System and image processing device

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, a server, and an image processing system that can reduce labor and time of input of information by a user.SOLUTION: An MFP comprises a ROM in which device information on the MFP and address information on a function server are stored. In response to a LAN interface accepting user information on a user who uses the MFP, the user information and the device information stored in the ROM are transmitted to the function server identified using the address information stored in the ROM. Thereby, no operation performed by a user for inputting the device information to the MFP 2 is required.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device, a server, and an image processing system including them. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of an image processing device, there is known an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a print function, a scan function, and a fax function. The print function is a function for printing an image related to image data on a sheet such as printing paper. The scan function is a function for reading an image and generating image data. The fax function is a function for transmitting and receiving image data via a public telephone line. The MFP also has a copy function achieved by combining the scan function and the print function.

[0003] Some MFPs come with the basic functions mentioned above as standard functions, and additional functions can be added for a fee. Additional functions include, for example, a scan mail function that attaches image data scanned by the scan function to an e-mail and sends it, a scan upload function that uploads image data scanned by the scan function to a server on the Internet, and a download print function that downloads image data from a server on the Internet and prints it on a sheet using the print function.

[0004] Even if a user adds an additional function to an MFP, if the user has few opportunities to use the additional function, the expense of adding the additional function will be wasted. Therefore, a configuration has been proposed in which a trial mode is provided in which the number of times or number of days the additional function can be used is limited, and if the user requests continued use of the additional function during or after the trial mode has ended, the continued use of the additional function is permitted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-33333 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When an additional function can be tried free of charge under certain restrictions, the user accesses the server from an external terminal such as a PC (personal computer) when starting the trial of the additional function, and transmits device information about the MFP on which the additional function is to be tried and user registration information about the user to the server. Then, when purchasing and using the additional function after the trial, the user accesses the server again from the external terminal, transmits the device information and user registration information to the server again, and obtains a license code for using the additional function from the server. After that, when the license code is input to the MFP, the additional function can be used in its entirety.

[0007] Therefore, when trying out or using additional functions in the MFP, the user needs to input both user information and device information, which is troublesome for the user.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, a server, and an image processing system that can reduce the effort required for a user to input information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an image processing device comprising: an image processing unit that performs at least one of a printing process for printing an image related to image data on a sheet and a reading process for reading an original image to obtain image data, a first communication unit that communicates with a server, a reception unit that receives information, a memory unit, and a control unit that controls the image processing unit to perform either a standard function or a paid function, wherein the memory unit stores device information related to the image processing device and address information of the server, and the control unit performs an authentication process related to the user information in response to the user information being received by the reception unit, and when request information related to the paid function is received by the reception unit, transmits the device information stored in the memory unit from the first communication unit to the server using the address information stored in the memory unit, provided that authentication related to the authentication process is successful.

[0010] According to this configuration, the storage unit stores device information related to the image processing device and address information of the server. When user information related to a user who uses the image processing device is received by the reception unit and request information related to a paid function is received by the reception unit, the user information and the device information stored in the storage unit are transmitted to a server specified by the address information stored in the storage unit, on condition that the authentication process related to the user information is successful. Therefore, since the user does not need to perform an input operation to have the reception unit receive the device information, the effort of inputting the device information can be saved. As a result, the convenience of the image processing device can be improved.

[0011] The present invention can be realized not only in the form of an image processing device, but also in the form of, for example, an image processing system including the image processing device, and a server that constitutes the image processing system together with the image processing device. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the effort required for a user to input information, and to improve the convenience of the image processing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the MFP. [Figure 3A] This is a sequence diagram (part 1) of the paid function usage process. [Figure 3B] This is a sequence diagram (part 2) of the paid function usage process. [Figure 4A] 13 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the flow of processing executed in the function server during paid function usage processing. [Figure 4B] 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the flow of processing executed in the function server during paid function usage processing. [Figure 4C] 13 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the flow of processing executed in the function server during paid function usage processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] <Image processing system> 1 is a system that enables functions other than standard functions to be added, for a fee, to an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 2. In addition to the MFP 2, the image processing system 1 includes a function server 3 (an example of a server) and a user terminal 4.

[0016] The MFP2 (an example of an image processing device) comes equipped with print, scan, fax, and copy functions as standard functions. The print function is a function that prints image data onto a sheet. The scan function is a function that reads an image and generates image data. The fax function is a function that sends and receives image data via a public telephone line. The copy function is a function that reads an image from an original document and prints the image onto a sheet.

