Image formation device, image formation device control method, program, and management system

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can reduce effort of installing applications for realizing functions corresponding to a plan contracted by a user.SOLUTION: An image formation device 100 specifies an application that realizes functions which are permitted to be used with a plan contracted by a user and extends functions of the image formation device 100, down-loads the specified application from an application management server 400, and installs the down-loaded application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus, a program, and a management system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an image forming apparatus having multiple functions such as a print function, a scan function, etc. In the image forming apparatus, the functions of the image forming apparatus can be expanded by installing an application (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Recently, services such as printer rental services and printer subscription services have been provided. By using such services, a user can use a printer provided by a service provider for a contract period without purchasing the printer. In such services, a plurality of plans with different functions available in the image forming device are provided, and the user can select a plan according to the purpose. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-242660 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventionally, the service provider or the user has to install applications to realize functions corresponding to the plan that the user has subscribed to, which is troublesome.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that can reduce the effort required for installing applications to realize functions corresponding to a plan to which a user has subscribed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image forming device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a means for identifying a specified application that extends the functionality of the image forming device and that is used to realize functions that a user is permitted to use under a plan subscribed to by the user, and a means for acquiring the specified application from a management server that manages multiple applications, and installing the specified application on the image forming device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the effort required for a user to install an application for implementing a function corresponding to a plan to which the user has subscribed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of a device management server of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of a service management server of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of an application management server in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a contract plan table used in the management system of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure for a user to start using a printer period use service in the management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8]11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure for a user to renew a contract for a fixed-term printer usage service in the management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the function deactivation process of S711 in FIG. 7 and S806 in FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an application information confirmation process executed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the installation process in S1007 of FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of uninstallation processing in S1009 of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure for a user to start using a printer period use service in a management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure for a user to renew a contract for a fixed-term printer usage service in a management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure for a user to start using a printer period use service in a management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure for a user to renew a contract for a fixed-term printer usage service in a management system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the following drawings, the same or corresponding components, components, and components are given the same reference numerals. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] First, a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management system 10 according to the present embodiment. In Fig. 1, the management system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a device management server 200 (first server), a service management server 300 (first server), and an application management server 400 (second server). The image forming apparatus 100, the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 are connected to each other via a communication network 500 such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate with each other. In the management system 10, a communication protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (hereinafter referred to as "HTTP") is used for communication between these apparatuses.

[0013] The management system 10 provides a periodic printer usage service that allows a user to use the printer at low cost without purchasing it. Periodic printer usage services include, for example, a printer rental service and a printer subscription service. A printer rental service is a service that lends out a printer for a contract period corresponding to a plan subscribed to by a user. A printer subscription service is a service that allows a user to use a printer for a fixed fee up to the maximum number of prints corresponding to the plan subscribed to by the user. In the periodic printer usage service, a printer is delivered to a user who has signed a contract to use the service, and the user can use the functions of the printer that correspond to the plan subscribed to from among the multiple plans shown in FIG. 6 described below.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 receives contract information from the device management server 200, stores this contract information in a storage 114 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later, and controls whether or not each function in the image forming apparatus 100 can be used based on the stored contract information.

[0015] The device management server 200 holds the contract information notified by the service management server 300, and provides this contract information to the image forming apparatus 100. Note that in this embodiment, a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 100 receives the contract information notified by the service management server 300 via the device management server 200 will be described, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to directly receive the contract information from the service management server 300 via the Internet. Note that details of the contract information and details of control of the image forming apparatus 100 based on the contract information will be described later.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, an operation unit 116, a reading unit 118, and a printing unit 120. The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage 114, an operation unit I / F 115, a reading unit I / F 117, a printing unit I / F 119, an external storage I / F 121, and a communication I / F 123. Note that CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The CPU 111, ROM 112, RAM 113, storage 114, operation unit I / F 115, reading unit I / F 117, printing unit I / F 119, external storage I / F 121, and communication I / F 123 are connected to one another via a system bus .

[0017] The CPU 111 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 111 reads out a program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executes the program. The program is, for example, a control program, and the CPU 111 executes the control program to perform various types of control such as reading control and printing control.

[0018] The ROM 112 stores the programs executed by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores a boot program, font data, and the like.

[0019] The RAM 113 is a main storage memory for the CPU 111. The RAM 113 is used as a work area for the CPU 111 and a temporary storage area for loading programs stored in the ROM 112 and the storage 114. The RAM 113 is also used to temporarily store image data.

[0020] Storage 114 stores image data, print data, an address book, shortcuts, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as storage 114, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, HDD, or eMMC may also be used. Note that SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive, HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive, and eMMC is an abbreviation for Embedded Multi Media Card.

[0021] The operation unit I / F 115 is an interface for connecting the operation unit 116 to the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 has hard keys and a touch panel. The touch panel is configured by attaching a touch panel sheet to a display. The operation unit 116 accepts operations from a user via the hard keys and displays a screen via the touch panel.

[0022] The reading unit I / F 117 is an interface for connecting the reading unit 118 to the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 reads an image of a document and generates image data. The image data generated by the reading unit 118 is subjected to character recognition processing, transmitted to an external device, or printed on printing paper or the like.

[0023] The printing unit I / F 119 is an interface for connecting the printing unit 120 to the control unit 110. The CPU 111 transfers image data to be printed (image data to be printed) to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 prints an image on printing paper fed from a paper feed cassette. The method for printing an image may be an electrophotographic method that uses toner to print an image, or an inkjet method that uses ink to print an image.

