Electronic device, method for controlling electronic device, and recording medium

Abstract

The invention discloses an electronic device, a method for controlling the electronic device, and a recording medium. The purpose of the present invention is to enable appropriate execution of processing pertaining to user permission. The electronic device includes: a processing unit configured to perform a process in such a manner that a permission state indicating whether or not a permission state indicating that a user agrees an operation on permission content for transmitting information from the electronic device to a transmission destination has been received; an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information indicating whether permission content corresponding to a region of the electronic device has been updated; and a control unit configured to perform control to transmit information to a transmission destination without displaying a reception screen for receiving agreement for the permissible content from a user in a case where an update on the permissible content has not been performed, and to transmit the information to the transmission destination without displaying the reception screen for receiving agreement for the permissible content from the user in a case where the update on the permissible content has been performed. Control is performed to display the reception screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a method for controlling the electronic device and a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system that provides a service suitable for the status of an electronic device by transmitting status information of the electronic device to a server based on user consent and having the server analyze the status information.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7134772 discusses a system that obtains information transmission permission consent from a user of a multifunction peripheral, transmits status information to a server, and uses the status information for a service.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-162063 discusses a system for reacquiring information transmission permission from a user due to an influence exerted by a function added in a software update.

[0005] A change in law may change the content (permission message) that the user is to permit. However, since laws vary from country to country, if the country in which the law applies to each electronic device cannot be identified, it is impossible to present appropriate content to the user for permitting.

[0006] If the user is required to perform a user operation (eg, select a region or country) in order to present the user with licensed, appropriate content, this increases the user's work.

[0007] The handling of user information such as status information of electronic devices may change from time to time. For example, in some cases, the collection of user information is regulated due to revisions to laws in each country. In order to avoid violating the law, the permission message for the collection of user information will be updated and permission will be obtained from the user again.

[0008] However, in Japanese Patent No. 7134772, since it is not possible to obtain permission from the user again even if the permission message is only updated, legal operations may not be performed. In a system that re-obtains permission when software is updated as in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-162063, legal operations may not be performed without performing software updates. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to one aspect, the present disclosure aims to enable more appropriate execution of a process requiring user permission.

[0010] According to another aspect, the present disclosure aims to enable a process of acquiring user permission to be performed more easily and appropriately.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes: a processing unit configured to perform processing in such a manner that a permission status indicating whether an operation indicating user consent to the licensed content of sending information from the electronic device to a sending destination has been received is stored in a storage unit; an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information indicating whether the licensed content corresponding to an area of ​​the electronic device and for which consent is to be obtained has been updated from an external device; and a control unit configured to: based on the acquisition status in the acquisition unit, if the acquisition status is not a status indicating that the update has been performed, perform control to send information to the sending destination without displaying a receiving screen for receiving consent for the licensed content from the user after acquiring the first information, and if the acquisition status is a status indicating that the update has been performed, perform control to display a receiving screen for receiving consent for the updated licensed content from the user after acquiring the first information and before executing the sending of information to the sending destination.

[0012] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system.

[0014] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D is a diagram showing an example of a license message and an example of version management.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing device.

[0016] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D are diagrams each showing an example of information stored in the image processing device.

[0017] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an image processing apparatus.

[0018] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D are diagrams each showing an example of a display screen.

[0019] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B : is a flowchart showing the permission reception screen process.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a figure which shows the transition of a display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components described in this exemplary embodiment only indicate examples of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. When necessary or in a single embodiment, the combination of elements or features from various embodiments is beneficial, each embodiment of the present invention described below can be implemented separately or as a combination of multiple embodiments or their features.

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The system 100 includes a service providing server unit 101 for providing services, a server 102, a server 103, a network server 104, an image processing apparatus 105, and a mobile terminal 106, which are connected via a communication network 107 in a manner capable of communicating with each other.

[0023] The image processing apparatus 105 is a type of electronic device and is a printer that can print print data on a print medium such as a print sheet. Various cloud services (network services) provided by the service providing server unit 101 can be used from the image processing apparatus 105 via the communication network 107 .

[0024] For example, print data (photos, documents, games such as Sudoku, fixed-format documents such as sheet music and graph paper, paper crafts, calendars, etc.) stored on the cloud (i.e., the service providing server unit 101) can be acquired and printed through the image processing device 105. In addition, for example, scanned data read by a scanner included in the image processing device 105 can be stored in the cloud or sent as an email.

[0025] In order to use the service provided by the service providing server unit 101 from the image processing apparatus 105, user permission for transmitting information on the use of the service is obtained. Therefore, when the service provided by the service providing server unit 101 is used for the first time from the image processing apparatus 105 (at the time of first use), a screen for the user to select whether to agree or disagree to the service permission message is displayed. Then, control is performed so that the user's consent to the service permission message is obtained by receiving the selection of the option corresponding to the consent.

[0026] Figure 2AAn example of a service permission message (permission content, permission text, permission words, consent statement) is shown. In the case where an operation of agreeing to the service permission message is performed, it is determined that user permission for sending information about the use of the service has been obtained. An administrator sometimes updates the service permission message to obtain consent according to various changes in circumstances (such as addition of functions to the service or the image processing device 105 or amendments to the law). Therefore, in addition to the case of using the service for the first time, the image processing device 105 according to the present exemplary embodiment also performs control in such a manner that if the service permission message is updated when a service provided by the service providing server unit 101 is used from the image processing device 105, the user's permission is re-obtained.

[0027] The image processing device 105 also sends information about the usage of the image processing device 105 to the server at a specific timing so that the service provider can use the information for user analysis. The specific timing is a fixed time on a fixed date, such as once a month (a regular timing in a month). The user's permission for sending the information about the usage of the image processing device 105 is also acquired. Therefore, before the information about the usage is sent from the image processing device 105, a screen for the user to select whether to agree or disagree with the analysis permission message is displayed. Then, control is performed in such a way that the user's consent to the analysis permission message is obtained by receiving a selection corresponding to the consent option.

[0028] In the present exemplary embodiment, control is performed in such a manner that the user's consent to the service permission message and the user's consent to the analysis permission message are obtained separately. Figure 2B An example of an analysis permission message is shown. In the case where an operation of consenting to the analysis permission message is performed, it is determined that user permission to send information about usage has been obtained. Administrators sometimes update the analysis permission message used to obtain consent based on various changes in circumstances, such as addition of functions to a service or the image processing apparatus 105, or amendments to laws. Therefore, in addition to the case where the information is sent for the first time, if the analysis permission message is updated when information about usage is sent from the image processing apparatus 105 to the server, the image processing apparatus 105 according to the present exemplary embodiment also performs control in a manner to re-obtain permission from the user.

[0029] Each time an update is performed, the service license message and the analysis license message are assigned a new version number for management. Figure 2C As shown, a combination of a service permission message version and an analysis permission message version is managed by being assigned a permission set version.

[0030] For example, Figure 2CAs shown, version 1 of the permission set is a combination of version 1 of the service permission message and version 1 of the analysis permission message. Version 2 of the permission set is a combination of version 2 of the service permission message and version 1 of the analysis permission message. Between version 1 and version 2 of the permission set, since the version of the service permission message is different, and the version of the analysis permission message is the same (version 1), the version of the permission set is not 1 but 2. Such information about the version is recorded on the server 102 and the server 103.

[0031] The latest version of the license set by region (by country) is recorded and managed on the server 103 . Figure 2D 2 shows an example of information recorded on the server 103. For example, Figure 2D As shown, the latest version of the license set for Japan is version 1. Therefore, by comparing the information with Figure 2C By checking the information shown, it can be confirmed that the version of the service permission message currently agreed upon in Japan is version 1, and the version of the analysis permission message agreed upon is version 1.