[0017] The MFP2 is a network-compatible device, and is used by connecting to a LAN (Local Area Network) 5. The LAN 5 is connected to the Internet 6. Functions that can be added to the MFP2 are paid functions that are realized by linking standard functions with communication via the LAN 5. The paid functions include, for example, an Internet fax function, a scan upload function, and a download print function. The Internet fax function is a function that receives an e-mail from an external device, prints image data attached to the e-mail on a sheet, and also attaches image data to an e-mail and sends the e-mail to an external device. The scan upload function is a function that reads an image by executing a scan job that uses the scan function, and uploads the read image data to a specified server. The download print function is a function that downloads image data from a specified server, and prints the image data on a sheet by a print function.

[0018] In addition to the standard output tray, the MFP2 is also provided with five mailboxes MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, and MB5 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "mailbox MBs" unless otherwise specified) as output destinations for sheets with printed images. The mailbox MBs are optional devices that can be additionally installed on the MFP2.

[0019] The function server 3 is, for example, a server provided by the manufacturer of the MFP 2 and is placed on the Internet. The function server 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a LAN interface (I / F) 14, and the like. The CPU 11 (an example of a server control unit) controls the operations of each part of the function server 3 by executing a program stored in the ROM 12 (an example of a server storage unit). The ROM 12 includes a data-rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The RAM 13 is used as a work area when the CPU 34 executes a program. The LAN interface 14 (an example of a second communication unit) is an interface for connection with the LAN 5.

[0020] The user terminal 4 (an example of an external terminal) is a terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) operated by a user and is connected to the LAN 5. By operating the user terminal 4, the user can send an instruction to execute a job using a standard function or a paid function from the user terminal 4 to the MFP 2 via the LAN 5.

[0021] The LAN 5 may be either a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, or may be configured by combining a wired LAN and a wireless LAN.

[0022] <Electrical Configuration of MFP> As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 2 includes a reading unit 21 (an example of an image processing unit) for the scanning function and a printing unit 22 (an example of an image processing unit) for the printing function.

[0023] The method of image reading by the reading unit 21 may be an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) method of reading the image of the sheet while conveying the sheet, or an FB (Flat Bed) method of reading the image of the sheet placed on the contact glass.

[0024] The method of forming an image by the printing unit 22 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. In addition, the image formed on the sheet may be a color image or a monochrome image.

[0025] The MFP 2 also includes an operation panel 23. The operation panel 23 is provided with an operation unit 24 and a display unit 25.

[0026] The operation unit 24 includes operation keys (for example, a start key and a back key). When an operation key is operated, the operation is accepted by the operation unit 24, and a signal (data) corresponding to the content of the operation is output from the operation panel 23.

[0027] The display unit 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0028] The operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 may form a touch panel. Images of various information and operation buttons are displayed on the display unit 25 that forms the touch panel. When the user presses (touches) an operation button displayed on the display unit 25, the operation is accepted by the operation unit 24, and a signal (data) according to the content of the operation is output from the operation panel 23. In the following, the case where the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 form a touch panel will be taken up.

[0029] The MFP 2 also includes a LAN interface (I / F) 26, a FAX interface (I / F) 27, and a control unit .

[0030] The LAN interface 26 (an example of a first communication unit and a reception unit) is an interface for connection to the LAN 2.

[0031] The FAX interface 27 is an interface for connecting to a public telephone line used for facsimile communication, and includes a modem with a built-in NCU (Network Control Unit).

[0032] The control unit 28 includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 31, a ROM 32 (an example of a storage unit and an apparatus storage unit), and a RAM 33.

[0033] In addition to the ROM 32 and the RAM 33, the reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, the operation unit 24, the display unit 25, the LAN interface 26, and the FAX interface 27 are connected to the ASIC 31.

[0034] ASIC 31 has a built-in CPU 34 (an example of a control unit and a device control unit). Signals output from operation panel 23 and the like are input to ASIC 31. CPU 34 controls each unit including reading unit 21, printing unit 22, operation unit 24, display unit 25, LAN interface 26, and FAX interface 27 by executing a program stored in ROM 32 based on signals input to ASIC 31 and the like.