[0024] The external storage I / F 121 is an interface for connecting the external storage device 122 to the control unit 110. The CPU 111 stores image data in the external storage device 122 via the external storage I / F 121. In the present embodiment, a USB interface is assumed as the external storage I / F 121, and a USB memory is assumed as the external storage device 122, but this is not limited thereto. For example, an SD card or the like may be used as the external storage device 122.

[0025] The control unit 110 is connected to a communication network 500 by a communication I / F 123. The communication network 500 is, for example, a LAN. Incidentally, LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. The communication I / F 123 controls transmission and reception of data via the communication network 500. For example, the communication I / F 123 connects to an external device via a USB or a network. That is, the network connection unit 105 connects to a USB or a network and communicates with the external device. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the communication I / F 123 to communicate with the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 via the communication network 500.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the device management server 200 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, the device management server 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage 204, and a communication I / F 205. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the storage 204, and the communication I / F 205 are connected to each other via a system bus 206.

[0027] The CPU 201 performs processes such as calculation, judgment, and control of data and commands according to software stored in the ROM 202, RAM 203, or storage 204. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 201 performs various processes. The storage 204 stores an operating system (OS), application software, programs, etc. The storage 204 also stores device information of the image forming apparatuses to be managed and contract information for each service. The communication I / F 205 uses a wireless LAN or a wired LAN compatible with standards such as IEEE802.11a, and transmits and receives data with devices on the same network or the Internet using protocols such as TCP / IP.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the service management server 300 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 4, the service management server 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a storage 304, and a communication I / F 305, which are connected to each other via a system bus 306.

[0029] Although the service management server 300 and the device management server 200 execute different programs (processing), their hardware configurations are basically the same. Therefore, the description of the hardware configuration of the service management server 300 is the same as that of the device management server 200, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the application management server 400 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 5, the application management server 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a storage 404, and a communication I / F 405, which are connected to each other via a system bus 406.

[0031] Although the application management server 400 and the device management server 200 execute different programs (processing), their hardware configurations are basically the same. Therefore, the description of the hardware configuration of the application management server 400 is the same as the description of the hardware configuration of the device management server 200, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0032] In the present embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 are separate devices, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, each of the functions of the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 may be realized by one server. Also, each of the functions of the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 may be realized by a server system consisting of four or more servers. Furthermore, each of the functions of the device management server 200, the service management server 300, and the application management server 400 may be realized by using a server on the cloud.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a contract plan table 600 used in the management system 10 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a user can contract for one of the following plans for a printer period service: a print only plan, a basic plan, an encrypted scan plan, a distributed scan plan, and an encrypted + distributed scan plan. The contract plan table 600 (management data) includes the names of these plans, the number of printable sheets in each plan, information indicating whether the scan function can be used, and information indicating the application permitted to be used. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the print function can be used in all the above-mentioned plans, and the upper limit of the number of prints per month is set to 1000 sheets. It is also assumed that the management function by the dashboard app can be used in all the above-mentioned plans. The dashboard app is an application for managing the image forming apparatus 100 from an external device. In order to use the management function by the dashboard app, it is necessary to install the dashboard app in the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the above-mentioned plans are examples, and other plans such as a scan only plan may also be included in the contract candidates.

[0034] In addition, among the plans mentioned above, the Basic Plan, Encrypted Scan Plan, Distributed Scan Plan, and Encrypted + Distributed Scan Plan allow the use of the scan function in addition to the print function.

[0035] In addition, with the encrypted scan plan and the encrypted + sorting scan plan, an encrypted scan function that is an extension of the scan function can also be used. To use the encrypted scan function, an encrypted scan application needs to be installed in the image forming apparatus 100. The encrypted scan application is an application that extends the scan function, and is an application for implementing the encrypted scan function that encrypts the image data generated by reading an image of a document and transmits the image data to an external device.

[0036] On the other hand, in the sorting scan plan and the encryption + sorting scan plan, a sorting scan function that is an extension of the scan function can also be used. To use the sorting scan function, a sorting scan application must be installed in the image forming apparatus 100. The sorting scan application is an application that extends the scan function, and is an application for realizing the sorting scan function that automatically sorts the storage location of image data generated by reading an image of a document.

[0037] The contract plan table 600 is stored in the storage 304 of the service management server 300. In the first embodiment, the service management server 300 generates contract information including information on a plan (hereinafter, referred to as a “contract plan”) with which a user has made a contract based on the contract plan table 600, and notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the contract information via the device management server 200.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure for a user to start using a printer period use service in the management system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] 7, first, a user accesses a site managed by the service management server 300 from a communication device such as a PC and makes a contract for a fixed-term printer service (S (step) 701). Specifically, the user contracts for any of the above-mentioned print-only plan, basic plan, encrypted scan plan, distributed scan plan, or encrypted + distributed scan plan.

[0040] Next, the service management server 300 performs a service registration process (S702). In the service registration process, information on a user (hereinafter simply referred to as "user") who has signed a contract for a fixed-term printer service and information on the contract plan are registered in association with the printer to be delivered to the user. The information on the contract plan includes the name of the contract plan, the monthly upper limit on the number of prints in the contract plan, and information indicating whether or not basic functions of the image forming device 100 in the contract plan can be used (hereinafter referred to as "basic function usability information"). The basic functions are, for example, a print function, a copy function, and a scan function. The information on the contract plan also includes a list of applications (hereinafter referred to as "application list") for implementing functions permitted to be used in the contract plan, such as a dashboard application, an encrypted scan application, and a distributed scan application.

