Image forming apparatus, control method, storage medium, and management system

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method, a storage medium, and a management system. Provided is a structure capable of reducing the time and effort to install an application for adding a function corresponding to a plan subscribed by a user. An image forming apparatus specifies a predetermined application that adds a function of the image forming apparatus permitted to be used in a plan subscribed by a user to the image forming apparatus, acquires the specified predetermined application from a management server that manages a plurality of applications, and installs the acquired predetermined application on the image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming device, a control method of the image forming device, a storage medium and a management system. Background Art

[0002] Image forming apparatuses having multiple functions such as a printing function and a scanning function are known. The functions of such image forming apparatuses can be expanded by installing applications on the image forming apparatuses (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 2008-242660).

[0003] In recent years, services such as rental services and subscription services for printers (image forming apparatuses) have been provided. Such services allow users to use printers provided by a service provider during a subscription period without purchasing the printers. Such services provide a plurality of plans that make different functions of the printers available, and allow users to select a plan that meets their purpose.

[0004] Conventionally, installation of an application onto a printer to implement a function corresponding to a plan subscribed by a user is performed by a service provider or a user, which takes a lot of time and effort. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a system capable of reducing the time and effort for installing, on an image forming apparatus, an application for adding, to the image forming apparatus, a function corresponding to a plan subscribed by a user.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming device is communicatively connected to a management server that manages a plurality of applications. The image forming device includes a memory storing instructions and at least one processor. The at least one processor executes the instructions to: specify a predetermined application that adds to the image forming device a function of the image forming device that is permitted to be used in a plan subscribed by a user; obtain the specified predetermined application from the management server; and install the obtained predetermined application on the image forming device.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a management system includes an image forming device, a first server that manages information subscribed by a user, a second server that manages a plurality of applications, a memory that stores instructions, and at least one processor. The at least one processor executes the instructions to: specify a predetermined application based on the information managed by the first server, the predetermined application adding to the image forming device a function of the image forming device that is permitted to be used in a plan subscribed by the user; acquire the specified predetermined application from the second server; and install the acquired predetermined application on the image forming device.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for installing, on an image forming apparatus, an application for adding, to the image forming apparatus, a function corresponding to a plan subscribed by a user.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the management system according to the present embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus.

[0012] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the hardware structure of the device management server in FIG.

[0013] Figure 4 It is schematically shown Figure 1 Block diagram of the hardware structure of the service management server in.

[0014] Figure 5 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the hardware structure of the application management server.

[0015] Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 1 A diagram of an example of a subscription schedule used in a management system.

[0016] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for allowing a user to start using a temporary printer usage service in the management system according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for allowing a user to update a subscription to a temporary printer use service in the management system according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 7 S711 and Figure 8 Flowchart of the procedure of the function release processing in S806.

[0019] Fig.10 It is shown in Figure 1 Flowchart of a procedure for application information confirmation processing executed in an image forming apparatus.

[0020] Fig.11 It is shown Fig.10 A flowchart of the procedure of the installation processing in S1007.

[0021] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.10 A flowchart of the procedure of the uninstallation process in S1009.

[0022] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for allowing a user to start using a temporary printer usage service in the management system according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for allowing a user to update a subscription to a temporary printer use service in the management system according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for allowing a user to start using a temporary printer usage service in the management system according to the third embodiment.

[0025] Fig.16A and Fig. 16B is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for allowing a user to update a subscription to a temporary printer usage service in the management system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments of the invention.

[0027] In the drawings, the same or corresponding components, means and parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily necessary for the solution of the invention.

[0028] First, a management system according to a first embodiment will be described.

[0029] Figure 1 Schematically shows the configuration of the management system 10 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the management system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a device management server 200 (first server), a service management server 300 (first server), and an application management server 400 (second server). The image forming apparatus 100, the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 500 such as the Internet. It should be noted that in the management system 10, a communication protocol such as a hypertext transfer protocol (hereinafter referred to as "HTTP") is used in the communication between these apparatuses.

[0030] The management system 10 provides a temporary printer usage service that allows a user to use a printer at a low cost on a time-determined basis without purchasing the printer. Examples of such temporary printer usage services include a printer rental service and a printer subscription service. The printer rental service is a service for renting to a user a printer corresponding to a plan subscribed by the user during a subscription period. The printer subscription service is a service that allows a user to use a printer in a fixed amount up to a maximum number of printable sheets corresponding to the plan subscribed by the user. In the temporary printer usage service, a printer is delivered to a user who has made a usage subscription for the service, and the user is allowed to use the printer corresponding to the plan subscribed by the user. Figure 6 The functions of the printer corresponding to the subscribed plan among the multiple plans will be described later.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 100 is configured to receive subscription information from the device management server 200 and store the subscription information in a Figure 2 The subscription information is stored in the memory 114 of the image forming apparatus 100 (which will be described later), and the availability of functions in the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled based on the stored subscription information.

[0032] The device management server 200 is configured to hold the subscription information notified from the service management server 300 and provide the subscription information to the image forming apparatus 100. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the image forming apparatus 100 receives the subscription information notified from the service management server 300 through the device management server 200, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to directly receive the subscription information from the service management server 300 through the Internet. It should be noted that the details of the subscription information and the details of the control of the image forming apparatus 100 based on the subscription information will be described later.

[0033] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, an operation unit 116, a reading unit 118, and a printing unit 120. The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a memory 114, an operation unit I / F 115, a reading unit I / F 117, a printing unit I / F 119, an external memory I / F 121, and a communication I / F 123. It should be noted that CPU is an abbreviation for a central processing unit. ROM stands for a read-only memory. RAM stands for a random access memory. The CPU 111, the ROM 112, the RAM 113, the memory 114, the operation unit I / F 115, the reading unit I / F 117, the printing unit I / F 119, the external memory I / F 121, and the communication I / F 123 are connected to each other through a system bus 124.

[0034] The CPU 111 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 111 is configured to read a program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and execute the program. The program is, for example, a control program, and the CPU 111 performs various controls such as reading control and printing control when executing the control program.