[0035] The ROM 32 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The ROM 32 stores programs executed by the CPU 34 and various data. The ROM 32 also stores device information related to the MFP 2. The device information includes, for example, the model name of the MFP 2, the serial number of the MFP 2, whether an error has occurred, information on optional devices installed in the MFP 2, and information on the language used by the user or the factory settings. The information on the optional devices includes whether a mailbox MB is installed, the number of mailbox MBs if installed, whether a card reader that reads information from an IC card by NFC (Near Field Communication) communication is installed, and whether a barcode reader is installed. The ROM 32 also stores address information of the function server 3.

[0036] The RAM 33 is a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and is used as a work area when the CPU 34 executes a program.

[0037] <Paid feature usage process> A paid function is a function that can be added to the MFP2 for a fee, but a user can try using (trial) the paid function free of charge only for a certain trial period.

[0038] When a user wishes to try out a paid function, the user uses a web browser on the user terminal 4 to access a website on a server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) embedded in the MFP 2. The top page of this website displays a number of buttons, including a list display button for requesting the display of a list of trialable paid functions. The user can operate the user terminal 4 to, for example, press the list display button with the mouse pointer, thereby selecting the display request for a list of trialable paid functions, as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0039] When the list display button is pressed, the web browser screen switches from the top page to the login page. When the user operates the user terminal 4 and inputs a user ID and password on the login page, a connection request is sent from the MFP 2 to the function server 3. The ROM 32 of the MFP 2 stores information on the address of the function server 3. In addition, the user ID and password input on the login page are sent from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 for user authentication (server authentication) by the function server 3.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4A, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a connection request from the MFP 2 (S11: YES), it performs connection authentication using the user ID and password received following the connection request (S12). Specifically, an authentication database is constructed in the ROM 12 of the function server 3. The user IDs and passwords of users who can use paid functions are registered in association with each other in the authentication database. In the connection authentication, the CPU 11 checks whether the combination of the user ID and password received from the MFP 2 is registered in the authentication database.

[0041] If the user ID and password combination is registered in the authentication database, the connection authentication is successful, and if the user ID and password combination is not registered in the authentication database, the connection authentication is unsuccessful. If the connection authentication is successful (S13: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a connection response to the MFP 2 permitting connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 (S14). On the other hand, if the connection authentication is unsuccessful (S13: NO), the CPU 11 rejects the connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3.

[0042] After transmitting the connection response, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 judges whether the current connection request from the MFP 2 is a connection request (an example of request information) for trial registration of a paid function (S15). Whether the connection request is for trial registration can be judged based on whether the connection request was received before connection authentication or a notification of continued function use, which will be described later, was received. That is, if the CPU 11 received a connection request before connection authentication, it judges that the current connection request is a connection request for trial registration, and if the CPU 11 received a notification of continued function use before connection authentication, it judges that the current connection request is not a connection request for trial registration.

[0043] If the connection request from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 is a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (S15: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 waits to receive device information from the MFP 2 (S16).

[0044] On the other hand, when the MFP 2 receives a connection response from the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the ASIC 31 of the MFP 2 transmits the device information stored in the ROM 32 to the function server 3 from the LAN interface 26 as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0045] When function server 3 receives the device information transmitted from MFP2 (S16: YES), CPU 11 of function server 3 creates a list of paid functions that the user can try out on MFP2 from the user ID and device information (S17), as shown in Figures 3A and 4A. For example, trialable paid functions are set for each user, and the trialable paid functions are registered in the authentication database in association with the user ID. CPU 11 selects paid functions that can be used on MFP2 from the paid functions registered in association with the user ID based on information on optional equipment included in the device information received from MFP2, and creates the list by determining the selected paid functions as trialable paid functions.

[0046] After creating the list of trialable paid functions, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits an instruction to the MFP 2 to display the created list (S18). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays, on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2, a list of trialable paid functions for the user, together with a function selection page that allows the user to select one of the paid functions included in the list, as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0047] The user operates the user terminal 4 to select a paid function that the user wishes to try on the function selection page. When a paid function is selected, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the function server 3 of the selected paid function. As shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 4A, when the function server 3 receives a notification of the paid function selected by the user (S19: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether or not the notified paid function can be enabled on the MFP 2 (S20), as shown in Fig. 4B.

[0048] In the following, a case will be taken where the user selects the Internet fax function.

[0049] For example, if the Internet fax function selected by the user has already been tried on the MFP 2, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines that the Internet fax function cannot be enabled (S20: NO). In this case, the CPU 11 notifies the MFP 2 of an error (S21) and ends this series of processes. In response to the error notification from the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays a page notifying the error on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2.