[0041] Next, the service management server 300 arranges for delivery of the printer registered in S702. As a result, the image forming device 100, which is the printer registered in S702, is delivered to the user (S703).

[0042] The user who receives the image forming apparatus 100 starts the initial setup of the image forming apparatus 100 (S704). The image forming apparatus 100 performs the initial setup process according to the user's instructions (S705). In the initial setup process, initial settings such as network settings for connecting to the Internet are performed. When the image forming apparatus 100 completes the connection to the communication network 500 through the network settings, it transmits a device registration request to the device management server 200 (S706). The image forming apparatus 100 also transmits identification information such as the product serial number of the image forming apparatus 100 to the device management server 200.

[0043] The device management server 200 that has received the device registration request performs a device registration process to register the identification information received from the image forming apparatus 100 (S707). Next, the device management server 200 returns the result of the device registration process to the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the device management server 200 transmits a device registration completion notification including the identification information of the registered image forming apparatus 100 to the service management server 300 (S708).

[0044] The service management server 300, which has received the device registration completion notification, creates contract information and notifies the device management server 200 of the created contract information (S709). The contract information includes information used for activation during initial setup of the image forming device 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and information for determining that a contract has been concluded. The contract information also includes an application list included in the information of the contract plan registered in association with the image forming device 100, and license information of the applications indicated by the application list.

[0045] The device management server 200 stores the contract information notified by the service management server 300 in the storage 204 or the like of the device management server 200, and waits until it receives a request to obtain the contract information from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0046] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 that has received the result of the device registration process transmits a request to acquire contract information to the device management server 200 (S710).

[0047] In response to the received request for acquiring the contract information, the device management server 200 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the contract information held therein by using an HTTP response.

[0048] The image forming apparatus 100 performs a function release process shown in FIG. 9 based on the received contract information (S711) to enable the use of basic functions permitted in the contract plan. In this embodiment, at the stage of starting the process of S711, all basic functions of the image forming apparatus 100, such as the print function, scan function, and copy function, are restricted so as not to be usable. By performing the process of S711, only basic functions permitted in the contract plan among the print function, scan function, and copy function are enabled. For example, if the user has contracted for the "basic plan", all of the print function, scan function, and copy function are enabled by S711. On the other hand, if the user has contracted for the "print only plan", only the print function is enabled among the print function, scan function, and copy function by S711.

[0049] In this embodiment, when S711 is completed, none of the dashboard application, encrypted scan application, and distributed scan application is installed in the image forming apparatus 100. In the image forming apparatus, an application information confirmation process shown in Fig. 10, which will be described later, is executed in order to install an application corresponding to the contract plan. In Fig. 7, as an overview of the application information confirmation process, which will be described later, only a part of the process, S712 and S715, is explained, and the other processes are described later.

[0050] In S712, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires an application list and license information from the contract information. Next, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a download request for the application shown in the application list to the application management server 400 (S713). The image forming apparatus 100 also transmits the license information acquired in S712 to the application management server 400.

[0051] If there is no problem with the received license information, the application management server 400 that has received the download request transmits the application corresponding to the download request to the image forming apparatus 100 (S714).

[0052] The image forming apparatus 100 performs an installation process to install the application downloaded from the application management server 400 (S715). This enables the image forming apparatus 100 to use functions permitted for use under the contract plan, such as a dashboard application management function, an encrypted scan function, and a distributed scan function. The installed application is executed if the image forming apparatus 100 checks the license information stored in the storage 114 when the application is started and the license information is found to be valid.

[0053] Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of processing for a user to renew a contract for a fixed-term printer service in the management system 10 according to the first embodiment. The processing in Fig. 8 is performed at a predetermined timing between the completion of the processing in Fig. 7 described above and the expiration of the contract period corresponding to the contract plan.

[0054] 8, a user accesses a site managed by the service management server 300 from a communication device such as a PC to renew a contract for a fixed-term printer service (S801). In the contract renewal, for example, the contract period is extended or the plan is changed.

[0055] The service management server 300 performs a service update process to update the information registered in S702 based on the update content input by the user (S802). Next, the service management server 300 transmits a service contract update notification to the user's communication device (S803). The service contract update notification includes update information indicating the updated content. The service management server 300 also notifies the device management server 200 of the update information (S804).

[0056] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a request for acquiring contract information to the device management server 200 (S805). Note that S805 is periodically performed at predetermined intervals after the above-mentioned process in FIG.

[0057] The device management server 200 transmits the contract information to the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the received acquisition request. For example, if the contract is updated in S801 to change from the "Basic Plan" to the "Encryption + Distribution Scan Plan", the contract information includes an application list to which the encrypted scan application and the distribution scan application have been newly added, and their license information. On the other hand, if the contract is updated in S801 to change from the "Encryption + Distribution Scan Plan" to the "Basic Plan", the contract information includes an application list to which the encrypted scan application and the distribution scan application have been deleted, and a request to disable their license information.

[0058] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 performs a function release process shown in FIG. 9 based on the received contract information (S806). For example, if the contract is renewed in S801 and changed from the "print only plan" to the "basic plan", the print function, scan function, and copy function are all made available in S806. On the other hand, if the contract is renewed in S801 and changed from the "basic plan" to the "print only plan", only the print function is made available in S806 out of the print function, scan function, and copy function.