[0035] The ROM 112 stores programs executed by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores a boot program, font data, and the like.

[0036] The RAM 113 is a main storage memory of the CPU 111. The RAM 113 is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 111 and a temporary storage area for loading programs stored in the ROM 112 and the memory 114. The RAM 113 is also used to temporarily store image data.

[0037] The memory 114 stores image data, print data, an address book, shortcuts, various programs, and various setting information. In the present embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the memory 114, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, an HDD, or an eMMC may be used. It should be noted that SSD is an abbreviation for a solid state drive. HDD stands for a hard disk drive. eMMC stands for an embedded multimedia card.

[0038] The operation unit I / F 115 is an interface for connecting the operation unit 116 to the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 includes an input device, specifically, a hard key and a touch panel. The touch panel is constructed by attaching a touch panel sheet to a display. The operation unit 116 is a user interface and is configured to receive an operation from a user through a hard key or display a screen through a touch panel.

[0039] The reading unit I / F 117 is an interface for connecting the reading unit 118 to the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 is configured to read an image of a document and generate image data. The image data generated by the reading unit 118 is subjected to character recognition processing, sent to an external device, or printed on a print sheet or the like.

[0040] The printing section I / F 119 is an interface for connecting the printing section 120 to the control section 110. The CPU 111 is configured to transmit image data to be printed (target image data for printing) to the printing section 120 through the printing section I / F 119. The printing section 120 is configured to print an image on a printing sheet fed from a sheet feeding cassette. The method for printing the image may be an electrophotographic method for printing an image using a toner, or an inkjet method for printing an image using ink.

[0041] The external storage I / F 121 is an interface for connecting an external storage device 122 to the control section 110. The CPU 111 is configured to store image data in the external storage device 122 through the external storage I / F 121. In the present embodiment, a USB interface is assumed as the external storage I / F 121, and a USB memory is assumed as the external storage device 122, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an SD card or the like can be used as the external storage device 122.

[0042] The control section 110 is connected to the communication network 500 via the communication I / F 123. The communication network 500 is, for example, a LAN. It should be noted that LAN is an abbreviation for local area network. The communication I / F 123 controls the sending and receiving of data through the communication network 500. For example, the communication I / F 123 is connected to an external device via a USB or a network. That is, the network connection section 105 is connected to a USB or a network to communicate with an external device. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the communication I / F 123 to communicate with the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 via the communication network 500.

[0043] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the hardware configuration of the device management server 200 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 In FIG. 2 , the device management server 200 includes a CPU 201 , a ROM 202 , a RAM 203 , a storage 204 , and a communication I / F 205 . The CPU 201 , the ROM 202 , the RAM 203 , the storage 204 , and the communication I / F 205 are connected to each other via a system bus 206 .

[0044] The CPU 201 performs processing such as calculation, determination, and control of data and instructions according to software stored in the ROM 202, the RAM 203, or the storage 204. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area for the CPU 201 when performing various processes. The storage 204 stores an operating system (OS), application software, programs, and the like. The storage 204 also stores device information of an image forming apparatus to be managed and subscription information of each service. The communication I / F 205 uses a wireless LAN or a wired LAN corresponding to a standard such as IEEE 802.11a, and exchanges data with a device on the same network or the Internet using a protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0045] Figure 4 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the hardware configuration of the service management server 300 in FIG. Figure 4 , the service management server 300 includes a CPU 301 , a ROM 302 , a RAM 303 , a storage 304 , and a communication I / F 305 , which are connected to each other via a system bus 306 .

[0046] Although the programs (processes) to be executed by the service management server 300 and the device management server 200 are different, the hardware configurations are basically the same or similar. Therefore, the description of the hardware configuration of the service management server 300 is equivalent to the description of the hardware configuration of the device management server 200, and its description will be omitted here.

[0047] Figure 5 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the hardware configuration of the application management server 400 is shown in FIG. Figure 5 , the application management server 400 includes a CPU 401 , a ROM 402 , a RAM 403 , a storage 404 , and a communication I / F 405 , which are connected to each other via a system bus 406 .

[0048] Although the programs (processes) to be executed by the application management server 400 and the device management server 200 are different, the hardware configurations are basically the same or similar. Therefore, the description of the hardware configuration of the application management server 400 is equivalent to the description of the hardware configuration of the device management server 200, and its description will be omitted here.

[0049] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 will be described as a configuration of independent devices, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the functions of the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 can be implemented by one server. Alternatively, the functions of the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 can be implemented by a server system including four or more servers. In addition, the functions of the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 can be implemented using one or more servers on the cloud.

[0050] Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 1 FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example of a subscription plan table 600 used in the management system 10 of FIG. In the present embodiment, a user is allowed to subscribe to any one of a print only plan, a basic plan, an encryption scan plan, a data classification scan plan, and an encryption and data classification scan plan as a temporary printer use service plan.

[0051] The subscription plan table 600 (management data) includes the names of the plans, the number of printable sheets in each plan, information indicating the availability of the scan function in each plan, and information indicating the applications permitted for use in each plan. Figure 6 In the subscription plan table 600, O indicates that a certain function in the selected plan is available, and X indicates that a certain function in the selected plan is not available.

[0052] In the present embodiment, it is assumed as an example that the print function can be used in all the above-mentioned plans, and the maximum number of printable sheets per month is set to 1000 in all the plans.

[0053] It is assumed that the management function of the dashboard application is available in all the above plans. The dashboard application is an application for managing the image forming apparatus 100 from an external device. It should be noted that in order to use the management function through the dashboard application, the dashboard application needs to be installed on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0054] It should be noted that the above-described plans are provided for exemplary purposes only, and other plans, such as a scan-only plan, may be included in the temporary printer usage service.

[0055] Among the Basic Plan, Encryption Scan Plan, Data Classification Scan Plan, and Encryption and Data Classification Scan Plan among the above plans, the scanning function is available in addition to the printing function.