[0032] like Figure 2D As shown, for example, the latest version of the license set for the United States is version 2. Therefore, by comparing the information with Figure 2C By checking the information shown, it can be determined that the version of the service permission message currently approved in the United States is version 2, and the version of the analysis permission message approved is version 1.

[0033] In this way, by managing the version of the permission message to be agreed by world region (country), control can be performed in such a way that the agreement of the service permission message and analysis permission message of the server 103 applicable to the region (country) where the image processing device 105 is installed is obtained.

[0034] The network server 104 records the latest license information for each region (each country) (e.g. Figure 2A and Figure 2B service permission message and analysis permission message shown).

[0035] In the present exemplary embodiment, the server 102 and the server 103 are shown separately, but the servers 102 and 103 may be integrated into one.

[0036] Figure 3305 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the image processing apparatus 105 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The image processing apparatus 105 is a kind of electronic device, and is a printer that can perform print processing using a print engine 308, or a print control apparatus that sends print data to a printer. A CPU 301, a program memory 302, a data memory 303, a communication control unit 304, an input interface 305, an output interface 306, a display unit 307, a print engine 308, a nonvolatile memory 309, and a random access memory (RAM) 310 are connected via a bus 311.

[0037] The CPU 301 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire image processing apparatus 105. The program memory 302 is a nonvolatile storage medium that stores a control program and an embedded operating system program to be executed by the CPU 301. The data memory 303 stores program control variables, and includes various work buffers used during processing of the print engine 308.

[0038] The communication control unit 304 controls data transmission and reception with the outside via the communication line 312. The communication control unit 304 is a communication interface such as a wired local area network (LAN) or a wireless LAN. The communication control unit 304 can communicate with the service providing server unit 101, the server 102, and the server 103 via the communication line 312 and the communication network 107.

[0039] The input interface 305 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user, and includes operation components such as a physical keyboard, buttons, and a touch panel. The output interface 306 and the input interface 305 to be described below can be integrated into a single component that performs screen output and receives operations from the user. The output interface 306 is an interface that controls the display unit 307 to display data and notifies the user of the status of the image processing device 105.

[0040] The display unit 307 is a display including a light emitting diode (LED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays data and notifies the user of the state of the image processing apparatus 105. By displaying software keys such as a numeric input key, a mode setting key, an OK key, a cancel key, and a power key on the display unit 307, input from the user can be received via the display unit 307.

[0041] The print engine 308 forms an image (performs printing) on ​​a recording medium such as paper using a recording material such as ink based on the information stored in the data memory 303 or a received print job, and outputs the print result.

[0042] The nonvolatile memory 309 includes devices such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and a flash memory. The nonvolatile memory 309 is mainly used to store data such as setting values ​​of the image processing device 105 that need to be maintained even when the power of the image processing device 105 is not supplied.

[0043] The RAM 310 includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) that requires a backup power supply. The RAM 310 also functions as a main memory and a working memory for the CPU 301, and stores a reception buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the mobile terminal 106 and various types of information.

[0044] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Each shows an example of management information of the consent status (permission status) of the permission message in the image processing apparatus 105 stored in the nonvolatile memory 309. The nonvolatile memory 309 is a kind of storage unit, and stores management information of the permission status indicating whether an operation indicating that the user agrees to the permission content indicating that the user allows the information to be sent from the image processing apparatus 105 to the service providing server unit (sending destination) 101 has been received.

[0045] The management information of the permission status stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 includes information indicating whether the user has received an operation indicating user permission to transmit information related to the image processing apparatus 105 from the image processing apparatus 105 to the service providing server unit 101 via the communication network 107. The communication network 107 is, for example, the Internet.

[0046] Record status 401 represents an example of the default value of the management information of the permission status in the factory default state of the image processing device 105. Both the service permission message and the analysis permission message are recorded with a value corresponding to the unauthorized state. The unauthorized state refers to a state in which the user neither agrees nor disagrees with each permission message. A default value indicating that there is no applicable version is recorded as the permission message version. As information indicating the permission status of the service permission message and the analysis permission message, in addition to the unauthorized state indicated in the record status 401, a value corresponding to any one of three states including two states corresponding to a granted (agreement, permission) state and a non-granted (disagreement, non-permission) state is recorded.

[0047] Record state 402 is a record state indicating a state in which the user has agreed to version 1 of the service permission message corresponding to permission set 1, and the user has agreed to version 1 of the analysis permission message corresponding to permission set 1. For example, record state 402 is a record state to be recorded when the user performs registration of the cloud service for the first use of the service at a certain date and time A from the default state in record state 401 and performs an operation of agreeing to the service permission message and the analysis permission message. The granted (permission) state indicates that an operation indicating consent has been received.

[0048] The management information of the permission status of the service permission message is information indicating whether an operation indicating user permission to transmit information related to service use from the image processing apparatus 105 to the service providing server unit 101 via the communication network 107 has been received.

[0049] The management information of the permission status of the analysis permission message is information indicating whether an operation indicating user permission to transmit information related to the use of the image processing apparatus 105 from the image processing apparatus 105 to the service providing server unit 101 via the communication network 107 has been received.

[0050] In a case where the permission status of the service permission message or the analysis permission message is a permission status indicating that an operation indicating user consent has been received, the version of the permission message (permission content) is stored in the permission message version as identifiable information.

[0051] Record state 403 is a record state indicating a state in which the user has agreed to version 2 of the service permission message corresponding to permission set 2, and the user has agreed to version 1 of the analysis permission message corresponding to permission set 2. For example, from the state in record state 402 in which the user has performed registration for a cloud service and has used the service once, the user attempts to use the service again at a timing of date and time B later than date and time A. Record state 403 is a record state to be recorded in the case in which the permission message is updated, a process of requiring the user to agree to each permission message again has been performed, and an operation of agreeing to each permission information has been performed.

[0052] If an operation of initializing the main body of the image processing apparatus 105 is performed from the state of the recording state 402 or 403, the state is initialized to the state in the recording state 401. The recording state 404 is a recording state indicating a non-granting (non-agreement) state in which the user does not agree to each permission message.

[0053] Figure 5A and Figure 5B3 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the image processing apparatus 105 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The flow of processing from when the user turns on the power of the image processing apparatus 105 to when the user turns off the power will be described. Each processing in the flowchart is realized by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in the program memory 302 onto the RAM 310 and executing the program.

[0054] In step S501 , the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display an initial screen. Fig. 6A A display example of the initial screen is shown. Fig. 6A A display example of an initial screen (home screen) displayed initially after the image processing apparatus 105 is activated is shown, and buttons 601 to 603 of options corresponding to functions executable by the image processing apparatus 105 such as copy, scan, and print are displayed.

[0055] In step S502, the CPU 301 determines whether the user has performed selection of a cloud service. In the case where a cloud service has been selected ("Yes" in step S502), the process proceeds to step S503. In the case where a cloud service has not been selected ("No" in step S502), the process proceeds to step S520. Fig. 6A The "Print" button in 603, switch to Figure 6B The print screen shown in FIG. 1 and selecting “Print from the cloud” 612 can be used to select a cloud service. Figure 6B On the print screen shown, “Print from memory card” 611 , “Print from cloud” 612 , “Print design paper” 613 , and “Print template” 614 can be selected.

[0056] In step S503, the CPU 301 determines whether the image processing apparatus 105 has been registered in the cloud service. In the case where the image processing apparatus 105 has been registered in the cloud service ("Yes" in step S503), the processing proceeds to step S504. In the case where the image processing apparatus 105 has not been registered in the cloud service ("No" in step S503), the processing proceeds to step S515. Since the image processing apparatus 105 cannot be registered in the cloud service unless the user has agreed to the service permission message, in the case where it is determined in step S503 that the image processing apparatus 105 has been registered in the cloud service, in this state, a value indicating agreement (permission) of the service permission message is recorded in the management information of the permission status.