[0059] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 performs application information confirmation processing shown in Fig. 10, which will be described later. Note that Fig. 8 describes only some steps S807, S810, and S811 as an overview of the application information confirmation processing, which will be described later, and the other steps will be described later.

[0060] In S807, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires an application list and license information from the contract information. If the contract information includes a request to disable the license information, the image forming apparatus 100 also acquires this disable request in S807. If an application that is not installed in the image forming apparatus 100 is included in the application list acquired in S807, the image forming apparatus 100 performs S808. In S808, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a download request for this application to the application management server 400. The image forming apparatus 100 also transmits the license information acquired in S807, which is the license information for this application, to the application management server 400.

[0061] If there is no problem with the received license information, the application management server 400 that has received the download request transmits an application corresponding to the download request to the image forming apparatus 100 (S809).

[0062] The image forming apparatus 100 installs the applications downloaded from the application management server 400 (S810). The image forming apparatus 100 also uninstalls unnecessary applications (S811). The unnecessary applications are, among the applications installed in the image forming apparatus 100, applications that correspond to the invalidation request of the license information acquired in S807. Note that, if the printer usage period service is canceled in the contract renewal in S801, the dashboard application, encrypted scan application, and distribution scan application installed in the processing in FIG. 7 are all uninstalled. After that, the processing in FIG. 8 ends.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the function deactivation process of S711 in Fig. 7 and S806 in Fig. 8. The function deactivation process of Fig. 9 is realized by the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 executing a program stored in the ROM 112 or the like.

[0064] 9, CPU 111 determines whether or not contract information has been acquired from device management server 200 (S901). CPU 111 waits until contract information is acquired. When contract information is acquired (YES in S901), CPU 111 checks the acquired contract information (S902). Next, CPU 111 determines whether or not the print function is available in the contract plan based on availability information of basic functions included in the contract information (S903).

[0065] If it is determined in S903 that the print function is available in the contract plan, the CPU 111 enables the print function (S904). Next, the function release process proceeds to S906, which will be described later.

[0066] If it is determined in S903 that the print function is not available in the contract plan, the CPU 111 disables the print function (S905). Next, the function release process proceeds to S906, which will be described later.

[0067] In S906, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the scan function is available in the contract plan based on the availability information of the basic function included in the contract information.

[0068] If it is determined in S906 that the scan function is available in the contract plan, the CPU 111 enables the scan function (S907) and ends this process.

[0069] If it is determined in S906 that the scan function is not available in the contract plan, the CPU 111 disables the scan function (S908) and ends this process.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the application information confirmation process executed in image forming apparatus 100 in Fig. 1. The application information confirmation process in Fig. 10 includes the above-mentioned S712, S715, S807, S810, and S811. The application information confirmation process in Fig. 10 is realized by CPU 111 of image forming apparatus 100 executing a program stored in ROM 112 or the like.

[0071] 10, the CPU 111 acquires an application list and license information from the received contract information (S1001) (see, for example, S712 and S807 described above). If the contract information includes a request to invalidate the license information, the CPU 111 also acquires this invalidation request in S1001.

[0072] Next, CPU 111 determines whether there is an application that has not been checked in S1003 (hereinafter, referred to as an "unchecked application") (S1002). In S1002, for example, CPU 111 generates a processing target list by adding applications indicated in the application list acquired in S1001 to the applications installed in image forming apparatus 100. CPU 111 determines whether there is an unchecked application in this processing target list.

[0073] If it is determined in S1002 that an unchecked application exists, CPU 111 identifies one application from the unchecked applications in the processing target list. CPU 111 checks information on the identified application in the received contract information (S1003). Next, CPU 111 determines whether the identified application is an application that has not been installed in image forming apparatus 100, that is, an added application (S1004).

[0074] If it is determined in S1004 that the identified application is an added application, the CPU 111 determines whether or not license information corresponding to the identified application has been acquired in S1001 (S1005).

[0075] When it is determined in S1005 that the license information corresponding to the identified application has been acquired in S1001, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the function corresponding to the identified application is enabled (S1006). As an example, a case will be described where the identified application is an encrypted scan application or a sorting scan application. In this case, when the scan function is enabled by the above-mentioned function release process, it is determined in S1006 that the function corresponding to the identified application is enabled. On the other hand, when the scan function is disabled by the above-mentioned function release process, it is determined in S1006 that the function corresponding to the identified application is not enabled. Note that when the identified application is a dashboard application, the corresponding function is always processed as being enabled, and it is determined in S1006 that the function corresponding to the identified application is enabled.

[0076] If it is determined in S1006 that the function corresponding to the identified application is not valid, the application information confirmation process returns to S1002. Also, if it is determined in S1005 that the license information corresponding to the identified application is not acquired in S1001, the application information confirmation process returns to S1002. Thus, in this embodiment, if the function corresponding to the identified application is not valid or if the license information corresponding to the identified application is not included in the contract information, the identified application is not installed.

[0077] Here, an example of a case where the function corresponding to the specified application is not valid is when the image forming device 100 does not have a scan function and a plan that allows the use of a function that extends the scan function, such as an encrypted scan plan, is contracted. For example, when a print-only plan is contracted at the time of contracting for a fixed-term printer service, an image forming device 100 without a scan function may be delivered to the user. In such a situation, when the plan is changed to an encrypted scan plan or the like at the time of contract renewal, the image forming device 100 does not have a scan function, so the scan function is not enabled, and in S1006, it is determined that the function corresponding to the specified application is not valid. In this way, when a plan that allows the use of an extended function of the scan function is contracted for an image forming device 100 without a scan function, the application for realizing the extended function is controlled not to be installed. This makes it possible to prevent an application for realizing a function that cannot be used by the user from being unnecessarily installed. In addition, when such control is performed, a notification screen including a message such as "The encrypted scan function cannot be used with this model, so please carry out a procedure to change the model" may be displayed on the operation unit 116 of the image forming device 100.