[0056] In the encryption scan plan and the encryption and data classification scan plan, an encryption scan function, which is an extended scan function, can also be used. It should be noted that in order to use the encryption scan function, an encryption scan application needs to be installed on the image forming device 100. The encryption scan application is an application that extends the original scan function (adds an extended function to the scan function), that is, an application that implements the encryption scan function of encrypting image data generated by reading an original image and then sending the encrypted image data to an external device.

[0057] On the other hand, in the data classification scanning plan and the encryption and data classification scanning plan, a data classification scanning function, which is another extended scanning function, can also be used. It should be noted that in order to use the data classification scanning function, it is necessary to install a data classification scanning application on the image forming device 100. The data classification scanning application is an application that extends the original scanning function (adds an extended function to the scanning function), that is, an application that realizes the data classification scanning function that automatically sorts or distributes the image data generated by reading the original image into the storage location.

[0058] The subscription plan table 600 is stored in the memory 304 of the service management server 300. In the first embodiment, the service management server 300 generates subscription information including information about a plan to which the user has subscribed (hereinafter referred to as "subscription plan") based on the subscription plan table 600, and notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the subscription information through the device management server 200.

[0059] Figure 7 : is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for allowing a user to start using a temporary printer usage service in the management system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0060] exist Figure 7 In the present invention, first, the user accesses a site managed by the service management server 300 from a communication device such as a PC, and then subscribes to the temporary printer usage service (S701, where "S" indicates a step). Specifically, the user subscribes to any one of the above-mentioned print only plan, basic plan, encryption scan plan, data classification scan plan, and encryption and data classification scan plan.

[0061] Next, the service management server 300 performs service registration (S702). In the service registration, information about a user (hereinafter referred to as "user") who has made a usage subscription for the temporary printer usage service and information about a subscription plan selected by the user are registered in association with the printer delivered to the user. The information about the subscription plan includes: the name of the subscription plan, the maximum number of printable sheets per month in the subscription plan, and information indicating the availability of basic functions of the image forming device 100 in the subscription plan (hereinafter referred to as "basic function availability information"). Basic functions are, for example, a printing function, a copying function, and a scanning function. The information about the subscription plan includes: list information (hereinafter referred to as "application list") of applications (such as dashboard applications, encryption scanning applications, and data classification scanning applications) permitted to be used in the subscription plan for realizing the functions of the image forming device 100.

[0062] Next, the service management server 300 schedules delivery of the printer registered in S702. Thus, the image forming apparatus 100, ie, the printer registered in S702, is delivered to the user (S703).

[0063] The user who has received the image forming apparatus 100 starts to perform initial installation on the image forming apparatus 100 (S704). The image forming apparatus 100 performs initial installation processing according to the user's instructions (S705). In the initial setting processing, initial settings including network settings for connecting to the Internet are performed. When the connection with the communication network 500 is completed through the network settings, the image forming apparatus 100 sends a device registration request to the device management server 200 (S706). The image forming apparatus 100 also sends identification information including the product serial number of the image forming apparatus 100 to the device management server 200.

[0064] The device management server 200 that has received the device registration request performs a device registration process (S707) of registering the identification information received from the image forming apparatus 100. Next, the device management server 200 returns the result of the device registration process to the image forming apparatus 100. The device management server 200 sends a device registration completion notification including the identification information of the registered image forming apparatus 100 to the service management server 300 (S708).

[0065] The service management server 300, upon receiving the device registration completion notification, creates subscription information and notifies the device management server 200 of the created subscription information (S709). The subscription information is information used for activation at the time of initial setting of the image forming apparatus 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and includes information for determining that the subscription has been completed. The subscription information also includes an application list included in the information on the subscription plan registered in association with the image forming apparatus 100, and permission information of the application indicated by the application list.

[0066] The device management server 200 holds the subscription information notified from the service management server 300 in the memory 204 or the like of the device management server 200 , and waits for reception of an acquisition request for the subscription information from the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0067] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 having received the result of the device registration process transmits a request for acquiring subscription information to the device management server 200 ( S710 ).

[0068] In response to the received subscription information acquisition request, the device management server 200 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the stored subscription information using an HTTP response.

[0069] The image forming apparatus 100 performs a process described later based on the received subscription information. Fig. 9 The function release processing (S711) in the subscription plan is performed, and the basic functions permitted to be used in the subscription plan are controlled to be available. In the present embodiment, at the stage of starting the processing in S711, all basic functions of the image forming device 100 including the printing function, the scanning function and the copying function are restricted to be unavailable. The processing of S711 is performed so that among the printing function, the scanning function and the copying function, only (one or more) basic functions permitted to be used in the subscription plan can be used. For example, in the case where the user subscribes to the "Basic Plan", all of the printing function, the scanning function and the copying function are available through S711. On the other hand, in the case where the user subscribes to the "Print Only Plan", only the printing function among the printing function, the scanning function and the copying function is available through S711.

[0070] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, at the stage of completing S711, the dashboard application, the encryption scanning application, and the data classification scanning application are not installed on the image forming apparatus 100. In the image forming apparatus, the following description is performed. Fig.10 The application information confirmation process in , to install the application corresponding to the subscription plan. It should be noted that for Figure 7, the processes of S712 and S715 will be described as an outline of the application information confirmation process, the processes of S712 and S715 are some processes of the application information confirmation process, and the other processes will be described later.

[0071] In S712, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the application list and the permission information from the subscription information. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 sends a download request for the application indicated in the application list to the application management server 400 (S713). The image forming apparatus 100 also sends the permission information acquired in S712 to the application management server 400.

[0072] When there is no problem with the received license information (when the license information is valid), the application management server 400 which has received the download request transmits the application corresponding to the download request to the image forming apparatus 100 (S714).

[0073] The image forming apparatus 100 performs an installation process (S715) of installing the application downloaded from the application management server 400. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 100, the user is allowed to use functions permitted in the subscription plan, such as a management function of the dashboard application, an encryption scanning function, and a data classification scanning function. It should be noted that the installed application is executed if the image forming apparatus 100 checks the license information stored in the memory 114 when activating the application and the license information is valid.