[0057] In step S504 , the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display a list screen of cloud services. Figure 6C A display example of a list screen of cloud services is shown.

[0058] When the image processing apparatus 105 is registered in the cloud service, Figure 6B Select "Print from Cloud" 612 on the print screen in the , and the list of registered cloud services is displayed as options 621 to 624, such as Figure 6C shown.

[0059] In step S505, the CPU 301 determines whether the user has issued an execution instruction for the cloud service displayed in step S504. In the case where a cloud service execution instruction has been issued ("Yes" in step S505), the process proceeds to step S506. In the case where a cloud service execution instruction has not been issued ("No" in step S505), the process proceeds to step S514. Figure 6C If any one of the options 621 to 624 is selected from the registered cloud service list displayed in , and an execution instruction operation is performed, it is determined that the user has issued a cloud service execution instruction. The execution instruction operation is an example of the occurrence of a specific event that requires the processing in steps S511 and S512 to be performed.

[0060] In step S514, the CPU 301 executes other processing corresponding to the user operation and different from the execution of the cloud service in step S505. Thereafter, the process returns to step S501.

[0061] In step S506, the CPU 301 obtains information about the latest service permission message version that can confirm the consent to be obtained in the installation area (installation country) of the image processing device 105 from the server 103 as information about the service permission message update. In this step, the CPU 301 serves as an acquisition unit. The latest service permission message version is the version to be currently agreed to and is also the version of the service permission message that the user needs to agree to. The server 103 is a type of external device.

[0062] More specifically, the CPU 301 transmits information (one or both, i.e., at least one, of the Internet protocol (IP) address and the destination information stored in the nonvolatile memory 309) that can identify the region (country) where the image processing apparatus 105 is installed to the server 103. The server 103 transmits information to the image processing apparatus 105. Figure 2D The latest version of the license set in the region corresponding to the information that can determine the region received from the image processing apparatus 105 is shown in the latest version by region. That is, the image processing apparatus 105 obtains the version of the license set of the license message indicating that consent is to be obtained in the installation region of the image processing apparatus 105 from the server 103.

[0063] In step S507 , the CPU 301 compares the version of the permission set indicating the permission message acquired in step S506 to obtain consent in the installation area of ​​the image processing apparatus 105 with the management information of the permission status in the image processing apparatus 105 stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 .

[0064] Management information for license status includes FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D The version of the license message shown.

[0065] CPU 301 determines whether the permission message (permission content) to be agreed upon has been updated from the permission message to which the user has agreed in image processing apparatus 105. That is, CPU 301 determines whether the permission message is to be agreed upon again. In the case where the permission message has been updated (the permission message is to be agreed upon again) ("Yes" in step S507), the processing proceeds to step S508. In the case where the permission message has not been updated (the permission message does not need to be agreed upon again) ("No" in step S507), the processing proceeds to step S511 without performing the processing in steps S508 to S510 (i.e., no further user operation is performed).

[0066] More specifically, the CPU 301 compares the version of the permission set of the permission message indicating the permission to be obtained in the installation area of ​​the image processing device 105 obtained in step S506 (the version to be agreed by the user) with the version of the permission set of the permission message version in the management information of the permission status in the image processing device 05 stored in the non-volatile memory 309 (the version to which the user has already agreed). In the case where the version to be agreed by the user is the same as the version to which the user has already agreed, the CPU 301 determines that it is not necessary to obtain consent again. In the case where the version to be agreed by the user is different from the version to which the user has already agreed, the CPU 301 determines that it is necessary to obtain consent again. If the version to be agreed by the user is greater than the version to which the user has already agreed, the CPU 301 determines that it is necessary to obtain consent again.

[0067] In step S508, the CPU 301 obtains information indicating the version of the latest permission message in the installation area of ​​the image processing apparatus 105 obtained in step S506 (the latest version of the permission set) from the server 102. The latest version of the permission set obtained in step S508 is recorded as the version agreed to by the user to be stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 when the user agrees to each permission message in the subsequent processing of step S509. Alternatively, step S508 may be skipped, and the latest version of the permission set in the installation area obtained in step S506 may be recorded as the version agreed to by the user to be stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 when the user agrees to each permission message in step S509.

[0068] In step S509, through the permission receiving screen processing, the CPU 301 receives from the user whether there is consent (permission) to the latest each permission message in the installation area. Specifically, the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display the permission receiving screen for receiving consent to the updated permission message from the user. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Describe the permission receiving screen processing. In this way, even in the case of a registered cloud service, each time the user attempts to execute a function of the cloud service, the CPU 301 determines whether to re-obtain consent to the permission message, and if so, re-obtains the consent before executing the service. With this configuration, in the case where it is necessary to re-obtain consent to the permission message, it is possible to avoid the situation where the service is executed without re-obtaining consent.

[0069] In the process in S509, when executing Fig. 7A Before the processing in step S701, the display Fig.6D The screen shown. On the screen, a message "Since the license content has been updated, please confirm the license again" is displayed, indicating that the reason why the license needs to be re-acquired is that the license content (permission message) has been updated, and the license to be confirmed again will be displayed from now on. With this configuration, a user who once granted permission by agreeing to the permission message can recognize the reason why the user is asked to agree to the permission message again, and can perform the permission operation again without misinterpreting the message as an operation failure or confusing the message with an operation failure. If you press Fig.6D Click the Next button on the screen to start the following description Fig. 7A Similarly, in the processing in step S525 described below (processing for receiving permission again), when executing Fig. 7A Before the processing in step S701, execute Fig.6D On the other hand, in step S517 to be described below, the first reception permission process is executed instead of the second reception permission process. Fig. 7A The processing in step S701 is not performed Fig.6D The screen in the display.

[0070] In step S510, the CPU 301 determines whether the user's consent to the latest service permission message has been obtained in step S509. Specifically, the CPU 301 refers to the management information ( FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D), and determines whether a value corresponding to the "granted (permitted) state" is recorded as a value indicating the consent state of the service permission message. In the case where a value corresponding to the "granted (permitted) state" is recorded ("Yes" in step S510), the process proceeds to step S511. In the case where a value corresponding to the "granted (permitted) state" is not recorded ("No" in step S510), the process proceeds to step S513.

[0071] In step S511, the CPU 301 accesses the service providing server unit 101, and performs control to send information required for using the service for which the execution instruction has been issued in step S505 to the service providing server unit (sending destination) 101. For example, in order to open a service page to the user, the CPU 301 sends the ID (device identification information of the image processing apparatus 105) and the password stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 as account information (registration information of the image processing apparatus 05 in the cloud service). According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the processing is controlled to be executed in a state where the consent to the latest service permission message has been obtained from the user, the processing becomes a legal operation (processing).

[0072] In step S512, based on the account information sent in step S511, the CPU 301 performs the execution processing of the cloud service of the execution instruction that has been issued in step S505. For example, in the case of cloud photo storage, a list of images stored on the cloud is displayed, and processing corresponding to subsequent user operations is performed. If the execution processing of the cloud service ends (if the use of the cloud service ends), the process returns to step S501.

[0073] In step S513, since the user consent to the latest service permission message cannot be obtained and the ungranted state is caused, the CPU 301 deletes the ID (device identification information) and password of the image processing apparatus 105 for the cloud service from the non-volatile memory 309. That is, the CPU 301 deletes the registration information of the image processing apparatus 105 in the cloud service. The CPU 301 also sends a request to the service providing server unit 101 to delete the ID (device identification information) and password of the image processing apparatus 105 (that is, the registration information of the image processing apparatus 105 in the cloud service). In this step, a message indicating that the registration in the cloud service has been deleted may also be displayed on the display unit 307. After that, the processing returns to step S501.