[0078] If it is determined in S1006 that the function corresponding to the identified application is valid, the CPU 111 performs an installation process in Fig. 11 (to be described later) (S1007) to install the identified application. After that, the application information confirmation process returns to S1002.

[0079] If it is determined in S1004 that the identified application is not an added application, the application information confirmation process proceeds to S1008. In S1008, the CPU 111 determines whether the identified application is an application not included in the application list acquired in S1001, that is, an unnecessary application (S1008).

[0080] If it is determined in S1008 that the identified application is not an unnecessary application, the application information confirmation process returns to S1002. If it is determined in S1008 that the identified application is an unnecessary application, the CPU 111 performs an uninstallation process in Fig. 12 (to be described later) (S1009) to uninstall the identified application. Thereafter, the application information confirmation process returns to S1002.

[0081] In this manner, the above-described process is performed for all applications in the processing target list, and if it is determined in S1002 that there is no unchecked application, the application information confirmation process ends.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the installation process in S1007 of FIG.

[0083] 11, the CPU 111 acquires information on the added application and license information on the application from the acquired contract information (S1101). Next, the CPU 111 transmits a download request for the added application to the application management server 400 (S1102). The CPU 111 also transmits the license information acquired in S1101 to the application management server 400. Next, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a response to the download request has been received from the application management server 400 (S1103).

[0084] If it is determined in S1103 that a response to the download request has not been received from the application management server 400, the CPU 111 determines whether a timeout has occurred (S1104). If it is determined in S1104 that a timeout has not occurred, the installation process returns to S1103. If it is determined in S1104 that a timeout has occurred, the installation process ends.

[0085] If it is determined in S1103 that a response to the download request has been received from the application management server 400, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the application can be downloaded (S1105). For example, if the capacity for storing the added application cannot be secured in the ROM 112 or the storage 114, it is determined that the application cannot be downloaded. In this case, the installation process ends. On the other hand, if the capacity for storing the added application can be secured in the ROM 112 or the storage 114, it is determined that the application can be downloaded. In this case, the installation process proceeds to S1106.

[0086] In S1106, the CPU 111 downloads the application installer. This application installer is stored in the storage 114. Next, the CPU 111 installs the application downloaded from the application management server 400 (the added application) using this application installer (S1107), and ends this process.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the uninstallation process in S1009 of FIG.

[0088] 12, CPU 111 acquires information on unnecessary applications and license information on the unnecessary applications from the acquired contract information (S1201). Next, CPU 111 uninstalls the unnecessary applications (S1202). Next, CPU 111 determines whether or not to retain information on the unnecessary applications acquired in S1201 (S1203). For example, a selection screen that allows the user to select whether or not to retain information on the unnecessary applications is displayed on operation unit 116 of image forming apparatus 100, and the determination in S1203 is made according to the user's selection on this selection screen.

[0089] If it is determined in S1203 that the information on the unnecessary application acquired in S1201 is not to be retained, the uninstallation process ends. If it is determined in S1203 that the information on the unnecessary application acquired in S1201 is to be retained, the uninstallation process proceeds to S1204. In S1204, the CPU 111 stores the information on the unnecessary application acquired in S1201 and the license information of the application in the storage 114 as the information on the unnecessary application. This makes it possible to easily use this information when reinstalling this application. Then, the uninstallation process ends.

[0090] According to the embodiment described above, an application for implementing functions permitted for use in a contract plan and for extending the functions of image forming apparatus 100 is specified. This application is downloaded from application management server 400 and installed in image forming apparatus 100. This can reduce the effort required for installing an application for implementing functions corresponding to a contract plan.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 identifies applications to be installed in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the contract information acquired from the device management server 200. This contract information includes an application list indicating applications for realizing functions permitted to be used under the contract plan. This can reduce the effort required to install applications for realizing functions corresponding to the contract plan in a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 100 acquires contract information including the application list from the device management server 200.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when a user renews a contract to change the plan, unnecessary applications among the applications installed in image forming apparatus 100 are uninstalled. The unnecessary applications are applications for implementing functions permitted for use in the plan before the change, but for implementing functions not permitted for use in the plan after the change. This reduces the effort required to uninstall applications that have become unnecessary due to the change in plan from image forming apparatus 100.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the application installed in image forming apparatus 100 is an application for managing image forming apparatus 100 from an external device. This can reduce the effort required to install an application for managing image forming apparatus 100 from an external device.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the application installed in image forming apparatus 100 is an application that extends the scan function of image forming apparatus 100. This reduces the effort required to install an application that extends the scan function of image forming apparatus 100.

[0095] Next, a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0096] The second embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment in terms of configuration and operation, but differs from the first embodiment in that the application list is not included in the contract information that the image forming apparatus 100 acquires from the device management server 200. Therefore, a description of the overlapping configurations and operations will be omitted, and the different configurations and operations will be described below.

