Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that allows the configuration of built-in applications to be changed without altering the package of the built-in applications. [Solution] The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment includes a storage device and a processor. The storage device stores firmware, a built-in application bundled with the firmware, and additional information prepared separately from the built-in application. The processor installs the firmware and the built-in application. After installing the firmware, the processor installs the built-in application and, referring to the additional information, configures the installed built-in application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to, for example, an image forming apparatus placed in a workplace.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a built-in application is included in the firmware of an image forming apparatus, and when the firmware is installed, the built-in application included in the firmware is pre-installed. There are two types of built-in applications: those that are activated by a user operation and those that are resident and operate in the background.

[0003] In addition, some paid built-in applications have a trial license that can be used for a certain period of time free of charge. In a built-in application with a trial license, a trial license is created at the first startup of the built-in application, and a countdown of the usage period is started.

[0004] <000)0015>Regarding the manufacture of an image forming apparatus, there is a time lag from when the firmware is installed until the customer can actually use the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when installing the firmware and the built-in application, there is a method of changing the activation method of the built-in application with a trial license from automatic to manual to avoid starting the countdown of the usage period.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, this method has a drawback: it's not possible to change the launch method for built-in applications that don't have a trial license once they've been packaged. For example, if you want to change the launch method of a built-in application for another reason, you have to deploy the application, modify it to include a trial license, and then repackage it. In this case, the built-in application has been modified, and its operation needs to be verified. Also, built-in applications that don't originally have a trial license must be modified to include one.

[0007] These circumstances apply not only to how built-in applications are launched, but also to all settings related to built-in applications.

[0008] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows the settings related to an embedded application to be changed without changing the package of the embedded application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes a storage device and a processor. The storage device stores firmware, a built-in application bundled with the firmware, and additional information prepared separately from the built-in application. The processor installs the firmware and the built-in application. After installing the firmware, the processor installs the built-in application and configures the installed built-in application by referring to the additional information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a firmware package file for an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a first example of operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a second example of operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a third example of operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a fourth example of operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Image forming apparatus) First, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, an MFP (multifunction peripheral), or a multifunction device. The image forming apparatus 10 has printing, scanning, and copying functions. The printing function is a function that forms a toner image on paper. The scanning function is a function that reads an image from a document or the like on which an image has been formed. The copying function is a function that prints an image read from a document or the like using the scanning function onto paper using the printing function.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a document feeder 11, a scanner 12, a printing device 13, a paper transport device 14, a paper feeder 15, a control unit 21, an operation panel 26, a communication device 27, and a system bus 28.

[0014] The document feeder 11 is, for example, an ADF (auto document feeder). The document feeder 11 sends the document placed in the document tray to the scanner 12.

[0015] The scanner 12 reads an image from a document. The scanner 12 includes, for example, a document glass and a reading module. The reading module reads an image from a document placed on the document glass or from a document fed to the document glass by the document feeder 11. The reading module illuminates the document to be read with illumination light, receives the reflected light with an image sensor, and converts it into a digital signal. In this way, the reading module reads an image from the document. Another reading module may be provided in the document feeder 11 to read an image from the back side of the document.

[0016] The paper feeder 15 supplies paper to the paper transporter 14. For example, the paper feeder 15 has one or more paper cassettes for holding the paper to be printed with an image. The paper feeder 15 also has a manual feed tray for manually feeding paper. The paper feeder 15 uses paper rollers to selectively take paper from either the paper cassettes or the manual feed tray and supply it to the paper transporter 14.

[0017] The paper transport device 14 transports the paper supplied from the paper feed device 15 through the printing device 13. The paper transport device 14 has, for example, a duplex unit that enables printing on both sides of the paper by the printing device 13. The duplex unit flips the paper over by switching it back and transports it through the printing device 13. The paper transport device 14 also has an output tray that receives the paper with the image printed on it by the printing device 13.