[0074] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing a process for allowing a user to update a subscription to a temporary printer use service in the management system 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 The predetermined timing between the completion of the processing in and the expiration of the subscription period corresponding to the subscription plan is performed Figure 8 in the processing.

[0075] exist Figure 8 In the example, the user accesses a site managed by the service management server 300 from a communication device such as a PC and updates the subscription to the temporary printer use service (S801). For example, in the subscription update, the subscription period is extended or the plan is changed to another plan.

[0076] The service management server 300 performs a service update process (S802) of updating the information registered in S702 based on the update content input by the user. Next, the service management server 300 sends a service subscription update notification to the user's communication device (S803). The service subscription update notification includes update information indicating the updated content. In addition, the service management server 300 notifies the device management server 200 of the update information (S804).

[0077] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 sends a request to the device management server 200 to obtain subscription information (S805). Figure 7 After the above processing is completed, the processing of S805 is periodically performed at a preset interval.

[0078] The device management server 200 sends the subscription information to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the received acquisition request. For example, in the case where the subscription is updated in S801 to change from the "Basic Plan" to the "Encryption and Data Classification Scan Plan", the subscription information includes a list of applications to which the encryption scanning application and the data classification scan application have been newly added, and the permission information of these applications. In another case where the "Encryption and Data Classification Scan" is changed to the "Basic Plan" in the subscription update in S801, the subscription information includes a list of applications to which the encryption scanning application and the data classification scan application have been deleted, and a request to disable the permission information of these applications.

[0079] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 performs a process described later based on the received subscription information. Fig. 9 Function release processing (S806) in the subscription update in S801. For example, in the case where the "Print Only Plan" is changed to the "Basic Plan" in the subscription update in S801, the processing of S806 allows the user to use all of the printing function, the scanning function, and the copying function. In another case where the "Print Only Plan" is changed from the "Basic Plan" in the subscription update in S801, the processing of S806 allows the user to use only the printing function among the printing function, the scanning function, and the copying function.

[0080] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 performs the following steps which will be described later. Fig.10 It should be noted that Figure 8 , the processes of S807, S810, and S811 will be described as an outline of the application information confirmation process to be described later, the processes of S807, S810, and S811 are some processes of the application information confirmation process, and the other processes will be described later.

[0081] In S807, the image forming device 100 obtains the application list and the license information from the subscription information. It should be noted that in the case where the subscription information includes an invalidation request for the license information, the image forming device 100 also obtains the invalidation request in S807. In the case where the application list obtained in S807 includes an application that is not installed on the image forming device 100, the image forming device 100 performs the process of S808. In S808, the image forming device 100 sends a download request for the application to the application management server 400. The image forming device 100 also sends the license information of the application obtained in S807 to the application management server 400.

[0082] If there is no problem with the received license information, the application management server 400 that has received the download request transmits the application corresponding to the download request to the image forming apparatus 100 ( S809 ).

[0083] The image forming apparatus 100 installs the application downloaded from the application management server 400 (S810). In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 uninstalls unnecessary applications (S811). The unnecessary applications are applications corresponding to the invalidation request for the license information acquired in S807 among the applications installed on the image forming apparatus 100. It should be noted that in the case where the temporary printer use service is cancelled in the subscription update of S801, Figure 7 The dashboard application, encryption scanning application, and data classification scanning application installed during the process are all uninstalled. Then, Figure 8 The processing in is completed.

[0084] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 7 S711 and Figure 8 The function release process in S806 of the image forming apparatus 100 is implemented by the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 executing a program stored in the ROM 112 or the like. Fig. 9 Function release processing in .

[0085] exist Fig. 9 , the CPU 111 determines whether the subscription information has been acquired from the device management server 200 (S901). The CPU 111 waits until the subscription information is acquired. When the CPU 111 acquires the subscription information (S901 is "Yes"), the CPU 111 checks the acquired subscription information (S902). Next, the CPU 111 determines whether the print function is available in the subscription plan based on the availability information of the basic functions included in the subscription information (S903).

[0086] In the case where it is determined in S903 that the print function is available in the subscription plan, the CPU 111 enables the print function (S904) Next, the function release process proceeds to S906 which will be described later.

[0087] In the case where it is determined in S903 that the print function is not available in the subscription plan, the CPU 111 disables the print function (S905) Next, the function release process proceeds to S906 which will be described later.

[0088] In S906 , the CPU 111 determines whether the scan function is available in the subscription plan based on the availability information of the basic function included in the subscription information.

[0089] In the case where it is determined in S906 that the scan function is available in the subscription plan, the CPU 111 enables the scan function ( S907 ), and terminates the present process.

[0090] In a case where it is determined in S906 that the scan function is not available in the subscription plan, the CPU 111 disables the scan function ( S908 ) and terminates the present process.

[0091] Fig.10 It is shown in Figure 1 Flowchart of a procedure of application information confirmation processing executed in image forming apparatus 100. Fig.10 The application information confirmation process in the image forming apparatus 100 includes the above-mentioned S712, S715, S807, S810 and S811. The image forming apparatus 100 is implemented by the CPU 111 executing a program stored in the ROM 112 or the like. Fig.10 Application information confirmation processing.

[0092] exist Fig.10 In the process, the CPU 111 acquires the application list and the license information from the received subscription information (S1001) (for example, see the processes of S712 and S807 described above). It should be noted that in the case where the subscription information includes a disabling request for the license information, the CPU 111 also acquires the disabling request in S1001.

[0093] Next, the CPU 111 determines whether there is an application that has not been checked in S1003 to be described later (hereinafter, referred to as an "unchecked application") (S1002). In S1002, for example, the CPU 111 creates a processing target list by adding the application indicated by the application list acquired in S1001 to the applications installed on the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 111 determines whether there is an unchecked application in the processing target list.

[0094] In the case where it is determined in S1002 that there is an unchecked application, the CPU 111 specifies an application from the unchecked applications in the processing target list. The CPU 111 checks the information of the specified application in the received subscription information (S1003). Next, the CPU 111 determines whether the specified application is an application not installed on the image forming apparatus 100, that is, whether it is an application newly added to the processing target list (S1004).