[0097] 13 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of processing for a user to start using a printer fixed-term use service in the management system 10 according to the second embodiment. Note that the process from when a user uses a PC or the like to make a contract for a printer fixed-term use service (S1301) until the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a request to obtain contract information to the device management server 200 (S1310) is the same as S701 to S710 described above. The process thereafter will be described below.

[0098] The image forming apparatus 100 acquires contract information from the device management server 200. This contract information is information used for activation at the time of initial setup of the image forming apparatus 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and includes information for determining that a contract has been concluded. This contract information also includes information indicating a contract plan, such as a print only plan, a basic plan, an encrypted scan plan, a distributed scan plan, or an encrypted + distributed scan plan. However, this contract information does not include the application list or license information included in the contract information in the above-mentioned first embodiment.

[0099] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a download request for the dashboard application to the application management server 400 (S1311). The image forming apparatus 100 also transmits license information for the dashboard application to the application management server 400. In this embodiment, it is assumed that each piece of license information for the dashboard application, the encrypted scan application, and the distribution scan application is stored in advance in the storage 114 or the like.

[0100] If there is no problem with the received license information, the application management server 400 transmits the dashboard application to the image forming apparatus 100 (S1312).

[0101] The image forming apparatus 100 installs the dashboard application downloaded from the application management server 400 (S1313), and starts up the dashboard application (S1314).

[0102] The dashboard application checks the contract information stored in storage 114 of image forming apparatus 100 (S1315). The dashboard application identifies a contract plan from the contract information, and identifies an application for realizing functions permitted for use in the contract plan by using contract plan table 600 possessed by the dashboard application. Next, the dashboard application makes a function release request to CPU 111 of image forming apparatus 100 (S1316).

[0103] In response to this function release request, the image forming apparatus 100 performs the above-described function release process (S1317). Upon completion of the function release process, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the dashboard application of the completion of the function release (S1318).

[0104] The dashboard application makes a download request for the application to be installed to CPU 111 of image forming apparatus 100 (S1319). The application to be installed is an application for realizing a function permitted for use in the contract plan, other than the dashboard application. Image forming apparatus 100 transmits the download request to application management server 400 (S1320). Image forming apparatus 100 also transmits license information for the application to be installed to application management server 400.

[0105] If there is no problem with the received license information, the application management server 400 that has received the download request transmits the application corresponding to the download request to the image forming apparatus 100 (S1321).

[0106] The image forming apparatus 100 performs the above-mentioned installation process (S1322) and installs the application downloaded from the application management server 400. The CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the dashboard application that the installation of the application to be installed has been completed (S1323), and this process ends. When the installed application is started, the dashboard application requests confirmation of the contract information. When the dashboard application determines that the use of the application is valid based on the contract information and the contract plan table 600 stored in the storage 114, it permits the execution of the application.

[0107] Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of processing for a user to renew a contract for a fixed-term printer use service in the management system 10 according to the second embodiment. The processing in Fig. 14 is performed at a predetermined timing between the completion of the processing in Fig. 13 described above and the arrival of the contract period corresponding to the contract plan. The process from when the user renews the contract for the fixed-term printer use service using a PC or the like (S1401) until the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a request to obtain contract information to the device management server 200 (S1405) is the same as S801 to S805 described above. The subsequent processing will be described below.

[0108] The image forming apparatus 100 acquires contract information from the device management server 200. This contract information is information used for activation at the time of initial setup of the image forming apparatus 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and includes information for determining that a contract has been concluded. This contract information also includes information indicating a contract plan, such as a print only plan, a basic plan, an encrypted scan plan, a distributed scan plan, or an encrypted + distributed scan plan. However, this contract information does not include the application list or license information included in the contract information in the above-mentioned first embodiment.

[0109] The image forming apparatus 100 starts the dashboard application (S1406), and the dashboard application checks the acquired contract information (S1407). The dashboard application checks whether there is any change in the basic functions permitted for use due to the contract renewal, and if there is any change, sends a function release request to the CPU 111.

[0110] In response to this function release request, the image forming apparatus 100 performs the above-described function release process (S1409). Upon completion of the function release process, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the dashboard application of the completion of the function release (S1410).

[0111] Next, the dashboard application checks the acquired contract information to check whether there is any change in the function permitted to be used as a result of the contract renewal and realized by the application. If there is a function newly permitted to be used as a result of the contract renewal, the dashboard application makes a download request for the application to be installed to CPU 111 of image forming apparatus 100 (S1411). The application to be installed is an application for realizing the function newly permitted to be used as a result of the contract renewal. Image forming apparatus 100 transmits the download request to application management server 400 (S1412). Image forming apparatus 100 also transmits license information of the application to be installed to application management server 400.

[0112] If there is no problem with the received license information, the application management server 400 that has received the download request transmits the application corresponding to the download request to the image forming apparatus 100 (S1413).

[0113] The image forming apparatus 100 performs the above-mentioned installation process (S1414) and installs the application downloaded from the application management server 400. The image forming apparatus 100 also performs the above-mentioned uninstallation process (S1415) and uninstalls unnecessary applications. Next, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the dashboard application that the installation of the application to be installed and the uninstallation of the unnecessary application have been completed (S1416). Note that, if the printer usage period service is canceled during the contract renewal in S1401, the dashboard application, the encrypted scan application, and the distribution scan application installed in the process of FIG. 13 are all uninstalled. When the process of S1416 is completed, the process of FIG. 14 ends.