[0018] The printing device 13 prints an image onto paper transported by the paper transport device 14, based on the supplied image data. The image data used for printing is, for example, image data read from the original by the scanner 12. Alternatively, the image data is image data supplied to the image forming device 10 from an external device separate from the image forming device 10.

[0019] For example, the printing device 13 forms a toner image on the transfer belt and transfers the toner image onto the paper, thereby printing an image on the paper. Alternatively, the printing device 13 sprays ink onto the paper by an inkjet head, thereby printing an image on the paper. Further, the printing device 13 is not limited thereto, and may print an image on the paper by other methods.

[0020] The operation panel 26 is a man-machine interface that performs input and output of information between the image forming apparatus 10 and the operator of the image forming apparatus 10. The operation panel 26 has, for example, a touch panel and an input device.

[0021] The touch panel is, for example, a laminate of a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display and a pointing device by touch input. The touch panel displays a screen for notifying various information to the operator of the image forming apparatus 10. Further, the touch panel receives a touch operation by the operator. That is, the touch panel is an input / output device.

[0022] The input device receives an operation by the operator of the image forming apparatus 10. The input device includes a keyboard, a keypad, a touch pad, and the like.

[0023] The communication device 27 includes a communication interface, for example, a network interface card, and communicates with an external device or the cloud via a network configured by wire or wirelessly, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). For example, the communication device 27 transmits the image data read by the scanner 12 to an external device or the cloud, or receives the image data for printing by the printing device 13 from an external device or the cloud.

[0024] The system bus 28 is a communication path between the document feeder 11, scanner 12, printer 13, paper transporter 14, paper feeder 15, control unit 21, operation panel 26, and communication device 27. The document feeder 11, scanner 12, printer 13, paper transporter 14, paper feeder 15, control unit 21, operation panel 26, and communication device 27 can send and receive information, data, control signals, commands, responses, etc. via the system bus 28.

[0025] The control unit 21 controls the document feeder 11, scanner 12, printer 13, paper transporter 14, paper feeder 15, operation panel 26, and communication device 27 in order to perform various functions of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 21 includes a processor 22, ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, and auxiliary memory 25.

[0026] The processor 22 is an arithmetic element that performs calculations. The processor 22 controls the image forming apparatus 10 according to software programs stored in the ROM 23 and auxiliary memory 25. The processor 22 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit).

[0027] ROM23 is a non-volatile memory that constitutes part of the main memory. ROM23 non-temporarily stores the startup program necessary for starting the image forming apparatus 10. ROM23 is composed of, for example, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and stores various startup setting data in addition to the startup program.

[0028] RAM24 is a volatile memory that constitutes part of the main memory. RAM24 temporarily stores the programs necessary for processing by the processor 41 and the data necessary for executing those programs. RAM24 functions as the working memory of the processor 41.

[0029] The auxiliary memory 25 is a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary memory 25 non-temporarily stores the program executed by the processor 22 and the data necessary for the execution of the program. Hereinafter, the program will be simply referred to as a program, including the data necessary for execution. That is, a program includes the data necessary for execution. The program stored in the auxiliary memory 25 includes firmware that controls the entire image forming apparatus 10 and various built-in applications that execute various functions of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the various built-in applications include a built-in application that executes the printing function, a built-in application that executes the scanning function, a built-in application that executes the copying function, and so on.

[0030] Various built-in applications are bundled with the firmware. That is, the various built-in applications are stored in auxiliary memory 25 as a single file integrated with the firmware. In other words, the firmware and the various built-in applications bundled with it are packaged together. The firmware and the various built-in applications are stored in auxiliary memory 25 as a single package file. The package file, for example, consists of a compressed file containing one or more files.

[0031] The processor 22 starts up the image forming apparatus 10 by loading the startup program stored in the ROM 23 into the RAM 24 and executing it. The processor 22 also controls the entire image forming apparatus 10 by loading the firmware stored in the auxiliary memory 25 into the RAM 24 and executing it. Furthermore, the processor 22 executes various functions of the image forming apparatus 10, such as printing, scanning, and copying, by loading various built-in applications stored in the auxiliary memory 25 into the RAM 24 and executing them.

