading image data from a download server and printing the image data on a sheet using the printing unit. 15. The image processing device according to claim 14,
An image processing device, wherein the standard function and the special function are both functions including generation of data by the image processing device and transmission of the generated data. 22. The image processing device according to claim 21,
There are multiple standard features and multiple special features,
An image processing device, wherein the plurality of standard functions and the plurality of special functions are functions including generation of data by the image processing device and transmission of the generated data. 15. The image processing device according to claim 14,
An image processing device, wherein the standard function and the special function are both functions including receiving data and processing the received data in the image processing device . 24. The image processing device according to claim 23,
There are multiple standard features and multiple special features,
An image processing device, wherein the plurality of standard functions and the plurality of special functions are functions including receiving data and processing the received data in the image processing device .

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