[0050] If the Internet fax function selected by the user can be enabled on the MFP 2 (S20: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a notification to the MFP 2 to enable the Internet fax function, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4B (S22).

[0051] When the MFP 2 receives this activation notification, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 activates the Internet fax function for trial use, as shown in FIG. 3A, and starts the countdown of the trial period.

[0052] Also, as shown in Fig. 4B, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 checks whether the user is logged in to the MFP 2 (S23) and whether a mailbox MB is attached to the MFP 2 (S24). Then, if the user is logged in to the MFP 2 (S23: YES) and a mailbox MB is attached to the MFP 2 (S24: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends to the MFP 2 an instruction to display a screen for selecting one of the mailbox MBs (S25). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays a mailbox selection page that accepts the user's selection of a mailbox MB on the screen of a web browser that accesses a server built into the MFP 2, as shown in Fig. 3A.

[0053] The user operates the user terminal 4 to select one of the mailbox MBs attached to the MFP 2 on the mailbox selection page. When one of the mailbox MBs is selected, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the function server 3 which mailbox MB is the selected mailbox MB. When the function server 3 receives this notification (S26: YES), as shown in Figures 3A and 4B, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits an instruction to the MFP 2 to set the notified mailbox MB as the mailbox MB for the logged-in user (S27).

[0054] Thereafter, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 registers the device information received from the MFP 2 in the ROM 12 in association with the user information (user ID) (S28). As a result, the MFP 2 is registered as a device for which the Internet fax function has been trialed (trial registration).

[0055] Then, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits a notification to the MFP 2 that the trial registration of the MFP 2 has been completed (S29), and ends the series of processes. When the MFP 2 receives the notification, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays a page notifying the user that the trial registration of the MFP 2 has been completed on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0056] When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the Internet fax function was enabled and the countdown of the trial period of the Internet fax function has ended, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 detects the end of the trial period of the Internet fax function.

[0057] After the trial period of the Internet fax function ends, when the user accesses the website of the server built in the MFP2 using the web browser of the user terminal 4, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 displays a trial period end notification page on the screen of the web browser accessing the server built in the MFP2, notifying the user of the end of the trial period of the Internet fax function and asking whether to continue using the Internet fax function. When the user operates the user terminal 4 and selects to continue using the Internet fax function on the trial period end notification page, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 switches the web browser screen from the trial period end notification page to a login page. When the user operates the user terminal 4 and inputs a user ID and password on the login page, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 transmits a notification of continued use of the function to the function server 3. In addition, for user authentication by the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 transmits the user ID and password input on the login page from the MFP2 to the function server 3.

[0058] 4A, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a notification of continued function use from the MFP 2, it determines that the notification of continued function use is a connection request (S11: YES), and performs connection authentication using the user ID and password received following the connection request (S12). If the connection authentication is successful (S13: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits a connection response to the MFP 2 that permits connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 (S14).

[0059] After transmitting the connection response, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 judges whether the current connection request from the MFP 2 is a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (S15). Since the current connection request is a connection request due to notification of continued use of the function, the CPU 11 judges that it is not a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (S15: NO). Then, the CPU 11 judges whether the current connection request from the MFP 2 is a connection request (an example of request information) for official registration of use of the Internet fax function (S30).

[0060] If the connection request from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 is not a connection request for official registration of the Internet fax function (S30: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 rejects the connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3.

[0061] If the connection request from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 is a connection request for official registration of the Internet fax function (S30: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the MFP 2 has completed trial registration (S31).

[0062] If the MFP 2 has not completed trial registration (S31: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 instructs the MFP 2 to transmit device information, and waits for reception of the device information from the MFP 2 (S32).

[0063] If the MFP2 has completed trial registration (S31: YES), or if device information has been received from the MFP2 (S32: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends to the MFP2 an instruction to display a payment information input page that requests the user to input payment information (S33). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 displays the payment information input page on the screen of a web browser that accesses a server built into the MFP2, as shown in Fig. 3B.

[0064] When the user operates the user terminal 4 and inputs information regarding payment by credit card or IC card on the payment information input page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the function server 3 of the input payment information.

[0065] When the function server 3 receives notification of payment information from the MFP 2 (S34: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the payment by the user's credit card or the like is valid, as shown in Figures 3B and 4C, and approves the payment if it is valid (S35: payment processing).