[0095] In a case where it is determined in S1004 that the designated application is a newly added application, the CPU 111 determines whether the license information corresponding to the designated application has been acquired in S1001 ( S1005 ).

[0096] In the case where it is determined in S1005 that the license information corresponding to the specified application has been acquired in S1001, the CPU 111 determines whether the function corresponding to the specified application is valid (S1006). As an example, a description is given of a case where the specified application is an encryption scanning application or a data classification scanning application. In the case where the scanning function is made valid by the above-mentioned function release processing, the CPU 111 determines in S1006 that the function corresponding to the specified application is valid. In another case where the scanning function is invalidated by the above-mentioned function release processing, the CPU 111 determines in S1006 that the function corresponding to the specified application is invalid. It should be noted that in the case where the specified application is a dashboard application, it is always determined that the corresponding function is valid, and in S1006, the CPU 111 determines that the function corresponding to the specified application is valid.

[0097] In the case where it is determined in S1006 that the function corresponding to the designated application is invalid, the application information confirmation process returns to S1002. In addition, in the case where it is determined in S1005 that the license information corresponding to the designated application is not acquired in S1001, the application information confirmation process returns to S1002. As described above, in the present embodiment, in the case where the function corresponding to the designated application is invalid, or in the case where the license information corresponding to the designated application is not included in the subscription information, the designated application is not installed.

[0098] As an example of a case where the function corresponding to the designated application is invalid, there is a case where the image forming apparatus 100 does not have a scan function and subscribes to a plan (such as an encrypted scan plan) that allows the user to use a function obtained by extending the scan function (by adding an extended function to the scan function). A case where the image forming apparatus 100 that does not have a scan function is delivered to the user while the user subscribes to a print-only plan when subscribing to a temporary printer use service will be considered. In this case, when the plan is changed to an encrypted scan plan by subscription update, the image forming apparatus 100 does not have a scan function, and thus the scan function is not effective, which causes the CPU 111 to determine in S1006 that the function corresponding to the designated application is invalid.

[0099] As described above, in the case where the user subscribes to a plan that allows the user to use a function obtained by extending the scan function for the image forming apparatus 100 that does not have a scan function, the CPU 111 controls so that an application for realizing the extended function is not installed on the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, it is possible to prevent an application for realizing a function that is not available to the user from being unnecessarily installed on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0100] For example, in the case of performing such control, a notification screen including a message such as “The encryption scan function is not available for this model, so please change the model.” may be displayed on the operation section 116 of the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0101] In the event that it is determined in S1006 that the function corresponding to the designated application is valid, the CPU 111 performs a process described later. Fig.11 The installation process in (S1007) is performed, and the specified application is installed. Thereafter, the application information confirmation process returns to S1002.

[0102] In the event that it is determined in S1004 that the designated application is not a newly added application, the application information confirmation process proceeds to S1008. In S1008, the CPU 111 determines whether the designated application is an application not included in the application list acquired in S1001, that is, an unnecessary application (S1008).

[0103] In the case where it is determined in S1008 that the specified application is not an unnecessary application (No in S1008), the application information confirmation process returns to S1002. In the other case where it is determined in S1008 that the specified application is an unnecessary application (Yes in S1008), the CPU 111 performs a process described later. Fig.12 The uninstall process (S1009) in the application information confirmation process is performed, and the specified application is uninstalled. Thereafter, the application information confirmation process returns to S1002.

[0104] In this way, the above-described processing is performed on all applications in the processing target list, and in a case where it is determined in S1002 that there is no unchecked application, the application information confirmation processing ends.

[0105] Fig.11 It is shown Fig.10 Flowchart of the procedure of installation processing in S1007 in FIG.

[0106] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment, the CPU 111 obtains information about the newly added application and license information about the application from the obtained subscription information (S1101). Next, the CPU 111 sends a download request for the newly added application to the application management server 400 (S1102). The CPU 111 also sends the license information obtained in S1101 to the application management server 400. Next, the CPU 111 determines whether a response to the download request has been received from the application management server 400 (S1103).

[0107] In the case where it is determined in S1103 that no response to the download request has been received from the application management server 400, the CPU 111 determines whether a timeout has occurred (S1104). In the case where it is determined in S1104 that a timeout has not occurred, the installation process returns to S1103. In the other case where it is determined in S1104 that a timeout has occurred, the installation process ends.

[0108] In the case where it is determined in S1103 that a response to the download request has been received from the application management server 400, the CPU 111 determines whether the application can be downloaded (S1105). For example, in the case where the capacity for storing the newly added application cannot be ensured in the ROM 112 or the memory 114, it is determined that the application cannot be downloaded. In this case, the installation process ends. On the other hand, in the case where the capacity for storing the newly added application can be ensured in the ROM 112 or the memory 114, it is determined that the application can be downloaded. In this case, the installation process proceeds to S1106.

[0109] In S1106, the CPU 111 downloads an application installer. The application installer is stored in the memory 114. Next, the CPU 111 installs the application (the newly added application) downloaded from the application management server 400 using the application installer (S1107), and ends the installation process.

[0110] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.10 A flowchart of the procedure of the uninstallation process in S1009.

[0111] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 111 obtains information about unnecessary applications and permission information about unnecessary applications from the obtained subscription information (S1201). Next, the CPU 111 uninstalls the unnecessary applications (S1202). Next, the CPU 111 determines whether to keep the information about unnecessary applications obtained in S1201 (S1203). For example, according to an instruction from the CPU 111, a selection screen is displayed on the operation unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100, the selection screen allowing the user to select whether to keep the information about unnecessary applications, and the determination in S1203 is performed according to the selection of the user on the selection screen.

[0112] In the case where it is determined in S1203 that the information on the unnecessary application acquired in S1201 is not to be retained, the uninstallation process ends. In another case where it is determined in S1203 that the information on the unnecessary application acquired in S1201 is to be retained, the uninstallation process proceeds to S1204. In S1204, the CPU 111 stores the information on the unnecessary application acquired in S1201 and the permission information of the application in the memory 114 as the information on the unnecessary application. As a result, the information can be easily used when reinstalling the application. Thereafter, the uninstallation process ends.