[0074] In step S515, the CPU 301 determines whether the user has performed a cloud service registration operation. In the case where the user has performed a cloud service registration operation ("Yes" in step S515), the process proceeds to step S516. In the case where the user has not performed a cloud service registration operation ("No" in step S515), the process returns to step S501. In the case where none of the users of the image processing apparatus 105 has registered in the cloud service, Figure 6C In the cloud service list in , each cloud service is displayed in a manner that can identify the unregistered state. Then, an operation icon (not shown) for receiving registration in the cloud service is displayed. In the case where the operation icon is operated, CPU 301 determines that the registration operation has been performed. In addition, in Fig. 6A In a case where a registration operation is performed on a cloud service registration screen included in a setting menu screen to be displayed without displaying the gear icon 604 displayed on the initial screen in , the CPU 301 executes the processing in steps S516 and S517.

[0075] In step S516, similarly to step S508 described above, the CPU 301 acquires information indicating the latest version of the license set in the installation area (information that can determine the version of the latest license message) from the server 102. By acquiring information from the server 103, this processing can be processing similar to that in step S506.

[0076] In step S517 , similarly to the above-described step S509 , the CPU 301 receives the consent of the latest permission message from the user through the permission reception screen process.

[0077] In step S518, the CPU 301 determines whether the user has agreed to the latest service permission message in step S517. In the case where the agreement to the latest service permission message has been obtained ("Yes" in step S518), the process proceeds to step S519. In the case where the agreement to the latest service permission message has not been obtained ("No" in step S518), the process returns to step S501 without performing the registration process in the cloud service in step S519.

[0078] In step S519, the CPU 301 accesses the service providing server unit 101 and performs registration processing in the cloud service. The image processing device 105 sends a registration request to the service providing server unit 101 together with information about the image processing device 105 to be used for registration in the cloud service. After that, the CPU 301 receives the ID (device identification information) and password of the image processing device 105 that have been created by the service providing server unit 101 in response to the registration request, and stores the ID and password in the non-volatile memory 309. If the registration in the cloud service is completed, the process proceeds to step S504, and the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display the cloud service list.

[0079] In step S520, the CPU 301 determines whether the user has agreed to the analysis permission message. Specifically, the CPU 301 refers to the management information ( FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D ), and determines whether a value corresponding to the "granted (permitted) state" is recorded as a value indicating the consent state of the analysis permission message. In the case where a value corresponding to the "granted (permitted) state" is recorded ("Yes" in step S520), the process proceeds to step S521. In the case where a value corresponding to the "granted (permitted) state" is not recorded ("No" in step S520), the process proceeds to step S528.

[0080] In the present exemplary embodiment, the sending of the analysis report in step S527 to be described below is performed only when the user has agreed to the service permission message (when registration in the cloud service has been performed). As described below, the reception of the consent / disagreement of the analysis permission message is performed only when the consent to the service permission message has been obtained. Therefore, in the case where the analysis permission message in the management information of the permission status records a value corresponding to "not permitted (default value)", since the consent to the service permission message has not been obtained, the sending of the analysis report in step S527 to be described below is not performed. Therefore, in the case where the value corresponding to "not granted (disagreement) state" is recorded as the value indicating the consent state of the analysis permission message, or in the case where the value corresponding to "not permitted (default value)" is recorded, the CPU 301 determines in step S520 that the user has not agreed to the analysis permission message ("No" in step S520), and the processing proceeds to step S528.

[0081] Regardless of the consent state of the service permission message, the sending of the analysis report in step S527 to be described below can be performed. In this case, the determination in step S520 can be a determination as to whether a value corresponding to "granted (permitted) state" or "not permitted (default value)" is recorded as a value indicating the consent state of the analysis permission message. In this case, control is performed in such a manner that if the consent state of the analysis permission message is "granted (permitted) state" or "not permitted (default value)", the processing proceeds to step S521, and if the consent state of the analysis permission information is "not granted (not consented) state", the processing proceeds to step S528.

[0082] In step S521, the CPU 301 determines whether a trigger event for the image processing apparatus 105 to perform analysis report transmission to the server for user analysis has occurred. The trigger event includes, for example, at least one of a state change event of the image processing apparatus 105 or a periodic event (for example, an event at a specific time on a specific date every month). In the case where a report transmission trigger event has occurred ("Yes" in step S521), the process proceeds to step S522. In the case where a report transmission trigger event has not occurred ("No" in step S521), the process proceeds to step S528. The trigger event is an example of the occurrence of a specific event that requires the execution of the process in step S527.

[0083] In step S522, the CPU 301 obtains information that can determine the version of the latest analysis permission message to be agreed in the installation area (installation country) of the image processing device 105 from the server 103 as information about the update of the analysis permission message. In this step, the version of the latest analysis permission message is the version to be agreed to at present, and is the version of the analysis permission message that the user needs to agree to. Specifically, similar to step S506, the CPU 301 obtains from the server 103 the version of the permission set indicating the permission message to be agreed to in the installation country of the image processing device 105.

[0084] In step S523, similarly to step S507, the CPU 301 determines whether the permission information to be agreed has been updated from the permission message to which the user has agreed in the image processing apparatus 105. In the case where the permission message has been updated (the permission message is to be agreed again) ("Yes" in step S523), the process proceeds to step S524. In the case where the permission message has not been updated (the permission message does not need to be agreed again) ("No" in step S523), the process proceeds to step S527 without performing the processes in steps S524 to S526 (i.e., no further user operation is performed).

[0085] In step S524, similarly to step S508, CPU 301 acquires information indicating the version of the latest permission message in the installation area (the latest version of the permission set) from server 102. The latest version of the permission set acquired in step S524 is recorded as a version agreed to by the user to be stored in nonvolatile memory 309 when the user agrees to each permission message in the subsequent processing of step S525.

[0086] Alternatively, step S524 may be skipped and the latest version of the permission set acquired in step S522 may be recorded as the user-agreed version to be stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 when the user agrees to each permission message in step S525.

[0087] In step S525, similarly to step S509, the CPU 301 executes permission reception screen processing.

[0088] In step S526, the CPU 301 determines whether the user has agreed to the latest analysis permission message in step S525. In the case where the user's agreement to the latest analysis permission message has been obtained ("Yes" in step S526), ​​the process proceeds to step S527. In the case where the user's agreement to the latest analysis permission message has not been obtained ("No" in step S526), ​​the process returns to step S501.

[0089] In step S527, the CPU 301 performs control to send information about user analysis (information about usage) (e.g., user settings of the image processing device 105 or the number of times each function is used) as an analysis report to the service providing server unit 101. According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the processing is controlled to be performed in a state where the consent to the latest analysis permission message has been obtained from the user, the processing becomes a legal operation (processing). After that, the processing returns to step S501.

[0090] In step S528, the CPU 301 determines whether another event has occurred. In the case where another event has occurred ("Yes" in step S528), the process proceeds to step S529. In the case where another event has not occurred ("No" in step S528), the process proceeds to step S530.

[0091] In step S529, the CPU 301 executes processing corresponding to the event determined to have occurred in step S528. For example, the CPU 301 executes copy processing corresponding to a copy instruction, scanning processing corresponding to a scan instruction, and setting processing corresponding to various setting operations. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S530.

[0092] In step S530, the CPU 301 determines whether an event has occurred to turn off the power of the image processing apparatus 105. In a case where an event has occurred to turn off the power of the image processing apparatus 105 ("Yes" in step S530), Figure 5A and Figure 5B The flowchart in ends. If an event to turn off the power of the image processing apparatus 105 has not occurred (No in step S530), the process returns to step S502.