[0032] (Example of firmware package file structure) Here, we will explain an example of the structure of a firmware package file, referring to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a firmware package file. In Figure 2, firmware is abbreviated as FW, and built-in applications are abbreviated as built-in apps.

[0033] The firmware package file includes the firmware itself, built-in application 1, built-in application 2, ..., and additional information files. The firmware itself and the files for built-in application 1, built-in application 2, ... are each packaged. That is, the firmware itself and the files for built-in application 1, built-in application 2, ... are each composed of compressed files. For example, the firmware itself and the files for built-in application 1, built-in application 2, ... are composed of a zip file. On the other hand, the additional information files are composed of uncompressed files. For example, the additional information files are composed of xml files.

[0034] The additional information includes additional information for each of the built-in applications, such as built-in application 1, built-in application 2, etc. For example, the additional information includes destination information for each of the built-in applications, such as the country of origin of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the destination information includes information about the destination of the image forming apparatus 10, such as the export country. The additional information also includes information for each of the built-in applications, such as the startup method, enable / disable, post-installation processing, and initial startup processing, depending on the destination information.

[0035] (Example of operation 1) Next, with reference to Figure 3, a first example of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the first example of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. In Figure 3, the built-in application is abbreviated as the built-in app.

[0036] The first example of operation involves installing the firmware, then installing the built-in application, referring to additional information, and configuring how the installed built-in application is launched.

[0037] First, in ACT11, the processor 22 installs the firmware stored in the auxiliary memory 25. Installing the firmware here means unpacking it into RAM 24 and making it executable. Specifically, the processor 22 decompresses the compressed firmware file (FW_main.zip) shown in Figure 2 and unpacks it into RAM 24.

[0038] Next, in ACT12, the processor 22 checks for the presence of a manufacturing flag. The installation of firmware and the built-in applications bundled with the firmware can be considered as either a manufacturing installation or a market installation. The manufacturing flag is an indicator of a manufacturing installation. That is, if the manufacturing flag is present, it is a manufacturing installation; if the manufacturing flag is not present, it is a market installation.

[0039] Generally, the firmware and built-in applications installed during manufacturing are often the original firmware and applications, but they can also be updated versions. Similarly, the firmware and built-in applications installed on the market are often updated versions, but they can also be the original firmware and applications.

[0040] Next, in ACT13, the processor 22 opens the additional information file (additional information.xml) to obtain additional information for each built-in application. The additional information includes information on the specifications of the image forming apparatus 10 and information on how to start each built-in application. In this example, the startup method for the built-in applications is set to automatic startup by default.

[0041] Next, in ACT14, the processor 22 installs the built-in applications stored in the auxiliary memory 25. Installing the built-in applications here means deploying the built-in applications to RAM 24 and making them executable. Specifically, the processor 22 decompresses one of the compressed files of the built-in applications shown in Figure 2 (for example, built-in app1.zip) and deploys it to RAM 24.

[0042] Next, in ACT15, the processor 22 refers to the additional information and determines whether the destination information for the image forming apparatus matches the destination information for the built-in application described in the additional information. If the destination information matches (ACT15: Yes), the process proceeds to ACT16; otherwise, the process proceeds to ACT119.

[0043] If the destination information matches (ACT15:Yes), in ACT16, the processor 22 refers to the additional information and determines whether to allow the automatic startup of the installed built-in application. If automatic startup is not allowed (ACT16:Yes), the process proceeds to ACT17; if automatic startup is allowed (ACT16:No), the process proceeds to ACT19.

[0044] If automatic startup of the built-in application is not permitted (ACT16:Yes), in ACT17, the processor 22 determines whether a manufacturing flag exists. If a manufacturing flag exists (ACT17:Yes), the process proceeds to ACT18; if a manufacturing flag does not exist (ACT17:No), the process proceeds to ACT19.