[0114] In the above-described second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 identifies applications to be installed in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the contract information acquired from the device management server 200 and the contract plan table 600 held by the image forming apparatus 100. This contract information does not include an application list indicating applications for realizing functions corresponding to the contract plan. This can reduce the effort required to install applications for realizing functions corresponding to the contract plan in a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 100 acquires contract information that does not include an application list from the device management server 200.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the processes performed by the dashboard application may be performed by the CPU 111.

[0116] Next, a management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0117] The third embodiment is basically the same in configuration and operation as the first and second embodiments described above. However, it differs from the first and second embodiments described above in that the contract plan is not specified at the stage of the contract for the printer fixed-term use service, but the user specifies the contract plan when the image forming device 100 is delivered to the user. Therefore, a description of the overlapping configurations and operations will be omitted, and the different configurations and operations will be described below.

[0118] Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a process for a user to start using a printer period use service in the management system 10 according to the third embodiment. The process of Fig. 15 is executed after the image forming device 100 is delivered to the user and the above-mentioned initial installation process is completed in accordance with a usage contract for the printer period use service previously made by the user. It is assumed that a dashboard application has already been installed in this image forming device 100. Note that the process of Fig. 15 is similar to the process of Fig. 13 described above, and the following will particularly explain the contents that are different from the process of Fig. 13 described above.

[0119] 15, first, when a user presses a dashboard application icon (not shown) displayed on operation unit 116 of image forming apparatus 100 (S1501), image forming apparatus 100 starts the dashboard application (S1502). When the dashboard application starts, an operation screen for specifying a contract plan and renewing a contract is displayed on operation unit 116.

[0120] The user performs a service contract operation on this operation screen (S1503). In this service contract operation, specifically, a contract plan is designated by the user. Information on the designated contract plan is temporarily stored in RAM 113 or the like. The dashboard application instructs CPU 111 of image forming apparatus 100 to transmit information on the designated contract plan (S1504). In accordance with this transmission instruction, image forming apparatus 100 transmits information on the designated contract plan to service management server 300 (S1505). At this time, for example, identification information of image forming apparatus 100 and the user ID of the user who has signed a contract for a fixed-term printer service are also transmitted to service management server 300 as information capable of identifying the source of the information on the contract plan.

[0121] The service management server 300 performs a service contract process to associate the information of the contract plan with the information registered when the printer fixed-term use service was signed. After completing the service contract process, the service management server 300 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the completion of the service contract process (S1506).

[0122] CPU 111 of image forming apparatus 100 that receives this notification notifies the dashboard application of the completion of service contract processing (S1507). The dashboard application that receives this notification stores information on the specified contract plan in storage 114. Next, the dashboard application makes a device registration request to CPU 111 of image forming apparatus 100 (S1508). In response to this request, image forming apparatus 100 transmits the device registration request to device management server 200 (S1509). Image forming apparatus 100 also transmits identification information, such as the product serial number of image forming apparatus 100, to device management server 200.

[0123] The device management server 200 that has received the device registration request performs a device registration process to register the identification information received from the image forming apparatus 100 (S1510). Next, the device management server 200 returns the result of the device registration process to the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the device management server 200 transmits a device registration completion notification including the identification information of the registered image forming apparatus 100 to the service management server 300 (S1511).

[0124] The service management server 300, which has received the device registration completion notification, creates contract information and notifies the device management server 200 of the created contract information (S1512). This contract information includes information used for activation during initial setup of the image forming device 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and information for determining that a contract has been concluded. However, this contract information does not include information indicating the contract plan specified by the user, an application list, or license information.

[0125] The device management server 200 stores the contract information notified by the service management server 300 in the storage 204 or the like of the device management server 200, and waits until it receives a request to obtain the contract information from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0126] On the other hand, the dashboard application makes a request for acquiring contract information to the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 (S1513). In response to this request, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a request for acquiring contract information to the device management server 200 (S1514).

[0127] The device management server 200 transmits the contract information to the image forming apparatus 100 in response to the received acquisition request. The CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 that has received the contract information notifies the dashboard application of this contract information. The dashboard application includes the information on the contract plan that has been stored in the storage 114 in the received contract information, and stores the edited contract information in the storage 114. Thereafter, the edited contract information is used to perform the processes of S1515 to S1523, which are the same as the processes of S1315 to S1323 described above.

[0128] As described above, in the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 identifies the application to be installed based on the information of the contract plan specified by the user via the operation unit 116, rather than on the information received from the device management server 200.

[0129] Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of processing for a user to renew a contract for a fixed-term printer service in the management system 10 according to the third embodiment. The processing in Fig. 16 is performed at a predetermined timing between the completion of the processing in Fig. 15 described above and the arrival of the contract period corresponding to the contract plan. Note that the processing in Fig. 16 is similar to the processing in Fig. 14 described above, and the following will particularly explain the contents that differ from the processing in Fig. 14 described above.

[0130] 16, when a user presses a dashboard application icon (not shown) displayed on operation unit 116 of image forming apparatus 100 (S1601), image forming apparatus 100 starts the dashboard application (S1602). When the dashboard application starts, an operation screen for specifying a contract plan and renewing the contract is displayed on operation unit 116 as described above.

[0131] The user performs a service contract update operation on this operation screen (S1603). In this service contract update operation, for example, an operation to change the contract plan is performed by the user. Information indicating the changed contract plan is temporarily stored in the RAM 113 or the like. The dashboard application instructs the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 to transmit update information including information indicating the changed contract plan (S1604). In accordance with this transmission instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the update information to the service management server 300 (S1605). At this time, for example, identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 and the user ID of the user who has signed a contract for a fixed-term printer service are also transmitted to the service management server 300 as information capable of identifying the source of the update information.