[0093] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example shown, a description has been given of an example in which, in response to the occurrence ("Yes" in step S505 or "Yes" in step S521) of an event that requires information to be sent to the service providing server unit 101 (processing in step S511 or processing in step S527), information for determining whether the licensed content to be agreed to in the installation area has been updated (the latest version of the license set in the installation area) is obtained from the server 103 in step S506 or S522. However, the example is not limited to this, and the acquisition timing of the information for determining whether the licensed content to be agreed to in the installation area has been updated may be before the occurrence of the event that requires information to be sent to the service providing server unit 101. For example, the information may be obtained in advance by a push notification from the server 103 issued at the update time point. Alternatively, each time the image processing device 105 is turned on and communication with the communication network 107 via wireless communication or wired communication is started (i.e., in response to the establishment of communication with the network, regardless of whether an event has occurred that requires sending information to the service providing server unit 101), information for determining whether the license content to be agreed to in the installation area has been updated (the latest version of the license set in the installation area) can be obtained from the server 103, as described in step S506 or S522.

[0094] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B It is shown Figure 5A Flowchart showing details of the permission reception screen processing in steps S509, S517, and S525. Figure 8 Various display examples to be displayed on the display unit 307 in the permission reception screen process are shown. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Each process in the flowchart in FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU 301 loading the program stored in the program memory 302 onto the RAM 310 and executing the program.

[0095] In step S701, the CPU 301 determines whether it is necessary to re-grant the service permission. Specifically, the CPU 301 compares the version of the service permission message permitted by the user with the latest service permission message to obtain consent.

[0096] From the management information ( Figures 4A to 4D ) is used to identify the version of the service permission message permitted by the user from the permission message version recorded in the non-volatile memory 309. The version of the latest service permission message to be agreed to is identified from the latest version of the permission set in the region (country) where the image processing device 105 is installed, which is obtained from the server 102 or 103. In the case where the version of the service permission message permitted by the user is smaller than the latest service permission message version to be agreed to, the CPU 301 determines that it is necessary to permit the service permission message again (re-grant consent) ("Yes" in step S701), and the processing proceeds to step S702. In the case where the CPU 301 determines that it is not necessary to permit the service permission message again ("No" in step S701), the processing proceeds to step S714. In addition, in the case where "Not permitted (default value)" is recorded for the service permission message in the management information of the permission status in the image processing device 105 stored in the non-volatile memory 309, the CPU 301 determines that it is necessary to permit the service permission message again (re-grant consent) ("Yes" in step S701), and the processing proceeds to step S702.

[0097] Alternatively, the process may proceed to step S702 by skipping the process in step S701, and control may be performed to ensure that consent to the service permission message is re-acquired in the event that the permission version is updated. In this case, even if the service permission message itself has not been updated from the service permission message that the user has agreed to, the version of the service permission message needs to be re-approved. If it is determined that the permission message has been updated ("Yes" in step S507), the control is performed after the process proceeds to step S509. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In the case of the processing in step S701, the processing can skip the processing in step S701 and proceed to step S702.

[0098] In step S702, the CPU 301 Figure 8 The service permission fixed message 801 is displayed on the service permission fixed message screen 800 in FIG. The service permission fixed message 801 is similar to Figure 2A, but a message that is at least partially different from version 2 or higher of the service permission message is displayed. More specifically, a message requesting user permission to send information about service use is displayed, and a consistent message is displayed regardless of the installation region (country) of the image processing apparatus 105 or the version of the service permission message. The service permission fixed message 801 may be the same as the message of version 1 of the service permission message.

[0099] In step S703, the CPU 301 determines whether the detail button 802 has been touched (selection operation, hereinafter also referred to as "press") on the service permission fixed message screen 800. In the case where the detail button 802 has been pressed (YES in step S703), the process proceeds to step S704.

[0100] In step S704 , the CPU 301 acquires the destination information stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 , and the display language information preset by the user to be displayed on the user interface (UI) of the image processing apparatus 105 .

[0101] The destination information is information that is recorded in advance on the nonvolatile memory 309 in the factory default state of the image processing apparatus 105, and is basically unchangeable by the user. As the destination information, for example, information indicating any one of Japan (JPN), Korea (KOR), the United States (USA), Europe (EOR), Australia (AUS), Southeast Asia (ASA), China (CHN), and Brazil (BRA) is recorded.

[0102] The display language information is a setting item that the user needs to set and is set by operating Fig. 6A The gear icon 604 displayed on the initial screen is set from the setting items of the display language included in the setting menu screen to be displayed. As the display language information, any one of Japanese, English, Chinese, French and German can be set.

[0103] In step S705, the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display a URL string display screen 810, which includes a string 811 on which the destination information and display language information obtained as query parameters in step S704 are assigned to a uniform resource locator (URL) to access the network server 104. The query parameter is a URL parameter. For example, the CPU 301 displays "https: / / www.sample.co.jp / service?destination_code=01&language_code=01" as a string 811. The part after "?" is a URL parameter, in which "destination_code=01" corresponds to the destination information. "01" is a value representing Japan. In addition, "language_code=01" corresponds to the display language information. "01" is a value representing Japanese.

[0104] In step S706, the CPU 301 determines whether Figure 8 8. It is determined whether a Quick Response (QR) code (registered trademark) button 812 has been pressed on the URL character string display screen 810. In a case where the QR code button 812 has been pressed (YES in step S706), the process proceeds to step S707.

[0105] In step S707, the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display a QR code display screen 820 including a QR code 821. The QR code 821 is obtained by Figure 8 The QR code 821 is a QR code obtained by encoding the character string 811 displayed on the URL character string display screen 810 in the mobile terminal 106, and can be read by taking an image by the camera of the mobile terminal 106. The QR code 821 is a two-dimensional code, and the character string 811 can be obtained by reading and decoding the QR code 821 using the mobile terminal 106. That is, the QR code 821 is a code image including information about the character string 811. The QR code 821 may be a different code as long as the format of the code is readable by the camera of the mobile terminal 106. Instead of the QR code 821, another type of two-dimensional code, a one-dimensional code (barcode, etc.), or another code image (color code, etc.) may be displayed.

[0106] In steps S705 and S707, the CPU 301 functions as a display control unit, and controls the display unit 307 to display information indicating a URL including additional information stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 that can determine the installation area of ​​the image processing apparatus 105. The above-mentioned URL is a URL for displaying service license content stored in the network server 104. In addition, the above-mentioned URL is a URL to which additional information indicating the setting of the display language is further added. The information indicating the URL is, for example, a character string 811 or a QR code 821. For example, the additional information is a URL parameter. The additional information that can determine the area is, for example, information based on the destination information stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 from the factory default state of the image processing apparatus 105.

[0107] The above-mentioned URL may be a URL to which information indicating that at least a part of the IP address is dynamically assigned to the image processing device 105 is added as the above-mentioned additional information that can specify the area.

[0108] exist Figure 2A In the case where the service permission message to grant user consent and stored in the network server 104 is identical to the service permission fixed message 801 stored in the nonvolatile memory 309, the CPU 301 may perform control so as not to display information indicating the URL.

[0109] The above-mentioned URL may be a URL to which additional information indicating the version of the service permission message acquired in step S506 is further added.

[0110] If Figure 8 In the example, if the character string 811 displayed on the URL character string display screen 810 is input into the address bar of the web browser to be executed on the mobile terminal 106, and the address indicated by the character string 811 is accessed, the following processing is performed. Figure 8 The QR code 821 displayed on the QR code display screen 820 is photographed and decoded, and the address indicated by the obtained character string 811 is accessed, and the following processing is performed.