[0045] During market installation, even if automatic startup is not permitted, the system will not switch to manual startup; automatic startup will be maintained. This is to prevent built-in applications from failing to start when updated firmware is installed.

[0046] If the manufacturing flag exists (ACT17:Yes), in ACT18, the processor 22 changes the startup method of the installed built-in applications from automatic startup to manual startup.

[0047] As a result, installed built-in applications will not start until the startup method is changed from manual to automatic. This prevents the trial period of an installed built-in application from being unnecessarily shortened if that application has a trial license.

[0048] Furthermore, the method for launching installed built-in applications can be changed after installation, for example, via a web browser, depending on the specifications of the built-in application.

[0049] After processing ACT18, or if the destination information does not match as a result of the determination in ACT15 (ACT15: No), if the determination in ACT16 allows automatic startup (ACT16: No), or if the determination in ACT17 does not show a manufacturing flag (ACT17: No), in ACT19, the processor 22 determines whether there are any other uninstalled built-in applications in the firmware package file, for example, as shown in Figure 2.

[0050] If there are other built-in applications that are not yet installed (ACT19: No), the process returns to ACT14, and the installation of the other built-in applications and the associated series of processes (ACT15~ACT18) are performed. This ensures that all built-in applications included with the firmware are installed and their startup methods are configured.

[0051] If there are no other uninstalled built-in applications (ACT19:Yes), the process will terminate.

[0052] As described in the first example above, the startup method for each built-in application can be configured on a per-destination basis without modifying the package files of the built-in applications. This prevents, for example, the undesirable shortening of the trial period for built-in applications.

[0053] (Second example of operation) Next, with reference to Figure 4, a second example of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the second example of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. In Figure 4, the built-in application is abbreviated as the built-in app.

[0054] The second example of operation involves installing a built-in application after installing the firmware, and then referring to additional information to configure whether to enable or disable the installed built-in application. When enabled, the built-in application can be used; when disabled, the built-in application cannot be used.

[0055] The second example of operation differs in part from the first example of operation, but shares many common elements. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on the differences, while the common elements will be briefly mentioned.

[0056] First, in ACT21, the processor 22 installs the firmware stored in the auxiliary memory 25.

[0057] Next, in ACT22, the processor 22 checks for the presence of the manufacturing flag.

[0058] Next, in ACT23, the processor 22 opens the additional information file to obtain additional information for each built-in application. The additional information includes information on the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 and information on the enable / disable setting for each built-in application. In this example, the enable / disable setting for the built-in applications is enabled by default.

[0059] Next, in ACT24, the processor 22 installs the built-in application stored in the auxiliary memory 25.

[0060] Next, in ACT25, the processor 22 refers to additional information and determines whether the information for the image forming apparatus matches the information for the built-in application described in the additional information.

[0061] If the destination information matches (ACT25:Yes), in ACT26, the processor 22 refers to the additional information and determines whether to disable the enable / disable setting for the installed built-in application.

[0062] If the built-in application is disabled (ACT26:Yes), in ACT27, the processor 22 determines whether a manufacturing flag exists. If a manufacturing flag exists (ACT27:Yes), the process proceeds to ACT28; if a manufacturing flag does not exist (ACT27:No), the process proceeds to ACT29.

[0063] If the manufacturing flag is present (ACT27:Yes), in ACT28, processor 22 changes the enabled / disabled setting of the installed built-in application from enabled to disabled. As a result, the installed built-in application becomes unavailable.

[0064] As a result, installed built-in applications remain unavailable until their enable / disable setting is changed from disabled to enabled. In other words, installed built-in applications will not be launched until then. This prevents the trial period of an installed built-in application, especially if it is one with a trial license, from being unnecessarily shortened.

[0065] Furthermore, the settings for enabling or disabling installed built-in applications can be changed after installation, for example, via a web browser, depending on the specifications of the built-in application.