[0113] According to the above-described embodiment, the CPU 111 specifies an application that adds functions of the image forming apparatus 100 permitted for use in a plan to which a user has subscribed to, to the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 111 downloads the specified application from the application management server 400 and installs the specified application on the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the time and effort for installing an application for adding functions corresponding to the subscription plan to the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 specifies applications to be installed on the image forming apparatus 100 based on the subscription information acquired from the device management server 200. The subscription information includes an application list indicating applications for realizing functions permitted for use in the subscription plan. As a result, in a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 100 acquires subscription information including an application list from the device management server 200, time and effort for installing applications for adding functions corresponding to the subscription plan to the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, in the case where the user updates the subscription to change the plan to another plan, unnecessary applications among the applications installed on the image forming apparatus 100 are uninstalled. The unnecessary application is an application that implements a function that is permitted to be used in the plan before the change but is not permitted to be used in another plan after the change. As a result, the time and effort to uninstall the application that becomes unnecessary due to the change of the plan from the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the application installed on the image forming apparatus 100 may be an application for managing the image forming apparatus 100 from an external device. As a result, the time and effort to install the application for managing the image forming apparatus 100 from an external device can be reduced.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, the application installed on the image forming apparatus 100 may be an application that adds an extended function to the scanning function of the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the time and effort to install the application that extends the scanning function included in the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced.

[0118] Next, a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0119] The second embodiment is substantially the same or similar to the first embodiment described above in configuration and operation, and is different from the first embodiment described above in that the subscription information acquired by the image forming apparatus 100 from the device management server 200 does not include an application list. Therefore, the repeated configuration and operation will not be described, and the different configuration and operation will be described below.

[0120] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B 1 is a sequence diagram showing a process for allowing a user to start using a temporary printer use service in the management system 10 according to the second embodiment. It should be noted that the processing from when a user makes a use subscription for the temporary printer use service using a PC or the like (S1301) to when the image forming apparatus 100 sends an acquisition request for subscription information to the device management server 200 (S1310) is similar to the processing of S701 to S710 described above. Hereinafter, the subsequent processing will be described.

[0121] The image forming apparatus 100 acquires subscription information from the device management server 200. The subscription information is information used for activation at the time of initial setting of the image forming apparatus 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and includes information for determining that the subscription has been reached. The subscription information also includes information indicating a subscription plan such as a print only plan, a basic plan, an encryption scan plan, a data classification scan plan, or an encryption and data classification scan plan. However, the subscription information does not include an application list or permission information included in the subscription information in the first embodiment described above.

[0122] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 sends a download request for the dashboard application to the application management server 400 (S1311). The image forming apparatus 100 also sends the permission information about the dashboard application to the application management server 400. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the permission information of each of the dashboard application, the encryption scanning application, and the data classification scanning application is pre-stored in the memory 114 or the like.

[0123] If there is no problem in the received permission information, the application management server 400 transmits the dashboard application to the image forming apparatus 100 ( S1312 ).

[0124] The image forming apparatus 100 installs the dashboard application downloaded from the application management server 400 ( S1313 ), and activates the dashboard application ( S1314 ).

[0125] The dashboard application checks the subscription information stored in the memory 114 of the image forming apparatus 100 (S1315). The dashboard application specifies a subscription plan according to the subscription information, and specifies an application for implementing the function permitted in the subscription plan using the subscription plan table 600 owned by the dashboard application. Next, the dashboard application issues a function release request to the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 (S1316).

[0126] The image forming apparatus 100 performs the above-described function release processing according to the function release request (S1317). When the function release processing is completed, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the dashboard application of the completion of the function release (S1318).

[0127] The dashboard application requests the CPU 111 of the image forming device 100 to download the application to be installed (S1319). The application to be installed is an application other than the dashboard application for realizing the functions permitted for use in the subscription plan. The image forming device 100 sends the download request to the application management server 400 (S1320). The image forming device 100 also sends the permission information of the application to be installed to the application management server 400.

[0128] In the case where there is no problem in the received license information, the application management server 400 which has received the download request transmits the application corresponding to the download request to the image forming apparatus 100 ( S1321 ).

[0129] The image forming apparatus 100 performs the above-mentioned installation process (S1322), and installs the application downloaded from the application management server 400. In addition, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the dashboard application that the installation of the application to be installed has been completed (S1323), and the process ends. When the application is activated, the installed application requests the dashboard application to confirm the subscription information. When it is determined that the use of the application is valid according to the subscription information and the subscription schedule 600 stored in the memory 114, the dashboard application permits the execution of the application.

[0130] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is a sequence diagram showing a process for allowing a user to update a subscription to a temporary printer use service in the management system 10 according to the second embodiment. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The predetermined timing between the completion of the processing in and the expiration of the subscription period corresponding to the subscription plan is performed Fig.14A and Fig. 14BIt should be noted that the processing from when the user updates the subscription to the temporary printer service using a PC or the like (S1401) to when the image forming apparatus 100 sends an acquisition request for subscription information to the device management server 200 (S1405) is similar to the processing of S801 to S805 described above. Hereinafter, the subsequent processing will be described.

[0131] The image forming apparatus 100 acquires subscription information from the device management server 200. The subscription information is information used for activation at the time of initial setting of the image forming apparatus 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and includes information for determining that the subscription has been reached. The subscription information also includes information indicating a subscription plan such as a print only plan, a basic plan, an encryption scan plan, a data classification scan plan, or an encryption and data classification scan plan. However, the subscription information does not include an application list or permission information included in the subscription information in the first embodiment described above.

[0132] The image forming apparatus 100 activates the dashboard application (S1406), and the dashboard application checks the acquired subscription information (S1407). The dashboard application checks whether there is a change in the basic function (one or more) permitted to be used by the subscription update, and if there is a change, issues a function release request to the CPU 111.

[0133] The image forming apparatus 100 performs the above-described function release processing according to the function release request (S1409). When the function release processing is completed, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the dashboard application of the completion of the function release (S1410).