[0111] Mobile terminal 106 accesses the address indicated by string 811. The access destination is network server 104. If mobile terminal 106 accesses the address indicated by string 811, mobile terminal 106 sends information about URL parameters included in string 811 to the access destination and issues a request to network server 104 for a web page corresponding to the URL parameters.

[0112] The network server 104 accessed by the mobile terminal 106 receives information about the URL parameter included in the character string 811. Then, the network server 104 acquires (extracts) the destination information and the display language information of the image processing apparatus 105 from the URL parameter included in the character string 811. Then, the network server 104 transmits a web page displaying a service permission message corresponding to the acquired destination information and display language information to the mobile terminal 106. For example, the network server 104 transmits a hypertext markup language (HTML) file corresponding to the acquired destination information and display language information to the mobile terminal 106.

[0113] By displaying the web page transmitted in this manner on the mobile terminal 106 through the web browser, the latest service permission message corresponding to the destination information and display language information of the image processing apparatus 105 can be displayed on the mobile terminal 106. For example, the service permission message to be displayed is Figure 2A If the mobile terminal 106 accesses the displayed information indicating the URL, the service permission content corresponding to the area of ​​the destination information is automatically displayed. The mobile terminal 106 is one of different devices. By operating the image processing apparatus 105 after browsing the web page displayed on the mobile terminal 106, the user selects the operation of agreeing or disagreeing to the service permission message.

[0114] In step S708, the CPU 301 determines whether the return button 822 has been pressed on the QR code display screen 820. In a case where the return button 822 has been pressed (YES in step S708), the processing proceeds to step S705.

[0115] In step S709, the CPU 301 determines whether the end button 813 or the return button 814 has been pressed on the URL character string display screen 810. In the case where the end button 813 or the return button 814 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S709), the process returns to step S702. In the case where the end button 813 or the return button 814 has not been pressed ("No" in step S709), the process returns to step S706.

[0116] In step S710, the CPU 301 determines whether the NEXT button 803 has been pressed on the service permission fixed message screen 800. In a case where the NEXT button 803 has been pressed (YES in step S710), the processing proceeds to step S711.

[0117] In step S711, the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display the service permission message approval reception screen 830. On the service permission message approval reception screen 830, an "Agree" button 831 and a "Disagree" button 832 are displayed.

[0118] In step S712, the CPU 301 determines whether the "Agree" button 831 has been pressed on the service permission message consent reception screen 830. The CPU 301 functions as a receiving unit and receives an operation indicating that the user agrees to the service permission content, which indicates that the user agrees to send information from the image processing device 105 to the service providing server unit (sending destination) 101. In the case where the "Agree" button 831 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S712), the process proceeds to step S714. In the case where the "Agree" button 831 has not been pressed ("No" in step S712), the process proceeds to step S713.

[0119] Since the case where the processing proceeds to step S726 or S728 to be described below only includes the case where the service permission message has been selected for agreement, at the time point when it is determined that the "Agree" button 831 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S712), the agreement to the service permission message is not recorded in the management information of the permission status, and the agreement is recorded in step S726 or S728.

[0120] However, at the point in time when it is determined that the "Agree" button 831 has been pressed ("YES" in step S712), the CPU 301 may record the agreement to the service permission message in the management information of the permission status.

[0121] In step S713, the CPU 301 determines whether the "Disagree" button 832 has been pressed on the service permission message approval reception screen 830. In the case where the "Disagree" button 832 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S713), the process proceeds to step S730. In the case where the "Disagree" button 832 has not been pressed ("No" in step S713), the process proceeds to step S734.

[0122] In step S714, the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display the analysis permission fixed information 841 on the analysis permission fixed message screen 840. The analysis permission fixed message 841 is similar to Figure 2B , but displays a message that is at least partially different from version 2 or higher of the analysis permission message. More specifically, a message requesting user permission to send information (analysis report) about the usage of the image processing apparatus 105 is displayed, and a consistent message is displayed regardless of the installation region (country) of the image processing apparatus or the version of the analysis permission message. The analysis permission fixed message 841 may be the same as the message of version 1 of the analysis permission message.

[0123] In step S715, the CPU 301 determines whether the detail button 842 has been pressed on the analysis permission fixed message screen 840. In a case where the detail button 842 has been pressed (YES in step S715), the processing proceeds to step S716.

[0124] In step S716, similarly to step S704, the CPU 301 acquires the destination information stored in the nonvolatile memory 309, and the display language information set by the user.

[0125] In step S717, the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display a URL string display screen 850, which includes a string 851 on which the destination information and display language information acquired in step S716 are assigned as query parameters to the URL used to access the network server 104. For example, the CPU 301 displays "https: / / www.sample.co.jp / analysis?destination_code=01&language_code=01" as the string 851. The part after "?" is the URL parameter, and in this part, "destination_code=01" corresponds to the destination information. "01" is a value indicating Japan. In addition, "language_code=01" corresponds to the display language information. "01" is a value indicating Japanese.

[0126] In step S718, the CPU 301 determines whether the QR code button 852 has been pressed on the URL character string display screen 850. In a case where the QR code button 852 has been pressed (YES in step S718), the processing proceeds to step S719.

[0127] In step S719, the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display a QR code display screen 860 including a QR code 861 that can be read by the mobile terminal 106. The QR code 861 on the QR code display screen 860 is obtained by Figure 8 The QR code 861 is a QR code obtained by encoding the character string 851 displayed on the URL character string display screen 850 in the mobile terminal 106, and can be read by taking an image by the camera of the mobile terminal 106. The QR code 861 is a two-dimensional code, and the character string 851 can be obtained by reading and decoding the QR code 861 using the mobile terminal 106. That is, the QR code 861 is a code image including information about the character string 851. The QR code 861 may be a different code as long as the format of the code is readable by the camera of the mobile terminal 106. Instead of the QR code 861, another type of two-dimensional code, a one-dimensional code (barcode, etc.), or another code image (color code, etc.) may be displayed.

[0128] In steps S717 and S719, the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display information indicating a URL including additional information stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 that can determine the installation area of ​​the image processing apparatus 105. The above-mentioned URL is a URL for displaying the analysis license content stored in the network server 104. In addition, the above-mentioned URL is a URL to which additional information indicating the setting of the display language is further added. The information indicating the URL is, for example, a character string 851 or a QR code 861. For example, the additional information is a URL parameter. The additional information that can determine the area is, for example, information based on the destination information stored in the nonvolatile memory 309 from the factory default state of the image processing apparatus 105.

[0129] The above-mentioned URL may be a URL to which information indicating that at least a part of the IP address is dynamically assigned to the image processing device 105 is added as the above-mentioned additional information that can specify the area.

[0130] In the case of a data file stored in the network server 104 and requiring the user's consent Figure 2B In a case where the analysis permission message in the nonvolatile memory 309 is identical to the analysis permission fixed message 841 stored in the nonvolatile memory 309, the CPU 301 may perform control so as not to display the information indicating the URL.

[0131] The above-mentioned URL may be a URL to which additional information indicating the version of the analysis permission message acquired in step S522 is further added.

[0132] Will Figure 8 The character string 851 displayed on the URL character string display screen 850 is input into the address bar of the web browser to be executed on the mobile terminal 106, and the address indicated by the character string 851 is accessed. As a result, through a process similar to the display of the above-mentioned service permission message, the latest analysis permission message ( Figure 2B ). By operating the image processing apparatus 105 after browsing the web page displayed on the mobile terminal 106, the user selects the operation of agreeing or disagreeing to the analysis permission message.

[0133] In step S720, the CPU 301 determines whether the return button 862 has been pressed on the QR code display screen 860. In a case where the return button 862 has been pressed (YES in step S720), the process proceeds to step S717.