[0066] After processing ACT28, or if the destination information does not match as a result of the determination in ACT25 (ACT25: No), if the built-in application is not disabled as a result of the determination in ACT26 (ACT26: No), or if the manufacturing flag does not exist as a result of the determination in ACT27 (ACT27: No), in ACT29, the processor 22 determines whether there are any other uninstalled built-in applications in the firmware package file shown in Figure 2, for example.

[0067] If there are other built-in applications that are not installed (ACT29: No), the process returns to ACT24 and installs the other built-in applications and performs the associated series of processes (ACT25~ACT28). This ensures that all built-in applications included with the firmware are installed and enabled / disabled.

[0068] If there are no other uninstalled built-in applications (ACT29:Yes), the process will terminate.

[0069] As described in the second example above, the enable / disable status of each built-in application can be set on a per-direction basis without modifying the package files of the built-in applications. This prevents, for example, the trial period of a built-in application from being undesirably shortened.

[0070] (Third example of operation) Next, with reference to Figure 5, a third example of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the third example of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. In Figure 5, the built-in application is abbreviated as the built-in app.

[0071] The third operational example involves installing the built-in application after the firmware is installed, referring to additional information, and then executing pre-configured processes after the built-in application is installed. This third operational example assumes installation in the market.

[0072] The third example of operation differs in part from the first example of operation, but shares many common elements. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on the differences, while the common elements will be briefly mentioned.

[0073] First, in ACT31, the processor 22 installs the firmware stored in the auxiliary memory 25.

[0074] Next, in ACT32, the processor 22 opens an additional information file to obtain additional information for each built-in application. The additional information includes information for the image forming apparatus 10 and information for the processes to be performed after the installation of each built-in application.

[0075] For example, the process to be executed includes the execution of an executable file or a function, and the information about the process to be executed includes the executable file name or function name. Here, the process to be executed is described as the execution of an executable file or a function.

[0076] Next, in ACT33, the processor 22 installs the built-in application stored in the auxiliary memory 25.

[0077] Next, in ACT34, the processor 22 refers to the additional information and determines whether the information for the image forming apparatus matches the information for the built-in application described in the additional information.

[0078] If the destination information matches (ACT34: Yes), in ACT35, the processor 22 refers to additional information and determines whether there is any processing to be performed after the installation of the installed built-in application.

[0079] For example, if the information on the process to be executed obtained in ACT32 contains an executable file name or function name, the processor 22 determines that there is a process to be executed. If there is no executable file name or function name, the processor 22 determines that there is no process to be executed.

[0080] If there is an operation to be performed (ACT35: Yes), in ACT36, the processor 22 executes the executable file with the executable file name or the function with the function name.

[0081] After processing in ACT36, or if the destination information does not match as a result of the determination in ACT34 (ACT34: No), and if there is no processing to be performed as a result of the determination in ACT35 (ACT35: No), in ACT37, the processor 22 determines whether there are any other uninstalled built-in applications in the firmware package file shown in Figure 2, for example.

[0082] If there are other built-in applications that are not yet installed (ACT37: No), the process returns to ACT33, and the installation of the other built-in applications and the associated series of processes (ACT34~ACT36) are performed. This ensures that all built-in applications included with the firmware are installed and any necessary post-installation processing is performed.

[0083] If there are no other uninstalled built-in applications (ACT37:Yes), the process will terminate.

[0084] According to the third example of operation described above, the built-in application is installed, and appropriate post-installation processing is performed.

[0085] The third example of operation may be combined with the first and second examples of operation described above.

[0086] (Fourth example of operation) Next, with reference to Figure 6, a fourth example of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the fourth example of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. In Figure 6, the built-in application is abbreviated as the built-in app.

[0087] The fourth example of operation involves installing the built-in application after installing the firmware, referring to additional information, and configuring the process to be executed when the installed built-in application is first launched. The fourth example of operation assumes installation in the market.

[0088] The fourth example of operation differs in part from the first example of operation, but shares many common elements. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on the differences, while the common elements will be briefly mentioned.