[0134] Next, the dashboard application checks the acquired subscription information and checks whether there is a change in the function that is permitted to be used through subscription updates and implemented by the application. In the case where there is a function that is newly permitted to be used through subscription updates, the dashboard application requests the CPU 111 of the image forming device 100 to download the application to be installed (S1411). The application to be installed is an application for implementing the function that is newly permitted to be used through subscription updates. The image forming device 100 sends the download request to the application management server 400 (S1412). The image forming device 100 also sends the permission information of the application to be installed to the application management server 400.

[0135] In a case where there is no problem with the received license information, the application management server 400 which has received the download request transmits the application corresponding to the download request to the image forming apparatus 100 ( S1413 ).

[0136] The image forming apparatus 100 performs the above-described installation process (S1414), and installs the application downloaded from the application management server 400. The image forming apparatus 100 performs the above-described uninstallation process (S1415), and uninstalls unnecessary applications.

[0137] Next, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the dashboard application that the installation of the application to be installed and the uninstallation of the unnecessary application have been completed ( S1416 ).

[0138] It should be noted that in the case where the temporary printer usage service is canceled in the subscription update in S1401, Fig.13A and Fig. 13B All of the dashboard apps, encryption scanning apps, and data classification scanning apps installed during the process are uninstalled.

[0139] When the processing of S1416 is completed, Fig.14A and Fig. 14B The processing in is completed.

[0140] In the above-described second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 specifies applications to be installed on the image forming apparatus 100 based on the subscription information acquired from the device management server 200 and the subscription plan table 600 maintained by the image forming apparatus 100. The subscription information does not include an application list indicating applications for realizing functions corresponding to the subscription plan. As a result, in a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 100 acquires subscription information not including an application list from the device management server 200, time and effort for installing applications for adding functions corresponding to the subscription plan can be reduced.

[0141] It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the CPU 111 may be configured to perform processing performed by the dashboard application.

[0142] Next, a management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0143] The configuration and operation of the third embodiment are substantially the same or similar to those of the first and second embodiments described above. However, the third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments described above in that a subscription plan is not specified at the use subscription stage of the temporary printer use service, and the user specifies the subscription plan when the image forming apparatus 100 is delivered to the user. Therefore, the repeated configuration and operation will not be described, and the different configuration and operation will be described below.

[0144] Fig.15A and Fig. 15Bis a sequence diagram showing a process for allowing a user to start using a temporary printer use service in the management system 10 according to the third embodiment. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B It is assumed that the dashboard application has been installed on the image forming apparatus 100. It should be noted that Fig.15A and Fig. 15B The processing in is similar to the above Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The following will describe the processing in detail. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The details of the processing are different.

[0145] exist Fig.15A In the present invention, first, when the user presses a dashboard application icon (not shown) displayed on the operation unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100 (S1501), the image forming apparatus 100 activates the dashboard application (S1502). When the dashboard application is activated, an operation screen for specifying a subscription plan and updating a subscription is displayed on the operation unit 116.

[0146] The user performs a service subscription operation on the operation screen (S1503). In the service subscription operation, specifically, a subscription plan is specified by the user. Information about the specified subscription plan is temporarily maintained in RAM 113, etc. The dashboard application instructs the CPU 111 of the image forming device 100 to send information about the specified subscription plan (S1504). According to the sending instruction, the image forming device 100 sends information about the specified subscription plan to the service management server 300 (S1505). At this time, for example, identification information about the image forming device 100, the user ID of the user who has made a usage subscription for the temporary printer usage service, etc. are also sent to the service management server 300 as information that can be used to specify the sending source of the information about the subscription plan.

[0147] The service management server 300 performs a service subscription process of associating information of the subscription plan with information registered at the time of subscription for use of the temporary printer use service. The service management server 300 having completed the service subscription process notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the completion of the service subscription process (S1506).

[0148] The CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100, which has received the notification, notifies the dashboard application that the service subscription process is complete (S1507). The dashboard application, which has received the notification, stores information about the specified subscription plan in the memory 114. Next, the dashboard application issues a device registration request to the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 (S1508). In accordance with the request, the image forming apparatus 100 sends a device registration request to the device management server 200 (S1509). The image forming apparatus 100 also sends identification information such as the product serial number of the image forming apparatus 100 to the device management server 200.

[0149] The device management server 200 that has received the device registration request performs a device registration process (S1510) of registering the identification information received from the image forming apparatus 100. Next, the device management server 200 returns the result of the device registration process to the image forming apparatus 100. The device management server 200 sends a device registration completion notification including the identification information of the registered image forming apparatus 100 to the service management server 300 (S1511).

[0150] The service management server 300, upon receiving the device registration completion notification, creates subscription information and notifies the device management server 200 of the created subscription information (S1512). The subscription information is information used for activation at the time of initial setting of the image forming apparatus 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and includes information for determining that the subscription has been completed. However, the subscription information does not include information indicating a subscription plan specified by the user, an application list, and permission information.

[0151] The device management server 200 holds the subscription information notified from the service management server 300 in the memory 204 or the like of the device management server 200 , and waits until an acquisition request for the subscription information is received from the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0152] On the other hand, the dashboard application requests the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 to acquire subscription information (S1513). In response to the request, the image forming apparatus 100 sends an acquisition request for subscription information to the device management server 200 (S1514).

[0153] The device management server 200 transmits the subscription information to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the received acquisition request. The CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100, which has received the subscription information, notifies the dashboard application of the subscription information. The dashboard application includes the information of the subscription plan stored in the memory 114 in the received subscription information, and stores the modified subscription information in the memory 114. Thereafter, the processing of S1515 to S1523 is performed using the modified subscription information, which is a processing similar to the processing of S1315 to S1323 described above.

[0154] As described above, in the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 allows the user to specify a plan to be subscribed from a plurality of plans through the operation unit 116, and specifies the application 116 to be installed based not on information received from the device management server 200 but on information of the subscription plan specified by the user through the operation unit.