[0134] In step S721, the CPU 301 determines whether the end button 853 or the return button 854 has been pressed on the URL character string display screen 850. In the case where the end button 853 or the return button 854 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S721), the process proceeds to step S714. In the case where the end button 853 or the return button 854 has not been pressed ("No" in step S721), the process proceeds to step S718.

[0135] In step S722, the CPU 301 determines whether the next button 843 has been pressed on the analysis permission fixed message screen 840. In the case where the next button 843 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S722), the process proceeds to step S724. In the case where the next button 843 has not been pressed ("No" in step S722), the process proceeds to step S723.

[0136] In step S723, the CPU 301 determines whether the return button 844 has been pressed on the analysis permission fixed message screen 840. In the case where the return button 844 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S723), the process returns to step S711. In the case where the return button 844 has not been pressed ("No" in step S723), the process returns to step S715.

[0137] In step S724 , the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display the analysis permission message approval reception screen 870 .

[0138] In step S725, the CPU 301 determines whether the "Agree" button 871 has been pressed on the analysis permission message consent reception screen 870. The CPU 301 receives an operation indicating that the user agrees to the analysis permission content indicating that the user permits information to be sent from the image processing apparatus 105 to the service providing server unit (sending destination) 101. In the case where the "Agree" button 871 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S725), the process proceeds to step S726. In the case where the "Agree" button 871 has not been pressed ("No" in step S725), the process proceeds to step S727.

[0139] In step S726, the CPU 301 stores information indicating that the user has agreed to the service permission message and agreed to the analysis permission message, and information indicating the version of the license set acquired from the server 102 or 103, in the management information of the license status in the nonvolatile memory 309, and ends the license reception screen processing. That is, the information indicating that the user has agreed to the service permission message and agreed to the analysis permission message is stored in association with the information indicating the updated version of the latest license set in the installation area.

[0140] In step S727, the CPU 301 determines whether the "Disagree" button 872 has been pressed on the analysis permission message approval reception screen 870. In the case where the "Disagree" button 872 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S727), the process proceeds to step S728. In the case where the "Disagree" button 872 has not been pressed ("No" in step S727), the process proceeds to step S729.

[0141] In step S728, the CPU 301 stores information indicating that the user has agreed to the service permission message but has not agreed to (not granted) the analysis permission message, and information indicating the version of the license set acquired from the server 102 or 103, in the management information of the license status in the nonvolatile memory 309. Thereafter, the CPU 301 ends the license reception screen processing.

[0142] In step S729, the CPU 301 determines whether the return button 873 has been pressed on the analysis permission message acceptance reception screen 870. In the case where the return button 873 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S729), the process returns to step S714. In the case where the return button 873 has not been pressed ("No" in step S729), the process returns to step S725.

[0143] In step S734, the CPU 301 determines whether the return button 833 has been pressed on the service permission message acceptance reception screen 830. In the case where the return button 833 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S734), the process returns to step S702. In the case where the return button 833 has not been pressed ("No" in step S734), the process returns to step S712.

[0144] In step S730 , the CPU 301 controls the display unit 307 to display the service permission non-grant confirmation screen 880 .

[0145] In step S731, the CPU 301 determines whether the "Yes" button 881 has been pressed on the service permission non-granting confirmation screen 880. In the case where the "Yes" button 881 has been pressed ("Yes" in step S731), the process proceeds to step S732. In the case where the "Yes" button 881 has not been pressed ("No" in step S731), the process proceeds to step S733.

[0146] In step S732, the CPU 301 stores information indicating that the user has not agreed to (not granted) the service license message and the analysis license message, and information indicating the version of the license set acquired from the server 102 or 103, in the management information of the license status in the nonvolatile memory 309. Thereafter, the CPU 301 ends the license reception screen processing.

[0147] In step S733, the CPU 301 determines whether the "No" button 882 or the return button 883 is pressed on the service permission non-grant confirmation screen 880. In the case where the "No" button 882 or the return button 883 is pressed ("Yes" in step S733), the process returns to step S711. In the case where the "No" button 882 or the "Return" button 883 is not pressed ("No" in step S733), the process returns to step S731.

[0148] from Fig. 7A The permission reception screen processing starts in step S701 and ends in step S726, S728 or S732. Figure 8 Screens other than the permission guidance related screens shown in cannot be displayed.

[0149] In the case where the license content in the license fixed message stored in the image processing apparatus 105 is sufficient, the URL for accessing the network server 104 may be made undisplayable. Specifically, the detail buttons 802 and 842 on the service license fixed message screen 800 and the analysis license fixed message screen 840 are deleted, and screen transitions to the screens 810 and 850 displaying the URL for accessing the network server 104 are made unexecutable.

[0150] In steps S705 and S717, the destination information and the display language information are added as query parameters to the URL for accessing the network server 104, but another type of information that enables the network server 104 to select an appropriate license message may be added. Specifically, examples of the information include transmittable license versions of the service license and the analysis license, and regional information indicating the connection destination country of the image processing apparatus 105 connected to the service providing server unit 101. In order to avoid requiring consent of unnecessary license items to the user, information that enables the network server 104 to identify the services available to the image processing apparatus 105 may be added as query parameters. Specifically, examples of the information include information on the functions of the image processing apparatus 105.

[0151] In the case where the display unit 307 displays a permission message, due to the restrictions on the display on the display unit 307 (restrictions on the size, resolution, and number of characters that can be displayed at one time due to the UI design of the embedded device), long character strings are sometimes not displayed correctly or cannot be displayed with good visibility. In contrast, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the user can be prompted to check the permission message by displaying the permission message on the display unit (display) of the mobile terminal 106, which is expected to be less restricted (higher performance) than the display unit 307 of the image processing device 105. Therefore, even if the character string is long, the user can check the character string of the correct permission message without being restricted by the number of characters, etc. The user can also confirm the character string of the permission message with good visibility. Therefore, the user can accurately understand the permission message and choose whether to agree to the permission message. The permission message based on the installation area and display language of the image processing device 105 is automatically displayed on the mobile terminal 106. Therefore, the user can save the trouble of selecting the installation area of ​​the image processing device 105 and selecting the display language, and the user can confirm the permission message that complies with the law of the installation area of ​​the image processing device 105.

[0152] The above-described various types of control to be performed by the image processing apparatus 105 may be performed by a single hardware component, or a plurality of hardware components (eg, a plurality of processors or circuits) may control the entire image processing apparatus 105 by sharing processing.

[0153] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these specific exemplary embodiments. The present invention also includes various configurations that do not depart from the gist of the present invention. In addition, each of the above exemplary embodiments only indicates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and the exemplary embodiments may also be appropriately combined.

[0154] In each of the above exemplary embodiments, a description has been given of an example case where the present invention is applied to an image processing device, but it is not limited to this example. The present invention can be applied to an electronic device as long as the electronic device is an electronic device that sends user information to a server. More specifically, the present invention can be applied to a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone terminal, a portable image viewer, a printer device including a display, a digital photo frame, a music player, a game console, and an e-book reader.

[0155] The present invention can also be implemented by the following processing. More specifically, the processing is to provide a program that implements the functions of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments to a system or device via a network or various recording media, and at least one computer (or CPU or microprocessing unit (MPU)) of the system or device reads out and executes the processing of the program code. In this case, the present invention includes a program and a computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon.

[0156] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a process requiring user permission can be more appropriately performed.

[0157] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a process of acquiring user permission can be performed more easily and appropriately.