[0132] The service management server 300 that has received the update information performs a service contract update process to update the registered information based on the update information. After completing the service contract update process, the service management server 300 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the completion of the update (S1606). The service management server 300 also notifies the device management server 200 of the update information (S1608).

[0133] Meanwhile, upon receiving the update completion notification from the service management server 300, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the dashboard application of the update completion (S1607). The dashboard application that has received this notification makes a request to the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 to obtain contract information (S1613). In response to this request, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a request to obtain contract information to the device management server 200 (S1614).

[0134] In response to the received acquisition request, the device management server 200 transmits the contract information to the image forming apparatus 100. This contract information includes information used for activation during initial setup of the image forming apparatus 100 indicated by the identification information included in the device registration completion notification, and information for determining that a contract has been concluded. However, the contract information does not include information indicating the changed contract plan, an application list, or license information.

[0135] CPU 111 of image forming apparatus 100 that has received the contract information notifies the dashboard application of this contract information. The dashboard application includes the information on the changed contract plan that has been stored in RAM 113 or the like in the received contract information, and stores the edited contract information in storage 114. Thereafter, the edited contract information is used to perform the processes of S1615 to S1624, which are the same as the processes of S1407 to S1416 described above.

[0136] As described above, in the third embodiment, even at the time of contract renewal, image forming apparatus 100 identifies applications to be installed based on information on the contract plan changed by the user on operation unit 116, rather than on information received from device management server 200. This reduces the effort required to install applications for implementing functions corresponding to a contract plan in a configuration in which the user specifies a contract plan on operation unit 116 of image forming apparatus 100.

[0137] In the third embodiment, the processing performed by the dashboard application may be performed by the CPU 111.

[0138] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0139] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An image forming device comprising: a means for identifying a specific application that extends a function of the image forming device and is used to realize a function that a user is permitted to use under a plan subscribed to by the user; and a means for acquiring the specific application from a management server that manages multiple applications, and installing the specific application on the image forming device. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising a means for acquiring contract information including information indicating the specified application, wherein the identifying means identifies the specified application based on the information indicating the specified application included in the contract information. (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising a means for acquiring contract information including information indicating a plan to which the user has subscribed, and a means for retaining management data in which the information indicating the specified application is specified for each plan, wherein the means for identifying identifies the specified application based on the information indicating the plan to which the user has subscribed, which is included in the contract information, and the management data. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising: a means for allowing the user to specify a plan to be subscribed to from among a plurality of plans; and a means for retaining management data in which information indicating the specified application is specified for each plan, wherein the means for identifying identifies the specified application based on the information indicating the plan specified by the user and the management data. (Configuration 5) An image forming device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a means for uninstalling, when the user performs a contract renewal to change the plan, applications installed on the image forming device for realizing functions that are permitted to be used in the plan before the change but are not permitted to be used in the plan after the change. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined application is an application for managing the image forming apparatus from an external device. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined application is an application that extends a scan function of the image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 10 Management Systems 100 Image forming device 111 CPU 114 Storage 116 Operation section 123 Communication I / F 200 Device Management Server 400 Application Management Server 600 Contract Plan Table

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a means for identifying a predetermined application for implementing a function permitted to be used under a plan subscribed to by a user, the predetermined application extending a function of the image forming apparatus; an application server that manages a plurality of applications and that installs the application in the image forming apparatus;

2. The computer further includes a means for acquiring contract information including information indicating the predetermined application, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies the predetermined application based on information indicating the predetermined application that is included in the contract information.

3. A means for acquiring contract information including information indicating a plan subscribed to by the user; The information indicating the predetermined application is further provided with a means for storing management data in which the information is specified for each plan, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies the predetermined application based on information indicating a plan subscribed to by the user, which is included in the contract information, and the management data.

4. A means for allowing the user to specify a plan to be subscribed to from among a plurality of plans; The information indicating the predetermined application is further provided with a means for storing management data in which the information is specified for each plan, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies the predetermined application based on information indicating a plan designated by the user and the management data.

5. The image forming device according to claim 1, further comprising a means for uninstalling, when the user performs a contract renewal to change the plan, applications installed on the image forming device for realizing functions that are permitted to be used in the plan before the change but are not permitted to be used in the plan after the change.

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

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined application is an application that extends a scan function of the image forming apparatus.

8. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: identifying a predetermined application for implementing a function permitted to be used under a plan subscribed to by a user, the predetermined application extending a function of the image forming apparatus; a step of acquiring the predetermined application from a management server that manages a plurality of applications, and installing the predetermined application in the image forming apparatus.

9. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an image forming apparatus, The method for controlling an image forming apparatus includes: identifying a predetermined application for implementing a function permitted to be used under a plan subscribed to by a user, the predetermined application extending a function of the image forming apparatus; a step of acquiring the predetermined application from a management server that manages a plurality of applications, and installing the predetermined application in the image forming apparatus.

10. A management system including an image forming apparatus, a first server that manages information on contracts made by users, and a second server that manages a plurality of applications, a means for identifying a predetermined application for implementing a function permitted to be used under a plan subscribed to by the user based on information managed by the first server, the predetermined application extending a function of the image forming apparatus; a means for acquiring the predetermined application from the second server and installing the predetermined application in the image forming apparatus.

Images