[0155] Fig.16A and Fig. 16B is a sequence diagram showing a process for allowing a user to update a subscription to a temporary printer use service in the management system 10 according to the third embodiment. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B The predetermined timing between the completion of the processing in and the expiration of the subscription period corresponding to the subscription plan is performed Fig.16A and Fig. 16B It should be noted that Fig.16A and Fig. 16B The processing in is similar to the above Fig.14A and Fig. 14B The following will describe the processing in detail. Fig.14A and Fig. 14B The details of the processing are different.

[0156] exist Fig.16A , when the user presses a dashboard application icon (not shown) displayed on the operation section 116 of the image forming apparatus 100 (S1601), the image forming apparatus 100 starts the dashboard application (S1602). When the dashboard application is activated, the operation section 116 displays an operation screen for specifying a subscription plan and updating a subscription as described above.

[0157] The user performs a service subscription update operation on the operation screen (S1603). In the service subscription update operation, for example, the user performs an operation to change the subscription plan to another plan. Information indicating the subscription plan after the change is temporarily retained in RAM 113, etc. The dashboard application instructs the CPU 111 of the image forming device 100 to send update information including information indicating the changed subscription plan (S1604). According to the sending instruction, the image forming device 100 sends the update information to the service management server 300 (S1605). At this time, for example, identification information of the image forming device 100, user ID of a user who has made a usage subscription for the temporary printer usage service, etc. are also sent to the service management server 300 as information that can be used to specify the sending source of the update information.

[0158] The service management server 300 that has received the update information performs a service subscription update process to update the registered information based on the update information. The service management server 300 that has completed the service subscription update process notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the update completion (S1606). The service management server 300 notifies the device management server 200 of the update information (S1608).

[0159] On the other hand, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100, which has received the update completion notification from the service management server 300, notifies the dashboard application of the update completion (S1607). The dashboard application, which has received the notification, requests the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 to obtain subscription information (S1613). In response to the acquisition request, the image forming apparatus 100 sends an acquisition request for subscription information to the device management server 200 (S1614).

[0160] The device management server 200 sends the subscription information to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the received acquisition request. The subscription information is information used for activation at the time of initial setting of the image forming apparatus 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and includes information for determining that the subscription has been completed. However, the subscription information does not include: information indicating the changed subscription plan, application list, and permission information.

[0161] The CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 that has received the subscription information notifies the dashboard application of the subscription information. The dashboard application includes the information of the changed subscription plan held in the RAM 113 or the like in the received subscription information, and stores the modified subscription information in the memory 114. Thereafter, the processes of S1615 to S1624 are performed using the modified subscription information, which are processes similar to the processes of S1407 to S1416 described above.

[0162] As described above, in the third embodiment, even at the time of subscription renewal, the image forming apparatus 100 specifies the application to be installed not based on the information received from the device management server 200 but based on the information of the subscription plan changed by the user through the operation section 116. As a result, in a configuration in which the user specifies the subscription plan through the operation section 116 of the image forming apparatus 100, the time and effort for installing an application for adding a function corresponding to the subscription plan can be reduced.

[0163] It should be noted that the processing performed by the dashboard application in the third embodiment may be performed by the CPU 111 .

[0164] Other embodiments

[0165] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0166] The (multiple) embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented as follows: a computer of a system or device, the system or device reads and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments, and / or the system or device includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments; and a method performed by a computer of the system or device, for example, reading and executing computer executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments, and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) TM ), one or more of a flash memory device and a memory card, etc.

[0167] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0168] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-111652, filed on Jul. 6, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. An image forming device, which is communicatively connected to a management server that manages a plurality of applications, the image forming device comprising: a memory storing instructions; as well as at least one processor that executes the instructions to: specifying a predetermined application that adds, to the image forming apparatus, a function of the image forming apparatus permitted for use in a plan subscribed by a user; Acquire the specified predetermined application from the management server; and The acquired predetermined application is installed on the image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The at least one processor executes the instructions to obtain subscription information including information indicating the predetermined application, and The predetermined application is specified based on information indicating the predetermined application included in the subscription information.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The at least one processor executes the instructions to: acquiring subscription information including information indicating a plan subscribed by a user; and Maintaining management data defining scheduled applications for each plan, and wherein the predetermined application is specified based on information indicating a plan subscribed by the user included in the management data and the subscription information.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The at least one processor executes the instructions to: Allow users to specify a plan to subscribe to from among multiple plans; as well as maintaining management data defining the predetermined application for each of the plurality of plans, the management data, and wherein the predetermined application is specified based on the management data and information indicating a plan specified by a user.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The at least one processor executes the instructions to uninstall, from the image forming device, an application among a plurality of applications installed on the image forming device that implements a function that is permitted for use in the plan before the change but not permitted for use in the other plan after the change, when the user updates the subscription for changing the plan to another plan.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The predetermined application is an application for managing the image forming apparatus from an external device.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The predetermined application is an application that adds an extended function to a scanning function of the image forming apparatus.

8. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is communicatively connected to a management server that manages a plurality of applications, the method comprising: specifying a predetermined application that adds, to the image forming apparatus, a function of the image forming apparatus permitted for use in a plan subscribed by a user; Acquire the specified predetermined application from the management server; as well as The acquired predetermined application is installed on the image forming apparatus.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a method for controlling an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus being communicatively connected to a management server that manages a plurality of applications, The control method comprises: specifying a predetermined application that adds, to the image forming apparatus, a function of the image forming apparatus permitted for use in a plan subscribed by a user; Acquire the specified predetermined application from the management server; as well as The acquired predetermined application is installed on the image forming apparatus.

10. A management system, comprising: An image forming device; A first server that manages information subscribed by users; a second server that manages multiple applications; a memory storing instructions; as well as at least one processor that executes the instructions to: specifying, based on the information managed by the first server, a predetermined application that adds, to the image forming apparatus, a function of the image forming apparatus permitted for use in a plan subscribed by a user; Acquire the specified predetermined application from the second server; as well as The acquired predetermined application is installed on the image forming apparatus.

Images