[0066] Then, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 creates a receipt in the form of a PDF file (S36). At this time, the CPU 11 refers to the device information and creates the receipt in the language used by the MFP 2 based on the language information included in the device information.

[0067] Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits permission to start using the Internet fax function officially (S37).

[0068] Thereafter, CPU 11 of function server 3 confirms from the device information of MFP 2 that MFP 2 is capable of using the print function (S38).

[0069] If the MFP2 can use the print function (S38: YES), as shown in Figures 3B and 4C, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends to the MFP2 an instruction to display a receipt printing confirmation page that asks the user whether to print a receipt (S39). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 displays the receipt printing confirmation page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP2, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0070] When the user operates user terminal 4 and selects printing of a receipt on the receipt printing confirmation page, CPU 34 of MFP 2 transmits to function server 3 a notification that printing of a receipt has been selected.

[0071] 3B and 4C, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a notification from the MFP 2 that printing of a receipt has been selected (S40: YES), the CPU 11 transmits an instruction to print a receipt to the MFP 2 (S41). Then, the CPU 11 registers the MFP 2 in the ROM 12 as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function (S42), and ends this series of processes.

[0072] 3B, when the MFP 2 receives an instruction to print a receipt from function server 3, CPU 34 of the MFP 2 controls printer 22 to print the receipt. CPU 34 also displays a registration success notification page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2, notifying that the MFP 2 has been registered as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function, and ends the series of processes.

[0073] If the print function of the MFP 2 is unavailable due to an error or the like (S38: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the user's email address has been registered as user information (S43).

[0074] If the email address has been registered (S43: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends an instruction to the MFP 2 to display a receipt delivery permission page that confirms permission to attach a receipt to an email and send it. In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays the receipt delivery permission page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP 2.

[0075] When the user operates the user terminal 4 and permission is given to send a receipt on the receipt sending permission page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 sends to the function server 3 a notification that permission is given to send a receipt.

[0076] When the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a notification from the MFP 2 that sending of the receipt is permitted (S44: YES), it attaches the receipt to an e-mail and sends it to the user's e-mail address (S45). Then, the CPU 11 registers the MFP 2 in the ROM 12 as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function (S42), and ends this series of processes.

[0077] If the user's email address is not registered (S43: NO), or if the user has refused receipt sending on the receipt sending permission page and function server 3 has received a notice of this from the MFP 2 (S44: NO), CPU 11 of function server 3 sends to the MFP 2 an instruction to display an email address input page that requests input of an email address (S46). In response to this instruction, CPU 34 of MFP 2 displays the email address input page on the screen of a web browser that accesses a server built into MFP 2.

[0078] When the user operates the user terminal 4 to input an email address on the email address input page, that email address is transmitted from the MFP 2 to the function server 3. When the function server 3 receives the email address (S47: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 attaches a receipt to an email and sends it to the user's email address (S45). The CPU 11 then registers the MFP 2 in the ROM 12 as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function (S42), and ends this series of processes.

[0079] <Action and effect> As described above, the ROM 32 stores device information related to the MFP 2 and address information of the function server 3. When user information related to a user who uses the MFP 2 is received by the LAN interface 26, the user information and the device information stored in the ROM 32 are sent accordingly to the function server 3 identified by the address information stored in the ROM 32. This eliminates the need for the user to input the device information into the MFP 2 (operation of the user terminal 4), thereby saving the trouble of inputting the device information. As a result, the convenience of the MFP 2 can be improved.

[0080] When a user officially uses a paid function, payment information is sent from the MFP 2 to the function server 3. When the payment information is received by the function server 3, a PDF file of a receipt is created in the function server 3. If the user wishes, the PDF file of the receipt is sent from the function server 3 to the MFP 2, and the PDF file of the receipt is printed on the MFP 2. This allows the user to easily obtain a receipt.

[0081] In addition, if multiple mailbox MBs are installed in the MFP2, when starting a trial of a paid function that uses a printer function, such as an Internet fax function, one of the multiple mailbox MBs can be set as a mailbox MB for the user. This allows the user to conveniently try out the mailbox MB.

[0082] <Modification> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in other forms.

[0083] For example, in the above embodiment, the MFP 2 and the user terminal 4 are connected via the LAN 5, but the MFP 2 and the user terminal 4 may be connected via a USB cable.

[0084] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, LAN interface 26 is an example of the first communication unit and the reception unit, but the first communication unit and the reception unit may be provided as separate components in MFP 2. For example, MFP 2 may be provided with LAN interface 26 as an example of the first communication unit, and operation unit 24 or a USB interface for USB connection as an example of the second communication unit.