[0089] First, in ACT41, the processor 22 installs the firmware stored in the auxiliary memory 25.

[0090] Next, in ACT42, the processor 22 opens an additional information file to obtain additional information for each built-in application. The additional information includes information on the specifications of the image forming apparatus 10 and information on the processing to be performed when each built-in application is first started.

[0091] For example, the process to be executed includes the execution of an executable file or a function, and the information about the process to be executed includes the executable file name or function name. Here, the process to be executed is described as the execution of an executable file or a function.

[0092] Next, in ACT43, the processor 22 installs the built-in application stored in the auxiliary memory 25.

[0093] Next, in ACT44, the processor 22 refers to additional information and determines whether the information for the image forming apparatus matches the information for the built-in application described in the additional information.

[0094] If the destination information matches (ACT44: Yes), in ACT45, the processor 22 refers to the additional information and determines whether there is any processing to be performed when the installed built-in application is launched for the first time.

[0095] For example, if the information on the process to be executed obtained in ACT42 contains an executable file name or function name, the processor 22 determines that there is a process to be executed. If there is no executable file name or function name, it determines that there is no process to be executed.

[0096] If there is a process to be executed (ACT45:Yes), in ACT46, the processor 22 registers the executable file name or function name as information about the process to be executed when the installed built-in application is first launched.

[0097] After processing in ACT46, or if the destination information does not match as a result of the determination in ACT44 (ACT44: No), and if the determination in ACT45 indicates that there is no processing to be executed when the installed built-in application is first launched (ACT45: Yes), in ACT47, the processor 22 determines whether there are any other uninstalled built-in applications in the firmware package file shown in Figure 2, for example.

[0098] If there are other uninstalled built-in applications (ACT47: No), the process returns to ACT43 to install the other built-in applications and perform the associated series of processes (ACT44~ACT46). This completes the installation and initial startup configuration for all built-in applications included with the firmware.

[0099] If there are no other uninstalled built-in applications (ACT47:Yes), the process will terminate.

[0100] According to the fourth example of operation described above, the built-in application is installed, and the settings for the initial startup process of the installed built-in application are configured.

[0101] Later, when the built-in application is launched for the first time, the processor 22 executes the process set in ACT46, that is, the executable file or function with the registered executable file name.

[0102] The fourth example of operation may be combined with the first and second examples of operation described above.

[0103] (effect) As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment, the settings related to the built-in application can be changed after the built-in application has been installed. Moreover, the settings related to the built-in application can be changed on a per-target basis without changing the package of the built-in application.

[0104] In other words, it's possible to control the behavior of built-in applications after installation without changing their packaging.

[0105] In the above example, if no changes are needed for each destination, the process of determining the destination may be omitted.

[0106] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 10...Image forming apparatus, 11...Document feeder, 12...Scanner, 13...Printing apparatus, 14...Paper transport apparatus, 15...Paper feeder, 21...Control unit, 22...Processor, 23...ROM, 24...RAM, 25...Auxiliary memory, 26...Operation panel, 27...Communication device, 28...System bus.

Claims

1. A memory device that stores firmware, a built-in application included with the firmware, and additional information prepared separately from the built-in application, The system includes the aforementioned firmware and a processor on which the aforementioned built-in application is installed. The processor installs the built-in application after installing the firmware, and configures the installed built-in application by referring to the additional information. Image forming apparatus.

2. The aforementioned additional information concerns the destination. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned additional information is information regarding how to start the built-in application, The processor sets the method for starting the built-in application for each destination. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned additional information is information regarding the enable / disable status of the built-in application, The processor enables or disables the built-in application for each destination. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned additional information is information regarding the process to be executed after the installation of the built-in application, The processor executes the process after the installation of the built-in application for each destination. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned additional information is information regarding the process to be executed when the built-in application is first launched, The processor sets the execution of the process for each destination when the built-in application is first launched. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

Images