[0158] Other embodiments

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: a processing unit configured to perform processing in such a manner as to store in the storage unit a permission status indicating whether an operation indicating user consent to the permitted content regarding transmission of information from the electronic device to a transmission destination has been received; an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from an external device, first information indicating whether the licensed content corresponding to the area of ​​the electronic device has been updated; as well as a control unit configured to, in a case where the license status indicates that an operation indicating consent has been received and in a case where the acquisition status in the acquisition unit is not a state indicating that an update has been performed, perform control to transmit information to the transmission destination without displaying a reception screen for receiving consent for the licensed content from a user after acquiring the first information, and In a case where the license status indicates that an operation expressing consent has been received, and in a case where the acquisition status in the acquisition unit is a state indicating that an update has been performed, control is performed to display a receiving screen for receiving consent for the updated license content from the user after acquiring the first information and before executing the sending of the information to the sending destination.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, the acquisition unit acquires the first information if a connection is established with a network to which the external device is connectable, regardless of whether a specific event requiring execution of transmission of information to the transmission destination has occurred, and If the specific event occurs, the control unit performs control based on the first information acquired before the specific event occurs.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The acquisition unit acquires the first information from the external device in response to the occurrence of a specific event requiring execution of information transmission to the transmission destination, in a case where the permission status indicates that an operation indicating consent has been received, and The control unit performs control based on the first information acquired in response to the occurrence of the specific event.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: In a case where the permission status indicates that an operation expressing consent has been received, and in a case where the first information acquired by the acquisition unit is information indicating that an update has been performed, the control unit performs control to display at least one of information indicating that an update has been performed and information indicating that the receiving screen is to receive permission again when displaying the receiving screen.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: If an operation indicating agreement is received on the reception screen, the control unit performs control to transmit information to the transmission destination.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit transmits information about a destination area of ​​the electronic device to the external device, and acquires the first information corresponding to the destination area from the external device.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The permission status to be stored in the storage unit includes information indicating whether an operation indicating user permission to transmit the information on the electronic device from the electronic device to the transmission destination via the Internet has been received.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: The permission status to be stored in the storage unit includes: information indicating whether an operation indicating user permission to send information about service usage from the electronic device to the sending destination via the Internet has been received, and information indicating whether an operation indicating user permission to send information about usage of the electronic device from the electronic device to the sending destination via the Internet has been received.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: If an operation indicating consent is received on the reception screen, the processing unit performs processing in such a manner that license information indicating that the operation indicating user consent has been received is stored in association with the updated license content.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: In a case where the license status is a license status indicating that an operation indicating user consent has been received, the processing unit performs processing in a manner of storing information capable of specifying a version of the licensed content.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: In a case where the first information is information indicating that updating has been performed, the control unit acquires information indicating a latest version of licensed content from the external device.

12. The electronic device according to claim 10, in, The first information is information capable of identifying the latest version of the licensed content, and Here, in a case where the first information is different from storage information capable of determining a version of the licensed content, the control unit determines that the first information is information indicating that an update has been performed.

13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The license content is the license text.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: The license text is stored in the server and updated in response to the addition of functionality or legal modifications.

15. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic device is a printer capable of executing a printing process.

16. A method for controlling an electronic device, the method comprising: performing processing in such a manner as to store a permission status indicating whether an operation indicating user consent to the permission content regarding transmission of information from the electronic device to a transmission destination has been received; acquiring, from an external device, first information indicating whether the licensed content corresponding to the area of ​​the electronic device has been updated; in a case where the license status indicates that an operation indicating consent has been received, and in a case where the acquisition status in the acquisition is not a state indicating that update has been performed, performing control to transmit information to the transmission destination without displaying a reception screen for receiving consent for the licensed content from a user after acquiring the first information in a first control, and In a case where the license status indicates that an operation expressing consent has been received, and in a case where the acquisition status in the acquisition is a state indicating that an update has been performed, control is performed to display a receiving screen for receiving consent for the updated license content from the user in a second control after acquiring the first information and before executing the sending of the information to the sending destination.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs for executing a method of controlling an electronic device, the method comprising: performing processing in such a manner as to store a permission status indicating whether an operation indicating user consent to the permission content regarding transmission of information from the electronic device to a transmission destination has been received; acquiring, from an external device, first information indicating whether the licensed content corresponding to the area of ​​the electronic device has been updated; as well as in a case where the license status indicates that an operation indicating consent has been received, and in a case where the acquisition status in the acquisition is not a state indicating that update has been performed, performing control to transmit information to the transmission destination without displaying a reception screen for receiving consent for the licensed content from a user after acquiring the first information in a first control, and In a case where the license status indicates that an operation expressing consent has been received, and in a case where the acquisition status in the acquisition is a state indicating that an update has been performed, control is performed to display a receiving screen for receiving consent for the updated license content from the user in a second control after acquiring the first information and before executing the sending of the information to the sending destination.

18. An electronic device, comprising: monitor; Memory; A receiving unit configured to receive an operation indicating that the user agrees to the permission content regarding the transmission of information from the electronic device to the transmission destination; as well as A display control unit is configured to perform control to display information indicating a uniform resource locator (URL) on a display, wherein the URL is a URL for displaying licensed content stored in a server and is a URL to which additional information capable of determining an area in which the electronic device is installed based on information stored in a memory is added.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: The display control unit performs control in such a manner that information indicating a URL to which additional information indicating setting of a display language is further added is displayed as the URL.

20. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: The additional information is URL parameters.

21. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: The display control unit performs control in such a manner that information indicating the URL is displayed as a code image.

22. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: If a different device accesses the displayed information indicating the URL, the licensed content corresponding to the area is automatically displayed.

23. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: The additional information capable of determining an area is information based on destination information stored in the memory from a factory default state of the electronic device.

24. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: The display control unit performs control in such a manner that information indicating a URL to which information indicating at least a portion of an Internet Protocol (IP) address dynamically assigned to the electronic device is added as additional information capable of determining a region is displayed.

25. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: The display control unit performs control in such a manner that information indicating the URL is not displayed, in a case where the license content stored in the server and to which consent is to be obtained from the user is identical to the license content stored in the memory.

26. The electronic device according to claim 18, further comprising a first acquisition unit configured to acquire, from an external device, second information indicating a version of the licensed content for which consent is to be obtained, in, The display control unit performs control in such a manner that information indicating a URL to which additional information indicating the version acquired by the acquisition unit is further added is displayed as the URL.

27. The electronic device according to claim 18, in, the memory stores a license status indicating whether an operation indicating user consent to the licensed content has been received, and Wherein, the electronic device further comprises: an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from an external device, first information for determining whether the license content for which consent is to be obtained has been updated, if the license status indicates that an operation indicating consent has been received; and a control unit configured to, in a case where the first information acquired by the acquisition unit is not information indicating that an update has been performed, perform control to transmit information to the transmission destination without displaying a reception screen for receiving an agreement for the licensed content from a user after acquiring the first message, and When the first information acquired by the acquisition unit is information indicating that update has been performed, control is performed to display a reception screen for receiving consent of the updated licensed content from the user after acquiring the first information and before performing transmission of information to the transmission destination.

28. The electronic device according to claim 27, wherein: The display control unit performs control to display information indicating the URL on the reception screen.

29. A method for controlling an electronic device comprising a display and a memory, the method comprising: receiving an operation indicating that the user agrees to the content of permission for transmitting information from the electronic device to a transmission destination; as well as Control is performed to display information indicating a uniform resource locator (URL) on a display, the URL being a URL for displaying licensed content stored in a server and being a URL to which additional information capable of determining a region in which the electronic device is installed based on information stored in a memory is added.

30. A computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs for executing a method of controlling an electronic device including a display and a memory, the method comprising: receiving an operation indicating that the user agrees to the content of permission for transmitting information from the electronic device to a transmission destination; as well as Control is performed to display information indicating a uniform resource locator (URL) on the display, the URL being a URL for displaying licensed content stored in a server and being a URL to which additional information capable of determining an area in which the electronic device is installed based on information stored in the memory is added.

Images