[0085] When starting a trial of a paid function, the user ID and password, which are examples of user information, are transmitted from the MFP 2 to the function server 3. The user information transmitted from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 may include the user's credit card number. In this case, it is possible to eliminate the need for the user to input payment information such as a credit card number when the MFP 2 is registered as a device that can officially use the paid function. Furthermore, although a connection request for trial registration or full-use registration has been given as an example of request information, this request information may also include the user's credit number.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 and the CPU 11 of the function server 3 execute each process. However, the MFP 2 may have multiple CPUs, and the multiple CPUs may cooperate to execute each process, or the function server 3 may have multiple CPUs, and the multiple CPUs may cooperate to execute each process, or

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an MFP2 having an image forming function and an image reading function was taken as an example of an image processing device, but the image processing device may be a single-function printer having a printer function, or a single-function scanner having a scanner function.

[0088] In addition, various design modifications can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1: Image processing system 2:MFP 3: Function Server 4: User terminal 11: CPU 12:ROM 14: LAN interface 21: Reading unit 22: Printing Department 26: LAN interface 27:FAX interface 32:ROM 34: CPU MB1~5: Mailboxes

Claims

1. an image processing unit that executes at least one of a printing process for printing an image corresponding to image data on a sheet and a reading process for reading an original image to obtain image data; A first communication unit; A reception unit that receives information; A storage unit; a control unit that controls the image processing unit to execute either a standard function or a paid function; An image processing device comprising: The storage unit stores device information related to the image processing device and address information of a server, The control unit is In response to the user information being accepted by the accepting unit, an authentication process is performed for the user information; when the request information related to the paid function is accepted by the accepting unit, on condition that the authentication related to the authentication process is successful, transmitting the device information stored in the storage unit from the first communication unit to the server by using the address information stored in the storage unit. Image processing device.

2. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, The image processing device, wherein the device information includes a serial number of the image processing device.

3. 3. The image processing device according to claim 1, The device information includes information on optional devices attached to the image processing device.

4. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The image processing device, wherein the user information includes a credit card number.

5. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The reception unit receives the user information transmitted from an external terminal.

6. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The control unit is when the user information is accepted by the accepting unit, after the first communication unit accesses the server, a trial request for the paid function is transmitted from the first communication unit to the server; When a trial permission in response to the trial request is received by the first communication unit, the image processing device is enabled to process image data using the paid function.

7. 7. The image processing device according to claim 6, The control unit is an image processing device, wherein after processing of image data using the paid function is performed and the user information is accepted by the acceptance unit, after the first communication unit accesses the server, the first communication unit sends a request for granting a license enabling actual use of the paid function to the server.

8. 8. The image processing device according to claim 7, A printing unit that prints image data on a sheet, The control unit is transmitting payment information related to the license from the first communication unit to the server; the image processing device causing the printing unit to print image data of a receipt when the first communication unit receives image data of the receipt from the server after the payment information is transmitted.

9. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet; a plurality of mailboxes into which sheets printed by the printing unit are discharged; Equipped with The control unit is an image processing apparatus that transmits information designating one of the plurality of mailboxes from the first communication unit to the server in response to a mailbox designation request being received from the server by the first communication unit;

10. The Communications Department and A server storage unit; Server control unit Equipped with the server storage unit stores a list of paid functions that can be used in the image processing device in association with device information about the image processing device; The server control unit In response to receiving the device information from the image processing device via the communication unit, transmitting information on a list of the paid functions associated with the received device information from the communication unit to the image processing device; receiving a trial request for the paid function from the image processing device to the communication unit, and if the received trial request is included in the list of paid functions transmitted to the image processing device, transmitting a trial permission for the trial request from the communication unit to the image processing device; After transmitting the trial permission, it is determined from the device information whether the image processing device has a plurality of mailboxes as destinations for printed sheets; When the image processing device includes the plurality of mailboxes, a mailbox designation request for designating one of the plurality of mailboxes is transmitted from the communication unit to the image processing device; a server that, in response to receiving information designating one of the plurality of mailboxes from the image processing device to the communication unit, transmits an instruction from the communication unit to the image processing device to assign the designated mailbox to a user logged in to the image processing device.

11. The Communications Department and A server storage unit; Server control unit Equipped with the server storage unit stores a list of paid functions that can be used in the image processing device in association with device information about the image processing device; The server control unit In response to receiving the device information from the image processing device via the communication unit, transmitting information on a list of the paid functions associated with the received device information from the communication unit to the image processing device; receiving a trial request for the paid function from the image processing device to the communication unit, and if the paid function subject to the received trial request is included in the list of paid functions transmitted to the image processing device, transmitting a trial permission for the trial request from the communication unit to the image processing device; a request for input of payment information is sent from the communication unit to the image processing device after a trial period of the paid function has elapsed since the transmission of the trial permission; determining whether the image processing device includes a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet based on the device information in response to receiving the payment information from the image processing device via the communication unit in response to the input request for the payment information; a server that transmits image data of a receipt from the communication unit to the image processing device when the image processing device includes the printing unit;

12. An image processing system including an image processing device and a server, The image processing device includes: an image processing unit that executes at least one of a printing process for printing an image corresponding to image data on a sheet and a reading process for reading an original image to obtain image data; A first communication unit; A reception unit that receives information; A device storage unit; a device control unit that controls the image processing unit to execute either a standard function or a paid function; Equipped with the device storage unit stores device information related to the image processing device and address information of a server; The device control unit In response to the user information being accepted by the accepting unit, an authentication process is performed for the user information; When request information related to the paid function is accepted by the acceptance unit, the image processing system transmits the device information stored in the device memory unit from the first communication unit to the server using the address information stored in the memory unit, on the condition that the authentication related to the authentication process is successful.

13. 13. The image processing system according to claim 12, The image processing device includes: a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet; a plurality of mailboxes into which sheets printed by the printing unit are discharged; Equipped with The server, A second communication unit; A server storage unit; Server control unit Equipped with the server storage unit stores a list of the paid functions available on the image processing device in association with device information on the image processing device; the server control unit, in response to receiving the device information from the image processing device to the second communication unit, transmits information of a list of the paid functions associated with the received device information from the second communication unit to the image processing device; the device control unit transmits a trial request for the paid function from the first communication unit to the server; the server control unit receives a trial request for the paid function from the image processing device to the second communication unit, and when the paid function subject to the received trial request is included in the list of paid functions transmitted to the image processing device, transmits a trial permission for the trial request from the second communication unit to the image processing device; when the device control unit receives the trial permission from the first communication unit, enables processing of image data by the paid function; the server control unit, after transmitting the trial permission, determines from the device information whether the image processing device has the plurality of mailboxes, and, if the image processing device has the plurality of mailboxes, transmits a mailbox designation request requesting designation of one of the plurality of mailboxes from the second communication unit to the image processing device; the device control unit, in response to receiving the mailbox designation request from the first communication unit, transmits information designating one of the plurality of mailboxes from the first communication unit to the server; an image processing system in which, in response to receiving information from the image processing device to the second communication unit specifying one of the multiple mailboxes, the server control unit transmits an instruction from the second communication unit to the image processing device to assign the specified mailbox to a user logged in to the image processing device.

14. 13. The image processing system according to claim 12, The image processing device includes: a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet; a plurality of mailboxes into which sheets printed by the printing unit are discharged; Equipped with The server, A second communication unit; A server storage unit; Server control unit Equipped with the server storage unit stores a list of paid functions that can be used in the image processing device in association with device information about the image processing device; the server control unit, in response to receiving the device information from the image processing device to the second communication unit, transmits information of a list of the paid functions associated with the received device information from the second communication unit to the image processing device; the device control unit transmits a trial request for the paid function from the first communication unit to the server; the server control unit receives a trial request for the paid function from the image processing device to the second communication unit, and when the received trial request is included in the list of paid functions transmitted to the image processing device, transmits a trial permission for the trial request from the second communication unit to the image processing device; when the device control unit receives the trial permission from the first communication unit, enables processing of image data by the paid function; the server control unit transmits a request for input of payment information from the second communication unit to the image processing device after a trial period of the paid function has elapsed since the transmission of the trial permission; The device control unit transmits payment information from the first communication unit to the server in response to receiving the input request for the payment information from the first communication unit; the server control unit, in response to receiving the payment information from the second communication unit, determines whether the image processing device has the printing unit from the device information, and if the image processing device has the printing unit, transmits image data of a receipt from the communication unit to the image processing device; The device control unit causes the printing unit to print the image data of the receipt when the image data of the receipt is received by the second communication unit.

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